Monday, 29 December 2025

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2012.

Q: Which one of the following is NOT included in the 27 principles issued at the Rio-92 UN Conference on the Environment and Development?

The correct answer is (c) Protection to the environment in times of armed conflict. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2021.

Q: Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why?

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only. This question appeared in GS1 2012.

Q: With reference to India, consider the following statements :

The correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 3 only. This question appeared in GS1 2022.

Q: Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of

The correct answer is (d) textile fibre. This question appeared in GS1 2019.

Q: The Dul Hasti Power Station is based on which one of the following rivers ?

The correct answer is (a) Beas. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2009.

Q: The Luhri Hydro-Electric Power Project is being constructed on the river

The correct answer is (a) Satluj. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2021.

Q: The radical wing of the Congress Party, with Jawaharlal Nehru as one of its main leaders, founded the ‘Independence for India League’ in opposition to

The correct answer is (a) the Gandhi Irwin Pact. This question appeared in GS1 1995.

Q: Which one of the following first mooted the idea of a constituent assembly to frame a constitution for India?

The correct answer is (a) Swaraj Party in 1934. This question appeared in GS1 1996.

Q: Which of the following is located in the Bastar region?

The correct answer is (a) Bandhavgarh National Park. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2007.

15 topicsGS-1: 5GS-2: 4GS-3: 6

0/15 done

GS-2Polity

1.Right to a Healthy Environment (Environmental Rights)

The HinduArticle 21 · DPSP · Fundamental Duties

What & Where

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): four-stage, pre-emptive/emergency protocol to curb Delhi-NCR air pollution.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): 2021 statutory body covering NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.

Supreme Court jurisprudence since 1978 reads clean, healthy environment into Article 21 right to life.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Constitution: proposal for standalone Fundamental Right; embed precautionary, polluter-pays, public-trust, intergenerational equity.
Judiciary: key cases Maneka (1978) → Ranjitsinh (2024) progressively widened Article 21 environmental scope.
Directive: Article 48A & Article 51A(g) impose parallel state–citizen ecological duties.

Environmental Impact

Air: Delhi-NCR exceeds PM limits; India logged 2.1 mn pollution deaths in 2021.
Water: Availability fell 1,816 m³ (2001) → projected 1,219 m³ (2050); nitrate, fluoride, arsenic hotspots.
Land: 83.69 mha desertified 2018-19; soil organic carbon dips to 0.3 % in intensive belts.

Governance & Implementation

Enforcement: Many units lack valid Consent-to-Operate; Environment Act penalties remain modest.
Coordination: Indo-Gangetic air crisis demands multi-state action; present mechanisms fragmented.
Behaviour: Poor household waste segregation undercuts Swachh Bharat collection efficiency.

Tech & Finance

Monitoring: AI + ISRO satellites proposed for automatic alerts on deforestation, illegal dumping, river pollution.
Finance: Suggested carbon tax, sovereign green bonds; mandate 50 % CSR funds for ecology.
Budgeting: Environmental outcome-based budgeting links allocations to air-quality and forest-cover milestones.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
GRAP Stage III trigger	AQI 401–450
GRAP Stage IV trigger	AQI > 450
CAQM Act notification	2021
Indian cities in 2024 world top-20 pollution list	13
Air-pollution deaths, India 2021	2.1 million
Per-capita water availability 2050 (proj.)	1,219 m³
Desertified land 2018-19	83.69 million ha
SC case on climate-change right	M.K. Ranjitsinh v. UoI 2024

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2012PYQ 1

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?

ESE_GS, GS1 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following is NOT included in the 27 principles issued at the Rio-92 UN Conference on the Environment and Development?

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

2.PRAGATI Governance Platform (Project Monitoring)

Indian ExpressICT platform · Prime Minister oversight · video conferencing

What & Where

PRAGATI is a 2015 ICT platform for fast-tracking public projects and grievances across all Indian states.

Uses a three-tier chain—PMO, Union Secretaries, State Chief Secretaries—for direct, hierarchy-free interaction.

Geo-tagged coverage spans nationwide infrastructure and inter-state issues, reinforcing Centre-State “Team India” coordination.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Integration ensures single window view of CPGRAMS, Gati Shakti, PARIVESH, PMG datasets.
Geo-spatial dashboards allow map-based progress checks right down to project coordinates.
Drone feeds supply live visuals of critical sites during PM-chaired reviews.

Administrative Structure

PrimeMinister-led monthly videoconference mandates action points with clear deadlines.
Union Secretaries anchor ministry inputs; State Chief Secretaries feed ground data.
Constant feedback loop reduces file movement, enabling same-day decisions.

Development Impact

Faster clearances unblock stalled infrastructure, boosting employment and service delivery.
Predictive analytics flag cost-time overruns early, saving public funds.
Collaborative model showcases cooperative federalism, inspiring replication at state level.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2015
Oversight head	Prime Minister
System tiers	PMO / Union Secretaries / State Chief Secretaries
Technology tools	Video-conferencing, geo-mapping, drone feeds, central database
Linked portals	CPGRAMS, PM Gati Shakti, PARIVESH, Project Monitoring Group
Core functions	Real-time monitoring, predictive tracking, grievance redress
Governance aim	Cut red tape, accelerate reforms, resolve inter-state disputes

GS-3Economy

3.Rare Earth Elements Overview (Critical Minerals)

The Hindulanthanides · magnetic properties · bastnaesite

Illustration for Rare Earth Elements Overview (Critical Minerals)

What & Where

Rare-earth elements: 17 metals—15 lanthanides plus scandium, yttrium—vital for green tech, defence, electronics

Hosted mainly in bastnäsite, monazite, ion-adsorption clays; major reserves China, Brazil, India, Australia

Midstream choke point: China controls ≈90 % global refining and magnet production

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical & Chemical Traits

Magnetism strong due to unpaired 4f electrons
Optical emissions sharp stable enabling phosphors lasers
Chemical similarity makes separation complex energy intensive

Global Distribution

Reserves next to China: Brazil ~21 Mt, India ~6.9 Mt, Australia ~5.7 Mt
Smaller strategic stocks Russia Vietnam USA Greenland
Deposits uneven creating geographic supply risk

Supply Chain & Strategic Angle

Midstream refining and magnet fabrication the true bottleneck not raw ore availability
Supply vulnerability spurs diversification drives in US EU India Japan
REEs classified critical minerals in many national security policies

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total REEs	17 (15 lanthanides + Sc, Y)
Usual oxidation state	+3
Key electron shell	Localised 4f electrons
Common market form	Oxides
Density trait	High, metals mostly soft silvery
Melting point trait	High, thermally stable
Top reserve holder	China ~44 Mt
Indian reserves	~6.9 Mt (≈5 % world)
Main minerals	Bastnäsite, Monazite, Ion-clays
Processing dominance	China >90 % refining & magnets

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why?

GS1 2022PYQ 2

With reference to India, consider the following statements :

GS-3Economy

4.Industrial Hemp Cultivation Initiative (Hemp Industry)

DD NewsGreen to Gold · THC below 0.3% · Himachal Pradesh

Illustration for Industrial Hemp Cultivation Initiative (Hemp Industry)

What & Where

Definition: Non-intoxicating Cannabis sativa grown for fibre, seed, biomass; legal THC ceiling 0.3 %.

Geography: Native Central–South Asia; now regulated across Europe, North America, Asia; Himachal Pradesh just authorised cultivation.

Cultivation: 70–140 day crop, thrives on marginal soil, needs ~50 % less water than cotton.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Himachal notification enables licensed hemp farming under state monitoring of THC compliance.
Objective: Anchor bio-economy growth while separating crop from narcotic perception.
Global norms: EU, US, Canada already permit hemp below 0.3 % THC.

Environmental Impact

Water-efficient crop eases stress on Himalayan watersheds.
Hempcrete locks more CO₂ than emitted across life-cycle, aiding Net-Zero goals.
Deep rooting enhances soil aeration, curbs erosion on hill slopes.

Economic Angle

Diversified revenues from textiles, nutraceuticals, bioplastics boost rural incomes.
Fast turnover supports additional yearly cropping cycles in temperate zones.
Rising international hemp market creates export scope for certified Indian produce.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Botanical species	Cannabis sativa
THC legal limit	Below 0.3 %
Indian initiative	Green to Gold, Himachal Pradesh
Water use vs cotton	~50 % lower
Harvest duration	70–140 days
Key eco-product	Hempcrete, carbon-negative
Root effect	Improves soil, suppresses weeds
Primary outputs	Fibre, oilseed, biomass

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of

GS-3Infrastructure

5.Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project (Hydropower Project)

Indian ExpressChenab River · Kishtwar · run-of-the-river

Illustration for Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project (Hydropower Project)

What & Where

Dulhasti Stage-II: 260 MW (2×130 MW) underground run-of-river power house on Chenab, Kishtwar district, J-K

Links Marusudar tributary through 1 000 MW Pakal Dul CFRD dam into existing Dulhasti-I reservoir

Cleared (Dec 2025) by MoEF&CC Expert Appraisal Committee under EIA-2006 norms

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Run-of-river: utilises natural flow, minimal storage, lower submergence
Pakal Dul dam: tallest concrete-face rockfill in Indian Indus basin (167 m)
Chenab cascade: existing Dulhasti-I, Baglihar 890 MW, Salal 690 MW; upcoming Ratle 850 MW, Kiru 624 MW, Kwar 540 MW

Legal & Policy

Expert Appraisal Committee: 15 experts, 3-year tenure, consensus recommendations to MoEF&CC
EIA Notification 2006 mandates screening, scoping, appraisal before environmental clearance
Indus Waters Treaty 1960: India full rights over Ravi-Beas-Sutlej, limited non-consumptive use on Indus-Jhelum-Chenab

Security Dimension

Strategic aim: maximise western-river utilisation after terror-linked IWT review
Hydropower in border state enhances grid stability, reduces diesel import dependence
Cascade positioning complicates hostile sabotage; shared infrastructure lowers cost

Environmental Impact

ROR design avoids large reservoir, curbs displacement and methane emissions
Underground powerhouse limits surface disturbance in fragile Himalayan gorge
EAC flagged need for sediment management & seismic-resilient construction

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Installed capacity	260 MW
Project type	Run-of-river (ROR)
Main river	Chenab
Tributary tapped	Marusudar
Location	Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir
Units	2 × 130 MW
Linked dam	Pakal Dul, 167 m CFRD
Stage-I output	390 MW, commissioned 2007
Clearance body	MoEF&CC Expert Appraisal Committee
IWT status	Work fast-tracked after 2023 suspension

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2009PYQ 1

The Dul Hasti Power Station is based on which one of the following rivers ?

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 2

The Luhri Hydro-Electric Power Project is being constructed on the river

GS-1History

6.INC 140th Foundation Day (Indian National Congress)

Indian Express1885 Bombay · W C Bonnerjee · A O Hume

Illustration for INC 140th Foundation Day (Indian National Congress)

What & Where

Party; all-India political organisation leading anti-colonial movement and post-1947 governance

Founded 28 Dec 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay (now Mumbai)

Geography; nationwide membership cutting across regions, religions, languages

Quick Facts for MCQs

Origins & Founders

Genesis; forum to petition British administration, channel elite grievances
Catalyst; Hume envisioned platform to avert rebellions after 1857
Inclusivity; early membership spanned provinces, castes, faiths

Freedom Struggle Role

Mass Agitations; Non-Cooperation 1920-22, Civil Disobedience 1930-34, Quit India 1942
Landmark; Lahore session 1929 adopted Purna Swaraj, 26 Jan 1930 as Independence Day
Leadership Shift; Mahatma Gandhi transformed party into grassroots mass movement

Post-Independence Influence

Governance; dominated Lok Sabha 1952-77, framed Constitution, shaped Five-Year Plans
Core Values; secularism, parliamentary democracy, planned economy, non-alignment
Institutional Build; established Election Commission, Planning Commission, IITs, FCI

Organisational Characteristics

Nationwide Cadre; longest-running pan-India party structure
Ideological Elasticity; adapted from liberalism to socialism to mixed-economy model
Symbols; tricolour flag with spinning wheel (pre-1947), later hand symbol

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Foundation Day	28 December 1885
140th Anniversary	28 December 2025
First Session Venue	Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay
First President	Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
Key British Founder	Allan Octavian Hume
Early Indian Stalwarts	Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, Pherozeshah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Core Ideological Phases	Moderate constitutionalism → Mass civil disobedience → Democratic socialism

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1995PYQ 1

The radical wing of the Congress Party, with Jawaharlal Nehru as one of its main leaders, founded the ‘Independence for India League’ in opposition to

GS1 1996PYQ 2

Which one of the following first mooted the idea of a constituent assembly to frame a constitution for India?

GS-1History

7.Punjab Holy City Status (Sikh Heritage)

Indian ExpressAmritsar · Anandpur Sahib · Talwandi Sabo

What & Where

Punjab notified Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo as holy cities hosting three of Sikhism’s five Takhts.

Tag confers cultural-religious status; civic limits face blanket ban on liquor, tobacco, cigarettes, meat.

Objective is heritage tourism boost and preservation of Sikh sanctity under state policy 2025.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Policy Measures

Prohibition covers sale, storage, advertisement inside municipal boundaries to uphold spiritual ambiance.
State targets pilgrimage infrastructure upgrade via dedicated budget heads and heritage tourism circuits.
Enforcement entrusted to excise, health, municipal and police departments under Punjab Municipal Act.

Sikh Institutions

Takhts five in total; two outside Punjab are Patna Sahib (Bihar) and Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra).
Gurdwara functions worship plus Langar community kitchen symbolising equality and seva.
SGPC elected body manages 80+ historic gurdwaras, headquartered at Golden Temple complex.

Timeline of Gurus

Guru Angad created Gurmukhi; Guru Arjun compiled Adi Granth 1604; Guru Hargobind united Miri-Piri concept.
Guru Tegh Bahadur founded Anandpur Sahib; Guru Gobind Singh relinquished human Guruship to scripture 1708.
Youngest Guru Har Krishan led at age five, summoned by Aurangzeb yet revered for compassion.

Reform Movement

Akali agitation ousted mahants controlling shrines, ensuring democratic Sikh management.
Culminated in legal codification through Sikh Gurdwaras Act 1925 by British Punjab legislature.
Movement inspired wider Indian religious-institutional reforms and early nationalist mobilisation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Holy cities declared	Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo
Notification year	2025
Associated Takhts	Akal, Keshgarh, Damdama
Supreme Takht	Akal Takht, Amritsar (1606)
Founder of Sikhism	Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539)
Core scripture	Guru Granth Sahib (eternal Guru)
Supplementary text	Dasam Granth
Khalsa creation	1699 by Guru Gobind Singh
Five Ks	Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan
Apex gurdwara body	SGPC, formed 1920
Governing Act	Sikh Gurdwaras Act 1925
Reform movement	Akali (Gurdwara) Movement 1920
Prohibited items in holy cities	Liquor, tobacco, cigarettes, meat
Marriage ceremony introduced by	Guru Amar Das (Anand Karaj)

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

8.Narsapuram Crochet Lace Craft (Traditional Craft)

The HinduAndhra Pradesh · crochet lace · 1844 origin

Illustration for Narsapuram Crochet Lace Craft (Traditional Craft)

What & Where

Heritage crochet lace handcrafted in Narsapuram town, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.

Fine cotton thread looped with a single crochet hook, using needles of varying gauges for elaborate patterns.

Post-Covid revival visible; FY 2024-25 exports already crossed ₹150 crore.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Exports rebound; craft adds forex and rural income amid post-pandemic recovery.
Global demand concentrated in developed markets; niche, high-value handcrafted segment.
Home-based production boosts female labour participation without major capital needs.

Heritage & Social

Continuity since 1844 underscores cultural resilience across colonial, famine, depression eras.
Lace-making long linked to women’s collective identity in Godavari belt.
Craft embodies intangible cultural heritage of coastal Andhra.

Tech & Schemes

GI and ODOP tagging enable branding, market access, legal protection.
EPCH plus International Lace Trade Centre provide design, export facilitation, fair participation.
Skill transfer relies on informal apprenticeship; need-based upskilling workshops conducted by Textiles Ministry.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Origin year	1844
Core region	Narsapuram, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Historical crises weathered	1899 Famine; 1929 Great Depression
Early-1900s women artisans	>2,000 in Godavari area
FY 25 export earnings	₹150 crore+
Key markets	UK, USA, France
Product range	Garments, linens, accessories, decor
Main tool	Single crochet hook
Recognition	GI tag; ODOP award
Export promoter	EPCH, Textiles Ministry body

GS-1Mapping

9.Gandikota Canyon (River Gorge)

The HinduPenna River · Kadapa district · Erramala Hills

Illustration for Gandikota Canyon (River Gorge)

What & Where

Canyon: 200-m-wide, sheer quartzite–sandstone gorge sculpted by Penna River; dubbed “Grand Canyon of India”.

Location: Erramala Hills, Gandikota village, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh; ~77 km from Kadapa town.

Setting: Overlooks 12th-century Gandikota Fort complex, blending Vijayanagara, Indo-Islamic and local architectural styles.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

Foundation: Fort built 1123 CE; prominence under Pemmasani Nayaks, Kakatiya feudatories.
Succession: Vijayanagara → Qutb Shahis → Mughals → Nawabs of Kadapa → Mysore → British.
Records: Cited in Mackenzie Kaifiyat, Tavernier’s travelogues.

Geomorphology

Lithology: Steep red sandstone and quartzite cliffs framing sinuous river channel.
Landscape: Penna’s lateral erosion produced panoramic sunrise–sunset vistas.
Comparative tag: Geological grandeur earns “Grand Canyon” moniker in Indian context.

Architectural Heritage

Fort complex: Madhavaraya Temple, Ranganatha Temple, Jama Masjid, granary, step wells, jail, gun foundry.
Styles: Vijayanagara carvings merge with Indo-Islamic arches and domes.
Cultural link: Site associated with Telugu poet Yogi Vemana folklore.

Tourism Potential

Attractions: Viewpoints, heritage walks, river-edge camping, proximity to Tirupati pilgrimage circuit.
Infrastructure gap: Limited facilities despite recent Andhra Pradesh tourism plans.
Eco-heritage scope: Ideal for integrated cultural and adventure tourism.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Main river	Penna (Pennar)
Hill range	Erramala Hills
District / State	Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh
Gorge width	~200 m
Fort founding year	1123 CE
Key early rulers	Pemmasani Nayaks under Kakatiyas
Later dynasties	Vijayanagara, Qutb Shahis, Mughals, Mysore, British
Nickname	“Grand Canyon of India”
Distance from Kadapa	≈77 km
Distance from Bengaluru/Hyderabad/Chennai	~300–380 km

GS-3Environment

10.Kanger Valley National Park (National Park)

DCChhattisgarh · UNESCO bid · Kanger River

Illustration for Kanger Valley National Park (National Park)

What & Where

Biodiversity-rich national park in central India; dense forests, caves, waterfalls; proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site

Situated in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh, Deccan biogeographical zone, ~24 km southeast of Jagdalpur on Jagdalpur–Darbha road

Named after Kanger River flowing through heterogeneous terrain of plains, plateaus, valleys and steep slopes

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geomorphology

Limestone cave systems Kotumsar & Kailash among most diverse in India and South Asia
Terrain heterogeneity spans flat alluvium, steep escarpments, plateaus and deeply incised stream courses
Subterranean caves reach several kilometres with stalactite and stalagmite formations

Biodiversity Highlights

Dense Sal and mixed forests form primary vegetation cover
Bastar Hill Myna relies on undisturbed upper canopy for breeding
Seasonal–perennial streams sustain high amphibian, reptile and insect richness

Conservation & UNESCO Bid

State government and WII conducting fresh biodiversity inventories for World Heritage nomination
Park already on UNESCO Tentative List awaiting formal dossier submission
Administrative control with Kotumsar and Koleng ranges under Jagdalpur Wildlife Circle

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
State	Chhattisgarh
District	Bastar
Notification year	1982
Area	~200 sq km
Main river	Kanger
Biogeographic zone	Deccan
Signature caves	Kotumsar, Kailash
Iconic bird	Bastar Hill Myna
Key waterfall	Tirathgarh
Managing circle	Jagdalpur Wildlife Circle
UNESCO status	Tentative List

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2007PYQ 1

Which of the following is located in the Bastar region?

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following national parks has become the first national park in India to be equipped with satellite phones?

GS-3Editorial

11.India's Research Deficit (R&D Spending)

The Hindu0.7% GDP · Global Innovation Index · researchers density

Illustration for India's Research Deficit (R&D Spending)

What & Where

Definition : India’s research deficit – chronic underinvestment and weak linkages in science, tech and innovation

Scope : Covers labs, universities, industry R&D across sectors such as semiconductors, defence, climate tech

Geography : Entire India; performance benchmarked globally against USA, China, Israel, South Korea

Quick Facts for MCQs

Investment Levels

Comparison : China 2.4 % GDP, USA 3.5 %, Israel 5.4 %; India lags sharply
Private trend : South Korea and USA exceed 70 % private R&D while India stuck at 36 %
Target : Policy aim to reach 2 % GDP with half from industry within 5–7 yrs

Talent & Output

Density gap : India 255 researchers per million vs USA 4,452 and Korea 7,980
Brain-drain : 7.6 lakh students abroad in 2024–25 with AI and green energy surge
Output share : India hosts 17.5 % population but only 3 % global research papers

Policy Initiatives

ANRF : Anusandhan National Research Foundation to strengthen basic science and labs
RDI Fund : ₹1 lakh cr corpus with ₹20 k cr start focusing on deep tech and industry projects
National missions : Semiconductor, Quantum, AI, Green Hydrogen aimed at strategic tech autonomy

Challenges

Risk aversion : Industry hesitant on long-gestation blue sky research
Bureaucracy : Funding disbursal delays of 8–12 months stall lab continuity
Commercialisation gap : 80 % patents from smaller colleges remain unlicensed due to weak tech transfer

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
GERD share of GDP	0.6–0.7 % (2023)
Govt share in GERD	63.6 %
Private share in GERD	36.4 %
Researchers density	255 per million
Global avg researchers	1,198 per million
Patent filings 2023	64,480 ; 6th worldwide
Resident filings rank	47th per million
Global Innovation Index 2024	39th place
US GERD share	3.5 % of GDP
Israel GERD share	5.4 % of GDP

GS-3S&T

12.Alaknanda Early Spiral Galaxy (Early Spiral Galaxy)

The HinduJames Webb Telescope · UNCOVER survey · redshift z~4

Illustration for Alaknanda Early Spiral Galaxy (Early Spiral Galaxy)

What & Where

Alaknanda Galaxy: distant, fully developed spiral system discovered in JWST public data during the UNCOVER survey

Cosmological location: redshift ≈ 4, when universe age was ~1.5 billion yr after Big Bang

Structure: stable rotating disk with two symmetric spiral arms and a pronounced central bulge

Quick Facts for MCQs

Morphology

Symmetry: two well-defined arms persist after bulge/disk subtraction
Kinematics: disk shows ordered rotation, indicating early dynamical settling
Bulge: central mass concentration comparable to mature local spirals

Formation Insights

Rarity: simulations seldom yield such spirals this early in cosmic history
Implication: hints at accelerated disk growth via cold gas accretion or early mergers
Challenge: pushes models to reproduce mature morphology within 1–2 Gyr

Observation & Survey

Instruments: JWST NIRCam imaging with supporting photometric redshift checks
Data robustness: multiple independent redshift estimates converge on z≈4 value
Detection context: part of UNCOVER ultra-deep survey targeting early universe galaxies

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Telescope	James Webb Space Telescope
Survey field	UNCOVER (JWST deep field)
Redshift (z)	≈ 4
Cosmic age	~1.5 Gyr post-Big Bang
Star-formation rate	~60 solar masses per year
Morphology	Disk + 2 spiral arms + bulge
Naming source	Alaknanda River; paired with Milky Way (Mandakini)
Research lead	Indian astronomers (multiple institutes)

GS-2InfrastructureQuick Bite

13.Passenger Assistance Control Room (Civil Aviation)

PIBMoCA · AirSewa · 24×7 grievance

What & Where

Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR): 24×7 integrated centre for aviation grievance redressal

Location: Under Ministry of Civil Aviation, New Delhi; houses MoCA, DGCA, AAI, airline reps

Scope: Flights, airports, airlines across India; linked with AirSewa platform

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Integration: AirSewa complaints auto-convert into actionable PACR cases
Dashboards: Live data analytics ensure transparency and accountability

Governance & Accountability

Coordination: Multi-agency officials seated together for on-the-spot decisions
Charter-linked: Refunds, delays, baggage issues handled per Passenger Charter provisions

Operational Metrics

Coverage: Omni-channel intake—calls, digital, AirSewa—centralised under single system
Crisis-response: Institutionalised mechanism activated during flight or airport disruptions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent ministry	Civil Aviation (MoCA)
Core function	Real-time passenger grievance resolution
Operations	24 × 7, permanent facility
Key integration	AirSewa digital grievance portal
Participating agencies	MoCA, DGCA, AAI, all scheduled airlines
Launch objective	Passenger-centric, transparent ecosystem
Dashboard utility	Tracks grievance type, response time
Compliance basis	Passenger Charter norms
Grievances resolved	13,000+ since Dec 2025
Call interventions	500+ direct actions

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

14.Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing Scheme (REPM Scheme)

PIB₹7 · 280 crore · 6

What & Where

Scheme: ₹7,280 cr push for sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) manufacturing in India.

Target: 6,000 MTPA end-to-end value chain, oxide separation to finished magnets.

Resource hub: 13.15 mn t monazite with 7.23 mn t rare-earth oxides in Odisha, TN, AP, Kerala, Jharkhand.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

REPMs: neodymium/samarium magnets; indispensable for EVs, wind, electronics, aerospace, defence.
Scheme scope: covers mining, separation, alloying, sintering, component fabrication.
NCMM 2025: mission anchors exploration-to-recycling for all critical minerals.

Implementation Design

Duration: 7 years; incentives begin post 2-year setup.
Incentives: sales-based payouts plus 15 % capital subsidy within ₹750 cr cap.
Scale: five firms ensure 1,200 MTPA each, enabling economies and clustering.

Resource Base

Monazite: 13.15 mn t across coastal and inland placer deposits.
Oxide volume: 7.23 mn t rare-earth oxides available for processing.
Demand trend: domestic REPM need expected to double by 2030.

International Dimension

Import-reliance: majority magnets sourced from China, heightening supply risk.
Outreach: KABIL, MSP, IPEF, iCET platforms secure overseas mines, tech collaboration.
Objective: diversify supplies, integrate into global clean-tech value chains.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scheme outlay	₹7,280 crore
Incentive window	2-yr gestation + 5-yr payouts
Max beneficiaries	5 companies
Capacity per firm	1,200 MTPA
Total target capacity	6,000 MTPA
Sales-linked incentive pool	₹6,450 crore
Capital-subsidy pool	₹750 crore
China share in REPM imports	60–90 % (2022-25)
Domestic monazite reserve	13.15 mn t
Projected demand by 2030	Likely to double

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

With reference to India, consider the following statements :

GS-1Editorial

15.Attitude over Aptitude at Work (Workplace Ethics)

New Indian Expressgrowth mindset · adaptability · ownership

What & Where

Concept Attitude-over-Aptitude – mindsets outranking raw skills for early-career success in AI-driven workplaces

Key attitude traits – learnability, ownership, ambiguity-handling, collaboration, coachability

Applicability – knowledge-economy jobs across sectors and geographies

Quick Facts for MCQs

Workplace Dynamics

Adaptability demanded by AI-altered roles outpaces static skill reliance
Interdependent teams reward mature interpersonal behaviour over solo expertise
Flat digital setups prefer proactive ownership not hierarchy-driven compliance

Hindrances

Rigid hierarchies curb questioning and idea exchange
Remote work shrinks informal learning, weakening emotional team bonds
Credential entitlement erodes humility and continuous learning drive

Capacity-Building Tools

Continuous learning culture integrates technical and behavioural modules
Structured feedback cycles correct course and instil accountability
Senior mentorship role-models fusion of competence with character

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Primary success determinant	Attitude in first 3-5 career years
Learnability value	Shields against fast skill obsolescence
Ownership impact	Builds trust via outcome responsibility
Ambiguity handling	Boosts calm problem-solving under unclear tasks
Collaboration gain	Enables cross-functional teamwork & conflict resolution
Coachability signal	Indicates growth mindset and leadership potential
Aptitude role	Sets entry-level technical competence baseline
Major attitude blocker	Fear of mistakes due to perfection culture
Delivery method to build both	Experiential job assignments & regular feedback
Ethics training	Shapes integrity, fairness, long-term trust

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following is not the skill needed in the workplace of the future for inventive thinking using information and communication technology in education?

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