Saturday, 24 January 2026

UPSC Current Affairs

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

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

Q: Which one of the following is a good statistic to evaluate where an economy stands in the financial cycle?

The correct answer is (a) Tax/GDP Ratio. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2025.

Q: India's installed solar capacity in 2025 is close to

The correct answer is (a) 70 GW. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2026.

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

The correct answer is (d) INSV Tarini. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023.

Q: Which one of the following statements about 'INS Tarmugli' is not correct?

The correct answer is (a) It is a fast attack craft commissioned by the Indian Navy.. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024.

Q: "India has the largest population of the Asian X. Today, there are just about 20,000 to 25,000 X in their natural habitat spreading across the evergreen forests, dry thorn forests, swamps and grasslands. Their prime habitats are, however, the moist deciduous forests. The X population in India ranges from Northwest India where they are found in the forest divisions of Dehradun, Bijnor and Nainital districts of UP to the Western Ghats in the states of Karnataka and Kerala and in Tamil Nadu. In Cen

The correct answer is (a) Lion. This question appeared in GS1 1999.

Q: Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

The correct answer is (b) 'Gravitational waves' were detected.. This question appeared in GS1 2019.

Q: What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

The correct answer is (b) To detect gravitational waves. This question appeared in GS1 2017.

Q: What is the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices?

The correct answer is (a) Bluetooth uses 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, whereas Wi-Fi can use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band. This question appeared in GS1 2011.

15 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 4GS-3: 8

0/15 done

GS-3Editorial

1.Household Savings and Debt Trends (Household Savings Trend)

The HinduRBI Financial Stability Report · net financial savings · unsecured credit

What & Where

Household financial savings represent net addition of financial assets over liabilities by resident families

Primary data from RBI Financial Stability Report 2025 and Annual Report 2024-25

Indicators span pan-India economy, informing Union Budget 2026 fiscal choices

Quick Facts for MCQs

Macroeconomic Impact

Savings-investment gap widens, funding shifts to volatile FPI and external borrowings
Lower household savings raises sovereign borrowing cost, crowds out private investment
CAD vulnerability heightens during global rate hikes and FPI exits

Financial Systemic Risks

Deposit-flight to mutual funds forces banks into costlier, volatile wholesale funding
Unsecured retail loans first-loss assets; default spike can hurt bank capital
Household SIP surge may trigger panic withdrawals in prolonged equity downturns

Socio-Economic Concerns

EMI burden curtails education and nutrition, eroding demographic dividend prospects
K-shaped stability enriches investors, pushes poorer households into survival borrowing
Volatile savings leave informal workers exposed to income, health or job shocks

Policy Prescriptions

Tax-sweeteners for PPF and long deposits to revive low-risk saving culture
Wider Ayushman Bharat and public insurance lower precautionary cash or debt needs
RBI higher risk weights and macro-prudential caps curb unsecured credit exuberance

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Net household financial savings Q4 2024-25	7.6 % of GDP
Net savings previous quarter	~3–4 % of GDP
Household debt ratio Mar 2025	41.3 % of GDP
Gross household financial assets	106.6 % of GDP
Private consumption share	nearly 60 % of GDP
FPI net outflow 2025	₹1.66 lakh crore

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 2

Which one of the following is a good statistic to evaluate where an economy stands in the financial cycle?

GS-3Economy

2.India Power Sector 2025 Milestones (Power Sector Achievements)

PIB242.49 GW peak · 509 GW capacity · 178 GW renewables

Illustration for India Power Sector 2025 Milestones (Power Sector Achievements)

What & Where

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS); India’s new national market pricing one-tonne CO₂e reductions via tradable Carbon Credit Certificates.

Administered by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, guided by National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market.

Initial coverage: energy-intensive industries causing 16 % of national emissions; power sector may follow.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Capacity & Demand

Peak-demand 242.49 GW supplied; energy shortage only 0.03 %.
Installed capacity 509 GW; 104 % jump since 2014.
Coal capacity 226.23 GW; 13.32 GW fresh awards FY 25-26.

Renewables & Storage

Renewable gain 178 GW; solar 130 GW, wind 33 GW.
Pumped-storage aim 57 GW; BESS 43,220 MWh under VGF.
50 % non-fossil capacity NDC met five years early.

Distribution & Consumers

RDSS okayed 19.79 cr prepaid smart meters; AT&C loss now 16.16 %.
ACS-ARR gap narrowed to ₹0.11 / kWh.
13.65 lakh homes electrified via PM-JANMAN & DA-JGUA.

Regulatory & Market

Late Payment Surcharge rules slashed DISCOM dues to ₹8,005 cr.
Electricity Amendment 2025 allows consumer-owned storage systems.
CCTS introduces compliance + voluntary carbon trading nationwide.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
FY 25-26 peak demand met	242.49 GW
Installed capacity Nov 2025	~509 GW
Capacity rise since 2014	104.4 %
Renewable add-ons since 2014	178 GW
Solar / Wind split	130 GW / 33 GW
Rural / Urban supply	22.6 h ; 23.4 h
AT&C loss FY 25-26	16.16 %
Non-fossil share Oct 2025	51 %
Projected power investment	USD 450 bn by 2032
Transmission target	6.48 lakh ckm by 2032

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2026PYQ 1

India's installed solar capacity in 2025 is close to

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

India’s key climate targets include

GS-1History

3.Jamma Bane Land Tenure Reform (Jamma Bane Tenure)

Indian ExpressJamma Bane · Kodagu · Karnataka Land Revenue Act

What & Where

Jamma Bane = hereditary military-service land grants (1600-1800) in Kodagu district, Karnataka

Holdings span paddy wetlands + forested highlands, now prime coffee belt of Western Ghats

Karnataka Land Revenue (2nd Amendment) Act 2025 brings their records under Karnataka Land Revenue Act 1964

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Amendment creates distinct owner, occupant, holder columns replacing single pattedar entry
Provides for resurvey, digitised mutation, mortgage-ready titles

Historical Context

Grants span 17th-19th c; British codified but retained hereditary pattern
Tenure exempted land revenue yet bound grantees to supply armed men

Economic Angle

Clear titles expected to unlock institutional credit for coffee, pepper, cardamom growers
Marketability may raise estate values and tax compliance

Geographic Pointer

Kodagu on Western Ghats crest, 900–1750 m, >2500 mm monsoon rainfall

Cultural Notes

Kodava festivals: Kailpodh (arms worship), Puthari (paddy harvest) reflect martial-agrarian heritage

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
State	Karnataka
District	Kodagu (Coorg)
New law	Karnataka Land Revenue (2nd Amendment) Act 2025
Legacy tenure	Jamma Bane
Original grantors	Haleri kings & British
Service owed	Military duty by Kodavas
Land types	Wet paddy fields; forested uplands
Today’s main crop	Coffee (Robusta/Arabica)
Key river source	Kaveri at Talakaveri
Pre-amendment issue	Clouded title impeding sale, loans, inheritance
Alignment target	Karnataka Land Revenue Act 1964
Dominant community	Kodavas

GS-1History

4.INSV Kaundinya Stitched Ship Voyage (Stitched Shipbuilding)

PIBINSV Kaundinya · Tankai method · stitched ship

What & Where

INSV Kaundinya – India’s first stitched wooden ship reviving 2 000-year-old Tankai technique.

Tankai method – hull-first planks sewn with coir, no metal fasteners; flexible, rust-proof.

Maiden sea trial – Porbandar (Gujarat, India) to Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat (Oman).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Craft

Revival – First modern build using Tankai after centuries of disuse.
Waterproofing – Natural dammar resin fills seams; animal fat coating prevents seepage.
Flexibility – Absence of nails allows hull to absorb wave shock, extending service life.

Historical Context

Textual-link – Yuktikalpataru by King Bhoja (9th CE) details similar ship measurements.
Visual-link – Ajanta murals display stitched vessels; provided proportional cues.
Legacy – Kaundinya’s voyage to Mekong delta seeded Indianised Funan kingdom.

International Linkages

Bilateral – Voyage commemorates India-Oman maritime ties dating to Indus Valley trade.
Global-tech – European Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation offers real-time tracking/communication.

Cultural Symbols

Emblem – Gandabherunda echoes Kadamba dynasty strength; carved on prow.
Anchor – Harappan-style stone anchor nods to Indus coastal trade archaeology.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Ship class	Stitched wooden sailing vessel
Build method	Tankai (ancient hull-first, coir-stitched)
Antiquity of method	~2 000 years
Key materials	Coir rope, dammar resin, animal fat
Connectivity partner	Eutelsat – OneWeb satellite link
Design references	Ajanta Cave V paintings; Yuktikalpataru text
Key motifs	Gandabherunda, Sun, Simha Yali, Harappan stone anchor
Namesake	Mariner Kaundinya, Funan co-founder (1st century CE)
Test route	Porbandar ➜ Muscat (~1 250 km)
Purpose	Showcase shared maritime heritage India–Oman

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 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements about 'INS Tarmugli' is not correct?

GS-1Mapping

5.Muna Island Location Significance (Indonesian Island)

NTMuna Island · Sulawesi · Flores Sea

Illustration for Muna Island Location Significance (Indonesian Island)

What & Where

Muna Island: limestone-karst island in Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, within Wallacea zone, Flores Sea.

Liang Metanduno cave hosts world’s oldest known cave art, a hand stencil ≥67.8 ka old.

Acts as key waypoint on northern maritime route from Sunda to Sahul for early Homo sapiens.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geological Setting

Limestone karst topography forms caves, rock shelters, speleothems aiding Uranium-series dating.
Calcite crusts over pigment provided datable layers securing minimum age benchmark.

Archaeological Significance

Hand stencil predates European cave art by >20 ka, revising timeline of symbolic behavior.
Finger alterations imply deliberate stylistic choices, evidencing complex cognition.

Human Migration

67.8 ka presence supports early Homo sapiens use of northern maritime corridor toward Sahul (~65 ka).
Strengthens narrative of rapid cultural transmission across Island Southeast Asia.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Sea	Flores Sea
Biogeographic zone	Wallacea
Administrative divisions	Muna, West Muna, Central Buton regencies
Dominant lithology	Limestone karst
Highest elevation	~445 m
Dating technique	Laser-ablation U-series on calcite
Minimum art age	67,800 years
Cave site	Liang Metanduno
Main motif	Hand stencil with modified fingers
Significance rank	Oldest cave art globally

GS-3Environment

6.UNEP Finance for Nature 2026 Report (Nature Finance Gap)

UNEPState of Finance for Nature · UNEP · nature-based solutions

Illustration for UNEP Finance for Nature 2026 Report (Nature Finance Gap)

What & Where

UNEP’s State of Finance for Nature 2026 tracks global capital flows toward Nature-based Solutions (NbS) versus nature-negative activities

Fourth edition supplies financial roadmap for meeting Rio Convention goals via ecosystem protection, restoration, sustainable management

Global assessment; 2023 data show dominant harmful subsidies and private investments from fossil-fuel, utilities, industrials, energy sectors

Quick Facts for MCQs

Finance Gap & Subsidies

Gap; NbS investment must rise to 571 bn annually by 2030
Nature-negative finance outweighs NbS roughly 30 : 1 threatening economic stability
Governments spend 2.4 trn on harmful subsidies led by 1.13 trn fossil-fuel support

Private Sector & Markets

Private capital 4.9 trn flows to utilities, industrials, energy driving degradation
Private NbS 23.4 bn mainly via biodiversity offsets and certified commodity chains
Disclosure momentum; 730 + institutions apply TNFD to map nature risk

Instruments & Innovations

Eight debt-for-nature swaps since 2021 unlocked sizeable conservation funding in Ecuador, Belize, Gabon
Sustainable bonds; United Utilities UK issued GBP 300 m for peatland and riverbank restoration
Bio-innovation: bacteria-infused self-healing concrete and fungi-based leather replacing high-impact materials

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Report edition	4th (2026)
NbS current finance	US$220 billion
Public share of NbS finance	90 % (US$197 billion)
Private NbS finance	US$23.4 billion
Nature-negative finance 2023	US$7.3 trillion (≈7 % GDP)
Environmentally harmful subsidies	US$2.4 trillion
Fossil-fuel subsidy share	US$1.13 trillion
Required NbS finance 2030	US$571 billion per year
Private negative flows	US$4.9 trillion
Investment gap multiple	2.5 × current NbS
Debt-for-nature swaps 2021-24	8 agreements
TNFD adopters	730 + organisations

GS-3Species

7.Asiatic Wild Dog Status (Endangered Canid)

ETVDhole · Cuon alpinus · IUCN Endangered

Illustration for Asiatic Wild Dog Status (Endangered Canid)

What & Where

Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole, Cuon alpinus) — social, pack-hunting canid; apex/meso predator in South & Southeast Asia.

India strongholds: Central Indian forests, Western/Eastern Ghats; first-ever camera capture now in Ratapani Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.

Prefers dense forests & forest-grassland mosaics with continuous medium-large ungulate prey and low human disturbance.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Habitat & Range

Dense tropical forests, hilly mosaics; avoids open plains and very high altitudes.
Requires large, connected landscapes; packs may roam >100 km² annually.
Indian distribution fragmented; healthy populations align with well-protected tiger reserves.

Ecological Role

Apex/meso predator stabilising trophic pyramid by curbing herbivore overabundance.
Pack cooperation allows prey capture sizes overlapping yet distinct from solitary leopards.
Presence signals robust prey base and habitat integrity.

Conservation Concern

Endangered due to habitat loss, prey depletion, disease from domestic dogs.
Sightings in Ratapani indicate habitat recovery under tiger-oriented management.
Protection needs: corridor security, disease control, community-based conflict mitigation.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Common name	Dhole
Scientific name	Cuon alpinus
IUCN Red List	Endangered (EN)
CITES Appendix	II
Pack size norm	5–20 individuals
Key prey	Chital, sambar, medium-large ungulates
Hunting style	Cooperative, daylight chases
Distinct traits	Reddish coat, rounded ears, meat-shearing dentition
Recent record	Camera-trapped, Ratapani Tiger Reserve, MP
Ecological role	Regulates herbivore numbers; balances predator guild with tigers & leopards

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1999PYQ 1

"India has the largest population of the Asian X. Today, there are just about 20,000 to 25,000 X in their natural habitat spreading across the evergreen forests, dry thorn forests, swamps and grasslands. Their prime habitats are, however, the moist deciduous forests. The X population in India ranges from Northwest India where they are found in the forest divisions of Dehradun, Bijnor and Nainital districts of UP to the Western Ghats in the states of Karnataka and Kerala and in Tamil Nadu. In Cen

GS-3S&T

8.Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Overview (Reusable Launch Vehicles)

The HinduRLV · reusability · launch cost

What & Where

Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV): rocket stage recovered, refurbished, reflown; contrasts with single-use expendable launchers.

Two recovery modes: VTVL (powered upright landing) & winged horizontal runway landing.

India tests at Chitradurga ATR, Karnataka using Pushpak (RLV-TD) for autonomous glide landings.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Operational Steps

Launch: reusable stage lifts payload, then separates after burnout.
Re-entry: GN&C maintains attitude; drag or retro-propulsion decelerates through atmosphere.
Recovery: vertical pad/barge landing or horizontal runway glide, followed by inspection and quick turnaround.

Tech & Schemes

Pushpak LEX-01/02/03 proved autonomous runway landing, 2023-24.
ADMIRE develops retro-propulsion, legs, grid-fins for Falcon-like VTVL.
NGLV targets reusable first stage, slated to replace PSLV fleet.

Limitations

Thermal-stress: high-temperature re-entry demands costly, inspection-heavy TPS.
Refurbishment: rising man-hours per flight can erode savings beyond certain reuse cycles.
Reliability: multiple flights necessitate stringent non-destructive testing to manage cumulative fatigue.

Economic Angle

Reusability lowers marginal cost per kg, enabling higher launch cadence and price-sensitive small-sat markets.
Hardware amortisation across flights unlocks private capital, shifting sector to commercial transport paradigm.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Projected space market, 2030	> USD 1 trillion
Launch-cost cut via reusability	5–20 times
Propellant+tank share in expendables	> 90 % liftoff mass
Typical payload fraction	< 4 %
Governing equation	Tsiolkovsky rocket equation
Indian winged demo	Pushpak (RLV-TD)
Indian VTVL test bed	ADMIRE
Future reusable launcher	NGLV (Project Soorya)

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

9.World’s First Graviton Detector Plan (Graviton Detection)

The Hindugraviton · superfluid helium · quantum gravity

What & Where

Graviton – hypothetical spin-2 quantum carrier of gravity, analogous to photon for electromagnetism

Proposed detection via superfluid-helium acoustic resonator cooled to quantum ground state

Experiment led by Stevens Institute of Technology and Yale University, USA

Quick Facts for MCQs

Detection Technique

Superfluid-helium offers ultra-high Q resonance, amplifying tiny energy deposits
Laser interferometry tracks membrane displacement with sub-attometer precision
Single graviton converts to one phonon, yielding discrete energy quantum

Challenges & Limitations

Gravity weakness causes interaction probabilities vastly below detector background thresholds
Classical gravitational waves can mimic single-quantum vibration, complicating attribution
Theoretically required detector mass may exceed practical laboratory scales

Scientific Significance

Successful detection bridges quantum mechanics and general relativity toward unified theory
Would empirically support spin-2 gauge boson assumptions in quantum gravity models
Opens avenue for testing string theory, loop quantum gravity, other beyond-Standard-Model frameworks

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Particle status	Hypothetical, not yet observed
Force mediated	Gravity, weakest fundamental force
Spin expectation	2 (tensor boson)
Detector medium	Superfluid helium resonator
Operating temperature	Near absolute zero, ground state
Expected signal	Single phonon excited by gravitational wave
Read-out method	Precision laser interferometry
Main obstacle	Extremely low graviton–matter interaction cross section
Prior verdict	Single-graviton capture deemed practically impossible
Breakthrough impact	Would confirm gravity as a quantum force

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

GS1 2017PYQ 2

What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

10.Darwin’s Bark Spider Silk Strength (Spider Silk Strength)

The HinduDarwin’s bark spider · Caerostris darwini · 1.6 GPa

What & Where

Species: Darwin’s bark spider (Caerostris darwini), endemic to Madagascar’s river-lake margins

Product: Dragline (major ampullate) silk registering record 1.6 GPa tensile strength

Producer subset: Ultra-tough silk made solely by large adult females, not males or juveniles

Quick Facts for MCQs

Evolution & Dimorphism

Selection pressure prioritises strength in females facing higher energetic, predatory demands
Extreme trait evolves only with clear survival payoff; juveniles/males retain cheaper silk

Silk Biochemistry

Proline abundance elevates toughness yet raises metabolic expense
Elasticity genetically conserved, implying separate regulation from strength pathways

Web Ecology

Sparse, high-strength threads bridge wide water bodies, enlarging prey capture zone
Denser yet weaker male/juvenile webs suit lower energy budgets and smaller ecological niches

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Silk tensile strength	≈1.6 gigapascals (≈3× iron)
Strong-silk makers	Large adult females only
Female size advantage	3–5 times larger than males
Key amino acid	Proline—drives toughness & elasticity
Silk type studied	Major ampullate (dragline)
Elasticity variation	Constant across sexes & ages
Web architecture	Sparse, few but stronger threads
Habitat span	Over rivers/lakes, prey otherwise unreachable
Metabolic cost	High; strength produced only when needed
Strength benefit	Supports gigantic orb webs for larger prey

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

11.DoT Delicenses 6 GHz WiFi Band (6 GHz WiFi)

The Hindu6 GHz band · WiFi 6E · WiFi 7

What & Where

Spectrum: lower 6 GHz band (5,925–6,425 MHz) now licence-exempt for indoor Wi-Fi across India.

Technology: enables Wi-Fi 6E/7; devices can use Multi-Link Operation over 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz.

Geography/Scope: fixed indoor sites only; barred in vehicles, trains, oil rigs to avoid interference.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

DoT notification 24 Jan 2026 removes licensing under Indoor Low Power category.
De-licensing reduces regulatory uncertainty, releases 480 MHz additional router spectrum.

Tech & Schemes

Wi-Fi 6E employs 160 MHz channels in 6 GHz, easing congestion, boosting throughput.
Multi-Link Operation bonds 2.4 + 5 + 6 GHz channels, cutting latency, improving reliability.

International Examples

United States allocates complete 1,200 MHz 6 GHz band to Wi-Fi; China earmarks entire band for mobile.
Europe and India open lower half to Wi-Fi, reserve upper half for future 5G/6G IMT use.

Economic Angle

Clearance expected to unlock Wi-Fi 7 hardware launches, e.g., PlayStation 5 Pro, routers, AR/VR gear.
Extra unlicensed capacity can offload cellular networks, lowering telecom operators’ capital expenditure.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Frequency span	5,925–6,425 MHz
Spectrum status	De-licensed, indoor only
Eligible standards	Wi-Fi 6E & Wi-Fi 7
Max theoretical speed	9.6 Gbps
Key new feature	Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
High-bandwidth uses	VR, AR, cloud gaming
Global stance India	Split band; mirrors Europe
Fully unlicensed model	United States
Mobile-only reservation	China
Prohibited environments	Cars, trains, oil rigs

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2011PYQ 1

What is the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices?

GS1 2010PYQ 2

Consider the following :

GS-2Misc

12.WEF Global Future Councils (WEF Think Tank)

DD NewsGlobal Future Councils · World Economic Forum · UAE

Illustration for WEF Global Future Councils (WEF Think Tank)

What & Where

Definition: WEF’s invitation-only, time-bound think-tank network producing future-looking insights on global challenges.

Process: ~37 interdisciplinary councils, members serve 2-year terms, outputs feed WEF initiatives & Davos agenda.

Geography: Annual meetings 2026-2030 to be hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Structure & Membership

Composition: academics, business, civil society, public sector experts mixed per council.
Scale: each council capped for agility; entire network refreshed every two years.
Exclusivity: no open nominations; WEF curates based on domain leadership.

Objectives

Trend-spotting: track emerging technologies, risks, social shifts shaping global future.
Policy linkage: convert research insights into actionable briefs for governments & WEF programmes.
Sustainability: promote resilient, inclusive development models aligning with SDGs.

Operating Principles

Interdisciplinarity: mandate to bridge sectoral silos via systems thinking.
Evidence-basis: outputs anchored in data, peer research, not individual opinion.
Innovation-focus: encourage scanning of frontier tech and nascent issues for early action.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2013
Parent body	World Economic Forum
Host partner 2026-2030	United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Membership mode	Invitation-only
Term length	2 years
Upcoming term	Mar 2025 – Dec 2026
Planned councils (2025-26)	≈37
Experts currently involved	≈700
Cumulative councils since 2013	≈900
Total experts since 2013	12,000 +

GS-2Misc

13.Graça Machel Gets Indira Gandhi Peace Prize (Peace Prize)

The HinduGraça Machel · Indira Gandhi Prize · peace

What & Where

International annual award honouring peace, disarmament, development; instituted 1985 by Government of India.

Administered by Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, New Delhi; decided by 5-9-member international jury.

Open to living individuals or organisations worldwide; prize money ₹1 crore plus citation and haematite-jasper trophy.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Objectives

Promote international peace, non-alignment, nuclear disarmament in a divided world order.
Encourage equitable global development with South–South cooperation emphasis.
Advance human freedom, dignity, social justice via science and technology for welfare.

Eligibility & Selection

Nomination accepted only for living entities; no bar on nationality, race, religion, gender.
Jury may split prize or withhold if no suitable candidate deemed fit.
Selection consensus ensures broad acceptability, reinforcing prize prestige.

Award Components

Cash ₹1 crore or foreign-exchange equivalent ensures global attractiveness.
Formal citation recognises creative contribution; trophy bears Jaipur miniature-style silver-rimmed portrait.
Stone sourced from Indira Gandhi’s samadhi symbolises continuity with her legacy.

Recent Laureate

Graça Machel, Mozambican humanitarian & women’s rights advocate, chosen for 2026 edition.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Instituted	1985
Founder	Government of India
Administering body	Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, New Delhi
Core focus	Peace, Nuclear Disarmament, Equitable Development
Eligibility	Living individuals / organisations, any nationality
Nominators	MPs, past awardees, jury, reputed orgs, UN-state legislators
Jury size	5–9 members
Decision rule	Consensus; final & binding
Award money	₹10 million (₹1 crore)
Trophy material	Haematite Jasper from Shakti Sthal
Frequency	Annual; may be withheld or split
Funding source	Government of India endowment
Latest announced laureate	Graça Machel (2026)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2015PYQ 1

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which one of the following?

GS1 2003PYQ 2

The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, 2002 was awarded to

GS-2Scheme

14.ACC PLI Scheme for Batteries (Battery Manufacturing)

The HinduACC-PLI · advanced chemistry cell · ₹18

What & Where

Central-sector Production Linked Incentive to build domestic advanced chemistry cell (Li-ion, etc.) manufacturing.

Implemented nationwide under Ministry of Heavy Industries; plants chosen via competitive bids.

Target: 50 GWh cell capacity by 2026 to cut battery imports.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Focus on advanced chemistry cells; excludes lead-acid technologies.
Performance metrics tied to actual cell sales to ensure market-relevant output.
Localization mandate pushes component, material ecosystem inside India.

Economic Angle

Aim to slash strategic battery import dependence, mainly on China.
Large fiscal incentive expected to crowd-in private capex, create scale economies.
Value-addition thresholds designed to deepen supply chain over five years.

Implementation Status

Only 1.4 GWh commissioned versus 50 GWh goal; significant schedule slippage.
Hyundai exit reduces effective allocated capacity, intensifying pressure on remaining bidders.
Report flags need for faster plant construction to meet 2026 deadline.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scheme launch	October 2021
Total outlay	₹18,100 crore
Incentive nature	Output-linked subsidy
Per-kWh incentive cap	≈ ₹2,000
Minimum firm investment	₹1,100 crore
Domestic value add	25 % in 2 yrs; 60 % in 5 yrs
Target capacity	50 GWh by 2026
Current commissioned	1.4 GWh (report)
Selected bidders	Ola Electric, Reliance New Energy, Rajesh Exports
Bidder exit	Hyundai Global withdrew

GS-2Scheme

15.PLI Scheme for ACs and LEDs (White Goods PLI)

News on Airwhite goods · Production-Linked Incentive · compressors

What & Where

PLI Scheme for White Goods: central sector, incentivises domestic manufacture of AC and LED components

Geography: Pan-India; administered by Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Timeframe: Launched FY 2021-22; incentives payable for five years after one-year gestation, up to FY 2028-29

Quick Facts for MCQs

Financial Structure

Fund-limited design caps disbursal within Cabinet-approved ₹6,238 crore ensuring fiscal discipline
Incentive disbursed annually post verification of incremental sales and investment thresholds

Coverage & Scale

Segments targeted: high-value, low-value AC intermediates; LED core & other components
Sub-assemblies for indoor and outdoor AC units included to deepen domestic value chains

Eligibility & Accountability

Mandatory dual thresholds: minimum investment plus incremental sales to unlock yearly incentive
Non-compliance leads to forfeiture, fostering result-oriented asset creation

Employment & Industrial Impact

Scheme envisages robust electronics and appliance ecosystem, reducing import dependence and boosting jobs across supply chains

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total outlay	₹6,238 crore
Latest round (4th) firms	5 companies
Latest committed investment	₹863 crore
Cumulative approved firms	85 companies
Expected total investment	~₹11,198 crore
Expected production value	~₹1.9 lakh crore
Incentive rate	4 % – 6 % on incremental sales
Base year for sales	FY 2019-20
Eligible products	AC compressors, copper tubes, PCBAs, LED drivers, chip packaging
Implementing ministry	Commerce & Industry (DPIIT)
Monitoring body	Empowered Group of Secretaries chaired by Cabinet Secretary
Eligibility	Greenfield or brownfield manufacturing only
Priority weightage	Core components & high investment proposals
Employment outcome	Significant direct & indirect jobs (government estimate)

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