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16 topicsEconomy: 2Editorial: 1Environment: 5History: 1Mapping: 1Misc: 3Polity: 1Scheme: 2
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Polity

1.Digitising SIR Voter Verification (Electoral Roll Digitisation)

The Hindu
Illustration for Digitising SIR Voter Verification (Electoral Roll Digitisation)

What & Where

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0; nationwide exercise to cleanse, include, correct electoral rolls

SIR digitisation; ECINet-based, audit-ready workflow replacing paper hearings and manual field inquiries

Geography hotspot; Uttar Pradesh shows 13 million-voter gap, >10 million non-mapped cases

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Backend-verification; Aadhaar-style KYC via ECINet boosts accuracy
  • Real-time-updates; SMS / Email confirm application progress instantly
  • Audit-trail; digital logs enable transparent, tamper-evident processing

Administrative Challenges

  • Reliance-on-paper; manual hearings override ECINet capacity
  • Legacy-data; 2002-04 errors propagate duplicate and deceased entries
  • Institutional-resistance; coercive approach preferred over automation

Citizen Hardship

  • Physical-summons; eminent citizens queue despite online alternatives
  • Digital-divide; rural and vulnerable rely on BLO assistance
  • Legal-risk; false statements on Form 6 invite BNS-2023 penalties

Policy Prescriptions

  • Notify-status; mandatory SMS/email on acceptance or objection
  • Hybrid-support; BLO doorstep assistance or kiosk uploads for offline voters
  • Continuous-roll; real-time draft list updated with each digital approval

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Digital platformECINet
Legacy rolls targeted2002-04 editions
Estimated genuine deletions≈ 65 million voters
Non-mapped voters (UP)> 10 million
Panchayat vs SIR gap (UP)13 million names
Misapplied form for restorationForm 6
Possible penal law invokedBharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023
Key field officialBooth Level Officer (BLO)
Suggested citizen alertsSMS, Email, EPIC-linked account

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2026PYQ 1

What is the full form of SIR introduced by the Election Commission of India?

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 2

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'?

Economy

2.Indian Cooperative Sector Achievements (Cooperative Sector)

PIB

What & Where

Definition: Voluntary, member-owned enterprise; “one member, one vote”; aims shared economic, social, cultural needs

Types: State cooperatives under respective State Acts; Multi-State cooperatives under MSCS Act 2002, Central Registrar

Geography: Maharashtra >25 %; top five states combine 57 % of India’s 8.5 lakh cooperatives

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Amendment 97th: added Art 19(1)(c), Art 43B, Part IXB for cooperative rights & governance
  • National Cooperation Policy 2025: roadmap 2025-2045; targets 2 lakh new M-PACS, diversification drives
  • Ministry of Cooperation: single-window coordination, national export, organics, seed cooperatives launched

Financial & Institutional Support

  • RuPay Kisan Credit Card: 22 lakh cards, ~₹10,000 cr farm credit in Gujarat pilot
  • Tribhuvan Sahkari University: first national cooperative university; professional training programmes running
  • GeM onboarding: 721 cooperatives as buyers; ₹396.77 cr procurement completed

Challenges

  • Regulation overlap: State Registrar vs RBI causes supervision gaps; PMC Bank collapse cited
  • Governance deficit: elite capture, low transparency weaken member control, accountability
  • Infrastructure & tech: scant storage, digital divide, weak logistics curb rural cooperative efficiency

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Total cooperatives8.5 lakh across 30 sectors
Member coverage~32 crore individuals
Women linked via SHGs~10 crore
New multipurpose/dairy/fisheries coops32,000+ registered
NCDC yearly disbursement₹95,000 crore+
Dairy societies added20,070 in 31 States/UTs
FFPOs formed1,070 units
Decentralised grain storage68,702 MT in 112 PACS
National coops createdNCEL, NCOL, BBSSL
2025 UN observanceInternational Year of Cooperatives

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2011PYQ 1

In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities?

History

4.Parbati Giri Contributions (Freedom Fighter)

DD News
Illustration for Parbati Giri Contributions (Freedom Fighter)

What & Where

Identity: Parbati Giri (1926–1995), Gandhian freedom fighter & social reformer, called “Mother Teresa of Western Odisha”.

Geography: Born Samlaipadar village, Bargarh district; activism centred in rural Western Odisha.

Key movements: Individual Satyagraha 1940, Quit India 1942, Khadi-Charkha village mobilisation.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Freedom Movement Role

  • Individual Satyagraha 1940: Promoted Khadi, mobilised villagers against colonial economy.
  • Quit India 1942: Led rallies, picketed offices, urged boycott; arrested under Defence of India Rules.
  • Imprisonment: Two-year jail fortified reputation for fearless grassroots nationalism.

Post-Independence Service

  • Famine relief 1951: Coordinated food, medical aid across drought-hit Western Odisha.
  • Health reforms: Campaigned for humane prisons, anti-leprosy drives, tribal healthcare access.
  • Community work: Founded centres training women in spinning, sewing, basic education.

Awards & Legacy

  • Govt honour 1984 recognised four decades of voluntary service among marginalised.
  • Sambalpur University D.Litt 1988 affirmed academic acknowledgment of societal impact.
  • Birth-centenary tributes: 2026 commemorations flagged by Prime Minister underscore enduring model of service-driven patriotism.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Birth date19 Jan 1926
Birth placeSamlaipadar, Bargarh, Odisha
NicknameMother Teresa of Western Odisha
Freedom epithetBanhi Kanya (Flame Girl)
Age during Quit India16 years
Jail term2 years (1942-44)
Key Gandhian drivesKhadi, Charkha, Village boycott of British bodies
Social focus post-1947Famine relief, prison reform, leprosy eradication, tribal welfare
Govt awardDept of Social Welfare, 1984
Honorary doctorateSambalpur University, 1988
Death17 Aug 1995

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

Freedom Fighter Kanaklata Barua sacrificed her life while participating in

Environment

5.Western Himalaya Snowfall Deficit (Himalayan Climate)

Indian Express

What & Where

Western Himalayas: J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand; depend on winter Western Disturbances (WDs) for snow/rain.

Western Disturbance: east-moving, Mediterranean-origin low-pressure system embedded in Sub-tropical Westerly Jet, triggers Himalayan precipitation.

Snowfall acts as staggered water reservoir; deficit disrupts river recharge, rabi moisture and alpine ecology.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers of Snow Deficit

  • Weak WDs: shallow core, limited moisture, shorter residence, poor uplift.
  • Poleward WD tracks: miss Himachal & Uttarakhand, minor Kashmir snowfall only.
  • Warmer winters: higher snowline, more rain substitution at mid-elevations.

Multi-Sector Impacts

  • Water security: faster glacier retreat, reduced summer flow in snow-fed rivers.
  • Agriculture: rapid melt fails to sustain soil moisture for wheat, mustard.
  • Forest management: drier floors escalate fire frequency, threaten alpine biodiversity.

Adaptation & Schemes

  • Monitoring: expand high-altitude AWS + INSAT/CartoSat snow mapping for WD forecasts.
  • Water buffers: scale ice-stupas, artificial glaciers; implement spring-shed recharge under NITI Aayog.
  • Risk planning: integrate snow variability into SAPCCs, NDMA forest-fire early warning.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Core snowfall monthsDecember – January
Rainfall deficit 2025-26“Severe” across J&K, HP, Uttarakhand
WD moisture source routeMediterranean → West Asia → India
Jet guiding WDsSub-tropical Westerly Jet Stream
Typical WD sequenceKashmir → Himachal → Uttarakhand
Key rivers fedGanga, Yamuna, Indus
Forest-fire hotspots citedValley of Flowers, Nanda Devi NP
Artificial glacier modelLadakh “ice-stupa” projects
Spring revival templateSikkim’s “Dhara Vikas”
National mission monitoring glaciersNMSHE

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 1

The forests of Uttarakhand, Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh and Dzukuo Valley in Nagaland and Manipur were in the news on account of which one of the following reasons?

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

ISRO, in its studies, has revealed that there is a 178% increase in the size of the Gepang Ghat Glacial Lake. In which of the following States/UTs is this lake located?

Mapping

6.Hooghly River Profile (Indian Rivers)

Times of India
Illustration for Hooghly River Profile (Indian Rivers)

What & Where

Hooghly River – tidal distributary of Ganga, born at Nabadwip (Bhagirathi + Jalangi).

Runs south through Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata, South 24 Parganas to Bay of Bengal estuary.

West Bengal SMCG using drones to map pollution along a 120 km reach.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Drones: high-resolution mapping of discharge points, solid-waste dumps.
  • SMCG: state arm under Namami Gange programme coordinating survey.
  • Output: geo-tagged database for targeted remediation projects.

Environmental Impact

  • Pollution: sewage, industrial effluents, urban runoff main contaminants.
  • Siltation: tidal bore deposits sediment, complicates channel depth.
  • Monitoring: drone data to prioritise interception, treatment plants.

Infrastructure & Navigation

  • Bridges: Howrah Bridge, Bally Bridge span tidal reach.
  • Economy: river supports Kolkata port, jute, petrochemical, fertiliser hubs.
  • Maintenance: regular dredging by Kolkata Port Trust ensures 7–9 m draft.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Parent riverGanga
Formation pointNabadwip (Bhagirathi + Jalangi)
MouthBay of Bengal
NatureStrong tidal bore; estuarine
Major tributariesAjay, Damodar, Rupnarayan, Haldi
Key city on banksKolkata
Navigation limitOcean-going vessels up to Kolkata
Constant needDredging to counter siltation
Mapping stretch120 km (first drone survey)
Implementing bodyState Mission for Clean Ganga, WB

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which one among the following rivers is a tributary of river Hooghly?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2023PYQ 2

Under which one of the following rivers has India's first underwater metro rail tunnel been constructed?

Environment

7.Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity Rules 2025 (Emission Intensity Rules)

Times of India

What & Where

Greenhouse Gases Emission Intensity (GEI) Target (Amendment) Rules, 2025: India’s first legally binding, sector-wise GHG-intensity limits.

Applies to specified industrial units nationwide; links them to domestic Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).

Operates under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; notified by MoEFCC.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Statutory shift from voluntary PAT-style schemes to mandatory compliance for high-emitting industries.
  • Sequential sectoral rollout; Round 1 (2025) already covers aluminium, cement, chlor-alkali, pulp & paper.
  • Rules empower CPCB to levy, recover environmental compensation as arrears of land revenue.

Market Mechanism

  • BEE issues electronic carbon credits; fungible across compliance cycles or sale on approved exchanges.
  • Price discovery within Indian Carbon Market expected to spur low-carbon tech adoption.
  • Banking of unused credits allowed, fostering multi-year abatement planning.

Compliance & Penalty

  • Verified emission data submitted annually; intensity calculated against sector-specific benchmarks.
  • Non-payment of penalty within 90 days invites additional interest, possible plant closure directives.
  • Public disclosure of compliant/non-compliant entities to aid ESG-oriented investment decisions.

Climate Target Contribution

  • Industrial sector holds ~30 % of India’s total GHG; rule focuses on intensity, not absolute caps.
  • Complements Renewable Purchase Obligation, PAT, hydrogen missions for cumulative NDC fulfilment.
  • Early alignment with prospective global carbon border measures strengthens export competitiveness.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Enforced from9 Oct 2025
Baseline year2023-24
Compliance years2025-26 & 2026-27
Legal basisEnvironment (Protection) Act 1986, Sec 6(2)(a) rules
Nodal ministryMoEFCC
Implementing bodiesBEE (credits) ; CPCB (penalties)
Covered sectors – Round 2Refineries, Petrochemicals, Textiles, Secondary Aluminium
Units added in Round 2208 (incl. IOC, BPCL, RIL, ONGC)
Emission metrictCO₂e per unit output, all GHGs by GWP
IncentiveSurplus → tradable carbon credit certificates
PenaltyTwice average carbon-credit price; payable within 90 days
Overall target3-7 % intensity cut by 2026-27 vs baseline
LinkageObligatory entry into Indian Carbon Market under CCTS 2023
Supports NDC goal45 % GDP-intensity cut by 2030 (vs 2005)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2020PYQ 1

India has committed to reduce emission intensity of its GDP from 2005 levels by 33-35 per cent by the year:

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

India’s key climate targets include

Environment

8.Environmental Protection Fund Rules (Environmental Fund)

Times of India

What & Where

Environmental (Protection) Fund; statutory pool of penalty money for pollution control and restoration

Created under Environment (Protection) Act 1986; rules notified January 2026 after Jan Vishwas Act 2023 amendments

Applicable across India; administered by MoEFCC or body notified by Centre

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Decriminalisation retained monetary penalties, reinforcing polluter-pays without jail terms
  • Fund rules align Centre–State fiscal federalism through prescribed revenue split
  • Rules enable direct linkage of penalties to environmental remediation obligations

Financial Structure

  • Interest earnings and other prescribed receipts added to penalty corpus
  • Expenditure allowed on clean tech R&D, site remediation, monitoring equipment, capacity building
  • Unused balances invested per Government of India investment norms

Institutional Oversight

  • CAG mandated yearly audit, ensuring parliamentary accountability
  • CPCB online portal to track inflows, allocations, project milestones in real time
  • PMUs handle proposal appraisal, fund release, utilisation certificates to MoEFCC

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Parent ActEnvironment (Protection) Act 1986
Strengthening lawJan Vishwas (Amendment) Act 2023
Operational rules dateJanuary 2026
Nodal authorityMoEFCC or notified body
Central–State share25 % Centre : 75 % State/UT
Key fund inflowPenalties under Air Act 1981 & EP Act 1986
Permitted activity count11 specified heads
Audit agencyComptroller & Auditor General of India
IT platform developerCentral Pollution Control Board
Project unitsDedicated PMUs at Centre & States

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1999PYQ 1

Which one of the following legislations does not deal with the protection of environment?

GS1 2019PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

Environment

9.Indian Skimmer Conservation (Endangered Bird)

DH
Illustration for Indian Skimmer Conservation (Endangered Bird)

What & Where

Indian Skimmer: riverine bird feeding by skimming water with elongated lower mandible.

Core range: Ganga, Chambal, Yamuna rivers; occupies coastal zones post-breeding.

BNHS-NMCG project targets Ganga Basin sandbars/islands for nesting protection.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Ecological Role

  • Flagship species highlighting riverine biodiversity and sediment processes.
  • Presence signals intact sandbar habitats and adequate fish availability.

Threats

  • Dams & regulated flows reduce sandbar formation and prey density.
  • Illegal sand mining and human disturbance destroy nesting colonies.
  • Rapid population decline mirrors broader freshwater‐ecosystem degradation.

Conservation Measures

  • BNHS-NMCG project: habitat mapping, colony monitoring, community outreach.
  • Focus on restricting mining, stabilising flow regime during breeding months.
  • Plans include eco-tourism sensitisation to generate local stewardship.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Scientific nameRynchops albicollis
IUCN statusEndangered (EN)
Global population3,700 – 4,400 birds
India’s share≈ 90 % of world total
Key bill traitBright orange; lower mandible longer
Nesting styleColonial on exposed river sandbars
Indicator ofHealthy river flow & sediment dynamics
Off-season habitatCoastal areas
Main breeding riversGanga, Chambal, Yamuna + tributaries
EnvironmentQuick Bite

10.BBNJ Treaty Comes Into Force (BBNJ Treaty)

UN

What & Where

Treaty—BBNJ safeguards marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction under UNCLOS

Scope—high seas and international seabed outside national EEZs

Status—adopted 2023 New York; in force 17 Jan 2026 after 60 ratifications

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Implementation—third UNCLOS agreement after 1994 Part XI and 1995 Fish Stocks
  • Inclusivity—requires gender balance plus roles for Indigenous Peoples and local communities
  • Governance—addresses gap covering >67 % ocean surface and >90 % living space

Environmental Impact

  • Conservation—enables Marine Protected Areas through ABMTs on high seas
  • Scrutiny—mandates Environmental Impact Assessments for high-seas activities
  • Crisis-response—supports action on climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution

Equity & Technology

  • Benefit-sharing—equitable access to Marine Genetic Resources for developing states
  • Capacity—provides training and marine technology transfer via funding mechanism
  • Funding—mechanism finances developing-country participation and compliance

Institutional Mechanism

  • COP—supreme body sets rules, adopts decisions, reviews implementation
  • Clearing-House—centralises data on MGR use, EIAs, capacity needs
  • Secretariat—handles administration, reporting, coordination duties

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Parent conventionUNCLOS 1982
Entry into force17 Jan 2026
Minimum ratifications60
Ratifications reached>80 countries
India statusSigned 2024; ratification pending
Core pillarsMGRs, ABMTs, EIAs, Capacity-building
Key institutionsCOP, Subsidiary bodies, Clearing-House, Secretariat
Linked SDGSDG 14 Life Below Water

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2020PYQ 1

Pursuant to the ratification of Convention on Biological Diversity, India legislated Biodiversity Act in the year:

MiscQuick Bite

11.China's Polar Silk Road (Polar Silk Road)

DC
Illustration for China's Polar Silk Road (Polar Silk Road)

What & Where

Polar Silk Road: Arctic branch of China’s Belt and Road Initiative for shipping, resources, influence

Core geography: Northern Sea Route along Russian coast; backup Northwest Passage along Canadian Arctic

Corridor links Northeast Asia–Northern Europe, bypassing Suez and shortening distance up to 40 %

Quick Facts for MCQs

Strategic Rationale

  • Energy security via diversified LNG, minerals, rare earth supply lines
  • Geopolitical influence through Arctic partnerships, infrastructure stakes, forum engagement
  • Trade efficiency lowering voyage time, costs, emissions between Asia and Europe

Routes & Logistics

  • Northern Sea Route ice-free window widening; transit 30–35 days Shanghai–Rotterdam
  • Northwest Passage secondary option pending Canadian regulatory clarity
  • Russian nuclear icebreakers provide escorts enabling year-round PSR traffic

Status & Constraints

  • Chinese military footprint currently minimal, focused on civilian research vessels
  • Arctic Council observer status grants scientific access yet no voting rights
  • Western sanctions on Russia risk slowing joint PSR infrastructure financing

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Origin year2017 China-Russia joint launch
Policy paper2018 China Arctic Policy
China’s self-labelNear-Arctic state
2030 visionPolar great power
Primary routeNorthern Sea Route
Distance cut Asia–EuropeUp to 40 %
Key chokepoint avoidedSuez Canal
Foundational schemeBelt and Road Initiative 2013

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?

Misc

12.Responsible Nations Index Launch (Global Governance Index)

PIB
Illustration for Responsible Nations Index Launch (Global Governance Index)

What & Where

Responsible Nations Index 2026 (RNI): global composite index on ethical governance, social welfare, environment, global responsibility

Launched under World Intellectual Foundation; announced in India, covering 154 countries

India ranks 16th overall, highest in Asia, highlighting non-GDP yardstick adoption

Quick Facts for MCQs

Rankings

  • Europe dominance; nine of top ten slots underscore institutional ethics strength
  • South Korea 21, Kyrgyzstan 22, Thailand 24 trail India
  • Cyprus unexpected entry at rank 4, ahead of Sweden

Assessment Criteria

  • Metrics integrate governance quality with moral values and humanitarian outputs
  • Composite score moves beyond power or GDP yardsticks
  • Annual report planned for ongoing benchmarking

Significance

  • Normative shift; aligns with SDGs, climate goals, inclusive governance agenda
  • Tool for policy introspection, ethical benchmarking among states
  • Encourages cooperation over competition in global governance

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch bodyWorld Intellectual Foundation (WIF)
First editionRNI 2026
Pillars counted4
Pillar listEthical governance; Social well-being; Environmental stewardship; Global responsibility
Method focusResponsibility-centric, dialogue-driven
Top rankSingapore (1)
India rank16 (score 0.5515)
Lowest rankCentral African Republic (154; score 0.35715)
Asian topperIndia
European share in Top 109 nations
Misc

13.Proposed Gaza Peace Board (Gaza Reconstruction)

TN

What & Where

Proposed US-led international body to supervise post-war governance and rebuilding of Gaza Strip.

Headquarters unspecified; operates directly in Gaza, outside United Nations architecture.

Designed as template for conflict-to-peace transition, combining ceasefire monitoring, reconstruction, investment.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Veto Power: Chair holds unilateral veto, raising sovereignty and accountability concerns.
  • Parallelism: Operates outside UN, challenging existing multilateral conflict-management norms.
  • Membership: Conditional participation; charter draft yet to clarify rights of invited states.

Economic Angle

  • Reconstruction: Board to pool donor funds, private capital for housing, utilities, jobs.
  • Investment Mobilisation: Seeks multinational corporate participation, infrastructure bonds, diaspora contributions.
  • Decision Hub: Acts as high-level authority for project approvals and fund allocation.

Security Dimension

  • Ceasefire Monitoring: Mandate to verify Israel–Hamas truce adherence on ground.
  • Transition Plan: Supervises disarmament, security handover from Hamas to NCAG police units.
  • Regional Coordination: Works with Egypt, Jordan for border security and humanitarian corridors.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Official nameGaza Peace Board / Board of Peace
ProposerUS President Donald Trump
Draft Chair & veto holderDonald Trump (irrespective of White House tenure)
Initial invitees~60 nations; India, Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye, Canada, Argentina among them
Palestinian partnerTechnocratic National Caretaker Administration of Gaza (NCAG)
Core mandatesCeasefire oversight, governance shift from Hamas, reconstruction, capital mobilisation
Institutional locusOutside UN; independent global governance mechanism
Editorial

14.AI Integration Risks in Policing (AI Policing Risks)

Indian Express

What & Where

Definition: AI-driven surveillance, predictive and analytic tools supplementing conventional policing in India

Key tools: Face-recognition cameras, distress-detection, predictive platforms, surveillance drones, CCTNS data integration

Geography: Delhi Safe City 2026; Maharashtra MahaCrime OS; rapid adoption across urban police forces

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Vacuum: No dedicated AI policing statute; existing Police Manuals lack algorithmic guidelines
  • Exemptions: DPDPA 2023 grants broad law-enforcement carve-outs, diluting data-protection safeguards
  • Proposal: Enact law mandating pre-deployment safety tests and public algorithmic disclosure

Rights & Social Concerns

  • Presumption: Continuous analytics flips innocence principle, chilling protest and assembly rights
  • Bias: Historical discriminatory data trains AI to over-police marginalised castes, religions, genders
  • Surveillance: One camera ≈100 policemen; millions create suspicion-heavy, trust-deficient urban life

Accountability & Reforms

  • Human-in-loop: Final detention decisions must rest with named officers for legal accountability
  • Audits: Independent, periodic algorithmic reviews advised to flag accuracy drops and bias
  • Data-limits: Amend Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act 2022 to restrict non-convict biometric storage

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Delhi Safe City launchJanuary 2026
AI cameras (Delhi)10,000 units
Core functionsFace Recognition, Distress Detection
MahaCrime OS AI reachMaharashtra statewide
Single AI camera power≈ 100 policemen
Main data backendCCTNS historical records
Privacy law in forceDPDPA 2023 with LE exemptions
Notable failure case2023 Khadeer Khan, Telangana
Scheme

15.Export Promotion Mission Overview (Export Promotion)

News on Air

What & Where

Mission-mode national framework to raise India’s export competitiveness through unified financial + non-financial support

Pan-India rollout by Directorate General of Foreign Trade; operational window FY 2025-26 → FY 2030-31

Architecture split into Niryat Protsahan (credit, guarantees) and Niryat Disha (quality, logistics, branding)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • RBI circular issues operational rules for banks on interest subvention, asset-classification forbearance
  • FEMA relaxations allowed to lengthen export realisation timelines
  • Unified mission collapses earlier fragmented export schemes, enabling outcome-linked budgeting

Financial Instruments

  • Interest subvention lowers export credit cost via scheduled banks, NBFC-FCs, export factoring, deep-tier financing
  • CGSE offers collateral-free working capital up to sanctioned limits, fully sovereign guaranteed
  • E-commerce exporter credit cards proposed for small consignments

Digital Governance

  • Single DGFT dashboard ensures paperless sanction, claim and audit trails
  • API integration with banking core systems for real-time subsidy settlement
  • Data analytics module tracks district-wise export growth against targets

Sectoral Focus

  • Labour-intensive clusters given first-priority in credit allocation scorecard
  • Districts with sub-1 % share in exports receive extra logistics & branding grants
  • Performance incentives tied to incremental value addition, not just shipment value

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch vehicleUnion Budget 2025–26
Mission period2025–26 to 2030–31
Nodal agencyDGFT, Commerce Ministry
Finance sub-schemeNiryat Protsahan
Non-finance sub-schemeNiryat Disha
Credit guarantee corpus₹20,000 crore under CGSE
Guarantee providerNCGTC, 100 % govt-backed
Interest benefitRBI-guided subvention on pre/post-shipment export credit
Digital backboneEnd-to-end DGFT portal linked to Customs & ICEGATE
Priority sectorsTextiles, leather, gems-jewellery, engineering, marine, low-export districts

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the pillars of India’s ‘Foreign Trade Policy-2023’?

Scheme

16.Chips to Start-up Programme (Semiconductor Capacity)

PIB

What & Where

Programme: Chips to Start-up (C2S) – MeitY’s 2022 semiconductor capacity-building initiative.

Geography: Academic network pan-India; ChipIN Centre (C-DAC Bengaluru); fabrication at SCL Mohali, Punjab.

Process: Quarterly aggregation of student ASIC/SoC layouts, shared-wafer fabrication on 180 nm node, packaging & return.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Objectives & Targets

  • Skill-creation: develop industry-ready VLSI designers, verification, IP & fab testing talent.
  • Innovation: enable start-up incubation, IP core creation, patent filing, research publications.
  • Self-reliance: strengthen domestic semiconductor value-chain, cut import dependence.

Implementation Mechanism

  • Ecosystem: tri-party link of academia, ChipIN Centre, NIELIT SMART Labs.
  • Training: blended coursework, industry mentors, multi-year R&D projects using real workflows.
  • Wafer-sharing: multiple student dies stitched per wafer to lower prototyping cost.

Outcomes & Impact

  • Enrolment: large student participation across 100+ institutes (PIB note).
  • Deliverables: first batches of packaged chips dispatched; several patents already filed.
  • Employability: hands-on fab exposure raising placement prospects in India’s upcoming fabs.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch year2022
MinistryElectronics & IT (MeitY)
Total outlay₹250 crore
Scheme tenure5 years
Professionals aimed85,000 UG/PG/PhD
Student training target1 lakh
Start-ups to incubate25
Tech transfers planned10
Patent goal50
Research papers goal≥2,000
Central support hubChipIN Centre, C-DAC Bengaluru
Fab node used180 nm
Fabrication facilitySemi-Conductor Laboratory, Mohali
Support tickets resolved4,855+
Shared toolsAdvanced EDA suites, SMART Labs access

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