Wednesday, 8 October 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: With reference to Lok Adalats, consider the following statements :

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in GS1 2009.

Q: With reference to Lok Adalats, which of the following statements is correct ?

The correct answer is (a) Lok Adalats have the jurisdiction to settle the matters at pre-litigative stage and not those matters pending before any court. This question appeared in GS1 2010.

Q: Which of the following statements with regard to National Logistics Policy (NLP) is NOT correct?

The correct answer is (a) NLP was launched in 2022. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) None. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: India's external debt increased from US $98,158 million as at the end of March 2000 to US $100,225 million as at the end of March 2001 due to increase in

The correct answer is (a) multilateral and bilateral debt. This question appeared in GS1 2002.

Q: With reference to the Indian Public Finance consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in GS1 2002.

Q: Which one of the following ships was involved in ‘Mission Sagar – II’?

The correct answer is (c) INS Kesari. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2021.

Q: Which Union Ministry announced '5G & Beyond Hackathon 2023' aimed at shortlisting India-focused cutting-edge ideas workable beyond products and solutions?

The correct answer is (a) Ministry of Science and Technology. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2024.

Q: ग्रैण्ड पैलै (Grand Palais) पेरिस में नवम्बर 2025 में आयोजित होने वाले AI शिखर सम्मेलन के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

The correct answer is (a) केवल I. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2025.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding quantum dots:

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in ESE_GS 2026.

15 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 6GS-3: 8

0/15 done

GS-2Polity

1.Passive Euthanasia Legal Framework (Right to Die)

The HinduPassive Euthanasia · Supreme Court · Living Will

Illustration for Passive Euthanasia Legal Framework (Right to Die)

What & Where

Euthanasia = intentional life-ending to avoid incurable suffering; passive form withdraws/withholds treatment, letting death occur naturally.

Types: Active (voluntary / non-voluntary / involuntary) illegal in India; Passive recognised via Supreme Court rulings with layered safeguards.

Geography: India allows only passive; many countries permit passive, while Netherlands & Belgium legalised active under strict controls.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Landmark-cases: 2011 Aruna, 2018 Common Cause, 2023 guidelines revision streamline passive process.
Statute: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 criminalises any direct life-ending act.
UK 2025 Terminally Ill Adults Bill rekindles global debate.

Ethical Dimensions

Autonomy: patient’s informed choice to refuse futile treatment respected.
Beneficence: withdrawal seen as alleviating pointless suffering.
Justice: safeguards prevent coercion of elderly, disabled, poor.

Implementation Challenges

Bureaucracy: multi-tier approvals delay relief, eroding dignity.
Awareness: few families/doctors know living-will legality.
Infrastructure: many hospitals lack functional ethics committees.

Proposed Reforms

Digitisation: Aadhaar-linked National Euthanasia Portal for online living-will registry.
Decentralisation: hospital ethics panels empowered to decide within 48 hours.
Safeguards: 7-day cooling-off, counselling, mandatory palliative-care review.

International Examples

Netherlands & Belgium permit active euthanasia under tight conditions.
Switzerland attracts foreign patients for assisted suicide.
UK bill proposes legalising passive euthanasia nation-wide.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
First SC nod to passive euthanasia	Aruna Shanbaug v UoI, 2011
Fundamental right cited	Article 21 – “right to die with dignity”
Living-will signatories	Executor + 2 witnesses, notarised/Gazetted attested
Hospital clearance	Two medical boards; decision within 48 hours
Escalation path	Kin may seek High Court; fresh board constituted
2023 SC tweak	Relaxed 2018 guidelines; simplified attestation & timelines
Active euthanasia status	Culpable homicide/murder under BNS 2023 §§100-101
Top “suicide tourism” hub	Switzerland

GS-2Polity

2.Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms India (ADR Mechanisms)

The HinduArbitration · Mediation · Lok Adalat

What & Where

Definition: ADR = out-of-court resolution via arbitration, mediation, conciliation, negotiation, Lok Adalat.

Legal anchors: Article 39A, Section 89 CPC 1908, Arbitration & Conciliation Act 1996 (2021 amend.), Legal Services Authorities Act 1987.

Geography: Pan-India; first Lok Adalat — Gujarat 1999; aligned with UNCITRAL Model Law for cross-border enforceability.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Article 39A mandates equal justice; Section 89 CPC legitimises arbitration, mediation, conciliation, Lok Adalat.
1996 Act (2021 amend.) introduces Indian Arbitration Council, fixes 180-day award period.
Mediation Act 2023 provides statutory backing, accreditation, institutional mediation.

Infrastructure & Capacity

Backlog: 4.57 crore cases; HC vacancies 33 %, district courts 21 %.
ADR centres scarce; court-annexed facilities uneven in UP, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh.
Measures: nationwide accredited centres, public awareness, strict neutral accreditation.

Global & Economic Angle

UNCITRAL compliance ensures international enforceability, boosting foreign investor confidence in India.
Investors favour ADR for neutrality, cost and speed, aiding India’s global economic engagement.
Panch Parmeshwar doctrine cited to blend cultural consensus with modern ADR cooperation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Pending cases (all courts)	4.57 crore
High Court vacancy rate	33 %
District court vacancy rate	21 %
Arbitration award time-limit	180 days post-pleadings
First Lok Adalat	Gujarat, 1999
Constitutional basis for legal aid	Article 39A

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2009PYQ 1

With reference to Lok Adalats, consider the following statements :

GS1 2010PYQ 2

With reference to Lok Adalats, which of the following statements is correct ?

GS-3Economy

3.India Logistics Sector Transformation (Logistics Infrastructure)

Sansad TVPM Gati Shakti · National Logistics Policy · Freight Corridor

Illustration for India Logistics Sector Transformation (Logistics Infrastructure)

What & Where

Logistics: integrated transport-warehousing-supply-chain network linking farms, factories, ports, retail across India.

Core plans: PM Gati Shakti GIS platform + National Logistics Policy aim to cut cost to single digits.

Geography: 35 multimodal parks nationwide; Eastern & Western DFCs (Delhi–Mumbai, Ludhiana–Dankuni) 96 % ready.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

National Logistics Policy 2022 targets single-digit cost via infra, digitisation, standardisation.
PM Gati Shakti unifies project planning; empowered group of secretaries ensures inter-ministerial clearances.
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 envisages hydrogen hubs, shipbuilding, port modernisation.

Economic Angle

Cost-intensive logistics erodes export competitiveness; savings unlock value-chain integration.
Sector creates mass employment in transport, warehousing, IT-enabled services, boosting regional income.
Efficient logistics enlarges tax base through higher manufacturing and trade volumes.

Tech & Schemes

ULIP offers single API gateway for real-time cargo visibility across modes.
Logistics Data Bank uses RFID to track containers, reduce dwell time at ports.
GIS-based 1,700-layer Gati Shakti portal maps roads, rails, utilities for gap analysis.

Challenges & Sustainability

High costs, port congestion, poor last-mile links persist despite corridor upgrades.
Regulatory overlaps among ministries delay clearances; skill deficit in analytics and automation notable.
Over-reliance on diesel trucking elevates emissions; green fuels and electric/hydrogen fleets still nascent.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Sector valuation (2021)	USD 215 billion
Workforce	22 million persons
GDP share	≈ 14 %
Current logistics cost	14–16 % of GDP
China’s cost	≈ 8 % of GDP
1 % cost cut effect	+2 % GDP growth
Ministries on Gati Shakti	57
States/UTs on platform	36
GIS layers mapped	~1,700
Dedicated Freight Corridors	Eastern & Western; 96 % operational
Approved MMLPs	35
National Logistics Policy year	2022
Gati Shakti launch	2021
Digital tools	ULIP, Logistics Data Bank
Maritime Vision horizon	Amrit Kaal 2047

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements with regard to National Logistics Policy (NLP) is NOT correct?

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-3Economy

4.India External Debt Rise 2025 (External Debt Trends)

Economic TimesExternal Debt · USD 747.2 billion · Debt-GDP Ratio

What & Where

Definition – External debt: cross-border borrowings repayable in principal and interest.

Types – Long-term loans/bonds (>1 yr) and short-term trade credits, deposits, etc.

Geography – India’s stock tracked quarterly by RBI; latest snapshot June 2025.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Current Numbers

Stock: USD 747.2 bn, up 1.5 % quarter-on-quarter
Valuation: Dollar depreciation inflicted USD 5.1 bn loss
Composition: Long-term 81.9 %, short-term 18.1 %

Risk Indicators

Coverage: Forex reserves shield 93 % of liabilities, boosting resilience
Ratio: External debt-GDP at 18.9 %, within prudent range
Liquidity: Falling short-term/reserve ratio trims rollover peril

Management Measures

Diversification: Encourage rupee bonds to slash currency risk
Fiscal: Contain deficits and inflation for sustainable servicing capacity
Tenor: Prefer longer maturities to smooth yearly repayment load

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total external debt	USD 747.2 bn (Jun 2025)
Quarter-on-quarter rise	1.5 %
Valuation loss	USD 5.1 bn
Debt-GDP ratio	18.9 %
Forex reserves cover	93 % of debt
Long-term debt	USD 611.7 bn
Short-term share	18.1 % of total
US dollar share	53.8 %
Rupee share	30.6 %
Yen share	6.6 %
SDR share	4.6 %
Euro share	3.5 %
Largest sector share	Non-financial corporations 35.9 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2002PYQ 1

India's external debt increased from US $98,158 million as at the end of March 2000 to US $100,225 million as at the end of March 2001 due to increase in

GS1 2002PYQ 2

With reference to the Indian Public Finance consider the following statements:

GS-3InfrastructureQuick Bite

5.VLGC Shivalik Induction (Maritime Logistics)

The HinduVLGC Shivalik · LPG Carrier · Atmanirbhar Shipping

What & Where

VLGC Shivalik – Very Large Gas Carrier for LPG, 3rd to bear Indian flag

Built in South Korea; operated by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)

Arrived October 2025 at Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technical Specs

Size: 225 m length; segregated, temperature-controlled tanks
Compliance: Global safety, fuel-efficiency standards
Role: Bulk LPG transport cutting voyage frequency

Strategic Significance

Dependence: Lowers use of foreign-flagged gas carriers
Connectivity: Strengthens Arabian Gulf–India energy corridor
Ambition: Supports Viksit Bharat 2047 maritime rank goal

Policy Support

Schemes: Shipbuilding Financial Assistance, Maritime Development Fund, Shipbuilding Development Scheme
Ecosystem: Build-Own-Repair-Recycle model to boost EXIM efficiency
Self-reliance: Vessel induction showcases practical Atmanirbharata

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Vessel class	Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC)
Length	225 m
Cargo capacity	82,000 CBM LPG
Cargo types	Propane, Butane
Flag state	India
Builder nation	South Korea
Indian operator	Shipping Corporation of India
Port of induction	Visakhapatnam
Sequence	3rd Indian-flagged VLGC
Key trade route	Arabian Gulf ↔ India
Core policy vision	Atmanirbhar maritime ecosystem
Target year	Top-5 maritime nation by 2047

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following ships was involved in ‘Mission Sagar – II’?

GS-1Mapping

6.Red Sea Rift Geography (Red Sea Rift)

Times of IndiaRed Sea · Bab el-Mandeb · East African Rift

Illustration for Red Sea Rift Geography (Red Sea Rift)

What & Where

Narrow rift sea between Northeast Africa & Arabian Peninsula, born from African-Arabian plate split.

Stretches ~1,930 km Suez–Bab el-Mandeb, opening to Gulf of Aden & Indian Ocean.

Evidence shows total desiccation for ~100 k yrs around 6.2 Ma, later refilled by ocean flood.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geological History

Desiccation: evaporation exceeded inflow, basin became land canyon 6.2 Ma.
Refill: catastrophic Bab el-Mandeb flood restored marine conditions.

Physical Parameters

Rift morphology hosts underwater volcanoes, geothermal vents, hypersaline brine pools.
High evaporation drives extreme salinity and warm surface temperatures year-round.

Strategic Value

Critical maritime corridor linking Mediterranean & Indian Ocean; heavy container and energy traffic.
Generates border-state revenues via shipping tolls, coastal tourism, fisheries.

Marine Biodiversity

Supports 2,000 km coral reef chain with heat-tolerant corals.
Brine pool extremophiles offer insights for biotechnology and astrobiology.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Sea type	Rift-valley inlet of Indian Ocean
Geological age	~30 million years
Desiccation event	6.2 Ma, lasted ≈100 k yrs
Total length	~1,930 km
Surface area	~4.5 lakh sq km
Maximum depth	3,040 m
Connecting strait	Bab el-Mandeb
Northern limit	Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Border nations	Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Yemen
Salinity status	Among hottest & saltiest seas
Strategic link	Suez Canal route Europe–Asia
Key ecosystems	Coral reefs, deep brine pools
Tectonic setting	Part of East African Rift System
Volcanism	Active submarine volcanoes present

GS-3S&T

7.India Mobile Congress 2025 Exhibition (Telecom Exhibition)

ITVIndia Mobile Congress · 5G · 6G

What & Where

Exhibition; Asia’s largest digital communications & technology forum held annually in India

9th edition (IMC 2025) inaugurated at Yashobhoomi convention centre, New Delhi

Jointly organised by Department of Telecommunications & Cellular Operators Association of India

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

5G/6G; demos include terabit optical links, AI network management, quantum-secured communication
Innovation; pushes indigenous semiconductor design, green telecom gear, advanced cybersecurity tools
Research; hosts academia-industry hackathons displaying 1,600 use cases across mobility, health, defence

Economic Angle

Investment; catalyses capital for domestic manufacturing, startup funding, 5G-6G infrastructure roll-out
Jobs; boosts telecom skilling via Digital India labs and sector-specific R&D centres

International Collaboration

Delegations; six nations exploring co-development of global 6G standards and interoperable telecom solutions
Partnerships; MoUs expected on spectrum harmonisation, satellite backhaul, fraud-risk mitigation technologies

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Edition	9th (2025)
Theme	Innovate to Transform
Venue	Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
Visitors expected	>1.5 lakh
Participating countries	150 +
Participating companies	400 +
New tech use-cases	1,600 +
Organisers	DoT + COAI
Foreign delegations	Japan, UK, Russia, Canada, Austria, Ireland
Mission alignment	Digital India & Atmanirbhar Bharat

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2024PYQ 1

Which Union Ministry announced '5G & Beyond Hackathon 2023' aimed at shortlisting India-focused cutting-edge ideas workable beyond products and solutions?

ESE_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 2

ग्रैण्ड पैलै (Grand Palais) पेरिस में नवम्बर 2025 में आयोजित होने वाले AI शिखर सम्मेलन के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-3S&T

8.Indian Radio Software Architecture Standard (Software Defined Radio)

DD NewsIRSA 1.0 · SDR · DRDO

What & Where

Standard: Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) 1.0, first national software architecture for military Software Defined Radios

Scope: Provides unified development, integration, upgrade of secure communication across Army, Navy, Air Force

Geography: Conceived, developed and fielded in India by DRDO with Integrated Defence Staff support

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Architecture: Common software modules enable plug-and-play waveforms across naval, airborne, ground radios
Scalability: Design anticipates AI, 5G, next-gen tech without hardware overhaul
Certification: Prescribes security and reliability tests ensuring uniform procurement benchmarks

Security Dimension

Interoperability: Tri-service radios communicate seamlessly enhancing joint C4ISR effectiveness
Autonomy: Indigenous framework eliminates proprietary foreign waveforms lowering cyber-espionage risk
Reliability: Standardised conformance checks ensure hardened, mission-ready communication systems

Economic Angle

Industry boost: Clear interface specs open market for domestic MSME radio components
Export potential: Standardised SDRs align with Defence Export Policy for partner nations
Cost saving: Waveform reuse cuts lifecycle expenditure versus platform-specific radio development

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Standard name	IRSA Standard 1.0
Developed by	DRDO + IDS + Tri-Services
Applicable domain	Military Software Defined Radios
Service coverage	Army, Navy, Air Force
Core goal	Interoperability across SDR platforms
Key capability	Waveform portability
Scalability target	AI and 5G technologies
Certification	Built-in testing & conformance framework
Strategic benefit	Reduced foreign dependence
Export scope	IRSA-compliant SDRs for friendly nations

GS-3S&T

9.Nobel Physics 2025 Quantum Tunnelling (Quantum Tunnelling)

The HinduNobel Prize 2025 · Macroscopic Quantum · Superconducting Circuits

Illustration for Nobel Physics 2025 Quantum Tunnelling (Quantum Tunnelling)

What & Where

Phenomenon: Macroscopic quantum tunnelling—collective Cooper-pair wavefunction crosses energy barrier in superconducting circuits

Device: Josephson junction—two superconductors + thin insulator; platform for observing energy quantisation

Geography: Prize announced Stockholm; research triggers global quantum-tech races incl. India, U.S., EU

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Superconducting-qubit design uses quantised energy levels as two-state logical unit
SQUIDs exploit Josephson effect for pico-tesla magnetic sensing
India allocating INR 6000 cr (est.) under National Quantum Mission

Security Dimension

Quantum computers threaten RSA, ECC via Shor algorithm
Post-quantum cryptography research accelerated in U.S. NIST standardisation
Quantum tech race viewed as critical infrastructure security issue

Applications

STM mapping atomic surfaces relies on electron tunnelling current
Flash memory employs Fowler–Nordheim tunnelling for charge storage
Stellar fusion proceeds as protons tunnel Coulomb barrier, powering Sun

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nobel Physics Year	2025
Laureates	John Clarke, Michel Devoret, John Martinis
Core Discovery	Macroscopic quantum tunnelling & energy quantisation in electric circuit
Key Material	Superconductors cooled near 0 K
Quantum Object	Billions of Cooper pairs act collectively
Flagship Device	Josephson junction
Main Outcome	Basis for superconducting qubits
Indian Mission	National Quantum Computing Mission, target 2031
Security Impact	Potential to break classical public-key encryption
Major Application	Quantum computers, SQUID sensors, STM imaging, flash memory

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Consider the following statements regarding quantum dots:

GS-3S&T

10.Nobel Medicine 2025 Regulatory T Cells (Regulatory T Cells)

The HinduNobel Prize 2025 · FOXP3 Gene · Tregs

Illustration for Nobel Medicine 2025 Regulatory T Cells (Regulatory T Cells)

What & Where

Peripheral immune tolerance: in body tissues, prevents self-attack via Regulatory T cells (Tregs).

FOXP3 gene: X-chromosome transcription factor governing CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg development and function.

2025 Nobel Prize awarded at Karolinska Institute, Sweden, to Brunkow (US), Ramsdell (US), Sakaguchi (Japan).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Scientific Discovery

Experimentation: FOXP3 mutations in mice mirrored human IPEX, proving gene’s regulatory role.
Insight: FOXP3 expression converts conventional CD4⁺ T cells into suppressive Tregs.
Paradigm shift: Immune suppression seen as active, gene-programmed process, not passive failure.

Medical Applications

Cancer therapy: Depleting tumor-resident Tregs may unleash cytotoxic T cell attack on malignancies.
Autoimmunity: Expanding or infusing Tregs offers potential treatment for T1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis.
Transplantation: Treg modulation lowers graft-versus-host and rejection risks.

Immune System Basics

Innate arsenal: skin, mucosa, phagocytes, inflammation provide immediate non-specific defence.
Adaptive cells: B cells secrete antigen-specific antibodies; T cells kill infected or aberrant cells.
Fail-safe: Tregs curb collateral tissue damage during normal immune responses.

Indian Context

Legacy: Khorana’s 1968 Nobel remains India’s lone Medicine prize to date.
Opportunity: Indigenous research in Treg biology could address high autoimmune disease burden.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nobel category 2025	Physiology or Medicine
Laureates	Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, Shimon Sakaguchi
Core discovery	Regulatory T cells & FOXP3 control of peripheral tolerance
First Treg description	1995 by Sakaguchi
FOXP3–linked disease	IPEX (Immune dysregulation-Polyendocrinopathy-Enteropathy-X-linked)
Immune branches	Innate (rapid) ; Adaptive (specific, memory)
Tolerance types	Central (thymus/bone marrow) ; Peripheral (tissue level)
Indian Medicine Nobel	Har Gobind Khorana, 1968

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2007PYQ 1

What is the broad area in which the Nobel Prize winners for the year 2006 in Physiology or Medicine worked to get the prize?

GS-2Editorial

11.India-Multipolar West Relations (Multipolar West)

Indian ExpressStrategic Autonomy · Europe · Middle Powers

Illustration for India-Multipolar West Relations (Multipolar West)

What & Where

Multipolar West – waning trans-Atlantic cohesion; power diffused among US, EU, UK, Japan and assertive middle powers

Core theatre spans Europe–North America, now stretching into Indo-Pacific via EU, UK security-trade outreach

India pivots from non-alignment to multi-alignment, courting each Western pole while guarding strategic autonomy

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers of Change

Nationalism; Trump’s America First questioned NATO, trade, global commitments
Tech-economic disputes over data, subsidies, AI split US–EU positions
Cultural polarisation; US right-wing culture wars unsettle liberal Europe

Opportunities for India

Diplomatic flexibility; engage US, EU, UK separately without bloc alignment
China-plus-one shift offers trade, investment, tech relocation into India
Standard-setting chance in digital public infrastructure, green tech, AI governance

Risks for India

Fragmented West may dilute collective deterrence against China, Russia
Simultaneous great-power balancing risks diplomatic-security overstretch
Domestic reform lag—bureaucracy, slow liberalisation—can waste external openings

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
EU 2025 Indo-Pacific paper	Tags India as “pivotal partner”
Autonomy champions	Emmanuel Macron; Ursula von der Leyen
Divergent threat focus	Europe → Russia; US/Japan → China
Key Indian trade tracks	EFTA, UK FTA, EU FTA negotiations
EU connectivity plan	Global Gateway, maritime & supply-chain tie-ups with India
Rising middle powers	India, Australia, South Korea

GS-2Security

12.EU Biometric Entry-Exit System (EU Border Tech)

DD NewsEntry/Exit System · Schengen Area · Biometric Data

What & Where

Biometric Entry/Exit System (EES); automated border control for non-EU visitors to Schengen Area

Geography; 27 EU Schengen states plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Replaces passport-stamping; captures facial image & four fingerprints at first entry

Quick Facts for MCQs

Implementation Timeline

Pilot & infrastructure testing 2024-25; phased airport/land crossing rollout
Mandatory enrolment at first post-Oct 2025 entry; subsequent crossings use stored data
Integration buffer till Apr 2026 to minimise border queues

Tech & Schemes

Biometric capture; facial recognition plus fingerprint matching for identity verification
Automated gates; replaces manual stamp, accelerates throughput
Centralised EU-level repository; real-time alerts to national border guards

Security Dimension

Overstay detection; automatic calculation of remaining legal days
Fraud mitigation; prevents multiple identity use via biometrics
External border integrity; faster flagging of watch-listed individuals

Traveller Impact

No pre-trip application; data taken on arrival
UK & other visa-free nationals still need ETIAS once operational
Frequent travellers face one-time biometric capture, then quicker crossings

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch under	EU Smart Borders initiative
Initial go-live	12 Oct 2025
Full operational target	10 Apr 2026
Applies to	All non-EU nationals incl. UK citizens
Overstay limit monitored	90 days in any 180-day period
Data stored	Biometrics + passport details in central database
Registration cost	Nil for traveller
Linked future system	ETIAS travel authorisation (2026 planned)

GS-2International RelationsQuick Bite

13.Seventh Moscow Format Afghanistan (Moscow Format)

Indian ExpressMoscow Format · Bagram Air Base · Taliban

What & Where

Moscow Format Consultations: Russia-launched (2017) regional dialogue mechanism on Afghanistan’s peace, stability & development.

7th round (Oct 2025, Moscow) saw India, Taliban, Pakistan, China, Russia share positions.

Bagram Air Base: Afghanistan’s largest military airfield near Kabul; handles heavy transport aircraft; vacated by US in 2021.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Diplomatic Composition

Platform mixes immediate neighbours, regional powers, Central Asian republics.
Operates independent of UN; complements earlier Doha & Istanbul processes.
Taliban included post-2021 takeover, increasing de-facto legitimacy.

Security Dimension

Bagram capable of strategic airlift, runway supports bombers & C-17s.
U.S. re-entry plan viewed as threat to regional security balance.
Collective opposition signals pushback against renewed Western military footprint.

India’s Stand

First time India publicly aligns with Taliban on security issue.
Aims to prevent extra-regional military hubs near its strategic neighborhood.
Seeks multilateral hedge while maintaining independent outreach to Kabul.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2017
Original six members	Russia, India, Afghanistan, Iran, China, Pakistan
Later entrants	Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Current round	7th (Oct 2025)
Key agenda	Future control of Bagram Air Base
Common stance	India, Taliban, Pakistan, China, Russia oppose Trump plan to seize Bagram

GS-3Security

14.Indian Air Force Day 2025 (Air Force Day)

ITIndian Air Force · October 8 · 1932 Formation

Illustration for Indian Air Force Day 2025 (Air Force Day)

What & Where

Observance: Indian Air Force Day celebrated nationwide every 8 October to mark IAF foundation in 1932

2025 Venue Focus: Parade at Hindon Air Base, wreath-laying at National War Memorial, Delhi NCR

Purpose: Honour air warriors, display air power, reaffirm humanitarian, security and global outreach roles

Quick Facts for MCQs

History & Evolution

Origin: Raised as Royal Indian Air Force under British rule, auxiliary to RAF
Growth: Expanded from 25 personnel in 1933 to fourth-largest air force globally
Modernisation: Transitioned from biplanes to Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, indigenous Tejas

Security Dimension

Wars: Key roles in 1947-48, 1965, 1971, Kargil 1999 conflicts with Pakistan
Humanitarian: Regular disaster relief, airlift of citizens, UN peacekeeping logistics
Strategic: Enhances deterrence across Himalayas, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific corridors

Fleet Update

Phase-out: MiG-21, India’s longest-serving fighter (since 1963), bows out in 2025
Induction: Focus on multirole fighters, force multipliers, indigenous UAVs and AEW&C platforms

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Edition in 2025	93rd
IAF establishment date	8 October 1932
First operational flight	1 April 1933
Initial fleet	4 Westland Wapiti biplanes
First squadron	No. 1 Squadron, Drigh Road (Karachi)
2025 special note	Retirement of MiG-21 fighter jet
IAF world ranking by size	4th largest
Motto (Sanskrit)	Nabha Sparsham Deeptham

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

भारत की रक्षा के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2Scheme

15.PM-SETU ITI Upgradation Scheme (ITI Modernisation)

News On AirPM-SETU · Skill Development · Hub-and-Spoke

Illustration for PM-SETU ITI Upgradation Scheme (ITI Modernisation)

What & Where

Scheme PM-SETU upgrades 1,000 Government ITIs across India for global-grade vocational skills

Ministry MSDE executes under Government-owned, Industry-managed hub-and-spoke framework

Geography Nationwide; 200 Hub ITIs each steer four Spoke ITIs

Quick Facts for MCQs

Funding & Timeline

Allocation ₹60,000 crore jointly by Centre and States
Phase 2025-28 for staggered infrastructure and curriculum rollout
Funding supports MSME-led Atmanirbhar Bharat job creation

Governance Model

Partnership Industry bodies anchor each cluster for training, placement, production units
Hub ITIs handle trainer upskilling, R&D, innovation, market linkage
Structure embodies Government-owned, Industry-managed principle for accountability

Infrastructure & Innovation

Provision Modern machinery, digital learning systems, smart classrooms in every ITI
Addition Innovation centres, start-up incubation zones located at Hubs
Goal Bridge classroom learning with evolving global technology demands

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Acronym expansion	Prime Minister’s Scheme for Empowerment through Technology Upgradation
Scheme nature	Centrally Sponsored Flagship
Launcher	Prime Minister of India
Nodal Ministry	Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
Total ITIs covered	1,000
Hub ITIs	200
Spoke ITIs	800
Project outlay	₹60,000 crore
Funding share	Centre + States
Time frame	2025-28
Core sectors	Manufacturing, Agriculture, Hospitality, New-age tech
Industry anchors	CII, FICCI, local associations
Key facilities	Smart classrooms, advanced machinery, innovation centres
Skill ecosystem add-on	Trainer training, R&D, start-up incubation
Strategic aim	Align skills with global supply chains

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