Saturday, 17 January 2026

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following is not the characteristic of Good Governance and e-Governance that are closely linked and depend on each other?

The correct answer is (c) Consciousness. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2020.

Q: Consider the following features :

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: Article 324 of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of which one of the following institutions in India?

The correct answer is (b) The Central Vigilance Commission. This question appeared in GEO_GS, GS1 2022.

Q: Consider the following statements about Lokpal:

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

Q: Consider the following statements about Lokpal:

The correct answer is (a) I only. This question appeared in GS1 2025.

Q: In terms of value, which one of the following commodities accounted for the largest agricultural exports by India during the three-year period from 1997-1998 to 1999-2000?

The correct answer is (a) Cereals. This question appeared in GS1 2002.

Q: Among the following agricultural commodities imported by India, which one has been the highest in terms of value in the last five years?

The correct answer is (d) Vegetable oils. This question appeared in GS1 2019.

Q: With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3. This question appeared in GS1 2015.

Q: The marine animal called dugong which is vulnerable to extinction is a/an

The correct answer is (a) Amphibian. This question appeared in GS1 2009.

Q: The global temperature and CO₂ concentration for the last eight lakh years were deduced mainly from which one of the following?

The correct answer is (a) Fossil fuel. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2025.

16 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 7GS-3: 6

0/16 done

GS-2Editorial

1.Accountability in Democratic Institutions (Institutional Accountability)

TIAnswerability · Enforceability · CSPOC

Illustration for Accountability in Democratic Institutions (Institutional Accountability)

What & Where

Accountability: ethical obligation of power‐holders to explain, justify, and bear consequences before citizens

Key processes: Answerability, Enforceability, Responsiveness enabling transparent, inclusive, rule-bound governance

Geography: Highlighted at 28th Commonwealth Speakers & Presiding Officers Conference, New Delhi (2024)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Importance

Trust-building: Transparency clauses in National Critical Mineral Mission ensure fair public-resource handling
Corruption-curbing: 130th Amendment Bill targets criminal ministers, restoring institutional ethics
Service-delivery: MGNREGA social audits plug fund leakages to grassroots beneficiaries

Challenges

Technology misuse: Generative AI, deepfakes blur responsibility, sway electorate
Parliamentary disruptions: Record member suspensions shrink executive scrutiny time
Judicial delays: Backlog dilutes deterrence, stalls misconduct penalties

Policy & Reform

Committee empowerment: Strengthen standing committees for detailed bill, budget vetting
Ethical-AI frameworks: Unified Digital Platform to set legislative transparency benchmarks
Mandatory social audits: Extend citizen-charter model to all departments for time-bound digital services

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Event flagged	28th CSPOC, New Delhi
Speaker quote focus	Transparency, Inclusivity, Accountability amid AI, social media surge
Core accountability pillars	Answerability, Enforceability, Responsiveness
Pending court cases (2025)	Over 5 crore
Scheme using social audits	MGNREGA
Proposed ethics step	Automatic removal of ministers detained for serious crimes (130th CA Bill, 2025)
Tech concern	Deepfakes manipulating public opinion
Social-media regulation	Voluntary Code of Ethics, 2025

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following is not the characteristic of Good Governance and e-Governance that are closely linked and depend on each other?

ESE_GS, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

Consider the following features :

GS-2Polity

2.Central Vigilance Commission Overview (Anti-Corruption Body)

Times of IndiaCVC Act 2003 · Santhanam Committee · Statutory Status

What & Where

Apex vigilance body of GoI; created 1964, became statutory through Central Vigilance Commission Act 2003

Mandate: promote integrity, transparency, accountability; prevent corruption in Central Government organisations

HQ New Delhi; oversight spans Central services, PSUs, banks, autonomous bodies nationwide

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Executive origin 1964 resolution; statutory status under Central Vigilance Commission Act 2003
Additional mandates via Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and PIDPI Whistle-blower Resolution 2004

Composition & Tenure

Structure: one Central Vigilance Commissioner plus maximum two Vigilance Commissioners
Members appointed by President on high-level committee recommendation
Service term four years or until 65 years, whichever earlier

Jurisdiction & Functions

Covers AIS, Group ‘A’, senior PSU, PSB, RBI, NABARD, SIDBI, LIC, GIC officers
Superintends CBI corruption probes; undertakes Lokpal-referred preliminary inquiries
Issues vigilance advice, reviews prosecution sanctions, protects whistle-blowers under PIDPI

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Establishment (executive)	1964
Statutory upgrade	CVC Act 2003
Origin recommendation	Santhanam Committee (1962-64)
Head strength	1 CVC + ≤2 VCs
Tenure	4 yrs or 65 yrs age
Appointing authority	President of India
Latest appointee	Praveen Vashista, sworn 16 Jan 2026
CBI superintendence	PC Act corruption probes

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 1

Article 324 of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of which one of the following institutions in India?

GEO_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 2

Consider the following statements about Lokpal:

GS-2Polity

3.Lokpal Foundation Day Significance (Lokpal)

PIBLokpal Act 2013 · Ombudsman Model · UN Anti-Corruption

What & Where

Definition: Lokpal of India is the statutory, independent anti-corruption ombudsman under Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act 2013

Establishment: Section 3 notified 16 Jan 2014; 16 Jan observed as Foundation Day

Jurisdiction: Complaints against PM (limited areas exempt), Union ministers, MPs, Group A-D officials, government-funded bodies

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Origin: Concept floated 1963; First Administrative Reforms Commission backed it 1966
Global push: Ratification of UN Convention Against Corruption in 2011 catalysed enactment
Amendment 2016: Single-largest opposition leader joins selection committee in absence of recognised LoP

Composition & Eligibility

Chairperson: Serving or former CJI or Supreme Court judge
Judicial Member: Serving or former SC judge or HC Chief Justice
Non-judicial Member: 25-year domain experience plus proven integrity

Powers & Procedure

Superintendence: Direct oversight of CBI investigations it refers
Authority: Civil-court powers for inquiry; may order search, seizure, prosecution, disciplinary action
Confidentiality: Identities of complainant, witnesses, officials shielded throughout process

Complaint Mechanism

Access: Individuals, NGOs, companies, LLPs, foreign nationals possessing passport
Filing: Online/offline per Lokpal (Complaint) Rules 2020, prescribed format
Scrutiny: Registry screens and tables complaint before Bench within 15 working days; defects allowed rectification

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent law	Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act 2013
Maximum strength	1 Chairperson + 8 Members
Judicial quota	≥ 50 % of members
Social inclusion	50 % seats for SC, ST, OBC, minorities, women
Tenure	5 years or till 70 yrs
Selection panel	PM, LS Speaker, LoP, CJI/nominee, eminent jurist
PM exclusion zones	Security, foreign affairs, atomic energy, space, public order
Complaint time-bar	Within 7 years of alleged offence

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements about Lokpal:

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

4.China Challenges Indian Spice Market (Spice Exports)

Economic TimesChillies · Cumin · Paprika

What & Where

Chillies & cumin – India’s flagship spice exports, driving over one-quarter of total spice earnings

New competition from China cultivating paprika & Teja chillies and cumin, plus re-exporting processed Indian chillies

Indian chilli belt: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka; cumin highly demanded in West Asia, Europe, Americas

Quick Facts for MCQs

International Competition

China importing raw Indian chillies, processing, re-exporting finished spice products
Strategy targets high-demand markets, eroding India’s traditional dominance
Competitive pricing pressures global chilli and cumin benchmarks

Economic Angle

Volume up but value down; chilli earnings contracted despite 19% shipment rise
Cumin’s 39% volume growth offsets some overall spice trade losses

Agricultural Impact

Weather losses plus low prices deter farmers; kharif chilli sowing collapses 35%
Nationwide cumin area shrinks 7–8%, signalling risk to future export supply

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Chilli share in India’s spice export value	>25%
2024–25 chilli powder export growth	35% to 80.6 mn kg
2024–25 total chilli exports	>7 lakh t, up 19%
2024–25 chilli export earnings	–11% year-on-year
2024–25 cumin exports	2.29 lakh t, up 39%
Chilli acreage drop (A.P, TS, KA)	~35%
Cumin acreage drop (India)	7–8%
Key Chinese chilli variants	Paprika (colour) & Teja (pungency)
China’s price positioning	Lower and more competitive than India

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2002PYQ 1

In terms of value, which one of the following commodities accounted for the largest agricultural exports by India during the three-year period from 1997-1998 to 1999-2000?

GS1 2019PYQ 2

Among the following agricultural commodities imported by India, which one has been the highest in terms of value in the last five years?

GS-1History

5.Sammakka Saralamma Tribal Jatara (Tribal Festival)

New Indian ExpressMedaram · Koya Adivasi · Bangaram Offering

Illustration for Sammakka Saralamma Tribal Jatara (Tribal Festival)

What & Where

Biennial tribal festival venerating Sammakka–Saralamma, ancestral goddesses of Koya Adivasis

Location Medaram village, Mulugu district, Telangana, inside Eturnagaram WLS, Dandakaranya belt

Timing Full-moon days of Hindu month Magh (next edition starts 28 Jan 2026)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Cultural Significance

Identity Marker reinforces Koya collective memory and martial valour
Resistance Symbol commemorates martyrdom against medieval state oppression
Kinship Belief system treats goddesses as family members staying briefly with kin

Ritual Practices

Priesthood Hereditary Koya line conducts all ceremonies sans Brahmanical role
Offering Equality emphasised by jaggery not gold or money
Space Worship anchored to trees, bamboo poles, earth mounds instead of idols

Scale & Infrastructure

Congregation Management expanded arches, granite flooring, multi-level platforms for crowd flow
Eco Sensitivity precinct lies within protected forest, necessitating low-impact, temporary structures
Logistics State deploys water, sanitation, telecom, health camps for crore-plus footfall

Historical Background

Legend Sammakka forest-born, adopted by Koyas, led revolt alongside daughter Saralamma
Martyrdom Both vanished into forest; blood-like stream believed origin of deity powers
Continuity Oral tradition sustains narrative since 13th-century Kakatiya era

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Community	Koya Adivasi (Gondian stock)
Festival scale	Asia’s largest tribal gathering
Typical attendance	>1 crore devotees
National rank	Second only to Kumbh Mela
Frequency	Every 2 years (biennial)
Worship style	No permanent temples; deities brought from forest
Main offerings	“Bangaram” jaggery lumps
Priests	Exclusively Koya tribal pujari
Core symbols	Sacred trees, bamboo totems, clan flags (dalgudda)
Historical theme	Resistance to Kakatiya tax oppression
Sanctuary	Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Broader forest	Dandakaranya (Central Indian belt)
State	Telangana
Month	Magh (Jan–Feb)
2026 date	Begins 28 January 2026

GS-1History

6.Rani Ahilyabai Holkar Legacy (Holkar Dynasty)

Indian ExpressIndore Ruler · Malwa · Khanderao Holkar

What & Where

Renovation Manikarnika Ghat Varanasi under private CSR faces inquiry for razing structure housing Devi Ahilyabai Holkar statue

Manikarnika Ghat on River Ganga Uttar Pradesh among oldest Hindu cremation ghats and pilgrimage spots

Project targets modern facilities, pollution control, solid-waste management around the ghat

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

1733 marriage to Khanderao Holkar heir of Malwa rule
1745 became widow during Kumher Fort siege
1767 formally crowned ruler of Indore state

Social Reforms

Advocated widow remarriage women literacy tribal welfare Bhil and Gond inclusion
Opposed sati rigid caste barriers uplifted lower castes

Cultural Contributions

Commissioned temples ghats wells dharamshalas across subcontinent enhancing pilgrimage infrastructure
Patronised scholars Khushali Ram Marathi poet Moropant Shahir Anantaphandi

Current Issue

Alleged statue demolition sparked local outrage, Pal (Gadariya) community reverence highlighted
Uttar Pradesh administration ordered inquiry into CSR renovation compliance and heritage protection

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth	31 May 1725, Chondi (Maharashtra)
Dynasty	Holkar branch of Marathas
Mentor	Malhar Rao Holkar prevented sati, trained her
Ascended throne	1767, after deaths of Malhar Rao and son Male Rao
Capital shifted to	Maheshwar, present Madhya Pradesh
Army chief	Tukoji Rao Holkar
Major temple rebuilds	Kashi Vishwanath & Somnath Jyotirlingas
Trade hubs fostered	Maheshwar and Indore
Signature textile	Maheshwari sarees — GI tag
Key social stands	Supported widow remarriage, women’s education, anti-sati

GS-1MappingQuick Bite

7.Mount Elbrus Mapping (Mountain Mapping)

BBCMount Elbrus · Caucasus Range · Russia

Illustration for Mount Elbrus Mapping (Mountain Mapping)

What & Where

Mount Elbrus – Europe’s highest point; twin-coned, dormant stratovolcano within Russia’s Caucasus Mountains.

Sited just north of Georgia, between Black Sea–Caspian Sea corridor; southwestern Russia.

Scene of controlled avalanche release after heavy snowfall to reduce risk downstream.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geological Traits

Formation : Quaternary volcanic activity created two summits linked by a saddle.
Residual activity : Sulphurous fumes, mineral springs persist despite extinction status.
Rock composition : Predominantly andesitic–dacitic flows with pyroclastic deposits.

Hydrology & Glaciology

Glaciers : Twenty-two icefields blanket ~130 km², vital for regional runoff.
River recharge : Meltwaters sustain Kuban and Terek, affecting Black/Caspian basins.
Avalanche control : Artificial triggers periodically deployed to stabilise heavy snowpack.

Tourism & Science

Mountaineering : Key Seven Summits goal; standard ascent via south route using cable car.
Economy : Ski resorts, guided climbs, adventure sports drive Caucasus tourism revenue.
Research : ISS imagery, field stations monitor glacier retreat and climate indicators.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Highest peak altitude	5,642 m
Second peak altitude	5,595 m
Volcano type	Twin-coned stratovolcano
Geological age	> 2.5 million years
Dormancy span	~ 2,000 years
Glaciers present	22
Major rivers fed	Kuban, Terek
National location	Russia (Caucasus Range)
Border proximity	Just north of Georgia
Seven Summits status	Europe’s representative

GS-3Species

8.Dugong Conservation Concerns (Marine Mammal)

The HinduDugong dugon · Sea Cow · IUCN Vulnerable

Illustration for Dugong Conservation Concerns (Marine Mammal)

What & Where

Marine mammal “sea cow” Dugong dugon; slow-moving, herbivorous grazer of seagrass meadows

Warm, shallow coastal waters of Indian & western Pacific Oceans; prefers estuaries, lagoons, near-shore areas

India planning International Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora, Thanjavur; design under MoEFCC Expert Appraisal Committee review

Quick Facts for MCQs

Morphology & Behaviour

Large plump body 3 m/400 kg; paddle flippers, whale-like tail
Gentle herbivorous grazer feeding almost continuously on seagrass
Strictly marine; unlike manatees does not enter freshwater

Ecological Role

Keystone species maintaining healthy seagrass meadows
Ecosystem engineer; grazing stimulates seagrass regeneration, aids overall marine biodiversity
Holds cultural value for coastal and indigenous communities, linked to mermaid legends

Conservation & Policy

IUCN listing Vulnerable signals global population decline
MoEFCC EAC demanded redesign of proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre, Manora

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific name	Dugong dugon
Common nickname	Sea cow
IUCN Red List	Vulnerable
Body length	Up to 3 m
Maximum weight	≈ 400 kg+
Tail type	Whale-like fluke
Flippers	Paddle-shaped
Diet	Seagrass only
Habitat range	Indian & western Pacific coasts
Freshwater entry	Never; strictly marine
Proposed Indian centre	Manora, Thanjavur (TN)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2015PYQ 1

With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS1 2009PYQ 2

The marine animal called dugong which is vulnerable to extinction is a/an

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

9.Mountain Ice Core Repository (Climate Archive)

Times of IndiaIce Memory Sanctuary · Concordia Station · Antarctic Plateau

What & Where

Global repository storing mountain glacier ice cores for long-term climate study

Ice Memory Sanctuary; cave hewn in compacted snow, maintained at −52 °C

Located at Franco-Italian Concordia Research Station, Antarctic Plateau

Quick Facts for MCQs

Scientific Infrastructure

Vault carved 12 m below surface, natural snow insulation at polar winter conditions
Design avoids energy-intensive freezers, leveraging Antarctic cold for centuries-long storage

Climate Records

Ice cores provide century-scale data on atmospheric composition, pollution trends, temperature proxies
Enable pace-and-cause analysis of historical climate change for model validation

International Collaboration

Tripartite European partnership funds, drills, transports, and curates samples
Plans to widen membership, codify governance through multilateral convention

Logistics & Transport

Expedition uses refrigerated containers, icebreakers, military cargo planes to maintain sub-zero chain
Samples vacuum-sealed and triple-packed to prevent sublimation or contamination

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Managing consortium	Ice Memory Foundation (France-Italy-Switzerland)
Facility name	Ice Memory Sanctuary
Exact site	Concordia Research Station, Antarctic Plateau
Storage temperature	~ −52 °C
First cores stored	Mont Blanc & Grand Combin
Transit time to vault	50 days via refrigerated ship + aircraft
Project launch year	2015
Glacier sites cored	10 so far
Core contents	Trapped gases, aerosols, dust, pollutants
Key threat addressed	Rapid glacier loss from global warming
Future roadmap	International convention within next decade

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

The global temperature and CO₂ concentration for the last eight lakh years were deduced mainly from which one of the following?

GS-3S&T

10.Coconut Root Wilt Disease (Plant Disease)

The HinduPhytoplasma · Kerala Outbreak · Vector-borne

Illustration for Coconut Root Wilt Disease (Plant Disease)

What & Where

Disease; chronic non-fatal coconut infection by phloem-limited phytoplasma

Geography; first seen Erattupetta Kerala, now alarming in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka

Transmission; sap-sucking hemipteran vectors aided by contiguous plantations and wind

Quick Facts for MCQs

Pathogen & Vector Biology

Phytoplasma; resides in phloem, systemically persists in palm
Vectors; sap-sucking insects acquire and transmit during feeding
Wind dispersal; carries vectors across continuous coconut belts

Symptomatology

Leaf droop; early visual cue of loss of turgidity
Progressive yellowing; marginal to inward spread then necrosis
Reproductive loss; fewer inflorescences, premature nut shedding

Management Measures

Sanitation; remove severely affected low-yield palms
Resistance; multiply field-identified tolerant palms via local nurseries
Soil health; FYM, green manure, neem cake, assured water and drainage

Spread Drivers

Monoculture belts; provide uninterrupted vector corridor
Climate stress; rising heat amplifies palm susceptibility
Emerging pests; whiteflies intensify biotic pressure and disease spread

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Causal agent	Phytoplasma
Disease nature	Debilitating, rarely lethal
First record	Erattupetta, Kerala; ~1870s
Principal vectors	Stephanitis typica, Proutista moesta
Key symptom onset	Leaf strip flaccidity
Later symptom	Yellowing from leaf tips inward
Yield effect	Premature nut fall, major loss
Abiotic driver	Temperature extremes
Biotic driver	Whitefly outbreaks
Main states now	Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka

GS-3S&T

11.New Guidelines for Virtual Assets (Crypto Regulations)

Times of IndiaFIU-IND · AML-KYC · Live Selfie

What & Where

Definition: Virtual Digital Asset = cryptography-generated digital value (excludes fiat); defined in Income-tax Act §2(47A), taxable yet not legal tender.

Key types/processes: cryptocurrencies, NFTs, utility tokens, asset/security tokens; onboarding now demands live-selfie + geo-tag + multi-layer KYC.

Core geography: Entire India under FIU-IND supervision; exchanges must register as PMLA reporting entities and store data five years.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Regulatory Scope

Coverage: Exchanges, wallet providers, ICO/ITO facilitators now report STRs to FIU-IND.
Deterrence: ICO/ITO “strongly discouraged”; anonymity-enhancing services barred.
Oversight: Economic Intelligence Council (Fin Min chair) receives FIU-IND analysis.

KYC Mechanics

Verification: Mandatory OTP for email/mobile plus selfie and secondary-ID upload.
Monitoring: Politically Exposed Persons, NPOs, tax-haven links trigger enhanced due diligence.
Failure: Non-compliance can invite PMLA penalties, licence cancellation.

Taxation

Deduction: Only cost of acquisition allowed; losses neither set-off nor carried forward.
Incidence: Both resident and non-resident transfers within Indian jurisdiction taxable.
Reporting: Exchanges must deduct TDS and furnish Form 26QF statements.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Statutory clause defining VDA	Income-tax Act 1961, Section 2(47A)
Flat tax on VDA transfer	30 % (since 1 Apr 2022)
TDS on specified VDA deals	1 % under Section 194S
AML coverage start date	March 2023 via PMLA notification
Onboarding selfie check	Live-ness (eye-blink/head move) + latitude-longitude + timestamp + IP
Minimum KYC IDs	PAN plus Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID
KYC renewal cycle	6 months high-risk; 12 months others
Record-keeping tenure	5 years post relationship/transaction
Prohibited tools	Crypto tumblers, mixers, anonymity coins
Bank a/c validation	₹1 “penny-drop” confirmation

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

These days V-CIP is simple, safe and secure. You can complete your V-CIP from wherever you are in India; you only need your PAN card and Aadhaar card. Then, what is the full form of the term 'V-CIP'?

GS-2Economy

12.India’s Minerals Diplomacy Strategy (Critical Minerals)

The HinduNational Critical Mineral Mission · Lithium · Cobalt

Illustration for India’s Minerals Diplomacy Strategy (Critical Minerals)

What & Where

Minerals diplomacy: strategic overseas & domestic tie-ups ensuring lithium, cobalt supply across mining-processing-manufacturing chain.

NCMM 2025: 7-year, ₹34,300 cr mission anchoring exploration, auctions, recycling for 24 listed critical minerals.

Core geography: KABIL stakes in Argentina-Chile, pacts with Namibia, lithium find in J&K; 368 GSI projects pan-India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Amendment Act 2025 centralises auctions; expedites leases for lithium, cobalt, REEs.
NCMM funds eligible for exploration, overseas equity, mid-stream R&D grants.
Recycling Scheme offers duty rebates, viability-gap for e-waste critical-metal plants.

Global Collaborations

KABIL acquiring brine assets in Argentina, hard-rock in Chile; refining still offshore.
India joined MSP, aligns ESG benchmarks with US-EU sourcing norms.
India-Japan 2025 MoU targets third-country extraction, building China-plus-one chain.

Bottlenecks & Risks

Processing gap: no commercial lithium refineries; ore shipped abroad.
Project gestation 10-15 yrs; J&K lithium unlikely before 2035.
Resource nationalism, US IRA subsidies skew incentives away from Indian feedstock.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Import dependence	100 % for 10 critical minerals
NCMM corpus & span	₹34,300 cr, 2025-31
Domestic refined copper rise	43.5 % in early FY26
Global aluminium rank	2nd (2025)
Global iron-ore rank	3rd (2025)
GSI critical-mineral surveys	368 projects, last 3 yrs
Recycling Incentive Scheme outlay	₹1,500 cr (2025)
KABIL–Argentina lithium deal	₹200 cr, cost-lock framework
Mines & Minerals (Amnd) Act	Centre auctions 24 strategic minerals
MSP membership size	14-nation supply-chain club

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

CDS_GK, GS1 2024PYQ 2

Recently the Government of India entered into an agreement for a lithium exploration and mining project with which one among the following countries?

GS-2Misc

13.Commonwealth Speakers Conference 2026 (CSPOC)

PIBCommonwealth · Central Hall · Parliamentary Diplomacy

Illustration for Commonwealth Speakers Conference 2026 (CSPOC)

What & Where

Commonwealth Conference of Speakers & Presiding Officers (CSPOC): biennial forum for presiding officers of 56 Commonwealth legislatures.

28th CSPOC inaugurated Jan 2026 in Central Hall (ex-Chamber of Princes), Old Parliament House, New Delhi.

India hosts after 16-year gap; earlier editions in 1971, 1986, 2010.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Parliamentary Diplomacy

CSPOC promotes presiding impartiality, legislative best-practice exchange, institutional capacity-building across Commonwealth.
Standing Committee meets in off years to monitor resolutions’ progress.
Hosting underscores India’s growing weight in multilateral parliamentary engagement.

Commonwealth Evolution

Originates 1926 Imperial Conference; 1949 London Declaration let republics join.
Membership now 56; francophone Gabon, Togo added 2022.
Monarch-led realms down to 15; Barbados became republic in 2021.

Historic Venue

Chamber of Princes, built 1920, voiced princely concerns to the Crown until 1947.
Hosted Federal Court (1937-50) then Supreme Court (1950-58).
Renamed Central Hall; continues staging national & global parliamentary events.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
CSPOC edition	28th
Main conference cycle	Every 2 years
Intervening forum	Standing Committee
Core CSPOC aims	Impartiality; democracy knowledge; stronger parliaments
Commonwealth members	56
Countries with King Charles III as Head of State	15
Latest entrants	Gabon & Togo (2022)
Republic newest convert	Barbados (2021)
Foundational declaration	1949 London Declaration
India’s fund-share rank	4th largest
Next Commonwealth Games host	India, 2030
Commonwealth Secretariat seat	London
Chamber of Princes alias	Narendra Mandal
Chamber creation law	Govt. of India Act 1919
Supreme Court sat here	Jan 1950 – Aug 1958

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

The 7th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference was held at

GS-2Misc

14.WEF Global Risks Report 2026 (Global Risks Report)

The HinduWorld Economic Forum · Cybersecurity · Geoeconomic Confrontation

Illustration for WEF Global Risks Report 2026 (Global Risks Report)

What & Where

Global Risks Report 2026 – annual World Economic Forum (Geneva) ranking of short- (2 yr) & long-term (10 yr) global threats

Key 2026 threat cluster – geoeconomic confrontation, armed conflict, extreme weather, AI misuse, cyber insecurity

India lens – cybersecurity tops; inequality, weak public services, economic downturn, armed conflict follow

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Cyber insecurity threatens elections, UPI, power grids; single-point digital platforms heighten systemic risk
Hybrid threats blend terrorism, cyber-attacks, disinformation; call for Multi-Agency Centre & National Security Strategy
State-based conflict persists via cross-border terrorism, urban lone-wolf incidents, insurgencies

Economic Angle

Geoeconomic shocks transmit through trade, energy, FPI; rupee & equities volatile in 2025 outflow episode
Domestic manufacturing via Make in India, PLI and diversified FTAs recommended to cushion supply chains
Counter-cyclical fiscal policy and forex buffers align with IMF resilience advice

Social Concerns

Inequality magnifies shocks, fuels unrest, erodes institutional trust; top 1 % captures over one-fifth income
Insufficient health, education, pensions lower shock absorption, turning climate or market events into governance crises
Formalisation, PM-JDY, Ayushman Bharat urged to soften inequality risk

Tech & Schemes

AI adverse outcomes enter top-10 global risks; ethical misuse and job displacement flagged
FACT principle, IT Rules 2021, PM-DISHA promote information integrity against disinformation campaigns
Mission LiFE, Gati Shakti embed climate resilience into infrastructure and urban planning

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
WEF HQ	Geneva, Switzerland
WEF founding year	1971
2026 most severe global risk	Geoeconomic confrontation
2026 top India risk	Cybersecurity
Global cyber risk rank	9th overall
India malware detections 2025	369.01 million
Trojans share in India attacks	43.38 %
India public health spend	1.9 % of GDP
India social protection spend	≈5 % of GDP
Foreign portfolio outflow 2025	USD 18.9 billion
India Gini Index (2022-23)	25.5
Top 1 % income share (2022)	22.6 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2020PYQ 1

According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2020, published by environmental think tank Germanwatch, in the year 2018 India’s rank in the list of top most climate affected nations is:

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The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the

GS-3Security

15.MHA SOP on Cyber Frauds (Cyber Fraud SOP)

Indian ExpressNCRP · CFCFRMS · Freeze Funds

What & Where

SOP: New pan-India framework regulates cyber financial fraud via NCRP and CFCFRMS

Authority: Ministry of Home Affairs under Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre; covers banks, NBFCs, intermediaries

Objective: Quick transaction freeze, rapid refunds, victim-centric redressal across all States/UTs

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Uniform SOP enforces accountability among banks, payment aggregators, e-commerce, securities platforms
Refunds below ₹50k bypass courts, accelerating victim compensation
Freeze auto-revoked after 90 days absent judicial or restoration order

Tech & Schemes

NCRP provides case tracking, multi-level dashboards, Cyber Volunteers, Vani-CyberDost chatbot
CFCFRMS enables real-time fund blocking via RBI, NPCI, LEAs, 85+ financial entities
Upcoming modules digitise end-to-end grievance handling and money restoration workflow

Security Dimension

India’s cyber-fraud toll 2018-24 crossed ₹52k crore, small-value users worst hit
High-level MHA committee combats “digital arrest” scams; members include RBI, CBI, Google, WhatsApp
Victim-centric restitution strengthens trust in digital payments and internal security resilience

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Issuing Ministry	Home Affairs (MHA)
Implementing platform	National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, 2020
Integrated system	Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting & Management System
Refund ceiling sans court	≤ Rs 50,000
Mandatory unfreeze limit	90 days if no order
National helpline	1930
Connected entities	85+ banks & payment intermediaries
New NCRP modules	Grievance Redressal; Money Restoration
Cyber fraud loss (6 yrs)	~Rs 52,000 crore
Digital arrest scam loss	~Rs 3,000 crore

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ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

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?

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16.Startup India Decade Review (Startup India)

PIBDPIIT · National Startup Day · Unicorn Count

What & Where

Startup India Initiative : 16 Jan 2016 policy to shift India from job-seeking to job-creating economy

Implementing agency : DPIIT’s Startup India team, New Delhi; operates nationwide single-window digital hub

Core processes : recognition, funding (FFS, CGSS, SISFS), mentoring, state ranking; emphasis on Tier II–III entrepreneurship

Quick Facts for MCQs

Major Schemes

Fund of Funds: SIDBI-managed corpus backs SEBI-registered AIFs investing in startups
CGSS: NCGTC guarantees collateral-free loans via banks and NBFCs
MAARG & Hub: Single-window portals connecting founders with mentors, investors, incubators

Ecosystem Milestones

Scale: Unicorns rose from 4 in 2014 to 120+ valuing USD 350 billion
Geography: Half of new startups now emerge from Tier II–III cities beyond Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad
Registrations: 2025 saw record 44,000 DPIIT recognitions

Key Challenges

Capital: Funding slowdown, 5,000+ closures; seed money fell 25 % and D2C 18 % in 2024
Deep-tech gap: Low 0.64 % GDP R&D and consumer-centric bias hinder EV, semiconductor, AI ventures
Infrastructure: Patchy internet, logistics and power inflate costs outside metros

Prescribed Reforms

Domestic funds: Allow pension, insurance, sovereign capital into long-gestation deep-tech
Academia link: Leverage ISRO, DRDO, IITs for applied research and startup procurement
Rural support: Upgrade digital connectivity, logistics, power in Tier II–III to cut operational costs

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	16 January 2016
Recognised startups (Dec 2025)	2 lakh+
Unicorns (Dec 2025)	120+
Tier II/III share	~50 %
R&D intensity	0.64 % of GDP
FFS corpus	₹10,000 crore
SISFS corpus	₹945 crore
Startups added in 2025	~44,000 (record)

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