Wednesday, 21 January 2026

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following Acts mandates schools and libraries in India to use some form of technological protection to block computer access to obscene material, pornography, and anything else considered harmful to minors?

The correct answer is (a) Telecommunications Act. This question appeared in ESE_GS 2024.

Q: With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

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

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only. This question appeared in GS1 2018.

Q: Freedom Fighter Kanaklata Barua sacrificed her life while participating in

The correct answer is (a) Rowlatt Satyagraha. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: Matangini Hazra and Lakshman Naik sacrificed their lives in:

The correct answer is (a) Bardoli Satyagraha. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?

The correct answer is (b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: Which one of the following aerospace companies designed and manufactured 'Falcon 9', a reusable rocket?

The correct answer is (a) Blue Origin. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022.

Q: What is 'Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)', recently in the news?

The correct answer is (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2016.

Q: Which one of the following PSLVs, launched by ISRO, is not correctly matched with their Missions?

The correct answer is (a) PSLV C60 — SPADEX. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2025.

Q: With reference to Indian satellites and their launchers, consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2002.

15 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 5GS-3: 8

0/15 done

GS-2Polity

1.Lok Sabha Biometric Attendance System Launch (Parliamentary Procedures)

Hindustan TimesBiometric Attendance · Lok Sabha · Daily Allowance

Illustration for Lok Sabha Biometric Attendance System Launch (Parliamentary Procedures)

What & Where

Seat-based biometric attendance system for MPs inside Lok Sabha chamber

To replace lobby register from Budget Session 2026 onward

Attendance marked only from designated seat within House

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Biometric console integrates with existing e-Parliament stack, enabling real-time data capture and dashboards
Paperless attendance aligns with Digital India, reduces manual recordkeeping errors
System part of broader modernisation drive including AI-assisted legislative drafting

Governance & Accountability

Direct financial penalty ties presence to pay, incentivising punctuality
No proxy entry boosts transparency, curbs misuse of quorum rules
Seat-locked consoles compel continuous floor presence during debates

Operational Protocols

Attendance possible only when Speaker opens session console, preventing pre-or post-marking
System deactivates instantly upon adjournment due to protests or business completion
MPs cannot mark and exit; continuous presence prerequisite for allowance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Announced by	Speaker Om Birla
Launch target	Budget Session 2026
Authentication mode	Thumb-based biometrics
Attendance window	Open only while House in session
Post-adjournment status	Console auto-locks, no retro entry
Allowance linkage	Daily allowance forfeited if no in-House mark
Hardware location	Console embedded in every seat
Legacy system replaced	Register signing in lobby
Proxy marking risk	Eliminated via biometrics
Complementary initiatives	Multilingual translation, paperless files, AI workflows

GS-2Security

2.Ban on Illegal Online Gambling Platforms (Online Gambling Regulation)

The HinduOnline Gaming Act 2025 · Website Blocking · 28% GST

What & Where

Online gambling: internet-based betting on casino games, sports, poker and lotteries to win money/prizes.

India: Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 institutes nationwide ban on real-money online games.

Govt blocked 242 more illegal betting sites (Jan 2026); cumulative blocks now 7,800.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Act 2025 bans offering, advertising or facilitating any real-money online game across India.
Banks/financial institutions prohibited from processing payments linked to such platforms.
Centre invokes IT Act 2000 to direct blocking of unlawful gaming/gambling websites.

Enforcement Tactics

Operators constantly switch domains/URLs to dodge government blocks.
Funds siphoned abroad via mule accounts, complicating seizure and repatriation.
Multi-agency approach combines website blocking, payment denial and tax tracking.

Fiscal & Regulatory

28 % GST continues on online money gaming, casinos and horse racing.
Illegal portals evade GST, eroding revenue and widening compliance gap.
Skill-based activities classed as gaming; chance-based treated as gambling.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Fresh sites blocked (Jan 2026)	242
Total illegal sites blocked	7,800
Governing legislation	Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025
GST rate on online money gaming	28 %
Constitutional entry for betting/gambling	Entry 34, State List

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which one of the following Acts mandates schools and libraries in India to use some form of technological protection to block computer access to obscene material, pornography, and anything else considered harmful to minors?

GS-3Economy

3.Silver Market Trends and Production (Silver Production)

Times of IndiaSilver Prices · Hindustan Zinc · Electrical Conductivity

Illustration for Silver Market Trends and Production (Silver Production)

What & Where

Silver = precious, highest electrical-thermal conductor; critical for jewellery, electronics, solar photovoltaics, EVs.

Extracted mainly as by-product from lead-zinc, copper, gold ores; few standalone mines worldwide.

Core geography: India’s output ≈99 % from Chanderiya (Rajasthan); world leaders – Mexico, China, Peru.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Resource Geography

Concentration: Rajasthan dominates Indian production; Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh contribute marginally via gold refining, associated minerals.
Global spread: Poland, Russia, Chile, Bolivia follow top trio.
Characteristic: India lacks native silver deposits, relies on integrated smelting-refining capacity.

Industrial Demand

Electronics: Highest conductivity makes silver indispensable in circuit boards, semiconductors.
Renewable energy: Solar PV consumes rising volumes; EV supply chains add additional pull.

Economic Angle

Supply-demand: Sustained global deficits coincide with robust industrial uptake.
Prices: Analysts foresee ~20 % upswing in coming months.
Volatility: Tight stocks amplify market sensitivity to macro & energy transitions.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
India 2022-23 production	7,13,768 kg
YoY growth (India)	~10 %
Indian silver reserves	30,267 t metal content
Rajasthan share of Indian ore resources	~86 %
India share of global reserves	~1 %
Dominant Indian producer	Hindustan Zinc’s Chanderiya smelter
Top global producer country	Mexico
Mexico world production share	~26 %
Top three global producers	Mexico, China, Peru
Projected near-term price rise	~20 %

GS-3Economy

4.State Borrowings Elevate Bond Yields (Bond Yields)

The HinduState Borrowing · RBI · Bond Yields

What & Where

Bond yield – percentage return on a bond via fixed coupons plus price change, key barometer for borrowing costs

Where – Indian Government Securities and State Development Loans market supervised by RBI

FY 2025-26 sees record State bond issuance almost matching Central borrowings, skewing domestic yield curve

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers of Yield

Interest-rate cuts, inflation outlook, government supply, global US-Treasury moves collectively sway Indian bond yields
Supply surge – large Centre or State issues increase bond availability, forcing higher yields
Credit-risk perception higher risk demands higher returns especially for non-sovereign issuers

State Borrowing Pattern

Scale – States borrowing nearly at par with Centre for the first time, altering public-debt mix
Preference – Investors pick SDLs due to quasi-sovereign status plus 80–100 bps extra yield
Substitution – Banks, insurers, PFs swap G-secs for SDLs, depressing G-sec demand and lifting their yields

Monetary Transmission

Elevated long-term yields blunt RBI repo cuts, steepening curve and slowing credit cost pass-through
Coordination gap fiscal federalism complexities arise as State funding choices hinder unified debt management
Correctives suggested staggered SDL maturities, larger Centre infrastructure loans, wider small-savings access

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
FY26 gross State borrowing	≈ ₹ 12.5 trillion
FY26 gross Centre borrowing	≈ ₹ 14.6 trillion
FY26 net State borrowing	≈ ₹ 9 trillion
FY26 net Centre borrowing	≈ ₹ 10.3 trillion
SDL yield spread over G-secs	80–100 basis points
Usual bond price–yield link	Inverse relationship
Inverted yield curve signal	Likely slowdown or recession

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

GS1 2018PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-1History

5.Parbati Giri Birth Centenary Tribute (Freedom Fighter)

All India RadioParbati Giri · Quit India Movement · Odisha

What & Where

Freedom-fighter Parbati Giri; key woman leader from Western Odisha during late-colonial mass movements

Core theatre: Samlaipadar village & Bargarh district; outreach across rural Odisha via Congress networks

Active span: joined 1938 at 12 yrs; militant–Gandhian role till 1945; social service till death 1995

Quick Facts for MCQs

Freedom Struggle Actions

Individual Satyagraha 1940; village mobilisation; khadi promotion
Quit India 1942; led tricolour rallies; openly defied Bargarh Court
Imprisonment; endured two-year jail term for sedition

Gandhian Influence

Khadi adoption; spinning, weaving integral daily discipline
Constructive programme; literacy, hygiene, self-help drives in villages
Inspiration channelled through Congress cells led by uncle Ramachandra Giri

Post-Independence Social Work

Odisha famine 1951; organised relief kitchens, supply chains
Public health; spearheaded leprosy campaigns, prison humanisation, destitute shelters
Service approach mirrored Gandhian trusteeship and sarvodaya ideals

Recognitions & Legacy

Honorary Doctorate 1988; academia acknowledged grassroots contribution
Epithets highlight fiery patriotism and compassion fusion
Birth-centenary 2026; national homage underscores women’s role in freedom saga

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth date	19 Jan 1926
Birth place	Samlaipadar, Bargarh, Odisha
Uncle–mentor	Ramachandra Giri
First joined	Indian National Congress, 1938
Key ideologies	Khadi, self-reliance, Gandhian constructive work
Major actions	Individual Satyagraha 1940; Quit India 1942
Famous protest site	Bargarh Court flag demonstration
British sentence	2 years imprisonment
Post-1947 focus	Famine relief, prison reform, leprosy eradication
Honorary doctorate	Sambalpur University, 1988
Popular titles	Banhi Kanya; Mother Teresa of Western Odisha
Death	17 Aug 1995
Centenary homage	PM of India, Jan 2026

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

Freedom Fighter Kanaklata Barua sacrificed her life while participating in

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

Matangini Hazra and Lakshman Naik sacrificed their lives in:

GS-3Species

6.Rare Ant Fly Species Discoveries (Ant Fly Species)

The HinduMetadon ghorpadei · Metadon reemeri · Microdontinae

Illustration for Rare Ant Fly Species Discoveries (Ant Fly Species)

What & Where

Microdontinae ant flies (family Syrphidae); larvae live in ant nests, feed on brood.

New species: Metadon ghorpadei (Delhi Ridge, Delhi) & M. reemeri (Siruvani Hills, Western Ghats, TN).

Only 27 Microdontinae known from India (~454 global); finds reveal hidden urban-forest and hotspot diversity.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Conservation Significance

Habitat-value: Urban, hotspot forests shelter cryptic taxa needing tailored safeguards.
Endemism: Western Ghats gain adds to globally recognised insect-rich UNESCO landscape.
Management-need: Advocates habitat mapping, invasive control, native flora restoration.

Urban Planning

Delhi Ridge demonstrates biodiversity persistence within highly fragmented city green islands.
Risk: Tree-count metrics overlook microhabitat loss harming ant-associated specialists.
Restoration: Maintain leaf litter, deadwood, ant colonies in urban forestry guidelines.

Research Gaps

Knowledge-gap: Microdontinae underdocumented; difficulty due to secretive life stages.
Detection-issue: Adults inconspicuous, larvae hidden, elude conventional sweep-net surveys.
Methodology: Paper urges ant-nest sampling plus molecular phylogenetics for inventories.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Subfamily	Microdontinae
Family	Syrphidae
Larval habit	Myrmecophily—ant-brood feeder
Indian Microdontinae spp.	27
Global Microdontinae spp.	~454
Species–site 1	M. ghorpadei – Delhi Ridge
Species–site 2	M. reemeri – Siruvani Hills

GS-3Mapping

7.Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ Notification (Protected Area)

News on AirKumbhalgarh Sanctuary · Eco-Sensitive Zone · Aravalli Range

Illustration for Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ Notification (Protected Area)

What & Where

Protected dry-deciduous reserve encircling Kumbhalgarh Fort in Aravalli hills, Rajasthan.

Spreads ~610.5 sq km across Rajsamand, Udaipur & Pali districts; elevation 500 – 1 300 m.

Now ring-fenced by 0–1 km Eco-Sensitive Zone (MoEFCC, 2024) to curb high-impact activity.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

MoEFCC notification under Environment (Protection) Act classifies fringe as Eco-Sensitive Zone.
ESZ restricts mining, large industries, new polluting units; promotes eco-tourism, organic farming.
Aim: buffer human pressure, reduce habitat fragmentation in Aravalli landscape.

Geology & Terrain

Ancient metamorphic rocks impart rugged, discontinuous ridges favorable for den sites and water percolation.
Elevational mosaic (500–1 300 m) produces scrub, grassland, woodland micro-habitats.
Thin sandy-loam soils support drought-tolerant vegetation typical of semi-arid Rajasthan.

Faunal Diversity

Carnivores: leopard, Indian wolf, sloth bear, striped hyena, jungle cat, golden jackal.
Ungulates: sambhar, nilgai, chausingha, chinkara; also Indian hare & pangolin.
Avifauna & herpetofauna: grey junglefowl, painted francolin, Indian eagle-owl; Indian cobra, rat snake, checkered keelback; fish—mahseer, rohu, katla.

Biodiversity Corridor

Links fragmented Aravalli habitats, easing gene flow between northern & southern wildlife populations.
Complements nearby reserves (e.g., Todgarh-Raoli) for large-mammal dispersal.
Essential for long-term viability of leopard-centric trophic web.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
State	Rajasthan
Hill system	Aravalli Range (western India)
District spread	Rajsamand, Udaipur, Pali
Total notified area	≈ 610.5 sq km
Core geomorphic units	Kumbhalgarh, Sadri, Desuri, Bokhada ranges
Rock type	Ancient Archean metamorphics
Soil	Thin sandy-loam cover
Ecoregion	Khathiar–Gir dry deciduous forest
Apex predator	Leopard
ESZ width	0 – 1 km around sanctuary

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2017PYQ 1

Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?

GS-3S&T

8.Artemis II Crewed Lunar Flyby Mission (Lunar Mission)

DD NewsArtemis II · Orion Spacecraft · Lunar Flyby

Illustration for Artemis II Crewed Lunar Flyby Mission (Lunar Mission)

What & Where

Artemis II: first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis programme, performing a lunar flyby without landing.

Path: free-return orbit looping round Moon’s far side, then back to Earth.

Launch pad: Kennedy Space Center; splashdown targeted in Pacific Ocean.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mission Objectives

Validation of life-support, navigation, comms, radiation shielding under crewed deep-space conditions.
Preparation for Artemis III lunar landing and later Mars expeditions.
Progress toward sustained human presence beyond low-Earth orbit.

Technical Profile

Free-return trajectory exploits Earth-Moon gravity, reducing need for large return burn.
Orion capsule to set new human distance record (>370,000 km).
SLS Block 1 provides 95 t to LEO; splashdown via parachutes in Pacific.

International Collaboration

CSA contributing Canadarm3 tech & astronaut seat on Artemis II crew.
Artemis Accords involve >25 nations endorsing peaceful lunar activities.
Shared costs and expertise model for Gateway, surface habitats, lunar comms.

Historical Context

First crewed deep-space flight since Apollo era, closing 52-year gap.
Follows uncrewed Artemis I (2022); precursor to Artemis III landing mid-decade.
Signals revival of human lunar exploration, shifting focus from ISS to deep space.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Planned launch date	6 Feb 2025*
Lead agency	NASA
International partner	Canadian Space Agency
Crew size	4 astronauts
Spacecraft	Orion + SLS Block 1
Trajectory type	Free-return lunar flyby
Max distance from Earth	>230,000 mi (~370,000 km)
Mission length	≈10 days
Splashdown zone	Pacific Ocean
Last human lunar mission	Apollo 17, 1972

GS-3S&T

9.Future of Reusable Space Rockets (Reusable Launch Vehicles)

The HinduSpaceX Starship · ISRO OREX · Full Reusability

Illustration for Future of Reusable Space Rockets (Reusable Launch Vehicles)

What & Where

Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV): launch system that returns intact for refurbishment, enabling repeat flights instead of single-use disposal.

Main architectures: VTVL boosters (retro-propulsion landing) and winged spaceplanes (horizontal runway landing).

Geography: USA – SpaceX/Blue Origin; India – ISRO Pushpak & NGLV; China – LandSpace Zhuque-3 (2026).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Design

Full reusability demands booster + upper stage recovery via retro-propulsion or glider touchdown.
Vertical integration with 3D-printed, modular parts speeds inspection and lowers refurbishment cost.
LOX–Methane engines chosen for clean burns and multiple in-flight restarts.

Indian Roadmap

Pushpak RLV-TD slated for OREX orbital return test in 2026 validating winged landing.
NGLV Soorya three developmental flights (D1–D3) targeted within eight years for crewed station/lunar needs.
Dedicated 4 km airstrip, barges, high-speed telemetry planned to support routine recoveries.

Challenges

Thermal protection: Ceramic Matrix Composites must survive 2000 °C during atmospheric re-entry.
Precision landing: sub-meter autonomous guidance from orbital velocity yet to be proven by ISRO.
Economics: Post-PSLV C-62 failure raised insurance premiums, stressing low-cost refurbishment targets.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Cost cut potential	Up to 80%
Starship payload	100 t to LEO
Turnaround goal	24 h between flights
Falcon 9 reuse record	30 + flights/booster
NGLV Soorya lift	30 t to LEO
IN-SPACe VC kitty	₹1,000 crore
Planned RLV runway	4 km at Sriharikota
Re-entry heat load	~2000 °C
New propellant choice	LOX–Methane
2026 new entrants	Blue Origin New Glenn; LandSpace Zhuque-3

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following aerospace companies designed and manufactured 'Falcon 9', a reusable rocket?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2016PYQ 2

What is 'Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)', recently in the news?

GS-3S&T

10.Recent PSLV Failures and Lessons (PSLV Failures)

The HinduPSLV-C61 · PSLV-C62 · Third-Stage Anomaly

What & Where

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) – India’s four-stage, solid–liquid mixed launcher; first success October 1994

Core role: inserts up to 1,750 kg into 600 km Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit; adaptable XL variant uses six strap-ons

Launch pad: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Failure Mode

Pressure drop in C61 and roll-rate in C62 traced to PS3 combustion anomalies
Solid motor irreversibility means defects in propellant or nozzle cannot be corrected post-ignition
Side-venting exhaust created asymmetric thrust producing uncontrollable spin and guidance loss

Strategic Impact

Surveillance gap as EOS-09 and Anvesha intended for border monitoring lost
Military space dependence heightens urgency for reliable domestic launch capability
Defence ISR constellation deployment schedule now delayed affecting joint operations planning

Commercial Angle

Market share collapsed from 35 % in 2017 to near zero by 2024
Insurance premiums on future PSLV launches likely to spike reducing price advantage
Competitors SpaceX and Rocket Lab gain customer preference for assured reliability

Corrective Steps

Reliability-first phase advocated; fewer launches with deeper quality audits
FAC reports to be publicly released with sensitive redactions for transparency
Indigenise space-grade electronics; develop second launch site beyond Sriharikota

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Stage count	4 (S-L-S-L)
Third stage (PS3) propellant	HTPB solid
Payload to 600 km SSPO	1,750 kg
Payload to sub-GTO	1,425 kg
First successful PSLV flight	October 1994
Recent failed missions	C61 (May 2025) & C62 (Jan 2026)
Common anomaly stage	Third stage (PS3)
Lost primary payloads	EOS-09 & EOS-N1 (Anvesha)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Which one of the following PSLVs, launched by ISRO, is not correctly matched with their Missions?

CDS_GK, GS1 2002PYQ 2

With reference to Indian satellites and their launchers, consider the following statements:

GS-2Polity

11.UNESCO Media Literacy Alliance Board Election (Media Literacy)

UNESCOUNESCO MIL Alliance · Global Board · Cartagena Declaration

What & Where

UNESCO-coordinated global network combating disinformation via Media & Information Literacy (MIL) capacity-building.

Launched 2013, Global Forum for Partnerships on MIL, Abuja (Nigeria); first Global Board elected 2024.

Operates through 300+ organisations, 180 experts spanning 100+ countries; MIL Unit, Paris, anchors coordination.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Governance Structure

Global Board ensures inclusive decision-making, strategic coherence, regional balance.
Board monitors platform, mandates annual reporting for transparency.
New chapters admitted via Board-approved structured growth.

Functions & Services

Shares research, tools, best practices to boost institutional/community MIL capacity.
Provides expert inputs shaping global, regional, national MIL norms and standards.
Oversees continuous platform upgrades, keeps it user-centric.

Policy Influence

Alliance contributions feed into international policy discussions on disinformation, media risks.
Cartagena Declaration 2025 set renewed strategic action plan aligning with SDG 16.
Outputs guide governments in MIL curriculum and regulatory frameworks.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Formal name	UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Alliance
Launch year & venue	2013, Abuja (Nigeria)
Relaunch year & document	2025, Cartagena Declaration
New milestone 2024	First-ever Global Board elected
Core coordinator	UNESCO MIL Unit
Membership size	300+ organisations; 180 individual experts
Country spread	100+ nations
Primary decision body	Global Board
Stated aims	Resilience to disinfo, misinformation, hate speech
Key activity week	Global MIL Week

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

What is the theme of Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2025?

GS-2Misc

12.US Secondary Tariffs on Iran Trade (US Iran Sanctions)

Indian ExpressSecondary Tariffs · US Sanctions · India-Iran Trade

What & Where

Tariff move; 25 % duty announced by US on any nation still trading with Iran

Geography; Iran in West Asia, key node Chabahar Port on Gulf of Oman linking India to Afghanistan-Central Asia

Stakeholders; India, Iran, US, top Iranian partners China, UAE, Türkiye, EU

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Trade decline; Iran now outside India’s top-50 partners limiting direct tariff exposure
Vulnerable exports; cereals, tea, coffee, spices, animal fodder, fruits-nuts face potential US duty barrier
Pre-2018; Indian crude imports from Iran ceased after Trump-era secondary sanctions

Strategic Infrastructure

Chabahar; only Indian-managed overseas port enhancing INSTC access to Afghanistan, Central Asia, Russia
Investment mix; USD 120 mn grant plus USD 250 mn LOC, 10-year operation signed May 2023
Sanctions risk; US action could impede equipment sourcing, insurance, and global financing for port upgrade

Global Impact

Primary target; China largest Iranian customer, liable for bulk of new tariff burden
Other partners; UAE, Türkiye, EU carry notable but smaller trade volumes with Iran
Oil market; US move pressures alternative routing, may tighten supply amid already sanctioned Iranian crude

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
US tariff rate	25 %
India-Iran trade FY25	USD 1.6 bn
India-Iran trade pre-2020 peak	~USD 15 bn
India’s Chabahar grant	USD 120 mn
Chabahar Line of Credit	USD 250 mn
Operations contract tenure	10 years
China’s share in Iran oil 2025	>80 % shipped oil
Iran exports to China 2022	USD 22 bn

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2022PYQ 1

Chabahar Port is located in which one of the following countries?

GS-3Security

13.NDRF Raising Day and Mandate Highlights (NDRF Mandate)

PIBNDRF · Disaster Management Act · Search and Rescue

What & Where

Mandate: National Disaster Response Force, all-hazards specialist force under Disaster Management Act 2005

Geography: 16 battalions, 68 deployment sites across four zones headquartered New Delhi

Training hub: NDRF Academy since 2018, new Nagpur campus upcoming

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Statutory-force status derives from Sections 44-45 Disaster Management Act
Prime Minister chairs National Disaster Management Authority which administratively controls NDRF
Forest-fire inclusion via 2022 policy update expanding natural-hazard spectrum

Structure & Training

Battalion composition includes engineering, medical, dog squads and CBRN units
Academy conducts IEDD, rope rescue, collapsed-structure courses for domestic & SAARC responders
Ongoing Nagpur campus to host simulators for chemical, nuclear, urban collapse scenarios

International Operations

Japan tsunami 2011 first major overseas deployment showcasing SAR, medical assistance
Nepal earthquake 2015 earned INSARAG appreciation for quickest foreign responder
Operation Dost Türkiye 2023 involved 151 rescuers, 6 canine teams, saved 42 lives

CBRN Preparedness

2024 initiative ran national workshops, SOP drafting, multi-agency mock drills
Dedicated Quick Reaction Teams equipped with hazmat suits, radiological detectors, decontamination pods
Collaboration underway with DRDO for portable mass-casualty decontamination system

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Raising Day	19 January
Year of raising	2006
Parent law	Disaster Management Act 2005
Present strength	18,556 personnel
Battalions count	16 (initially 8)
Deployment sites	68 incl. Regional Centres & Tactical Locations
Zone HQ	New Delhi (controls 4 operational zones)
Teams per battalion	18 specialised SAR teams
Latest mandate addition	Forest fire response 2022
CBRN focus year	2024 declared Year of CBRN Preparedness
Apex training body	NDRF Academy, est. 2018
Overseas operations	Japan 2011, Nepal 2015, Türkiye Operation Dost 2023
INSARAG goal	Heavy Urban SAR team under mentorship
Motto	Apda Seva Sadaiv

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

'Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States' from the allocation of preparedness and Capacity Building Funding Window under the National Disaster Response Fund for strengthening fire services in the States was introduced by which Union Ministry?

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2021PYQ 2

National Disaster Management Authority is headed by

GS-2Scheme

14.Internet Governance Internship Capacity Building Scheme (Internet Governance)

PIBIGICBS · NIXI · MeitY

What & Where

Programme: Internet Governance Internship & Capacity Building Scheme (IGICBS), nationwide internship to train youth in internet governance.

Implementers: National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under MeitY; launch 2025, anniversary event New Delhi, Jan 2026.

Format: 3- and 6-month mentored internships blending research, outreach, global exposure, certification as NIXI Internet Influencers.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Scheme Design

Structure: Research plus practical outreach ensures theory-practice blend; interdisciplinary curriculum spans tech to policy.
Pathways: High performers gain long-term ambassador status, extending scheme impact beyond internship period.
Exposure: Interns engage with global internet governance institutions, standards bodies, multistakeholder forums.

Capacity Building

Awareness: Interns must conduct capacity sessions across educational and community settings, multiplying knowledge reach.
Skill pool: Creates cadre of experts versed in policy-technology interface, ready for national and international roles.
Resilience: Focus on safe, inclusive, trustworthy internet ecosystem aligns with India Digital Public Infrastructure goals.

Stakeholders

Government: MeitY provides oversight, aligning scheme with national digital strategy.
NIXI: Implements, mentors, certifies interns, links them to international platforms.
Academia & NGOs: Partner locations for outreach, broadening grassroots understanding of internet governance.

Strategic Significance

Representation: Enhances India’s contribution in ICANN, ITU, IGF, standards committees.
Policy influence: Bridges policy–technology divide, informing domestic cyber regulations and global negotiations.
Leadership: Fosters future diplomats, technocrats, policymakers shaping the open, secure, interoperable internet.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2025
Anniversary marked	January 2026
Nodal body	National Internet Exchange of India
Administrative ministry	MeitY
Internship terms	3 months & 6 months
Mentorship source	Senior experts from government, academia, global IG bodies
Mandatory outreach	Awareness drives in colleges, NGOs, communities
Certification pathway	NIXI Internet Influencer
Interdisciplinary areas	Tech, law, public policy, cybersecurity, digital ID, Universal Acceptance
Ultimate aim	Strong Indian voice in global internet governance

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2020PYQ 1

Infrastructure aspects provided by the Government of India in formation of National e-Governance Plan for storage of data and hosting applications, network connectivity and capacity building respectively are

ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following Institutions launched Centre of Data for Public Good (CDPG) for multidisciplinary research, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and Government to harness the power of data to benefit the public?

GS-1Editorial

15.India’s Emerging Regional Demographic Divide (Demographic Transition)

FLTotal Fertility Rate · Aging South · Youthful North

Illustration for India’s Emerging Regional Demographic Divide (Demographic Transition)

What & Where

Demographic divide: simultaneous high-fertility North and aging low-fertility South within one national economy

Key stages: late expanding (Bihar UP), stationary / declining (Kerala Tamil Nadu), national TFR ~2.0

Core geography: North-Central share projected 52.7% by 2051; Southern share falls to 17%

Quick Facts for MCQs

Political Implications

Delimitation 2026 could transfer 40+ Lok Sabha seats to North
Representation loss fuels federal friction over population control success
Weighted voting formulas suggested to protect Southern voice

Economic Angle

Workforce peaks 2041 then contracts, squeezing tax revenues and growth
Southern dependency ratio 20 strains state pensions and health budgets
Silver economy underdeveloped despite expanding senior consumer cohort

Migration Dynamics

Labour-scarce South attracting Bihar UP migrants, sparking insider-outsider debates
Safe, dignified interstate mobility essential to realign labour supply
Skill standardisation needed to match northern youth with tech-heavy southern jobs

Social Concerns

Rural aging 71 % elderly lack advanced medical access and social security
Feminisation of aging leaves many widows economically dependent
Geriatric infrastructure gaps persist despite Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana expansion

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Population peak	1,590.1 mn in 2051
Annual growth 2051	0.5 %
Stabilization target shift	2045 → 2065
North-Central share 2051	52.7 % population
Southern share 2051	17 % population
Working-age peak	1.01 bn in 2041
School enrolment drop	−13.4 mn (2019-25)
Kerala elderly 2036	23-25 % population 60+
Old-age dependency South	20 per 100 workers
Old-age dependency North	13 per 100 workers
Bihar TFR	~2.9-3.0
Sikkim / Goa TFR	1.1-1.3
Rural elderly share	71 %
Women 60+ extra life	+4 yrs vs men (Himachal)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2011PYQ 1

India is regarded as a country with “Demographic Dividend”. This is due to

GEO_GS, GS1 2023PYQ 2

Which one among the following States of India experienced the highest fall in population growth rate during 2001–2011 in relation to the previous decade?

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