UPSC Current Affairs 5 February 2026

Q: Which Ministry released the India AI Governance Guidelines in 2025?

The correct answer is (a) Ministry of Science and Technology. This question appeared in ESE_GS 2026.

Q: भारतीय उद्यमिता संस्थान (IIE) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025.

Q: What is the name of the initiative launched by India and Denmark in November 2025 to enhance bilateral ties?

The correct answer is (a) Indo-Danish Economic Forum. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026.

Q: जून, 2024 में भारत ने USA के साथ एक समझौता-ज्ञापन (MoU) पर हस्ताक्षर किया ताकि भारतीय रेल को ‘नेट-शून्य उत्सर्जन’ लक्ष्य प्राप्त करने में किस वर्ष तक सहायता मिल सके?

The correct answer is (a) 2030. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: S1. Liberalisation and globalisation freed India's economy from the low GDP trap that had impeded India's progress

The correct answer is (a) Q S R P. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025.

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

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021.

Q: उच्चतम न्यायालय के न्यायाधीश के रूप में किसे नियुक्त किया जा सकता है?

The correct answer is (a) किसी अधिवक्ता को, जिसने किसी उच्च न्यायालय में कम-से-कम दस वर्ष तक विधि व्यवसाय किया हो. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021.

Q: Under which one of the following initiatives does the NITI Aayog support interested States to establish a State Institution for Transformation (SIT)?

The correct answer is (a) NITI for States Platform. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025.

Q: Which one among the following statements about the objectives of Vibrant Village Programme is correct?

The correct answer is (a) It is a Centrally sponsored scheme.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024.

Q: रक्षा अनुसंधान एवं विकास संगठन (DRDO) का एक अंग, भारत के गैस टरबाइन अनुसंधान स्थापना (GTRE) ने एक एयरो-इंजन विकसित किया है जो संभवतः भारत को एयरो-इंजन प्रौद्योगिकी में आत्मनिर्भर बनाएगा। इस इंजन का नाम क्या है?

The correct answer is (a) गंगा. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2025.

GS-2Scheme

1.Bharat Taxi Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform

The HinduBharat Taxi · Sarathi hi Malik · Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act

Illustration for Bharat Taxi Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform

What & Where

Bharat Taxi: India’s first cooperative, driver-owned ride-hailing service; formally launched in New Delhi.

Operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Ltd, a multi-state society under Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.

Purpose: inclusive, surge-free mobility; drivers (Sarathis) are shareholders and primary decision-makers.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Governance: Ministry of Cooperation provides policy guidance, aligning with Sahkar se Samriddhi vision
Recognition: First cooperative platform in Indian mobility sector
Non-exclusive clause lets drivers retain freedom to join other aggregators

Economic Angle

Revenue: Entire fare credited to driver, later redistributed as cooperative profit share
Indigenous alternative reduces reliance on foreign-funded apps, supports Atmanirbhar Bharat
Cooperative model expected to stabilise driver income, avoiding exploitative commissions

Social Welfare

Benefits: Retirement savings scheme, emergency support fund alongside insurance packages
Dignity: Driver-shareholder status enhances workplace autonomy and labour respect
Safety: Multilingual app, real-time tracking, verified data integrated with police systems

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Ownership model	Cooperative, driver-owned
Operating entity	Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Ltd
Registration Act	Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act 2002
Incorporation date	6 June 2025
Launch location	New Delhi
Commission on fares	Zero
Surge pricing	Absent
Accident insurance	₹5 lakh per driver
Family health cover	₹5 lakh
Women initiatives	Sarathi Didi & Bike Didi, 150+ women drivers

GS-2Scheme

2.SabhaSaar AI Gram Sabha Summarisation Platform

PIBSabhaSaar · AI transcription · Ministry of Panchayati Raj

What & Where

Platform: AI-powered voice-to-text tool creating structured Minutes of Meetings for Gram Sabha & Panchayat sittings across India

Launch: 14 Aug 2025; nodal Ministry of Panchayati Raj; AI & cloud backbone from IndiaAI Mission, MeitY

Scale: Adopted by 1.11 lakh+ Gram Panchayats (Jan 2026); operates on government cloud, rural nationwide coverage

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Integration: Bhashini enables real-time multilingual transcription and summarisation
Capability: NLP extracts decisions, action points, speaker segments for searchable archives
Efficiency: Automation slashes manual note-taking time for Panchayat secretaries

Governance Angle

Transparency: Verifiable digital records boost citizen oversight and RTI responsiveness
Participation: Standardised MoM encourages regular Gram Sabha meetings per Constitutional mandate
Workload shift: Officials reallocate time from paperwork to service delivery and scheme monitoring

Legal & Policy

Data-control: Entire stack hosted on sovereign cloud within Indian jurisdiction
Privacy: Compliance with DPDP Act 2025 ensures consent, purpose limitation, secure retention
Alignment: Supports Digital India, Local Self-Government Strengthening & AI-for-Governance policy goals

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal ministry	Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Tech backbone	IndiaAI Mission, MeitY
Launch date	14 August 2025
Panchayats onboard (Jan 2026)	1.11 lakh+
Languages supported	13 Indian languages via Bhashini
Compliance law	Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2025
Core output	Automated, structured Gram Sabha MoM
Key analytics	Attendance, resolution tracking, follow-up actions

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Which Ministry released the India AI Governance Guidelines in 2025?

GS-2Economy

3.India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies

News on AirBCIC · PartNIR · UNIDO

What & Where

Platform: Multilateral public–private BCIC aids manufacturing companies & MSMEs in advanced tech and sustainability adoption

Launch: 2024-25 at UNIDO headquarters, Vienna; operates under BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR)

Geography: Serves BRICS & BRICS Plus; India represented via National Productivity Council nodal centre

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Setup

Governance: Public–private model connecting governments, industry, academia within BRICS ecosystem
Facilitation: BCIC links firms to technology suppliers, R&D institutions, business partners across member nations
Advisory: Provides market intelligence on access, scaling, finance, sustainability

Tech & Schemes

Digitalisation: Guides adoption of Industry 4.0, cloud, AI, Factories of the Future frameworks
Capacity: Conducts training for productivity enhancement, skill development, industrial modernisation
Sustainability: Promotes green manufacturing and resource-efficient practices

Economic Angle

Make-in-India: BCIC expected to raise productivity, innovation, competitiveness of domestic manufacturing
Value-chains: Enables Indian MSMEs to integrate with wider BRICS supply networks, tap new markets
Atmanirbhar: Supports self-reliance by boosting indigenous technology adoption and export readiness

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Established	2024–25
Launch venue	UNIDO HQ, Vienna
Supporting framework	BRICS PartNIR
Indian nodal centre	National Productivity Council
Primary beneficiaries	Manufacturing firms & MSMEs
Core focus	Competitiveness, Industry 4.0, sustainability

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2025PYQ 1

भारतीय उद्यमिता संस्थान (IIE) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2026PYQ 2

What is the name of the initiative launched by India and Denmark in November 2025 to enhance bilateral ties?

GS-2Economy

4.India–USA Trade Deal 2026 Tariff Reset

Hindustan TimesTariff reduction · $500 billion energy deal · Punitive duties removal

Illustration for India–USA Trade Deal 2026 Tariff Reset

What & Where

Definition Reciprocal India–USA Trade Deal 2026 lowering US import tariff on Indian goods to 18 %

Process Tariff rollback plus $500 bn Indian pledge for US energy-agri-tech, announced 2 Feb 2026 by Presidents Trump & Indian PM

Geography Bilateral corridor India ↔ United States; energy rerouted from Russia toward US / Venezuela sources

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Export Boost Labour-intensive textiles leather gems regain US price edge after 32 % tariff cut
Rupee Stability Reduced trade uncertainty lifted Sensex / Nifty and attracted fresh FDI into data centres
Supply-Chain Positioning India marketed as lower-tariff China alternative for global manufacturers

Geopolitical Dimension

Indo-Pacific Alignment Deal strengthens US–India strategic front counterbalancing China influence
Russia Strain Reduced crude offtake risks diluting Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership with Moscow
Defence Dependency Continued S-400 parts from Russia may trigger future US pressure points

Domestic Concerns

Farmer Opposition SKM labels agreement surrender fearing subsidised US agri inflow
MSME Worry Zero duty on US machinery could undercut protected domestic manufacturers
CAD Risk Higher priced US / Venezuelan oil may widen Current Account Deficit amid 88 % import dependence

Implementation Needs

Legal Scrubbing Detailed treaty text and dispute-resolution mechanisms pending
Infrastructure Upgrade Additional LNG terminals ports required to absorb large US energy volumes
Standards Oversight Bilateral committee proposed to prevent SPS / TBT barriers blocking Indian exports

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Peak US tariff 2025	50 %
New effective tariff	18 %
Punitive duty scrapped	25 % on Indian goods
Indian purchase pledge	USD 500 billion multi-year
Sensitive sectors protected	Dairy, staple crops
Preferential margin	India 18 % vs Vietnam 19–20 %
Key enabling law	SHANTI Act 2025
Energy shift clause	Gradual halt to Russian oil
Tariff goal on US goods	Move toward 0 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 1

जून, 2024 में भारत ने USA के साथ एक समझौता-ज्ञापन (MoU) पर हस्ताक्षर किया ताकि भारतीय रेल को ‘नेट-शून्य उत्सर्जन’ लक्ष्य प्राप्त करने में किस वर्ष तक सहायता मिल सके?

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

S1. Liberalisation and globalisation freed India's economy from the low GDP trap that had impeded India's progress

GS-2PolityQuick Bite

5.Ad Hoc High Court Judges under Article 224A

Indian ExpressArticle 224A · Ad hoc judges · Judicial pendency

What & Where

Temporary use of retired High Court judges as ad hoc judges to cut backlog.

Enabled by Article 224A; now cleared for Allahabad High Court by Supreme Court Collegium.

SC’s 2021 guidelines urged States/HCs to invoke provision more frequently.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Constitution: Article 224A requires President approval after High Court Chief Justice reference
Status: Ad hoc judge gets same powers and jurisdiction as permanent High Court judge
Limitation: Ad hoc tenure not counted for seniority or pension

Implementation Status

Frequency: Provision rarely used despite persistent High Court pendency
Update: Feb 2026 Collegium cleared retired judges for Allahabad High Court
Backlog: Allahabad HC among highest pending cases nationally

Comparative Provisions

SupremeCourt: Article 127 enables ad hoc SC judge from qualified High Court judge when quorum lacking
Attendance: Article 128 lets retired SC or HC judges sit in SC with President consent
Parity: All ad hoc provisions demand prior consent and grant full judicial powers

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Constitutional provision	Article 224A
Year SC guidelines	2021
Latest approval	Feb 2026 (Allahabad HC)
Recommending authority	Chief Justice of High Court
Final consent giver	President of India
Eligibility	Retired High Court judge
Jurisdiction status	Full powers of HC judge
Permanence	Purely ad hoc, not permanent
Allowances fixed by	President
SC quorum article	Article 127

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021PYQ 1

With reference to Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2021PYQ 2

उच्चतम न्यायालय के न्यायाधीश के रूप में किसे नियुक्त किया जा सकता है?

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

6.Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 Aspirational Campaign

PIBSampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 · Aspirational Districts · Aspirational Blocks

What & Where

Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 : 3-month saturation drive across all Aspirational Districts (112) & Aspirational Blocks (513) in India.

Objective : achieve 5 KPIs in districts, 6 KPIs in blocks on health-nutrition, sanitation, animal vaccination.

Nodal agency : NITI Aayog, coordinating with Central Ministries, States & UTs.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Scheme-linkage : Builds on Aspirational Districts & Blocks Programmes to push last-mile service saturation.
Theme overlap : Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied, Basic Infra, Social Development.

Implementation Strategy

Planning : Districts/Blocks craft 3-month action plans with monthly progress tracking dashboards.
Monitoring : Field visits by district officers; data captured for KPI dashboards.
Behaviour : Awareness and behaviour-change communication campaigns run parallelly.

Social Focus

Health : Emphasis on birth-weight monitoring, TB case notification, VHSND/UHND events.
Nutrition : ICDS-based child measurement; Anganwadi upgrades.
Sanitation & Gender : Functional girls’ toilets in all targeted schools by April 2026.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Campaign window	28 Jan – 14 Apr 2026
Lead institution	NITI Aayog
Target districts	112 Aspirational Districts
Target blocks	513 Aspirational Blocks
KPIs aimed (districts)	5 indicators
KPIs aimed (blocks)	6 indicators
Key block KPIs	ICDS child nutrition, Anganwadi amenities, girls’ toilets, FMD bovine vaccine
Key district KPIs	Birth-weight record, TB notification, VHSND/UHND held, girls’ toilets, animal vaccination
Predecessor drive	Sampoornata Abhiyan 2024
ADP launch	January 2018
ABP launch	January 2023
ADP indicators	49
ABP indicators	40

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

Under which one of the following initiatives does the NITI Aayog support interested States to establish a State Institution for Transformation (SIT)?

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

Which one among the following statements about the objectives of Vibrant Village Programme is correct?

GS-2PolityQuick Bite

7.NBDSA Actions on Communal Code Violations

Indian ExpressNBDSA · Communal harmony code · Self-regulatory body

What & Where

NBDSA – independent, self-regulatory authority for private TV & digital news broadcasters across India.

Enforces 2008 Code on objectivity, fairness, communal harmony; acts on complaints or suo motu.

Operates two-tier grievance process: broadcaster first, Authority next.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Mandate anchors Article 19(1)(a) reasonable restrictions via industry self-regulation.
Code covers impartiality, decency, privacy, communal sensitivity.
Orders lack statutory backing; compliance rests on membership commitment.

Structure & Membership

Governance: Chair + 8 members elected by NBDA Board majority.
Term: Usually 2 years, re-appointment allowed.
Non-member channels fall outside authority ambit.

Grievance Redressal

Process: Complaint → broadcaster (15 days) → NBDSA appeal.
Reliefs include on-air apology, content removal within 7 days.
Non-compliance publicised; repeat defaulters risk NBDA expulsion.

Security Dimension

Communal-harmony focus aligns with internal security, curbing hate speech amplification.
Suo motu action enables rapid response to potential riot-triggering broadcasts.
Collaboration with MIB advisories strengthens early warning ecosystem.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Parent body	News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA)
Funding	Member contributions; no Government grant
Chairperson criterion	Eminent jurist, non-industry
Other members	News editors + experts in law, education, literature, public admin
Dominant violation	~60 % orders (2023-25) on communal harmony code
Powers	Warning, censure, direct edit/delete, monetary penalty
Jurisdiction	Private TV & digital news content only
Legal base	News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Regulations, 2008
Complaint routes	Individual, state authority, NBDSA suo motu
Redressal tiers	Tier-1 broadcaster, Tier-2 Authority

GS-2Mapping

8.Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt

New Indian ExpressGaza Strip · Egypt border · Salah al-Din corridor

Illustration for Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt

What & Where

Crossing: only Gaza Strip–Egypt border post, linking Rafah (Gaza) with Rafah (Sinai, Egypt) along Salah al-Din corridor

Geography: situated in southern Gaza, serves as Gaza’s lone non-Israel transit route

Status: reopened under US-brokered ceasefire for controlled civilian passage and aid inflow

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Timeline

1967–2005: Israel managed crossing amid occupation
2005–2007: Palestinian Authority operated, EU monitors present
Post-2007: Hamas takeover led to Israeli-Egyptian blockade, periodic shutdowns

Security Dimension

Access: every traveller and truck requires Israeli security clearance plus Egyptian coordination
Oversight: third-party EUBAM intended to offer neutral verification of compliance
2024-25 war: Israel seized crossing, partial pullback tied to ceasefire clauses

Humanitarian Role

Lifeline: principal route for medical evacuations and entry of food, fuel, medicines into Gaza
Capacity: only non-Israeli controlled outlet, crucial during siege scenarios
Aid logistics: functions jointly with Kerem Shalom to streamline inspection and delivery

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Border countries	Egypt & Palestinian Gaza Strip
First Israeli control	After 1967 Arab-Israeli War
EU monitoring mission	EUBAM Rafah (2005-2007; planned return)
Main alternative aid node	Kerem Shalom crossing (Israel-Gaza-Egypt tri-point)
Recent closure span	~2 years before 2026 limited reopening
Ceasefire broker	United States
Historic corridor	Salah al-Din (Philadelphi)

GS-3S&T

9.Anthropic AI Workplace Automation Suite

Indian ExpressAnthropic · AI agents · Claude Cowork

What & Where

Anthropic AI Workplace Suite — US-built set of autonomous Claude agents executing enterprise tasks end-to-end

Replaces layers of SaaS workflows in legal, sales, compliance, analytics, ops by directly acting on data

“SaaSpocalypse” term flags global disruption risk to SaaS vendors and offshore IT hubs like India

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Agents built on Claude model, handle decision-making and completion of workflows
Platform bypass cuts need for Salesforce, ServiceNow, Zendesk layers
Marks shift from assistive chatbots to fully action-taking AI

Economic Angle

Investor sell-off reflects repricing of cloud-software subscription models
AI disintermediation threatens margins of multi-app SaaS stacking
Outsourced IT services in India face revenue compression from automated data, support tasks

Social Concerns

Routine white-collar roles in contract review, compliance monitoring risk redundancy
Upskilling pressure grows for employees to move beyond repeatable cognitive work
Autonomy of AI decisions triggers calls for clearer accountability rules

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Developer	Anthropic (Claude creators)
Launch focus	AI agent workplace automation suite
Core modules	11 Claude Cowork plug-ins
Key ability	Task execution without CRM/ITSM front-ends
Target workflows	Legal, sales, compliance, analytics, operations
Analyst term	SaaSpocalypse (Jefferies)
Immediate market impact	Sharp fall in global tech stocks
Principal sectors at risk	SaaS firms, Indian IT services

GS-3S&T

10.DRDO Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Test Success

The HinduSFDR · Nozzle-less booster · Air-breathing missile

What & Where

SFDR = solid-fuel, air-breathing ramjet propulsion for long-range air-to-air missiles.

Process: nozzle-less booster for initial supersonic speed, then boron-fuel ducted ramjet using atmospheric O₂.

Feb 2026 DRDO flight demo at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Air-breathing design removes oxidiser mass, extending range and warhead weight.
Hot-gas valve with carbon-carbon, W-Cu alloys modulates thrust across altitude-speed envelope.
Cheek intakes compress airflow, sustaining combustion during high-Mach flight.

Security Dimension

Larger no-escape zone complicates enemy evasive manoeuvres.
First-look-first-kill ability gives IAF safe stand-off engagements.
Surface-to-air adaptability strengthens layered air-defence architecture.

Comparative Engines

Ramjet: liquid fuel, subsonic burn, cruise missiles like BrahMos.
SFDR: solid boron fuel, subsonic burn, BVRAAM Astra Mk-3.
Scramjet: liquid hydrogen, supersonic burn, hypersonic HSTDV platform.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Test site	ITR Chandipur, Odisha
Latest flight date	Feb 2026
Operational range	50 – 340 km
Sustained speed	Mach 2 – 3.8
Service ceiling	0 – 20 km
Powered flight	50 – 200 s
Vertical manoeuvre	Up to 10 km climb
Fuel type	Boron-based solid
Valve material	Carbon-carbon & W-Cu
Core application	Astra Mk-3 BVRAAM

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

रक्षा अनुसंधान एवं विकास संगठन (DRDO) का एक अंग, भारत के गैस टरबाइन अनुसंधान स्थापना (GTRE) ने एक एयरो-इंजन विकसित किया है जो संभवतः भारत को एयरो-इंजन प्रौद्योगिकी में आत्मनिर्भर बनाएगा। इस इंजन का नाम क्या है?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2003PYQ 2

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

GS-3Environment

11.NDMA Disaster Victim Identification Guidelines 2026

Indian ExpressDisaster Victim Identification · NDMA guidelines · Forensic techniques

What & Where

Guideline: National Disaster Management Guidelines on Comprehensive Disaster Victim Identification & Management, first unified Indian SOPs for mass-fatality ID

Protocol: Four-stage sequence—systematic recovery, post-mortem data, ante-mortem data, reconciliation—for scientific, error-free identification

Geography: Applicable pan-India; issued by NDMA on 5 Feb 2026, 25 yrs after 2001 Gujarat quake

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Principle: Ensures dignity of dead, humanitarian rights, swift legal closure for kin
Alignment: Adopts INTERPOL norms, customised for Indian climate, resource limits
Diplomacy: Recommends pre-signed DVI treaties for cross-border biometric sharing

Tech & Schemes

Registry: Teeth-based National Dental Data Registry for durable biometric matches
Tools: Promotes forensic archaeology, odontology, portable rapid-DNA, AI facial reconstruction, blockchain custody ledger
Integration: Suggests linking ABHA health accounts with dental or implant biometrics

Operational Challenges

Environment: Heat, humidity speed decomposition; floods, landslides scatter remains afar
Infrastructure: Shortage of mortuaries, cold-chain transport, unified command hampers response
Data gap: Lack of central ante-mortem records delays reconciliation of unidentified bodies

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal agency	National Disaster Management Authority
Release date	5 February 2026
Commemoration	25th year of 2001 Gujarat earthquake
Global template	INTERPOL DVI standards (adapted)
Core innovation	National Dental Data Registry
Autopsy policy	No routine mass autopsies in large events
Cultural clause	Respect local rites; provide family counselling
Execution arm	Specialised state forensic DVI teams

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन संस्थान (NIDM) के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

GS-3Environment

12.NITI Aayog Circular Economy Reports on Mobility

PIBEnd-of-Life Vehicles · Waste tyres · E-waste

What & Where

Circular economy: 6-R loop (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refurbish, Recover, Repair) replacing linear “take-make-dispose”.

Priority waste streams: End-of-Life Vehicles, Waste Tyres, E-waste, Lithium-ion Batteries.

India focus; reports released by NITI Aayog at IMRC, Jaipur (2026).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Challenges

Informal recycling dominance; unsafe methods, fake certifications, poor material recovery rates.
Limited Automated Testing Stations & Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities; weak financial viability stalls formal ELV scrappage.
Tyre waste mostly down-cycled; no national standards for recovered carbon black or TPO quality.

Policy Tools

Expand ATS/RVSF network; Aadhaar-linked deregistration only after Certificate of Deposit issuance.
Extend EPR to more critical metals; update BIS IS 16046 for chemistry-wise battery composition.
Notify standards for TPO & rCB; rationalise GST/HSN; integrate informal units via Udyam Assist and one-time liability waivers.

Economic Potential

Circularity substitutes virgin imports, boosting critical-mineral security and tyre carbon black self-reliance.
Dumpsite reclamation could free ~10,000 ha urban land for infrastructure.
Recycling, biomethanation, retreading projected to generate >1 crore man-days green employment.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
EV sales 2016	50,000 units
EV sales 2024	2.08 million units
Govt EV share target 2030	30 % of new sales
ELVs projected 2025	23 million vehicles
ELVs projected 2030	50 million vehicles
E-waste 2024	6.19 MMT
E-waste projected 2030	14 MMT
Li-ion demand 2025	29 GWh
Li-ion demand 2035	248 GWh
Daily municipal solid waste	1.68 lakh tonnes

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2019PYQ 2

In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

GS-3Security

13.Recent Indian Military Exercises Overview

DD NewsExercise Khanjar · Exercise Agni Pariksha · Exercise Vayu Shakti

Illustration for Recent Indian Military Exercises Overview

What & Where

Three major 2026 Indian military drills: Khanjar (Assam), Agni Pariksha (Arunachal), Vayu Shakti-2026 (Rajasthan).

Cover land SF ops, arty-infantry synergy, and day-to-night air-power projection.

Reflect India–Central Asia defence ties and intra-national jointmanship.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Counter-terrorism & urban/mountain warfare remain Khanjar’s central training lanes.
Agni Pariksha bridges firepower gaps along sensitive LAC stretch.
Vayu Shakti demonstrates Offensive/Defensive Counter-Air and SEAD prowess.

Jointmanship & Interoperability

Khanjar deepens India–Central Asia SF coordination.
Infantry/ITBP learn artillery calls, breaking arm-specific silos.
IAF integrates fighters, helicopters, AD and C2 platforms in one loop.

Indigenous & Technology

Akash SAM, Tejas LCA, Dhruv ALH headlined indigenisation effort at Vayu Shakti.
Sensor-shooter links, precision-guided munitions validated for near-real ops.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Khanjar host	Missamari, Assam
Khanjar partners	Parachute Regt (SF) & Kyrgyz ILBRIS Brigade
Khanjar edition	13th; held alternately India-Kyrgyzstan
Agni Pariksha host	Sigar, Arunachal Pradesh
Agni Pariksha forces	Indian Army + ITBP
Agni Pariksha novelty	First joint arty exposure for non-gunners
Vayu Shakti-2026 site	Pokaran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan
Vayu Shakti scale	120+ aircraft; Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, Mirage-2000, Apache, Chinook, Dhruv
Vayu Shakti showpieces	Akash AD, AWACS control, Para-SF airdrops
Common aim	Enhanced interoperability & future-battle readiness

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2023PYQ 1

The 16th edition of Indo-Nepal annual joint training exercise in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations was held in December 2022 at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi. What is the name of this exercise?

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2024PYQ 2

Which one among the following Joint Military Exercises was NOT conducted between India and USA?

GS-3Security

14.Kidnapping as Organised Crime in India

ITMissing children · Human trafficking · Delhi data 2026

Illustration for Kidnapping as Organised Crime in India

What & Where

Definition: Systematic abduction by criminal syndicates for ransom, trafficking, forced labour or sexual exploitation

Key processes: Targeting vulnerable minors, rapid inter-state movement, identity forging, tech-enabled victim control

Core geography: Metropolitan hotspots—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru—owing to density, migrant anonymity, surveillance gaps

Quick Facts for MCQs

Trends & Patterns

Surge: 27 disappearances daily Jan 2026, only one-third promptly traced
Vulnerability: Girls 12–18 years form bulk; 120 of 137 untraced minors Jan 2026
Persistence: 700 children still missing from 2015–25 backlog signaling systemic drag

Drivers/Causes

Trafficking: Gangs supply domestic servitude, sex trade, agricultural labour across borders
Tech-lure: Instagram modelling offers, honey-traps exploit adolescents’ online presence
Push-factors: Poverty, domestic violence trigger runaways from Bihar and Delhi slums

Security Challenges

Coordination-gap: Limited real-time data sharing once victims cross Delhi boundaries
Resource-crunch: AHTUs handling 500+ live probes January 2026 with staff shortage
Evasion-tech: Encrypted apps, fake plates, forged Aadhaar erase investigative trails

Tech & Schemes

Operation Muskaan/Milap: Periodic rescue drives by Delhi Police targeting missing children
Digital tools: ZIPNET, TrackChild, Facial Recognition System enable inter-state matching
Proposal: AI-based predictive policing to prioritise patrolling of identified kidnapping hotspots

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Delhi missing persons (1–27 Jan 2026)	807
Daily average missing	27 cases
Untraced minors Jan 2026	137
Girl share in untraced minors	120 ≈ 88%
Missing children Delhi 2015–25	5,559
Long-term untraced children	≈ 700
Decade untraced rate (2016–26)	11%
Key urban hotspots	Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru

GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

15.Miniratna Status for Yantra India Limited

PIBMiniratna Category I · Yantra India Limited · Ordnance Factory Board

What & Where

Yantra India Limited (YIL) – DPSU born from Ordnance Factory Board corporatisation on 1 Oct 2021

Granted Miniratna Category-I status by Defence Ministry, headquartered at Nagpur, Maharashtra

Manufactures carbon-fibre, glass-composite, aluminium-alloy parts for ammunition, artillery, tanks

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Miniratna rules allow Board-level investment freedom, faster tendering, limited govt oversight
Corporatisation replaced government armories with company-style DPSUs under Companies Act
Status aligns with Defence Acquisition Procedure localisation clauses

Economic Angle

Profit-making in under four years signals improved balance sheets after corporatisation
₹500 crore self-cleared capex accelerates modernization, R&D, capacity expansion
Expected rise in defence exports, import substitution and private vendor linkages

Security & Defence

Products feed medium and large-calibre ammunition, MBTs, artillery guns, armoured platforms
Indigenous composites and alloys curb foreign dependence in critical war-fighting components
Strengthened domestic industry builds resilience for prolonged conflicts

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Fresh status	Miniratna Category-I
Granting authority	Defence Minister under Dept of Defence Production
Capex autonomy ceiling	₹500 crore without prior nod
No. of new DPSUs (2021)	Seven, post Ordnance Factory Board split
Core policy link	Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Defence Exports push

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2023PYQ 1

‘Rail Vikas Nigam Limited’ is a:

CAPF_GAI 2020PYQ 2

निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा एक केंद्रीय सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र उपक्रम (CPSUs) मिनीरत्न के रूप में मान्य है ?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

16.Biomaterials as Cleaner Material Substitutes

The HinduBioplastics · Drop-in biomaterials · PLA

What & Where

Definition Biomaterials = materials wholly/partly bio-sourced or bio-processed, substituting petroleum products in packaging, textiles, construction, healthcare.

Key types Drop-in (Bio-PET), Drop-out (PLA), Novel (self-healing, bio-active implants); feedstocks mainly plant sugars/starch, agri-residues.

Geography India ramping capacity (Balrampur Chini Mills, UP); global policy drivers in EU, UAE, USA.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Import-substitution cuts fossil outflow, bolsters circular, low-carbon exports.
Market-size ~US$500 mn; strong double-digit CAGR forecast.
Agro-value: residues/bagasse converted to high-value feedstock.

Tech & Schemes

Classification: Drop-in, Drop-out, Novel define processing, recycling needs.
Manufacturing: Balrampur PLA plant, startups Phool.co & Praj Industries spearhead domestic tech.
Policy-push: Indigenization, low-carbon manufacturing missions favour biomaterial adoption.

International Examples

EU: Compostable packaging recognised under P&PW Regulation.
UAE: Emirates Biotech building world’s largest PLA unit.
USA: USDA BioPreferred label stimulates procurement of biomaterials.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Indian bioplastics market (2024)	≈ US$ 500 million
Drop-in biomaterial	Chemically identical; fits existing plants
Drop-out biomaterial	Chemically different; needs new recycling/composting
Novel biomaterial example	Self-healing composite, bio-active implant
Balrampur Chini Mills project	PLA plant, Uttar Pradesh
Largest planned PLA facility	Emirates Biotech, United Arab Emirates
EU rule backing biomaterials	Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (compostables recognised)
US promotion scheme	USDA BioPreferred Program

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2022PYQ 1

With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements :

GS1 2014PYQ 2

In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?

GS-3Mapping

17.Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Ghats

The HinduWestern Ghats · Nilambur forest · Altitudinal gradient

Illustration for Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Ghats

What & Where

Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary; first WLS of Malappuram district; Western Ghats Nilgiri slopes

Protected corridor linking Silent Valley NP (Kerala) and Mukurthi NP (Tamil Nadu)

Altitudinal span 40 m–2,550 m nurturing seven distinct forest types

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geographical Profile

Gradient drives lowland moist deciduous to montane wet temperate mosaics
Nilambur forest landscape influences south-west monsoon rainfall pattern
Sub-tropical savannah belts act transitional zones for grassland–forest fauna

Biodiversity Value

Recent survey added new bird, butterfly, odonate records enhancing Kerala faunal list
Dense evergreen tracts harbour high plant endemism typical of Western Ghats hotspot
Freshwater streams support diverse amphibian and fish assemblages

Conservation Role

Corridor function ensures genetic flow of large mammals across state boundary
Near-pristine New Amarambalam block serves climate-change refuge
Multiple forest types within single PA rare in Kerala boosting research priority

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
State	Kerala
District	Malappuram
Notified	2020
Kerala WLS number	18th
Kerala Protected Area number	24th
Altitude range	40 m to >2,550 m
Forest types present	Seven
Key endemics	Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque
New inclusion	New Amarambalam Reserve
Adjacent parks	Silent Valley NP, Mukurthi NP

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

Which of the following are in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve?

GS1 2017PYQ 2

From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats ?