Skip to main content
UnlockIAS

UPSC Current Affairs

14 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 4GS-3: 8
0/14 done
GS-2Polity

1.FSSAI Egg Safety Drive (Food Safety)

New Indian Express

What & Where

Drive: Nationwide FSSAI surveillance to detect banned nitrofuran residues in table eggs.

Substance: Nitrofurans, synthetic antimicrobial agents — nitrofurantoin, furazolidone, nitrofurazone, furaltadone.

Geography: All Indian states/UTs; conforms to EU-like zero-tolerance norms for food-animal products.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Health Impact

  • Carcinogenicity: Animal studies link nitrofurans to tumor formation, spurring global prohibitions.
  • Toxicity: Overexposure may trigger neuropathy, GI distress, hypersensitivity.
  • Chronic exposure: Even trace dietary intake raises cumulative public-health concerns.

Regulatory Framework

  • Ban: India, EU, multiple nations prohibit nitrofuran use in food animals.
  • Compliance tool: FSSAI leverages Food Safety & Standards Act, residue limits set at “zero detectable”.
  • Enforcement: Sampling, laboratory LC-MS/MS testing; non-compliant brands face recall, penalties.

Drug Characteristics

  • Spectrum: Effective against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, some protozoa like Giardia.
  • Mode: Nitro-reduction yields reactive intermediates disrupting bacterial DNA.
  • Stability: Residues bind tissue proteins, complicating detection without advanced analytical methods.

Global Context

  • Trade barrier: Presence of nitrofuran residues can attract import bans under WTO SPS Agreement.
  • Precedent: EU Rapid Alert System frequently flags Asian poultry-egg consignments for nitrofuran contamination.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Nodal agencyFood Safety and Standards Authority of India
Commodity monitoredHen eggs, retail & farm gate
Contaminant classNitrofurans (synthetic nitrofuran antibiotics)
Legal status in IndiaCompletely banned for food-producing animals
Prime health concernCarcinogenic potential; long-term cumulative risk
Drug actionBroad-spectrum, mainly bacteriostatic; bactericidal at high dose
pH performanceGreater activity in acidic environments
Resistance traitSlow emergence, but complete cross-resistance within group
GS-3Economy

2.Trade Deficit Basics (Balance of Trade)

ANI
Illustration for Trade Deficit Basics (Balance of Trade)

What & Where

Trade deficit = negative Balance of Trade when imports exceed exports for a period

Types: merchandise (goods), services, bilateral country-specific gaps

India’s merchandise trade deficit shrank to USD 6.6 bn in Nov 2025 on higher exports, lower gold imports

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers & Cycles

  • Commodity prices—oil, gold—swing deficit size cyclically
  • Domestic demand spurts widen imports; export surges narrow gap
  • Exchange-rate moves alter relative prices, influencing trade volumes

Currency & Prices

  • Persistent deficit elevates foreign currency demand, weakening rupee
  • Weaker rupee transmits imported inflation into fuel, transport, food baskets
  • Lower gold imports Nov 2025 trimmed pressure on forex reserves

External Vulnerability

  • Large merchandise gap enlarges Current Account Deficit share
  • Wider CAD heightens dependence on FDI, FPI, external borrowings
  • Capital flow reversals under high CAD risk balance-of-payments stress

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Nov 2025 India trade deficitUSD 6.6 billion
Trade balance formulaExports − Imports
Negative BoT signalsTrade deficit
Positive BoT signalsTrade surplus
Main deficit component of CADMerchandise trade gap
Key Nov 2025 import fallGold
Beneficial deficit driverCapital goods imports
Persistent deficit effectRupee depreciation pressure

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2023PYQ 1

An Indian businessperson buys shares in a British car company. This transaction will be reflected in:

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2020PYQ 2

With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS-3Economy

3.India-ADB $2.2 B Development Loans (ADB Financing)

Economic Times
Illustration for India-ADB $2.2 B Development Loans (ADB Financing)

What & Where

ADB–India loan: $2.2 bn multi-sector package for skills, clean energy, health, metro, livelihoods

Coverage: 12+ states; key sites ­Chennai, Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Meghalaya

ADB: Manila-based multilateral bank (1966), 69 members; India founding member & top borrower

Quick Facts for MCQs

Human Capital

  • Skilling modernises 650 ITIs, 5 NSTIs; curricula pivot to renewables, EVs, advanced manufacturing
  • Employability target covers 1.3 million youth via industry partnerships and certification upgrades

Clean Energy

  • Rooftop solar loan supports PM Surya Ghar; 10 million household systems by 2027, ~30 GW capacity
  • Financing structure offers collateral-free, low-cost credit; aligned with DISCOM and regulatory reforms

Urban & Rural Livelihoods

  • Chennai Metro tranche funds climate-resilient, universally accessible corridors, stations, depots
  • Meghalaya project blends ecotourism and climate-smart agriculture, boosting indigenous incomes and forest conservation

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Loan size$2.2 billion
Projects financed5
Largest component$846 m skilling & employability
Solar allocation$650 m rooftop scheme
Health allocation$398.8 m Assam medical colleges
Urban transport allocation$240 m Chennai Metro Tr-2
Livelihoods allocation$77 m Meghalaya eco-agri
ADB headquartersManila, Philippines
Establishment year1966
India’s share in ADB portfolio≈14 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से किस एक ने 'एशिया और प्रशांत क्षेत्र के लिए प्रकृति समाधान (नेचर सॉल्यूशन्स) फंड' प्रारंभ किया?

GS1 2022PYQ 2

“Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Facility” are related to the provisions of lending by which one of the following?

GS-3InfrastructureQuick Bite

4.Indian Railways Electrification Milestone (Rail Electrification)

PIB

What & Where

Rail electrification: replacing diesel traction with 25 kV AC overhead supply on broad-gauge lines.

Implemented by Indian Railways across 25 states on its entire main network.

Status Dec 2025: 99.2 % of broad-gauge route-km already energised, near-total completion.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

  • Diesel cut leads to lower CO₂ & particulate emissions, aiding national climate pledges.
  • Electric traction allows integration of solar & wind into rail power mix.

Economic Angle

  • Electric locos slash fuel & maintenance bills, improving operating ratio.
  • Faster, reliable freight boosts competitiveness and logistics efficiency.

Operational Gains

  • Higher average speeds and acceleration improve line capacity and timetable adherence.
  • Uniform traction simplifies loco deployment and crew management.

Global Context

  • India now outranks several advanced economies still reliant on diesel traction.
  • Near-total BG electrification places Indian Railways among earliest national systems targeting full net-zero.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Electrification coverage (broad-gauge)99.2 %
Target year for net-zero emissions2030
States with 100 % electrified BG routes25
RKM electrified 2019-25≈ Germany’s total rail length
Key energy shiftDiesel to grid & renewables
Economic aim supportedUSD 5 trillion economy vision

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

जून, 2024 में भारत ने USA के साथ एक समझौता-ज्ञापन (MoU) पर हस्ताक्षर किया ताकि भारतीय रेल को ‘नेट-शून्य उत्सर्जन’ लक्ष्य प्राप्त करने में किस वर्ष तक सहायता मिल सके?

GS-1History

5.Vijay Diwas 1971 Victory (1971 Indo-Pak War)

Times of India

What & Where

Vijay Diwas (16 Dec) commemorates Indian victory in 1971 Indo-Pak war and Pakistan Eastern Command’s surrender at Dhaka.

Core theatre: East Pakistan—now Bangladesh—encircled via land thrusts, naval blockade Bay of Bengal, IAF air-dominance.

Observed across India, chiefly at National War Memorial, to honour ~3 armour-services’ joint campaign.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Military Operations

  • AirSuperiority: IAF neutralised East Pakistan aircraft within 48 hrs enabling unopposed ground-air coordination.
  • NavalBlockade: Eastern Fleet sealed Bay of Bengal, choking reinforcements; Western Fleet struck Karachi fuel depots.
  • SwiftManeuvre: Indian Army’s three-pronged advance captured Dhaka without protracted urban combat.

Humanitarian Context

  • Crackdown: Operation Searchlight 25 Mar triggered mass killings, displacement across East Pakistan.
  • RefugeeInflux: West Bengal, Assam, Tripura hosted camps; fiscal strain pushed India toward war decision.
  • GenocideEvidence: UN estimates millions affected; atrocities later probed by Bangladesh tribunals.

Strategic Significance

  • RegionalReordering: Birth of Bangladesh altered South-Asian balance, halved Pakistan’s population & resources.
  • DeterrenceValue: Demonstrated joint-forces synergy, shaping India’s future integrated commands doctrine.
  • DiplomaticLeverage: Massive POW pool enabled favourable Simla terms, fostering long-term India-Bangladesh ties.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
War duration3–16 Dec 1971 (13 days)
Surrender signing siteDhaka’s Ramna Race Course (now Suhrawardy Udyan)
Pakistani POWs~93,000—the largest since WWII
Trigger eventPak air strikes on Indian bases (Op Chengiz Khan) 3 Dec
Indian naval carrierINS Vikrant—air strikes on Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar
Key naval raids WestOp Trident 4/5 Dec; Op Python 8/9 Dec—Karachi harbour
Bangladeshi resistanceMukti Bahini backed by India; Gov-in-Exile at Kolkata
Refugees into India≈10 million, causing major humanitarian burden
Post-war pactSimla Agreement 1972—bilateral dispute framework
Commemorative dayVijay Diwas celebrated annually 16 Dec
GS-1Mapping

6.Ethiopia Geographical Profile (Horn of Africa)

DD News

What & Where

Sovereign, ancient East-African state; civilisational roots in Aksum and Pan-African movements

Landlocked in Horn of Africa’s tropics; capital Addis Ababa shelters AU & UNECA

Dominated by Ethiopian Highlands, Great Rift Valley and Denakil Depression; cradle of Blue Nile

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

  • Highlands called Roof of Africa; deeply incised volcanic plateau
  • Great Rift Valley runs N–S, dotted with lakes, geothermal vents
  • Denakil Depression sits ~125 m below sea level, temperatures >50 °C

Hydrology

  • Blue Nile contributes ~60 % Nile flow during rains
  • Awash ends in Lake Abbe; Omo feeds Lake Turkana, Kenya
  • Seasonal rivers enable large hydro projects, e.g., GERD on Blue Nile

Strategic Dimension

  • Addis Ababa’s multilateral institutions grant diplomatic heft across continent
  • Horn location overlooks Red Sea–Gulf of Aden shipping lanes vital for India
  • PM visit reinforces India–Africa defence, capacity-building, energy and IT ties

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
CapitalAddis Ababa
RegionHorn of Africa, East Africa
Political statusLandlocked republic
NeighboursEritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan
Highest peakMount Ras Dejen (~4,550 m)
Main riftEast African Rift System
Key rivers sourceBlue Nile, Tekeze, Baro
Internal drainageAwash, Omo
Extreme low-hot zoneDenakil Depression
Active volcanoErta Ale
Basalt plateau ageCenozoic
AU headquartersAddis Ababa
GS-3Environment

7.Mangrove Salt Tolerance Adaptations (Mangrove Ecology)

The Hindu

What & Where

Salt-tolerant tree–shrub ecosystem in tropical–subtropical intertidal flats, estuaries & deltas (26–35 °C; 1,000–3,000 mm rain).

Thrive only where seawater never freezes; South & South-East Asia host maximum global extent.

Indian cover: 4,991.68 km² (0.15 % of land) concentrated in Sundarbans-WB, Gulf of Kachchh-GJ, A&N Islands.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physiological Adaptations

  • Thick cell walls & small epidermal cells resist low osmotic potential.
  • Waxy root filters or leaf salt glands manage excess salts.
  • Stomatal density unchanged; unique from typical drought strategies.

Agriculture Implications

  • Cell-wall traits inspire breeding/editing of salt-tolerant rice, wheat, pulses.
  • Aligns with National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture & SDG 13 goals.

Legal & Policy

  • Environment (Protection) Act tags mangroves ESA; 50 m regulated zone.
  • Extra shields under Wildlife (Protection) 1972, Indian Forest 1927, Biodiversity 2002.

Climate & Disaster Role

  • Major blue-carbon sink mitigating GHGs.
  • Natural barrier against surges, tsunamis, erosion; key to coastal livelihood resilience.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
ISFR-2023 mangrove cover4,991.68 km²
Largest state shareWest Bengal 42.45 %
Next two sharesGujarat 23.32 %; A&N 12.19 %
Blue-carbon storage7.5–10 × tropical forests/acre
Wave-energy cut5–35 %
Flood-depth cut15–20 % (max 70 %)
Evolution into saline habitat≥30 times in 200 my
Key rootsPneumatophores, prop roots
ReproductionViviparity
EPA-1986 buffer50 m no-go if area >1,000 m²
Compensatory ratio3 : 1 replantation

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2021PYQ 1

Which one among the following is NOT a characteristic feature of Mangrove?

GEO_GS 2024PYQ 2

Mangroves represent:

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

8.National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 (Energy Efficiency)

PIB

What & Where

National Energy Conservation Awards: annual honour since 1991 for entities cutting energy use while sustaining or improving output, conferred 14 December.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency: statutory agency under Energy Conservation Act 2001, set up 1 Mar 2002, organises awards from New Delhi.

Coverage: industries, commercial buildings, transport, institutions, and energy-efficient appliance manufacturers across India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Energy Conservation Act 2001 grants statutory status to BEE and mandates national efficiency initiatives.
  • Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023 legally replaces Perform Achieve and Trade for industrial energy savings.
  • Standards & Labeling Programme enforces star ratings to regulate appliance efficiency levels.

Sectoral Coverage

  • Industries such as cement, steel, textiles evaluated on specific energy consumption reductions.
  • Commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals assessed via Energy Performance Index benchmarks.
  • Transport fleets and institutions rewarded for DSM adoption and low-carbon practices.

Awareness & Demand

  • Demand-Side Management projects promote LED lighting, efficient HVAC, smart metering among consumers.
  • Public outreach peaks during National Energy Conservation Week every December.
  • Star labels influence consumer shift toward higher efficiency appliances nationwide.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Instituting year1991
Observation day14 December
2025 venueNew Delhi, President presented
Admin bodyBureau of Energy Efficiency
BEE launch1 Mar 2002
Parent lawEnergy Conservation Act 2001
Key BEE schemesStandards & Labeling, Demand-Side Management, PAT
PAT successorCarbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023
GS-3S&T

9.HAMMER Precision-Guided Munition (Precision Weapons)

Times of India

What & Where

Weapon HAMMER / AASM converts standard 125–1,000 kg bombs into precision, stand-off, air-to-ground munitions

Jointly produced in India by 50:50 Safran-BEL venture; tech origin France

To arm Rafale (integrated) and Tejas (planned), giving IAF indigenous precision-strike reach

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technical Features

  • Modular layout uses nose guidance kit plus tail range-extension kit with rocket booster and winglets
  • Multi-sensor guidance offers all-weather, high-precision and moving-target engagement options
  • Precision capability bridges gap between unguided bombs and expensive cruise missiles

Production JV

  • Agreement covers manufacture, customisation, supply, maintenance entirely on Indian soil
  • Venture expected to transfer guidance electronics, propulsion integration and test know-how to BEL
  • Supports Make-in-India, optimising cost and supply-chain autonomy

Security Dimension

  • Indigenous stockpile shields IAF from export denials during crises
  • Stand-off launches keep aircraft outside adversary air-defence envelopes, raising pilot survivability
  • Accurate, low-collateral strikes enable graduated escalation consistent with international humanitarian norms

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Full formHighly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range
Original developerSafran Electronics & Defense, France
Indian partnerBharat Electronics Ltd (BEL)
JV equity50 % Safran : 50 % BEL
Compatible bomb bodies125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg, 1,000 kg Mk-80 series
Guidance modesINS-GPS, INS-GPS-IR, Laser
Typical CEP~10 m (INS-GPS) to ~1 m (IR)
Launch envelopeStand-off, off-axis, outside enemy AD zones
Key air platformsRafale operational, Tejas under integration
Primary roleLow-cost, high-precision strike with minimal collateral

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

भारत के सैन्य आयुध (military arsenal) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

GS-2Editorial

11.India–Oman Strategic Partnership (Gulf Diplomacy)

The Print
Illustration for India–Oman Strategic Partnership (Gulf Diplomacy)

What & Where

India–Oman relations: centuries-old maritime, commercial and cultural bridge across the Arabian Sea.

Formal diplomacy: 1955 start; upgraded to “Strategic Partnership” in 2008; 70th anniversary during 2023 Modi visit.

Strategic geography: Omani ports Duqm, Sohar, Salalah straddle Gulf of Oman & Strait of Hormuz, key for western IOR reach.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Defence & Maritime

  • Duqm access: refuelling, maintenance, turnaround boosts India’s western IOR power-projection & HADR readiness.
  • Exercises: regular tri-service drills enhance interoperability, anti-piracy and evacuation preparedness.
  • Overflight/Transit: secured corridors ease crisis mobility for diaspora rescue and logistics.

Trade & Investment

  • Commerce volume underpinned by >6,000 JVs ensuring continuity amid price or political shocks.
  • Free-zone presence: Indian firms anchor in Sohar & Salalah, tapping Gulf-Africa supply chains.
  • CEPA plan: early-harvest focus on services, MSME market access, logistics facilitation.

Digital Connectivity

  • Fintech link: Central Bank of Oman–NPCI 2022 MoU enables RuPay acceptance, cheaper remittances.
  • Next step: cross-border UPI-like rails for tourists, SMEs and mutual DPI showcase.

Energy Transition

  • Green synergy: scope for joint hydrogen pilots, renewables parks, critical minerals sourcing.
  • Objective: diversify beyond crude dependence, future-proof bilateral energy security.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Diplomatic ties initiated1955
Defence MoU signed2005
Strategic Partnership declared2008
Indian naval access to Duqm2018
India-Oman joint ventures>6,000 units
Indian investment in Oman≈ US $776 million
RuPay card launch in Oman2022

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements with regard to the outcomes of the talks between the Prime Minister of India and the President of UAE held in February, 2024 is/are correct?

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

Naseem-Al-Bahr, held in October 2024, was a joint maritime exercise between the navies of India and

GS-2Misc

12.UN Alliance of Civilizations Overview (UNAOC)

DD News

What & Where

Initiative: UN Alliance of Civilizations promotes intercultural understanding and counters extremism through multistakeholder dialogue

Established: 2005 as Kofi Annan-led political move co-sponsored by Spain and Türkiye

Headquarters: New York City; activities span all UN regions

Quick Facts for MCQs

Priority Pillars

  • Education: builds intercultural curricula and teacher training worldwide
  • Youth: funds fellowships, leadership labs, recognises young peace innovators
  • Media: counters stereotypes and online hate speech via campaigns, trainings

11th Forum Riyadh

  • Venue: Riyadh hosted 11th Global Forum marking UNAOC twentieth anniversary
  • Outcome: joint call for dialogue, mutual respect, inclusive multilateralism amid conflicts
  • Participation: heads of state, faith leaders, youth, civil society, arts and sports sectors

India’s Standpoint

  • Ethos: reiterated Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sarva Dharma Samabhav aligning with UNAOC mandate
  • Advocacy: urged renewed trust in multilateral dialogue to curb extremism
  • Visibility: showcased civilisational pluralism as model for peaceful coexistence

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Parent bodyUnited Nations Secretariat
Founding year2005
FoundersSpain, Türkiye
First High RepJorge Sampaio
Current High RepMiguel Ángel Moratinos
HQ cityNew York, USA
Core aimReduce polarization among cultures, faiths
Priority pillarsEducation, Youth, Migration, Media, Women mediators
11th Forum year2024-25 cycle
Host cityRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
Forum themeTwo Decades of Dialogue for Humanity
Indian messageVasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Sarva Dharma Samabhav
GS-3Security

13.Illicit Cannabis Cultivation Kandhamal (Drug Trafficking)

The Hindu

What & Where

Cannabis: psychoactive preparations from Cannabis sativa; chief compound Δ-9 THC, group name cannabinoids.

Hotspot: illicit cultivation surging in Kandhamal district’s remote, hilly forests of Odisha.

Natural niche: thrives at 20–30 °C, 40–70 % humidity; wild growth Indo-Gangetic plains & Deccan plateau.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • NDPS Act criminalises cultivation, possession, sale, transport, consumption of resin/ganja.
  • Exemption: seeds & leaves minus tops; states regulate bhang.
  • Clause: Centre may license hemp for fibre, seed, oil uses.

Economic Angle

  • Distress: Farmers abandon GI turmeric for higher-margin cannabis.
  • Profitability: Illicit crop yields quick cash eclipsing legal agriculture returns.
  • Development gap: Weak inclusive growth fuels narcotics economy.

Security Dimension

  • Terrain: Dense hills & forests hamper police access and aerial visibility.
  • 2025 record seizure spotlights Kandhamal as national cannabis hub.
  • Climate suitability enables multiple covert cultivation cycles yearly.

International Context

  • UN 2020 vote recognised therapeutic value; cannabis deleted from Schedule IV.
  • Still in Schedule I, demanding strict medical regulation.
  • Uttarakhand example shows state-level industrial hemp liberalisation.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Seizure yearRecord 2025 haul in Kandhamal
GI tag productKandhamal turmeric
Regulating ActNDPS Act 1985
Industrial hemp pioneer stateUttarakhand
UN status changeRemoved from Schedule IV, kept in Schedule I (1961 Convention)
Optimum temperature20–30 °C
Key psychoactive compoundΔ-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol
GS-2Scheme

14.Viksit Bharat Rozgar Mission Bill 2025 (Rural Employment)

Business Standard
Illustration for Viksit Bharat Rozgar Mission Bill 2025 (Rural Employment)

What & Where

Bill: Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) 2025 to replace MGNREGA 2005

Coverage: Guarantees 125 annual wage-employment days per eligible rural household across Centre-notified villages

Location: Applicable in all rural India, with NE/Himalayan states and UTs getting differentiated cost-sharing

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Replacement: Bill repeals MGNREGA, shifting from demand-driven right to normative budget guarantee
  • Allocation: State-wise funds pre-fixed using objective parameters, reducing mid-year supplementary demands
  • Pause: Provision permits Centre to halt works 60 peak-agro days, overriding Gram Sabha scheduling

Economic Angle

  • Workdays: Upgrade to 125 days offers ≈25 % higher earning potential to rural households
  • Cost share: 60:40 Centre–State burden may raise fiscal stress, especially for poorer states
  • Contingency: Unemployment allowance retained if work denied despite capped allocations

Tech & Schemes

  • Governance: Mandatory biometric attendance, Aadhaar payments, GPS geotagging, AI fraud analytics codified
  • Dashboard: Real-time MIS public, enabling social audit triangulation with financial data
  • Stack: Works mapped to National Rural Infrastructure Stack for convergence tracking

Social Concerns

  • Exclusion: Digital dependence risks women, elderly, tribal workers in connectivity-poor zones
  • Assets: Focus limited to water, core infra, livelihood, climate resilience, aiming durable community gains
  • Rights: Capped budgets may weaken constitutional spirit of right to work under 73rd Amendment decentralisation

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Guaranteed workdays125 days
MGNREGA benchmark100 days
Funding pattern (most states)60:40 Centre:State
Funding NE/Himalayan90:10 Centre:State
UTs without legislature100 % Centre
Seasonal work pauseUp to 60 days
Focused asset sectors4 (water, core infra, livelihood, climate)
Misappropriation flagged FY25₹193.67 crore
Rural poverty fall25.7 % (2011-12) → ~4.9 % (2023-24)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements with regard to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 is correct?

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 2

मनरेगा (MGNREGA) का उद्देश्य निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा एक नहीं है?

Ready to practice?

Test your knowledge with our UPSC test series.

Start Free Trial