Thursday, 30 October 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: What is the full form of SIR introduced by the Election Commission of India?

The correct answer is (a) Special Inclusive Review. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2026.

Q: The use of ‘Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC)’ by the Election Commission of India was started in which one of the following years ?

The correct answer is (a) 1992. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2022.

Q: भारत में, कोल कंट्रोलर संगठन (Coal Controller's Organization-CCO) की क्या भूमिका है?

The correct answer is (a) 1, 2 और 3. This question appeared in GS1 2022.

Q: 'राष्ट्रीय विनिर्माण मिशन' के संबंध में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025.

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

The correct answer is (c) नीति (NITI) आयोग. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2019.

Q: 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?

The correct answer is (a) Bhitarkanika. This question appeared in GS1 2011.

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

The correct answer is (a) The 'Global Stocktake' is the central outcome of COP28. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI 2024.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2016.

Q: What is the name of the initiative launched by India and Denmark in November 2025 to enhance bilateral ties?

The correct answer is (a) Indo-Danish Economic Forum. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2026.

Q: In January 2024, India has entered into a bilateral agreement through which it will provide grant assistance to a country to construct a 20 feet Bailey bridge. Identify the country.

The correct answer is (a) Nepal. This question appeared in NDA_GAT 2024.

14 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 6GS-3: 7

0/14 done

GS-2Polity

1.Special Intensive Voter Roll Revision 2025 (Electoral Roll Verification)

Indian ExpressSIR 2025 · Election Commission · Booth Level Officer

Illustration for Special Intensive Voter Roll Revision 2025 (Electoral Roll Verification)

What & Where

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2025 = document-based voter roll purification drive after ~20 yrs.

Run by Election Commission of India across 12 States/UTs; house-to-house & online enumeration.

Anchored in Representation of the People Act, 1950 to ensure only eligible Indian citizens remain voters.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Process Flow

Preparation; EF auto-filled from 27 Oct 2025 database then printed for delivery.
Distribution & collection; BLOs three visits, alternately voter self-upload on portal.
Verification; ERO/AERO cross-checks, demands documents if no historic roll match.

Institutional Roles

BLO: delivers/collects EF, detects shifted/deceased voters, links to past rolls.
DM & CEO: two-tier appeal mechanism against deletion decisions.
BLAs: party observers ensuring transparency during form collection & verification.

Legal & Policy

Authority derived from Representation of the People Act 1950 Sections on roll maintenance.
Aim: clean, error-free, inclusive rolls before upcoming elections, strengthening electoral credibility.
Document requirement triggered only when historic linkage absent, balancing verification with voter convenience.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Supervising authority	Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
Ground worker	Booth Level Officer (≈1,000 voters each)
Political oversight	Booth Level Agents of recognised parties
Key form	Enumeration Form (EF), pre-printed & online
Historic roll linkage	2002-2004 electoral rolls
Cut-off database date	27 Oct 2025
Home visits	Up to three per household by BLO
First appeal heard by	District Magistrate
Second appeal heard by	Chief Electoral Officer
Online portal	voters.eci.gov.in

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2026PYQ 1

What is the full form of SIR introduced by the Election Commission of India?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

The use of ‘Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC)’ by the Election Commission of India was started in which one of the following years ?

GS-2PolityQuick Bite

2.Legal Metrology Rules 2025—Medical Devices (Consumer Protection Labels)

PIBLegal Metrology · Medical Devices Rules 2017 · Labeling Exemption

What & Where

Amendment: Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 updated in 2025 for medical-device packages.

Alignment: Medical Devices Rules, 2017 now govern font size, dimensions, and mandatory declarations for such packages.

Geography: Nationwide application; notified by Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Precedence: MDR 2017 provisions override LM label requirements for medical-device packages.
Exemption: Device declarations shift from LM Principal Display Panel to MDR-specified label fields.
Jurisdiction: Clear enforcement lines for States, avoiding dual regulation.

Consumer Protection

Clarity: Uniform labels enhance patient information and safety.
Transparency: Standard font and size prevent misleading packaging.
Accountability: Single rule-set simplifies grievance redressal.

Ease of Doing Business

Simplification: Removes duplicate compliance, lowering administrative cost.
Predictability: Industry follows one rulebook for labels.
Harmonisation: Aligns metrology and medical-device regulations, speeding approvals.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Notifying authority	Department of Consumer Affairs
Amending year	2025
Base rules touched	Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011
Governing rules for labels	Medical Devices Rules, 2017
Sector covered	Packaged medical devices
Principal Display Panel under LM	No longer mandatory for devices
Font size/dimension precedence	MDR 2017 prevails over LM, 2011
Key objective	Uniform labelling & reduced regulatory overlap

GS-3Economy

3.Indi & Puliyankudi GI Lime Export (GI Tags)

LiveMintIndi Lime · Puliyankudi Lime · APEDA

Illustration for Indi & Puliyankudi GI Lime Export (GI Tags)

What & Where

Geographical Indication (GI): IPR tag under 1999 Act, certifies region-linked qualities of goods

Indi Lime: grown mainly Vijayapura district, Karnataka; high-juice, aromatic, balanced acidity

Puliyankudi (Kadayam) Lime: cultivated Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu; thin peel, ≈55 % juice, strong acidity

Quick Facts for MCQs

Export & Trade

APEDA enabled air consignment of both GI limes from Bengaluru to UK
Initiative targets premium overseas market, boosting farmer income
Success may open regular GI-produce export corridors

Geographical Indication Law

Registration confers legal protection, bars unauthorised name use
Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely
Enhances product value, ensures rural economic gains

Regional Varieties

Indi Lime valued for culinary uses, traditional medicine, cultural rituals in Karnataka
Puliyankudi belt dubbed “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu” owing to dense lime orchards
High Vitamin C and antioxidant profile adds nutritional branding potential

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Facilitating body	APEDA
Shipment mode & novelty	First-ever air export of GI limes
Destination country	United Kingdom
Governing law	GI of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999
Registry location	Chennai
Supervising department	DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Puliyankudi Lime GI tag granted	April 2025
Kadayam Lime juice content	≈55 %
Ascorbic acid in Kadayam Lime	34.3 mg/100 g

GS-3Economy

4.KOYLA SHAKTI Coal Analytics Dashboard (Coal Sector Digitization)

PIBKOYLA SHAKTI · SCAD · Ministry of Coal

What & Where

KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard = Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard integrating mine-to-market data across India, housed in Ministry of Coal.

CLAMP Portal = Coal Land Acquisition, Management & Payment system digitising land records, compensation and R&R in coal-bearing districts.

National scope; interoperable with Coal PSUs, State revenue departments and district authorities in major coal states.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Integration; KOYLA links production, logistics, consumption data; CLAMP links PSUs, State, district databases.
Real-time; live analytics & alerts enable evidence-based policy and quick disruption response.
End-to-end; both platforms cover complete process chains, minimising manual intervention.

Governance & Transparency

KPI display; dashboard publishes stakeholder performance, enhancing accountability.
Digital payments; CLAMP ensures direct, trackable compensation to beneficiaries.
Audit trail; unified databases cut scope for duplicate claims or delays.

Operational Efficiency

Predictive analytics; KOYLA aids demand forecasting and resource allocation.
Time-bound processes; CLAMP standardises land acquisition timelines, expediting project starts.
Incident response; dashboard auto-flags transport bottlenecks, enabling rapid corrective action.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent ministry	Ministry of Coal
Launch portfolio	Union Minister of Coal & Mines
KOYLA SHAKTI full form	Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard (SCAD)
KOYLA core function	Real-time, unified monitoring of production, logistics, consumption
Dashboard analytics	Predictive demand forecasting, incident alerts
Transport modes tracked	Rail, road, multimodal
CLAMP primary mandate	Land acquisition, compensation, R&R digitisation
CLAMP workflow span	Upload records → compensation disbursal
Data storage	Central repository of land ownership & payments
Key governance aim	Transparency, reduced discretion, time-bound processing

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

भारत में, कोल कंट्रोलर संगठन (Coal Controller's Organization-CCO) की क्या भूमिका है?

GS-3Economy

5.Advanced Manufacturing Roadmap 2035 (Advanced Manufacturing)

BWNITI Aayog · Frontier Tech Hub · AI Robotics

Illustration for Advanced Manufacturing Roadmap 2035 (Advanced Manufacturing)

What & Where

Roadmap_Reimagining_Manufacturing: 10-year strategy (2026-2035) to embed frontier tech in 13 priority manufacturing sectors

Publisher: NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub with CII & Deloitte, targeting global top-three hub status by 2035

Geography: pan-India implementation through five sectoral clusters and 20 proposed plug-and-play parks

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Targets

Manufacturing_GDP Target: reach 25% of GDP, ranking top-three globally
Export_Upside: merchandise share expected 6.5% of global trade by 2035
Value_Addition: advanced tech infusion could add $1 trn to GDP by 2047

Key Challenges

R&D_Lag: spending below 1% GDP limits patents, high-tech product pipeline
Skilling_Gap: large workforce untrained in AI, robotics, slowing automation uptake
Infrastructure_Deficit: shortage of smart parks, 5G, reliable power hampers scale

Policy Tools

National_Manufacturing_Mission: coordinates frontier tech adoption and sectoral policy convergence
PLI_Schemes: performance-linked incentives for electronics, semiconductors, sunrise sectors
Industrial_Corridors: Gati Shakti, PM MITRA enhance logistics, cluster competitiveness

Tech Recommendations

GFTI: proposed Centre of Excellence for advanced R&D, testing, certification
Plug-and-Play_Parks: 20 tech-enabled zones with 5G, simulation labs, ready utilities
Digital_Backbone: real-time industrial IoT network enabling predictive efficiency and data sharing

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Roadmap year span	2026–2035
Lead agency	NITI Aayog Frontier Tech Hub
Current mfg GDP share	15–17%
Target share 2035	25%
Potential GDP gain 2035	$270 bn
Potential GDP gain 2047	$1 trn
Skilled jobs to create	100+ million
Export share goal	6.5% of global trade
Proposed tech parks	20
Current R&D spend	<1% GDP

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025PYQ 1

'राष्ट्रीय विनिर्माण मिशन' के संबंध में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2019PYQ 2

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

GS-3Infrastructure

6.Bharat Taxi Cooperative Cab Service (Cooperative Ride-Hailing)

DHBharat Taxi · Sahakar Taxi Cooperative · Ministry of Cooperation

What & Where

Bharat Taxi: government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform empowering drivers as shareholder-members.

First launch: Delhi, November 2025; nationwide scale-up planned through Ministry of Cooperation & NeGD.

Managed under Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd; emphasises zero-commission, transparent fares, digital governance links.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Cooperative Framework

Collective ownership; each Saarthi holds share, voting rights, income residuals.
Supported by apex cooperatives, enhancing capital access and governance credibility.
Promotes cooperative entrepreneurship model within service sector.

Tech & Schemes

DigiLocker enables KYC, licence verification; UMANG offers booking interface.
API Setu links payment, grievance redressal, real-time fare display.
Platform aligns with Digital India, ensures data security via government stacks.

Economic Angle

Eliminates 15–30 % aggregator commissions, boosting driver net income.
Regulated fare structure seeks commuter affordability, market stability.
Local ownership curbs profit outflow to foreign VC-backed aggregators.

Phased Rollout

Pilot 650 cabs Delhi 2025; performance metrics to guide scale decisions.
20-city expansion 2026 prioritises metros, tier-1 urban clusters.
Goal 1 lakh cooperative cabs pan-India by 2030 with self-financed growth.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Implementing ministry	Union Ministry of Cooperation
Tech partner	National e-Governance Division (NeGD)
Managing entity	Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd
Initial authorised capital	₹300 crore
Launch schedule	November 2025
First-city rollout strength	650 driver-owners
Phase-II target	20 cities by 2026
2030 fleet goal	1 lakh cabs
Driver designation	“Saarthi”
Driver earnings	100 % of fare
Pricing policy	No surge, transparent tariff
Digital integrations	DigiLocker, UMANG, API Setu
Backing cooperatives	Amul, IFFCO, NAFED, KRIBHCO, NABARD, NCDC

GS-3Environment

7.Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary)

Times of IndiaSaranda · Singhbhum Elephant Reserve · Sal Forest

Illustration for Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary)

What & Where

Proposed wildlife sanctuary inside Saranda Forest Division, West Singhbhum, southern Jharkhand

Part of Singhbhum Elephant Reserve, key corridor linking Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh

Envisaged 310 sq km within 856 sq km Sal-rich Saranda landscape

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

SupremeCourt reserves verdict on plea trimming sanctuary to 250 sq km citing tribal habitation
NGT 2022 mandated sanctuary notification under Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Game reserve tag since 1968 under erstwhile Bihar law

Environmental Impact

Sal forests serve major carbon sink and eastern biodiversity hotspot
Maintains elephant movement between Jharkhand Odisha Chhattisgarh habitats
Hosts rare orchids plus diverse mammals birds reptiles

Social Concerns

Ho Munda Oraon PVTGs depend on mahua lac resin for livelihoods
Forest Rights Act 2006 backs community tenure inside proposed sanctuary
State argues area cut shields villages customary rights

Economic Angle

Contains about 26 % national iron ore luring SAIL and private miners
Mining vs conservation drives policy friction in Saranda hills
Potential habitat loss threatens long term ecosystem services

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Proposed sanctuary area	310 sq km (state seeks 250 sq km)
Total Saranda region	856 sq km; 816 sq km reserved forest
District & State	West Singhbhum, Jharkhand
First legal status	Game reserve 1968, Bihar Forest Act
NGT order year	2022 directive to notify under WLPA 1972
Dominant tree	Sal Shorea robusta
Flagship fauna	Asian elephant
Other fauna	Four-horned antelope, sloth bear, flying lizard
Iron ore share	≈26 % of India’s reserves
Resident communities	Ho, Munda, Oraon, PVTGs
Corridor connects	Saranda–Similipal–Sundargarh forests
Local NTFPs	Mahua flowers, resin, lac

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2011PYQ 1

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 Adaptation Gap Report 2025 (Climate Adaptation Finance)

UNEPAdaptation Finance Gap · UNEP · Developing Countries Needs

Illustration for UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2025 (Climate Adaptation Finance)

What & Where

UNEP Adaptation Gap Report (annual, UNEP–Copenhagen Climate Centre) audits global adaptation planning, implementation, finance progress

Focuses on developing-country resilience gap; informs UNFCCC negotiations and upcoming COP30 in Belém, Brazil

2025 edition “Running on Empty” flags severe funding shortfall, high loan dependence, sluggish private investment

Quick Facts for MCQs

Finance & Debt

Widening-gap: flows fell from US$28 bn (2022) to US$26 bn (2023) despite rising needs
Debt-heavy: non-concessional loans dominate, risking adaptation debt traps for vulnerable economies
Baku–Belém roadmap urges US$1.3 tn annual climate finance with more grants, non-debt tools

Planning & Implementation

Coverage: near-universal NAP adoption yet 36 outdated, limiting efficacy
Actions: >1,600 measures logged, concentrated in biodiversity, water, agriculture, infrastructure; outcome metrics scarce
MEL gaps: weak monitoring and evaluation hinder evidence-based scaling, raise maladaptation risk

India Dimension

Alignment: NAPCC, state plans mirror UNEP priority sectors—agriculture, water, infrastructure
Exposure: recurrent heatwaves, floods, glacial retreat intensify adaptation urgency and funding need
Leadership: ISA, LiFE, G20-2023 showcase diplomacy; still reliant on concessional international finance for scale-up

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Required adaptation finance (2035)	US$310–365 billion / year
Current flows (2023)	US$26 billion
Shortfall multiple	12–14 times
Loan share in flows	58 %
Private sector share	~US$5 billion
Potential private capacity	Up to US$50 billion
Countries with ≥1 NAP	172
Outdated NAPs	36
UNFCCC funds disbursed (2024)	US$920 million
Glasgow pledge status	Doubling by 2025 off-track

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2024PYQ 1

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

GS-2Environment

9.International Solar Alliance Assembly Session-8 (Solar Energy Diplomacy)

PIBISA Assembly · SUNRISE Network · OSOWOG

Illustration for International Solar Alliance Assembly Session-8 (Solar Energy Diplomacy)

What & Where

Alliance: International Solar Alliance, 2015 India-France launch, HQ Gurugram, 125 members targeting global solar scale-up

Venue: 8th ISA Assembly, 30 Oct 2025, Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi, chaired by India, focus on Global South leadership

Agenda: New initiatives — SUNRISE recycling network, OSOWOG trans-continental grid, SIDS joint procurement platform

Quick Facts for MCQs

New Programs

SUNRISE: Drives circular economy, solar waste recycling, green jobs across member states
OSOWOG: Feasibility studies within 2–3 yrs for intercontinental transmission links
SIDS Platform: 16 island states MoU with ISA-World Bank for pooled procurement and digital integration

Reports & Data

Launch: Ease of Doing Solar 2025, Solar Compass, Floating Solar Framework, Global Trends 2025
Statistic: Solar confirmed as leading clean-energy growth driver per Global Trends report
Metric: 70 % future buildings in developing nations still unbuilt, boosting BIPV potential

India’s Achievements

Capacity: Solar rose 2.82 GW (2014) → 110.9 GW (2025); record 23.83 GW added FY 25
Manufacturing: Module 2.3 GW → 88 GW; Cell 1.2 GW → 25 GW by Mar 2025
Milestone: Non-fossil sources now 50 % of installed capacity, met five years early

Challenges

Dependence: >50 % solar hardware imported from China, minerals supply risk
Land: Project-agriculture conflict; agrivoltaics and 600 MW Omkareshwar floating solar proposed
Waste: Absence of recycling rules; SUNRISE to craft solar e-waste guidelines

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
ISA launch year	2015 (COP21, Paris)
ISA headquarters	Gurugram, India
Member & signatory countries	125
8th Assembly date	30 October 2025
SUNRISE full form	Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation & Stakeholder Engagement
OSOWOG coverage	Asia–Middle East–Europe–Africa
ISA investment target	USD 1 trillion by 2030
Solar investment 2024	USD 521 billion
Energy transition investment 2024	USD 2,083 billion
Share by ISA members	USD 861.2 billion

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2016PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

ESE_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 2

What is the name of the initiative launched by India and Denmark in November 2025 to enhance bilateral ties?

GS-2International RelationsQuick Bite

10.India–Nepal 400 kV Power Lines (Cross-Border Power Trade)

Economic TimesInaruwa–Purnea Line · Lamki–Bareilly Line · POWERGRID

Illustration for India–Nepal 400 kV Power Lines (Cross-Border Power Trade)

What & Where

Project: two 400 kV India–Nepal cross-border transmission systems under POWERGRID–NEA pact

Route 1: Inaruwa (Morang, Nepal) ↔ New Purnea (Bihar, India)

Route 2: Lamki-Dododhara (Kailali, Nepal) ↔ Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh, India)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Transmission spec: high-capacity 400 kV double-circuit lines enabling bulk power flow both directions
Grid integration: aligns with South Asian Association for Regional Energy Cooperation framework
Clean energy: facilitates dispatch of surplus Nepali hydropower into India’s renewable mix

Economic Angle

Trade boost: higher interconnection capacity lowers wheeling charges and curbs import dependence on fossil fuels
Investment: cross-border infrastructure spurs private hydel projects in Nepal, EPC contracts for Indian firms

Diplomatic Dimension

Bilateral ties: energy interdependence deepens strategic trust under 2014 India–Nepal Power Trade Agreement
Security: stable electricity supply in Terai region reduces illicit diesel-gen trade and border tensions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Voltage level	400 kilovolt (kV)
Indian utility	Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (POWERGRID)
Nepali utility	Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)
Indian nodes	New Purnea (Bihar); Bareilly (UP)
Nepali nodes	Inaruwa (Morang); Lamki-Dododhara (Kailali)
Policy backdrop	India’s Neighborhood First & Regional Energy Integration
Key resource	Nepal hydropower exports to India
Primary goal	Raise power-trade capacity, grid reliability

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

In January 2024, India has entered into a bilateral agreement through which it will provide grant assistance to a country to construct a 20 feet Bailey bridge. Identify the country.

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

11.India Exits Tajikistan Ayni Airbase (Overseas Military Bases)

Economic TimesAyni Airbase · Tajikistan · Wakhan Corridor

Illustration for India Exits Tajikistan Ayni Airbase (Overseas Military Bases)

What & Where

Ayni Airbase – Soviet-era strip modernised by India; India’s 2nd overseas military base after Farkhor (1998-2008).

Sited ~10 km west of Dushanbe, Tajikistan; ~20 km from Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor.

Logistics-intelligence hub for Afghan Northern Alliance; Indian deployment withdrawn after 2022 pact expiry.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Proximity offers surveillance over Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan and Afghan airspace.
No combat sorties; served repair, refuel, med-evac roles for Tajik & Indian forces.
Withdrawal reduces India’s quick-reaction presence in Central Asia.

Timeline & Agreements

Farkhor activated 1998; shut ~2008; Ayni modernisation followed.
India-Tajik pact on personnel stationing expired 2022; not renewed.
Full Indian drawdown acknowledged October 2025.

Geopolitical Significance

Base’s worth declined post-2021 Taliban takeover, erasing Northern Alliance buffer.
Reflects India’s limited footprint in land-locked Central Asia amid evolving Afghan dynamics.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Host country	Tajikistan
Distance from Dushanbe	≈10 km west
Nearby corridor	~20 km to Afghanistan’s Wakhan
Indian base order	2nd overseas (after Farkhor)
Primary Indian asset	Mi-17 helicopters
Permanent fighter squadron	Nil
Support objective	Northern Alliance vs. Taliban
Evacuation use	Kabul fall, Aug 2021
Agreement lapse	2022
Indian exit confirmed	Oct 2025

GS-2Scheme

12.Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Rabi 2025 (Fertilizer Subsidy)

PIBNBS Scheme · P&K Fertilizers · DAP Support

What & Where

Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS): 2010 central-sector scheme ensuring affordable Phosphatic & Potassic fertilizers country-wide

Subsidy fixed per kg of N, P, K, S; paid to manufacturers/importers; P&K prices partially decontrolled

Latest Cabinet clearance applies to Rabi 2025-26 (1 Oct 2025 – 31 Mar 2026)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Policy & Scheme

Decontrol: P&K MRPs free, Government monitors affordability
Support: Cabinet may sanction extra subsidy e.g., DAP during global volatility
Targeting: Subsidy released via Direct Benefit Transfer after sales

Fiscal & Economic Angle

Burden: Fertilizer subsidy second only to food, swollen by global price spikes
Volatility: Rising non-urea prices hurt crop profitability, deter balanced nutrient use
Exposure: Heavy import reliance makes subsidy bill sensitive to exchange, freight rates

Environmental Impact

Imbalance: Cheap urea drives N overapplication, P&K underuse, nutrient skew
Pollution: Excess nitrogen leaches to groundwater, emits nitrous oxide
Degradation: Declining soil organic carbon threatens long-term productivity

Reform Proposals

Inclusion: CACP urges bringing urea under NBS for nutrient parity
Targeting: Cap subsidized bag quota per farmer, verify via Aadhaar
Diversification: Incentivise organic, bio, nano fertilizers for soil health

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2010
Implementing ministry	Dept of Fertilizers, Mo Chemicals & Fertilizers
Fertilizer categories covered	28 P&K grades incl DAP, NPKS
Subsidy metric	₹ per kg of N, P, K, S
Urea status	Excluded; MRP ₹242 per 45 kg bag (since 2018)
Price control P&K	Decontrolled; MRPs set by firms, monitored
Latest season approved	Rabi 2025-26 (Oct–Mar)
Import dependence	25 % urea, 90 % phosphate, 100 % potash
Fiscal ranking	2nd-largest subsidy head after food

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2020PYQ 1

As per the Budget Estimates of expenditure on major subsidies during 2019–20, the maximum expenditure was likely to be on

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 2

Which one of the following Yojanas replaces two schemes – National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS), 1999 as well as the Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS), 2010 – by incorporating the best features of all these schemes while removing the previous shortcomings and weaknesses?

GS-2Scheme

13.PM-ABHIM Health Infrastructure Mission (Health Infrastructure)

PIBPM-ABHIM · One Health · Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

Illustration for PM-ABHIM Health Infrastructure Mission (Health Infrastructure)

What & Where

Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission; nationwide CSS launched Oct 2021 to fortify public health capacity 2021-26

Scope: Upgrades entire care chain via Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, BPHUs, IPHLs, Critical-Care Blocks across rural-urban India

Approach: Integrates One-Health, real-time surveillance, research; anchors India’s SDG-3 and Universal Health Coverage goals

Quick Facts for MCQs

Infrastructure Components

AAMs; convert Sub-Health & Primary Centres into rural/urban hubs offering preventive, promotive, basic curative services
IPHLs; district labs provide advanced diagnostics, feed data into national digital surveillance network
CCBs; new tertiary critical-care units established in population-dense districts for emergency response

Governance & Policy

Mission; supports Universal Health Coverage, complements NHM 2005 and National Health Policy 2017 decentralisation vision
Funding; centre-state cost-sharing under CSS with outcome-based monitoring
BPHUs; strengthen block-level administration, integrate public health planning and logistics

International Context

WHO agreement; adopted 20 May 2025 at 78th WHA to ensure equitable pandemic response tools
Instrument; only second binding treaty under WHO after 2003 FCTC
Obligation; parties cooperate on timely access to diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, data-sharing

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch month	October 2021
Scheme nature	Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Coverage period	FY 2021-22 → FY 2025-26
Core components	AAMs, BPHUs, IPHLs, CCBs, IT-Surveillance, Research
Primary centres renamed	Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Guiding concept	One-Health (human-animal-environment)
SDG addressed	Goal 3 – Good Health & Well-being
WHO treaty linked	Global Pandemic Agreement 2025
Treaty legal base	Article 19, WHO Constitution
Earlier WHO treaty	2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से, प्रधानमंत्री स्वास्थ्य सुरक्षा योजना (PMSSY) का/के उद्देश्य है/हैं?

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 2

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:

GS-1Economy

14.Graduate Employability Gap in India (Employment Skills Gap)

The HinduEmployability · 42.6% Job-Ready · Industry–Academia Gap

What & Where

Employability = graduate ability to acquire, apply, adapt knowledge + skills + mindset for fast-changing work settings.

Key processes: holistic skillset, adaptability, lifelong learning, measurable value creation for employers.

India context: only 42.6 % graduates job-ready, highlighting widening academia-industry gap.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Causal Factors

Academia: outdated syllabi, exam focus, negligible soft-skill grooming.
Industry: rapid tech shifts, weak campus collaboration, short-term recruitment bias.
Coordination: minimal joint research, course design, or mentorship initiatives.

Government & Industry Schemes

NEP 2020 promotes multidisciplinary credits, apprenticeships, research-industry links.
AICTE policy requires internships to bridge classroom–shop-floor divide.
FutureSkills PRIME and Skill India Mission target digital, vocational upskilling at scale.

Operational Challenges

Curriculum inertia due to regulatory delays slows new-skill inclusion.
Faculty exposure limited; few sabbaticals or tech immersions available.
Urban–rural divide leaves smaller colleges without labs, broadband, corporate interface.

Proposed Reforms

Curriculum co-design with employers, universities, regulators on biennial cycle.
Dual-learning: embed apprenticeships, live projects within degree credit structure.
Faculty immersion programmes to import industry practices into pedagogy.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Job-ready graduates (India)	42.6 %
Core deficit	Academia–industry alignment
NEP 2020 thrust	Flexibility, experiential learning, integration
AICTE Internship Policy	Mandatory industrial exposure for engineering students
Skill India Mission tool	Sector Skill Councils for vocational training
NASSCOM FutureSkills PRIME	Certifications in AI, cybersecurity, data analytics
Top academic flaw	Outdated, theory-heavy curriculum
Top industry flaw	“Plug-and-play” hire expectation without training

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