Thursday, 22 January 2026

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in GS1 2007.

Q: What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?

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

Q: Consider the following statements with reference to India:

The correct answer is (b) 2 only. This question appeared in GS1 2023.

Q: With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

The correct answer is (c) Both 1 and 2. This question appeared in GS1 2016.

Q: India’s key climate targets include

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

Q: The e-AMRIT web portal on electric vehicles, launched at COP26 Summit in Glasgow recently, has been developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Government of

The correct answer is (b) UK. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2022.

Q: Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee:

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 4. This question appeared in GS1 2024.

Q: With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (c) Both 1 and 2. This question appeared in GS1 2023.

Q: During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following raised an army called ‘Free Indian Legion’?

The correct answer is (a) Lala Hardayal. This question appeared in GS1 2008.

Q: With reference to Indian freedom struggle, which one of the following statements is correct?

The correct answer is (a) The Rowlatt Act aroused a wave of popular indignation and led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This question appeared in GS1 2003.

16 topicsGS-1: 4GS-2: 6GS-3: 6

0/16 done

GS-2Polity

1.Section 17A Investigation Sanction Rule (Anti-Corruption Law)

The HinduSection 17A · Prevention of Corruption Act · Prior Approval

What & Where

Section 17A: clause in Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 (amended 2018) governs India-wide corruption probes

Bars police enquiry, inquiry, investigation into offence tied to official decision without prior competent-authority nod

Exemption: trap cases where public servant caught accepting bribe red-handed

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Objective: shield honest officials from vexatious probes while retaining bribery crackdown
Viswanathan: approval to be independent, ideally via Lokpal or Lokayukta channel
Difference: unlike Section 19, 17A operates pre-investigation not prosecution

Judicial Precedent

1998 Vineet Narain struck Single Directive as Article 14 violation
2014 Subramanian Swamy voided DSPE Act Section 6A for similar prior-approval filter
2026 split verdict triggers referral to larger Supreme Court Bench

Administrative Procedure

Timeline: competent authority must convey decision within 3 + 1 months window
Exemption: trap operations proceed immediately, facilitating on-the-spot evidence collection

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Insertion year	2018 Amendment Act
Parent law	Prevention of Corruption Act 1988
Approval covers	Enquiry, inquiry, investigation stages
Competent authority	Union Govt / State Govt / removal-empowered authority
Trap case rule	No prior approval needed
Decision deadline	3 months + 1 month extension with reasons
Separate safeguard	Section 19 sanction only for prosecution
2026 SC view	Split: Viswanathan upholds conditionally; Nagarathna declares unconstitutional

GS-2Polity

2.Judicial Removal Procedure Loopholes (Judge Impeachment)

The HinduArticle 124(4) · Misbehaviour · Impeachment Motion

What & Where

Definition: Constitutional process removing Supreme Court or High Court judge for proved misbehaviour or incapacity

Coverage: Operates under Articles 124(4-5), 217(1)(b), 218 across all Indian courts

Trigger: Motion signed by 100 Lok Sabha or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs, handed to Speaker or Chairman

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Provisions

Article124(5) empowers Parliament to frame inquiry procedure
Judges Inquiry Act 1968 operationalises investigation and special majority vote
High Court judges covered identically through Article218 assimilation

Procedure Flow

Submission, Presiding Officer decides admissibility without stated reasons
Admitted motion triggers three-member committee to verify specific charges
If guilty, Houses vote; President issues final removal order

Systemic Loopholes

Discretion: Speaker or Chairman may summarily reject despite requisite signatures
Vagueness: Misbehaviour undefined, enabling subjective or ideological filtering
Finality: Threshold rejection ends process, prevents any evidentiary inquiry

Reform Suggestions

Codify admissibility criteria and misbehaviour categories in Judges Inquiry Act
Shift preliminary scrutiny to independent secretariat with fixed timelines
Enable Constitution Bench review of threshold rejections for transparency

Political Angle

Presiding officers aligned to ruling party act as partisan gatekeepers
2018 CJI Dipak Misra and 2025 Swaminathan motions show high rejection risk
Supreme Court flagged Secretariat overreach in Yashwant Varma observations 2025

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Grounds for removal	Proved misbehaviour or incapacity
Signature threshold	100 LS or 50 RS Members
Inquiry committee	SC judge + HC Chief Justice + jurist
Voting requirement	Majority of total strength & two-thirds present and voting in each House
Core Articles	124(4), 124(5), 217(1)(b), 218
Misbehaviour case law	M Krishna Swami v Union of India 1992
Recent instance	Dec 2025 notice against Justice G.R. Swaminathan

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2007PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2012PYQ 2

What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?

GS-2History

3.Northeast Statehood Day Significance (State Reorganisation)

PIBNorth Eastern Region Act 1971 · 21 January 1972 · Manipur

Illustration for Northeast Statehood Day Significance (State Reorganisation)

What & Where

Statehood: Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya became full states on 21 Jan 1972 via North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act 1971

Geography: All three lie in eastern Himalaya–Brahmaputra arc, bordering Bangladesh–Myanmar

Process: Princely accessions (1947-49) → Union Territories/Sub-state → 1972 statehood

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Accession: Princely rulers signed Instruments of Accession pre-15 Aug 1947 ensuring defence-external affairs surrender
Merger: Separate agreements 1949 integrated Manipur, Tripura directly into Indian Union
Reorganisation: 1971 Act upgraded two UTs and one Sub-state to full constitutional statehood

Chronology

1947 Accessions → 1948 Manipur election → 1949 Merger pacts → 1970 Meghalaya autonomy → 1972 tri-statehood
Sequence shows gradual political integration of NE frontier post-Independence

Political Significance

Manipur set precedent with universal adult franchise before national general elections
Statehood recognition addressed ethnic aspirations while strengthening Centre–periphery stability

Socio-Cultural Angle

Leaders annually laud rich tribal, dance, handloom traditions of the three states on 21 January Statehood Day

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Statehood date	21 January 1972
Enabling Act	North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act 1971
Manipur Instrument of Accession	11 Aug 1947 (Maharaja Bodhachandra)
Manipur Merger Agreement	Sept 1949, signed without Assembly consent
First universal franchise election in India	Manipur, June 1948
Tripura merger with India	15 Nov 1949
Regent signing Tripura merger	Queen Kanchan Prabha
King Bir Bikram’s death	17 May 1947
Meghalaya autonomous state within Assam	2 Apr 1970
Hills included in Meghalaya 1970	United Khasi-Jaintia & Garo Hills

GS-3Economy

4.SIDBI Equity Infusion for MSMEs (MSME Finance)

Times of IndiaSIDBI · ₹5 · 000-crore Capital

What & Where

Institution; principal lender-promoter for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises across India

Processes; refinance to lenders, direct loans, venture debt, digital collateral-free credit

Geography; statutory HQ at Lucknow, operations pan-India via banks, SFBs, NBFCs, MFIs

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Governance

Statutory foundation via Parliament Act; regulated and supervised by RBI as AIFI
Delinked from IDBI in March 2000, gaining independent board and shareholding pattern
Equity infusion needs CCI nod only if limits crossed; cabinet approves under Article 75 prerogative

Capital Infusion

₹5,000 crore boosts Tier-I capital, enabling higher risk-weighted MSME exposure
Fresh equity leverages 10× lending, unlocking ~₹50,000 crore additional credit flow
Government shareholding rises, maintaining public sector character without breaching market float norms

Development Functions

Refinance; bulk low-cost funds to lenders to expand MSME book without balance-sheet stress
Direct credit; fixed asset, working capital, venture debt, startup financing for innovation scale-up
Support platforms; Udyami Mitra, advisory, handholding initiatives fostering formalisation, employment generation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Statutory birth	SIDBI Act, April 1990
Parent origin	Wholly-owned IDBI subsidiary till 2000
Present status	One of five RBI-regulated AIFIs
Union Cabinet move 2024	₹5,000 crore equity infusion
Headquarters city	Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Other AIFIs	NABARD, Exim Bank, NHB, NaBFID
Core mandate	Promotion, financing, development of MSME sector
Key refinance targets	Banks, Small Finance Banks, NBFCs
Digital product focus	Collateral-free, data-driven MSME credit
Grassroots reach	Funds routed through Micro-finance Institutions

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2023PYQ 1

Consider the following statements with reference to India:

GS1 2016PYQ 2

With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS-3Economy

5.MSME Green Transition Roadmap (MSME Decarbonisation)

PIBNITI Aayog · Net-Zero 2070 · Energy Efficiency

Illustration for MSME Green Transition Roadmap (MSME Decarbonisation)

What & Where

Strategic 10-year NITI Aayog roadmap steering 69 mn Indian MSMEs toward low-carbon, sustainable growth

Applies nationwide MSME clusters via three levers: Energy Efficiency, Green Electricity, Alternative Fuels

Envisions National Project Management Agency for on-ground rollout; aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 & Net-Zero 2070

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

EU CBAM 2026 imposes carbon cost on exports like steel, textiles
BRSR mandates Scope 3 disclosure for top 1,000 listed firms, pressuring suppliers
Proposal NPMA and secretary-level RIA committee to streamline regulation

Economic Angle

Contribution 30 % GDP, 45.7 % exports underscores macro importance
Green upgrades yield 1–5 year payback, then direct profit gains
Demand aggregation can cut equipment costs via bulk procurement

Environmental Impact

Sector emitted 135 Mt CO₂e in 2022, heavy fossil reliance
Energy demand may jump 50 % by 2030 without efficiency push
MSME decarbonisation key to 500 GW renewable capacity target

Tech & Schemes

ADEETIE offers interest subvention plus technical hand-holding for efficient tech
GIFT finances waste, clean transport, other green projects at concessional rates
ZED certification drives Zero Defect Zero Effect manufacturing practices

Challenges

Finance gap from collateral shortage, high perceived risk among lenders
Awareness low; only 1 in 25 units monitor carbon emissions
Fragmented clusters limit biomass or gas access, hindering fuel switching

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
MSME share in GDP	≈30 %
MSME share in exports	45.7 %
Employment provided	250 mn people
CO₂e emitted (2022)	135 Mt
Industrial energy share	>25 %
Major industrial clusters	140 +
Projected energy demand rise	50 % by 2030
EU CBAM start year	2026
Cyclone Michaung MSME loss	4,800 units; $360 mn
Green tech payback	1–5 years

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

India’s key climate targets include

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

The e-AMRIT web portal on electric vehicles, launched at COP26 Summit in Glasgow recently, has been developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Government of

GS-3Economy

6.RBI Central Bank Digital Currency (Digital Currency)

Indian ExpressCBDC · RBI Act Amendment · Fiat Money

What & Where

Definition: Central Bank Digital Currency = RBI-issued, blockchain-backed, sovereign fiat money in purely digital form.

Amendment: Draft change to RBI Act 1934 enlarges “bank note” to include digital currency.

Geography: Roll-out targeted for Indian economy; RBI examining pilot architecture.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Need & Rationale

Volatility: Private crypto swings; CBDC offers stable, regulated alternative.
Security: Shields India from US-China digital-currency proxy war.
Dollar-dependency: Enables rupee-settled trade, boosts currency sovereignty.

Significance & Benefits

Cost-saving: Reduces printing, transport, storage of cash in high cash-GDP economy.
Efficiency: Instant domestic & cross-border transfers without inter-bank settlement.
Seigniorage: Higher RBI revenue, lower settlement risk, robust legal-tender payments.

Issues & Challenges

Legislation: RBI Act, Coinage, FEMA, IT Act need aligned amendments.
Design: Technology, validation mechanism, retail vs wholesale distribution undecided.
Stability: Risk of sudden deposit flight from weak banks to CBDC wallets.

International Examples

China: DC/EP pilot commenced 2020 across select cities.
United Kingdom: Bank of England evaluating retail “Britcoin”.
El Salvador: Bitcoin adopted as legal tender Sep 2021.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Currency name	Digital Rupee (CBDC)
Issuer	Reserve Bank of India
Core Act to amend	RBI Act, 1934
Other statutes impacted	Coinage Act, FEMA, IT Act
Tech backbone	Blockchain / Distributed Ledger
SC verdict on RBI crypto ban	Ban struck down Mar 2020
1st Bitcoin-legal-tender nation	El Salvador, 2021

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee:

GS1 2023PYQ 2

With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements:

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

7.Rash Behari Bose Legacy (Freedom Fighter)

PIBGhadar Movement · Indian Independence League · Assassination Plot 1912

What & Where

Revolutionary Rash Behari Bose: early 20th-century nationalist who internationalised India’s freedom struggle

Key geographies: Bardhaman origin → Bengal & Delhi militancy → North America Ghadar links → refuge and organising base in Japan → death Tokyo

Pathway: underground bomb plots → exile activism → Indian Independence League → creation of Azad Hind Fauj handed to Subhas Bose

Quick Facts for MCQs

Early Militant Phase

Alipore Bomb Case spotlighted revolutionary credentials
Delhi bombing targeted Viceroy Hardinge, 1912 retaliation against Raj
Mentorship by Bagha Jatin intensified clandestine network building

Overseas Strategy

Ghadar links leveraged Indian diaspora arms and finance
Japan base secured diplomatic shielding, press propaganda, training aid
Indian Independence League unified expatriate patriots under single flag

Azad Hind Fauj

Force initially raised by Rash Behari Bose from POWs and settlers
Leadership ceded to Subhas Chandra Bose for charismatic command
INA symbolised armed wing of Provisional Government of Free India

Legacy & Recognition

Pioneer of globalised resistance predating NAM era networking
Japanese government later awarded him citizenship for contributions
Annual 21 Jan tributes led by Union Home Minister underscore enduring national memory

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Birth	25 May 1886, Bardhaman, Bengal
Death	21 Jan 1945, Tokyo, Japan
Mentor Met	Jatin Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin), 1913
Notable Cases	Alipore Bomb Case 1908; Hardinge assassination attempt 1912
Overseas Escape	Reached Japan 1915 to evade British
Key Movement	Leadership role in Ghadar Movement
Organisation Founded	Indian Independence League, Japan, 1942
Military Force Raised	Azad Hind Fauj, 1942
INA Leadership Transfer	Handed to Subhas Chandra Bose, 1942
Facilitator	Veer Savarkar enabled 1924 Bose-to-Bose meeting

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2008PYQ 1

During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following raised an army called ‘Free Indian Legion’?

GS1 2003PYQ 2

With reference to Indian freedom struggle, which one of the following statements is correct?

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

8.Zehanpora Kushan-Era Stupa Discovery (Buddhist Architecture)

Indian ExpressZehanpora · Kushan Dynasty · Buddhist Stupa

What & Where

Kushan-era (1st–3rd CE) Buddhist stupa complex unearthed at Zehanpora, Baramulla, North Kashmir.

Covers ~10 acres; retains wooden superstructure and intact earthen mounds, making it Kashmir’s largest Buddhist site.

Lies within Jhelum valley’s Buddhist archaeological belt linking Kanispora to Parihaspora.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Archaeological Significance

Scale: 10-acre spread marks largest documented Buddhist excavation in Kashmir.
Integrity: Undisturbed mounds plus wooden remnants offer rare Kushan architectural evidence.
Chronology: Stupa style and ceramics align with early Common Era typology.

Historical Patronage

Ashokan: Invited Kashmiri monks to 3rd Council at Pataliputra c.250 BCE.
Kushan: Kanishka’s 4th Council in Kashmir entrenched Mahayana thought.
Indo-Greek: Menander–Nagasena debates highlight Hellenistic interaction with valley Buddhism.

Regional Spread

North: Kanispora, Ushkur, Zehanpora, Parihaspora cluster along Jhelum corridor.
Central: Harwan complex near Srinagar exhibits Gandhara-influenced tile art.
South: Semthan, Hutmur, Hoinar, Kutbal extend Buddhist footprint to Anantnag axis.

International Linkages

Archive: French museum holds early photo depicting three Zehanpora stupas.
Travelogues: Likely captured by British explorers, indicating colonial-era awareness.
Textual: Sri Lankan Mahavamsa records scholar exchanges involving Kashmir Buddhists.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Era	Kushan, 1st–3rd CE
District	Baramulla, North Kashmir
Excavated area	≈ 10 acres
Key material	Wooden superstructure over stupa mound
Earliest Buddhism arrival	Ashoka, Mauryan period
First Buddhist king (Rajatarangini)	King Surendra
4th Buddhist Council	Kashmir, ~72 AD under Kanishka
Indo-Greek dialogue	Menander–Nagasena in Kashmir
Historic site photo	French museum archive, 19th–20th C
Major North Kashmir sites	Kanispora, Ushkur, Zehanpora, Parihaspora

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2001PYQ 1

Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir?

GS-1Mapping

9.Arabian Sea Boiling Phenomenon (Arabian Sea)

DHArabian Sea · Carlsberg Ridge · Methane Seepage

Illustration for Arabian Sea Boiling Phenomenon (Arabian Sea)

What & Where

Arabian Sea; north-western arm of Indian Ocean; vital Europe–West Asia–Africa–South Asia shipping lane

Borders India, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Yemen, Somalia; linked to Persian Gulf (Strait of Hormuz) & Red Sea (Bab-el-Mandeb)

Current alert zone off Gujarat coast showing unusual seawater bubbling

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geological Features

Collision-origin basin, seismically active ridges heighten tectonic, volcanic probabilities
Carlsberg & Murray Ridges potential gas escape conduits

Possible Causes

Methane seepage; underwater tectonic or volcanic discharge; industrial pipeline or ship leakage

Risks & Impact

Navigation hazard, fishing disruption, possible precursor to geological instability or industrial accident

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Geological age	~50 million years (post Indian–Eurasian collision)
Main deep basins	Arabian Basin, Somali Basin
Active ridges	Carlsberg Ridge, Murray Ridge
Seasonal upwelling	Southwest monsoon along Somali & Arabian coasts
Recent anomaly	Intense churning/bubbling near Gujarat, Arabian Sea
Suspected natural gas	Methane seepage from seabed under probe

GS-3S&T

10.Severe Solar Radiation Storm Impacts (Space Weather)

Economic TimesSolar Radiation Storm · S4 Scale · X-class Flare

Illustration for Severe Solar Radiation Storm Impacts (Space Weather)

What & Where

Solar radiation storm: surge of high-energy protons hurled by the Sun toward Earth after powerful eruptions.

Origin zone: solar corona; particles reach magnetosphere/upper atmosphere within minutes–hours despite 150 million km distance.

Current event rated S4 (Severe), biggest since 2003; produced mid-latitude auroras and tech disruptions.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Formation Drivers

X-class flare releases electromagnetic impulse accelerating protons to near-relativistic speeds
CME ejects magnetised plasma enhancing particle flux toward heliospheric magnetic field lines
Particles guided by interplanetary magnetic field funnel into polar regions

Technology Impact

Satellites: Single-event upsets, sensor saturation, increased atmospheric drag altering orbits
Power grids: Induced geomagnetic currents risk transformer overheating, voltage instability
Navigation: GPS signal scintillation causing position errors, timing glitches

Astronaut & Aviation Risk

ISS crews receive heightened radiation doses exceeding normal background shields
Polar flights face elevated exposure; airlines may reroute, limit HF comms
Radiation levels can exceed aviation safety threshold of 100 µSv per flight

Visual Phenomena

Aurora borealis/australis observed at mid-latitudes across Europe due to energetic particle precipitation
Storm intensity extends auroral oval equatorward by several hundred kilometres
Colour spectrum shifts with altitude, dominated by green and red oxygen emissions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
NOAA severity scale	S1 (Minor) – S5 (Extreme)
Present storm level	S4 Severe
Proton energy threshold	≥ 10 MeV
Primary trigger	X-class solar flare + CME
Monitoring satellites	GOES, geosynchronous orbit
Sun–Earth particle travel time	Minutes to a few hours
Previous S4/S5 episode	Halloween Storms, Oct 2003
Key service hit	Polar-route GPS / HF radio

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth ?

GS-2Polity

11.Spain Joins Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI Accession)

New Indian ExpressIPOI · Spain · SAGAR Doctrine

Illustration for Spain Joins Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI Accession)

What & Where

IPOI: voluntary, non-treaty platform for practical maritime cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

Covers entire Indian & Pacific Ocean continuum; open to all like-minded coastal or user states.

Operates through seven thematic pillars; countries may lead any pillar voluntarily.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Pillars & Focus

Maritime Security: shared MDA, anti-piracy, safe Sea Lanes of Communication.
Maritime Ecology & Resources: sustainability, blue economy, illegal fishing curb.
Capacity Building: training, technology transfer, infrastructure resilience.

Strategic Significance

Legitimacy boost: wider geographic spread counters “Asian-only” tag.
India image: reinforces net-security provider and agenda-setter role.
Rivalry mitigation: offers inclusive multilateralism amid US-China contestation.

European Dimension

Spain follows France, Germany, Netherlands’ Indo-Pacific outreach documents.
EU Connectivity Strategy aligns with IPOI trade & transport pillar.
Opens gateway for more Mediterranean NATO states to engage.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2019
Announced at	East Asia Summit, Bangkok
Proposer	India
Doctrinal root	SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
Nature	Non-military, non-bloc, voluntary
Total thematic pillars	Seven
Spain’s status	Formal member since March 2024 (Declaration handed to EAM S. Jaishankar)
European significance	Adds first Southwestern European entrant
Key objectives	Free, open, inclusive, rules-based Indo-Pacific
Pillar leadership	Self-selected by participating countries

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2024PYQ 1

Which one among the following statements with regard to India’s maritime initiative, SAGAR, is correct?

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

12.INS Sagardhwani Sagar Maitri V Mission (Ocean Research Mission)

PIBINS Sagardhwani · Sagar Maitri · Underwater Domain Awareness

What & Where

Sagar Maitri (SM): Indian Navy-DRDO joint oceanographic initiative in Indian Ocean Rim (IOR).

SM-5: 2026 voyage of INS Sagardhwani from Kochi, retracing 1962-65 expedition routes.

Core geography: Research tracks across tropical-subtropical Indian Ocean.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Vessel-specific: INS Sagardhwani fitted with hull-mounted sensors, deployable buoys, onboard labs.
Programme-link: SM nests under MAHASAGAR vision; complements DRDO UDA tech road-map.
Capacity-building: MAITRI offers joint training, shared data platforms with IOR partners.

Security Dimension

UDA focus: Acoustic profiling aids submarine detection, anti-submarine warfare planning.
Maritime-security: Data sharing strengthens coordinated patrols, search-and-rescue readiness in IOR.
Strategic-reach: India projects soft-power via science diplomacy, reducing extra-regional influence.

Historical Context

Heritage-route: SM-5 mirrors INS Kistna tracks during seminal 1960s International Indian Ocean Expedition.
Continuity-signal: Revives multilateral ocean science cooperation paused post-Cold War era.
Legacy-upgrade: Modern instruments now yield higher-resolution data than 1960s analog records.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent vision	MAHASAGAR (Mutual & Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions)
Scientific arm	MAITRI – Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training & Research Initiative
Flag-off location	Southern Naval Command, Kochi
Lead platform	INS Sagardhwani – marine acoustic research vessel
Designer	Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi
Builder	Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata
Commissioned	July 1994
Earlier vessel honored	INS Kistna, 1962-65 International Indian Ocean Expedition
Lead agency	DRDO with Indian Navy
Prime goal	Collection of oceanographic & acoustic data for Underwater Domain Awareness

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

Consider the following statements about INS Sagardhwani:

CAPF_GAI, NDA_GAT 2023PYQ 2

Which one of the following Indian Naval Ships has recently concluded a 17,000-nm trans-ocean intercontinental voyage?

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

13.Lokayan 26 Sail Training Expedition (Sail Training)

PIBINS Sudarshini · Lokayan 26 · 22

What & Where

Lokayan 26: 10-month transoceanic sail expedition by Indian Navy ship INS Sudarshini, flagged off 20 Jan 2026.

Route: >22,000 nautical miles touching 18 ports in 13 countries to display India’s maritime heritage.

Highlights: Tall-ship events Escale à Sète (France) & SAIL 250 (New York); aligns with MAHASAGAR regional vision.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Training & Capacity

Trainees: Over 200 cadets gain oceanic exposure under sail.
Skills: Long-range navigation, traditional seamanship, multinational crew interaction enhanced.

Security Vision

MAHASAGAR: Voyage reinforces Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions doctrine.
Partnerships: Planned joint maritime activities with host navies deepen interoperability.

Maritime Diplomacy

Showcasing: Participation in iconic tall-ship rallies projects Indian seafaring legacy globally.
Port calls: 18 foreign harbours enable goodwill visits, soft-power outreach and cultural exchange.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Expedition codename	Lokayan 26
Launch date	20 Jan 2026
Voyage duration	~10 months
Distance planned	>22,000 nautical miles
Foreign ports / countries	18 / 13
Flagship events	Escale à Sète, SAIL 250
Vision anchored	MAHASAGAR
Trainees embarked	>200 Navy & Coast Guard
INS Sudarshini status	2nd sail training ship after INS Tarangini
Miles already sailed by ship	>1,40,000 nautical miles

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

Which one of the following Indian Naval Ships has recently concluded a 17,000-nm trans-ocean intercontinental voyage?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following ships was involved in ‘Mission Sagar – II’?

GS-2Scheme

14.Atal Pension Yojana Extension (Pension Scheme)

PMIAtal Pension Yojana · Guaranteed Pension · PFRDA

What & Where

Atal Pension Yojana (APY); voluntary, government-backed contributory pension for citizens aged 18-40, post-60 payout

Implemented pan-India through banks & post offices; regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority

Union Cabinet cleared continuation with funding support till FY 2030-31

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Cabinet approval; ensures central funding for outreach, IT, incentives, gap-funding through 2030-31
Scheme established under Section 12(1) of PFRDA Act mandate for universal pension coverage
Income-tax payer exclusion aligns with notification dated 10 Aug 2022

Tech & Schemes

Auto-debit via National Automated Clearing House; reduces default risk
Central Recordkeeping Agency tracks contributions, generates annual statements
Grievance redressal through PFRDA’s online CRA-NSDL platform

Economic Angle

Guaranteed returns shift longevity risk from worker to government
Encourages small-ticket, formal savings among 80% workforce in unorganised sector
Complements NPS, PM-JJBY, PM-JSSY for comprehensive social security

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch date	9 May 2015
Administering body	PFRDA
Implementing channels	Scheduled banks, regional rural banks, post offices
Eligibility age band	18–40 years
Nationality	Indian citizens only
Contribution mode	Auto-debit monthly/quarterly/half-yearly till 60
Pension slabs	₹1 000/2 000/3 000/4 000/5 000 per month
Benefit to spouse	Equal pension after subscriber death
Corpus after spouse death	Paid to nominee
Income-tax payer rule	New enrolment barred from 1 Oct 2022
Investment regulation	As per PFRDA guidelines via approved pension funds
Latest Cabinet decision	Continuation & gap-funding up to 2030-31
Core aim	Old-age income security for unorganised workers
Financial inclusion angle	Promotes long-term retirement savings

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2016PYQ 1

Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)?

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

15.GI Kaladi Upscaling Under ODOP (ODOP GI Product)

PIBKaladi Cheese · Geographical Indication · One District One Product

What & Where

Kaladi – stretchable, mozzarella-like cow-milk cheese traditionally hand-made in Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir.

Prepared by coagulating raw full-fat milk with leftover whey water, then sun-dried and pan-seared before eating.

Selected as Udhampur’s One District One Product (ODOP) item for scientific upscaling and wider marketing.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

GI-tag grants exclusive territorial branding rights, elevating product valuation and rural youth employment.
ODOP aligns with PM-FME scheme targeting one signature product per district for cluster-based support.
Ministerial directive ensures scientific intervention while safeguarding traditional identity per IP protection norms.

Tech & Schemes

CSIR-CFTRI tasked with nutrient profiling, texture characterisation, recipe diversification and shelf-life extension studies.
CSIR-IIIM to explore bioactive compounds for value addition and functional food positioning.
Validation outputs expected to enable cold-chain, MAP packaging and standardised HACCP protocols.

Economic Angle

Upscaling aims to integrate Kaladi into organised dairy supply chains, boosting farmer and artisanal income.
Export positioning to showcase Dogra cuisine, tapping ethnic food demand in Gulf, EU diaspora markets.
Employment creation envisaged across production, packaging, logistics and agri-tourism niches.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Product category	Traditional dairy cheese
Alias	“Mozzarella of Jammu”
Production district	Udhampur, J&K
Geographical Indication	Registered GI product
Scaling scheme	ODOP under PM-FME
Union ministry push	Science & Technology (MoS IC)
Technical partners	CSIR-CFTRI Mysuru; CSIR-IIIM Jammu
Natural coagulant	Whey water
Major limitation	Short shelf life without refrigeration
Market goal	National & international export

GS-1Polity

16.UGC Equity Regulations 2026 (Higher Education Equity)

The HinduUGC Rules 2026 · Caste Discrimination · SC ST OBC

What & Where

UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations 2026: enforceable anti-discrimination rules for all UGC-linked HEIs

Prohibit explicit/implicit bias on caste, religion, gender, birthplace, disability; add OBCs to protected groups

Operative across India; head of institution personally liable for compliance

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Inclusion OBC closes earlier legal lacuna enhancing social-justice mandate
Penalties convert advisory 2012 rules into enforceable subordinate legislation under UGC Act 1956
Aligns with Art 15(4), Art 46 and SC/ST PoA Act 1989 commitments

Institutional Mechanisms

Equal Opportunity Centre houses Equity Committee, mobile squads, 24×7 helpline, Equity Ambassadors
Committee composition mandates SC, ST, OBC, women, persons with disabilities ensuring representativeness
Head-count based reports strengthen UGC oversight and data-driven interventions

Concerns

Removal of false-complaint penalty feared to encourage malicious usage
Compressed timelines risk compromising fair-hearing and evidence appraisal
Small colleges may struggle with staff, funds for round-the-clock compliance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Notification year	2026
Replaces	2012 Equity Regulations
Newly covered group	Other Backward Classes
Rise in reported cases	173 (2019-20) → 378 (2023-24)
Definition span	Caste, religion, race, gender, place, disability
Mandatory body	Equal Opportunity Centre
Equity Committee meet	Within 24 hours of complaint
Report submission	Within 15 days
Action by HoI	Within 7 days
National monitoring meets	Minimum twice a year
Possible penalties	Debarment, programme ban, derecognition
Reporting duty	Bi-annual EOC + annual institutional report

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

Which one of the following amendments to the Constitution of India has introduced reservations in education and in public employment for people from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society?

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