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14 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 5GS-3: 8
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GS-2Polity

1.SHANTI Bill Nuclear Reforms (Nuclear Energy Law)

The Hindu

What & Where

SHANTI Bill 2025: single statute replacing Atomic Energy Act 1962 & CLND 2010 for Indian civil nuclear sector

Scope: permits private, joint-venture & foreign entities to build-own-operate nuclear plants; state retains fuel, heavy-water, waste

Geography: applies across India’s reactor sites (Tarapur-MH, Kudankulam-TN, Kakrapar-GJ, etc.) targeting 100 GW by 2047

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Provision: private construction, ownership, decommissioning allowed; strategic domains reserved for state
  • Regulator: AERB independence via parliamentary accountability, transparent appointments, financial autonomy urged
  • Tribunal: specialised forum to expedite nuclear compensation and contract disputes

Economic Angle

  • Capital: private entry crucial for ₹15 lakh crore funding gap to hit 100 GW target
  • Incentive: graded liability limits reduce investor uncertainty, align with international conventions
  • Efficiency: EPC prowess of corporates expected to curb chronic delays seen in NPCIL projects

Tech & Schemes

  • Focus: Small Modular Reactors, Bharat Small Reactor, molten salt, HTGR for flexible baseload
  • Mission: Nuclear Energy Mission announced in Union Budget 2025-26 to fund SMR R&D
  • Fuel: proposal to open uranium mining, processing, import logistics to private firms for supply security

Social Concerns

  • Accountability: capping liability may dilute polluter pays principle recalling Bhopal tragedy memory
  • Transparency: call for mandatory public safety audits, emergency protocols to build trust amid private operations
  • Centre-State: need for codified joint emergency response as new private sites spread across states

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Full form of BillSustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India
Introduced inLok Sabha, Dec 2025
Monopoly endedNuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd
Repealed lawsAtomic Energy Act 1962; CLND Act 2010
Liability bearerPlant operator only; supplier liability removed
Liability cap basisInstalled capacity, not damage quantum
Regulator statusAERB given statutory backing, answerable to Parliament
Dedicated tribunalAtomic Disputes Tribunal proposed
Current nuclear capacity8.18 GW (2025)
2047 capacity goal100 GW
Budget 2025-26 nuclear outlay₹20,000 crore vs needed ₹15 lakh crore
Planned SMRs≥5 indigenous units by 2033
New tech namesBharat Small Reactor, Molten Salt, HTGR
Typical project delay exampleKudankulam Units 3-6
Net-zero year pledge2070

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

The Joint Venture named ‘ASHVINI’ to develop nuclear power facility in India is between

GS-2Polity

2.Presidential Mercy Petition Process (Clemency Powers)

The Hindu

What & Where

Mercy petition is last clemency route after Supreme Court confirms death penalty, enabled by Articles 72 & 161

Pardoning power covers pardon, commutation, remission, reprieve, respite across India

President acts for Union offences or death sentences; Governors act for state-law offences

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Powers

  • Article 72 spans Union laws, court-martial, death sentences
  • Article 161 covers state-law offences, excludes death and military cases
  • Supreme Court 1994 held Head of State bound by ministerial advice

Procedural Steps

  • Jail superintendent notifies dismissal; convict may apply within seven days
  • Home Ministry consults concerned state then advises President
  • No codified procedure; entire process executive in nature

Judicial Limits

  • Courts interfere only if Presidential decision is arbitrary, mala fide or irrelevant
  • Curative petition is final judicial remedy, heard in-chamber by senior judges
  • Article 137 empowers Supreme Court to review its own judgments

Types of Clemency

  • Pardon absolves; commutation changes nature; remission cuts term; reprieve delays execution; respite lowers punishment on special grounds

President vs Governor

  • President can pardon death & military sentences; Governor cannot
  • Governor limited to offences under state executive power
  • Both clemency powers exercised on cabinet advice

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Article for Presidential clemency72
Article for Gubernatorial clemency161
Filing window after SC dismissal7 days
Judicial review landmarkKehar Singh v UOI 1988
Council whose advice bindsAppropriate Government
Case that birthed curative petitionRupa Ashok Hurra 2002
Review petition deadline under Art 13730 days
Death-sentence pardonable byPresident only
Court-martial sentences pardonable byPresident only

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2025PYQ 1

भारत के राष्ट्रपति की क्षमा प्रदान करने की शक्ति के बारे में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022PYQ 2

The landmark case of D. C. Wadhwa vs. State of Bihar in the Supreme Court is related to which one of the following powers of the Governor?

GS-3Economy

3.Makhana Production and Policy (Niche Agri Crop)

DD News
Illustration for Makhana Production and Policy (Niche Agri Crop)

What & Where

Aquatic seed of Euryale ferox; only surviving Euryale species; called makhana, fox nut, gorgon nut

Cultivated in shallow ponds and wetlands; often paired with fisheries for integrated farming

Core geography India ~80 % world share, Bihar ~85 % Indian output, Darbhanga key hub

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Livelihood driver labour-intensive harvesting employs small farmers and fisherfolk in eastern Indo-Gangetic plains
  • Export demand rising healthy-snack market positions makhana as premium niche commodity
  • Integrated pond-fishery model offers dual income, enhances rural resilience

Tech & Schemes

  • Governance National Makhana Board set up for R&D, branding, market linkages
  • Funding ₹476.03 cr Central Sector Scheme 2025-31 targets productivity, processing, export facilitation
  • Technology promotion of mechanised de-seeding, popping, cold-chain for value addition

Nutrition & Health

  • Nutrition dense seeds rich in protein, fibre, antioxidants; low fat and glycaemic index
  • Health friendly suited for diabetic, cardiac and gluten-free diets
  • Culinary versatility roasted, fried, or used in desserts and curries

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
India’s global share≈ 80 % of world output
Bihar’s national share≈ 85 % of Indian output
Major hub districtDarbhanga, Bihar
Central scheme outlay₹476.03 crore
Scheme duration2025 – 31
Dedicated bodyNational Makhana Board
Botanical nameEuryale ferox
Farming systemAquatic pond-wetland crop
GS-3Economy

4.ADB Loans for Indian Development (ADB Loans)

PIB

What & Where

Asian Development Bank: Manila-based regional lender (1966) for prosperous, inclusive, resilient Asia-Pacific

17 Dec 2025: ADB inked 5 loan pacts with India; headline USD 650 mn for Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar rooftop-solar rollout

Funding targets Indian skilling, renewable energy, healthcare, urban transport, sustainable-livelihood projects

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Profile

  • Mandate: eradicate extreme poverty, foster sustainable growth in Asia-Pacific
  • Instruments: sovereign loans, technical assistance, grants, equity, direct private-sector finance
  • Observer status: participates in UN deliberations without voting rights

India Relations

  • India: founding member since 1966, key borrower and policy partner
  • Support aligns with Indian goals of climate-resilient, inclusive, robust growth
  • Recent pacts continue pipeline of energy, transport, urban reforms

Loan Components

  • Renewable energy: rooftop solar under Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
  • Human capital: skilling initiatives to raise employability
  • Urban realm: metro/bus, healthcare, sustainable-livelihood schemes

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Establishment year1966
HeadquartersManila, Philippines
Total membership69 countries
Asian members50
Non-Asian members19
UN statusOfficial Observer
India’s shareholder rank4th-largest
India’s share (%)6.3
Top shareholdersJapan & USA (15.6 % each)
Loan agreements signed5 (Dec 2025)
Rooftop-solar loan sizeUSD 650 million
Beneficiary households target1 crore by 2027

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-1Mapping

5.Tigris River Mapping (Middle East River)

TG
Illustration for Tigris River Mapping (Middle East River)

What & Where

West Asian transboundary river; with Euphrates forms Fertile Crescent core, cradle of Mesopotamian civilisation.

Originates Lake Hazar, Taurus Mountains, southeastern Türkiye; flows southeast roughly parallel to Euphrates.

Enters Iraq, unites with Euphrates to create Shatt al-Arab, emptying into the Persian Gulf.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

  • Shrinking flows, heavy pollution raise alarm over sections potentially drying, threatening ecosystems and potable supply.
  • Climate change plus upstream controls accelerating discharge decline and water quality deterioration.

Economic Angle

  • River irrigation underpins Iraqi grain, date, livestock sectors sustaining rural livelihoods and national food security.
  • Multiple dams harness hydropower and storage but intensify downstream scarcity during drought.

Cultural & Religious

  • Mandaeans require flowing Tigris water for baptism rituals; river revered across Mesopotamian faith traditions.
  • Fertile Crescent fertility enabled early cities, writing, bronze technology, giving Tigris world-heritage status.

Geopolitical

  • Upstream Turkish, Iranian dams shift bargaining power, prompting Iraqi concern over equitable allocations.
  • Transboundary disputes likely to sharpen as climate-driven flow reductions intersect with regional instability.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Origin lakeLake Hazar
Mountain rangeTaurus Mountains
Countries traversedTürkiye, Iraq
Major tributariesGreater Zab, Lesser Zab, Al-Adhaim, Diyala, Karkheh
Confluence outcomeForms Shatt al-Arab with Euphrates
Final outflowPersian Gulf
Size rank (W Asia)Second-largest river
Key usesIrrigation, drinking, transport, industry, hydropower
GS-3S&T

6.ISRO RESPOND Basket 2025 (Space Research)

ISRO
Illustration for ISRO RESPOND Basket 2025 (Space Research)

What & Where

RESPOND Basket 2025: curated list of ISRO–DoS mission-oriented research problems for academia

Guides universities/R&D institutes to conduct space-tech research matching current & future ISRO missions

Pan-India scope; proposals filed online via I-GRASP portal to concerned ISRO centres

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Mission-aligned: statements drawn from launch vehicles, satellites, applications, future exploration needs
  • Digital-first: I-GRASP handles proposal upload, tracking, review, sanction

Academic Interface

  • Eligibility: open to premier institutes across India without regional quota
  • Guidance: ISRO scientists give technical briefs, expectations, outcome metrics

Strategic Significance

  • Partnership: institutionalises ISRO–academia collaboration within national space ecosystem
  • Talent: builds future-ready human capital through problem-driven R&D exposure
  • Efficiency: shortens lab-to-mission transition by focusing on predefined challenges

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Publishing bodyIndian Space Research Organisation
Parent ministryDepartment of Space, GoI
Release cycleBasket 2025 (current call)
Submission modeI-GRASP digital portal
Eligible entitiesUniversities, recognised academic & R&D institutions
Core deliverableMission-aligned research proposals

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Which space organization launched the PUNCH Space Mission?

GS-3S&T

7.AFMS AI Retinopathy Screening (AI Healthcare)

PIB

What & Where

Programme: India’s first AI-enabled community screening for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) using MadhuNetrAI platform.

Implementer: Armed Forces Medical Services with RPC-AIIMS & eHealth AI, MoHFW.

Geography: Pilot at 7 sites—Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dharamshala, Gaya, Jorhat, Kochi.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • AI-based grading enables on-site DR severity classification within minutes.
  • Platform integrates with existing NCD digital systems for longitudinal care.

Public Health Impact

  • Blindness-prevention: Focuses on avertable vision loss in diabetes population.
  • Evidence-building: Creates national intelligence on DR burden for policy decisions.

Deployment & Reach

  • Inclusivity: Covers urban, rural, hilly, coastal & North-East clusters.
  • Workforce: Uses upskilled primary-level health staff, reducing specialist load.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launching bodyArmed Forces Medical Services (AFMS)
AI engineMadhuNetrAI
Target diseaseDiabetic Retinopathy
Core deviceHandheld fundus camera
Key partnersDr. Rajendra Prasad Centre, AIIMS & eHealth AI Unit, MoHFW
Primary aimEarly detection & referral of DR
Screening levelCommunity (MO, nurse, health assistant operated)
Triaging outputAutomatic referral to vitreo-retina specialists
Data utilityReal-time DR prevalence & geo-mapping dashboard
Pilot locationsPune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dharamshala, Gaya, Jorhat, Kochi
GS-3S&T

8.DBT 2025 Key Achievements (Biotechnology Initiatives)

PIB

What & Where

Department of Biotechnology (DBT) – nodal Indian agency for policy, funding, regulation across health, agriculture, industry, environment.

BioE3 Policy – 2025 framework driving biofoundries, biomanufacturing of APIs, smart proteins, climate-resilient agri, carbon capture, space-marine biotech.

Core geography – India ranks 12th in global biotech, 3rd in Asia-Pacific, hosts world’s largest vaccine manufacturing capacity.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Bio-economy target – pathway toward USD 300 billion by 2030 aligning with Viksit Bharat vision.
  • Indigenous vaccines, MRI scanners, biosimilars reduce import bill and enhance technological sovereignty.
  • Centre-State BioE3 Cells channel regional resources into national biomanufacturing clusters, boosting local jobs.

Tech & Schemes

  • National Biofoundry Network enables rapid design-build-test-learn for APIs, smart proteins, biotherapeutics.
  • DBT-SAHAJ provides shared cryo-EM, stem-cell, imaging access, democratising R&D infrastructure.
  • D.E.S.I.G.N for BioE3 Challenge and DBT–IndiaAI MoU integrate youth innovation with artificial intelligence.

Health & Space

  • ZyCoV-D, Corbevax vaccines, indigenous ventilators and diagnostics delivered via National Biopharma Mission.
  • AI pipeline sequences 18k Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates, aiding TB-Mukt Bharat drug-resistance surveillance.
  • First human muscle stem-cell, algae experiments aboard ISS validate microgravity life-support strategies.

Agri-Biotech

  • CRISPR mustard with high glucoraphanin, drought-tolerant rice ‘Arun’, climate-resilient chickpea released.
  • Guidelines on Genetically Engineered Plants (Stacked Events) 2025 streamline regulatory approvals.
  • Gene-edited rice DEP1 line achieves 20 % yield lift, bolstering food security under climate stress.

Start-up Ecosystem

  • 3,000+ biotech startups nurtured via 75 BioNEST and 19 E-YUVA hubs, spreading beyond metros.
  • 800+ products approach commercialisation, signalling robust translation from lab to market.
  • Innovation footprint supported by 1,300+ IP filings, enhancing global competitiveness of Indian biotech.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Bio-economy growth16-fold rise 2014-24
Global biotech rank12th; 3rd in Asia-Pacific
National Biofoundry Network6 biofoundries, high-performance platform
GenomeIndia dataset10,000 whole genomes, open access
BRCP Phase-III outlay₹1,500 crore
TB isolates sequenced18,000 under AI mapping
Gene-edited rice yield20 % higher (DEP1)
BioNEST incubators75 centres
IP filings supported1,300+
Products near market800+ innovations

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

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

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

Biotechnological research is promoted through the development of "Biotechnology Parks". Which of the following is/are essential to bring technology to market?

GS-2Editorial

9.India’s Geostrategic Free Trade Shift (Free Trade Agreements)

Indian Express

What & Where

Free Trade Agreement: negotiated pact lowering/eliminating tariffs & other barriers on goods, services, investment, IPR.

Types: Bilateral, Plurilateral, Multilateral (WTO); India counts 20 + signed, talks on with US, EU, Canada, SACU.

Current geographic focus: Indo-Pacific, West Asia, Africa to diversify supply chains under “China-Plus-One”.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geopolitical Rationale

  • Multipolarity drives bilateral FTAs as “political safety nets”, e.g., ECTA Australia, CEPA UAE.
  • Declining WTO efficacy pushes India toward WTO-plus deals in services, digital, investment.
  • FTAs secure critical minerals, diversify supply chains under China-Plus-One.

Trade Balance Concerns

  • Past FTAs gave modest exports but faster import growth, widening trade deficit.
  • Inverted duty structure makes finished-goods imports cheaper, blunting Make-in-India.
  • Utilisation of preferences only 25 %, losing tariff advantage.

Domestic Sector Impact

  • MSMEs, farmers, labour-intensive units struggle against cheaper ASEAN inflows.
  • Rubber, dairy, plantation crops highlighted as sensitive under ASEAN FTA.
  • Rules-of-origin loopholes allow third-country diversion, harming local manufacturing.

Policy Prescriptions

  • Invest in R&D, logistics, skills to advance competitiveness pre-liberalisation.
  • Insist on strong rules-of-origin, safeguard duties, anti-dumping triggers.
  • Mandate periodic FTA impact audits and fast-track dispute panels.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
FTAs India signed (WTO list)20
Latest pactsIndia-UK CETA; India-EFTA TEPA
EFTA TEPA promised FDIUSD 100 bn in 15 yrs
India’s FTA utilisation rate≈ 25 %
Developed economies’ rate70–80 %
ASEAN imports growth FY09-23+234.4 %
ASEAN exports growth FY09-23+130.4 %
India export share to ASEAN10.2 % ➔ 10.8 %
India export share to Japan2.1 % ➔ 1.9 %
India export share to S. Korea1.9 % ➔ 1.4 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 1

If India enters into Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with other nations, then the growth of exports of India would depend upon which of the following?

CDS_GK, GS1 2017PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2S&T

10.Tianjin Declaration on AI Cooperation (SCO Summit)

DD News

What & Where

Tianjin Declaration – outcome document of 2025 SCO Heads-of-State Summit, Tianjin (China).

Commits SCO members to cooperative, risk-aware Artificial Intelligence development and capacity building.

Falls under Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Eurasian inter-governmental body on security, economy, tech.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Roadmap: joint research, standards, training for trustworthy AI across SCO space.
  • Alignment: echoes UNGA resolution on global AI capacity building.
  • Centre: Dushanbe hub intended to bolster Central Asian digital ecosystem.

Institutional Setup

  • Council of Heads of State: supreme decision, issues declarations like Tianjin.
  • Council of Heads of Government: handles budgets, economic cooperation.
  • National Coordinators Council: day-to-day coordination among member states.

Security Dimension

  • RATS: existing counter-terrorism wing; AI cooperation adds cyber and digital security layers.
  • Members pledged AI systems security, mitigating misuse, reinforcing regional stability.

Membership & Expansion

  • Iran, Belarus newest full members, reflecting SCO’s widening Eurasian span.
  • Observer status offers pathway for Afghanistan, Mongolia toward fuller engagement.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Adoption year2025
Adopting bodySCO Council of Heads of States
Summit venueTianjin, China
Core focusAI governance & capacity building
AI rights principleEqual right of all countries to develop/use AI
Risk pillarsSecurity, accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, trust, fairness
Implementation toolSCO AI Cooperation Roadmap
Proposed AI hubRegional AI Centre, Dushanbe (Tajikistan)
SCO establishment15 June 2001, Shanghai
SCO Secretariat HQBeijing, China
RATS HQTashkent, Uzbekistan
SCO members (2025)10 – India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus
Observer statesAfghanistan, Mongolia
Official languagesRussian, Chinese

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

शांघाई सहयोग संगठन (SCO) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements about the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):

GS-2MiscQuick Bite

11.DGLL Hosts IALA Council Meeting (Marine Navigation)

PIB

What & Where

International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) – intergovernmental body (since 2024) standardising global marine navigation aids.

Directorate General of Lighthouses & Lightships (DGLL) – Indian authority overseeing aids along 11,098 km coast; under Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

3rd IALA Council Meeting: Mumbai, Dec 2025; IALA HQ – Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France; DGLL HQ – Noida.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Governance & Structure

  • Council: principal decision-making body; Mumbai hosted 3rd session.
  • Membership: ~200 national authorities; decisions by simple majority.
  • Legal shift: 2024 Convention converted IALA from NGO to inter-governmental organisation.

India’s Role

  • Representation: DGLL holds Council seat since 1982, shaping navigation standards.
  • Hosting: Mumbai 2025 Council; full IALA Conference planned Goa 2027.
  • Compliance: SOLAS 1974 obligations met via DGLL’s lighthouses, Racons, NAVTEX, buoys, VTS.

Tech & Schemes

  • Digital Ticketing: new portal enables cashless entry to 75 lighthouse tourism spots.
  • Museum: world’s tallest Lighthouse Museum coming up at Lothal, Gujarat.
  • Training: DGLL is designated national institute for AtoN and VTS personnel.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
IALA establishment1957
IGO transition year2024
IALA motto“Successful voyages, Sustainable Planet”
Approx. members~200
India joined IALA1957
India on IALA CouncilSince 1982
Next IALA ConferenceIndia 2027
DGLL parent ministryPorts, Shipping & Waterways
Coastline served by DGLL11,098 km
Ticketing portal coverage75 lighthouse sites
GS-3History

12.Param Vir Chakra Overview (Gallantry Award)

The Hindu
Illustration for Param Vir Chakra Overview (Gallantry Award)

What & Where

‘Param Vir Dirgha’ gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan displays portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees.

Inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu on Vijay Diwas 2025, replacing colonial-era British Aide-de-Camp portraits.

Celebrates Param Vir Chakra—India’s highest wartime gallantry honour for Army, Navy, Air Force & allied forces.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Gallantry Award Provisions

  • Wartime-only decoration; honours exceptional courage, indomitable spirit, supreme sacrifice before enemy.
  • Posthumous conferment common; 14 of 21 PVCs awarded after martyrdom.
  • Repeat award earns a bar plus additional ₹3,000 monthly honorarium.

Colonial Legacy

  • British ADC portraits removed; Rashtrapati Bhavan walls now honour indigenous gallantry heroes.
  • Move part of ongoing decolonisation of military & civic symbols.
  • Launch timed with Vijay Diwas, commemorating 1971 war victory.

Aide-de-Camps

  • ADCs are personal military officers to President, Governors, Service Chiefs.
  • Usual ranks: Major (Army), Lieutenant Commander (Navy), Squadron Leader (Air Force).
  • Handle schedule, protocol, security; act as liaison between Rashtrapati Bhavan and civil-military entities.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Highest wartime gallantry awardParam Vir Chakra (PVC)
Instituted on26 January 1950
EligibilityAll ranks; Army, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Army, other lawful forces
Award frequencyWartime only, for conspicuous bravery against enemy
Total recipients21
Posthumous awards14
Monthly honorarium₹3,000 (+₹3,000 per bar)
Gallery inaugurationVijay Diwas 2025 by President Murmu

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is not correct in respect of the ‘Legion of Merit’ award?

GS-3Security

13.Decline of Left-Wing Extremism (Left-Wing Extremism)

The Hindu
Illustration for Decline of Left-Wing Extremism (Left-Wing Extremism)

What & Where

Left Wing Extremism: Maoist insurgency seeking armed overthrow, rooted in landlessness, tribal exploitation.

Core geography: Red Corridor across AP, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar; affected districts fell 126→11 (2014-25).

Processes: Guerrilla warfare, jungle bases, urban ideological logistics called Urban Naxals.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Phases

  • Origin 1967; Naxalbari uprising led by Charu Mazumdar demanding land to tiller
  • Expansion 1980s-2000s; spread into Fifth Schedule belts via CPI(Maoist) 2004 merger
  • Rollback 2014-25; unified security-development plan shrank strongholds like Bastar, Dandakaranya

Security Measures

  • Fortified camps; permanent police presence enabling area domination, protection of projects
  • Financial choking; asset seizure disrupts extortion, arms procurement, urban support cells
  • Surrender policy; cash, jobs, security assurances yielded high cadre attrition

Development & Rights

  • Roads, telecom, electricity reduced isolation, improved service reach, hampered Maoist mobility
  • FRA 2006 and PESA 1996 legally secure land, forest rights, empower Gram Sabhas
  • Financial inclusion through DBT, banking weakened shadow economies and Maoist levy system

Persisting Gaps

  • Thin courts, health, schools sustain perception of coercive-only state
  • Weak FRA/PESA execution allows mining-linked displacement grievances
  • Digital propaganda maintains ideological appeal despite territorial losses

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
LWE districts 2014126
LWE districts 202511
Most-affected districts 201436
Most-affected districts 20253
Violent incidents drop53% vs 2004-14
Civilian deaths drop70% vs 2004-14
Security force deaths drop73% vs 2004-14
Cadres neutralised 2025317
Cadres surrendered 2025~2,000
GS-3Security

14.Exercise Ekatha India–Maldives 2025 (Naval Exercise)

PIB
Illustration for Exercise Ekatha India–Maldives 2025 (Naval Exercise)

What & Where

Exercise Ekatha: annual India–Maldives maritime drill begun 2017; 8th edition concluded 2025 in Maldives.

Focus: interoperability of marine commandos in diving, special-forces tactics, asymmetric warfare.

Maldives: ~1,200-island Indian Ocean archipelago (26 atolls), flattest nation; separated from India’s Minicoy by Eight Degree Channel.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Interoperability: joint diving, VBSS, counter-terror drills sharpen rapid-response capability.
  • Continuity: yearly scheduling deepens shared maritime domain awareness since 2017.
  • Complementarity: EKUVERIN, MILAN, DOSTI add tri-service and multilateral readiness in Indian Ocean.

Geography & Ecology

  • Coral reefs: critical global biodiversity hotspot sustaining tourism and fisheries.
  • Topography: 1.5 m mean height amplifies sea-level-rise risk.
  • Channel: Eight Degree passage vital shipping lane near Lakshadweep.

Policy & Diplomacy

  • MAHASAGAR: exercise operationalises India’s inclusive maritime-security outreach.
  • Neighbourhood First: Maldives tagged priority for defence capacity building, HADR.
  • Regional balance: sustained drills hedge against extra-regional naval presence in central Indian Ocean.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch year2017
Current edition8th, 2025
Core participantsIndian Navy & Maldives NDF marine commandos
Training modulesDiving, SF tactics, asymmetric warfare
Indian policy linkMAHASAGAR vision; Neighbourhood First
Maldives capitalMalé
Island count≈ 1,200 coral islands
Natural atolls26
Avg. elevation≈ 1.5 m above sea level
Separating channelEight Degree Channel (Minicoy–Maldives)
Coral reef status7th-largest, 5th most biodiverse globally

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following countries did the Indian Navy participate in the U.S. Navy-led Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) military exercise, to demonstrate its maritime manoeuvres?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2023PYQ 2

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?

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