Tuesday, 9 December 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2007.

Q: When the President of India is impeached for the violation of the Constitution, the charge shall be preferred by

The correct answer is (a) the Lok Sabha. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2025.

Q: Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?

The correct answer is (a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

The correct answer is (c) 1 और 2 दोनों. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: हाल ही, 'अविनिमेय (Non-Fungible) टोकन्स' की चर्चा निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंध में की जाती है?

The correct answer is (a) किसी ब्लॉकचेन पर डिजिटल आस्तियाँ (ऐसेट्स). This question appeared in CAPF_GAI 2022.

Q: The distance between which two cities has been reduced by the Atal Tunnel?

The correct answer is (c) Manali to Leh. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2021.

Q: Which one of the following statements is NOT correct about the Atal Tunnel ?

The correct answer is (b) It was inaugurated on 03 October 2020 in Rohtang. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2021.

Q: “Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge” (MANAK), a scheme under the flagship programme, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), caters to:

The correct answer is (c) The college teachers of the country.. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2025.

Q: भारत में नवाचार तथा अनुसंधान और विकास के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

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

Q: 'Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States' from the allocation of preparedness and Capacity Building Funding Window under the National Disaster Response Fund for strengthening fire services in the States was introduced by which Union Ministry?

The correct answer is (a) Ministry of Family and Health Affairs. This question appeared in ESE_GS 2024.

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

0/14 done

GS-2Polity

1.Impeachment Procedure for Judges (Judicial Accountability)

The HinduArticle 124(4) · Judges Inquiry Act 1968 · misbehaviour

What & Where

Judicial Impeachment – constitutional removal process for Supreme Court/High Court judges on proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

Two-tier redress – Parliament-led impeachment plus 1999 Supreme Court in-house inquiry for lesser misconduct.

Jurisdiction – uniform across India’s Supreme Court and 25 High Courts.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Exclusivity: Removal only via Art 124(4); shields judiciary from executive whim.
Safeguard: High special majority makes success rare; no judge impeached till 2025.
Extension: Article 218 applies identical regimen to all High Court judges.

Procedural Steps

Initiation: Motion in either House; Speaker/Chairman must admit; threshold signatures mandatory.
Inquiry: Three-member panel holds quasi-judicial probe, ensures natural justice, submits finding.
Finality: Both Houses pass resolution; President issues order; vacancy arises automatically.

In-house Mechanism

Genesis: 1999 protocol after Ravichandran Iyer case to address sub-impeachment misconduct.
Composition: HC judge panel = 2 HC CJs + 1 HC judge; variants for HC CJ & SC judge.
Outcome: Proven misconduct → advice to resign/retire; refusal can lead to impeachment move.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional Article	124(4) & 218
Statutory Law	Judges (Inquiry) Act 1968
Grounds	Proved misbehaviour / incapacity
Lok Sabha signatories	Minimum 100 MPs
Rajya Sabha signatories	Minimum 50 MPs
Inquiry committee	1 SC judge + 1 HC CJ + 1 eminent jurist
Special majority	⅔ present & voting + absolute majority total strength
Removal order	President of India

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2007PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 2

When the President of India is impeached for the violation of the Constitution, the charge shall be preferred by

GS-2Polity

2.Karnataka Hate Speech Prevention Bill (Hate Speech Law)

Indian ExpressKarnataka bill 2025 · hate crimes · Article 19

What & Where

Hate speech: expression causing injury/disharmony against religion, race, caste, gender, sexual orientation, birthplace, disability

Karnataka: first Indian state to table a stand-alone Hate Speech & Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025

Legislative gap: IPC/BNS lack precise definition; Bill adds organisational and online accountability

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Provision Collective liability targets office-bearers when organisational link established
Provision Internet regulation enables blocking, takedown of hateful posts, websites
Existing statutes SC/ST Act, RPA, PCR Act offer piecemeal protections

Constitutional Basis

Article 19(1)(a) free speech; Article 19(2) permits restrictions for order, morality, incitement
Bill must survive proportionality, vagueness tests under Shreya Singhal precedent
Grounds sovereignty, security, dignity anchor permissible curbs

Judicial Precedents

Shaheen Abdulla 2022: SC orders suo-motu police action against hate speeches
Tehseen Poonawalla 2018: SC prescribes district nodal officer to curb lynching, cow vigilantism
Shreya Singhal 2015: SC strikes IT Act 66A, upholds narrow restrictions doctrine

Committee Suggestions

Law Commission 267th 2017: add IPC sections 153C, 505A for incitement to hatred
Viswanathan 2015: proposes max 2 yr jail, ₹5k fine for identity-based offences
Bezbaruah 2014: recommends up to 5 yr jail for acts against human dignity

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Pioneer state	Karnataka
Bill year	2025
Short title	Karnataka Hate Speech & Hate Crimes Bill
Defines hate speech	Injury or disharmony vs protected groups
New liability	Collective accountability of organisations
Digital power	State may block/remove online hateful content
Core sections in BNS	196 (ex-153A), 299 (ex-295A)

GS-3Economy

3.UPI Tops Global Real-Time Payments (Digital Payments)

PIBUPI · IMF report · NPCI

Illustration for UPI Tops Global Real-Time Payments (Digital Payments)

What & Where

UPI = India’s instant, interoperable mobile platform for bank-to-bank retail transfers.

Operated by National Payments Corporation of India; regulated by Reserve Bank of India; pilot launched April 2016.

IMF lists UPI as world’s largest real-time retail payment system, making India global leader in fast payments.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Real-time settlement: funds move in under 5 seconds, available 24×7×365.
Interoperability: one platform for banks, apps, QR codes; supports P2P, P2M, autopay, credit lines.
Cost advantage: low/zero MDR spurs mass adoption by small merchants.

Global Standing

Dominates global fast payments, ahead of Pix, PromptPay, UnionPay/WeChat/Alipay combined.
IMF recognition cements India as undisputed leader in retail real-time transactions.
Scalable architecture processes billions of transactions monthly without downtime.

Legal & Policy

Conceptualised by NPCI to merge fragmented payment rails; RBI provides regulatory oversight.
Government-backed zero-MDR policy maintains affordability for consumers and businesses.
International push: UPI–RuPay linkages expanding acceptance in UAE, Singapore, France, Bhutan.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch pilot	April 2016
Operator	National Payments Corporation of India
Regulator	Reserve Bank of India
IMF report name	“Growing Retail Digital Payments – The Value of Interoperability”
Global real-time share (2023)	49 %
Annual transaction volume (2023)	129.3 billion
Runner-up system	Brazil Pix – 14 % share
Data source on volumes	ACI Worldwide “Prime Time for Real-Time 2024”

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2017PYQ 1

Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?

GS1 2017PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

4.Trade Dumping and Anti-Dumping Rules (Anti-Dumping)

ITdumping · anti-dumping duty · WTO

What & Where

Dumping: selling a product abroad below domestic price or average production cost, enabled by price‐segmented markets

Process: importing country proves dumping, material injury, causal link before imposing anti-dumping duty equal to dumping margin

Geography: U.S. mulls tariffs on Indian rice after complaints by American farmers of subsidised price undercutting

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

WTO ADA prescribes investigation, disclosure, review; sunset of duties normally after five years
Countervailing duties target foreign government subsidies separate from dumping margin calculations
Import quotas permissible but must respect overall WTO quantitative restriction rules

Economic Angle

Domestic producers face under-pricing, revenue erosion, capacity shutdown risk
Consumers initially gain lower prices, but future monopoly pricing risk if domestic industry exits
Subsidy-driven exports distort market signals, trigger bilateral trade tensions

Remedial Tools

Anti-dumping duty: tariff bridges export and normal value gap
Price undertaking: exporter voluntarily raises export price to avoid duty
Strengthening industry: tech upgrades, diversification, productivity boosts against import surge

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
WTO stance	Dumping not banned; action allowed on proven injury
Injury proof tests	Dumping + material injury + causation
Normal value options	Domestic price, third-country price, or production cost
Dumping margin	Normal value minus export price
Anti-dumping duty cap	Cannot exceed dumping margin
Key WTO pact	Anti-Dumping Agreement (ADA)
Possible U.S. action	New tariffs on Indian rice
Short-term consumer effect	Cheaper imports
Long-term producer effect	Market share loss, job cuts
Typical remedies	Anti-dumping, countervailing duties, quotas, price undertakings

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

5.Crypto Transactions Rise Post TDS (Cryptocurrency Tax)

The Hinducryptocurrency · 1% TDS · Finance Act 2022

What & Where

Cryptocurrency; decentralised digital medium of exchange built on public blockchain verified via cryptography

Key processes: mining creates new coins; transfers executed peer-to-peer; stored in hot or cold wallets

India context: FY 2024-25 VDA transfers ₹51,180 cr; 1 % TDS collected nationwide

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Finance Act 2022 introduced Sec 194S imposing 1 % TDS on every VDA transfer
Clause carried forward unchanged into Income Tax Act 2025 ensuring continuity
Finance Ministry tabled collection data in Rajya Sabha December 2025

Economic Angle

Transactions worth ₹51,180 cr FY 2024-25 signal expanding domestic crypto market
Annual growth 41 % despite taxation reflects sustained user appetite
TDS remittance ₹511 cr contributes incremental fiscal receipts

Tech & Processes

Mining process solves cryptographic puzzles to mint fresh coins and update blockchain
Storage choices hot online wallets versus cold hardware for better security
Payments feature fast low-fee international transfers bypassing intermediaries

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Assessment year	FY 2024-25
Total VDA transfer value	₹51,180 crore
YoY growth	41 %
TDS rate on VDA transfers	1 %
TDS collected FY 24-25	₹511 crore
Law introducing TDS	Finance Act 2022
Present governing statute	Income Tax Act 2025
First decentralised crypto	Bitcoin 2009

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2022PYQ 1

हाल ही, 'अविनिमेय (Non-Fungible) टोकन्स' की चर्चा निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंध में की जाती है?

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

6.Preah Vihear Hindu Temple Dispute (Khmer Temple)

Indian ExpressPreah Vihear · UNESCO site · ICJ 1962

What & Where

Preah Vihear Temple – 11th-century Hindu shrine to Shiva, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Perched on Dangrek Mountains escarpment straddling Thailand-Cambodia border, altitude ≈525 m.

Territory disputed; ICJ awards to Cambodia, Thailand contests, causing recurrent border clashes.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

1904 treaty, 1907 map create contradictory colonial boundaries.
1962 ICJ decision resolves in Cambodia’s favour; compliance partial.
2008 UNESCO listing, 2013 ICJ clarification, 2025 firefight renew volatility.

Legal & Policy

ICJ jurisdiction formally recognised by Cambodia, presently rejected by Thailand.
2013 ICJ urged demilitarised zone; implementation absent; status quo fragile.
Border commissions stalled; no bilateral legal settlement reached.

Security Dimension

December 2025: Thailand conducts airstrikes on Cambodian positions near temple.
Trigger: death of two Thai soldiers during border patrol skirmish.
Dangrek terrain, limited access roads complicate military disengagement efforts.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Builders	Khmer kings Suryavarman I & II
Construction era	Early-mid 11th century
1904 Franco-Siamese Treaty	Placed area in Thailand
1907 French colonial map	Placed temple in Cambodia
ICJ 1962 verdict	Temple belongs to Cambodia
UNESCO WHS inscription	2008, triggered fresh tensions
ICJ 2013 ruling	Reaffirmation + proposed demilitarised zone
Recent escalation	Dec 2025 Thai airstrikes after 2 soldiers killed

GS-3Species

7.Invasive Tree Senna spectabilis (Invasive Species)

New Indian ExpressSenna spectabilis · invasive alien · Tamil Nadu eradication

Illustration for Invasive Tree Senna spectabilis (Invasive Species)

What & Where

Senna spectabilis: fast-growing leguminous tree, yellow flowers, now infamous invasive alien species.

Core invasion belt: Nilgiris, Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam, Anaikatty and wider Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu.

State plan: complete eradication from all TN forest divisions by March 2026.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Monoculture formation suppresses native understorey and tree regeneration.
Fodder reduction alters elephant, deer movement; ecological cascade likely.
Dry biomass accumulation escalates forest fire probability.

Botanical Traits

Prolific hard-coated seeds enable rapid spread on poor soils, full sun.
Dense, spreading crown shades out competitors, fosters thick canopy layer.
Traditional uses include fuelwood, ornamental avenues, small implements.

State Initiative

Tamil Nadu undertaking one of India’s largest invasive-species eradication drives.
Removal planned across every forest division, leveraging manual uprooting and biomass disposal.
Drive aligns with Western Ghats biodiversity conservation priorities.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Taxonomic family	Fabaceae
Native range	South & Central America
Indian status	Highly invasive alien species
Typical height	7 – 18 m
Flower colour	Bright yellow
Pod length	15 – 30 cm, dehiscent
Leaf behaviour	Nyctinasty (closes at night)
IUCN category	Least Concern
Preferred habitat	Dry–moist deciduous forests, disturbed woodland
Tamil Nadu target year	March 2026

GS-3S&T

8.Brain–Computer Interface Technology (Neurotechnology)

The HinduBrain–Computer Interface · neural decoding · EEG electrodes

Illustration for Brain–Computer Interface Technology (Neurotechnology)

What & Where

Brain–Computer Interface (BCI): translates neuronal electrical signals into digital commands, creating a two-way brain–machine channel.

Core processes: signal capture (invasive implants / non-invasive EEG), ML neural-decoding, device control, continuous feedback.

Geography: Global leaders U.S., China, EU; India launching strategic neurotech programmes.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Medical Rehabilitation

Robotic limbs & wheelchairs restore movement for paralysis, stroke, spinal injuries.
Neural spellers/gaze typing give “locked-in” patients communication channels.
Targeted stimulation lowers long-term dependence on neuro-drugs.

Assistive Technologies

Thought-driven control of phones, PCs, smart-homes elevates autonomy for motor-impaired.
Wearable EEG headsets allow everyday, surgery-free BCI use.
Fast ML decoding delivers near-natural interaction speeds.

Security Dimension

BCIs let soldiers direct drone swarms or radios mentally, offering tactical edge.
Dual-use raises ethical, legal, data-security challenges.
Early adoption aimed at healthcare savings and tech-leadership dividends.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Electrode types	Invasive micro-electrodes; non-invasive EEG caps
Primary signal	Electrical activity of cortical neurons
Basic stages	Capture → Decode → Actuate → Feedback
AI contribution	Enables real-time, high-accuracy decoding
Emerging ability	Bidirectional stimulation to restore function
Key civilian uses	Mobility rehab, neuro-therapy, assistive devices
Defence potential	Mental control of drones / comms systems

GS-3S&T

9.In-Vitro Fertilization Technology (Assisted Reproduction)

The HinduIVF · ART · ICMR-NIRRCH report

Illustration for In-Vitro Fertilization Technology (Assisted Reproduction)

What & Where

IVF: laboratory fertilisation of ovum with sperm; embryo transferred into uterus to establish pregnancy.

Key ART modality in India for blocked tubes, low sperm count, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, age-related or unexplained infertility.

Governed nationwide under Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act 2021; performed in both public & private hospitals.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Treatment-cost burden: single cycle exceeds annual earnings of average citizen, limiting access.
ART cycle globally costs 166 % of Indian yearly income, signalling higher relative expense.
Financial strain pushes couples to multiple loans or discontinuation after 1–2 cycles.

Legal & Policy

ART Act 2021 mandates compulsory registration of clinics/banks via National Registry for transparency.
Eligibility widened to single women, foreign nationals; excludes surrogacy provisions (separate Act).
Commissioning parties must insure egg donor against medical injury or death.

Social Concerns

Rising infertility driven by stress, late marriages, PCOS, obesity threatens demographic dividend.
Experts urge affordable fertility care to maintain fertility rate above replacement.
Children born through ART legally treated as biological offspring; donors retain no parental rights.

Tech & Schemes

IVF, ICSI, cryopreservation regulated; genetic disease screening compulsory before gamete use.
CGHS offers limited one-time reimbursement, partially cushioning costs for government beneficiaries.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Average cost per IVF cycle	> ₹1 lakh (public & private)
Public health spend/patient/yr	₹6,822 – 11,075
One ART cycle vs avg Indian income	166 %
Infertility prevalence	1 in 6 couples
CGHS reimbursement	₹65,000 or actual (lower) for 3 fresh cycles
Women eligibility (ART)	21 – 50 yrs
Men eligibility (ART)	21 – 55 yrs
Egg donor age limit	23 – 35 yrs, one donation, ≤7 eggs
Sperm donor age limit	21 – 55 yrs
Sex selection	Strictly prohibited

GS-2Misc

10.UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (UNESCO GNLC)

Times of IndiaUNESCO · Learning Cities · GNLC

What & Where

Network: UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) promotes lifelong, inclusive, sustainable learning in urban areas.

Launch: 2013 under UNESCO’s Education 2030 agenda, advancing SDG-4 (quality education).

Reach: 425 cities, 91 countries (2025 cohort) coordinated by UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, Hamburg.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Membership Stats

Growth: 77 cities (2013) to 425 (2025), six-fold expansion.
Coverage: All inhabited continents; urban, peri-urban, medium and megacities included.
Impact: Nearly half-billion residents gain structured lifelong-learning access.

Saudi Vision 2030 Link

Addition of three cities supports Human Capability Development Program targets.
Emphasis: Digital skills, AI readiness, entrepreneurship to diversify post-oil economy.
AlUla leverages heritage tourism for community learning and cultural preservation.

City Criteria

Integration: Formal, non-formal, workplace, community education tied into one system.
Focus: Digital literacy, AI, innovation platforms, workforce reskilling.
Inclusion: Literacy and upskilling programmes for youth, adults, marginalised groups, aligned with SDGs.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Lead agency	UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)
Year launched	2013
2025 city count	425
Countries represented	91
Population served	~500 million
Latest Saudi additions	Riyadh, AlUla, Riyadh Al-Khabra
Total Saudi members	8 cities
Indian GNLC cities	Warangal, Thrissur, Nilambur (2022)
Core mandate	Lifelong learning ecosystems across formal, non-formal, workplace, community settings

GS-2Misc

11.WHO Summit on Traditional Medicine 2025 (Traditional Medicine)

DD NewsWHO · Traditional Medicine Summit · Ayush Ministry

Illustration for WHO Summit on Traditional Medicine 2025 (Traditional Medicine)

What & Where

High-level WHO summit advancing traditional, complementary, integrative medicine through scientific validation and policy dialogue.

2nd edition scheduled 17–19 Dec 2025, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India.

Co-hosted by WHO & Ministry of Ayush; backed by WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC), Jamnagar.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Evidence Integration

Research focus; clinical trials, quality benchmarks, regulatory frameworks highlighted for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa-Rigpa, Homeopathy.
Goal: align traditional remedies with universal health-coverage standards.

Digital & Innovation

Showcases AI-powered pharmacopeias, digital plant repositories, biodiversity mapping tools for sustainable sourcing.
Emphasises data platforms to mainstream traditional knowledge globally.

Soft Power & Collaboration

Positions India as global traditional-medicine leader, paralleling Yoga diplomacy success.
Deepens WHO–India partnership via GTMC, signalling international trust in Indian knowledge systems.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Edition	2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine
Dates	17–19 December 2025
Venue	Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Co-hosts	WHO & Ministry of Ayush, GoI
Theme 2025	“Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being”
Supporting hub	WHO-GTMC, Jamnagar (India)
Expected delegations	100 + countries
Participant mix	Ministers, policymakers, scientists, industry, Indigenous practitioners
Core agenda	Evidence-based integration of traditional medicine into health systems
Planned outcome	Decade-long roadmap for safe, equitable integration

GS-3InfrastructureQuick Bite

12.Strategic Shyok Tunnel in Ladakh (Border Infrastructure)

Indian ExpressShyok Tunnel · DS-DBO Road · BRO

Illustration for Strategic Shyok Tunnel in Ladakh (Border Infrastructure)

What & Where

Cut-and-cover Shyok Tunnel (920 m) lies on Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DS-DBO) Road, eastern Ladakh.

Altitude > 12,000 ft; closest Indian surface link to Daulat Beg Oldie outpost near LAC with China.

Provides snow-secure, all-weather passage around avalanche-prone Shyok River stretch.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Enhances troop sustenance, surveillance and rapid reinforcement along sensitive LAC sector.
Cuts winter supply disruptions, vital after prolonged China standoff since 2020.
Secures land axis guarding Siachen Glacier approaches.

Connectivity & Logistics

Bypasses heavy-snow, landslide zone beside Shyok River, ensuring year-round DS-DBO traffic.
Supports quickest surface access to India’s northernmost military airstrip at DBO.
Complements earlier DS-DBO road upgrades for heavier logistics loads.

Project Context

One among 125 new BRO assets spanning roads, bridges and tunnels nationwide.
Demonstrates BRO focus on high-altitude, dual-use infrastructure under GS-III Infrastructure theme.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Executing agency	Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
Inaugurated by	India’s Defence Minister
Inauguration batch	125 BRO infrastructure projects
Tunnel type	Cut-and-cover
Length	920 metres
Altitude	> 12,000 feet
Road connected	Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DS-DBO)
Nearest strategic post	Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO)
Region	Eastern Ladakh
Primary purpose	All-weather connectivity, avalanche bypass
Strategic trigger	Post-2020 Galwan clashes

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2021PYQ 1

The distance between which two cities has been reduced by the Atal Tunnel?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct about the Atal Tunnel ?

GS-1Editorial

13.Strengthening India’s STEM Workforce (STEM Education)

Indian ExpressSTEM graduates · researcher density · women in STEM

What & Where

STEM ecosystem; covers education-to-research pipeline across India’s universities, labs and tech industry.

Focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics disciplines driving innovation, strategic autonomy and economic growth.

Geography: Nationwide, with concentration in IITs/IISc but major talent in 1,100-plus state & private institutions.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Demographic Trends

Skew: IT services absorb majority; core sciences face acute talent scarcity.
Pipeline leak: 90 % elite-trained AI researchers migrate abroad for jobs.
Under-representation: Only 14 % research posts held by women despite high graduation share.

Initiatives & Schemes

Funding: ANRF expands research grants beyond elite institutes; aims collaborative industry participation.
School push: Atal Innovation Mission seeds robotics, IoT curiosity early.
High-tech missions: Quantum, AI programmes earmark >₹16,000 cr for frontier infrastructure.

Key Challenges

Under-funding: GERD stuck below 1 %; far behind China, USA, Korea benchmarks.
Bureaucracy: 6–8-month fellowship delays; cumbersome equipment procurement rules hamper labs.
Infrastructure gap: 90 % state universities lack modern labs and journal access.

Proposed Reforms

Funding boost: Target 2 % GDP GERD, incentivise private R&D via CSR or tax breaks.
Ease-science: Single-window clearance for grants, automated monthly fellowship release.
Talent retention: Create competitive post-doc posts; extend ANRF support to rural and state colleges.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Annual STEM graduates	25–30 lakh (AISHE 2021-22)
Women in STEM graduation	43 %
Women in research jobs	14 %
Researchers per million	~260
GERD share of GDP	~0.64 %
Private R&D share	<40 % of GERD
Median Indian age	28 years
ANRF corpus	₹50,000 cr over 5 yrs
National Quantum Mission	₹6,000 cr
IndiaAI Mission	₹10,372 cr
Atal Tinkering Labs	>10,000 set-up
PMRF top stipend	₹80,000 per month

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

“Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge” (MANAK), a scheme under the flagship programme, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), caters to:

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 2

भारत में नवाचार तथा अनुसंधान और विकास के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-1Editorial

14.Governance Gaps in Fire Safety (Fire Safety)

The Printfire incidents · NCRB data · Fire NOC

Illustration for Governance Gaps in Fire Safety (Fire Safety)

What & Where

Fire tragedies: fatal, large-scale building fires regulated under National Building Code 2016 Part 4 (Fire & Life Safety).

Key settings: 57 % deaths in residences; rising share in commercial hubs—hospitals, factories, markets—often mixed-land-use violators.

Geography: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh together >50 % fire deaths; incidents concentrated in high-density urban clusters.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Trends & Patterns

Urbanisation: commercial casualties climbing amid mixed-land use and rooftop eateries.
Night-time vulnerability: occupants asleep, delayed reaction magnifies fatality counts.
Migrant exposure: dormitory-cum-workplaces in basements/lofts common in industrial pockets.

Causes

Regulatory non-compliance: operations sans valid Fire NOC; weak inspection regimes.
Structural hazards: flammable cladding, blocked exits, illegal basements impede evacuation.
Access issues: congested lanes delay tenders; drones/robots trialled to overcome.

Governance Gap

Fragmented oversight: municipal, electricity, fire departments poorly coordinated; corruption delays enforcement.
Liability void: limited criminal accountability for officials ignoring violations.
Data silos: absence of unified dashboard masks discrepancies in load sanctions, building plans, NOCs.

Policy & Tech Measures

Digitised NOC portals in Gujarat, Maharashtra track renewals, curb bribery.
15th FC funds earmarked for fleet, equipment, training upgrades.
Proposed shift: mandatory third-party annual audits; GIS mapping of hydrants & high-risk zones.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Annual incidents (India)	≈1.6 lakh
Annual deaths	>27,000 (NCRB)
Residential death share	57 %
Leading trigger	Short circuits ≈70 % fires
High-risk time	Night / early morning
4 top states’ death share	>50 % national total
Finance Commission aid	₹5,000 cr for fire-service modernisation
Model Fire Bill	2019
NBC latest version	2016
Hospital audit rule	Quarterly NOC (MoHFW 2020)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

'Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States' from the allocation of preparedness and Capacity Building Funding Window under the National Disaster Response Fund for strengthening fire services in the States was introduced by which Union Ministry?

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