Tuesday, 4 November 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: विश्व बैंक ने यह चेतावनी दी है कि भारत वह पहला देश बन सकता है जहाँ आर्टिफ़िशियल इंटेलिजेंस-आधारित ऑटोमेशन (डेटा-ड्रिवन ऑटोमेशन) के कारण 35% से अधिक नौकरियाँ प्रभावित होंगी। निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

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

Q: India is a destination for global outsourcing. Which of the following is/are the more appropriate reason(s) for making the multinational corporations choose India for outsourcing their services?

The correct answer is (b) 1 and 3. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2021.

Q: According to the Reserve Bank of India’s report, which two countries together accounted for over one-third of the total FDI in India?

The correct answer is (a) United States and Singapore. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2026.

Q: As per the data up to November, 2020, released by the Union Finance Ministry, which one of the following countries ranks 1 in terms of ODI (Outward Direct Investment) for the year 2020–21?

The correct answer is (c) Mauritius. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2021.

Q: Consider the following statements: Towards the close of 1995, the fortunes of Indian hockey were believed to be on the upswing because —

The correct answer is (a) I, II and III are correct. This question appeared in GS1 1996.

Q: Assertion (A): Anti-cyclonic conditions are formed in winter season when atmospheric pressure is high and air temperatures are low.

The correct answer is (a) Both A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A. This question appeared in GS1 2001.

Q: Temperate forests of South India, known as ‘Sholas’ are found in which of the following hills?

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: Which one of the following rivers thrice forks into two streams and reunites a few miles farther on, thus forming the islands of Srirangapattnam, Sivasamudram and Srirangam?

The correct answer is (a) Cauvery. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 1996.

Q: Which peninsular river has a tributary named ‘Kabini’?

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

Q: Which of the following Ramsar Wetland sites is not situated in any of the Union Territories of India?

The correct answer is (a) Hokera Wetland. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2024.

14 topicsGS-1: 4GS-2: 3GS-3: 7

0/14 done

GS-2Polity

1.Centrally Sponsored Schemes Reform (Centrally Sponsored Schemes)

Indian ExpressCAG committee · Core of Core · Consolidated Fund

What & Where

Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Centre–State cost-shared programmes on State/Concurrent subjects; money enters State Consolidated Fund.

Present basket: 54 schemes classified as Core of Core, Core, Optional; implemented across all states/UTs.

2025 CAG committee reviewing CSS budgeting, accounting, payments, SDG linkage.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Funding Pattern

Allocation: 60:40 standard, 80:20 select sectors, 90:10 North-East, tribal, hilly special states
Centre spends 8 paise per rupee on CSS, roughly a tenth of Union budget
Funds routed exclusively through each State’s Consolidated Fund before utilisation

Operational Challenges

Transparency: Budgets often merge Centre and State shares, masking CSS outlay, hindering SDG mapping
Fund flow: Irregular releases trigger project delays, year-end spending rush, idle balances
Payments: DBT hampered by beneficiary data errors, banking glitches, weak real-time tracking

Reform Proposals

Budgeting: Uniform heads, SDG-tagged line items, 3-year rolling allocations, 10–15 % performance linked
Accounting: National template, common codes, compulsory State IFMIS sync for consolidation and CAG audit trail
Technology: AI analytics and mobile monitoring detect anomalies; Aadhaar-based authentication, grievance redress via CSCs

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Current CSS count	54
Central Sector Schemes count	260
Union budget share to CSS	≈ 10 %
Standard funding ratio	60 : 40 (Centre : State)
N-E / Special Category ratio	90 : 10
Core-of-Core example	MGNREGA
CAG constitutional article	Article 148
CAG tenure ceiling	6 yrs or 65 yrs

GS-3Editorial

2.India IT Sector Crossroads (IT Sector Trends)

The HinduAI automation · 7% GDP · H-1B visa costs

What & Where

Sector: India’s IT–BPM industry; pivotal shift from bulk outsourcing to AI-led, value-added digital services.

Process change: Routine coding/testing automated; firms moving to specialised, agile project squads.

Geography: Major hubs Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai; >60 % revenues sourced from US & Europe markets.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Revenue dip: Client budget cuts in US, EU constrict new outsourcing contracts.
Cost rise: Higher H-1B visa fees inflate overseas deployment expenses for Indian firms.
Model shift: Assembly-line hiring obsolete; clients seek outcome-based, niche expertise.

Tech & Schemes

Automation surge: Agentic AI, GenAI tools now execute coding, testing, reporting functions.
Upskilling push: Large IT majors embedding AI, cloud, cybersecurity modules in workforce training.
Deep-tech rise: 1,000+ AI/SaaS start-ups reposition India from services to product innovation hub.

Social Concerns

Layoffs spike: Mid-level professionals face skill redundancy without robust safety nets.
Digital divide: Unequal access to AI training widens regional employability gaps.
Stress costs: Job insecurity triggers mental, economic strain, lowering productivity.

Policy & Governance

Mission plan: Proposed National AI Upskilling Mission unites academia, industry, government incentives.
Worker shield: Suggested 6–9 month severance plus retraining fund for displaced employees.
Innovation need: Raise R&D spend above <1 % GDP, promote AI research parks and incubators.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
GDP share	~7 % of India’s GDP
Annual revenue	≈ US$ 280 billion
Workforce size	> 6 million employees
TCS reskilling target	5 lakh+ staff on AI skills
Indian AI/SaaS start-ups	1,000 + entities
National R&D spend	< 1 % of GDP
Severance proposal	6–9 months pay for laid-off IT staff

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 1

विश्व बैंक ने यह चेतावनी दी है कि भारत वह पहला देश बन सकता है जहाँ आर्टिफ़िशियल इंटेलिजेंस-आधारित ऑटोमेशन (डेटा-ड्रिवन ऑटोमेशन) के कारण 35% से अधिक नौकरियाँ प्रभावित होंगी। निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

GEO_GS, GS1 2021PYQ 2

India is a destination for global outsourcing. Which of the following is/are the more appropriate reason(s) for making the multinational corporations choose India for outsourcing their services?

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

3.FLA Census 2024-25 FDI Trends (FDI Statistics)

The HinduUS 20% · Singapore 14.3% · Rs 68.75 lakh crore

What & Where

RBI’s Foreign Liabilities & Assets (FLA) census 2024-25 measures India-linked cross-border equity and debt positions.

Covers inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Indian firms and Outward Direct Investment (ODI) by Indian firms abroad.

FY25 snapshot: US & Singapore top FDI sources; Singapore, US, UK, Netherlands lead ODI destinations.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Top Investors

United States leads with one-fifth of total FDI inflow value.
Singapore second biggest, maintaining two-digit percentage share.
Mauritius, UK, Netherlands collectively form next investment tier.

Sectoral Distribution

Manufacturing attracts nearly half of FDI stock, aiding Make-in-India push.
Services follows manufacturing, reinforcing India’s IT, finance strengths.
Non-financial entities account for 90 %+ of equity, underscoring real-sector dominance.

Outward Investment

ODI rose faster than FDI, 17.9 % vs 11.1 % YoY.
Key ODI destinations: Singapore, US, UK, Netherlands mirror inbound pattern.
Narrowed inward-to-outward ratio signals rising global expansion by Indian firms.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
US share in India’s FDI	20 %
Singapore share	14.3 %
Combined US+Singapore share	> 33 %
Next three investors	Mauritius, UK, Netherlands
FDI stock FY25	₹68.75 lakh cr
FDI stock FY24	₹61.88 lakh cr
FDI growth FY25	11.1 % YoY
Manufacturing FDI share	48.4 %
Services rank	Second
Firms that are foreign subsidiaries	> 75 %
Non-financial share in FDI equity	> 90 %
ODI stock FY25	₹11.66 lakh cr
ODI growth FY25	17.9 % YoY
Inward : outward DI ratio	5.9:1 (was 6.3)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2026PYQ 1

According to the Reserve Bank of India’s report, which two countries together accounted for over one-third of the total FDI in India?

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 2

As per the data up to November, 2020, released by the Union Finance Ministry, which one of the following countries ranks 1 in terms of ODI (Outward Direct Investment) for the year 2020–21?

GS-1History

4.Centenary of Indian Hockey (Indian Hockey Legacy)

PIBDhyan Chand · Indian Hockey Federation 1925 · Olympic gold streak

What & Where

Field hockey in India – 11-a-side stick-and-ball game, revered as national sport of pride

Centenary celebrations (1925-2025) slated 7 Nov at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi

Sport introduced by British in 1850s; first Indian club at Calcutta 1855

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

1850s British officers introduce hockey; rapid adoption due to open grounds
1925 IHF formed soon after FIH; aligns India with global governance
Post-2000s revival through targeted funding, scientific training, league exposure

Achievements & Records

Six straight Olympic golds remain unmatched across all team sports
13 total Olympic podiums, 1 World Cup, multiple Asian titles underline dominance
Dhyan Chand nicknamed Wizard for scoring prowess on 1926-36 tours

Cultural Significance

Post-colonial identity builder, uniting linguistically diverse regions under tricolour
Symbol of teamwork, discipline, resilience; integral to school and armed-forces sport culture
Major tournaments spur local stick manufacturing hubs in Punjab, UP, Odisha

Women’s Hockey

ASMITA, Khelo India schemes fuel talent pipelines from rural belts
2002 Commonwealth gold broke glass ceiling, inspiring Haryana-Odisha athlete surge
Near-podium Tokyo 2020 elevated visibility, corporate support, broadcast hours

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Centenary span	1925 – 2025
Celebration date	7 November 2024*
Venue	Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Delhi
First Indian club	Calcutta, 1855
National federation	Indian Hockey Federation, 1925
First overseas tour	New Zealand 1926; 18 wins / 21
Olympic gold streak	6 consecutive, 1928-1956
Total Olympic golds	8 (last 1980)
Only World Cup win	Kuala Lumpur 1975
Latest Olympic medal	Bronze, Tokyo 2020
Asian Games gold	Hangzhou 2023
Current world rank	Top 5 (FIH men)
Noted legends	Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Sr, Dhanraj Pillay
Women milestone	Commonwealth gold 2002; Olympic 4th place 2020

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1996PYQ 1

Consider the following statements: Towards the close of 1995, the fortunes of Indian hockey were believed to be on the upswing because —

GS-1Geography

5.Afghanistan 2025 Earthquake Overview (Earthquake Basics)

RTMazar-e-Sharif · Hypocenter · Epicenter

Illustration for Afghanistan 2025 Earthquake Overview (Earthquake Basics)

What & Where

Earthquake = sudden ground shaking from fault slip; focus = hypocenter, surface point = epicenter.

Northern Afghanistan (near Mazar-e-Sharif) hit by Mw 6.3; region sits on Indian-Eurasian-Arabian plate junction.

Seismic cycle involves foreshocks, mainshock, aftershocks transmitted as P-waves (fast) and S-waves (shear).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Measurement & Scales

Seismograph converts ground motion to electronic trace for analysis.
Mw scale logarithmic; each whole number ≈ 32× energy increase.
Mercalli intensity grades damage felt; independent of released energy.

Afghan Vulnerabilities

Collision zone concentrates stress; frequent shallow crustal quakes.
Steep mountains trigger quake-induced landslides, blocking relief.
Mud-brick dwellings lack reinforcement; sparse seismic network limits alerts.

Seismic Sequence

Foreshocks: smaller slips shortly before mainshock, same fault area.
Mainshock: peak energy discharge, governs overall damage pattern.
Aftershocks: tapering series for weeks–months while crust re-adjusts.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Latest magnitude	6.3 Mw
Instrument	Seismograph → seismogram
Magnitude scale	Richter / Moment Magnitude (Mw)
Intensity scale	Modified Mercalli (I–XII)
Epicenter location	Triangulation using P & S arrival times
Major Afghan faults	Chaman, Hari Rud, Badakhshan
Plate setting	Collision of Indian, Eurasian, Arabian plates

GS-1Geography

6.Western Disturbance Weather System (Western Disturbances)

DD NewsMediterranean origin · Subtropical westerly jet · Winter rain

Illustration for Western Disturbance Weather System (Western Disturbances)

What & Where

Definition Extratropical storm from Mediterranean bringing winter rain‐snow to northwest India, Pakistan, Himalayas

Process Cyclogenesis over Mediterranean, eastward drift on subtropical westerly jet, moisture release against Himalayas

Geography Impacts Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR and adjoining plains

Quick Facts for MCQs

Formation Dynamics

Trigger Temperature gradient between polar Europe air and warm subtropics initiates upper-air low pressure
Enhancement Strong jet core and sharp gradient raise frequency and intensity
Termination Rapid weakening after moisture dump over Himalayan barrier

Agricultural Impact

Moisture Timely showers boost soil moisture crucial for Rabi yield
Yield Moderate WD frequency correlates with higher wheat productivity in Indo-Gangetic belt
Risk Excess rain or hail damages standing crops, especially during grain-filling stage

Weather & Climate

Precipitation Provides bulk of winter rainfall for northwest India, replenishing rivers and groundwater
Temperature Cloud cover raises night minima yet suppresses day maxima, inducing cold day conditions
Air quality Rain-wind combo temporarily disperses particulate pollution over IGP

Hazard Potential

Disasters Heavy WDs can trigger floods, landslides, avalanches in Himalayan terrain
Urban impact Waterlogging and traffic disruption common in Delhi-NCR during intense spells
Monsoon link Decline of WDs by late May facilitates smooth southwest monsoon onset

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Origin basin	Mediterranean Sea
Driving jet	Subtropical westerly jet stream
Key moisture sources	Mediterranean, Caspian, Black Seas
Peak influence months	December – April
Essential crop stage	Rabi growth of wheat, mustard
Orographic barrier	Himalayas
Typical effects	Cloudy sky, warmer nights, cold days
Post-passage risks	Fog, cold wave
Interaction record	2013 Uttarakhand flood with southwest monsoon
Dissipation zone	South-slope Himalayas

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2001PYQ 1

Assertion (A): Anti-cyclonic conditions are formed in winter season when atmospheric pressure is high and air temperatures are low.

GS-1Mapping

7.Nigeria Geography and Key Features (Country Mapping)

ITAbuja · Niger Delta · Jos Plateau

Illustration for Nigeria Geography and Key Features (Country Mapping)

What & Where

Nigeria — federal republic, most populous in Africa, West Africa’s largest oil producer.

Capital Abuja; borders Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin; south opens to Gulf of Guinea.

Core terrains: Niger-Benue basin, Niger Delta wetlands, Jos Plateau, Cameroon Highlands.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Boko Haram & ISWAP drive protracted northeast insurgency, amplifying humanitarian crisis.
Farmer-herder clashes intensified by resource scarcity, climate stress.
Trump threatened military action “to wipe out Islamic terrorists” inside Nigeria.

Diplomatic Angle

Dec 2020: US placed Nigeria on “Country of Particular Concern” list.
CPC label enables sanctions, arms restrictions, aid conditions.
Move reignited debate over US interventionism in African conflicts.

Physical Geography

Sokoto & Borno plains dominate northwest and northeast savannas.
Niger Delta rich in petroleum, natural gas; critical to export revenue.
Jos Plateau offers temperate microclimate, supports tin and columbite mining.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Political system	Federal presidential republic
Capital shift year	1991 (Lagos ➔ Abuja)
Highest peak	Chappal Waddi – 2,419 m
Main drainage	Niger-Benue River system
Delta rank	Among world’s largest wetlands
Climate gradient	Humid equatorial (S) → Arid (N)
Key soils	Lateritic/alluvial south; Sandy arid north
Top insurgent groups	Boko Haram, ISWAP
US CPC tag law	International Religious Freedom Act 1998
US allegation	Failure to protect Christians from Islamist attacks

GS-3Environment

8.Pampadum Shola National Park Restoration (Western Ghats NP)

Down to EarthShola grasslands · Idukki · Pambar River

What & Where

Park – Pampadum Shola NP, 1 300 ha, southernmost shola–grassland mosaic of Western Ghats

Location – Upper Devikulam taluk, Idukki, Kerala-Tamil Nadu border near Kodaikanal, elevation 1 900-2 300 m

Process – 2020-24 manual removal of invasive Australian black wattle restoring native grassland–shola ecology

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biodiversity

Endemics include Nilgiri marten, Kerala laughing thrush, rare orchids and ferns
Grassland–shola mosaic supports high beta diversity across short altitudinal range

Hydrological Significance

Grasslands store monsoon runoff ensuring perennial flow to Pambar–Vaigai basins
Wattle removal improves soil porosity and groundwater recharge

Invasive Species Management

Method – cut stump plus herbicide ban, manual uprooting followed by native grass reseeding
Outcome – first Western Ghats park to restore >35 % invaded area within 4 years

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
State	Kerala
District	Idukki
Area	≈1 300 ha
Western Ghats tag	UNESCO WH site (under consideration)
Elevation band	1 900–2 300 m
Watershed rivers	Pambar & Vaigai
Removal period	2020–2024
Invasive cleared	>475 ha Australian wattle
Native role	Grasslands act as natural aquifers
Key mammals	Nilgiri marten
Key birds	Kerala laughing thrush, black-and-orange flycatcher
Fire episode	Severe blaze 2015, fueled by wattle
Wattle origin in India	British introductions early 1900s
Ecological threat	Dense canopy suppresses native flora, lowers soil porosity
Hydrological impact	Deep roots deplete aquifers, seasonalise streams

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

Temperate forests of South India, known as ‘Sholas’ are found in which of the following hills?

GS-3Environment

9.Cauvery River Heavy Metal Pollution (Cauvery River)

The HinduBrahmagiri Hills · Grand Anicut · Cadmium

What & Where

Cauvery River: 765 km east-southeast flow from Brahmagiri Hills (Karnataka) to Bay of Bengal, key South-Indian lifeline

Heavy metals: high-density elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn) becoming toxic on bioaccumulation in aquatic food chains

Study zone: fish samples along industrial-agri stretches of Cauvery show Cd & Pb above safety limits

Quick Facts for MCQs

Hydrography

Waterfalls formation enriches irrigation plains across Karnataka–Tamil Nadu corridor
Sacred nodes: Srirangapatna, Srirangam located mid-stream attracting pilgrim inflows
Outflow forms fertile delta south of Cuddalore before meeting Bay of Bengal

Pollution Sources

Industrial discharge: dyeing, electroplating units release Cd, Pb into river column
Agricultural runoff transports fertiliser-bound metals into tributaries
Urban sewage influx adds mixed contaminants elevating cumulative load

Health Risks

Bioaccumulation: Cd & Pb concentrate in fish muscle exceeding permissible dietary limits
Chronic exposure: potential neurological, renal malfunctions plus cancer probability
Risk variability: species and site dictate metal uptake, complicating food-safety advisories

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Alias of Cauvery	Dakshina Ganga
River origin	Brahmagiri Hills, Western Ghats
Total length	≈ 765 km
Major dams	Krishnaraja Sagar, Mettur, Grand Anicut
Key tributary	Kabini (others: Hemavati, Amaravati, Bhavani, Noyil)
Delta nickname	Garden of Southern India
Metals analysed	Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn
Principal pollutants	Cadmium, Lead
Main contamination sources	Textile, electroplating effluents; agricultural runoff; untreated sewage
Health impact flagged	Carcinogenic & neuro-renal risks from regular fish intake

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 1996PYQ 1

Which one of the following rivers thrice forks into two streams and reunites a few miles farther on, thus forming the islands of Srirangapattnam, Sivasamudram and Srirangam?

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 2

Which peninsular river has a tributary named ‘Kabini’?

GS-3Environment

10.Rowmari-Donduwa Wetland Ramsar Proposal (Rowmari Wetland)

Times of IndiaLaokhowa WLS · Kaziranga · Bird census 2025

What & Where

Location – 2.5–3 km² floodplain–marsh inside Laokhowa WLS, buffer of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Assam.

Hydrology – Interlinked Brahmaputra floodplain wetlands forming avian migration link between Kaziranga, Orang and Pobitora protected areas.

Significance – 2025 census logged 47,000 + waterbirds from 75–88 species; proposed Rowmari–Donduwa Ramsar site.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Ecological Assets

Fauna – Great Indian Rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Water Buffalo inhabit surrounding WLS.
Avifauna – Bengal Florican, Greater/Lesser Adjutant, Black-necked Stork frequent wetland–grassland mosaic.
Aquatic – Brahmaputra stretch shelters endangered Gangetic River Dolphin and diverse fish nurseries.

Legal & Policy

Ramsar-criteria – Site meets uniqueness, life-cycle refuge and avian abundance thresholds.
Protection – Inside Kaziranga Tiger Reserve buffer; Ramsar tag adds international obligation.
Coverage – Only ~10 % of India’s wetland area presently under Ramsar framework.

Geography & Connectivity

Corridor – Laokhowa-Burhachapori WLS bridges Kaziranga (east) with Orang NP (west) across Brahmaputra chars.
Boundary – Brahmaputra River forms northern edge, creating dynamic sandbars supporting wetland regeneration.
Landscape – Tall grasslands, woodlands, seasonal beels and riverine islands ensure habitat heterogeneity.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Wetland type	Floodplain–marsh
Area	2.5–3 km²
2025 bird census	47,000 + birds; 75–88 spp
Key waterfowl	Knob-billed Duck; Ferruginous Pochard
Convention year	1971
India joined Ramsar	1982
Indian Ramsar sites	94 (Nov 2025)
First Indian site	Chilika Lake, 1981
State with most sites	Tamil Nadu
Avian Ramsar benchmark	≥20,000 waterbirds or 1 % population

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following Ramsar Wetland sites is not situated in any of the Union Territories of India?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

Which one of the following pairs of Ramsar Sites and States is not correctly matched?

GS-3Species

11.Project Cheetah Reintroduction Update (Project Cheetah)

New Indian ExpressAcinonyx jubatus · Kuno National Park · Botswana translocation

Illustration for Project Cheetah Reintroduction Update (Project Cheetah)

What & Where

Project Cheetah – world’s first intercontinental cheetah reintroduction; launched India, 2022

Core release sites: Kuno National Park & Gandhi Sagar WLS, Madhya Pradesh

Next batch: 8 cheetahs from Botswana scheduled by Dec 2025

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Translocation stepwise; aim restoring grassland, biodiversity, eco-tourism
Partners NTCA, Wildlife Institute, Namibian & Botswanan authorities
Long-term goal self-sustaining meta-population across five Indian landscapes

Species Biology

Morphology long limbs, flexible spine, non-retractable claws enabling blistering acceleration
Social males form sibling coalitions; females solitary with cubs
Cubs stay 18–24 months learning hunting

Conservation Status

Global population approx 7,000; Asiatic subspecies <50 confined Iran
Main threats habitat loss, prey decline, human-wildlife conflict
Project Cheetah aligns with IUCN reintroduction guidelines

International Examples

Namibia sent first 8 cheetahs Sept 2022; Botswana second donor Dec 2025 schedule
South Africa sent 12 cheetahs Feb 2023 augmenting gene pool
India-Africa cooperation covers training, telemetry, disease management

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch date	17 Sep 2022
Implementing body	MoEFCC + NTCA
Initial donor nation	Namibia
Upcoming donor nation	Botswana
Additional donor	South Africa (12 cheetahs, Feb 2023)
Extinction in India	1952
Present Indian stock	27 (11 adults + 16 cubs)
Scientific name	Acinonyx jubatus
Global IUCN status	Vulnerable
Asiatic subspecies status	Critically Endangered
Peak speed	97–113 km/h
Average weight	35–65 kg
Gestation period	~93 days
Usual litter size	3–6 cubs
Cub mortality	Up to 90 %
Preferred habitat	Open grassland & savanna

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

Cheetahs, brought from Namibia, were introduced in India to which one of the following National Parks?

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 2

Cheetahs were recently re-introduced to India from Africa. From which language is the name ‘Cheetah’ derived?

GS-2Editorial

12.APEC Summit 2025 Outcomes (APEC Summit)

The HinduGyeongju Declaration · AI Initiative 2026-30 · Demographic framework

Illustration for APEC Summit 2025 Outcomes (APEC Summit)

What & Where

APEC: 21-economy forum (1989) advancing balanced, inclusive, sustainable growth and regional economic integration in the Asia-Pacific.

Process: Consensus-based, voluntary participation; equal voice; permanent secretariat in Singapore.

Geography: Pacific-Rim membership covers 62 % world GDP, 48 % trade; India remains outside.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Summit Outcomes

Declaration: dynamic regional economy, AI preparedness, inclusive growth.
Vision: leaders reaffirmed Putrajaya Vision 2040, free & fair trade multilateralism.
Diplomacy: China-South Korea swap, US-China resume trade talks, selective tariff cuts.

Technology Agenda

Initiative: AI Initiative 2026-30 for inclusive, resilient, sustainable AI growth.
Digital: leaders pledge customs streamlining, standard harmonisation, enhanced digital connectivity.
Energy: push energy-efficient AI infrastructure in member economies.

Demographic Shift

Framework: tackles ageing, low fertility, urbanisation via intergenerational policies.
Silver Economy: boosts elder-centric goods, jobs, fiscal resilience.
Shared: urges social innovation, coordinated regional response.

India Dimension

Interest: seeks APEC entry for deeper Indo-Pacific trade, investment.
Obstacles: forum freeze, consensus rule, protectionism tag, Chinese opposition.
Alignment: Act East, IPOI, MAHASAGAR match APEC connectivity, supply-chain goals.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Establishment Year	1989
Members Count	21 economies
Secretariat Location	Singapore
2025 Summit Host	Gyeongju, South Korea
2025 Declaration Name	Gyeongju Declaration
AI Initiative Period	2026 – 2030
Putrajaya Vision Adoption	2020
Share of World GDP	~62 % (2021)
Share of World Trade	~48 % (2021)
India Membership	Not a member

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

वर्ष 2025 में निम्नलिखित में से किसके तत्वावधान में आयोजित की गई बैठक का विषय 'दुश्मान युग के लिए सहयोग (Collaboration for the Intelligent Age)' था?

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2026PYQ 2

The 22nd India-ASEAN Summit was held in October 2025 in

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

13.Patriot Air Defense System (Patriot System)

Economic TimesPhased Array Radar · Raytheon · 150 km range

Illustration for Patriot Air Defense System (Patriot System)

What & Where

Acronym: PATRIOT = Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target; US-developed mobile surface-to-air missile system.

Theatre: Newly dispatched by Germany and allies to Ukraine against intensifying Russian missile-and-drone strikes.

Capability: Detects targets > 150 km; intercept window roughly 15–20 km radius, up to 20 km altitude.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technical Specs

Detection: Phased-array radar provides long-range target tracking and missile guidance.
Mobility: System mounted on road-mobile launchers, enabling rapid deployment.

Global Operators

Europe: Germany largest external supplier; Poland also fields Patriot batteries.
Asia: Japan, Israel, South Korea widely deploy Patriots for regional defence.
Middle East: Saudi Arabia major operator against airborne threats.

Comparative Systems

India: Akash, PAD, QRSAM form layered indigenous shield.
Russia: S-400, S-500, Buk, Tor dominate its strategic defence inventory.
USA portfolio: Patriot complemented by THAAD, NASAMS, Avenger, proposed Golden Dome.

Security Dimension

Supply: Additional batteries enhance Kyiv’s ability to deter Russian cruise and ballistic assaults.
Coverage gap: Patriot’s 15–20 km radius necessitates multiple batteries for city-wide protection.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Developer	Raytheon Technologies, USA
First fielded	1980s
Missile types intercepted	Aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles
Detection range	Over 150 km
Max engagement altitude	About 20 km
Typical defence footprint	15–20 km radius
Main current donor to Ukraine	Germany
Nations operating system	16 (incl. Germany, Japan, Israel, S. Korea, Saudi Arabia, Poland)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2018PYQ 1

What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news?

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 2

The term ‘Terminal High Altitude Area Defense’, sometimes mentioned in news, refers to

GS-2Scheme

14.Reimagining Agriculture Frontier Tech Roadmap (Digital Agriculture Mission)

PIBNITI Aayog · AI drones · Farmer archetypes

Illustration for Reimagining Agriculture Frontier Tech Roadmap (Digital Agriculture Mission)

What & Where

Roadmap: “Reimagining Agriculture – 2047” by NITI Aayog Frontier Tech Hub

Purpose: Embed AI, IoT, drones, bio-innovation to boost productivity, sustainability, incomes

Location: Released at Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

AI: predictive analytics, digital twins, agentic AI enable real-time advisories and precision operations
Schemes: Digital Agriculture Mission 2021-25, Kisan Drone Scheme, eNAM, Agri Accelerator Fund expand digital reach
Hardware: drones, IoT sensors, smart mechanisation optimise water, nutrients, labour

Challenges

Data: non-standardised siloed datasets hinder interoperability and analytics
Infrastructure: phygital divide from weak connectivity and rural logistics slows tech diffusion
Capacity: low digital literacy and AI-agri skill fusion limit farmer trust and uptake

Recommendations

Mission: launch Digital Agriculture Mission 2.0 for 360° data ecosystem integrating advisories, credit, insurance
R&D: promote cross-disciplinary translational research linking labs to fields for faster adoption
Finance: deploy AI-based credit scoring and patient capital to de-risk deep-tech agri start-ups

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Vision horizon	2047
Launching body	NITI Aayog Frontier Tech Hub
Release venue	Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Three-pillar framework	Enhance – Reimagine – Converge
Farmer archetypes	Aspiring 70-80 % ; Transitioning 15-20 % ; Advanced 1-2 %
Agri workforce share	45.8 % of national employment
Smallholder prevalence	86 % farms < 1 ha
Post-harvest loss	USD 18 billion yearly
Telangana AI pilot	Yield ↑21 % ; Input ↓9 %
Indian agritech start-ups	1,000 + entities

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following is the latest in series being organized as the largest virtual gathering to create dialogues, and accelerate innovation in agriculture ?

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements about ‘REJUPAVE’ is correct?

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