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13 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 5GS-3: 7
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GS-1Mapping

1.Seychelles geography and India development partnership

TN
Illustration for Seychelles geography and India development partnership

What & Where

Seychelles: ~115-island SIDS in W. Indian Ocean, between 4°–11° S & 46°–56° E.

Two clusters: 40+ granitic, mountainous Mahé islands; 70+ low-lying coralline outer islands/atolls.

Lies ~1,600 km east of Kenya, capital Victoria on Mahé.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geography & Biodiversity

  • Granitic islands feature narrow coastal plains, central hill ranges; outer atolls flat, reef-based.
  • Endemics include coco de mer; marine megafauna rich around Aldabra.
  • Climate vulnerable; Multidimensional Vulnerability Index support sought.

Development Package

  • Funding targets infrastructure, capacity building, inclusive growth projects across islands.
  • Indian ambulances, food grains, new hospital assistance enhance social sectors.
  • ITEC and other training programmes widened for Seychellois officials.

Maritime Security

  • Joint surveillance, hydrography, domain awareness under MAHASAGAR vision.
  • Seychelles recognised as strategic node in Western Indian Ocean architecture.
  • Defence capacity-building includes patrol vessels, coastal radar integration.

Digital & Climate Action

  • Digital Public Infrastructure plan covers payments, e-governance using Indian open-source stack.
  • Cooperation on renewables, Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems, CDRI membership reinforced.
  • Advocacy for global climate finance that reflects SIDS vulnerabilities continues jointly.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Vision titleSESEL (Joint Vision)
India packageUSD 175 mn (USD 125 mn LoC + USD 50 mn grant)
Independence milestone50 years (1976-2026 period)
Diplomatic ties with IndiaBegan 1976; 50-year celebration
Highest peakMorne Seychellois 905 m
UNESCO sitesAldabra Atoll; Vallée de Mai
CapitalVictoria (Mahé)
MAHASAGAR roleCore pillar for W. Indian Ocean security
Latitude span4°–11° South
Longitude span46°–56° East

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2002PYQ 1

In the map given below, four islands of Indian Ocean region, i.e. A) Seychelles, B) Chagos, C) Mauritius and D) Socatra are marked as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Match them and select the correct answer from the codes given below.

GS-2Editorial

2.Digital governance reforms curb deepfakes

DH

What & Where

Digital governance: AI/blockchain/cloud plus constitutional values to modernise service delivery with transparency and accountability.

Core processes: Aadhaar-DBT, UPI real-time payments, proposed ‘CrediMark’ watermarking for all synthetic content.

Geography: Pan-India; 97 % villages mobile-covered, 5 G towers in 99.6 % districts.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Amendment: Draft IT Rules 2021 require un-strippable provenance tags on all AI-generated media.
  • Regulator: Proposal for autonomous AI/Digital authority to consolidate oversight dispersed across ministries.
  • Bill: Digital Competition Bill 2024-25 targets big-tech gatekeeping in Indian app markets.

Security Dimension

  • Fraud: 20 % biometric frauds 2026 used face-swap deepfakes to defeat remote KYC.
  • Bias risk: Predictive-policing AI faced January 2026 pushback for opaque, discriminatory outputs.
  • Strategy: National Cyber Security plan aims 50 % crime cut by 2026 via new forensic labs.

Tech & Schemes

  • Platform: BHASHINI supports 35 + languages; guided Maha Kumbh 2025 pilgrims via AI voice assist.
  • Savings: DBT purged ghost PM-KISAN beneficiaries, saving crores.
  • Repository: DigiLocker slashed physical document handling for 53.92 crore users.

Social Concerns

  • Election integrity: I4C removed communal deepfakes during 2025 state polls.
  • Gender abuse: 2025 complaints show women targeted in most pornographic deepfakes.
  • Divide: Rural elderly struggled with biometric-only ration pickups despite 5 G availability.

Economic Angle

  • Payments: UPI backbone cements India as global leader in real-time transactions.
  • Growth: Digital economy expected to approach one-fifth GDP by 2030.
  • Expenditure: Continuous cyber-upgrades impose heavy, recurring fiscal outlays.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Digital economy share 2024-2513.42 % of National Income
Projected GDP share 2030~20 %
Mobile coverage97 % villages
5 G towers installed4.74 lakh (99.6 % districts)
Aadhaar IDs issued142 crore (Apr 2025)
UPI June 2025₹24.03 lakh cr; 18.39 bn tx
DigiLocker users53.92 crore (mid-2025)
Pornographic deepfakes>90 % of total

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Which Ministry released the India AI Governance Guidelines in 2025?

ESE_GS 2020PYQ 2

Which one of the following is not the vision area of Digital India as a program to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy?

GS-2Polity

3.Form 7 objections and voter deletion issues

The Hindu
Illustration for Form 7 objections and voter deletion issues

What & Where

Form 7: statutory objection form for deletion of names from electoral rolls across India

Used during Special Intensive Revision by electors/Booth Level Agents to flag death, shift, duplication, ineligibility

Operates under Representation of the People Act 1950 & Registration of Electors Rules 1960

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Statutory status ensures due-process obligations: notice, hearing, appeal
  • Booth Level Agents explicitly authorised to submit bulk objections
  • False declarations criminalised under Sec 32 RP Act enhancing deterrence

Process Flow

  • Submission in duplicate to ERO or BLO with documentary proof
  • BLO conducts door-step verification; multiple visits mandated if voter unavailable
  • ERO issues written notice, holds hearing, passes speaking order

Safeguards & Deterrence

  • Mandatory physical check for applicants filing >5 objections
  • Deletions executed only after satisfaction of ERO on prescribed grounds
  • Appeal to DM allows administrative review before gazette roll publication

Current Concerns

  • Allegations of orchestrated mass deletions using forged signatures in SIR 2023-24
  • States with highest ASD removals: Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat
  • Fear of voter suppression prompts scrutiny of Form 7 handling

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Governing ruleRegistration of Electors Rules 1960
Parent ActRepresentation of the People Act 1950
Relevant sectionSec 13(2) RP Act
Eligible filerAny registered elector of the constituency
2022 changeObjection need not be from same polling booth
Verification agencyBooth Level Officer (BLO)
Appeal window15 days to District Magistrate
Penalty for false claimUp to 1 year jail or fine
Key groundsDeath, shifted/absent, duplicate, under-age, non-citizen
Massive deletions tagged6.5 crore names as ASD nationwide

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2017PYQ 1

लोक सभा के निर्वाचन के लिए नामांकन-पत्र

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 2

Which of the following statements regarding the electoral rolls is/are correct?

GS-2Security

4.Colombo Security Conclave regional maritime security platform

PIB

What & Where

Colombo Security Conclave: 2011 maritime-security grouping by India, Sri Lanka, Maldives; later added Mauritius, observers Bangladesh & Seychelles.

Focus area: Indian Ocean Region sea-lanes and chokepoints around member coastlines and islands.

Mandate: Cooperation across five pillars—maritime safety, counter-terror, trafficking crime, cyber/critical infra, humanitarian disaster relief.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Membership & Structure

  • Founders: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives initiated trilateral defence dialogue at Colombo 2011.
  • Expansion: Mauritius full member; Bangladesh, Seychelles formally invited to join.
  • Mechanism: Annual NSA-level conclave with rotating chair, five specialised working groups.

Priority Pillars

  • Maritime Safety: joint patrols, white-shipping info, EEZ surveillance cooperation.
  • Counter-terror & Radicalization: legal assistance, intel sharing, foreign-fighter database.
  • Cyber & Critical Infrastructure: CERT links, social-media misuse checks, skills training.

Strategic Significance

  • SAGAR synergy: advances India’s inclusive Indian Ocean security-growth doctrine.
  • China check: offers collective hedge against rising PLA Navy presence and debt diplomacy.
  • Sub-regionalism: complements BIMSTEC & IORA, filling SAARC security vacuum.

Challenges & Way Forward

  • Over-China focus risks SAARC-style paralysis; needs broad, capability-centric agenda.
  • Global commons mindset: India must treat IOR as shared space, avoid big-brother image.
  • Success hinges on sustained funding, shared vision, practical deliverables among six nations.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Formation year2011
Founding trioIndia-Sri Lanka-Maldives
4th memberMauritius (5th NSA meet)
Current observersBangladesh, Seychelles
Pillar countFive
April 2022 virtual hostNational Investigation Agency, India
Indian coastline length~7,500 km
Vision linkageSAGAR (Security & Growth for All in Region)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 1

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

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2015PYQ 2

‘क्षेत्रीय सहयोग के लिए हिन्द महासागर रिम संघ (Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation – IOR-ARC)’ के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2Security

5.India chairs Kimberley Process to reform diamond trade

The Hindu

What & Where

Kimberley Process: 2000 multistakeholder forum; KPCS (2003) curbs conflict diamonds in global rough-diamond trade.

Certification: every cross-border rough consignment needs tamper-resistant KP certificate; trade allowed only among certified members.

India: founding member, Chair 2026; hubs Surat–Mumbai process ≈90 % stones; sole mine Majhgawan, Panna (MP).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Structural Gaps

  • Definition-limit: only rebel-financed conflict diamonds; misses state violence and human-rights abuse.
  • Veto-block: consensus rule lets one member stall embargoes, reforms; seen in Central African Republic case.
  • Rough-gap: minimal polishing ends KP oversight; mixed-origin re-certification hides illicit stones.

Economic Angle

  • Processing-hub: Surat–Mumbai dominate, placing India at centre of global value chain negotiations.
  • Export-base: polished and LGDs mainly shipped to USA, China, UAE, Hong Kong.
  • Income-threat: consumer pivot to LGDs may cut natural-diamond revenues for mining economies.

Tech & Schemes

  • Blockchain-push: India advocates immutable shipment ledger to boost traceability, cut fraud.
  • LGD-subsidy: FY26 removed customs duty on carbon seeds; 100 % FDI permitted.
  • Capacity-hub: proposed African regional centres to offer IT, forensic, certification assistance.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
KP participants60 participants covering 86 countries
Global rough output covered≈99.8 %
Decision modeConsensus; single-state veto
KP jurisdictionRough diamonds only
India’s cutting share~90 % stones, 75 % value (2024)
Lab-grown output India>3 million stones, ~15 % world (2023)
Budget FY24 grant₹242 crore for LGD R&D at IIT-Madras
Only commercial Indian mineMajhgawan, Panna district, Madhya Pradesh
GS-2PolityQuick Bite

6.Right to Disconnect Bill safeguards after-hours privacy

The Hindu

What & Where

Instrument: Right to Disconnect Bill 2026, a Private Member Bill in Indian Parliament

Scope: Empowers Indian employees to ignore work e-mails/calls beyond notified working hours

Trigger: India logging world-highest average 56.2 weekly work hours (ILO 2024) and rising after-hours “telepressure”

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Mandate: Statutory workplace policy covering hours, emergency exceptions, wellness measures
  • Safeguard: Bar on adverse consequences—no demotion, appraisal hit or career denial
  • Consultation: Drafting process must involve trade unions or elected employee reps

Labour Statistics

  • Overwork: India tops global weekly hours at 56.2 (ILO 2024)
  • Telepressure: Psychological compulsion to instantly reply boosts stress, sleep loss
  • Outcome: Bill framed amid escalating mental-health and work-life imbalance indicators

International Examples

  • France 2017 pioneer law inspires template
  • Belgium, Portugal extend similar protections; Australia adopts right for federal staff
  • Trend shows growing global acknowledgment of digital detachment rights

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Bill categoryPrivate Member
Introduced inLok Sabha, Feb 2026
Core rightRefuse after-hours work communication
Employer dutyDraft policy with unions/representatives
Must defineWorking hours, emergency protocol, grievance redressal, digital-wellness steps
ProtectionNo disciplinary action or appraisal loss for non-response
ILO 2024 figure56.2 hrs average week for Indians
Comparable lawsFrance, Belgium, Portugal, Australia
GS-3S&T

7.AI platforms democratise Indian cultural heritage access

PIB
Illustration for AI platforms democratise Indian cultural heritage access

What & Where

Initiative: national AI platforms digitise, translate, disseminate manuscripts, crafts, oral lore for citizen access

Key processes: OCR, speech-to-text, real-time translation, metadata extraction; covers 22 Scheduled & several tribal languages

Geography: pan-India deployment via BHASHINI, Gyan Bharatam, Adi Vaani, Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbots at heritage sites

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • BHASHINI provides open APIs for translation, ASR, TTS across Indian scripts
  • Adi Vaani handles Santali, Bhili, Gondi; subtitles health advisories in native tongues
  • AI discovery tools list GI-tagged crafts in multilingual catalogues, cutting intermediaries

Challenges

  • Low-resource datasets hamper LLM accuracy for Kui, Garo, other endangered tongues
  • Trust gap: GI design misuse persists; tagging standards still fragmented
  • Connectivity deficit demands offline, low-compute AI for heritage sites and tribal belts

Way Ahead

  • Language layer as Digital Public Infrastructure to let startups plug-and-play vernacular services
  • Verifiable digital credentials for artisans to boost market trust and formal employment
  • District-level Digital Work Hubs to foster local content, skilling, community-led innovation

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Manuscripts catalogued under Gyan Bharatam44 lakh
Gyan Bharatam Mission tenure2024-31
Gyan Bharatam outlay₹482.85 crore
Languages on BHASHINI22 Scheduled
Real-time PM speech translation demoKashi Tamil Sangamam 2.0
Tribal AI platformAdi Vaani
Languages supported by Kumbh Sah’AI’yak11
AICTE’s textbook toolAnuvadini
Foundational language R & D programmeTDIL

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 1

ग्रैण्ड पैलै (Grand Palais) पेरिस में नवम्बर 2025 में आयोजित होने वाले AI शिखर सम्मेलन के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS1, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

The scheme PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation & Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) provides assistance for

GS-3S&T

8.IIT Bombay improves CAR T-cell recovery method

Indian Express
Illustration for IIT Bombay improves CAR T-cell recovery method

What & Where

T-Cells — immune lymphocytes engineered with Chimeric Antigen Receptors for targeted cancer killing

CAR T-cell therapy — ex vivo gene-editing of patient T-cells, reinfused to treat mainly blood cancers

India — IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre and ImmunoACT leading indigenous product NexCAR19

Quick Facts for MCQs

Biotechnology & Technique

  • Accutase detaches T-cells without stripping surface proteins enhancing survival and cluster formation
  • 3-D scaffold culture mimics in-vivo environment but complicates cell retrieval solved by gentle enzymatic method
  • Process innovation reduces wastage of expensive lab-grown cells improving batch consistency

Economic Angle

  • Cost reduction enables fraction-of-global-price CAR-T rollout in India benefiting public and private oncology centres
  • Efficient recovery lowers manufacturing input per dose enhancing scalability for mass treatment
  • Indigenous innovation shifts India from generic drugs to value-added cell therapies

Health Impact

  • Improved cell viability boosts infusion success rates directly impacting remission probabilities in leukemia and lymphoma patients
  • Reliable supply of functional T-cells shortens treatment timelines critical for aggressive cancers

Indian R&D Ecosystem

  • Collaboration IIT Bombay-Tata Memorial-ImmunoACT showcases academia-industry synergy in complex biotech
  • Success positions India as emerging hub for advanced cell and gene therapies in Global South

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Study instituteIIT Bombay
JournalBiomaterials Science (2026)
Gentle enzymeAccutase
Conventional enzymesTrypsin, TrypLE
First Indian CAR-TNexCAR19 (2023)
Global therapy cost₹3–4 crore
NexCAR19 tagWorld’s most affordable CAR-T
Scaffold type3-D fibrous matrix
Key benefitHigher T-cell viability & function
GS-3Species

9.Lyriothemis keralensis endemic dragonfly discovery

Times of India
Illustration for Lyriothemis keralensis endemic dragonfly discovery

What & Where

Species Lyriothemis keralensis; newly described dragonfly, Order Odonata, endemic to Kerala’s Western Ghats

Found in vegetated pools and irrigation canals inside shaded rubber & pineapple plantations near Varapetty, Ernakulam

Adults surface during Southwest monsoon May–August; remainder of lifecycle spent as aquatic larvae

Quick Facts for MCQs

Taxonomy & Morphology

  • Diagnostic features include slender abdomen, uniquely shaped anal appendages, distinct genital structure
  • Marked sexual dimorphism; males vivid red, females yellow with heavier build
  • Belongs to genus Lyriothemis containing mostly Asian forest species

Habitat & Ecology

  • Prefers shaded, standing freshwaters within rubber and pineapple monocultures
  • Life-cycle aquatic larval stage dominates non-monsoon months
  • Presence indicates microhabitat value of modified agricultural landscapes

Conservation Angle

  • Adds to odonate diversity of globally recognised Western Ghats hotspot
  • Majority populations lie outside protected area network, raising site-specific conservation needs
  • Discovery underscores importance of surveying non-forest, privately managed lands

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Scientific nameLyriothemis keralensis
OrderOdonata
FamilyLibellulidae
EndemismKerala, Western Ghats hotspot
Discovery siteVarapetty, Kothamangalam, Ernakulam district
Typical habitatShaded plantation pools & canals
Adult activity windowSouthwest monsoon (May–Aug)
Male colourBright blood-red with black
Female colourYellow with black, bulkier
Size classSmall-sized dragonfly
Distinctive traitSlender abdomen, unique anal appendages
Comparator speciesDiffers from Lyriothemis acigastra
Landscape typeHuman-modified plantations
Protection statusMostly outside notified protected areas
GS-3Species

10.Mangrove clam captive breeding breakthrough by CMFRI

DD News
Illustration for Mangrove clam captive breeding breakthrough by CMFRI

What & Where

Mangrove clam (Geloina erosa): large mud-clam inhabiting organic-rich intertidal mangrove zones, South & Southeast Asia.

CMFRI, Kochi achieved first successful induced breeding and full life-cycle rearing under captivity.

Kerala’s northern estuaries famous; species tolerates brackish to near-freshwater salinities.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Induced-spawning: temperature & salinity manipulation triggered gamete release inside hatchery tanks.
  • Hatchery protocol: embryos→veliger larvae→spat, enabling seed supply independent of wild collection.
  • Applications: grow-out farming, mangrove ranching, stock enhancement programmes.

Environmental Impact

  • Sediment-stabilisation: burrowing clam aerates mud, boosts nutrient cycling, strengthens mangrove resilience.
  • Water-quality: efficient filter-feeding removes particulates, recycles nutrients in estuaries.
  • Conservation aid: hatchery seeds reduce harvesting pressure on natural beds.

Economic Angle

  • Low-input culture: minimal feed, basic estuarine pens suit small fishers.
  • Protein source: affordable seafood option for coastal & riparian communities.
  • Climate-resilient livelihood: tolerant to salinity shifts, integrates with mangrove restoration projects.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Scientific nameGeloina erosa
Alternate genusPolymesoda (literature)
Local name (Kerala)“Kandal Kakka”
Max shell width≈ 10 cm
LifestyleDeep-burrowing, semi-infaunal
Feeding modeSuspension filter-feeder
Spat appearance≈ 18th day post-fertilisation
Breeding breakthroughCMFRI, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
Preferred substrateOrganic-rich mangrove mud
Salinity toleranceBrackish to near-freshwater
GS-3EconomyQuick Bite

11.RBI doubles collateral-free loan limit for MSEs

The Hindu

What & Where

RBI “Lending to MSME Sector (Amendment) Directions 2026” govern bank lending to Micro & Small Enterprises nationwide

Raises mandatory collateral-free loan cap to ₹20 lakh for MSEs to ease credit access

Applies to all fresh/renewed MSE loans from 1 Apr 2026 across scheduled commercial, rural, cooperative & small-finance banks

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Direction issued under RBI supervisory powers applies to all commercial, regional rural, small-finance and cooperative banks
  • Collateral waiver mandatory; voluntary gold/silver pledges by borrower allowed without violating norms
  • Banks may sanction ₹25 lakh collateral-free loans on good track record with credit-guarantee cover

Scheme Details

  • PMEGP credit-linked subsidy enables new micro enterprises in rural and urban areas since 2008
  • KVIC acts as national nodal agency, channels subsidy, vets projects, monitors outcomes
  • All PMEGP-financed units automatically enjoy the revised ₹20 lakh collateral waiver

Credit Provisions

  • Higher ceiling targets last-mile credit delivery for asset-light small businesses lacking tangible security
  • Conditional ₹25 lakh window rewards borrowers with sound repayment history, encouraging formal credit discipline

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
RegulatorReserve Bank of India
InstrumentLending to MSME Sector (Amendment) Directions 2026
Effective date1 April 2026
New collateral-free ceiling₹20 lakh
Previous ceiling₹10 lakh
Higher limit on good track recordUp to ₹25 lakh
Scheme coveredPrime Minister Employment Generation Programme
PMEGP nodal agencyKhadi & Village Industries Commission
PMEGP launch year2008

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements is NOT correct for Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2023PYQ 2

Consider the following statements with reference to India:

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

12.India rises to 45th in Network Readiness Index

PIB

What & Where

Definition Network Readiness Index (NRI): annual composite measuring how economies leverage ICT for growth, inclusion, sustainability.

Location Portulans Institute, Washington DC compiles; 2025 edition benchmarks 127 economies across 53 indicators.

India 2025 position: 45th globally; four-place jump over 2024.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Methodology

  • Coverage Network readiness gauged via 53 indicators under 4 thematic pillars.
  • Weighting Each pillar equally influences composite score.
  • Comparison Ranks normalised across 127 economies enabling year-on-year tracking.

India’s Performance

  • Improvement Score up 0.8 points, rank up four slots versus 2024.
  • Regional Outperforms peers within South Asia and most lower-middle-income economies.
  • Expected-vs-Actual Tagged “better than expected” relative to income level.

Global Indicator Leadership

  • Telecom Highest annual capital outlay in telecommunication services worldwide.
  • Knowledge Leads in volume of AI scientific publications.
  • Trade Tops in ICT services exports share of global total.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Year assessedNRI 2025
Releasing bodyPortulans Institute (non-profit)
Economies covered127
Total indicators53
Core pillarsTechnology, People, Governance, Impact
India overall rank45th
India 2024 rank49th
India score 202554.43
India score 202453.63
Income-group rank2nd among lower-middle-income states
Indicators where India 1stTelecom investment, AI publications, ICT exports, e-commerce law
Indicators where India 2ndFTTH/building subscriptions, mobile broadband traffic, int’l bandwidth
Indicators where India 3rdDomestic market scale, income inequality

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

विश्व बौद्धिक संपदा संगठन द्वारा प्रकाशित ‘ग्लोबल इनोवेशन इंडेक्स-2023’ में भारत के स्थान (रैंक) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/कौन-से कथन सही है/हैं?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2021PYQ 2

In the latest Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), which classifies 104 countries in terms of government capabilities and outcomes, India has been ranked

GS-3InfrastructureQuick Bite

13.Advanced tsunami warning centre planned at Andamans

Indian Express

What & Where

Regional Service Centre; ₹300-crore tsunami early-warning hub at Vijaynagar, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman & Nicobar

Purpose; real-time alerts for seismic and non-seismic tsunamis across the Indian Ocean

Geography; subduction-zone corridor near Andaman Trench, service outreach to Sri Lanka and other littorals

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Infrastructure

  • Sub-sea fibre-optic cables; transmit acoustic signals quicker than satellite links
  • Redundancy; mitigates data loss from damaged surface buoys during storms
  • Next-gen sensors; integrate earthquake, landslide, volcanic triggers for higher accuracy

Geophysical Phenomena

  • Tsunami triggers; earthquakes, submarine landslides, volcanic activity
  • Non-seismic events; currently under-detected yet form one-fifth of global tsunamis
  • Andaman subduction zone; high seismicity and slope-failure risk necessitating advanced monitoring

Institutional & Regional Role

  • INCOIS mandate; ocean info services, tsunami bulletins via ITEWC Hyderabad
  • RSC output; bilingual alerts, SOPs for member states under IOC-UNESCO framework
  • Strategic location; short transmission time to Bay of Bengal coasts enhancing evacuation windows

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Project cost₹300 crore
Island siteVijaynagar, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)
Union TerritoryAndaman & Nicobar Islands
Lead agencyINCOIS, MoES
Parent centreIndian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC)
CoverageIndia + Indian Ocean nations (e.g., Sri Lanka)
New detectionSeismic + non-seismic tsunamis
Non-seismic share≈20 % of global events
Planned sub-sea cables~270 km along subduction zones

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2015PYQ 1

The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 2

Recently islands of Andaman and Nicobar were connected with mainland by Submarine Optical Fibre Cable. Which one of the following islands was not connected initially?

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