Wednesday, 5 November 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following is a good statistic to evaluate where an economy stands in the financial cycle?

The correct answer is (a) Tax/GDP Ratio. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2025.

Q: In the context of the Indian economy, non-financial debt includes which of the following?

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2020.

Q: Which one of the following statements about Gupta coins is not correct?

The correct answer is (d) The largest number of coins issued by the Guptas were of copper.. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2020.

Q: Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

The correct answer is (b) 'Gravitational waves' were detected.. This question appeared in GS1 2019.

Q: A ‘black hole’ is a body in space which does not allow any radiation to come out. This property is due to its

The correct answer is (a) very small size. This question appeared in GS1 2000.

Q: Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:

The correct answer is (a) I and II. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2025.

Q: BRICS देशों की UNDP द्वारा जारी मानव विकास रिपोर्ट, 2023-24 में उनकी रैंक के आरोही क्रम में व्यवस्थित कीजिए:

The correct answer is (a) 2, 5, 4, 1, 3. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2024.

Q: A World Summit with representation from all the countries will be held in Johannesburg in September 2002 on the subject of

The correct answer is (a) AIDS control. This question appeared in GS1 2002.

Q: ‘Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action’, often seen in the news, is

The correct answer is (c) an agenda for women’s empowerment, an outcome of a World Conference convened by the United Nations. This question appeared in GS1 2015.

Q: Which one among the following statements with regard to India’s maritime initiative, SAGAR, is correct?

The correct answer is (a) It is a platform for conducting joint naval exercises under QUAD. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024.

13 topicsDefense & Security: 2Economy: 3Editorial: 1Environment: 2History: 1Misc: 2Scheme: 1Science & Technology: 1

0/13 done

Economy

1.Fortified Rice Kernel Export (Fortified Rice Export)

BWAPEDA · FRK · Chhattisgarh

What & Where

Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK): extruded rice-flour grain infused with iron, folic acid, vitamin B12; mimics natural rice shape.

First export: 12 metric tonnes dispatched from Chhattisgarh, India to Costa Rica under APEDA facilitation.

Blend-ratio: FRK mixed 1:100 with regular rice for uniform micronutrient delivery in staple diets.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Statutory-body: APEDA promotes, regulates scheduled agri-exports, registers exporters, inspects quality.
Enactment: Created by APEDA Act 1985; began 13 Feb 1986, superseding PFEPC.
Support: Offers financial, technical aid and packaging guidance to enhance export competitiveness.

Tech & Schemes

Extrusion: High-temperature moulding locks micronutrients, replicates grain aesthetics for consumer acceptance.
Fortification: 1:100 blend meets national Anaemia-Mukt Bharat and global codex standards.
Value-addition: FRK part of APEDA push for fortified, organic, GI-tagged export products.

International Examples

Market-entry: Costa Rica first overseas buyer of Indian FRK, signalling Latin American demand.
Diversification: Shipment showcases India moving beyond conventional rice to nutrient-dense variants in exports.
Benchmark: Compliance with global norms positions India for expanded fortified food trade worldwide.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Export volume	12 metric tonnes
Destination country	Costa Rica
Dispatch state	Chhattisgarh
Export facilitator	APEDA
Parent ministry	Commerce & Industry
Statutory basis	APEDA Act, 1985 (Act 2 of 1986)
Operational since	13 Feb 1986
Replaced body	Processed Food Export Promotion Council
Key micronutrients	Iron, folic acid, vitamin B12
Blending ratio	1 kg FRK : 100 kg normal rice
Core technology	Extrusion and reshaping
Quality yardstick	International food safety & fortification norms

Economy

2.Amul Tops Global Cooperative Ranking (Cooperative Sector Ranking)

LiveMintAmul · GCMMF · ICA

Illustration for Amul Tops Global Cooperative Ranking (Cooperative Sector Ranking)

What & Where

Cooperative = voluntary, democratic, jointly-owned enterprise; rule: “one member, one vote”.

Amul’s three-tier dairy network: 18,600 village societies → 36 lakh producers; HQ Anand, Gujarat.

ICA World Cooperative Monitor 2025 (ICA–EURICSE), Brussels-based, ranked Amul No. 1 globally (GDP-per-capita metric).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Amendment 2023 tightens audit, board term, conflict-of-interest norms in MSCS.
State cooperatives in List II; multi-state in List I under Central Registrar.
Policy 2025 aligns with “Sahakar se Samriddhi” mandate of new ministry.

Economic Angle

Cooperatives engage 29 crore Indians, huge rural credit & marketing footprint.
Top five states (MH, GJ, TG, MP, KA) house 57 % of societies.
Amul, IFFCO feature in global top-10 revenue charts.

Institutional Bodies

Central Registrar under Cooperation Ministry oversees ~1,500 multi-state societies.
Tribhuvan Sahkari University proposed for specialised cooperative education.
Funds leveraged: DIDF, PMMSY, NPDD for sectoral expansion.

International Recognition

UNGA declared 2025 International Year of Cooperatives.
ICA promotes self-help, equality, social responsibility since 1895.
World Cooperative Monitor benchmarks economic & social impact annually.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
ICA headquarters	Brussels, Belgium
Monitor partners	ICA + EURICSE
Amul producer members	~36 lakh
Amul village cooperatives	~18,600
Total Indian cooperatives	8.42 lakh
Indian cooperative members	29 crore (27 % world)
97th CAA year	2011
New rights added	Art 19(1)(c), Art 43B
Governance chapter	Part IXB, Arts 243ZH–243ZT
MSCS Act / Amendment	2002 / 2023
Ministry of Cooperation	Created 2021
National Coop. Policy span	2025-2045
Target new M-PACS	2 lakh
UN IYC 2025 theme	“Cooperatives Build a Better World”

Economy

3.India's Rising Household Debt (Household Debt Trends)

The HinduRBI data · financial liabilities · savings ratio

Illustration for India's Rising Household Debt (Household Debt Trends)

What & Where

Concept: Household financial assets versus liabilities trend tracked by RBI, FSR, SBI, IMF

Period: FY 2019-20 → FY 2024-25 shows liabilities expanding twice as fast as assets

Geography: All-India households, rural and urban, across banking and market channels

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

GrowthEffect: Rising household debt boosts near-term demand, drags GDP after three years per IMF analysis
IMFFinding: 5 pp debt/GDP jump linked to 1.25 pp lower real GDP, higher unemployment
CapitalFormation: Consumption-centric borrowing restrains productive investment and future income gains

Financial Sector Impact

Leverage: Household debt 42 % of GDP yet climbing toward EME norms
CreditQuality: Two-thirds loans prime; unsecured consumption segment shows faster stress emergence
CrisisRisk: Each 1 pp debt/GDP rise adds ≈1 pp probability of future banking crisis

Social Concerns

Informality: 80–85 % workforce informal, causing unstable earnings and low systematic saving
Vulnerability: Poorer households depend on unsecured loans, heightening financial marginalisation
Multiplier: Larger debt service lowers disposable income, weakens consumption shock absorbers

Policy & Schemes

Literacy: NCFE, RBI, SEBI executing National Strategy for Financial Education, fintech advisory push
SafetyNet: Expansion of PM-SYM, PM-SVANidhi, automatic pension-insurance enrolment to curb emergency borrowing
CreditShift: Incentives for housing, education, MSME credit over unsecured personal loans, stronger guarantee cover

Data Trends

Deposits: Commercial bank deposits steady around 33 % of incremental assets FY25
MutualFunds: Share jumped over fivefold, signalling rising risk appetite and digital access
CashUse: Currency share in new assets halved, indicating formalisation and fintech penetration

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Liability growth FY20-FY25	102 %
Asset growth FY20-FY25	48 %
Fresh assets % GDP FY20	12 %
Fresh assets % GDP FY25	10.8 %
Liabilities % GDP FY20	3.9 %
Peak liabilities % GDP FY24	6.2 %
Mutual fund share FY20 → FY25	2.6 % → 13.1 %
Currency share FY20 → FY25	11.7 % → 5.9 %
Household debt/GDP India 2024	42 %
EME average debt/GDP	49.1 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Which one of the following is a good statistic to evaluate where an economy stands in the financial cycle?

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 2

In the context of the Indian economy, non-financial debt includes which of the following?

History

4.Vijayanagara Gold Coins Discovery (Vijayanagara Numismatics)

The Hindupunch-marked coins · boar emblem · Kovilur Shiva temple

Illustration for Vijayanagara Gold Coins Discovery (Vijayanagara Numismatics)

What & Where

Discovery; 103 Vijayanagara punch-marked gold coins unearthed in earthen pot, Kovilur Shiva temple, Jawadhu Hills, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.

Context; Later Chola-period hilltop temple under restoration when cache located near sanctum.

Dating; Coins attributed to Harihara II–Krishnadevaraya reigns, 14th–16th centuries CE.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Governance; Site sealed, coins deposited in district treasury per Treasure Trove Act 1878.
Oversight; Tamil Nadu Archaeology and Revenue officials jointly documented and transferred hoard.

Numismatics

Composition; Empire issued gold pagodas, half/quarter pagodas, silver taras, copper jitals.
Iconography; Siva-Parvati, Balakrishna, Varaha, Gandaberunda with ruler legends.
Symbolism; Varaha emblem conveyed divine sanction and state authority.

Religious Context

Temple economy; Gold coins functioned as endowments sustaining rituals and construction.
Devotional intent; Images mirrored donor piety, reinforcing Hindu worship within empire.
Usage pattern; Gold primarily for offerings and royal largesse, limited daily circulation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total coins	103
Metal purity	Pure gold
Average size	≈ 5 mm
Emblem	Varaha (boar)
Likely mint period	14th–16th CE
Probable issuers	Harihara II, Krishnadevaraya
Seizure law	Indian Treasure Trove Act 1878
Custodian agencies	TN Archaeology & Revenue Depts
Dominant denomination	Gold pagoda (gadyana)
Other Vijayanagara metals	Silver tara, copper jital
Script on coins	Devanagari / Kannada / Tamil
Iconography	Hindu deities, Gandaberunda
Economic reach	South India–Sri Lanka–Indian Ocean

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements about Gupta coins is not correct?

Environment

5.Umngot River Pollution Concerns (River Conservation)

Indian ExpressUmngot River · Meghalaya · Dawki

Illustration for Umngot River Pollution Concerns (River Conservation)

What & Where

Umngot (Dawki) River; famed for crystal-clear, emerald water; vital tourism & ecological asset of Meghalaya.

Originates Eastern Shillong Peak, Khasi Hills; flows via Mawlynnong-Dawki-Shnongpdeng to India–Bangladesh border.

Becomes Shari Goyain in Bangladesh; acts as international boundary segment.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Turbidity rise; clear water turned brown due to dumped excavated soil sliding into channel.
Hill-cutting & uncontained debris disrupting aquatic visibility, limestone-induced turquoise hue.
Pollution threat endangers fishing, eco-camping livelihoods reliant on pristine condition.

Infrastructure Project

Shillong–Dawki NH-expansion by NHIDCL involves large-scale hill excavation near riverbanks.
Lack of containment measures for spoil piles cited by State PCB as violation.
Construction activity pinpointed as primary sediment source during current year.

Tourism Economy

Boat rides, snorkelling, homestays generate core income for border villages.
Murky water lowers tourist arrivals, directly affecting local service revenues.
Sustained clarity essential for Meghalaya’s reputation as ‘floating boats’ destination.

Regulatory Oversight

Meghalaya SPCB issued notices over debris management lapses along highway stretch.
Compliance demands include sediment traps, covered dumping, periodic water quality monitoring.
Potential penalties under Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act if negligence persists.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Alternate name	Dawki River
Source peak	Eastern Shillong Peak
Indian district	West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
Border role	Natural divider with Bangladesh
Downstream name	Shari Goyain River
Signature trait	Under-water visibility several metres in winter
Key tourist spots	Dawki, Shnongpdeng, Mawlynnong
New threat (2024)	Turbidity from highway construction debris
Implementing agency	NHIDCL (Shillong–Dawki Highway)
Regulator flagging issue	Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board

EnvironmentQuick Bite

6.Tractor Emission Norms Stage V (Tractor Emission Norms)

The HinduTREM · Stage V · NOx limits

What & Where

Tractor Emission Norms (TREM) = stage-wise Indian standards limiting exhaust from agricultural tractors/farm machinery.

Nationwide; first issued 1999, Stage V proposed from 1 Oct 2026.

Mirrors Bharat Stage vehicle norms; targets NOx, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Proposal Stage V enforcement from 1 Oct 2026 across India
Mashelkar Committee 2002 framed auto fuel policy basis for TREM standards
Stage IV operational since 2023 for tractors above 50 HP

Economic Angle

Price hike 20–25 % expected for > 50 HP tractors under Stages IV & V
Debt risk high for small farmers relying on older low HP machines
Farmers demand Stage V limited to > 70 HP mainly commercial haulage tractors

Environmental Impact

Pollutants curbed include NOx, particulate matter, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide
Goal reduce rural air pollution from agricultural machinery fleet nationwide
Horsepower-based limits began with Stage IIIA 2010–11 to align emission load

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Proposed Stage V rollout	1 October 2026
Current Stage IV coverage	Tractors > 50 HP (since 2023)
Farmer demand on Stage V	Apply only to > 70 HP
Expected price rise	20–25 % for affected tractors
First tractor norms issued	1999
Mashelkar Committee year	2002
Stage II notified	2003
Stage III notified	2005
Stage IIIA HP-based cap	2010–11
Pollutants regulated	NOx, PM, HC, CO

Science & Technology

7.Micro Black Hole Morsels Theory (Black Hole Physics)

The Hindumicro-black holes · Hawking radiation · gamma-ray bursts

Illustration for Micro Black Hole Morsels Theory (Black Hole Physics)

What & Where

Definition – Black-hole morsels: asteroid-mass, micro-black holes pinched off during gigantic black-hole mergers.

Key process – Immediate Hawking evaporation radiating intense, isotropic gamma rays.

Locale – Deep-space merger sites; flashes potentially observable by Earth-based/space gamma telescopes.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Formation Mechanism

Pinch-off process: spacetime necks sever during high-curvature merger phase.
Multiple morsels may emerge per collision event.
Number/lifetime depend on parent black-hole mass ratio and spin.

Observational Signatures

Isotropic gamma flash lacks afterglow typical of classical GRBs.
Energy spectrum predicted in high-MeV to GeV range.
Temporal profile mirrors evaporation curve, not relativistic-jet light curves.

Scientific Significance

Hawking-radiation confirmation would bridge General Relativity with Quantum Mechanics.
Constraints on semiclassical gravity parameters stronger than LHC limits.
Natural cosmic laboratories surpassing man-made accelerator energies.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Proposers	Giacomo Cacciapaglia & Francesco Sannino
Publication	Accepted in Nuclear Physics B
Formation trigger	Collision of two large black holes
Mass scale	Roughly equivalent to an asteroid
Size vs Lifetime	Smaller ⇒ milliseconds; larger ⇒ up to few years
Surface temperature	Far hotter than stellar-mass black holes
Emission type	Hawking radiation yielding gamma-ray burst
Burst geometry	Nearly isotropic, not narrow jets
Scientific payoff	Direct test of quantum gravity & Hawking radiation
Current status	Archival gamma-ray data already being scanned

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

GS1 2000PYQ 2

A ‘black hole’ is a body in space which does not allow any radiation to come out. This property is due to its

Editorial

8.BRICS Pay Cross-Border Payments (BRICS Pay System)

The HinduBRICS Pay · SWIFT alternative · Kazan Declaration

What & Where

BRICS Pay – decentralised, interoperable digital platform for cross-border payments among BRICS+; unveiled at 16th BRICS Summit, Kazan 2024

Process – links national rails (UPI, CIPS, SPFS, Pix) through Decentralised Messaging System enabling real-time, low-cost local-currency settlement

Geography – initially Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa; open to BRICS+ partners across Global South

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Context

Fortaleza 2014: NDB & CRA laid autonomy groundwork
Kazan 2024: BRICS Pay formally operationalised under multipolar finance agenda
Expansion: Iran joined; Saudi, UAE, Egypt eyed under BRICS+

Architecture & Tech

Interoperability: API gateways integrate UPI, CIPS, SPFS, Pix
DCMS: no single-point failure unlike SWIFT centralisation
Enhancements: planned blockchain auditing and AI-driven fraud analytics

Opportunities

South–South trade $600 bn may gain via lower forex, fee savings
Digital diplomacy boosts soft power of national payment stacks
Fintech ecosystems encouraged for cybersecurity and cross-border innovation

Challenges

Rival ambitions: UPI, CIPS, SPFS competing for primacy
Regulatory friction: divergent KYC, data-localisation, legal standards
Western pushback: sanctions/tariff threats could slow adoption

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch summit	16th BRICS Summit, Kazan 2024
Governing body	BRICS Business Council; DAO-style decision-making
Core architecture	Decentralised Messaging System + API links to national platforms
Settlement mode	Multi-currency; direct local-currency clearing
Compliance norms	KYC and AML aligned
Key goal	Diversify global finance; reduce SWIFT & dollar dependence

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 2

BRICS देशों की UNDP द्वारा जारी मानव विकास रिपोर्ट, 2023-24 में उनकी रैंक के आरोही क्रम में व्यवस्थित कीजिए:

Misc

9.Doha World Social Development Summit (UN Social Summit)

DD NewsWSSD-2 · Doha Declaration · poverty eradication

What & Where

Forum: UN-convened high-level meet renewing commitment to social justice, poverty eradication, inclusive growth

Edition: Second World Summit for Social Development, 4–6 Nov 2025, Doha, State of Qatar

Focus: Three pillars—poverty eradication, full and productive employment with decent work, social inclusion

Quick Facts for MCQs

History & Evolution

Origin: First summit 1995 Copenhagen adopting Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action
Mandate: Align global social policies with 2030 Agenda and SDGs
Interval: Second summit convened after 30 years to renew pledges

Key Outcomes

Adoption: Doha Political Declaration endorsing inclusive growth and social justice
Roundtables: Ministerial dialogues on poverty, decent work, social inclusion
Side-events: Sessions on digital inclusion, labour mobility, women and youth empowerment

Indian Participation

Representation: Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya led delegation
Showcase: NITI Aayog highlighted SHGs, cooperatives, NCS portal for skilling and jobs
Collaboration: India engaged with ILO coalition on equitable employment and social protection

Global Significance

Platform: Lets developing nations display inclusive growth and digital empowerment models
Cooperation: Boosts multilateral action on labour rights, social security, youth employment
Equity: Reaffirms pledge to reduce inequality ensuring no one left behind

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Host country & city	Doha, Qatar
Dates	4–6 November 2025
Convenor	United Nations General Assembly with UN agencies
Adopted declaration	Doha Political Declaration
First WSSD year & venue	1995, Copenhagen Denmark
Indian head of delegation	Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
Indian initiatives showcased	Self-Help Groups, cooperative models, National Career Service Portal
Partner body engaged	ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2002PYQ 1

A World Summit with representation from all the countries will be held in Johannesburg in September 2002 on the subject of

GS1 2015PYQ 2

‘Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action’, often seen in the news, is

Defense & Security

10.Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2025 (Maritime Security Dialogue)

PIBIPRD 2025 · Indian Navy · SAGAR doctrine

Illustration for Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2025 (Maritime Security Dialogue)

What & Where

Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD): Indian Navy’s annual apex strategic meet; 7th edition ended 30 Oct 2025, New Delhi.

Theme 2025: “Promoting Holistic Maritime Security and Growth: Regional Capacity-Building and Capability-Enhancement.”

Core geography: Indo-Pacific sea lanes, incl. Straits of Hormuz & Malacca, through which 95 % of India’s trade volume moves.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Chokepoint patrols: Indian Navy scales presence at Hormuz & Malacca for energy route security.
Anti-piracy operations gain legal backing under Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022.
Region faces great-power rivalry, piracy, cyber & terrorist threats.

Economic Angle

China+1 shift spurs Indo-Pacific manufacturing diversification aiding India.
FTAs (Australia, UAE) plus IPEF membership strengthen trade resilience.
IMEC corridor envisages India-Middle East-Europe connectivity across Indo-Pacific.

Legal & Policy

Multiple doctrines (SAGAR, MAHASAGAR, IPOI) lack unified national Indo-Pacific strategy.
MAHASAGAR seeks security–prosperity via Quad, ASEAN, IORA partnerships.
Sagarmala, Chabahar delays and shallow ports curb logistics potential.

Environmental Impact

Sea-level rise, cyclones, coral loss threaten coastal & island states.
India advances Blue Economy cooperation through IORA, CDRI, sustainable fisheries, ocean energy.
Disaster-resilient infrastructure promoted for regional climate adaptation.

Institutional Issues

IORA & BIMSTEC secretariats under-funded; execution capacity weak.
Logistics inefficiency evident from 38th LPI rank versus China’s port investments.
Strategic autonomy balances Quad/AUKUS ties with ongoing Russia-China engagement.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
IPRD edition/year	7th / 2025
Host city	New Delhi
Participating nations	30 +
Indian trade via Indian Ocean	95 % (volume)
India’s LPI rank 2023	38th
IORA chairmanship	2025-27
Maritime Anti-Piracy Act	Enacted 2022
New Chinese funds, Gwadar	USD 2.5 bn

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Which one among the following statements with regard to India’s maritime initiative, SAGAR, is correct?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2022PYQ 2

समृद्धि के लिए हिंद-प्रशांत आर्थिक ढाँचा (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity) का गठन करते समय, सदस्य देशों ने चार स्तंभों पर भावी समझौता-वार्ता के लिए सामूहिक परिचर्चा शुरू की है। उन स्तंभों में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा नहीं है ?

Defense & SecurityQuick Bite

11.Tri-Services Exercise Trishul 2025 (Tri-Services Exercise)

The HinduTrishul-2025 · Sir Creek · joint operations

What & Where

Tri-Services Exercise “Trishul-2025” = integrated land-air-sea-cyber drill of Army, Navy, IAF.

Conducted in Sir Creek, Rajasthan–Gujarat desert belt, spilling into northern Arabian Sea.

Umbrella event for sub-exercises “Trinetra” and “Mahagujarat”.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Validation of joint doctrines enhances tri-service deterrence along western land-sea frontier.
Inclusion of Coast Guard & BSF sharpens coastal and border security synergy.
Multi-domain coordination readies forces for hybrid threat scenarios.

Tech & Schemes

Emphasis on indigenous C4ISR platforms aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat objectives.
Network-centric ops tested for real-time data fusion across services.
EW suites and cyber cells assessed for interoperability robustness.

Geography

Sir Creek operations address marshy, disputed estuarine terrain challenges.
Desert sector drills simulate high-mobility warfare in arid conditions.
Northern Arabian Sea phase integrates maritime strike and coastal defence elements.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Edition	Trishul-2025 (annual series)
Lead HQ	Western Naval Command, Mumbai
Core Participants	Southern Command (Army) • Western Naval Command (Navy) • South Western Air Command (IAF)
Support Agencies	Indian Coast Guard, Border Security Force, other civil/maritime entities
Geographic Stretch	Sir Creek to Rajasthan–Gujarat deserts → northern Arabian Sea
Warfare Domains	Land, Air, Sea, Cyber, Space, Electronic
Operational Focus	Joint ISR, Electronic Warfare, Cyber Warfare validation
Indigenisation Aim	Showcase Aatmanirbhar Bharat systems & network integration
Sub-Exercises	Trinetra, Mahagujarat

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2023PYQ 1

The 16th edition of Indo-Nepal annual joint training exercise in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations was held in December 2022 at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi. What is the name of this exercise?

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

Which one among the following Joint Military Exercises was NOT conducted between India and USA?

Scheme

12.Research Development Innovation Scheme (RDI Financing Scheme)

PIBRDI Scheme · DST · Rs 1 lakh crore

What & Where

Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Scheme—₹1-lakh-crore DST initiative financing private R&D, launched Nov 2025

Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025—premier STI platform inaugurated in New Delhi

Geography—nationwide research support; governance via ANRF HQ and conclave venue New Delhi

Quick Facts for MCQs

Governance & Structure

ANRF Governing Board steers strategy, Executive Council sets guidelines, appoints fund managers
EGoS headed by Cabinet Secretary approves sectors, reviews performance
DST acts as nodal implementing department

Funding Mechanism

Two-tier model routes money from SPF to NBFC-type 2nd level fund managers
Instruments include long-term concessional loans, equity, FoF contributions
Focus on higher TRL projects and critical tech acquisitions

Conclave Highlights

ESTIC congregates ministries, industry, global leaders to showcase cutting-edge research
Organised by DST under Principal Scientific Adviser guidance
Targets collaboration among deep-tech startups, investors, policymakers

Strategic Goals

Promote private R&D in sunrise, strategic and economic security sectors
Establish India as global scientific leader by 2047
Catalyse emerging domains like AI, quantum, semiconductors, blue economy

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Corpus size	₹1 lakh crore
Interest	Low / nil concessional loans
Nodal department	Department of Science & Technology
Fund custodian	Special Purpose Fund under ANRF
Governing board head	Prime Minister
EGoS head	Cabinet Secretary
Startup support	Equity + Deep-Tech Fund of Funds
Launch venue	New Delhi, Nov 2025
Thematic areas	11
Vision year	Viksit Bharat 2047

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2021PYQ 1

NIDHI is an umbrella scheme for the promotion of

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

To increase transparency and consumer awareness and handle customer complaints, a 'Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre' and an 'Integrated Ombudsman Scheme' have been set up. These two schemes are related to which one of the following institutions?

Misc

13.QS Asia University Rankings 2026 (Higher Education Rankings)

ITVQuacquarelli Symonds · academic reputation · employer reputation

What & Where

Ranking: Annual QS Asia University Rankings assesses Asian universities on reputation, research, employability, internationalisation

Publisher: Compiled by UK-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS); 2026 list spans 900+ institutions

Geography: Asia-wide coverage; India records 294 entries, second only to China

Quick Facts for MCQs

Methodology & Weights

Indicators: Academic 30 %, Employer 20 %, Faculty–Student 10 %, International Network 10 %, Citations 10 %
Supplementary: Papers/Faculty 5 %, Staff PhD 5 %, Intl Faculty/Students & Exchange In/Out 2.5 % each
Aim: Benchmark excellence, spur competitiveness, foster research collaboration across Asia

India Snapshot

Representation: 294 Indian institutions, highest ever, second in Asia after China
Top-five India: IIT Delhi 59, IISc 64, IIT Madras 70, IIT Bombay 71, IIT Kanpur 77
Trend: IIT Delhi slipped from 44 (2025) to 59 (2026)

Asian Leaders

Top-five Asia: Hong Kong U 1, Peking 2, NTU & NUS 3 (joint), Fudan 5
Dominance: China, Hong Kong, Singapore occupy leading ranks in 2026 list
Focus: High research impact and international linkages drive top performances

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Publisher	Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
Region covered	Asia
Edition year	2026
Universities assessed	900+
Indicators counted	11
Heaviest weight	Academic Reputation 30 %
Indian institutions listed	294
Highest-ranked Indian	IIT Delhi – 59
Asia rank 1	University of Hong Kong
Country with most entries	China

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2021PYQ 1

According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework 2020, which institute was on the top in overall ranking ?

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