Thursday, 25 December 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: With reference to ‘Quality Council of India (QCI)’, consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (c) Both 1 and 2. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2017.

Q: To increase transparency and consumer awareness and handle customer complaints, a 'Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre' and an 'Integrated Ombudsman Scheme' have been set up. These two schemes are related to which one of the following institutions?

The correct answer is (a) NITI Aayog. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2024.

Q: Consider the following statements with respect to performance of the merchandise export of India in FY–2024:

The correct answer is (c) Both 1 and 2. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2025.

Q: The Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme announced by the Government helps in:

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2024.

Q: “A graduate at 18, professor and associated editor of the Sudharak at 20, Secretary of the Sarvajanik Sabha and of the Provincial Conference at 25, Secretary of the National Congress at 29, leading witness before an important Royal Commission at 31, Provincial legislator at 34, Imperial legislator at 36, President of the Indian National Congress at 39 ……… a patriot whom Mahatma Gandhi himself regarded as his master.” This is how a biographer describes

The correct answer is (a) Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 1997.

Q: Who founded the Central Hindu School at Benaras which was later developed into Benaras Hindu University?

The correct answer is (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2021.

Q: Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

The correct answer is (a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.. This question appeared in GS1 2022.

Q: Where were the Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit launched?

The correct answer is (a) Cochin Shipyard Limited. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2026.

Q: Which among the following has initiated a nationwide flagship campaign ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ to clean seashores/beaches and other water bodies of plastic and other waste materials?

The correct answer is (b) National Cadet Corps (NCC). This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2022.

Q: Which Ministry released the India AI Governance Guidelines in 2025?

The correct answer is (a) Ministry of Science and Technology. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026.

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

0/14 done

GS-2Polity

1.Bureau of Port Security Formation (Maritime Security)

PIBBoPS · Merchant Shipping Act 2025 · ISPS Code

Illustration for Bureau of Port Security Formation (Maritime Security)

What & Where

Bureau of Port Security (BoPS): statutory regulator for security of Indian ports, port facilities and ships.

Constituted nationwide under Merchant Shipping Act, 2025; HQ not specified; covers all major & non-major ports.

Mirrors aviation-sector BCAS, providing unified, legally-empowered port-security oversight.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Statutory-creation streamlines fragmented port-security laws into single command.
Empowered to issue regulations, audits and penalties ensuring international compliance.
Graded, risk-based security mandated for both major & non-major ports.

Security Dimension

Threat-matrix covers terrorism, piracy, arms/drug smuggling, human trafficking, illegal migration, poaching.
Cybersecurity division liaises with national cyber agencies to shield critical maritime systems.
Standardised training & audits aim at resilient, credible port operations amid rising cargo volumes.

Institutional Coordination

BoPS acts nodal hub, synchronising Navy, Coast Guard, CISF, state police to close surveillance gaps.
CISF authorised to draft security plans, conduct drills, certify port personnel.
Unified framework reduces overlap, quickens response, boosts investor confidence in maritime logistics.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent ministry	Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
Legal basis	Section 13, Merchant Shipping Act 2025
Nature	Statutory regulatory authority
Modelled on	Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)
Core mandate	Port, port-facility & ship security oversight
Key global code enforced	ISPS Code (International Ship & Port Facility Security)
Recognised Security Organisation	Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Dedicated cyber wing	Yes, for port IT & digital infra
Vision alignment	Maritime India Vision 2030
Primary coordination partners	Coast Guard, Navy, State maritime police, port authorities

GS-2Polity

2.Quality Council of India Reforms (National Accreditation)

News on AirQCI · PPP Model · Societies Registration Act 1860

What & Where

Body: autonomous, non-profit national accreditation authority, Quality Council of India (QCI)

Process: promotes, adopts, institutionalises quality standards via PPP model independent of direct government control

Geography: nationwide mandate, interfaces with global accreditation forums for mutual recognition

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Autonomy: operates outside direct government control yet supports national quality objectives
Governance: High-level Governing Council chaired by Cabinet-nominated industry leader
Reform timing: next-gen quality measures announced on Sushasan Divas 2025 eve

Functions & Services

Accreditation: certifies labs, inspection agencies, medical labs per ISO/IEC standards
Sectoral frameworks: designs quality assurance for education, healthcare, governance, environment, infrastructure, skilling
Capacity-building: trains governments, MSMEs, enterprises; runs benchmarking exercises

Trade & Economic Angle

Export credibility: alignment with global benchmarks boosts market access, especially for MSMEs
Trust-based regime: shift from inspection-heavy to self-regulation via Q-Mark, Quality Setu
Consumer impact: higher product reliability raises quality of life and safeguards interests

International Engagement

Mutual recognition: memberships ensure Indian certificates accepted abroad
Technical cooperation: shares best practices, harmonises standards with ILAC/IAF protocols
Barrier reduction: accredited Indian tests reduce duplication, lower compliance costs

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Year established	1996
Legal basis	Societies Registration Act, 1860
Founding trigger	Cabinet approval on multi-stakeholder committee recommendation
Administrative anchor	Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT)
Structural model	Public–Private Partnership
Core aim	Build robust National Quality Infrastructure aligned with global norms
Flagship awareness drive	National Quality Campaign
Recent tools	Q-Mark Desh ka Haq; Quality Setu app
WTO relevance	Tackles TBT/SPS barriers through accredited conformity assessment
Key global forums	ILAC, IAF, OECD, ISQua, APLAC, PAC

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2017PYQ 1

With reference to ‘Quality Council of India (QCI)’, consider the following statements:

ESE_GS, GS1 2024PYQ 2

To increase transparency and consumer awareness and handle customer complaints, a 'Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre' and an 'Integrated Ombudsman Scheme' have been set up. These two schemes are related to which one of the following institutions?

GS-3Economy

3.India's Manufacturing Slowdown Analysis (Industrial Growth)

The HinduManufacturing GDP · PLI Scheme · Electronics Exports

What & Where

Definition Manufacturing = conversion of raw inputs to finished goods using labour, capital, technology, energy

Core subsectors Electronics, defence–aerospace, renewables gear, apparel, light-engineering MSMEs

Major clusters NCR-Noida, Chennai-Sriperumbudur, Bengaluru, Gujarat–Maharashtra industrial belt

Quick Facts for MCQs

Successes

Electronics PLI cut cost disability, scaled factories, plugged India into global value chains
Defence Indigenisation built local tech, trimmed high-value arms import bill
Renewables Policy push spawned solar-module, battery plants supporting climate targets and exports

Structural Challenges

Wages Public-sector pay premium raises economy-wide expectations without matching productivity
Technology Cheap labour discourages automation and capital deepening; productivity stagnates
Skills Industry reports CNC, advanced machining shortages despite high youth unemployment

MSME Constraints

Finance High collateral norms limit tech upgrades, export capacity
Standards Many MSMEs fail stringent global quality audits e.g., Apple supply chain
Scale Fragmentation prevents economies of scale, hampers GVC integration

Policy & Comparative Insights

Industry 4.0 Germany shows automation sustains competitiveness amid high wages
Vietnam Cluster support linked MSMEs to electronics GVCs, boosting productivity
South Korea Stable long-term industrial policy nurtured globally competitive champions

Way Ahead

Shift From labour-heavy to innovation-driven manufacturing for sustained productivity gains
Focus Labour-intensive sectors for mass jobs; emulate Bangladesh garment model
Certainty Predictable trade, tax regimes critical to crowd-in private investment

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Manufacturing share in India’s GDP	~13 % (2023)
Services share in GDP	~64 %
2011-23 fall in manufacturing share	3.2 percentage points
Comparable fall China 2011-23	6 pp
Mobile phone exports	USD 0.18 bn (2014) ➜ USD 15 + bn (2024)
Mobile phone imports	USD 5.7 bn (2014-15) ➜ < USD 1 bn (2023-24)
Apple domestic value addition target	20 % by FY 25
Garment exports Bangladesh	USD 45 bn
Defence import reduction driver	Strategic indigenisation
Key incentive scheme	Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements with respect to performance of the merchandise export of India in FY–2024:

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 2

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme announced by the Government helps in:

GS-1History

4.Satavahana-Era Solapur Labyrinth Discovery (Satavahana Archaeology)

ITLabyrinth · Boramani · Solapur

Illustration for Satavahana-Era Solapur Labyrinth Discovery (Satavahana Archaeology)

What & Where

Structure: 2,000-year-old stone labyrinth with 15 concentric circuits

Geography: Boramani grasslands, Solapur district, semi-arid western Maharashtra

Era: Satavahana period (1st–3rd CE), largest circular labyrinth recorded in India

Quick Facts for MCQs

Art & Architecture

Design: 15 concentric stone rings occupying about 50 ft square area
Material: Carefully laid local stones ensuring stability without mortar
Motif: Mirrors labyrinth imagery on Roman Cretan coins

Trade Networks

Alignment: Site lies along inland routes linking Satavahana centres to western ports
Signage: Probably served as navigational or symbolic waypoint for spice, textile, gem caravans
Evidence: Roman coins with similar labyrinths found at Indian coastal marts

Regional Context

Distribution: Smaller stone labyrinths in Sangli, Satara, Kolhapur signal western Maharashtra chain
Distinction: Boramani circular form contrasts Tamil Nadu’s square Gedimedu labyrinth
Preservation: Remote grassland setting limited disturbance, aiding two-millennia survival

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Discovery site	Boramani grasslands, Solapur
State	Maharashtra
Dynasty era	Satavahana, 1st–3rd CE
Age	≈2,000 years
Footprint	~50 ft × 50 ft
Shape	Circular
Stone circuits	15, highest among Indian circular types
Nearby ecosystem	Semi-arid grassland
Comparative site	Square labyrinth, Gedimedu (TN)
Associated trade	Inland Deccan–Arabian Sea Roman routes

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

5.Madan Mohan Malaviya Birth Anniversary (Modern Personality)

PIBMadan Mohan Malaviya · Banaras Hindu University · Salt Satyagraha

Illustration for Madan Mohan Malaviya Birth Anniversary (Modern Personality)

What & Where

Iconic freedom-fighter–educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, awarded Bharat Ratna 2014

Born 25 Dec 1861, Prayagraj; major institutions at Varanasi (BHU) and Haridwar (Ganga Mahasabha)

Birth anniversary observed nationwide every 25 December

Quick Facts for MCQs

Freedom Struggle

Leadership: Salt Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience Movement, four-time INC president
Advocacy: Devanagari script introduced in British courts, slogan Satyameva Jayate propagated
Legal aid: Defended Chauri Chaura prisoners 1922, fought indenture abolition

Education & Youth

Institution-building: Established BHU 1916, one of world’s largest residential universities
Youth work: Pioneered Indian scouting, promoted technical and women’s education
Scholarships: Mobilised funds to assist marginalised students nationwide

Media & Communication

Publications: Abhyudaya 1907, Leader 1909, Maryada 1910 fostered nationalist opinion
Press leadership: Chaired Hindustan Times Board, upheld journalistic ethics
Messaging: Used newspapers to popularise Swadeshi, social reform, constitutional methods

Cultural & Environmental

River activism: Ganga Mahasabha opposed Bhimgoda damming, preserved religious flow
Cultural unity: Helped start Hindu Mahasabha 1915 for Hindu societal interests
Honors: Indian Railways launched Mahamana Express 2016 celebrating his legacy

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth place	Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Birth date	25 December 1861
Popular title	Mahamana (by Tagore)
Congress President	1909 1918 1932 1933
Imperial Council tenure	1909 – 1920
Bharat Ratna	2014 (posthumous)
University founded	Banaras Hindu University, 1916
Ganga Mahasabha	Founded 1905, Haridwar
English daily	Leader, 1909
Hindu Mahasabha	Co-founder, 1915
Legal return case	Chauri Chaura accused, 1922
Mahamana Express	Varanasi–New Delhi, 2016

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 1997PYQ 1

“A graduate at 18, professor and associated editor of the Sudharak at 20, Secretary of the Sarvajanik Sabha and of the Provincial Conference at 25, Secretary of the National Congress at 29, leading witness before an important Royal Commission at 31, Provincial legislator at 34, Imperial legislator at 36, President of the Indian National Congress at 39 ……… a patriot whom Mahatma Gandhi himself regarded as his master.” This is how a biographer describes

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 2

Who founded the Central Hindu School at Benaras which was later developed into Benaras Hindu University?

GS-1Mapping

6.Taiwan Island Mapping (Island Geography)

Times of IndiaTaiwan Strait · Formosa · East China Sea

Illustration for Taiwan Island Mapping (Island Geography)

What & Where

Taiwan: self-ruled island polity (Republic of China) in western Pacific, sovereignty contested under One-China policy

Sits 160 km off China across Taiwan Strait, between East & South China Seas, Pacific Ocean to east

Lies on Philippine Sea–Eurasian plate boundary within Pacific Ring of Fire, hence frequent strong earthquakes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geography & Geology

Convergence zone induces thrust, strike-slip faults causing high seismicity
Over two-thirds terrain mountainous; narrow western plains host bulk population
Surrounding contested waters rich in fisheries, hydrocarbons, shipping lanes

History & Politics

Indigenous communities pre-17th c; no unified rule before colonial era
Dutch colonisation followed by Qing rule, then Japanese annexation post-1895 Treaty of Shimonoseki
Separate administration since 1949 civil war, PRC insists on reunification under One-China principle

Security Dimension

Strategic location straddles key sea-lanes linking East/South China Seas to western Pacific
US, Japan monitor strait for freedom-of-navigation; PRC conducts regular naval, air incursions
Indigenous defence force modernising missiles, submarines amid growing cross-strait tensions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Official designation	Republic of China (ROC)
Capital city	Taipei
Strait separating China	Taiwan (Formosa) Strait
Nearest mainland distance	~160 km
Northern waterbody	East China Sea
Southern waterbody	South China Sea
Highest peak	Yu (Jade) Mt 3,997 m
Dominant range	Central Mountain Range
Tectonic plates	Philippine Sea & Eurasian
Seismic belt	Pacific Ring of Fire
Recent quake magnitude	6.1
Northeast neighbour	Japan (Ryukyu Islands)
Southern channel	Bashi Channel to Philippines
1895-1945 ruler	Japan
1949 event	Kuomintang retreat after civil war

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

GS-3Environment

7.ICG Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Pratap (Oil Spill Response)

DD NewsSamudra Pratap · Pollution Control Vessel · Indian Coast Guard

Illustration for ICG Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Pratap (Oil Spill Response)

What & Where

Samudra Pratap – first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) commissioned into Indian Coast Guard

Built by Goa Shipyard Ltd to safeguard India’s EEZ and adjoining high seas from oil-spill and fire incidents

Largest ICG ship: 114.5 m, 4,170 t, fitted for pollution response, firefighting, limited combat

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Design

Dynamic Positioning allows precise station-keeping during containment operations
Integrated Bridge, Platform and Power Management systems entirely indigenous
External firefighting system delivers high-capacity seawater jets for offshore emergencies

Environmental Role

Viscous oil skimmers, containment booms, recovery tanks enable Tier-I to Tier-III spill response
Onboard lab rapidly identifies pollutant type aiding evidence and prosecution
Enhances readiness against chemical leaks from rigs, tankers, coastal industries

Security Dimension

Combat suite deters hostile vessels during pollution missions in EEZ
Helicopter deck supports aerial reconnaissance and logistics (specification implicit in PCV design)
Long endurance hull permits continuous patrolling of sensitive sea lanes

Indigenisation Push

First time India designed, built and weapon-integrated a specialised PCV domestically
Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime India Vision 2030 objectives
Demonstrates GSL’s capability for complex, mission-specific green ships

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Vessel class	Pollution Control Vessel
Builder	Goa Shipyard Limited
Commissioned into	Indian Coast Guard
Project size	Two-ship PCV project
Length	114.5 m
Breadth	16.5 m
Displacement	4,170 tonnes
Positioning tech	Dynamic Positioning (DP-1)
Firefighting notation	FiFi-2 / FFV-2
Main armament	30 mm CRN-91 + two 12.7 mm RC guns
Key sensors	Oil fingerprinting & spill detection systems
Pollution lab	Onboard analysis facility

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2026PYQ 1

Where were the Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit launched?

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 2

Which among the following has initiated a nationwide flagship campaign ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ to clean seashores/beaches and other water bodies of plastic and other waste materials?

GS-3Environment

8.Sundarbans Sponges Absorb Heavy Metals (Bioindicators)

PIBFreshwater Sponges · Sundarbans · Heavy Metal Pollution

Illustration for Sundarbans Sponges Absorb Heavy Metals (Bioindicators)

What & Where

Freshwater sponges (Phylum Porifera) act as bioindicators by bioaccumulating toxic metals from surrounding water.

Study site: Indian Sundarban delta, world’s largest mangrove-estuarine complex along lower Ganga–Brahmaputra.

Process used: filter-feeding via ostia–osculum system; metals adsorb onto porous skeleton (silica/calcium carbonate or spongin).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

Heavy metals persistent; resist degradation, accumulate through trophic levels causing chronic toxicity.
Sponge-mediated removal offers passive, ecosystem-based solution needing no external energy/chemicals.
Bioindicator status enables early-warning monitoring of riverine contamination before human exposure peaks.

Biological Traits

Microbial symbionts aid metal binding, enhancing sponge detox capacity.
High filtration rate (litres water / gram tissue / day) maximises pollutant contact.
Regenerative ability allows periodic harvesting without long-term population loss.

Indian Hotspots

Ganga delta: arsenicosis-linked skin lesions, neuropathy.
Malwa-Punjab: uranium, selenium; DNA damage, cancer rise.
Delhi-NCR Yamuna: lead in mothers/children, neurotoxicity risk.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Taxonomic phylum	Porifera
Body tissues/organs	Absent; no nerves, muscles, gut
Feeding cells	Choanocytes (“collar cells”)
Skeleton material	Siliceous/calcareous spicules ± spongin
Habitat majority	Marine; minority freshwater (e.g., Sundarbans)
Heavy metals trapped	As, Pb, Cd (high affinity)
Metal capture mode	Adsorption & intracellular bioaccumulation
Density criterion for “heavy metal”	> 5 g cm⁻³
Bioaccumulation level	Individual organism; precedes biomagnification
Key Indian hotspot element	Arsenic in West Bengal–Bihar plain

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

9.Rhino Dehorning Reduces Poaching (Rhino Conservation)

The HinduRhino Dehorning · Poaching Reduction · Kaziranga

What & Where

Rhino dehorning = surgical trimming of keratin horn to deter poachers; horns regrow in ~2 yrs.

Study area: 20+ African reserves; evidence of sharp poaching drop post-dehorning.

Indian focus: Kaziranga NP, Assam — world’s largest one-horned rhino habitat.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Conservation Results

Dehorning shown statistically to curb kills; supports evidence-based wildlife management.
Kaziranga success attributed to patrol grids, community scouts, conflict-mitigation drills.

Economic Angle

High Asian demand makes horn a luxury-medicine status symbol, sustaining billion-dollar trade.
Low relative cost of dehorning yields high return in saved animal lives.

Tech & Schemes

RhODIS collects horn, tissue, dung samples; aids prosecution via genetic matches.
Indian Rhino Vision 2005 targets meta-population spread across Assam landscapes.

Security Dimension

Smart patrolling, electronic surveillance and rapid-response units key in Indian anti-poaching model.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Horn composition	Pure keratin, not bone
Illegal horn price	USD 3,382–22,257 /kg
Black-market revenue (2012-22)	USD 874 mn–1.13 bn
Poaching fall after dehorning	78 % at reserve level
Individual risk cut	95 % lower for dehorned rhinos
Dehorning cost share	1.2 % of anti-poaching budget
Kaziranga losses (last 3 yrs)	Only 1–2 rhinos poached
Rhino DNA Index System	Forensic database linking horns to carcasses

GS-3S&T

10.AILA Autonomous Lab Assistant (AI Robotics)

Business StandardAILA · IIT Delhi · Atomic Force Microscope

Illustration for AILA Autonomous Lab Assistant (AI Robotics)

What & Where

AILA = Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant; fully autonomous AI system for designing, running, interpreting experiments

Directly controls lab hardware, presently Atomic Force Microscope; performs real-time adaptive decisions

Developed at IIT Delhi; first such experimental AI platform reported from India

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Alignment with AI for Science agenda; leverages ANRF research grants
Combines machine vision, robotics, reinforcement learning for instrument control
Potential template for other high-end instruments like SEM, TEM

Research Productivity

Drastic throughput boost; multiple iterations per hour enable rapid materials discovery
Removes operator fatigue and skill barrier, widening instrument accessibility
Generates uniform, reproducible datasets aiding cross-lab validation

International Collaboration

Joint algorithm design with Denmark’s Aarhus Univ & Germany’s TU Dresden
Demonstrates India’s growing role in global autonomous labs research
Opens avenues for shared cloud-controlled laboratory networks

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Lead institute	IIT Delhi
Foreign partners	Denmark, Germany teams
Core instrument handled	Atomic Force Microscope
Domain focus	Materials science, experimental physics
Time saved	Day-long task cut to 7–10 min
Key capability	End-to-end autonomous experimentation
Learning type	Adaptive, outcome-based refinement
National linkage	AI for Science initiative
Funding support	ANRF (Anusandhan NRF)
India status	First AI to execute real lab work

GS-3S&T

11.Integrating AI into Indian Education (EdTech AI)

Sansad TVAI Mahakumbh · NEP 2020 · DIKSHA

What & Where

Definition: Artificial Intelligence in education (AIEd) deploys ML, analytics, intelligent systems to augment teaching–learning under human oversight.

Key processes: personalised content, automated assessment, predictive analytics, smart-governance dashboards.

Core geography: India via NEP-2020, AI for Science, DIKSHA; aligned with UNESCO/OECD push for SDG-4.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers & Benefits

Demography: 250-million learner cohort needs personalised AI pathways.
Workforce: AI modules build analytical, digital skills missing in rote-heavy curricula.

Platform Examples

Embibe: Adaptive practice engine for JEE/NEET aspirants.
Vidya Samiksha Kendra: Predictive analytics dashboard tracking dropout risks.

Challenges

Digital-divide: Himalayan and Tier-3 regions lack bandwidth for AI learning.
Bias: Western-trained models misinterpret Indian accents and local contexts.

Policy & Ethics

UNESCO: Human-centred, equity, transparency, privacy, cultural-sensitivity guidelines.
India: Proposal for National AI Regulatory Body; CBSE introduces AI literacy from Grade 6.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Adoption in premier higher-ed	>80 % students use AI tools
Indian learner base	≈ 250 million students
Policy anchor	NEP-2020 endorses AI-enabled pedagogy
Flagship platform	DIKSHA AI recommendation engine
Teacher aid tool	UP SwiftChat AI for para-teachers
Global mandate	UNESCO tags AI as SDG-4 accelerator

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Which Ministry released the India AI Governance Guidelines in 2025?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2023PYQ 2

Consider the following statements concerning the National Education Policy, 2020:

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

12.Indigenous DHRUV64 Microprocessor Launch (Indigenous Chip)

The HinduDHRUV64 · RISC-V · C-DAC

Illustration for Indigenous DHRUV64 Microprocessor Launch (Indigenous Chip)

What & Where

Microprocessor DHRUV64, indigenous 64-bit dual-core general-purpose chip, launched 15 Dec 2025 by MeitY/C-DAC.

Built on open-source RISC-V ISA, ~1 GHz, suited for embedded and OS-level workloads.

Fabricated at SCL Mohali, joins India’s sovereign processor line with SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM, THEJAS.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

DIR-V, MeitY initiative, builds portfolio of RISC-V chips for strategic and commercial autonomy.
RISC-V, royalty-free ISA, allows customisation without ARM/x86 licence fees.
THEJAS32 first DIR-V chip (Malaysia), THEJAS64 second (Mohali), DHRUV64 third.

Indigenous Ecosystem

SHAKTI (IIT-Madras), AJIT (IIT-Bombay), VIKRAM (ISRO-SCL), THEJAS & DHRUV (C-DAC) form national processor suite.
Focus on sovereign semiconductor supply chain, reducing foreign dependency.

Application Sectors

Telecom base stations, routers, networking gear.
Industrial automation, automotive electronics controllers.
Strategic/government defence systems benefit from domestic security control.

Strategic Importance

Sovereignty, indigenous design mitigates supply-chain risks and geopolitical export controls.
Cost saving, open ISA avoids licensing “tax”, encourages domestic innovation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Word size	64-bit
Core count	Dual-core
Clock speed	~1 GHz
Developer	C-DAC
ISA	RISC-V
Govt programme	Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V)
Launch date	15 Dec 2025
Fabrication site	Semiconductor Lab, Mohali
DIR-V fabrication order	3rd after THEJAS32, THEJAS64
Sample use case	Telecom base stations

GS-2MiscQuick Bite

13.India's Cyclone Aid to Sri Lanka (Cyclone Relief)

The HinduUSD 450 Million · Cyclone Ditwah · Operation Sagar Bandhu

What & Where

Package: India pledges USD 450 mn reconstruction aid to post-Cyclone Ditwah Sri Lanka.

Locale: Island nation in Indian Ocean; aid channelled under SAGAR & Neighbourhood First.

Context: Complements earlier Operation Sagar Bandhu relief and Sri Lanka’s IMF-supported recovery.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Debt-default: 2022 crisis pushed Sri Lanka to IMF; austerity restores macro-stability yet stunts growth.
Losses: Cyclone damage equals 4 % GDP, tougher than 2004 tsunami recovery.
Financing: India’s credit plus IMF RFI bridge urgent balance-of-payments gap.

Humanitarian Operations

Mission: Operation Sagar Bandhu delivered medicines, relief kits, Army field hospital.
Timeline: India also aided MV XPress Pearl fire 2021, Cyclone Roanu 2016.
Modality: First-responder role via air-sea lift, rapid medical deployment.

Strategic & Security

Diplomacy: Aid embeds Neighbourhood First and SAGAR doctrines, boosting regional goodwill.
Geopolitics: Timely support counters extraregional influence in Indian Ocean.
Continuity: Package sustains India-Sri Lanka ties amid climate-induced security risks.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Cyclone triggering aid	Ditwah (Dec 2025)
Indian reconstruction pledge	USD 450 million
Prior Indian assistance (2022)	~USD 4 billion lines of credit, swaps, fuel
Field hospital output	>8,000 patients near Kandy
IMF emergency (RFI) tranche	USD 206 million
WB damage estimate	USD 4.1 billion ≈ 4 % GDP
Austerity tools used	Tax hikes, subsidy cuts, high interest rates

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2007PYQ 1

What was the purpose of Operation Sukoon launched by the Government of India?

GS-2Scheme

14.Good Governance Day Initiatives (Atal Bhujal Yojana)

PIBGood Governance Day · Atal Bhujal Yojana · Good Governance Index

Illustration for Good Governance Day Initiatives (Atal Bhujal Yojana)

What & Where

GoodGovernanceDay – national observance on 25 Dec honouring ex-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

AtalBhujalYojana – ₹6000 cr, 5-year Central-Sector plan for community-driven groundwater management in 7 stressed states

AtalTunnel – 8.8 km all-weather road under Rohtang Pass, Pir Panjal, Himachal; highest (>3000 m) motorable tunnel globally

Quick Facts for MCQs

Water Scheme

FundingPattern – 50:50 GoI-WorldBank grants transferred wholly to states
GovernanceModel – panchayat-led groundwater budgeting, community monitoring, demand-side efficiency incentives
SelectionCriteria – over-exploitation severity, legal readiness, prior aquifer projects

Strategic Infrastructure

ConnectivityGain – year-round access Kullu↔Lahaul-Spiti; Manali-Leh route shorter by 46 km
SafetyFeature – 2.25 m fire-proof emergency tunnel inside main bore
StrategicValue – quicker troop and supply movement to Ladakh border areas

Governance Metrics

IndexStructure – 50 indicators, 10 sectors; categories – Big, NE-Hill, UT
Purpose – quantifiable benchmarking, fosters result-oriented administrative reforms, best-practice race
LaggingStates – Bihar, Odisha, UP, Jharkhand, Goa bottom Big; Lakshadweep worst UT

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Good Governance Day	25 December
ATAL JAL Outlay	₹6000 crore
Funding Split	GoI 50 % : World Bank 50 %
Scheme Tenure	2020-25 (5 years)
Implementing Ministry	Jal Shakti
Target States	GJ, HR, KA, MP, MH, RJ, UP
Atal Tunnel Length	8.8 km
Altitude Category	>3000 m
Mountain Range	Pir Panjal, HP
GGI Launch Ministry	Personnel, PG & Pensions
GGI Sector Count	10
Top Big State	Tamil Nadu
Top NE/Hill	Himachal Pradesh
Top UT	Puducherry
Vajpayee – Bharat Ratna	2015

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