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15 topicsGS-1: 7GS-2: 4GS-3: 4
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GS-2Polity

1.Supreme Court Split on PCA Section 17A (Prevention of Corruption Act)

The Hindu

What & Where

Prevention of Corruption Act 1988: chief anti-graft statute for all Indian public servants.

Section 17A: mandates prior government nod before any inquiry/investigation into official acts.

January 2026: Supreme Court two-judge bench split on Section 17A’s constitutionality.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Coverage; includes officers, judges, anyone with public duty.
  • Approval; presently from “concerned govt” until larger bench decides.
  • Critique; termed “old wine” resembling earlier quashed directives.

Judicial Opinions

  • Viswanathan; independent watchdog opinion to bind govt before consent.
  • Nagarathna; Section 19 already enough, extra filter arbitrary.
  • Split; Chief Justice to constitute larger bench for final call.

Precedents

  • Vineet Narain 1998; Single Directive void for Article 14 breach.
  • Swamy v CBI 2014; Section 6A DSPE Act struck for irrational shield.
  • Both cases strengthen free, unbiased investigation principle.

Systemic Reforms

  • Need; swift trial disposal for deterrence.
  • Proposal; penalties on false/malicious complaints.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Parent lawPrevention of Corruption Act, 1988
Contested clauseSection 17A
Inserted by2018 Amendment
Approval stagePre-inquiry / investigation
Separate safeguardSection 19 sanction at prosecution
Viswanathan stanceUphold; Lokpal/Lokayukta must vet
Nagarathna stanceStrike; violates Article 14
Core objectiveProtect honest officials, curb “play-safe” syndrome
Impacted agenciesCBI, State Police
SC date30 Jan 2026 (split verdict)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?

GS-3Economy

2.Coking Coal Declared Critical Strategic Mineral (Critical Minerals)

Economic Times

What & Where

Metallurgical/Coking coal: bituminous grade that softens, fuses, re-solidifies into hard coke for blast-furnace steelmaking.

Carbonisation: heated without oxygen ⇒ porous coke acting as fuel, heat source and reducing agent inside furnaces.

Indian geology: ~37 Bt reserves; core fields Jharia-Bokaro (Jharkhand), plus Raniganj (WB), Korba (Chhattisgarh), Sohagpur (MP).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Critical & Strategic tag enables faster clearances, public-consultation waiver, degraded forest use.
  • Centre may auction blocks; state revenues unchanged via royalty/ premium.
  • Reform aims deeper private exploration of deep-seated seams.

Economic Angle

  • Reducing imports curbs forex outflow amid volatile global prices.
  • Secure coke supply vital for scaling second-largest steel industry.
  • Domestic washing/beneficiation tech crucial for high-ash Indian coal.

Tech & Schemes

  • Advanced coal washing lowers ash to acceptable steel-grade levels.
  • Private giants expected to deploy deep drilling, 3-D seismic, AI modelling.
  • Policy aligns with Exploration cum Mining (ECM) licence push.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Governing ActMMDR Act, 1957
Schedule shiftPart D, First Schedule
Enabling Section11C (notification power)
Royalty clause11D(3) – accrues to States
Import dependence≈95 % of demand
Annual imports~58 million tonnes
Domestic resource37 billion tonnes
Steel target300 MT by 2030 (NSP)
Main import sourceAustralia (also Russia, USA)
Key quality needLow ash & sulphur

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

Despite having large reserves of coal, why does India import millions of tonnes of coal?

GS1 2015PYQ 2

In India, the steel production industry requires the import of

GS-1History

3.Meghalaya Living Root Bridges Heritage Nomination (Living Root Bridges)

News on Air
Illustration for Meghalaya Living Root Bridges Heritage Nomination (Living Root Bridges)

What & Where

Definition: Jingkieng Jri are pedestrian bridges grown by Khasi–Jaintia tribes from live Ficus elastica aerial roots.

Process: Roots guided across streams, intertwined, stone-paved; functional in 10–15 yrs, strengthen with age.

Geography: East Khasi Hills & West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya; iconic sites Nongriat, Rewai, Mawlynnong.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Cultural Heritage

  • Continuity: Pre-literate tradition transmitted orally across generations.
  • Identity: Bridges serve as symbols of tribal ingenuity and community cooperation.
  • Intangible value: Intertwines ritual respect for forests with daily mobility.

Construction Technique

  • Scaffolding: Young roots threaded through Areca husks to direct growth.
  • Anastomosis: Manual twisting merges roots into load-bearing lattice.
  • Path formation: Stones inserted between roots creating flat, walkable deck.

Climate Resilience

  • Flood endurance: Flexible live roots absorb monsoon hydraulics unlike rigid concrete.
  • Erosion control: Root networks stabilize riverbanks reducing landslide risk.
  • Low emissions: Zero cement or steel, minimal maintenance, perpetual carbon uptake.

Global Recognition

  • World-heritage: Dossier titled “Jingkieng Jri Cultural Landscape” before UNESCO.
  • Model status: Cited as nature-based solution for regenerative architecture worldwide.
  • National pride: Adds to India’s push for diverse heritage representation.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Local nameJingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai
UNESCO cycleIndia’s dossier for 2026-27 evaluation
Builder communitiesKhasi and Jaintia tribes
Main tree speciesFicus elastica (Indian rubber tree)
Typical gestation10–15 years to usable stage
Indicative lifespanMultiple centuries; some > 500 years (oral lore)
Structural aidHollowed Areca-palm trunks or bamboo scaffolds
Noted variantNongriat Double-Decker root bridge
Climate zoneWorld’s wettest area—Mawsynram/Cherrapunji plateau
Sustainability traitsCarbon-sequestering, self-repairing, flood-resistant
Guiding ethicMei Ramew (Mother Earth) harmony principle
GS-1History

4.Paathara Underground Grain Storage Tradition (Traditional Storage)

The Hindu
Illustration for Paathara Underground Grain Storage Tradition (Traditional Storage)

What & Where

Indigenous Paathara/Khoni = underground pit for long-term paddy storage.

Process: straw-clay-plastered cavity, straw-rope base, cow-dung–clay airtight seal after ritual puja.

Core geography: Uddanam region, inland hilly Srikakulam district (Andhra Pradesh) along Mahendratanaya River near Odisha border.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Structural Details

  • Rectangular/circular pit sited before house or cattle-shed.
  • Straw-clay lining plus straw-rope base stop soil moisture.
  • Clay-cow-dung cover renders cavity airtight and pest-proof.

Cultural Rituals

  • Puja begins storage; women draw bindi on pit mouth.
  • Offerings of wildflowers and first paddy seek household prosperity.
  • Tradition forecast to vanish by January 2026 as youth shift to modern bins.

Nutrition & Health

  • Underground ageing yields superior flavour and aroma.
  • Lower glycaemic index rice favoured by diabetics and fitness consumers.
  • Chemical-free method preserves micronutrients.

Environmental Sustainability

  • Zero-carbon, zero-electricity storage using only local biodegradable materials.
  • Near-home location reduces theft and transport emissions.
  • Helps avert ~10 % national grain loss attributed to poor warehousing.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Local name (Odia)Khoni
District & StateSrikakulam, Andhra Pradesh
Micro-regionUddanam, Mahendratanaya basin
Terrain suitedInland hilly; coastal moisture harmful
Chief crop storedFreshly harvested paddy
Insulation mixStraw + clay plaster
Sealing layerClay mixed with cow dung
Moisture barrierHand-woven straw ropes
Expected extinctionJanuary 2026
GS-1History

5.Tantya Mama Bhil Freedom Fighter Legacy (Tribal Freedom Fighters)

Indian Express

What & Where

Tantya Mama Bhil freedom fighter (1878-1889) resisted British in Malwa-Nimar-Satpura forests, earning Indian Robin Hood fame

Bhil tribe largest Scheduled Tribe, settled across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh announcing new metal statue at Khandwa to honour his legacy among 1.53 crore state tribals

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Resistance

  • Revolt span 1878-1889 targeting tax and revenue structures
  • Strategy loot wealthy collaborators, redistribute to poor tribals
  • Legacy inspired Bhagat Movement 1883 and Eki Andolan 1920 among Bhils

Demographic Spread

  • Madhya Pradesh tribal count 1.53 crore highest nationally
  • Bhils form 4.61 million, 37.7 % of STs across six states
  • Community dominates MP tribals at 40 %, steering state politics

Cultural Heritage

  • Visual arts Pithora murals and dotted Bhil paintings depict deities, harvests
  • Festivals Bhagoria marriage market (MP), Gol Gadhedo (Gujarat) mark spring
  • Religion syncretic Hindu-animism; Nirdhi & Tadvi lines follow Islam

Colonial Policies

  • Criminal Tribes Act 1871 tagged Bhils criminal, restricted movement
  • British suppression climaxed in Mangarh massacre 1913 killing protesting Bhils
  • Tribal agitations sought revenue relief, social reform, communal equity

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Tantya Mama active years1878 – 1889
Community representedBhil
Bhil share in MP tribal population40 %
Tribals share in MP population21 % (highest)
Bhil share of total ST population37.7 %
Bhil population (2011)4.61 million
Colonial tag under CTACriminal Tribe (1871)
Tantya Mama nicknameIndian Robin Hood
Bhagat Movement leaderGovind Guru
Mangarh massacre year1913
Eki Andolan leaderMotilal Tejawat
GS-1Environment

6.Western Disturbance Winter Storms in India (Western Disturbances)

NDTV
Illustration for Western Disturbance Winter Storms in India (Western Disturbances)

What & Where

Western Disturbance: east-moving extra-tropical low from Mediterranean reaching Northwest–Central India via Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan

Formation: polar cold air meets warmer moist Mediterranean air, depression steered by Subtropical Westerly Jet, uplift at Himalaya triggers precipitation

Core belt: Mediterranean → Iran → Afghanistan/Pakistan → Western Himalayas, adjoining plains

Quick Facts for MCQs

Formation Mechanism

  • High-pressure over Europe pushes polar air south, meeting warm moist Mediterranean air
  • Resultant depression rides jet stream toward Indian subcontinent
  • Himalayan barrier forces ascent, leading to rain or snow

Agricultural Impact

  • Moderate WD showers supply natural irrigation for rabi season
  • Intense WD may bring hail, thunder damaging standing crops
  • IMD advisory: drain excess field water to prevent root rot

Temperature Dynamics

  • Pre-system cloud blanket retains terrestrial heat, elevating minimums
  • Post-passage clear skies plus cold northerlies trigger cold wave events
  • Dense fog common across Indo-Gangetic plains after WD exit

Water Security

  • WD snowfall replenishes Himalayan glaciers, stabilising perennial river discharge in summer
  • Essential hydrological input for northern India’s drinking, irrigation, hydropower demands

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Alert window31 Jan – 3 Feb 2026
System typeExtra-tropical storm / low
Principal origin basinMediterranean Sea
Major moisture add-onsCaspian Sea, Black Sea
Steering windSubtropical Westerly Jet Stream
Indian impact zoneJ&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
Key rabi crops benefittedWheat, Mustard, Gram
Pre-WD night trendTemperatures rise due to cloud cover
Post-WD effectCold northerlies, sharp temperature drop, dense fog
Glacier roleFeeds Himalayan ice, sustains Ganga–Yamuna–Indus flows

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2015PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2001PYQ 2

Assertion (A): Anti-cyclonic conditions are formed in winter season when atmospheric pressure is high and air temperatures are low.

GS-1Mapping

7.Shiveluch Stratovolcano in Kamchatka (Volcano Mapping)

PHY
Illustration for Shiveluch Stratovolcano in Kamchatka (Volcano Mapping)

What & Where

Stratovolcano Shiveluch sits on Kamchatka Peninsula, Far Eastern Russia, within Pacific Ring of Fire subduction zone.

Formed by Pacific Plate underthrusting Okhotsk Plate; noted for super-hydrous, highly explosive magmas.

Northernmost active Kamchatka volcano, part of UNESCO-listed Volcanoes of Kamchatka landscape.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geologic Profile

  • Structure includes extinct Old Shiveluch, 9 km-wide caldera, active Young Shiveluch cone
  • Magma water-rich; drives high explosivity, aids global water-cycle research
  • Pleistocene origin situates volcano within Holocene active arc

Eruption Record

  • Historical catalog counts ≥ 60 major Holocene eruptions
  • Continuous eruptive phase recorded from 1999 onward with frequent ash plumes
  • April 2023 dual blasts reached cruising-altitude jet lanes

Aviation Hazard

  • Ash particles melt in turbine heat, causing engine surge or shutdown
  • Shiveluch plume heights routinely 8–12 km, intersecting trans-Pacific flight levels
  • Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers issue reroute alerts to airlines

UNESCO & Conservation

  • Site forms core of Volcanoes of Kamchatka World Heritage property for outstanding volcanic landscapes
  • Protection status supports geological, ecological and tourism research balance
  • Monitoring networks funded under Russian Academy of Sciences and UNESCO geohazard programs

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Volcano typeStratovolcano
Peak elevation3,283 m
Geologic age60,000–70,000 yr
Formation driverPacific-Okhotsk plate subduction
Activity stateNear-continuous since 1999
Major eruptions (10 k yr)≈ 60
April 2023 ash column~9,000 m
Nearest settlementKlyuchi 50 km
Distance to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky450 km N
UNESCO inscription1996
Volcanic complex partsOld Shiveluch, caldera, Young Shiveluch
Air-route relevanceUnder major trans-Pacific corridors
GS-3S&T

8.Easier Test Licence Under NDCT Rules (Clinical Trials Rules)

PIB

What & Where

NDCT Rules 2019: central framework for approval of new drugs and clinical trials in India

Jan 2026 amendments notified by Union Health & Family Welfare Ministry to ease R&D compliance

Implemented nationwide through CDSCO, headquartered New Delhi

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Amendment inserted via NDCT Rules 2019 under Ease of Doing Business agenda
  • Prior-intimation replaces Form 29 test-licence for specified research manufacture
  • Aligns with Make-in-India goal to attract pharma R&D investments

Regulatory Timelines

  • Statutory review window halved to 45 days where licence still mandatory
  • Expected 90-day reduction in end-to-end drug development cycle
  • Optimises existing CDSCO manpower without extra staffing

Digital Integration

  • Dedicated modules on National Single Window System ensure paperless workflow
  • SUGAM e-governance platform captures real-time intimation acknowledgements
  • Transparency, audit trail, and applicant dashboards embedded

Risk Exemptions

  • Cytotoxic, narcotic, psychotropic substances deliberately excluded from waiver
  • High-risk categories continue full scrutiny for public safety
  • Categorisation mirrors existing Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act compliances

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Notification date30 Jan 2026
Licence waiver scopeNon-commercial small-quantity manufacture for research
Licence still needed forCytotoxic, narcotic, psychotropic drugs
Test-licence processing cut90 days ➜ 45 days
Overall R&D cycle saved≈ 90 days
BA/BE low-risk studiesOnly online prior-intimation
E-submission portalsNSWS module & SUGAM
Guiding principleJan Vishwas (trust-based reforms)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Which organization developed the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) portal?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

9.Acoustic Topological Sensor Detects Helium Leaks (Helium Leak Detection)

The Hindu

What & Where

Acoustic helium-leak sensor uses topological Kagome-lattice corners to trap sound waves and register frequency shifts.

Detection relies on helium altering speed of sound; fully physical, no chemical reaction.

India’s prospecting hotspot: Rajmahal volcanic basin, Bakreswar-Tantloi geothermal area (Jharkhand–West Bengal).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Mechanism

  • Kagome corners localise acoustic modes, boosting sensitivity to minute sound-speed variations.
  • Instantaneous concentration read-out; avoids cryogenic or spectrometric setups.
  • Works despite helium’s chemical inertness and small atomic size.

Industrial Applications

  • Essential in aerospace rocket purging, deep-sea diving gas mixes, leak-testing, lifting balloons, specialised TIG welding.
  • Demand rising with global MRI installation growth and semiconductor cooling needs.
  • Acoustic sensor promises safer, non-invasive leak monitoring in these sectors.

Geopolitics & Supply

  • Finite natural reserves create chronic global shortage; price volatility high.
  • Diversification goal: India, Qatar, Tanzania exploring new fields to cut dependence on US-centric supply chain.
  • Strategic material status elevates helium in critical-mineral discussions worldwide.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Target gasHelium (He, atomic no. 2)
Sensor core materialTopological Kagome-lattice structure
Key detection signalFrequency change of trapped sound waves
Helium terrestrial sourceAlpha-decay of U & Th in natural gas fields
Universe abundance rank2nd after Hydrogen
Major reserve holdersUSA, Algeria, Russia
Critical medical useCooling MRI superconducting magnets
Indian exploration blockRajmahal volcanic basin (Bakreswar-Tantloi)
GS-3S&TQuick Bite

10.Sacred Lotus Floral Thermogenesis Mechanism (Plant Thermogenesis)

The Hindu
Illustration for Sacred Lotus Floral Thermogenesis Mechanism (Plant Thermogenesis)

What & Where

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) aquatic herb native to North & Central India, inhabits ponds, lakes, slow-moving waters

Exhibits floral thermogenesis during 3-to-4-day bloom in early summer

Flower core temperature held at 30–35 °C even when ambient approaches 10 °C

Quick Facts for MCQs

Thermogenesis Mechanism

  • Calcium-ion spike activates receptacle mitochondria initiating heat production
  • Alternative oxidase bypasses ATP synthesis converting stored starch and fats directly into heat
  • Thermal maintenance persists until end of male phase

Pollination Strategy

  • Warm receptacle volatilises scent strongly attracting beetle pollinators
  • Partially closed petals form insulated chamber enhancing insect stay time
  • Beetles exit during male phase carrying pollen to other flowers enabling cross-pollination

Comparative Botany

  • Similar heat-producing ability observed in skunk cabbage and arum lilies
  • Thermogenesis viewed as evolutionary aid for successful pollination under cool conditions

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Flower duration3–4 days
Bloom seasonEarly summer
Internal flower temp30–35 °C
Ambient temp tested~10 °C
Thermogenesis onsetFemale phase, petals turn pink
Trigger ionCalcium (Ca²⁺) surge
Respiratory routeAlternative oxidase pathway
Key pollinatorsBeetles
GS-2Misc

11.Power Gap Index in Asia Power Assessment (Power Gap Index)

Business Standard

What & Where

Power Gap Index: Lowy Institute metric gauging efficiency in converting resources into Asia-Pacific influence

Builds on Asia Power Index; covers 26 regional countries since 2018

India 2025-26: Major Power category yet −4.0 score, signalling unrealised strategic potential

Quick Facts for MCQs

Metrics & Methodology

  • Gap = Comprehensive Power minus expected power from resource base
  • Quantifies how well wealth/military convert into regional influence
  • Mixes hard data (GDP, arms) and soft metrics (culture, diplomacy)

India Snapshot

  • First entry into “Major Power” band yet negative efficiency
  • Outperforms on resources, underdelivers on alliance building and trade leverage
  • Economic Survey 2025-26 tables index for first time in Parliament

Policy Implications

  • Survey frames gap as call to shift from stability recipient to provider
  • Emphasises embedding domestic capability into global value chains
  • Targets improving defence partnerships and trade diplomacy to close gap

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
DeveloperLowy Institute, Sydney
Launch year2018 (Asia Power Index project)
NatureSecondary analytical “power efficiency” score
Indicators used131 across 8 thematic measures
Resource pillarsEconomic, Military, Resilience, Future Resources
Influence pillarsEconomic Ties, Defence Networks, Diplomatic, Cultural
Scoring meaningPositive = Over-performer; Negative = Under-performer
India Comprehensive Power 202540.0 /100 (3rd)
India Power Gap 2025−4.0 (lowest in Asia barring Rus/NK)
India weak spotsDefence Networks 11th; Economic Relationships 9th
Top three powersUSA 1st, China 2nd, India 3rd
GS-2Scheme

12.Digital Food Currency CBDC Pilot for PDS (Digital Food Coupons)

Times of India
Illustration for Digital Food Currency CBDC Pilot for PDS (Digital Food Coupons)

What & Where

Digital Food Currency: programmable CBDC e-Rupee replacing grains/cash in PDS subsidies

Pilot launch Feb 2026 in Chandigarh, Puducherry, Gujarat’s Anand-Sabarmati-Dahod districts

Tokens spendable only at authorised Fair Price Shops via QR scan; no repeated biometrics

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Programmability locks tokens exclusively to foodgrain purchases, preventing subsidy diversion
  • Feature-phone access planned via SMS vouchers or offline wallet solutions
  • Real-time ledger enables gram-level tracking of grain movement

Operational Flow

  • Monthly credit into beneficiary RBI wallet; offline options under study
  • QR scan at shop transfers tokens instantly, triggers grain hand-over
  • Time-bound validity curbs accumulation, enforces regular draw-downs

Social & Economic Impact

  • Ensures Right to Food by blocking non-essential spending of subsidy value
  • Cuts logistics cost of moving physical grain/cash, boosting fiscal efficiency
  • Reduces authentication failures common among elderly, manual workers

Governance & Stakeholders

  • Tripartite coordination: RBI, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, State Govts
  • NPCI handles payment plumbing; Fair Price Shops act as last-mile agents
  • Positions India among first major economies piloting social-welfare programmable CBDC

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch scheduleFebruary 2026 (pilot)
Regulatory bodyReserve Bank of India
Implementing authorityMinistry of Consumer Affairs, Food & PD
Tech enablerNPCI digital rails
Form factorRBI digital wallet-credited e-Rupee tokens
Validity window~30 days per coupon
Geographic mix2 UTs + 3 Gujarat districts
Proof-of-concept aimNationwide CBDC-based welfare distribution
Biometric needEliminated at Fair Price Shops
FCI roleSupplies grains redeemed against tokens

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2024PYQ 1

Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee:

GS1 2017PYQ 2

Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?

GS-2Scheme

13.One District One Product Scheme Expansion (ODOP Initiative)

PIB

What & Where

Flagship DPIIT programme identifying, branding, promoting one distinctive product from every district.

Inspired by Japan’s One Village One Product; covers 1,102 products in 761 districts as of 2025.

Pilot 2018 in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad brassware; now spans agriculture, handicrafts, textiles, food nationwide.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Policy Framework

  • Nodal: DPIIT under Commerce Ministry executes; Invest India assists implementation.
  • Selection: States/UTs shortlist products reflecting local ecosystem and heritage.
  • Alignment: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Make in India, Districts as Export Hubs.

Market Access

  • Platforms: GeM, ODOP Bazaar, state e-commerce portals expand domestic sales footprint.
  • Visibility: ODOP Wall at SARAS Aajeevika Stores showcases district crafts for urban consumers.
  • Exports: Products displayed at international trade fairs, aiding global branding.

Financial & Infrastructure Support

  • Unity Malls: Dedicated retail hubs for ODOP, GI, handicrafts built via PPP model.
  • Funding: ₹5,000-crore interest-free corpus; minimum ₹100 crore allotted to each State.
  • Impact: Enhanced market space expected to raise artisan incomes and local employment.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch year2018
Pilot districtMoradabad, Uttar Pradesh
Nodal bodyDPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Inspiration modelJapan’s "One Village One Product"
Products covered (2025)1,102
Districts covered761
ODOP products on portal>1,200
Unity Malls approved29 in 27 States
Unity Mall funding₹5,000 crore interest-free; ≥₹100 crore per State
Key e-commerce channelsGeM, ODOP Bazaar, State portals
GS-1Editorial

15.Rising Digital Addiction and Youth Mental Health (Digital Addiction)

The Hindu

What & Where

Digital addiction = persistent, compulsive device/online use causing psychological distress and functional loss.

Key manifestations : mental (anxiety, depression), physical (sleep debt, tech-neck), cognitive (shorter attention).

Geography : India; urban youth 15-24 most vulnerable amid near-universal mobile internet.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers

  • Cheap data & 5G spur HD streaming and real-money gaming.
  • Dopamine-tuned infinite scroll targets 15–24 yrs vulnerabilities.
  • Pandemic online schooling normalised day-long screen exposure.

Health Impact

  • Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem via social comparison, cyberbullying.
  • Physical fallout: sleep debt, reduced activity, musculoskeletal “tech-neck”.
  • Cognitive loss: shrinking attention, weaker offline peer networks.

Policy & Gaps

  • No nationwide prevalence data; NMHS-II delayed.
  • Few tech-addiction clinics; SHUT-NIMHANS remains urban-centric.
  • Big tech resists age caps, ad bans threatening revenue.

Interventions

  • ISP family plans: unlimited educational, capped recreational data.
  • Mandatory age verification; explore U-16 social-media restrictions.
  • Digital-wellness curriculum, offline youth hubs, compulsory school physical activity.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Internet connections 2014250 million
Internet connections 2024≈ 970 million
Smartphone hours 20241 lakh crore hours
Phone use for education (14-16 yrs)57 %
Phone use for social media (14-16 yrs)76 %
High-risk age cohort15–24 years
Digital economy share of GDP74 %
MMR fall since 199086 % decline
Key new lawOnline Gaming (Regulation) Act 2025
Pending prevalence studySecond National Mental Health Survey

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