UPSC Current Affairs 27 October 2025

Q: Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

The correct answer is (b) Morality is more general and prescriptive based on customs and traditions; whereas ethics is specific and descriptive. This question appeared in ESE_GS 2023.

Q: Consider the following statements about Lokpal:

The correct answer is (a) I only. This question appeared in GS1 2025.

Q: Which of the following is/are among the noticeable features of the recommendations of the Thirteenth Finance Commission?

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2012.

Q: Which one of the following taxes is not included in the Central Pool to be shared with the States according to the recommendations of Finance Commission of India?

The correct answer is (a) Personal Income Tax. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2024.

Q: Which one of the following statements is correct?

The correct answer is (a) The National Song Vande Mataram was composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji originally in Bengali. This question appeared in GS1 2003.

Q: The song ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’, written during the Swadeshi Movement of India, inspired the Liberation Struggle of Bangladesh and was adopted as the National Anthem of Bangladesh. Who wrote this song?

The correct answer is (a) Rajni Kanta Sen. This question appeared in GS1 2007.

Q: The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), which is developing Science Centres/Museums/Innovation Hubs in India, works under

The correct answer is (a) the Ministry of Science and Technology. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024.

Q: किस संगठन/संस्थान द्वारा हाल ही में भारत विद्या परियोजना, बहुरत्न भारत और गांधी संवाद प्रवर्तन जैसे नए प्रकल्प प्रारंभ किए गए हैं?

The correct answer is (c) सांस्कृतिक स्रोत एवं प्रशिक्षण केंद्र (CCRT). This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2025.

Q: Which one of the areas marked as A, B, C and D in the given figure of the cyclone, witnesses heavy torrential short-duration rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms?

The correct answer is (a) A. This question appeared in GS1 1999.

Q: निम्नलिखित में से कौन-से कारण/कारक बेंजीन प्रदूषण उत्पन्न करते हैं ?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1, 2 और 3. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2020.

GS-2Editorial

1.Constitutional morality contours debate (Constitutional Morality)

The HinduRule of Law · Ambedkar vision · George Grote

What & Where

Concept: ethical compass guiding exercise of public power within Constitution

Scope: Indian democracy, all three organs, citizens’ civic conduct

Rooted in: 1846 coinage by George Grote; enriched by Ambedkar’s writings

Quick Facts for MCQs

Evolution

Dharma tradition: Tirukkural’s Aram linked virtue with governance
1846 Grote: coined term as reverence for constitutional forms
Ambedkar: warned democracy mere top-dressing without cultivated morality

Judicial Practice

SupremeCourt: concept cited in Manoj Narula, Sabarimala, Navtej Johar judgments
Interpretation: judges weigh ethical intent alongside text, ensuring fairness and restraint
Warning: excessive moral reading risks separation-of-powers breach

Challenges & Remedies

Majoritarianism: popular morality threatens minority rights and dissent
Bureaucracy: partisan loyalty dilutes rule-of-law culture
Remedies: constitutional literacy, ethics panels, participatory democracy recommended

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Coinage Year & Author	George Grote, 1846
Key Indian Proponent	B. R. Ambedkar
Core Principles	Rule of law, institutional propriety, dissent, accountability
Landmark SC Invocations	Manoj Narula 2014; Sabarimala 2018; Navtej Johar 2018
Main Threat Spotlighted	Majoritarian populism

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2023PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

GS-2Polity

2.Lokpal anti-corruption ombudsman (Anti-Corruption Ombudsman)

The HinduLokpal Act 2013 · Justice A.M. Khanwilkar · selection committee

Illustration for Lokpal anti-corruption ombudsman (Anti-Corruption Ombudsman)

What & Where

Independent statutory anti-corruption ombudsman under Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

Jurisdiction: Prime Minister to Group D officials, including govt-aided bodies, across India.

Headquarters: New Delhi; superintends CBI in referred cases.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Powers & Functions

Investigate corruption under Prevention of Corruption Act; can search, seize, attach assets.
May sanction prosecution, recommend suspension/transfer, summon with civil-court authority.
Exercises superintendence over CBI for assigned cases.

Institutional Performance

Only 4.1 % of 6,955 complaints moved to inquiry stage.
Complaint inflow dropped 90 % between 2022-23 and 2025.
Seven cases alone progressed to prosecution since 2019.

Challenges

12-year delay in creating prosecution wing shows bureaucratic apathy.
Technical filing norms cause high dismissal rate; discourages whistle-blowers.
Non-publication of reports and BMW tender dent credibility.

Reform Suggestions

Real-time public dashboard for complaint tracking.
Statutory mandate for annual report & Parliamentary review.
Frugal procurement, staff autonomy, simplified e-filing to rebuild trust.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Act year	2013
Act in force	16 Jan 2014
First Lokpal constituted	March 2019
Current Chairperson (2025)	Justice A.M. Khanwilkar
Total members	1 Chair + 7 members
Judicial : Non-judicial ratio	4 : 3
Appointing authority	President on Selection Committee advice
Selection Committee size	5 members
Complaints received 2022-23	2,469
Complaints received 2025	233
Total complaints since start	6,955
Preliminary inquiries ordered	289
Cases reaching prosecution	7
Prosecution Wing operational	2025
Annual reports last published	2021-22
Luxury cars tendered	7 BMWs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements about Lokpal:

GS-3Economy

3.States fiscal power under GST (Fiscal Federalism)

The HinduGST compensation cess · Finance Commission devolution · cess surcharges

Illustration for States fiscal power under GST (Fiscal Federalism)

What & Where

GST compensation cess (2017-22 + pandemic extension) now abolished across India.

Fiscal federalism governed by Finance Commission devolution, GST Council decisions, cess-surcharge architecture.

Centre–State revenue sharing anchored in Constitution Part XII, Articles 269A, 270, 275, 280.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Fiscal Imbalance

Vertical-gap: revenue powers centralised, spending responsibilities decentralised.
Liquidity hit: abolition of compensation disproportionately hurts low-manufacturing States.
Political concern: opacity in CSS, grants fosters vendetta fears.

Constitutional Provisions

Article 269A: Centre collects IGST, distributes per GST Council advice.
Article 275: Grants-in-aid for specific State needs, charged on Consolidated Fund of India.
Article 280: Finance Commission recommends tax split, local-body augmentation.

Proposed Reforms

Permit State surcharge on central income tax to widen own revenue.
Bring petroleum, real estate, alcohol under GST for unified market.
Revive Inter-State Council (Art 263) as permanent fiscal dialogue forum.

International Example

Canada model shows higher sub-national tax autonomy with 46 % federal, 54 % provincial collections.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Benefit expected after slab revamp	₹2 lakh crore to consumers
14th Finance Commission devolution	42 % (effective 41 % post-J&K reorg)
Cess & surcharges 2025-26	₹4.23 lakh crore; outside divisible pool
State share of total tax take	33 % vs 52 % expenditure
Average State dependence on transfers	44 %; Bihar ≈72 %
Proposed personal IT sharing	50:50 Centre-State split
International comparator	Canada: Provinces collect 54 % taxes, spend 60 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2012PYQ 1

Which of the following is/are among the noticeable features of the recommendations of the Thirteenth Finance Commission?

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following taxes is not included in the Central Pool to be shared with the States according to the recommendations of Finance Commission of India?

GS-1History

4.Vande Mataram 150th anniversary celebrations (National Song)

Times of IndiaVande Mataram · Bankim Chandra · 1896 Congress Session

What & Where

National song of India; Sanskritised-Bengali hymn glorifying the motherland.

Written in 1870s by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay; printed in novel ‘Anandamath’ (1882).

First sung 1896 Calcutta INC session; now enjoys status equal to ‘Jana Gana Mana’.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Milestones

1937 INC resolution balanced secularism by limiting to two stanzas.
British Raj banned song; still sung in protests and secret circles.
Delhi HC 2022 affidavit reiterated equal respect with National Anthem.

Cultural Symbolism

Depicts Bharat Mata as nurturing yet divine, fusing spirituality with patriotism.
Unifying appeal across linguistic, regional and social divides.
Continues as rallying anthem in national events and sports.

Freedom Struggle Role

Swadeshi activists used slogan “Vande Mataram” on streets, pamphlets, flags.
Revolutionary groups, e.g., Anushilan Samiti, adopted it as battle-cry.
Song’s ban fuelled civil disobedience, strengthening mass mobilisation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Meaning of title	“I bow to thee, Mother”
Original language	Sanskritised Bengali
Author	Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
First public rendition	1896, Rabindranath Tagore, INC session
INC adoption as National Song	1937 (first two stanzas)
Constituent Assembly honour	24 Jan 1950; equal to National Anthem
Officially used stanzas	First two, free of religious imagery
Associated freedom movements	Swadeshi 1905; Quit India 1942
Parliamentary protocol	Instrumental played at each session’s close
Recent call for celebration	Mann Ki Baat, 2024 – 150th anniversary

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2003PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is correct?

GS1 2007PYQ 2

The song ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’, written during the Swadeshi Movement of India, inspired the Liberation Struggle of Bangladesh and was adopted as the National Anthem of Bangladesh. Who wrote this song?

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

5.Rani Chennamma Kittur rebellion (Freedom Fighter)

PIBRani Chennamma · Kittur 1824 · Doctrine of Lapse precursor

Illustration for Rani Chennamma Kittur rebellion (Freedom Fighter)

What & Where

Kittur Rani Chennamma: queen of Kittur principality, present-day Belagavi district, Karnataka

Led 1824 armed revolt at Kittur against early British annexation attempt

2025 Government issued ₹200 commemorative coin marking 200 years of her victory

Quick Facts for MCQs

Early Life & Skills

Training: horse riding, sword fighting, archery from childhood
Accession: became queen after husband’s death in 1816

Revolt Specifics

Trigger: British rejection of adopted heir, early precursor to Doctrine of Lapse
Sequence: Kittur army beat Thackery; larger British force seized fort, imprisoning Chennamma

Legacy & Culture

Status: among earliest Indian freedom fighters, predating 1857 by three decades
Memory: honoured via Janapada songs, ballads and annual Kittur Rani Chennamma Utsav

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth	23 Oct 1778
Birthplace	Kakati village, Belagavi
State ruled	Kittur principality, Karnataka
Spouse	Raja Mallasarja (d. 1816)
Adopted heir	Shivalingappa
Main battle	1824, defeated John Thackery
Captured by	Colonel Deacon’s force
Death	1829, Bailhongal Fort
Commemorative coin	₹200, released Oct 2025

GS-1InfrastructureQuick Bite

6.Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum (National Museum Project)

Indian ExpressCentral Vista · largest museum · Arcop Associates

What & Where

National-level museum under Ministry of Culture in North & South Block, Central Vista, New Delhi

Themed on 5,000-year uninterrupted Indian civilisation; slated to become the world’s largest museum

First gallery targeted for opening by end-2026, succeeding the existing National Museum

Quick Facts for MCQs

Architecture & Design

Architect: Arcop Associates headed by Kulapat Yantrasast selected through top bid
Adaptation: Colonial blocks repurposed into modern galleries within Central Vista
Vision: Seamless narrative spaces reflecting perennial Indian civilisation

Heritage Collection

Artefacts: Indus Valley terracotta hourglass, 5th c Gupta sculptures, 10th-11th c Chola bronzes
Provenance: Objects pooled from existing National Museum and nationwide galleries
Chronology: Collection spans circa 2500 BC to 11th c AD showcasing continuum

International Cooperation

Partnership: India-France collaboration formalised for museum development
Expertise: France contributes global best practices in design, curation, visitor management
Objective: Elevate museum to international standards and enhance soft-power outreach

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Official name	Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum
Implementing ministry	Ministry of Culture
Project location	Central Vista, New Delhi
Buildings reused	North & South Block
First gallery deadline	End-2026
Project scale	Largest museum globally
Civilisation span	5,000 years
Lead design consultant	Arcop Associates (Kulapat Yantrasast)
International partner	France (design & management expertise)
Complementary schemes	PM Museum, National Archives Digitisation, Cultural Mapping
Sample artefacts	Kalibangan hourglass, Gupta sculptures, Chola bronzes

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), which is developing Science Centres/Museums/Innovation Hubs in India, works under

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2025PYQ 2

किस संगठन/संस्थान द्वारा हाल ही में भारत विद्या परियोजना, बहुरत्न भारत और गांधी संवाद प्रवर्तन जैसे नए प्रकल्प प्रारंभ किए गए हैं?

GS-1Environment

7.Cyclone Montha Bay of Bengal (Tropical Cyclone)

ITVCyclone Montha · Bay of Bengal · IMD alert

Illustration for Cyclone Montha Bay of Bengal (Tropical Cyclone)

What & Where

Cyclone Montha: tropical storm over southeast Bay of Bengal, forecast to hit AP–Odisha coast as Severe Cyclonic Storm

Likely landfall sector: Machilipatnam–Kalingapatnam corridor, vicinity of Kakinada

Basin focus: North Indian Ocean, particularly warm, low-shear southeast Bay waters

Quick Facts for MCQs

Formation Conditions

Warm-water: latent-heat release drives uplift and core low pressure
Coriolis: deflects winds, producing cyclonic rotation north of equator
Staging: Disturbance → Depression → Deep Depression → Cyclonic Storm → SCS → Very/ Super Cyclone

Naming Protocol

Submission: each of 13 nations provides 13 names sequentially used
Allocation: IMD assigns next name once cyclone attains cyclonic-storm strength
Retirement: exceptionally deadly names retired at panel consensus

Impact & Alerts

IMD alert: high-risk warnings for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, adjoining Telangana & Chhattisgarh
Hazards: 90–120 km/h gusts, very heavy rain, storm surge along low-lying coast
Preparedness: NDRF teams pre-deployed, fishermen advised port-return

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Expected intensity	Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS)
Forecast landfall stretch	Machilipatnam–Kalingapatnam near Kakinada
Origin stage	Deep Depression (10 Nov)
Key formation factors	SST > 26 °C, low vertical shear, high humidity
Coriolis spin in N. Hemisphere	Anticlockwise
Naming authority	WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones
Regional naming custodian	India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Member countries in panel	13
Name proposer “Montha”	Thailand
Current naming list issued	2020, 169 names

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1999PYQ 1

Which one of the areas marked as A, B, C and D in the given figure of the cyclone, witnesses heavy torrential short-duration rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms?

GS-3S&T

8.CRYODIL semen extender innovation (Veterinary Biotech)

The HinduCRYODIL · egg-yolk-free extender · buffalo breeding

What & Where

First egg yolk-free, ready-to-use buffalo semen extender “CRYODIL” developed at ICAR–NIANP, Bengaluru.

Uses purified whey proteins to cryopreserve semen up to 18 months with maintained motility.

Serves nationwide artificial-insemination programmes, cutting dependence on imported extenders.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Formulation employs whey proteins; removes egg-yolk variability and bacterial load.
Cryoprotection enables 18-month liquid-nitrogen storage without motility loss.
Product arises from ICAR translational research; ready for commercial licensing.

Economic Angle

Indigenous extender slashes import bills, aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Lower production cost plus long shelf life reduce AI programme expenditure.
Improved conception rates raise farm-level milk revenue.

Animal Husbandry Impact

Greater post-thaw motility elevates AI success in buffalo, key to 52 % national milk output.
Uniform extender quality backs genetic-upgradation drives like Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
Microbe-free medium cuts disease transmission risk during semen handling.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Developer institute	ICAR–National Institute of Animal Nutrition & Physiology, Bengaluru
Species targeted	Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Extender type	Egg yolk-free cryoprotective solution
Protein substitute	Purified whey proteins
Shelf life of preserved semen	18 months
Field-test sample	24 buffalo bulls
Post-thaw benefit	Higher sperm motility & fertility potential
Contamination risk	Microbe-free; no egg yolk
Cost aspect	Cheaper than imported extenders
National relevance	Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in dairy sector

GS-3S&T

9.Benzene properties and risks (Aromatic Hydrocarbon)

The HinduBenzene C6H6 · aromaticity · Michael Faraday

What & Where

Definition: Colourless, volatile, aromatic hydrocarbon C₆H₆ foundational to aromatic chemistry

Discovery: Isolated 1825 from illuminating gas by Michael Faraday; ring structure proposed 1865 by Kekulé

Occurrence: Ubiquitous in petrochemical refineries, gasoline exhaust, tobacco smoke across industrial regions

Quick Facts for MCQs

Chemical Characteristics

Stability: Resonance energy ~36 kcal mol⁻¹ confers exceptional resistance to electrophilic addition reactions
Flammability: Flash point −11 °C; yields sooty yellow flame indicating incomplete combustion
Solubility: Immiscible with water; miscible with ether, alcohol, chloroform facilitating organic extractions

Industrial Applications

Plastics: Feedstock for styrene, polystyrene, ABS, nylon reinforcing packaging, automotive parts, consumer goods
Pharmaceuticals: Precursor in synthesis of aspirin, paracetamol, chloramphenicol, sulfa drugs, antihistamines
Intermediates: Oxidation to phenol, hydrogenation to cyclohexane, nitration to aniline enabling detergents, fibres, dyes

Health & Environment

Carcinogenicity: Chronic exposure induces leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, chromosomal aberrations
Volatility: High vapour pressure causes rapid atmospheric release contaminating urban air, petrol-pump vicinities
Regulation: OSHA permissible exposure limit 1 ppm; US Clean Air Act lists as hazardous pollutant

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Molecular formula	C₆H₆
First isolation	Michael Faraday, London, 1825
Structure model	August Kekulé, cyclic hexagon, 1865
Aromatic stabilisation	Delocalised π-electron cloud
Physical state	Colourless, volatile, highly flammable liquid
Flash point	−11 °C
Solubility in water	Practically insoluble
IARC classification	Group 1 known human carcinogen
Main feedstock group	BTX (benzene–toluene–xylene)
OSHA workplace limit	1 ppm (8-hour TWA)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2020PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-से कारण/कारक बेंजीन प्रदूषण उत्पन्न करते हैं ?

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 2

Consider the following compounds:

GS-3S&T

10.GSAT-7R military communication satellite (Military Satellite)

The HinduGSAT-7R · LVM-3 launch · Ku Ka UHF bands

Illustration for GSAT-7R military communication satellite (Military Satellite)

What & Where

GSAT-7R (CMS-03): next-gen, military geostationary communication satellite by ISRO

Replaces GSAT-7A; connects Navy, Air Force, Army across Indian Ocean Region

To be launched from Sriharikota into GTO via LVM-3 (Nov)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Maritime: Maintains encrypted, real-time links for fleet manoeuvres, submarine ops, coastal radar feed
Resilience: Multi-band redundancy counters electronic warfare, signal jamming
Indo-Pacific: Boosts surveillance amid rising regional naval deployments

Tech & Schemes

Propulsion: Standard I-3K bus tailored for heavy payload, long mission life
Encryption: On-board digital switches enable end-to-end secure voice, data, video
Aatmanirbhar: Indigenous design aligns with Defence Space Mission roadmap

Defence Integration

Network-centric: Provides common comm backbone for planned integrated theatre commands
Inter-service: Facilitates joint fire support, air-defence cueing, UAV control
Strategic command: Supports nuclear C2 continuity through hardened, classified channels

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Developer	ISRO
Launch vehicle	LVM-3
Launch site	SDSC, Sriharikota
Mass	~4,400 kg (heaviest Indian comsat)
Orbit insertion	Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit
Bands supported	Ku, Ka, UHF
Coverage zone	Entire IOR, East Africa to Southeast Asia
Replaces	GSAT-7A (2018)
Primary users	Navy, Air Force, Army
Key security	Anti-jamming, frequency-hopping encryption

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GEO_GS, GS1 2018PYQ 2

भारत के उपग्रह प्रक्षेपित करने वाले वाहनों के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-3S&T

11.Cloud seeding experiment in Delhi (Weather Modification)

Indian Expresscloud seeding · silver iodide · IIT-Kanpur

Illustration for Cloud seeding experiment in Delhi (Weather Modification)

What & Where

Definition – Cloud seeding: adding nuclei (AgI, KI, NaCl, dry-ice) to moist clouds to trigger ice formation and precipitation.

Geography – Useful only where natural, moisture-laden clouds exist; Delhi’s Oct-Dec post-monsoon sky largely dry/stable.

Process – Dispersion via aircraft/artillery; enlarged ice crystals coalesce, fall as rain/snow, potentially washing out pollutants.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Schemes

CAIPEEX aerial sorties, Doppler radar guidance; showed seeding efficacy only with optimum cloud temperature/moisture.
Delhi pilot: 2025 post-monsoon flights planned; first urban-pollution wash-out attempt in India.
EMPS 2024 promotes EV uptake; complements seeding by attacking tail-pipe pollutants.

Limitations & Risks

Dry-stable post-monsoon troposphere offers scant seedable clouds; success probability low.
Benefit transient; PM levels rebound once local emissions persist.
Silver-iodide deposition, accountability for flood events remain unresolved regulatory gaps.

International Examples

China fired AgI rockets pre-2008 Beijing Olympics to ensure clear skies.
UAE conducts ~300 seeding flights/yr to augment groundwater recharge.
Saudi Arabia’s national programme targets central desert convective clouds for water security.

Delhi Pollution Drivers

Vehicles: 1.2 crore fleet emits PM, NOx, CO; dominates urban smog.
Agriculture: Punjab–Haryana stubble smoke spikes NCR PM2.5 each winter.
Construction & inversion: Dust, coal-fired units and trapped air worsen surface concentrations.

Mitigation Measures

Regulatory: NCAP monitoring, GRAP escalation, closure of coal plants near NCR.
Agriculture: Happy Seeder, CRM subsidies, cash incentives to curb burning.
Urban green belts, waste-burning ban, citizen car-pooling advised for sustained AQI gains.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Indian programme	CAIPEEX, MoES, 2009-19
Max rainfall boost (CAIPEEX)	Up to 46 % under favourable clouds
Delhi partner institute	IIT-Kanpur
Core seeding chemicals	Silver iodide, potassium iodide, sodium chloride, dry ice
Post-monsoon months (IMD)	October – December
Main rain source then	Western Disturbances from Mediterranean
Delhi registered vehicles	>1.2 crore
Global heavy users	China, UAE, Saudi Arabia
Key domestic states tried	Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
Short-term benefit	Temporary PM wash-out; emissions rebound

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

GS1 2025PYQ 2

वायु प्रदूषण माप करने हेतु भूमि-पृष्ठ-स्तर के तरीकों में किसका प्रयोग होता है?

GS-2International Relations

12.East Timor joins ASEAN (ASEAN Expansion)

Times of IndiaTimor-Leste · ASEAN 11th member · 47th ASEAN Summit

Illustration for East Timor joins ASEAN (ASEAN Expansion)

What & Where

Timor-Leste: youngest SE Asian republic, admitted as 11th ASEAN member at 47th Summit, Kuala Lumpur

Eastern half of Timor Island, Malay Archipelago; borders Indonesia (W) and Timor Sea north of Australia

ASEAN: regional bloc for political, economic, cultural cooperation across Southeast Asia, founded 1967

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Mountainous spine dominates; narrow coastal plains
Timor Sea vicinity offers offshore hydrocarbon potential
Sandalwood forests once major export commodity

ASEAN Institutions

Decisions by consensus; chair rotates yearly alphabetically
Deeper economic ties via AFTA, RCEP participation
External engagement through ASEAN + 3 and East Asia Summit

Fauna & Flora

Wildlife includes civet cats, saltwater crocodiles, endemic birds
Seasonal monsoon sustains savanna and mixed evergreen habitats

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Capital of Timor-Leste	Dili
Independence year	2002
Highest peak	Mount Tatamailau – 2,963 m
Climate type	Dry tropical
ASEAN formation	Bangkok Declaration 1967
ASEAN headquarters	Jakarta, Indonesia
Founding five members	Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand
Latest ASEAN member	Timor-Leste (formal entry 2025)
Total ASEAN members	11
Flagship trade pact	ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2009PYQ 1

Consider the following countries :

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 2

The 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) was held in

GS-2SpeciesQuick Bite

13.China wildlife diplomacy (Animal Diplomacy)

Times of Indiagolden snub-nosed monkey · panda diplomacy · 10-year loan

Illustration for China wildlife diplomacy (Animal Diplomacy)

What & Where

Wildlife diplomacy; state-driven gifting or leasing of charismatic fauna to build soft power

Golden snub-nosed monkey endemic to temperate mountains of central China

First 10-year overseas loan now to zoos in France and Belgium

Quick Facts for MCQs

Diplomacy Tools

Panda programme began 1957; evolved into research-linked leasing enhancing China’s image amid tensions
Golden monkey positioned as next animal ambassador continuing Beijing’s wildlife diplomacy playbook
European loans deepen Sino-EU scientific collaboration despite political frictions

Species Profile

Thick golden-orange fur, blue face, dense coat suits snowy forests up to 3 000 m elevation
Feeds on lichens, buds, bark; lives in multilevel social troops aiding cold-season survival
Revered in Chinese art; iconography tied to classical Monkey King narrative

India Angle

Biodiversity abundance; Bengal tiger and Indian rhinoceros potential soft-power mascots
Strategic species loans can attract conservation funds and reinforce cultural diplomacy
Governance focus; ex-situ protocols plus MoEFCC-MEA coordination required to prevent bio-piracy risks

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Species name	Golden snub-nosed monkey
Scientific name	Rhinopithecus roxellana
IUCN status	Endangered
Loan duration	10 years
Recipient nations	France; Belgium
First panda gift	1957 to Soviet Union
Cultural link	Monkey King folklore

GS-2Scheme

14.Maha MedTech Mission for healthcare (Medical Technology Scheme)

PIBMaha MedTech Mission · ANRF-ICMR · Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Illustration for Maha MedTech Mission for healthcare (Medical Technology Scheme)

What & Where

National initiative to speed up innovation, manufacturing & market entry of med-tech under Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)–MedTech.

Key processes include ₹5–25 cr grants, Patent/MedTech Mitra support, clinical-trial network, two-stage project selection.

India-wide drive; jointly unveiled by ANRF, ICMR & Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Funding-linked milestones ensure rapid prototyping, validation and scale-up within India.
Patent Mitra assists with IP filings to secure domestic & global patents.
MedTech Mitra guides regulatory clearances via CDSCO and harmonised standards.

Economic Angle

Domestic production push expected to cut forex outgo on medical devices.
Mission fosters industry–academia partnerships, creating high-skill jobs in R&D and manufacturing.

Health Focus

Alignment with National Health Priorities targets affordable solutions for TB diagnostics, oncology screening & neonatal care equipment.

Implementation Framework

Two-stage selection filters concepts then funds validated proposals, improving grant efficiency.
Clinical Trial Network links accredited hospitals for swift multi-centre validations.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full name	MAHA-MedTech Mission
Launch collaborators	ANRF + ICMR + BMGF
Normal grant size	₹5–25 crore
Exceptional grant ceiling	Up to ₹50 crore
Eligible applicants	Start-ups, MSMEs, academia, hospitals, industry consortia
Concept note window	Sept–Nov 2025
Full proposal phase	From Dec 2025
Support cells	Patent Mitra, MedTech Mitra, Clinical Trial Network
Tech scope	Devices, diagnostics, implants, AI/ML, robotics, assistive tech
Priority diseases	Tuberculosis, cancer, neonatal care
Strategic vision served	Atmanirbhar Bharat in med-tech
Import-dependency aim	Reduce high-cost device imports

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

अटल नवाचार (Innovation) मिशन किसके अधीन स्थापित किया गया है?