Wednesday, 12 November 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2005.

Q: Which one of the following books was declared winner of the 2021 International Booker Prize?

The correct answer is (a) At Night All Blood is Black. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021.

Q: ‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes’ is managed by the

The correct answer is (d) World Bank. This question appeared in GS1 2015.

Q: With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only. This question appeared in GS1 2015.

Q: Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

The correct answer is (a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass. This question appeared in GS1 2012.

Q: In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

The correct answer is (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: Recently the Government of India entered into an agreement for a lithium exploration and mining project with which one among the following countries?

The correct answer is (a) Brazil. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2024.

Q: 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?

The correct answer is (a) Sampriti. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2023.

Q: Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct?

The correct answer is (d) 2, 3 and 4. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2024.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the aim of Jal Jeevan Mission to provide every rural household of the country with adequate tap water of prescribed quality on regular basis:

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2023.

14 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 3GS-3: 8

0/14 done

GS-2PolityQuick Bite

1.Country-of-Origin Filters Rule (Legal Metrology Rules)

PIBcountry of origin · e-commerce filters · Legal Metrology Amendment 2025

What & Where

Draft Amendment 2025 India mandates e-commerce provide searchable, sortable ‘Country of Origin’ filter for all packaged commodities

Department of Consumer Affairs nodal authority under Legal Metrology Act enforcing proposal nationwide

Links Atmanirbhar Bharat push with WTO Rules of Origin framework encouraging domestic preference

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Compliance mandatory post-notification; non-adherence attracts Legal Metrology Act monetary penalties
Draft open for stakeholder comments via PIB portal before final Gazette issue
Rule complements existing on-label origin disclosure by adding digital discoverability requirement

Trade Rules

Preferential origin grants tariff cuts under FTAs; non-preferential triggers anti-dumping, quotas, MFN duties
Origin decided by Wholly Obtained goods or Substantial Transformation (tariff shift, value-added, specific process)
RoO support trade statistics, procurement eligibility and correct labelling

Economic Angle

Online origin filter expected to steer consumer spending toward domestic goods boosting local manufacturing
Greater transparency deters deceptive foreign relabelling and fosters fair competition

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal ministry	Department of Consumer Affairs
Legal basis	Draft Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) (Second) Amendment Rules, 2025
Target entities	All e-commerce platforms selling packaged commodities in India
Mandatory tool	Searchable & sortable ‘Country of Origin’ filter
Policy thrust	Consumer empowerment; Vocal for Local; Atmanirbhar Bharat
Trade concept cited	WTO Rules of Origin: preferential & non-preferential

GS-1MiscQuick Bite

2.2025 Booker Prize Winner (Booker Prize)

Indian ExpressBooker Prize · David Szalay · Flesh novel

What & Where

Booker Prize — annual award for the best single English-language novel, run by Booker Prize Foundation, London.

Global scope; any nationality eligible if work originally in English and published in UK/Ireland.

Selection by rotating jury; prize promotes literary excellence since 1969.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Recent Winner

Szalay’s Flesh tracks ascent from Hungarian poverty to London wealth, probing fate and ambition.
Award highlights Central European narrative within Anglo literary sphere.

Historical Milestones

1969 inaugural prize launched to boost reading culture in Commonwealth and Ireland.
1981 Midnight’s Children crowned; later Booker of Bookers winner.
2017 Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro earlier won Booker 1989.

Prize Comparison

Booker: original English text; single monetary award to author.
International Booker: translated work; purse split author-translator; broadens linguistic diversity.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
2025 winner	David Szalay (Hungarian-British)
Winning novel	Flesh (6th novel)
Year instituted	1969
Administering body	Booker Prize Foundation
Eligibility	Original fiction, English, any nationality
First woman laureate	Bernice Rubens, 1970
International Booker start	2005
Intl. Booker focus	Translated fiction
Author & translator both awarded	Yes
Past Indian winners	Salman Rushdie 1981, Arundhati Roy 1997, Aravind Adiga 2008

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2005PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following books was declared winner of the 2021 International Booker Prize?

GS-1Mapping

3.Oman Geographic Snapshot (Middle East Mapping)

Times of IndiaOman · Muscat · Al-Hajar Mountains

Illustration for Oman Geographic Snapshot (Middle East Mapping)

What & Where

MAB Council — UNESCO body guiding biosphere‐reserve science; Oman elected for 2025-29 at 43rd General Conference, Samarkand

Oman — hereditary monarchy on southeastern Arabian Peninsula; coastlines on Arabian Sea & Gulf of Oman

Core relief: Al-Hajar Mountains in north, Rubʿ al-Khali desert interior, fertile Dhofar & Al-Batinah plains

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geography Highlights

Al-Hajar: rugged limestone mountains framing Omani north, influencing climate & settlement
Dhofar: monsoon-fed south-west plain enabling agriculture, frankincense heritage
Falaj: ancient gravity-fed irrigation sustaining interior oases

Neighbouring States

Borders: UAE (north-west), Saudi Arabia (west), Yemen (south-west)
Maritime: strategic Strait of Hormuz access via Gulf of Oman
Regional positioning aids trade between Gulf, Indian Ocean

MAB Governance

Council: elected by UNESCO General Conference; steers programme implementation
Roadmap: 2015-25 guiding sustainability, to be replaced by 2025-35 plan at Hangzhou
Focus: biodiversity research, youth engagement, policy innovation against climate change

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Election term	2025 – 2029
Election venue	Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Oman capital	Muscat
Governance	Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
Highest peak	Mount Shams 2,980 m
Major desert	Rubʿ al-Khali (Empty Quarter)
Coastlines	Arabian Sea; Gulf of Oman
MAB launch year	1971
MAB Council seats	34 Member States
Next roadmap span	2025 – 2035
Next roadmap event	5th World Congress, Hangzhou 2025

GS-3Environment

4.Tropical Forest Forever Facility (Tropical Forest Fund)

Indian ExpressTFFF · USD 125 billion fund · COP30 Belém

Illustration for Tropical Forest Forever Facility (Tropical Forest Fund)

What & Where

Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF): permanent, self-financing fund rewarding 74 tropical nations for keeping old-growth forests intact.

Tropical forests: equatorial (23.5° N–23.5° S) warm-humid biomes; key types – rainforests & seasonal (dry) forests.

Major holders: Brazil, DRC, Indonesia, Peru, India, Angola, Australia, Sudan.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Funding Architecture

Portfolio-mix invests in public & corporate bonds; annual yields flow to forest nations as conservation payments.
Initial endowment seeks 25 bn donor money, leverages 100 bn private capital for perpetual, self-financing model.
India joins as observer, signalling multilateral commitment without yet pledging funds.

Risks & Critiques

Market-shock risk: bond downturn could erase returns, delaying forest payments.
Governance concern: outside UNFCCC, may dilute developed-country finance obligations and encourage corporate greenwashing.
Equity issue: unclear criteria might bypass indigenous communities and perpetuate land-rights, poverty gaps.

Suggested Reforms

Redirect subsidies from cattle, soy, palm to sustainable agroforestry; enforce deforestation-free supply chains.
Strengthen indigenous land rights, legal action against illegal logging, aided by satellite and drone monitoring.
Align voluntary funds with Paris finance mechanisms; embed forest targets within updated NDCs.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch venue & year	COP30, Belém, 2025
Target corpus	USD 125 billion
Funding split	25 bn public/philanthropy; 100 bn private
Eligible tropical nations	Up to 74
Brazil pledge	USD 1 billion
Norway pledge	USD 3 billion (10 yrs)
Monitoring tool	Annual satellite remote sensing
Tropical forest land share	6 % of Earth’s land
Global species share	~80 % documented species
Forest loss 2004-17	>43 million ha

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2015PYQ 1

‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes’ is managed by the

GS1 2015PYQ 2

With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS-3Species

5.Great Indian Bustard Conservation (Critically Endangered)

The HinduGreat Indian Bustard · IUCN Critically Endangered · Thar Desert

Illustration for Great Indian Bustard Conservation (Critically Endangered)

What & Where

Great Indian Bustard – one of the heaviest flying birds, strictly endemic to Indian subcontinent

Current stronghold: Thar Desert (Rajasthan); remnant groups in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka

Occupies arid/semi-arid grasslands; ground-nester on open, undisturbed plains

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Traits

Distinctive black crown, white neck, brown-grey-black wings
Male gular pouch amplifies booming courtship call
Maintains sustained flight despite 15 kg body mass

Conservation & Schemes

Included in Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats recovery actions
Key threats: power-line collisions, habitat conversion, human disturbance
Schedule I and multiple Appendix-I listings ensure highest legal protection

Judicial Context

Justice P.S. Narasimha termed inter-generational equity doctrine inadequate for GIB protection
Supreme Court attention keeps species in policy spotlight

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
IUCN status	Critically Endangered
WPA 1972 listing	Schedule I
CITES appendix	I
CMS appendix	I
Average height	≈ 1 m
Adult weight	15–18 kg
Male identifier	Black breast band + inflatable gular pouch
Mating call reach	~500 m
Diet type	Omnivore; seeds, insects, reptiles, rodents
Gov programme	IDWH species-recovery list

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

GS1 2017PYQ 2

In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

GS-3Species

6.Himalayan Black Bear Threats (Vulnerable Species)

New Indian ExpressHimalayan Black Bear · IUCN Vulnerable · Schedule I

Illustration for Himalayan Black Bear Threats (Vulnerable Species)

What & Where

Omnivorous Asiatic black-bear subspecies with chest crescent, glossy coat, powder-puff ears.

Ranges 1,200–3,300 m in Himalayan broadleaf–conifer forests, J&K→Arunachal; Great Himalayan NP core refuge.

Normally winters in torpor; 2023 Uttarakhand bears remain active owing to delayed cold spells.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Climate Impact

Erratic snowfall prolongs foraging, pushing bears into villages and orchards.
Food-scarcity aggression spikes Oct–Dec conflict incidents in Uttarakhand hills.
Climate variability adds to habitat loss, heightening vulnerability index.

Ecological Functions

Seed-dispersal sustains mid-altitude forest regeneration and biodiversity corridors.
Soil-turnover while digging promotes nutrient recycling, microhabitats.
Invertebrate predation naturally regulates forest pest populations.

Legal & Policy

Schedule I status ensures highest penalties for hunting, trade or captivity.
CITES Appendix I forbids commercial international exchange of specimens.
State rapid-response teams operate under MoEFCC conflict-mitigation guidelines.

Behavioural Traits

Arboreal, nocturnal climber; curved claws enable tree use, swimming prowess crosses rivers.
Pre-hibernation hyperphagia normally peaks aggression; torpor failure extends risk window.
Vocalizations and scent-marking maintain territories, especially in mast-rich zones.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
IUCN Red List	Vulnerable
Wildlife Protection Act	Schedule I
CITES Appendix	I
Altitudinal range	1,200–3,300 m
Male weight	180–250 kg
Female weight	35–170 kg
Key ecological role	Keystone seed disperser
Recent conflict driver	Climate-induced torpor disruption

GS-3S&T

7.Vanadium Flow Battery at NTPC (Energy Storage)

BWVanadium Redox Flow Battery · NTPC NETRA · 3 MWh capacity

What & Where

Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) = liquid-electrolyte grid-scale storage using vanadium ion redox reactions

India’s first MWh-scale VRFB, 3 MWh capacity, installed at NTPC NETRA campus, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Developed by NTPC R&D under Ministry of Power to advance long-duration energy storage and reduce lithium dependency

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Scalability: energy and power rated independently by tank size and stack number
Safety: aqueous vanadium electrolyte non-flammable, permits indoor siting without thermal runaway risk
Recycling: electrolyte reusable, enabling closed-loop material recovery

Energy Transition

Grid support: shifts surplus solar/wind to peak demand enhancing renewable firming
LDES roadmap: aligns with national 500 GW non-fossil target by 2030
Import substitution: taps indigenous vanadium, curbing lithium-ion import bills

Institutional Setup

NTPC: pursuing green hydrogen, carbon capture, LDES under in-house R&D umbrella
NETRA: functions as National Energy Technology Research Alliance hub for advanced clean-tech pilots
Ministry of Power: provides policy backing, potential scale-up funding avenues

Environmental Impact

Non-toxic electrolyte: reduced end-of-life hazards versus lead-acid or Li-ion
Extended lifetime: 15–20 years lowers material throughput and e-waste generation
Renewable coupling: facilitates higher renewable penetration, cutting grid carbon intensity

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Commissioned at	NTPC NETRA, Greater Noida
Storage capacity	3 MWh (largest in India)
Electrolyte used	Vanadium (liquid)
Design life	15–20 years
Developer	NTPC R&D Centre (NETRA)
Supervising ministry	Ministry of Power
Key advantage	Scalability, non-flammable, minimal degradation
Target sector	Long-duration renewable energy storage
Nation’s policy link	Atmanirbhar Bharat, energy transition
Comparable tech	Alternative to lithium-ion for grid storage

GS-3S&T

8.Rare Earth Life Hypothesis (Astrobiology)

The HinduRare Earth Hypothesis · Peter Ward · Donald Brownlee

What & Where

Rare Earth Hypothesis: idea that complex, multicellular life needs exceedingly rare planetary–stellar conditions

Posited in 2000 book “Rare Earth” by Ward (palaeontologist) & Brownlee (astronomer)

Focus: Earth-sized planets in stellar habitable zones yet with Earth-like long-term stability

Quick Facts for MCQs

Necessary Conditions

Climate-stability via carbon-silicate cycling moderates CO₂ over billions of years
Plate-tectonics recycles nutrients, builds continents, drives magnetic dynamo
Gas-giant like Jupiter deflects comet–asteroid impacts protecting inner worlds

Research Significance

Exoplanet surveys now prioritise Sun-like stars with calm radiation and long orbital stability
Astrobiology models incorporate magnetic retention thresholds and impact-shield metrics
Hypothesis shapes funding toward detailed atmospheric spectroscopy missions

Stellar Dynamics

Giant-planet mass and eccentricity decide whether inner orbits are shielded or destabilised
Habitability requires near-circular orbit within conservative habitable zone
High stellar flare activity strips atmospheres from tidally locked red-dwarf planets

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Proposers	Peter Ward & Donald Brownlee
Year coined	2000
Key text	“Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe”
Telescopes reviving debate	NASA Kepler, JWST
Core claim	Microbes plentiful; complex life exceedingly scarce
Planetary must-haves	Plate tectonics, magnetic field, thick atmosphere, carbon-silicate cycle, shielding gas giant
Copernican link	Challenges view that Earth is not special

GS-3S&T

9.Lab-Grown Dairy Milk (Precision Fermentation)

Business Standardlab-grown milk · Remilk · casein & whey

Illustration for Lab-Grown Dairy Milk (Precision Fermentation)

What & Where

Definition: Animal-free milk produced via precision-fermentation generating bovine-identical casein & whey without cows

Core geography: Israeli startups—Remilk (commercial Jan 2026), Imagindairy, Wilk—leading global rollout

Key process: Cow milk genes inserted into yeast, cultured in bioreactors; secreted proteins blended with fats, minerals, carbs

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Process

Precision-fermentation; engineered yeast fed sugar secretes dairy proteins
Industrial bioreactors enable large-scale, cow-free milk output
Customisation; adjustable fat, lactose, micronutrient composition

Nutritional & Health

Nutrient-identical profile; calcium & complete amino acids intact
Lactose-free formulation aids lactose-intolerant consumers
Cholesterol-free attribute may reduce cardiovascular risk

Environmental Impact

No ruminants; drastic methane emission cut
Reduced land, feed, water footprints versus conventional dairy
Antibiotic elimination; lowers antimicrobial resistance risk

Market & Policy

Remilk spearheads, with Imagindairy & Wilk as parallel innovators
India faces price, culture, regulatory hurdles under FSSAI norms
Mandatory allergen labelling despite animal-free production

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Commercial debut	Jan 2026 (Remilk)
Production method	Precision fermentation
Primary proteins	Casein, Whey
Lactose presence	Absent
Cholesterol & hormones	Absent
Essential amino acids	All nine present
Allergen label	Required (milk-protein identical)
Climate benefit	Zero methane; lower land, water use
Indian regulator	FSSAI oversight

GS-2Economy

10.India–Latin America Trade Talks (India-Peru CEPA)

PIBIndia-Peru trade · CEPA negotiations · Chile talks

Illustration for India–Latin America Trade Talks (India-Peru CEPA)

What & Where

Engagement; India deepens Latin America outreach via Peru Trade Agreement (9th round) and Chile CEPA (3rd round).

Geography; Peru—Pacific coast, Andes & Amazon; Chile—Andean strip on Pacific Ring of Fire, part of Lithium Triangle.

Process; talks span goods, services, rules of origin, technical barriers, critical minerals, upgrading PTAs toward deeper FTAs.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Trade; India–LAC merchandise value USD 35.7 bn (2023-24), Indian exports >USD 14 bn.
PTA & DTAA; India-Chile instruments boost market access under “Act Latin America”.
Commodities; India exports vehicles, pharma; imports copper, gold, pulp, fruits.

Energy & Minerals

Crude; Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela collectively meet one-fifth of Indian oil demand.
Lithium; KABIL–CAMYEN Argentina venture is India’s first overseas lithium exploration.
Copper; Chile world’s top producer, Peru key supplier to Indian electrical sector.

Strategic Challenges

Connectivity; long sea routes, scarce air freight inflate costs and time.
Competition; China–LAC trade >USD 400 bn, backed by big rail/mining deals.
Regionalism; MERCOSUR splits and low Indian presence in CELAC, Pacific Alliance curb influence.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Peru’s rank in India–LAC trade	3rd largest
India–Peru trade FY 2023	USD 3.68 bn
India–Chile trade FY 2024	USD 3.84 bn
Rounds finished: Peru pact	9
Rounds finished: Chile CEPA	3
Latin America share in India’s crude	15–20 %
Lithium Triangle global reserves	>75 %
Edible-oil import from LAC 2022	USD 5.6 bn

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Recently the Government of India entered into an agreement for a lithium exploration and mining project with which one among the following countries?

GS-3Security

11.White Collar Terrorism Trend (Educated Radicals)

NDTVwhite-collar terrorism · Faridabad module · digital radicalisation

What & Where

Definition: violent extremism executed by educated professionals—doctors, engineers, academics—leveraging technical skills for terror logistics.

Key processes: digital radicalisation, technological sophistication, societal camouflage enabling evasion of standard surveillance.

Core geography: Recent bust in Faridabad (Haryana); trend visible across India and trans-national groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, LTTE.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers of Radicalisation

Moral-anger: perceived injustice, humiliation among urban middle class.
Online-echo: encrypted platforms create validation loops for extremist ideology.
Spiritual-duty narrative: violence framed as ethical or religious obligation.

Security Dimension

Detection-challenge: white-collar profiles clean, rarely flagged in police databases.
Tech-upgrade: professionals enhance bomb design, cyber propaganda, financial routing.
Trust-erosion: involvement of doctors/engineers undermines faith in elite professions.

International Examples

LTTE Sri Lanka, IRA Ireland relied on university-educated cadres beyond religious extremism.
UK-trained Sudanese doctors staffed ISIS hospitals, merging medical skill with jihad.
9/11 hijackers utilised aviation, architectural expertise for coordinated strikes.

Counter-Strategies

Ethics-curriculum: multidisciplinary moral reasoning across schooling and professional training.
AI-monitoring: Europol IRU model for flagging extremist content with privacy safeguards.
Community-counselling: targeted therapy, youth debate councils in J&K to reduce ideological isolation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Explosives seized (Faridabad)	≈3,000 kg
Arrested profiles	Doctors, engineers
Noted global exemplars	Al-Baghdadi (PhD), Al-Zawahiri (surgeon)
Digital tool used by 9/11 Hamburg cell	University chat forums
Indian value-education policy	NEP 2020
Kerala vigilance model	Operation Pigeon
UK de-radicalisation scheme	Prevent Strategy
Oversight body adding ethics for doctors	National Medical Commission 2023

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

12.Exercise MITRA SHAKTI 2025 (India-Sri Lanka Exercise)

PIBExercise Mitra Shakti · counter-terrorism drill · Belagavi Karnataka

What & Where

Exercise Mitra Shakti - annual India–Sri Lanka Army drill, alternates between both nations since 2012.

11th edition (2025) hosted at Belagavi, Karnataka; terrain chosen for sub-conventional warfare training.

Focus on UN Chapter VII counter-terrorism & peacekeeping missions; integrates drones and Counter-UAS tactics.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Interoperability boost for joint responses against terrorism and insurgency.
Training covers urban warfare, hostage rescue, convoy protection.
Enhances readiness for UN peacekeeping deployments.

Tech & Schemes

Integration of quadcopters, loitering munitions, anti-drone jammers.
Live-fire modules simulate swarming drone threats.
Lessons dovetail with Indian Army’s counter-UAS roadmap.

India–Sri Lanka Cooperation

Complementary exercises: Mitra Shakti (Army) and SLINEX (Navy) held annually.
India’s first-responder role in MV X-Press Pearl (2021) and MT New Diamond (2020) maritime crises.
GOI-funded Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre for Sri Lanka commissioned 2024.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Edition	11th
Year held	2025
Venue city/state	Belagavi, Karnataka
Partner armies	Indian Army, Sri Lankan Army
First conducted	2012
Exercise frequency	Annual, alternates host nation
UN mandate focus	Chapter VII (threats to peace, aggression)
Core theme	Sub-conventional & counter-terrorist ops
Key tech 2025	Drones, Counter-UAS
Parallel naval drill	SLINEX

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 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, GS1 2024PYQ 2

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct?

GS-2Scheme

13.Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Awards (Water Conservation)

DD NewsJal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari · National Water Awards · Ministry of Jal Shakti

What & Where

National Water Awards (2018–) & Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Awards (2024–): national honours for water conservation.

Executing body: Dept. of Water Resources, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti; field checks by CWC/CGWB.

Coverage: all States/UTs; urban & rural entities, industries, NGOs, philanthropists.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain anchors JSJB; focus on artificial recharge & storage.
Urban recharge: joint work Ministry Jal Shakti + Ministry Housing & Urban Affairs.

Rankings & Winners

NWA district toppers: Rajnandgaon, Khargone, Mirzapur, Tirunelveli, Sepahijala.
JSJB recognises states, districts, ULBs, NGOs, industries, philanthropists—total 100 entities.

Funding & CSR

JSJB incentivises CSR spending; graded cash awards ₹2 cr/₹1 cr/₹25 lakh to districts.
Community-led cost-sharing emphasised to ensure long-term O&M of recharge structures.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
NWA edition	6th, 2025
JSJB edition	1st, 2025
Core slogan	“Jal Samridh Bharat”
NWA categories	10 (State, District, Village Panchayat, ULB, Industry, NGO, Institution, etc.)
JSJB mantra	3 Cs – Community, CSR, Cost
Min. recharge structures target	10,000 per district; 3,000 in hilly/NE
NWA applications received	751 via Rashtriya Puraskar Portal
NWA winners	46
JSJB awardees	100 (incl. 67 districts, 6 municipal corps)
NWA Best State ranks	1-Maharashtra; 2-Gujarat; 3-Haryana
JSJB Best State ranks	1-Telangana; 2-Chhattisgarh; 3-Rajasthan
NWA Best ULB	Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Top district cash prize (JSJB)	₹2 crore

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2023PYQ 1

Consider the following statements regarding the aim of Jal Jeevan Mission to provide every rural household of the country with adequate tap water of prescribed quality on regular basis:

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

Recently the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has submitted three nominations from India for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Which one among the following cities is not one among them?

GS-1Editorial

14.Draft Shram Shakti Policy Critique (Labour Policy)

The HinduShram Shakti Niti · informal workers · forced labour

What & Where

Definition: Draft Shram Shakti Niti 2025—proposed national labour policy promising universal, portable social security for all Indian workers.

Key process: Integrates EPFO, ESIC, PM-JAY, e-Shram into one Universal Social Security Account delivered through digital public infrastructure.

Core geography: All-India scope, with special outreach to Tier-II/III cities and rural informal sectors.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Constitution: Reclassification as “daily wagers” violates Articles 14, 16, 23.
ILO: Weak compliance with Conventions 29, 155 dents global credibility.
Funding gap: No explicit employer/State corpus for universal coverage.

Social Concerns

Vulnerability: Informal, women, elderly risk digital exclusion and benefit loss.
Union decline: Contractor dependence erodes collective bargaining power.
Gender shortfall: No mandatory childcare/maternity norms despite LFPR target.

Tech & Schemes

DPI: AI-based NCS to verify credentials, map skills, match jobs nationwide.
Oversight: Absence of bias audits in algorithms may embed caste/gender prejudice.
Labour & Employment Policy Evaluation Index: Annual, data-driven State ranking.

Economic Angle

Formalisation push: Single-portal compliance intends lower transaction cost, raise tax base.
Green jobs: Policy aligns skilling with climate commitments for sustainable employment.

Implementation Risks

Inspector shortage: Weak monitoring undermines “zero fatality” aspiration.
Digital divide: Offline enrolment & grievance redressal still undefined.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Forced labour in India	≈11 million persons (world’s highest)
Informal workforce share	≈90 % of total employment
Female LFPR target	35 % by 2030
Zero workplace fatalities goal	Year 2047
Universal Social Security Account	Merges EPFO, ESIC, PM-JAY, e-Shram
Employment DPI backbone	National Career Service (AI-driven job-match)
Three-tier governance	National, State, District Labour Missions
Compliance reform	Single-window portal + risk-based self-certification
Relevant ILO conventions flagged	No 29 (Forced Labour), No 155 (OSH)
Constitutional articles cited	14, 16, 23 (equality & forced labour bans)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2020PYQ 1

The Swavalamban Scheme of the Government of India is directed to provide a social safety net to:

GEO_GS, GS1 2017PYQ 2

संविधान के 42वें संशोधन द्वारा, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा प्रावधान राज्य की नीति के निदेशक तत्वों (Directive Principles of State Policy) में जोड़ा गया था ?

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