Tuesday, 23 December 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which of the following statements with regard to the privileges of the Members of the Parliament are correct?

The correct answer is (d) 1 and 4 only. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2020.

Q: भारत की संसद के सदस्यों के लिए संसदीय विशेषाधिकार से संबंधित निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/हैं?

The correct answer is (b) केवल 2 और 3. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2025.

Q: Which one of the following is NOT the ordinance making power of Governor?

The correct answer is (c) The Governor himself / herself shall not be competent to withdraw the ordinance at any time. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2021.

Q: 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?

The correct answer is (b) To appoint a Chief Minister. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2022.

Q: The damage to the Spektr Module of the Russian Space Station Mir was due to

The correct answer is (a) collision with a Soyuz cargo ship. This question appeared in GS1 1998.

Q: In the year 2001, NASA launched a spacecraft to Mars named

The correct answer is (a) Mars Climate Orbiter. This question appeared in GS1 2002.

Q: Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

The correct answer is (b) 'Gravitational waves' were detected.. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2019.

Q: कभी-कभी समाचारों में प्रकाशित शब्द 'डीनेटरस A' निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंधित है?

The correct answer is (c) अब तक वैज्ञानिकों द्वारा पहली बार तारकीय काल (रियल-टाइम) में देखा गया अभिवर्तन (सुपरनोवा) विस्फोट. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022.

Q: Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:

The correct answer is (a) I and II. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2025.

Q: Consider the following countries:

The correct answer is (a) One. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2026.

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

0/14 done

GS-2Polity

1.Parliamentary Privileges Framework (Parliamentary Privileges)

The HinduFreedom of speech · Immunity from arrest · Contempt power

What & Where

Definition – special rights and immunities enabling unhindered legislative work in Parliament and State Legislatures

Key Types – collective privileges of each House; individual privileges like speech freedom, civil-case arrest immunity

Geography – apply across India’s Parliament & Assemblies; extend to Attorney-General, exclude President

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Article 105(3) keeps privileges undefined until Parliament legislates
Code of Civil Procedure grants arrest immunity in civil matters
Forty-fourth Amendment liberalised publication while allowing secret sittings

Procedural Flow

Notice submitted to Speaker or Chairman; consent discretionary
Leave granted when 25 members back motion; usually sent to Privileges Committee
Penalties include reprimand, suspension, expulsion, or custody till prorogation

Judicial Rulings

Searchlight 1958 upheld House control over publication vis-à-vis press freedom
JMM Bribery 1998 initially protected bribed votes under immunity
Sita Soren 2024 overruled JMM, bribe acceptance declared criminal outside privilege

International Examples

United Kingdom derives privileges from statutes, common law, precedent
Canada codifies in Constitution Act 1867 and Parliament of Canada Act 1985
Australia embeds similar guarantees within federal Constitution

Reform Proposals

Balanced statute to define core privileges yet retain House flexibility
Transparent, public procedures ensuring natural justice in privilege cases
Stronger Ethics Committees to align privilege use with accountability

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Main Articles	105 & 194 of Constitution
Reference Year for scope	House of Commons privileges as on 1-1-1950
Civil arrest shield	Session period + 40 days before/after
Relevant CPC clause	Section 135A
Privilege Motion support	Minimum 25 members for leave
Lok Sabha Privileges Committee size	15 members
Rajya Sabha Privileges Committee size	10 members
Contempt vs Breach	All BoP are Contempt; converse not necessary
44th Amendment provision	Press may publish accurate House reports
Landmark reversal case	Sita Soren v Union of India 2024

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

Which of the following statements with regard to the privileges of the Members of the Parliament are correct?

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 2

भारत की संसद के सदस्यों के लिए संसदीय विशेषाधिकार से संबंधित निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/हैं?

GS-2Polity

2.Governor's Constitutional Powers (Governor Powers)

The HinduArticle 200 · Assent to Bills · State legislation

What & Where

Governor: constitutional head of State (Art 153) linking Union–State, wields executive, legislative, financial, judicial powers

Article 200 process: assent, withhold, return (non-Money), or reserve Bills; embodies absolute & suspensive veto, no pocket veto

Uttarakhand: Governor recently returned UCC & anti-conversion amendment Bills citing legal/technical flaws

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Article 200 return excludes Money Bills ensuring immediate financial legislation passage
Reservation for President mainly when Bill contradicts Constitution, Union interest, or falls under Concurrent List repugnancy

Federalism Angle

Frequent withholding/returning seen as Centre leverage over Opposition-ruled States, sparking debates on cooperative federalism
SC advisory emphasised separation of powers, preventing judiciary from micro-managing Governor timelines

Administrative Powers

Executive action executed in Governor’s name per Article 166 ensuring formal validity of State decisions
Governor can demand information from CM, reinforcing oversight within constitutional limits

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional article creating office	Article 153
Appointment mode	President’s warrant & seal (Art 155)
Minimum age	35 years (Art 157)
Legislature/office-of-profit bar	Article 158
Oath administered by	Chief Justice of State HC (Art 159)
Key advisory body	Council of Ministers (Art 163)
CM appointment power	Article 164
Advocate-General appointment	Article 165
Annual Budget placement	Article 202
Grants recommendation bar	Article 203(3)
Ordinance power	Article 213
Clemency power	Article 161
Bill assent options count	Four (assent, withhold, return, reserve)
Veto types available	Absolute & suspensive only
Pocket veto availability	Not available to Governor
SC on timelines (Art 143 Ref-16)	Courts cannot fix assent deadlines

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following is NOT the ordinance making power of Governor?

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 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-1Mapping

3.Yellowstone National Park Overview (World National Park)

TGNorthwestern USA · Geothermal geysers · UNESCO World Heritage

Illustration for Yellowstone National Park Overview (World National Park)

What & Where

Yellowstone National Park: world’s first national park, famed geothermal spectacles and intact megafauna ecosystem.

Located chiefly in Wyoming, with fringes in Montana & Idaho, north-western USA; area ≈ 8,992 km².

Holds ~50 % of Earth’s hydrothermal features—geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geothermal Activity

Black Diamond Pool eruption video evidences renewed hydrothermal pressure release.
Old Faithful shows quasi-regular eruptions; Steamboat Geyser remains world’s tallest active geyser.
Hotspot-heated magma chambers drive circulating groundwater powering hydrothermal system.

Volcanic & Seismic Setting

Mantle plume generates rhyolitic super-volcano caldera, volcanic plateaus, obsidian cliffs, thick lava flows.
Park records 1,000–3,000 minor earthquakes annually, useful for magma-movement monitoring.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone formed by river incision through ash-rich layers post-eruptions.

Biodiversity

Iconic megafauna: American bison, grizzly bear, gray wolf, elk, pronghorn roam free.
Intact trophic web enables decades-long predator–prey and climate-impact ecological research.
Yellowstone Lake, wetlands and forests sustain cutthroat trout, waterfowl, amphibians, diverse flora.

Conservation Milestones

1872 establishment pioneered global national-park conservation model.
UNESCO listings 1976, 1978 recognise outstanding geology and ecosystem integrity.
Management emphasises allowing natural processes with minimal human interference.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Establishment date	1 March 1872
Area	8,992 sq km
Location states	Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Hydrothermal features	>10,000
Active geysers	>300
Tallest geyser	Steamboat Geyser
Largest high-altitude lake	Yellowstone Lake
Biosphere Reserve year	1976
World Heritage year	1978

GS-3S&T

4.Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris Threat (Space Debris)

The HinduLow Earth Orbit · Kessler Syndrome · High velocity fragments

Illustration for Micrometeoroids and Orbital Debris Threat (Space Debris)

What & Where

Definition Combined threat from natural micrometeoroids and human-made orbital debris damaging spacecraft owing to hypervelocity impacts

Types Micrometeoroids from asteroid collisions and comet dust; orbital debris from defunct satellites, rocket explosions, collisions, ASAT tests

Geography Micrometeoroids pervasive; orbital debris densest in Low Earth Orbit 200–2 000 km altitude

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Characteristics

Velocity Even millimetre fragments lethal at ≥10 km s⁻¹ relative speed
Population Density tracking limited; majority fragments too small for ground radars
Longevity Low atmospheric drag keeps debris stable for decades especially >800 km

Operational Challenges

Collision Avoidance Frequent manoeuvres consume propellant decreasing satellite mission lifetime
Spacecraft Shielding Probabilistic models guide Whipple shields where forward orientation risk peaks
Exploration Barrier Growing debris may render popular orbits unusable hampering future missions

Security & Policy

Governance Gap No enforceable international law mandating debris mitigation or removal
ASAT Concern Weapon tests dramatically increase fragment count risking all space actors
Cooperative Need Global tracking, active debris removal, binding norms essential for sustainability

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Micrometeoroid speed	11–72 km s⁻¹
Orbital debris speed	~10 km s⁻¹
Tracked objects >10 cm	~34 000
Estimated fragments <1 cm	Hundreds of millions
LEO altitude band	200–2 000 km
Cascade effect term	Kessler Syndrome
Highest impact surface	Forward-facing side of spacecraft
Persistence in higher LEO	Decades to centuries
UN space debris guidelines	Non-binding
Recent damage example	Shenzhou-20 window hit

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1998PYQ 1

The damage to the Spektr Module of the Russian Space Station Mir was due to

GS-3S&T

5.NASA MAVEN Mars Orbiter (Mars Mission)

The HinduAtmospheric escape · Upper ionosphere · 2013 launch

Illustration for NASA MAVEN Mars Orbiter (Mars Mission)

What & Where

Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) = NASA orbiter analysing Mars’ upper atmosphere, ionosphere, escape to space.

Elliptical Mars orbit (≈150 km periapsis to >6 000 km apoapsis) enables multi-altitude sampling.

Went silent after routine December 2025 communication blackout; contact presently lost.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Instruments

Payloads include mass spectrometers, plasma sensors, magnetometer, IUVS for global UV mapping.
Elliptical track permits vertical profiling during close passes, remote sensing when distant.
Functions as interplanetary communications node for surface assets.

Key Discoveries

Confirmed solar-wind stripping as dominant atmospheric loss mechanism over billions of years.
Traced water loss: H₂O photodissociates; lightweight hydrogen escapes irreversibly.
Recorded solar storms boosting escape rates, linking space weather to planetary evolution.

Operational Status

Routine Sun-conjunction blackout followed by silence early Dec 2025; deep-space network now troubleshooting.
Loss jeopardises atmospheric monitoring continuity and relay support for Mars rovers.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch date	18 Nov 2013
Launch agency	NASA
Mission type	Mars atmospheric orbiter
Orbit nature	Highly elliptical, polar-ish
Periapsis–Apoapsis	≈150 km – >6 000 km
Scientific instruments	8 payloads
Ultraviolet mapper	Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS)
Relay role	Curiosity & Perseverance data link
Core objective	Quantify atmospheric escape rates
Latest status	Contact lost Dec 2025

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2002PYQ 1

In the year 2001, NASA launched a spacecraft to Mars named

GS-3S&T

6.Raccoon Roundworm Zoonotic Infection (Zoonotic Parasite)

ITBaylisascaris procyonis · Neurological damage · Accidental hosts

Illustration for Raccoon Roundworm Zoonotic Infection (Zoonotic Parasite)

What & Where

Zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis infects raccoons primarily, occasionally humans, dogs, birds, rodents

Endemic North America; now entrenched in ≥9 European nations with Germany as epicentre

Eggs in raccoon faeces survive years in soil, become infective after 2–4 weeks

Quick Facts for MCQs

Transmission & Reservoirs

Reservoirs:Raccoons carry adult worms, shed eggs contaminating soil, water, objects
Spillover:Dogs, birds, rodents ingest eggs; humans exposed via soil-hand contact
Europe spread:Escaped farm/pet raccoons formed breeding populations sustaining parasite cycle

Human Health Impact

Pathology:Larval migration triggers neural or ocular larva migrans causing coma, blindness, death
Early signs:Nausea, fatigue, hepatomegaly precede neurological deficits
Vulnerable group:Children frequent soil exposure, inadequate hygiene

Detection & Control

Diagnosis challenge:No definitive human test; depends on clinical suspicion and exposure history
Control:Reduce raccoon densities, deploy anthelmintic baits, promote public handwashing
Egg hardiness:Standard disinfectants fail; flame or boiling essential for destruction

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Causative agent	Baylisascaris procyonis (nematode)
Native range	North America
European entry	Pet & fur-farm raccoon imports (early 20th C)
Established EU states	≥9; Germany core
Egg infectivity lag	2–4 weeks in environment
Egg longevity	Several years in soil
Eggs per raccoon	Millions shed via faeces
Principal reservoir	Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
Human cases	Rare but severe
Indian status	Not present; no wild raccoons

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

7.Superkilonova Cosmic Explosion (Astrophysics)

The HinduNeutron star merger · Gravitational waves · Supernova origin

Illustration for Superkilonova Cosmic Explosion (Astrophysics)

What & Where

Superkilonova rare cosmic blast combining a precursor supernova and subsequent neutron-star-merger kilonova.

Sequence massive star explodes → two neutron stars form → spiral inward → merge, unleashing extra-energised kilonova.

Indian angle event analysed by IIT-Bombay & Indian Institute of Astrophysics within an international collaboration.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physics Process

Supernova creates binary neutron stars; gravitational radiation makes pair lose orbital energy then merge.
Merger ejects neutron-rich matter; r-process nucleosynthesis for heavy elements follows.
Dual-stage energy release amplifies luminosity beyond standard kilonova levels.

Observational Signatures

Multi-wavelength detection expected: optical, infrared, gamma, gravitational wave bands.
Light curve shows extended plateau compared to rapid fade of classic kilonova.
Spectra contain heavy-element absorption lines indicating r-process yields.

Indian Involvement

IIT-Bombay contributed data modelling and light-curve analysis.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics participated in follow-up optical observations with national telescopes.
Collaboration aligns with India’s LIGO-India and multi-messenger astronomy goals.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Basic definition	Hybrid event with both supernova + kilonova signatures
Key ejecta elements	Gold, platinum, neodymium
Additional energy driver	Prior core-collapse supernova
Comparative brightness	Brighter and longer-lasting than normal kilonova
Wave output	Strong gravitational waves plus powerful electromagnetic blast
Classification status	Proposed/observationally emerging, not yet firmly established
Origin objects	Two neutron stars formed from same supernova
Core study partners	IIT-Bombay, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, global team

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2019PYQ 1

Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022PYQ 2

कभी-कभी समाचारों में प्रकाशित शब्द 'डीनेटरस A' निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंधित है?

GS-2Editorial

8.BRICS Geopolitical Role Expansion (BRICS Summit)

The HinduBrazil handover · Multipolar world · NDB financing

Illustration for BRICS Geopolitical Role Expansion (BRICS Summit)

What & Where

BRICS = Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa; cooperative bloc for economic, political coordination among emerging powers.

Expanded 2024-25 to Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia; Saudi Arabia accepted but not yet formalised.

2025 presidency transferred from Brazil to India; symbolic Amazon-wood gavel underscores sustainability focus.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Architecture

Mechanisms: New Development Bank, Contingent Reserve, Rapid Information Security Channel, STI Framework Programme.
NDB membership open to all UN states; recent joins – Bangladesh 2021, Algeria 2025.
Proposal: permanent technocrat-led BRICS Secretariat for policy continuity.

Expansion & Membership

2024 expansion added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE; 2025 welcomed Indonesia.
Partner-country model allows summit access without full voting rights.
Risk: larger, diverse bloc may slow consensus, spawn sub-groups.

Challenges

Divergence: India-China border issues, Russia-China closeness, varied views on democracy/human rights.
Economic asymmetry: China ≈ 70 % of BRICS GDP, fuels dominance concerns.
External pressure: US warnings on de-dollarisation, potential sanctions deter deeper financial integration.

Strategic Opportunities

Plan: BRICS Pay digital platform, local-currency NDB lending to cut SWIFT, dollar reliance.
Idea: BRICS Common Market framework for tariff rationalisation, grain exchange, pharma & critical mineral supply-chain security.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Inception of formal summits	Yekaterinburg, Russia (2009)
Current members (2025)	10 countries
Global population share	≈ 45 %
Global GDP share (PPP)	37.3 % vs G7’s 29.3 %
NDB authorised capital	USD 100 billion
Founders’ guaranteed voting floor	≥ 55 % combined
India’s BRICS Sherpa	Sudhakar Dalela
Key finance safety-net	Contingent Reserve Arrangement
New partner-country status (2024)	9 nations incl. Belarus, Nigeria
Latest entrant year	Indonesia - 2025

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 2

Consider the following countries:

GS-2Polity

9.India–Ethiopia Strategic Partnership (Bilateral Relations)

PIBHorn of Africa · MoUs signed · BRICS member

Illustration for India–Ethiopia Strategic Partnership (Bilateral Relations)

What & Where

Strategic Partnership: India-Ethiopia ties upgraded during PM Modi’s Dec 2025 Addis Ababa visit

Ethiopia: land-locked Horn of Africa state; capital Addis Ababa hosts AU & UNECA

Historical connect: trade since Axumite era; formal diplomacy 1950

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Investment: Indian firms dominate manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, leveraging Ethiopian industrial parks
Trade: India 2nd largest partner; DFTP scheme eases Ethiopian access to Indian market
Debt: MoU signed for restructuring under G20 Common Framework

Strategic Significance

Gateway: Ethiopia’s central Horn location links Red Sea and East African corridors for India
Multilateral: Addis platforms amplify India’s Global South voice at UN, G20, BRICS
Defence scope: Strategic Partnership envisages capacity building, digital governance, security cooperation

Challenges & Risks

Logistics: Landlocked geography raises freight costs, dependence on Djibouti corridor
Instability: Internal conflicts and Horn tensions heighten political & investment risks
Regulatory: Unclear privatisation norms and procedural delays hurt business climate

People Linkages

Education: Pan-African e-Network pilot, ICCR & ITEC scholarships deepen knowledge ties
Diaspora: ~2,500 Indians active in teaching, light manufacturing, services
Parliament outreach: Modi addressed joint Ethiopian House, boosting democratic connect

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year ties elevated	December 2025
Civilian honour to PM	The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia
Indian investment stock	> USD 5 billion
Local jobs created	75,000 +
Bilateral trade FY24-25	USD 550.19 million
Indian exports share	USD 476.81 million
Ethiopian imports share	USD 73.38 million
Key memberships	AU host; BRICS member

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2026PYQ 1

Consider the following countries:

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

Recently, with which one of the following countries did India sign the 'Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement'?

GS-2Economy

10.India–New Zealand FTA Overview (Free Trade Agreement)

LiveMintTariff elimination · USD 5 billion trade · Investment inflows

What & Where

Free Trade Agreement: bilateral pact cutting tariffs / non-tariff barriers to spur goods, services, investment flows.

Process: India–NZ talks wrapped in 9 months; signing eyed for 2026; tariff schedules, rules-of-origin, mobility annexes.

Geography: Indo-Pacific partners—India (South Asia) & New Zealand (South-West Pacific) seeking diversified supply chains.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Diversification: Offers alternate market amid US/EU protectionism; reduces over-dependence on single large partners.
Value-addition: Encourages integrated agri-processing & manufacturing supply chains across Indo-Pacific.
MSME boost: Preferential access + export credit schemes can widen small-firm footprint.

Trade Provisions

Tariff Liberalisation: Gradual reduction schedule, safeguards for surge-sensitive items.
Non-tariff modules: SPS, TBT, customs cooperation to cut compliance time, enhance predictability.
Services Annex: Covers IT, education, tourism with mutual recognition of qualifications.

Challenges & Risks

Agricultural pushback: Indian dairy, NZ horticulture lobby wary of competition, may delay ratification.
Low base effect: Small trade volume means gains materialise slowly despite high percentage growth.
Implementation gap: Utilisation depends on awareness, standards compliance capacity of exporters.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Negotiation duration	9 months (fastest for India)
Planned signing year	2026
Current bilateral trade	USD 1.3 bn in FY25
Trade expansion target	USD 5 bn within 5 yrs of entry-into-force
NZ investment aim	USD 20 bn over 15 yrs (Make-in-India aligned)
Indian tariff offer	Concessions on 95 % of NZ exports
NZ tariff offer	Duty-free access on 100 % of Indian lines
Annual temp-visa quota	5,000 Indian professionals, stay up to 3 yrs
Key Indian export gains	Textiles, apparel, leather, pharma, engineering
Sensitive sectors excluded	Dairy, rice, wheat, sugar, onions, edible oils, rubber

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 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?

GS-3Security

11.WhatsApp Ghost Pairing Cyber Fraud (Cyber Security)

DHMeitY advisory · Social engineering · Device linking

What & Where

Ghost pairing: social-engineering cyberattack secretly linking a victim’s WhatsApp to an attacker’s device.

Process: exploits WhatsApp “Linked Devices”; grants real-time chat, media, contact access without SIM swap or phone hacking.

Geography: MeitY, India issued nationwide advisory; technique usable globally across companion-device messaging apps.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Unauthorized access: attacker monitors chats, media, contacts live once pairing succeeds.
Data theft: photos, documents, OTP clues siphoned for identity fraud, extortion, bank scams.
Spying persistence: stays until victim removes unknown companion device.

Tech & Schemes

Linked-Devices exploit: bypasses SIM, password; leverages official multi-device feature.
Multiplatform spread: similar risk on Telegram, any chat app allowing companion linkage.
Verification trap: malicious link or pairing QR/code tricks victim into granting access.

Legal & Policy

MeitY advisory: urges users to verify linked devices, ignore unsolicited links, report swiftly.
Banking recourse: digital transaction logs let banks/police freeze fraudulent transfers if alerted early.
User remedy: settings enable instant unlinking of suspicious devices, restoring account control.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Primary motive	Unauthorised WhatsApp access
Core tactic	Companion-device pairing
User action needed	Click link / approve code
SIM swap required	No
Password cracking	Not involved
Apps impacted	WhatsApp, Telegram, similar
Detection path	WhatsApp → Linked Devices
Advisory issued by	MeitY (Electronics & IT)
Psychological levers	Trust, urgency, fear
Financial trail	Traceable; can be frozen

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

12.Operation Hawkeye Strike Syria (Anti-terror Operation)

The HinduIslamic State · Palmyra attack · US airstrikes

What & Where

Operation Hawkeye Strike: US retaliation targeting Islamic State sites inside Syria.

Islamic State (ISIS): Sunni extremist terror group, evolved from al-Qaeda in Iraq, self-declared caliphate.

Syria: West Asian state abutting Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon; Mediterranean frontage.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Retaliation: US demonstrates counter-terror resolve via direct kinetic action inside Syria.
Capability: Strikes focused on infrastructure to degrade IS operational capacity.
Crimes: IS record includes genocide, mass executions, sexual slavery, global terrorism.

Legal & Policy

UAPA 1967: Central Government proscribes IS and all affiliates as unlawful associations.
Designation enables asset freeze, arrest powers under Indian law.
Alignment: Ban complements UN Security Council ISIL sanctions.

Geography Check

Borders: Turkey N, Iraq E, Jordan S, Israel & Lebanon W, Mediterranean Sea coastline.
Landforms: Anti-Lebanon Mountains, Syrian Desert, Euphrates valley define strategic terrain.
Conflict hotspots: Aleppo, Homs, Idlib, Golan Heights persist as contested zones.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Operation codename	Hawkeye Strike
Executor	United States military
Immediate trigger	Attack on US forces at Palmyra
Primary target	IS infrastructure & weapons sites
IS origin	Offshoot of al-Qaeda in Iraq
IS nature	Sunni extremist, pan-Islamic Caliphate claim
Indian legal status	Banned under UAPA 1967
Syria highest point	Mount Hermon
Major river valley	Euphrates
Disputed plateau	Golan Heights

GS-2Scheme

13.SHAKTI Scholars Research Fellowship (Women Research Fellowship)

DD NewsNCW · ₹1 lakh grant · 6-month tenure

What & Where

Fellowship: SHAKTI Scholars – 6-month, grant-based research support by National Commission for Women

Process: Competitive selection; phased grant release for policy-oriented, multidisciplinary studies on women’s issues

Geography: Applicable across India; Indian citizens only

Quick Facts for MCQs

Eligibility

Citizenship: Indian, age 21–30, minimum graduate qualification
Preference: Post-graduates or higher in Gender Studies, Law, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Economics, Health, Tech
Discipline width: Multidisciplinary acceptance encourages diverse analytical lenses

Funding Structure

Grant size: ₹1 lakh covers data collection, fieldwork, analysis, documentation
Release mode: Staggered payments ensure accountability and milestone adherence
Timeframe: Six-month window balances depth with policy timeliness

Research Focus

Themes: Safety, gender-based violence, POSH implementation, legal rights, cyber safety
Socio-economic: Health, nutrition, education, skill development, labour force participation, economic empowerment
Leadership: Women’s political participation, decision-making, work-life balance

Governance Aims

Evidence: Generate data-driven insights for gender-responsive governance
Pipeline: Cultivate young researchers feeding into future policy ecosystems
Reform input: Findings expected to inform laws, schemes, institutional adjustments

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launching body	National Commission for Women
Scheme type	Young Research Fellowship
Fellowship name	SHAKTI Scholars
Duration	6 months
Total grant	₹1 lakh per scholar
Age bracket	21–30 years
Nationality	Indian only
Minimum education	Graduate
Preferred qualification	PG, M.Phil., PhD
Fund disbursal	Phased, progress-linked

GS-1Editorial

14.Internationalisation of Indian Higher Education (Higher Education Policy)

PIBNEP 2020 · NITI Aayog report · Inbound mobility

Illustration for Internationalisation of Indian Higher Education (Higher Education Policy)

What & Where

Definition; IoHE = integration of international, intercultural, global dimensions into curriculum, research, governance of Indian HEIs.

Core processes; Internationalisation-at-Home, two-way mobility, cross-border campuses, research consortia, soft-power education diplomacy.

Geography; NEP-2020 & Viksit Bharat @2047 aim India as global higher-education hub by 2047.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Challenges

Inbound–Outbound imbalance; 50k hosted versus 13 lakh outbound undermines destination appeal
Regulatory fragmentation; multi-agency approvals, no degree-equivalence framework discourage foreign entry
Infrastructure gap; most state campuses lack international hostels, faculty support, global affairs offices

NITI Strategy

Task-Force; inter-ministerial body under Education Ministry to coordinate targets, funding, diplomacy
Equivalence Portal; single-window digital recognition of professional and non-professional degrees
Campus-within-Campus; brownfield foreign universities inside Indian HEIs with 10-year sunset clause

Global Examples

TNE hubs; Australia, UAE, Singapore attract branch campuses via flexible rules
Mobility visas; Germany, Canada use post-study work, DAAD-type fellowships to lure talent
Research consortia; US, UK, EU link joint grants, co-authorship, rankings for innovation prestige

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Report issuer	NITI Aayog
Vision year	2047
Indian universities	1,200 +
Domestic tertiary students	~40 million
Indians studying abroad	>13 lakh
Foreign students in India	~50,000
Forex outflow 2023-24	USD 3.4 bn
Institutions in QS 2026	54
Tuition cost edge	30–40 % lower
Target foreigners by 2030	1 lakh
Average Indian age	28.4 years
Flagship fellowship	Vishwa Bandhu

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the National Education Policy 2020 in India ?

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