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10 topicsGS-2: 4GS-3: 6
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GS-2Polity

1.Sahyog Portal Online Takedown Mechanism (IT Act Section 79)

Indian Express

What & Where

Portal; Sahyog is a central online platform issuing takedown notices to intermediaries

Process; automated, centralised exchange between 65 intermediaries and government agencies for illegal-content removal

Geography; launched Oct 2024, Union Home Ministry—I4C, applies pan-India under IT Act 2000

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Section 79(3)(b); empowers government to demand disabling of unlawful content, withdrawing safe-harbour if ignored
  • Court; Karnataka HC dismissed X Corp plea, ruled portal within statutory mandate
  • Distinction; focuses on intermediary duty, not blanket blocking under Section 69A

Tech & Schemes

  • Automation; platform auto-generates time-stamped takedown orders ensuring traceability
  • Integration; single dashboard links state/UT nodal officers, seven central agencies, 65 intermediaries
  • Documentation; digital trail simplifies auditing, replaces manual email chains

Security Dimension

  • Objective; rapid removal of terror, CSAM, hate, financial-fraud content
  • Accountability; real-time compliance monitoring deters platform non-cooperation
  • Cyber-ecosystem; complements national cyber-security goals, fosters safer digital space

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch dateOctober 2024
Nodal ministryUnion Home Ministry
Operating bodyIndian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
Legal basisSection 79(3)(b), IT Act 2000
Intermediaries onboard65 platforms
Central agencies7
Safe-harbour effectImmunity lost on non-compliance
Distinct fromSection 69A site blocking
Court statusUpheld by Karnataka HC, 2024
GS-2Polity

2.Hindu Succession Act Key Provisions (Hindu Succession Act)

New Indian Express

What & Where

Codification; central Act regulating intestate succession among Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs

Enforced 17 June 1956; extended over India except then-J&K; Scheduled Tribes outside scope unless notified

Covers coparcenary, male-female succession orders, absolute female property, escheat to Government

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Objective; uniform, gender-just inheritance replacing diverse customary rules
  • Constitutional basis; Articles 14, 15 mandate equality, yet social structure concerns debated in SC
  • Government role; Central notification required to extend Act to Scheduled Tribes

Gender Dimension

  • 2005 amendment; daughters coparceners by birth, equal liabilities as sons
  • Female estate; pre-1956 limited ownership converted to absolute after Act under Section 14
  • Succession order; widow, mother included in Class I, but husband’s heirs still precede woman’s parents

Succession Mechanics

  • Priority ladder male estate; Class I → Class II → agnates → cognates → State
  • Preference rule; full blood supersedes half blood, uterine excluded
  • Disqualifications; murderer barred, descendant of convert barred only if conversion with apostasy

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Enacting lawHindu Succession Act, 1956
Commencement17 June 1956
Major amendment year2005 (Act 39)
Section granting daughter coparcenarySection 6
Section making female property absoluteSection 14
Male intestate first heirsClass I heirs
Female intestate first heirsChildren and husband
Escheat clauseSection 29
ApplicabilityHindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs
Excluded faithsMuslims, Christians, Parsis, Jews

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements on the issue of ownership according to Smriti literature is not correct?

GS-2Polity

4.Ladakh Statehood and Sixth Schedule Protests (Statehood Demand Ladakh)

The Hindu

What & Where

Ladakh UT, carved from erstwhile J&K in 2019, lacks elected legislature.

Current agitation unites Leh Apex Body & Kargil Democratic Alliance demanding Statehood + Sixth Schedule.

Epicentre: Leh’s hunger-strike site led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Demand Statehood; retain Union control on defence & external affairs.
  • Sixth Schedule sought for land, job, cultural safeguards akin to NE tribal areas.
  • Centre formed High-Powered Committee; talks ongoing without timeline.

Governance Issues

  • Democratic-deficit: LG-led bureaucracy overrides elected Hill Councils.
  • Recruitment vacuum: no State PSC; only 1,800 posts recently advertised.
  • Parliamentary voice: only 1 Lok Sabha seat; protesters want an added RS seat.

Security Dimension

  • Strategic theatre: shares LAC with China & LOC proximity to Pakistan.
  • Centre wary statehood may dilute rapid decision-making on border infra.
  • Unrest offers propaganda fodder for hostile neighbours.

Socio-Economic Impact

  • Tourism-centric economy risks revenue slump amid violence.
  • Youth angst rises; migration and radicalisation flagged by civil society.
  • Pashmina, agro-pastoral livelihoods vulnerable to prolonged instability.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Reorganisation Act year2019
Ladakh UT legislatureNone
Tribal share in population≈ 90 %
ST reservation quotaRaised to 84 %
Existing local bodiesLAHDC-Leh & LAHDC-Kargil
Key protest platformsLAB & KDA
Core constitutional askSixth Schedule inclusion
Recent hunger-strike length15 days

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Tableau of which one of the following States/Union Territory was adjudged best in the Republic Day Parade, 2021?

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित में से किस क्षेत्र को नागरिकता (संशोधन) अधिनियम, 2019 के कारगर से छूट दी गई है?

GS-3Economy

5.WTO Special and Differential Treatment (WTO S&DT)

BT

What & Where

Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) = WTO clauses granting developing/LDCs softer, slower, broader trade obligations.

Legal roots: 1979 Enabling Clause (GATT) → WTO Agreements 1995 → Doha Development Agenda 2001.

Geography: applies across all WTO members; status self-declared except UN-listed Least Developed Countries.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Self-declaration lacks objective criteria; challenge possible during negotiations.
  • Enabling Clause legally shields preference schemes from MFN violation claims.
  • UN-defined LDC list auto-triggers extra WTO flexibilities.

Economic Angle

  • Objective: offset structural trade disadvantages of poorer economies.
  • Flexibilities include delayed compliance, subsidy space, safeguard consideration.
  • Capacity-building covers training, technical aid, dispute-settlement guidance.

Current Affairs

  • China 2024: vows not to seek additional S&DT in future talks.
  • Announcement answers criticism over its advanced economic stature.
  • Could nudge other major developing members to rethink self-declared status.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Host institutionWorld Trade Organization
Foundational clause1979 Enabling Clause (GATT)
Major consolidationWTO Agreements, 1995
Newest reinforcementDoha Development Agenda, 2001
Beneficiary groupsDeveloping countries & LDCs
Status selectionSelf-declaration; peer members can contest
LDC determinationUN metrics: GNI, human assets, vulnerability
Typical flexiLonger transition periods to implement rules
Market-access toolTariff concessions, GSP preferences
Safeguard dutyMembers to consider developing-country interests
Capacity aidTechnical assistance & dispute-support
Recent headlineChina to forgo new S&DT requests

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2010PYQ 1

In the context of the affairs of which of the following is the phrase “Special Safeguard Mechanisms” mentioned in the news frequently ?

GS-3Infrastructure

6.Oju Hydroelectric Project Clearance (Oju Hydroelectric Project)

Indian Express
Illustration for Oju Hydroelectric Project Clearance (Oju Hydroelectric Project)

What & Where

Oju Hydroelectric Project; 2,220 MW run-of-river plant in Upper Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh, near China border

Subansiri River; trans-Himalayan Brahmaputra tributary, springing from Mount Porom, Tibet, entering India via Miri Hills

Confluence; Subansiri joins Brahmaputra at Majuli Island, Assam, Asia’s largest river island

Quick Facts for MCQs

Infrastructure & Energy

  • Largest project in Subansiri basin; anchors North-East hydropower expansion
  • Targets vast untapped basin potential; boosts national renewable portfolio
  • Basin-wide planning facilitated by upstream position

Security Dimension

  • Border-proximate location reinforces strategic energy presence against China
  • Indigenous generation reduces transmission vulnerability from mainland grids

Geography & Hydrology

  • Subansiri longest right-bank tributary of Brahmaputra
  • River enters India through Arunachal’s Miri Hills, flows southwest into Assam
  • Majuli confluence forms iconic, flood-prone river island

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Installed capacity2,220 MW
Project typeRun-of-river hydro
River basinSubansiri
StateArunachal Pradesh
DistrictUpper Subansiri
Clearance authorityUnion Environment Ministry
Upstream ofNiare, Naba, Nalo, Dengser, Upper & Lower Subansiri projects
Alternate river nameGold River
River originMount Porom, 5,059 m, Tibetan Himalayas
Brahmaputra confluenceMajuli Island, Assam
GS-3Environment

7.Mahendragiri Hills Biodiversity Heritage Site (Biodiversity Heritage Site)

Down to Earth

What & Where

Mahendragiri Hills, Eastern Ghats mountain range, declared Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) 2022

Located in Gajapati district, Odisha; peak elevation 1,501 m; ~175 km from Berhampur

Ecologically fragile zone hosting endemic plants, wildlife, tribal communities, and Hindu pilgrimage sites

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biodiversity Richness

  • Flora count 1,348 species; several medicinal and endemic taxa
  • Fauna list 388 species; historical presence elephants, tigers now declining
  • Habitat mosaic dry deciduous, moist evergreen, grassland patches

Cultural Heritage

  • Epics reference hill as kingdom of Parashurama and Pandavas stay
  • Pilgrim influx peaks during Maha Shivaratri at hilltop Shiva temples
  • Traditional rituals intertwine with forest conservation folklore

Threats & Challenges

  • Unchecked tourism driving habitat trampling, littering, vehicular emissions
  • Construction projects violating eco-sensitivity norms despite BHS tag
  • Deforestation and wildlife decline signal mounting ecological stress

Tribal Dimension

  • Saora and Kondh rely on non-timber forest produce, shifting cultivation
  • Cultural landscapes shaped by sacred groves, totems, hill worship
  • Development pressure risking livelihood security and customary rights

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
BHS Notification Year2022
StateOdisha
DistrictGajapati
Elevation1,501 m (4,925 ft)
Mountain SystemEastern Ghats
Distance from Berhampur~175 km
Recorded Plant Species1,348
Recorded Animal Species388
Mythological NameMahendra Parvata
Major Festival FootfallMaha Shivaratri
Key Deity SitesPanch Pandava temples, Shiva shrines
Dominant TribesSaora, Kondh

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

Mahendragiri, the highest peak of the Eastern Ghats, is located in which one of the following states?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2011PYQ 2

Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area. Which one of the following could be this?

GS-3Environment

8.UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2025 (UNEP Youth Award)

UNEP

What & Where

UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Award – flagship prize for sub-30 environmental innovators worldwide

First launched 2017; relaunched 2025 in partnership with Planet A; run out of UNEP HQ, Nairobi

Targets solutions addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution/waste

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Banofi Leather: converts banana crop waste into vegan leather; less water, chemicals, carbon than bovine leather
  • HyaPak: processes invasive water hyacinth into biodegradable packaging and seedling wrappers, replacing single-use plastic
  • Cycleau: compact household greywater unit producing drinkable water with low energy demand

Funding & Capacity

  • Winners secure USD 20 k seed grant plus UNEP-Planet A mentorship and training
  • Planet A pitch sessions can unlock up to USD 1 million scale-up capital
  • Global UNEP platform supplies visibility, investor access, policy engagement opportunities

Institutional & Partnerships

  • 2025 edition marks inaugural UNEP–Planet A collaboration expanding resources for youth innovators
  • Programme financed through mixed philanthropic and private-sector contributions
  • Operated from UNEP headquarters, leveraging UN’s international network for outreach

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Awarding bodyUnited Nations Environment Programme
Relaunch partner (2025)Planet A (founded by Chris Kemper, USA)
Eligibility age capBelow 30 years
Seed funding per winnerUSD 20,000
Further funding windowUp to USD 1 million via Planet A pitch
Non-monetary supportIntensive training + tailored mentorship
First launch year2017
2025 winners countThree

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

इनमें से किन्हें उद्यमिता दृष्टिकोण श्रेणी (Entrepreneurial Vision category) में संयुक्त राष्ट्र पर्यावरण कार्यक्रम के वर्ष 2022 ‘Champions of the Earth Award’ से सम्मानित किया गया है?

GS-3Environment

9.Production Gap Report 2025 Findings (Production Gap Report)

Hindustan Times
Illustration for Production Gap Report 2025 Findings (Production Gap Report)

What & Where

Production Gap Report 2025 tracks mismatch between planned fossil-fuel output and 1.5 °C / 2 °C pathways.

Published by Stockholm Environment Institute, Climate Analytics, IISD; UN-backed; global coverage of 20 major producers.

India’s Coal Gasification Mission (2020) targets 100 MT gasified coal by 2030 across Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Key Findings

  • Coal most misaligned; oil and gas also slated to rise past 2050.
  • Production pledges widened further since 2023 despite Paris commitments.
  • Fossil plans risk locking in catastrophic warming beyond agreed limits.

India-Specific

  • Subsidy push: gas share targeted to jump from 6.2 % to 15 % by 2030.
  • GRIDS strategy proposed: Grid upgrades, Reskilling, Efficiency, Gas bridge, Subsidy reform.
  • Existing levers: FAME, Green Hydrogen, Biofuel Policy, PAT, Green Energy Corridors.

Policy & Transition

  • Recommendation: align fossil-fuel phase-down with renewables via carbon pricing, subsidy shifts.
  • Social fairness: reskill miners, repurpose pits as solar parks.
  • Infrastructure need: storage, flexible gas plants to stabilize high renewables grid.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Report edition yearFifth, released 2025
Coal production gap 2030 vs 1.5 °C≈ 500 % higher
Overall fossil-fuel output gap 2030120 % above 1.5 °C need; 77 % above 2 °C
Planned coal expansion horizonUp to 2035
Planned gas expansion horizonUp to 2050
Countries raising at least one fossil fuel17 / 20 producers
Producers aligned with net-zero6 countries (up from 4 in 2023)
Top extraction emitters 2022China, USA, Russia (> 50 %)
Share of global output by 20 producers~ 80 %
India oil–gas subsidies 2023₹ 726 billion

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Which one among the following statements with regard to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is NOT correct?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following resolutions in the final agreement reached at COP28 is associated with the target of achieving 'Net Zero by 2050'?

GS-3Security

10.Agni-Prime Rail-Mobile Missile Test (Agni-Prime Missile)

Times of India
Illustration for Agni-Prime Rail-Mobile Missile Test (Agni-Prime Missile)

What & Where

Agni-Prime (Agni-P): next-generation, nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile under India’s Agni series.

First rail-based mobile canister launch conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha coast.

Designed by DRDO with Strategic Forces Command for dispersed deployment across national rail network.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technological Edge

  • Canisterisation enables sealed storage, rapid cold-launch, extended shelf life.
  • Composite motor casings reduce weight, improve range-to-payload ratio.
  • Rail launcher integrates state-of-the-art command links for autonomous firing.

Security Dimension

  • Diversified basing complicates adversary surveillance, bolstering nuclear triad survivability.
  • Supports credible minimum deterrence and flexible, rapid retaliation posture.
  • Places India among few nations fielding rail-mobile ballistic systems.

Operational Flexibility

  • Nationwide rail grid allows concealed movement, unpredictable launch points.
  • Minimal launch crew and pre-launch signatures cut vulnerability to first strikes.
  • Complements road, silo, and sea platforms, widening targeting calculus for opponents.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Missile classIntermediate-range ballistic
Maximum range≈ 2,000 km
Warhead typeNuclear-capable
Launch platformRail-based mobile canister
Previous platformsPrimarily road-mobile TELs
DevelopersDRDO + Strategic Forces Command
Guidance suiteAdvanced navigation, comms, independent launch capability
Reaction timeLaunch within minutes
Test locationDr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha
Strategic roleEnhances survivable second-strike capability

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2014PYQ 1

With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS1 2007PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

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