Saturday, 29 November 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Among the following major stock exchanges of India, which one recorded the highest turnover during the year 2001-02?

The correct answer is (a) Bombay Stock Exchange. This question appeared in GS1 2002.

Q: Consider the following statements :

The correct answer is (a) 2 only. This question appeared in GS1 2005.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (d) Neither 1 nor 2. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2014.

Q: वेदान्त दर्शन के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2024.

Q: राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन संस्थान (NIDM) के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2025.

Q: National Disaster Management Authority is headed by

The correct answer is (b) the Home Minister.. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2021.

Q: Who amongst the following will be at more risk with respect to the earthquake hazard zone specified by the Geological Survey of India?

The correct answer is (a) Shahji at Secunderabad. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2021.

Q: Which one of the following is the only riverine major port in India?

The correct answer is (a) Mormugao. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021.

Q: In India, the ports are categorized as major and non-major ports. Which one of the following is a non-major port?

The correct answer is (a) Kochi (Cochin). This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2009.

Q: भारत ने निम्नलिखित में से किस देश से S-400 ट्रायम्फ एयर डिफेंस मिसाइल सिस्टम प्राप्त किया है ?

The correct answer is (c) फ्रांस. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2023.

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

0/14 done

GS-3Economy

1.Sensex-Nifty Record Market Highs (Stock Exchanges)

LiveMintBSE · NSE · Sensex

What & Where

Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) – Asia’s oldest stock exchange, Dalal Street (Mumbai).

National Stock Exchange (NSE) – first nationwide, fully electronic bourse, Mumbai HQ.

Benchmark indices: Sensex (30 BSE large-caps) & Nifty 50 (50 NSE large-caps).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Evolution

1870s banyan-tree trading evolved into formal BSE by 1875.
NSE launched 1994 order-driven screen system, breaking floor cartel.
1995 BSE adopted electronic BOLT, ending open-cry.

Trading Technology

BOLT enables nationwide, T+2 settlement, retail reach.
NEAT offers millisecond order matching, high throughput.
Screen platforms raised transparency, cut transaction costs.

Market Characteristics

NSE commands highest equity & derivatives volumes in India.
BSE volumes lower; liquidity uneven across listed shares.
Ongoing index peaks powered by concentrated large-cap participation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
BSE origin year	1875 (Native Share & Stock Brokers Association)
NSE incorporation	1992; SEBI recognition 1993
Trading platforms	BOLT (BSE) vs NEAT (NSE)
Flagship indices	Sensex (BSE) vs Nifty 50 (NSE)
Index constituents	30 stocks vs 50 stocks
Liquidity profile	BSE moderate; NSE high
Derivatives share	NSE largest F&O market; BSE small segment
Current rally driver	Few large-cap banks + Reliance

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2002PYQ 1

Among the following major stock exchanges of India, which one recorded the highest turnover during the year 2001-02?

GS1 2005PYQ 2

Consider the following statements :

GS-1History

2.Madhvacharya and Dvaita Vedanta (Dvaita Vedanta)

DD newsMadhvacharya · Pancha-Bheda · Udupi

Illustration for Madhvacharya and Dvaita Vedanta (Dvaita Vedanta)

What & Where

Madhvacharya, 13th-century Pajaka-born sage, founded Dvaita Vedanta asserting eternal God–soul–matter dualism.

Core centres: Udupi Krishna Mutt and eight Ashta Mathas along Karnataka’s coast.

Signature concept Pancha-Bheda lists five everlasting distinctions among divinity, souls and material reality.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Philosophical Tenets

Dualism: Vishnu independent; souls and matter dependent, eternally separate.
Liberation: Achievable only through Vishnu’s grace mediated by Bhakti, not mere Jnana.
Polemics: Rejected Advaita monism; debated Shankara and Ramanuja interpretations.

Literary Works

Commentaries: Authored on Bhagavad Gita, Brahma Sutras, Upanishads, Bhagavata Purana.
Corpus: Total 37 concise Sanskrit treatises forming Dvaita foundation.
Style: Rigorous logic bolstering realist ontology against non-dual abstraction.

Institutional Legacy

Udupi Krishna Mutt: Established idol worship, daily Seva traditions.
Ashta Mathas: Eight monasteries rotate temple administration every two months (Paryaya).
Successors: Inspired Jayatirtha, Vyasatirtha, Raghavendra Tirtha to expand Dvaita scholarship.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth name	Vasudeva
Birth place	Pajaka village, Udupi, Karnataka
Possible life span	1199–1278 CE or 1238–1317 CE
Vedanta school	Dvaita (Tattvavāda)
Key doctrine	Pancha-Bheda five eternal distinctions
Accepted pramānas	Pratyaksha, Anumāna, Śabda (3)
Supreme reality	Vishnu/Narayana
Main seat established	Udupi Krishna Mutt & Ashta Mathas

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2014PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 2

वेदान्त दर्शन के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-1History

3.Tewary Report on Nellie Massacre (Assam Agitation)

Indian ExpressNellie Massacre 1983 · Tewary Commission · Assam Accord

What & Where

Nellie massacre: 18 Feb 1983, Nagaon district, Central Assam; peak bloodshed of Assam Agitation.

Assam Agitation: 1979–85 anti-illegal-migration movement defending Assamese identity, led by AASU.

Tewary Commission (1984) report, declassified 2025, blames avoidable lapses, ignored intelligence.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Assam Accord formalised 25 Mar 1971 as decisive citizenship threshold.
1966–71 entrants kept off rolls decade, regain rights after.
Deportation of post-1971 foreigners under Foreigners Act mandated.

Security Dimension

Massacre killed ≈1,800 Bengali-origin Muslims in 16 Nellie villages.
Violence coincided with 1983 Assembly polls amid boycott calls.
Ethnic strife marked worst Northeast civilian killings since Independence.

Governance Lapses

Tewary report notes delayed troop deployment despite prior alerts.
Poor civil–police–paramilitary coordination let mobs roam unchecked.
Commission deems tragedy “avoidable” with timely preventive arrests.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Assam Agitation years	1979 – 1985
Lead organisation	All Assam Students’ Union
Slogan	Three Ds – Detect, Delete, Deport
Massacre date	18 Feb 1983
Inquiry panel	Tewary Commission
Assam Accord year	1985
Legal cut-off date	25 March 1971
Franchise loss span	10 yrs for entrants 1 Jan 1966–24 Mar 1971
Action for post-1971 entrants	Detection & deportation

GS-1Editorial

4.Centralised Disaster Response Debate (Disaster Governance)

The HinduNDMA · Disaster Management Act 2005 · SDMA

Illustration for Centralised Disaster Response Debate (Disaster Governance)

What & Where

Disaster-response: national, multi-tier system under Disaster Management Act 2005 covering prevention-to-recovery for all hazards

Geography: Union → State → District → Urban/Rural local bodies; recent flashpoint — 2024 Wayanad (Kerala) landslides

Processes: Relief-centric legacy now shifting to risk-reduction, Sendai-aligned “build-back-better” approach

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

NDMA issues binding guidelines; SDMAs & DDMAs formed by States, districts
NPDM mandates multi-hazard, community-centric planning; emphasises inclusive, gender-sensitive relief
Lack of clear “severe disaster” definition creates ad-hoc Centre decisions

Institutional Setup

Vertical chain: NDMA → SDMA → DDMA → Gram Sabha/Panchayat ensures last-mile coordination
Mock-drill culture via DMEx, Suraksha Chakra enhances interoperability among forces
Community arm: Aapda Mitra volunteers trained for first response in 350+ districts

Fiscal Issues

Centre often releases funds below State damage memos; delays erode cooperative federalism trust
Fixed compensation norms lag reconstruction costs; no livelihood restoration coverage
Finance Commission allocation ignores real-time hazard, exposure metrics

Way Ahead

Trigger-linked financing using rainfall thresholds, loss-GSDP ratio for automatic fund release
Periodic revision of norms; widen eligible heads to housing, livelihood, basic rebuild
National Disaster Vulnerability Index proposed for transparent, risk-based fund prioritisation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent law	Disaster Management Act, 2005
Apex policy	National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) 2009
National plan versions	NDMP 2016, updated 2019
Global alignment	Sendai Framework 2015-2030
Central authority	NDMA chaired by PM
Specialist force	NDRF — 16 battalions
State funding window	State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)
Central window	National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)
“Severe disaster” tag	Determines direct NDRF aid; undefined in law
Finance Commission weight	Population & area, not hazard index

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन संस्थान (NIDM) के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

CDS_GK 2021PYQ 2

National Disaster Management Authority is headed by

GS-1Infrastructure

5.Revised Seismic Zonation Map 2025 (Earthquake Zones)

Economic TimesZone VI · BIS IS 1893 · PSHA

Illustration for Revised Seismic Zonation Map 2025 (Earthquake Zones)

What & Where

Seismic zonation map: BIS IS 1893:2025 classifies India’s land via probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA)

Zone VI (new highest risk) spans uninterrupted Himalayan arc from Jammu-Kashmir & Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh

Moderate–high hazard (Zones III–VI) now covers 61 % of India, including densely settled Indo-Gangetic foothills

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

BIS-mandated code 2025 binding for all structural design approvals
Zones III–VI replace earlier IV & V inconsistencies ensuring Himalayan uniformity
Automatic higher-risk assignment removes administrative discretion in city classification

Structural Norms

Anchoring compulsory for parapets, ceilings, tanks, façades, HVAC over 1 % load
Geotechnical studies urged for liquefaction, soil flexibility, site-specific spectra
Near-fault buildings must absorb high-velocity pulse accelerations from thrust earthquakes

Risk & Exposure

PEMA fuses hazard with population, infrastructure, socioeconomic fragility for impact planning
Himalayan Frontal Thrust ruptures may extend south, elevating risk for Dehradun and foothill towns
Retrofitting essential for legacy schools, hospitals and bridges situated in newly classified Zone VI

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Issuing agency	Bureau of Indian Standards
Code version	Earthquake Design Code IS 1893:2025
Mapping method	Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment
New top zone number	Zone VI
Zone VI stretch	Entire Himalayan arc J&K–Ladakh→Arunachal
Share of India in Zones III–VI	61 % land area
Border-town rule	Defaults to higher-risk zone
Non-structural anchoring trigger	Weight >1 % of building load
Near-fault design demand	Pulse-type ground motions
Exposure overlay method	PEMA (Population-Exposure Mapping Approach)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2021PYQ 1

Who amongst the following will be at more risk with respect to the earthquake hazard zone specified by the Geological Survey of India?

GS-1Mapping

6.Paradip Port Mapping Spotlight (Indian Ports)

PIBParadip Port · Jagatsinghpur · Mahanadi River

What & Where

Major deep-water port on Bay of Bengal at Paradip, Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha.

Operated by Paradip Port Authority under Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

Handles coal, POL, iron-ore, steel, containers; vital for eastern industrial corridor logistics.

Quick Facts for MCQs

History & Administration

Autonomy: Board of Trustees manages operations per Major Port Trusts Act, 1963.
Milestone: Commissioned as major port within four years of foundation.

Cargo & Operations

Mechanisation: Advanced bulk-handling systems speed coal, POL, and container turnaround.
Modal mix: Strong rail linkage plus coastal shipping network aids evacuation.

Economic Angle

Gateway: Supplies coal to power & steel clusters in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand.
Cost-saving: Coastal shipping via Paradip lowers hinterland logistics expenses.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
River confluence	Mahanadi with Bay of Bengal
Foundation stone	3 Jan 1962 by Jawaharlal Nehru
GoI takeover from State	1 Jun 1965
Declared 8th Major Port	18 Apr 1966
Distinction	1st Major Port on East Coast post-Independence
Governing statute	Major Port Trusts Act, 1963
Current cargo milestone	Fastest 100 MMT, FY 2023-24
100 MMT streak	9 consecutive years
FY 23-24 timing	Achieved 12 days earlier than FY 22-23
Coal share in cargo	≈45 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following is the only riverine major port in India?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2009PYQ 2

In India, the ports are categorized as major and non-major ports. Which one of the following is a non-major port?

GS-3S&T

7.Russian S-500 Air Defence System (Air Defence Tech)

TNS-500 Prometey · 600 km Range · Hypersonic Interceptor

Illustration for Russian S-500 Air Defence System (Air Defence Tech)

What & Where

S-500 Prometey: Russian next-gen long-range surface-to-air & anti-space defence system.

Operates within atmosphere and near-space (up to 200 km altitude); range up to 600 km.

India exploring purchase; talks likely at forthcoming India–Russia Summit.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technical Specs

Hypersonic, hit-to-kill interceptors enhance accuracy, lethality.
Multi-band radars improve stealth tracking versus S-400.
Near-space coverage enables anti-satellite and boost-phase missile defence.

Strategic Significance

Adds anti-space layer to India’s multi-tier air defence grid.
Counters Chinese hypersonic glide vehicles and Pakistani ballistic missiles.
Positions India among few states with operational ASAT-style systems.

Comparative Edge

Range +220 km and altitude +160 km over S-400.
Reaction time cut to one-third; better for hypersonic interception.
Only S-500 offers dedicated LEO satellite neutralisation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Developer	Almaz-Antey, Russia
Max intercept range	≈ 600 km
Ceiling (target altitude)	Up to 200 km
Radar detection range	91N6A(M)/96L6-TsP spot threats ≈ 800 km
Interceptor speed	Mach 5–7 (77N6-N / 77N6-N1)
Reaction time	3–4 seconds
Multi-target ability	Aircraft, ballistic & hypersonic missiles, drones, LEO satellites
Mobility	Mounted on all-terrain transporters
Satellite-kill capability	Yes, low-Earth orbit

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

भारत ने निम्नलिखित में से किस देश से S-400 ट्रायम्फ एयर डिफेंस मिसाइल सिस्टम प्राप्त किया है ?

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 2

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

GS-3S&T

8.India’s Genome-Edited Crop Policy Shift (Genome Editing)

Indian ExpressGenome-Edited Rice · CRISPR · ICAR Tool

Illustration for India’s Genome-Edited Crop Policy Shift (Genome Editing)

What & Where

Genome editing: precise, transgene-free DNA alteration via CRISPR, TALENs, Zinc-Finger; distinct from traditional GM insertion.

Indian GE crops: rice ‘Samba Mahsuri’ (+19 % yield), ‘MTU-1010’ (salt-alkali tolerant); GE mustard in advanced ICAR trials.

Regulation: GE plants lacking foreign DNA exempt from GEAC; only Institutional Biosafety Committee nod under MoEFCC rules.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Regulatory Shift

Exemption: GE plants without exogenous DNA bypass GEAC; only Institutional Biosafety Committee certification required
Timeline: New streamlined rules accelerating field-to-market time compared to decade-long GM approvals
Contrast: GM crops still face multi-season biosafety trials under EPA-1989 guidelines

Technology & Schemes

Tool: Indigenous TnpB platform smaller, virus-vector deliverable, patent-free, reducing cost dependence on CRISPR-Cas9
Scheme: DBT–IUSSTF GETin fellowships send Indian scientists to US labs for genome editing training
Funding: Union Budget 2023-24 earmarks Rs 500 crore for GE breeding equal status to conventional varieties

Crop Traits

Rice: GE Samba Mahsuri registers 19 % higher yield; maintains preferred cooking quality
Rice: GE MTU-1010 withstands saline-alkaline soils; suitable for coastal Andhra, Telangana
Mustard: GE line offers canola-quality oil, low pungency, pathogen resistance; completing second trial year

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Budget 2023-24 GE allocation	Rs 500 crore
Regulatory body bypassed by GE plants	Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee
Indigenous editing protein	TnpB (≈⅓ size of Cas9)
First GE rice lines cleared	Samba Mahsuri & MTU-1010
Yield gain in GE Samba Mahsuri	19 % over parent
Only GM crop still commercial in India	Bt cotton (no new nods post-2006)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Recently, ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) has developed the world's first genome-edited rice varieties. Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to the developed products?

CDS_GK, GS1 2018PYQ 2

भारत में विकसित आनुवंशिकतः संशोधित सरसों (जेनेटिकली मॉडिफाइड सरसों / GM सरसों) के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

GS-3S&T

9.India’s Quantum Technology Advances (Quantum Research)

PIBLiquid Helium Facility · Dilution Refrigerator · QMagPI

What & Where

Quantum hub: Liquid Helium Facility, IIT Bombay, Mumbai; enables indigenous dilution refrigeration for ultra-cold quantum experiments

Process: Helium liquefaction at –268.93 °C provides cryogenic milieu for superconductivity, superfluidity, qubit stability

Instruments: QMagPI magnetometer, Quantum Diamond Microscope, Q-Confocal system advance sensing, imaging, diagnostics

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

National Quantum Mission launched 2023-24; funds R&D in computing, sensing, communication till 2030-31
Liquid Helium Facility underpins Make-in-India dilution refrigerators, slashing import dependence
Indigenous trio — QMagPI, QDM, Q-Confocal — elevates domestic quantum hardware ecosystem

Health & Materials

MRI, superconducting magnets gain cost-effective helium supply, aiding healthcare and green-energy research
Q-Confocal tracks intracellular ROS, facilitating early oncological diagnostics
QDM with AI/ML boosts neuroscience, advanced materials, semiconductor fault analysis

Security Dimension

QMagPI maps ultra-low magnetic fields for defence, mineral exploration, strategic surveillance
Quantum cryptography promises theoretically unbreakable encryption against future quantum attacks
Satellite-based quantum links emulate China’s ‘Micius’, targeting secure military communications

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Facility location	IIT Bombay, Powai, Maharashtra
Helium boiling point	–268.93 °C
Target fridge temperature	Below –272 °C
QMagPI status	India’s 1st portable nanotesla magnetometer
QDM capability	Nanoscale 3-D magnetic imaging
Q-Confocal use	Detects intracellular ROS for early cancer
Mission name	National Quantum Mission (NQM)
NQM period	2023-24 to 2030-31
Core ministry	Science & Technology
Key quantum principles	Superposition, Entanglement, Tunneling
Defence relevance	Magnetic anomaly, secure comm, quantum crypto

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Consider the following statements regarding quantum dots:

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

10.Indian Names on Martian Map (Martian Nomenclature)

The HinduIAU · Periyar Vallis · M S Krishnan Crater

What & Where

IAU-2025: 7 Martian landforms christened with Indian names; span craters, valley, plain on Xanthe Terra & surrounds.

Flagship feature: 65 km “Krishnan Crater”, ~3.5 Ga old, evidencing ancient glacial-fluvial activity.

Nearby sites honour Kerala locales—Periyar Vallis, Varkala, Bekal, Thumba, Valiamala—plus “Krishnan Planus”.

Quick Facts for MCQs

IAU Nomenclature Rules

Proposal dossier: name origin, coordinates, imagery, scientific significance, ≤ 2-line justification.
Names must be global, culturally/historically relevant, non-commercial.
Final list published in Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature.

Indian Linkages

Kerala dominance: 5 of 7 names reference state’s geography or institutions.
M.S. Krishnan: first Indian GSI Director; honoured by both crater & plain.
Earlier (2024): PRL got “Lal”, “Mursan”, “Hils” craters approved.

Mars Basics

Surface icons: Olympus Mons (largest volcano), Valles Marineris (largest canyon).
Potential future ring if Phobos disintegrates.
Red hue from oxidised iron-rich dust; thin, cold, dusty atmosphere.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Approving body	International Astronomical Union (Paris HQ)
Decision unit	Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature
Large-crater rule	>50 km: deceased scientists of foundational merit
Small-crater rule	<100 k population towns/villages worldwide
Naming bans	Political, offensive, duplicate, hard-to-pronounce
Krishnan Crater diameter	~65 km
Krishnan age	≈3.5 billion years
Periyar Vallis type	Valley (Vallis)
Thumba relevance	Origin site of ISRO launches, 1962
Valiamala tag	Hosts Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology
Mars radius	~0.53 × Earth
Sol length	24.6 h
Martian year	687 Earth days
Moons	Phobos, Deimos
Atmosphere mix	95 % CO₂ + N₂ & Ar

GS-3Security

11.Operation Sagar Bandhu HADR Mission (HADR Mission)

Times of IndiaINS Vikrant · Cyclone Ditwah · Sri Lanka Aid

Illustration for Operation Sagar Bandhu HADR Mission (HADR Mission)

What & Where

Definition Operation Sagar Bandhu rapid HADR mission launched by India for Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah floods

Geography Indian Ocean Region focus especially Sri Lanka western and southern flood zones

Process Sea–air integrated relief combining Navy warships and IAF transport for swift cargo insertion

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Platform INS Vikrant indigenous aircraft carrier functioning as logistics hub and heli deck for relief sorties
Platform INS Udaigiri yet to be commissioned frigate deployed showcasing readiness of Project 17A class
Aircraft C-130J capable of short runway operations enabling inland distribution from Colombo airport

Security Dimension

FirstResponder India maintains reputation as net security provider in IOR through recurring Sagar class operations
Readiness Continuous monitoring cell activated at Naval Maritime Operations Centre for further tasking
Interoperability Sea–air coordination enhances jointness among services as per Theatre Command vision

International Relations

Diplomacy Move cements goodwill during Sri Lanka economic recovery phase post 2022 crisis
SoftPower HADR missions complement lines of credit and currency swap already extended to Colombo
RegionalOrder Operation aligns with SAGAR doctrine ensuring inclusive cooperative maritime security

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Mission category	Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Target country	Sri Lanka
Trigger event	Cyclone Ditwah floods, 80+ deaths
Lead ministry	Ministry of External Affairs
Core partners	Indian Navy, Indian Air Force
Deployed ships	INS Vikrant, INS Udaigiri
Air asset	IAF C-130J Super Hercules
Policy frameworks	Neighbourhood First, Vision MAHASAGAR
Key supplies	Tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat meals, HADR gear
Delivery model	Sea–air integrated deployment

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following ships was involved in ‘Mission Sagar – II’?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020PYQ 2

Which one of the following ships was deployed in ‘Mission Sagar’, which was sent to different countries carrying Food and COVID related items on 10 May 2020?

GS-2Scheme

12.Sujalam Bharat Water Summit 2025 (Water Governance)

PIBMinistry of Jal Shakti · Water Security · River Rejuvenation

What & Where

Vision for Sujalam Bharat Summit 2025 – national conclave crafting integrated water-security framework

Convened by Ministry of Jal Shakti, to be held in New Delhi during 2025

Covers six water-management pillars ranging from river rejuvenation to community stewardship

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Objective: Accelerate water sustainability via evidence-based policy, sectoral reform, cooperative federalism
Priorities: Source sustainability, groundwater recharge, modern-nature solutions, robust community institutions, inter-departmental convergence
Genesis: Summit stemmed from PM’s call for Centre–State officer forums including junior cadres

Tech & Schemes

Innovation: AI-enabled monitoring, micro-irrigation, leak detection, precision agriculture under Technology-driven Water Management theme
Greywater: Circular pricing, nature-based solutions, septage treatment push resource recirculation
Conservation: Aquifer recharge, traditional systems and LiFE-aligned behavioural change promoted for demand reduction

Social Concerns

Empowerment: PRIs, SHGs, local bodies tasked with long-term sustainability of water assets
Drinking-water: Climate-resilient supply systems, source sustainability, community-managed operations and maintenance highlighted
Stewardship: River-spring agenda includes wetland restoration, catchment protection and local custodianship models

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Summit year	2025
Host ministry	Jal Shakti
Venue city	New Delhi
Thematic areas count	6
Identified national priorities	5
Core approach	Whole-of-government, cooperative federalism
Key objective	Evidence-based water sustainability

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 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, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

Which of the following statements about the 'Kaveri Meets Ganga' Programme is/are correct?

GS-1Editorial

13.Excellence Without Ethical Foundations (Educational Ethics)

Hindustan TimesValues Education · Caste Discrimination · Professional Ethics

Illustration for Excellence Without Ethical Foundations (Educational Ethics)

What & Where

Concept; Excellence-without-ethics denotes high scholastic or professional skill minus moral compass, risking amplified injustice

Process; Value-education embeds empathy, critical reasoning, constitutional duties via curriculum, pedagogy, campus ethos, community immersion

Geography; Issue flagged across Indian elite institutes, civil services, hospitals, corporate offices during 2023-24 incidents

Quick Facts for MCQs

Symptoms

Toxic-conduct; bullying, caste humiliation, abuse of authority by highly educated professionals
Output-obsession; people reduced to targets or beds, especially visible in COVID-19 hospital management
Academic-dishonesty; plagiarism, proxy projects, mass cheating normalised where outcomes outweigh integrity

Rationale for Ethics

Inequality; stratified caste-class society needs empathetic administrators to uphold dignity for all citizens
Demographic-dividend; large youth cohort without conscience risks scams, polarisation, corruption
Democratic-health; civic morality underpins respectful dissent, essential for plural republic stability

Reform Agenda

Curriculum; national, secular, constitution-anchored ethics framework with age-wise outcomes from empathy to dilemma analysis
Pedagogy; integrate ethical questions in science, economics, literature; mandate BEd/MEd training in SEL and case dialogue
Campus-culture; zero tolerance for discrimination, honour codes against cheating, student clubs for debate and social service

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
EY Pune work-pressure death	2023 case exposing intellect without empathy
IIT & medical caste harassment	Multiple 2023-24 complaints, Delhi & Tamil Nadu highlighted
NEET-UG 2024 scandal	Cheating leak network; integrity crises in exam culture
NEP 2020 ethics rollout	No uniform syllabus, pedagogy or assessment yet
Exam-centric driver	JEE, NEET, NIRF ranks sidelining moral learning

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14.Blind Women’s T20 World Cup Debut (Disabled Sports)

PIBBlind Cricket · World Blind Cricket Ltd · CABI

Illustration for Blind Women’s T20 World Cup Debut (Disabled Sports)

What & Where

Definition: First global T20 cricket championship for visually impaired women cricketers

Geography: Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka; final at P Sara Oval, Colombo

Oversight: Conducted by World Blind Cricket Ltd with CABI & Sri Lanka counterpart

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tournament Format

Structure: Single league stage then knock-outs ensuring every team meets once
Progression: Top four advanced to semifinals determining finalists
Schedule: Matches split across two Indian cities and Colombo for climatic final

Player Categories & Equipment

Composition: Mandatory mix of B1, B2, B3 on field at all times
Ball: Rattling bearings enable auditory location aiding visually impaired fielding
Technique: Underarm delivery keeps ball audible and accessible for all sight groups

India’s Performance

Campaign: India remained undefeated through league, semifinal and final encounters
Final: Chased Nepal target comfortably, winning by 7 wickets under captain Deepika TC
Key contributor: Phula Saren named Player of the Final for decisive all-round display

Governance & Inclusion

Institution: Event signals historic inclusion milestone for women with visual impairment in global cricket
Collaboration: WBC partnered regional associations showcasing cross-border administrative synergy
Representation: USA and Australia participation broadened footprint beyond South Asia

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Official name	1st Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
Organising body	World Blind Cricket Ltd (WBC)
Indian partner	Cricket Association for the Blind in India
Sri Lankan partner	Cricket Association for the Blind in Sri Lanka
Host countries	India, Sri Lanka
Indian venues	Delhi, Bengaluru
Final venue	P Sara Oval Stadium, Colombo
Participating nations	6 (India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, USA)
Tournament format	Round-robin → semifinals → final
Player categories	B1 fully blind; B2; B3
Ball specification	White plastic with metal bearings for audible tracking
Bowling style	Underarm along the ground
B1 batting rule	Each B1 run counts double; runners permitted
Champion	India (unbeaten)
Final margin	Beat Nepal by 7 wickets
Indian captain	Deepika TC (Gaonkar)
Player of the Final	Phula Saren

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आई सी सी अंडर-19 पुरुष क्रिकेट विश्व कप, 2024 के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

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