Friday, 13 February 2026

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) I and II. This question appeared in GS1 2001.

Q: Which among the following events happened earliest?

The correct answer is (b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan.. This question appeared in GS1 2018.

Q: Which one of the following countries has more or less evolved a two-party system?

The correct answer is (a) Sri Lanka. This question appeared in GS1 1996.

Q: यदि निकट भविष्य में दूसरा वैश्विक वित्तीय संकट होता है, तो निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी कार्यवाही/नीति, भारत को, सबसे अधिक संभावना के साथ, कुछ सुरक्षा प्रदान कर सकती है?

The correct answer is (a) केवल 1. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2020.

Q: Which of the following is NOT one of the pillars of India’s ‘Foreign Trade Policy-2023’?

The correct answer is (a) Enlarging MFN (Most Favored Nations). This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024.

Q: Which of the following statements with regard to the privileges of the Members of the Parliament are correct?

The correct answer is (d) 1 and 4 only. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2020.

Q: भारत की संसद के सदस्यों के लिए संसदीय विशेषाधिकार से संबंधित निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/हैं?

The correct answer is (b) केवल 2 और 3. This question appeared in CDS_GK 2025.

Q: Which of the following statements about the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is/are correct?

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

Q: Which of the following features regarding ‘Shram Suvidha Portal’ are correct?

The correct answer is (d) 2 and 3 only. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2025.

Q: Salal Power Project is situated on which one among the following rivers?

The correct answer is (c) Nubra. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2025.

14 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 5GS-3: 7

0/14 done

GS-1History

1.Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Reform Legacy

Business StandardArya Samaj · Back to the Vedas · Social Reform

Illustration for Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Reform Legacy

What & Where

Reformer; Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj (1875) to revive pristine Vedic dharma.

Geography; born Tankara, Kathiawar (now Morbi dist, Gujarat), itinerant ascetic across north-west India.

Demise; succumbed 30 Oct 1883 at Ajmer after alleged poisoning in Jodhpur court.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Reform Agenda

Vedas declared infallible source; rejected Puranic ritualism, animal sacrifice, superstition.
Equality championed; caste merit-based, advocated widow remarriage, opposed child marriage, defended individual dignity.
Public reasoning promoted through open debates, vernacular pamphlets, Samaj sessions.

Literary Output

Satyarth Prakash outlined 14-chapter critique of contemporary religions, social ills, governance norms.
Rigveda–Yajurveda commentaries offered rational, monotheistic Vedic interpretation accessible beyond priestly monopoly.
Sanskarvidhi re-codified sixteen samskaras, aligning household rites with Vedic injunctions.

Life Events

Childhood Shivaratri vigil incident triggered questioning of idol worship and pursuit of truth.
Years of peregrination included Himalayas, Punjab, Rajasthan before disciplined study under Virajananda.
Poisoning episode in Jodhpur signified fierce orthodox resistance; continued preaching till last breath.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Original name	Mool Shankar
Birth date	12 Feb 1824
Birth place	Tankara, Kathiawar, Gujarat
Guru	Swami Virajananda, Mathura
Organisation founded	Arya Samaj, 10 Apr 1875, Bombay
Core slogan	Back to the Vedas
Key treatise	Satyarth Prakash
Other works	Sanskarvidhi; Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhumika
Publishing body	Paropakarini Sabha, Ajmer
Social stance	Anti-idol worship; anti-caste-by-birth; pro-women education
Death date	30 Oct 1883
Death place	Ajmer, Rajputana Agency

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2001PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS1 2018PYQ 2

Which among the following events happened earliest?

GS-1Mapping

2.Bangladesh Geography and Elections

NDTVBangladesh · Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta · Sundarbans

Illustration for Bangladesh Geography and Elections

What & Where

Bangladesh: deltaic South-Asian nation, carved from Pakistan in 1971 after Liberation War.

Lies in Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta; bordered by India (W,N,E), Myanmar (SE), Bay of Bengal (S).

2026 general election: BNP under Tarique Rahman toppled two-decade Awami League dominance with absolute majority.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Deltaic terrain causes frequent flooding yet provides fertile alluvium.
Sundarbans hosts Bengal tigers; UNESCO World Heritage.
Rivers continually shift channels, altering borders and farmland.

Parliamentary Design

First-past-the-post voting for 300 constituencies ensures single-member representation.
50 women seats allotted to parties proportionate to general-seat tally.
Five-year term; majority forms government.

Election 2026 Outcome

BNP majority ends Awami League’s nearly 20-year rule; power shift significant for regional politics.
Jamaat-e-Islami vote surge makes it principal opposition bloc.
Tarique Rahman poised to shape policy, alliance dynamics with India-Myanmar critical.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Independence year	1971
Parliament type	Unicameral Jatiyo Sangshad
Total seats	350
Direct FPTP seats	300
Women-reserved seats	50 (proportional)
2026 winner	Bangladesh Nationalist Party
BNP seats won	≈218
Second-largest party	Jamaat-e-Islami
Main delta rivers	Ganges (Padma) – Brahmaputra (Jamuna) – Meghna
Signature ecosystem	Sundarbans, world’s largest mangrove
Hilly terrain zone	Chittagong Hill Tracts (SE)
Avg. elevation	< 30 ft above sea level

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1996PYQ 1

Which one of the following countries has more or less evolved a two-party system?

GS-2Editorial

3.Reframing India’s Foreign Policy Vision

The HinduStrategic Autonomy · Viksit Bharat 2047 · WTO Paralysis

Illustration for Reframing India’s Foreign Policy Vision

What & Where

Concept shift: India moving from non-aligned Strategic Autonomy to Viksit Bharat 2047 interest-driven engagement

Core process: building endogenous tech, diversified trade, selective alliances over values-based multilateralism

Geography focus: Indo-Pacific technology chains, EU market access, neighbourhood stability

Quick Facts for MCQs

Multilateralism Erosion

Dysfunction: WTO, ISA, WHO see U.S. withdrawals, consensus bypass
Weaponization: Tariffs, sanctions deployed coercively against oil, tech choices
Capture: China dominates UN standards on digital infrastructure

Limits of Autonomy

Obsolescence: Cold-War neutrality untenable amid tech bifurcation Patriot vs S-400
Vulnerability: Import-heavy semiconductors weaken independent Indo-Pacific stance
Perception: U.S. labels India swing state needing incentives, not fixed partner

New Strategic Reality

Asymmetry: 19th-century-style might governs interim India-U.S. trade deal 2026
Tech-sovereignty: AI, cyber, space partnerships like NavIC-GLONASS define power
Competitive manufacturing: China Plus One benefits India yet rivals Vietnam, Mexico

Policy Reframe & Tools

Internal-build: PLI, Rare Earth Corridors, low external profile for capacity boost
Trade-diversify: Mega FTAs with EU (2026) and UK to cut U.S. reliance
Tech-alliances: BRICS CBDC links, quantum & space cooperation with Russia, others

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
WTO appellate paralysis	U.S. rejection continued in 2025
U.S. tariff on Indian steel/aluminium	50 % (2025)
India’s semiconductor import dependence	≈ 90 % from East Asia (2025)
Electronics exports jump	Doubled to ₹4 lakh cr in 2025
India-EU FTA coverage	99 % of India’s export trade (2026)
NavIC-GLONASS ground-station pact	Signed 2025 with Russia
Bangladesh-Pakistan proposed defence pact	2025; adds 2.5-front challenge
Rare Earth Corridors focus	Union Budget 2026-27
ISA, WHO U.S. exit period	2025-26
China-led UN agency heads	Several principal agencies captured

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2020PYQ 1

यदि निकट भविष्य में दूसरा वैश्विक वित्तीय संकट होता है, तो निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी कार्यवाही/नीति, भारत को, सबसे अधिक संभावना के साथ, कुछ सुरक्षा प्रदान कर सकती है?

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the pillars of India’s ‘Foreign Trade Policy-2023’?

GS-2Polity

4.Parliamentary Privilege Notice Rules

News on AirArticle 105 · Breach of Privilege · Lok Sabha

Illustration for Parliamentary Privilege Notice Rules

What & Where

Privilege Notice = MP’s written complaint over alleged breach of parliamentary privilege or contempt of House

Operates inside Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha; Speaker/Chairman decides admissibility

Triggered by obstruction, misinformation, defamation, distorted records, or acts lowering House authority

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Privilege powers derive from constitutional provisions, not ordinary statute
Houses act as judge, jury, executioner; courts barred from procedural review
Aims to secure unhindered legislative functioning and member independence

Procedural Steps

Notice submission → Presiding Officer admission → House debate or Committee referral
Committee gathers evidence, reports back for final House decision
No time limit fixed; action discretionary and case-specific

Penalties

Admonition/reprimand used for minor breaches; imprisonment rare, max till session end
Suspension or expulsion applicable only to offending members
Sanctions enforceable by House order, not subject to external appeal

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Core Constitutional basis	Articles 105, 194 (privileges); 122 (court non-interference)
Immunity clause	Art 105(2) protects speech/vote inside Parliament
Initiator	Any Member of Parliament
Submission mode	Written notice to Presiding Officer
First scrutiny	Speaker (LS) / Chairman (RS)
Inquiry body option	Committee of Privileges
Possible punishments	Admonition, reprimand, imprisonment, suspension, expulsion
Contempt scope	Any act diminishing authority or dignity of House
Current context	Govt to move notice against Leader of Opposition during Budget debate

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

Which of the following statements with regard to the privileges of the Members of the Parliament are correct?

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 2

भारत की संसद के सदस्यों के लिए संसदीय विशेषाधिकार से संबंधित निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/हैं?

GS-2Polity

5.Strengthening Workplace Sexual Harassment Safeguards

PIBSH Act 2013 · SHe-Box Portal · Internal Committee

What & Where

Safeguarding women at work: nationwide legal-institutional framework preventing, prohibiting, redressing sexual harassment under Sexual Harassment Act 2013.

Core processes: Internal Committees in establishments, Local Committees for unorganised sector; digital complaints via revamped SHe-Box portal.

Geography: Applicable pan-India; administered by Ministry of Women & Child Development with district-level officers.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

SH Act 2013 mandates ICs (≥10 staff) and district LCs for unorganised workers.
Company (Accounts) Rules require annual Board Report disclosure of POSH case numbers.
SC in Aureliano Fernandes (2023-24) held lax enforcement violates Article 21 dignity.

Tech & Schemes

SHe-Box 2024 revamp: single-window, multilingual e-complaint filing and tracking for all sectors.
ISTM POSH training modules hosted on iGOT Karmayogi for continuous official sensitisation.
Project Stree Manoraksha 2025 offers trauma-informed mental-health support to harassment survivors.

Social Concerns

Two-thirds cases unreported; retaliation fears acute in sports, domestic, agricultural sectors.
Only 8 % workforce fully grasps POSH procedures; rural awareness extremely low.
Several eastern districts’ LCs non-functional, limiting justice for unorganised women.

Economic Angle

Safe workplaces key to Viksit Bharat goal: 70 % female labour force participation.
2025 tech-sector study: perceived POSH bias drives higher mid-career female attrition.
Repeat-offender licence cancellation proposed to align business incentives with safety compliance.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Net female payroll addition (Jul 2025)	4.42 lakh
Unreported harassment incidents	≈ ⅔ of total
NCRB workplace harassment cases/yr	≈ 400
HR officials lacking full POSH know-how	53 %
Employees aware of own POSH policy	8 %
SHe-Box portal revamp year	2024
Constitutional anchors	Articles 14, 15, 21
National Workplace Safety Pledge	2026

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which of the following statements about the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is/are correct?

ESE_GS, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 2

Which of the following features regarding ‘Shram Suvidha Portal’ are correct?

GS-2Infrastructure

6.Sawalkot Hydropower Project and IWT Dispute

Indian ExpressChenab River · Indus Waters Treaty · Run-of-River

Illustration for Sawalkot Hydropower Project and IWT Dispute

What & Where

Project: Sawalkot hydroelectric scheme, run-of-river with concrete gravity dam and small reservoir on Chenab.

Capacity: 1,856 MW aiming to produce ~7,000 million units electricity yearly for northern grid.

Geography: Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir; Chenab is a ‘Western River’ under the Indus Waters Treaty.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Treaty: Indus Waters Treaty 1960 grants Pakistan data rights; India placed treaty in abeyance as punitive step.
Consultation: Pakistan formally invoked treaty provisions seeking Sawalkot details and technical discussions.
Compliance: Islamabad urges full adherence, prefers dialogue and international legal mechanisms.

Strategic Significance

Control: Large project augments Indian leverage over Western Rivers amidst evolving treaty dynamics.
Power: Adds substantial base load; complements Baglihar, Dulhasti, Salal on Chenab corridor.
National priority: Tagged as Project of National Importance to accelerate approvals and funding.

Regional Projects

Chenab corridor: Existing 390 MW Dulhasti, 890 MW Baglihar, 690 MW Salal operate upstream/downstream.
Western cluster: Cumulative Chenab capacity with Sawalkot will surpass 3,800 MW on one river.
Geography: Plants span Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi districts, strengthening regional energy security.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Main river	Chenab
River category under IWT	Western River
State/UT	Jammu & Kashmir
District	Ramban
Installed capacity	1,856 MW
Project type	Run-of-river
Dam type	Concrete gravity
Annual energy	≈7,000 MU
Initiated	1984
Present status	Project of National Importance
Treaty cited	Indus Waters Treaty, 1960
India’s stance	Treaty kept in abeyance post Pahalgam attack
Pakistan’s action	Sought information & consultations

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Salal Power Project is situated on which one among the following rivers?

CDS_GK, GS1 2009PYQ 2

Consider the following statements :

GS-2Security

7.IAF Instructors Train RAF Pilots

Indian ExpressRAF Valley · Hawk T2 · UK-India Air Staff Talks

What & Where

Deployment: three Indian Air Force Qualified Flight Instructors posted to RAF Valley, Wales, UK.

Mission: train Royal Air Force fast-jet pilots on Hawk T2 and Texan T1 aircraft for two years.

Context: outcome of 19th UK-India Air Staff Talks, reinforcing UK-India Vision 2035 defence roadmap.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Training Deployment

Three-member IAF team begins 2026 stint instructing RAF fast-jet trainees on Hawk T2, Texan T1.
First occasion Indian pilots formally embedded as flight instructors inside RAF training pipeline.
Precedent: single IAF officer posted to RAF College Cranwell earlier in 2026.

Bilateral Defence Framework

Initiative stems from 19th Air Staff Talks; strengthens Vision 2035 goal of deeper air-power cooperation.
Indian officers now instruct across all three UK service academies: Navy Dartmouth, Army Sandhurst, Air Cranwell.
Objective: elevate interoperability, mutual trust, long-term capability development.

Joint Exercises

Key UK-India drills: Cobra Warrior (air), Ajeya Warrior (army), Tarang Shakti (mega air exercise).
Repeated engagements sharpen combined tactics, techniques and procedures.
Exercise spectrum covers air combat, ground manoeuvre, large-force employment scenarios.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Host training base	RAF Valley, Wales
IAF instructors	3 Qualified Flight Instructors
Training aircraft	Hawk T2; Texan T1
Tenure length	2 years
Dialogue round	19th UK-India Air Staff Talks
Strategic umbrella	UK-India Vision 2035
Earlier milestone	1st IAF instructor at RAF College Cranwell, 2026
UK academies with Indian staff	Dartmouth, Sandhurst, Cranwell

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

'Exercise Desert Knight – 21' is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Air Force of which one of the following countries?

GS-3Economy

8.New CPI Base 2024 Methodology

PIBConsumer Price Index · Base Year 2024 · Jevons Index

Illustration for New CPI Base 2024 Methodology

What & Where

CPI (Base 2024=100) – India’s official retail‐inflation index, compiled monthly by NSO, MoSPI.

Covers rural + urban households nationwide; final All-India CPI weighted by respective consumption shares.

First data release: 12 Feb 2026; Jan 2026 inflation printed at 2.75 % YoY.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Methodology

Jevons index neutralises outlier market prices at item level.
Young/Modified Laspeyres aggregates item indices using fixed expenditure weights.
Combined CPI weight mirrors rural–urban consumption proportion.

Basket Expansion

Coverage upsized to 358 goods/services; stronger service share (education, health, OTT, transport).
Categories doubled from 6→12 aligning with UN COICOP 2018 classification.
Official admin prices used for fuel, rail, postal to enhance accuracy.

Tech & Data

Tablets replace paper schedules for faster, error-checked field entry.
E-commerce, digital subscription and airfare prices formally captured.
State-wise, rural-urban disaggregated indices published every month.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
New base year	2024 = 100
Previous base year	2012 = 100
Publishing body	MoSPI through NSO
Weight source	HCES 2023-24
First release date	12 Feb 2026
Jan 2026 CPI inflation	2.75 %
Basket size	358 items
Earlier basket size	299 items
Broad groups now	12 categories
Index formula (item)	Jevons
Index formula (group)	Young/Modified Laspeyres
Rural house rent	Included first time
Digital collection	Tablets + online prices

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2000PYQ 1

The new Gross Domestic Product (GDP) series released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) in February 1999 is with reference to base price of

GS1 2001PYQ 2

The new series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) released by the Government of India is with reference to the base prices of

GS-3S&T

9.Bodhan AI and Bharat EduAI Stack

The HinduDigital Public Infrastructure · AI for All · Ministry of Education

What & Where

Bodhan AI – non-profit under Education Ministry; built at IIT Madras to create Bharat EduAI Stack.

Bharat EduAI Stack – open-source digital public infrastructure deploying AI tools across Indian education spectrum.

Geography: Nationwide rollout from kindergarten to research institutions in India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Infrastructure: Open-source DPI ensures vendor-neutral, modular AI deployment.
Interoperability: Stack designed for plug-and-play across schools, colleges, research labs.
Personalisation: AI tutors adapt content to individual learner profiles.

Governance & Implementation

Oversight: Ministry of Education steers; Bodhan AI executes.
Policy input: Aggregated learning data feeds evidence-based decisions.
Sovereignty: Indigenous stack avoids foreign platform dependence.

Education Impact

Equity: Targets affordable, accessible, high-quality learning nationwide.
Teacher support: AI modules offer training, grading, and content curation.
Parental tracking: Dashboards help parents monitor child progress.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch year	2026
Parent ministry	Ministry of Education
Developing institute	IIT Madras (AI Centre of Excellence for Education)
Entity type	Non-profit organisation
Core product	Bharat EduAI Stack
Key vision	Inclusive, interoperable, sovereign “AI for All”
Sample tools	AI tutors, teacher-training aids, admin systems
Data use	Large learning datasets for policy-making

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2026PYQ 1

Which Ministry released the India AI Governance Guidelines in 2025?

GS-3Environment

10.Dal Lake In-Situ Conservation Plan

The HinduDal Lake · Floating Gardens · Jhelum River

What & Where

Urban freshwater lake–wetland, famed “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”.

Sited in Srinagar; part of tectonic–glacial Kashmir Valley lacustrine basin, linked to Jhelum River.

Four basins—Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, Nagin—within a 21 sq km wetland complex.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

J&K govt drops relocation-centric ₹416 cr plan; adopts resident-inclusive, in-situ conservation.
Strategy shifts focus to ecosystem restoration without mass eviction.

Environmental Impact

Stressors: sewage, encroachment, eutrophication, declining water circulation.
Winter freezing alters nutrient cycling, shortens peak tourism window.

Economic Angle

Tourism backbone: houseboats, shikaras, Mughal-garden backdrop.
Supports floating agriculture and fisheries, anchoring local livelihoods.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total lake area	~18 sq km
Wetland complex size	~21 sq km
Formation type	Tectonic–glacial lacustrine
Main outflow	Controlled gates to Jhelum River
Surrounding Mughal gardens	Shalimar Bagh; Nishat Bagh
Floating gardens term	Raad
Winter behaviour	Surface often freezes
Shelved project cost	₹416.72 crore
New approach	In-situ conservation with residents
Basin count	Four

GS-3Environment

11.Arctic Warming Facilitates Invasive Plants

The HinduInvasive Alien Species · Tundra Ecosystem · Climate Change

Illustration for Arctic Warming Facilitates Invasive Plants

What & Where

Invasive alien plant species = non-native flora establishing, spreading and disrupting local ecosystems.

Arctic tundra—mosses, lichens, dwarf shrubs—now exposed as warming erodes climatic barriers.

Key invasion hotspots: western Alaska, SW & SE Greenland, northern Iceland, Fennoscandia, Kanin–Pechora.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers

Rapid Arctic warming lengthens growing season, softening permafrost, easing plant establishment.
Rising tourism, research bases, cargo routes boost propagule pressure via contaminated gear and freight.

Ecological Impact

Alien herbs/shrubs outcompete tundra moss-lichen matrix, altering nutrient cycles and snow insulation.
Threat cascades to fauna: Arctic fox, snowy owl, walrus lose habitat/food-web stability.

Numbers & Evidence

Svalbard already records common meadow-rue, once climatically excluded.
Model overlaps temperature projections with GBIF records to map future niches.

Indian Context

Open ecosystems lacking forest canopy show fastest invasive spread; canopy limits light-demanding exotics.
Management gaps persist despite National Biodiversity Act listing invasive control as priority.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Potential invaders modelled	2,554 vascular plant spp. worldwide
Current Arctic alien taxa	341; of which 188 naturalised
Hotspot count	6 major regions
Chief Arctic introduction modes	Escape from confinement; stowaway; seed contamination; vehicle transport
Major Indian invaders	Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, Prosopis juliflora
Indian area already invaded	2,66,954 sq km natural habitats
Vulnerable Indian belts	Shivalik–Terai, Duars, Aravallis, Dandakaranya, Nilgiris
Highly exposed ecosystems	Dry grasslands, savannas, shola grasslands, Ganga–Brahmaputra wet plains
Climate drivers	Shorter winters, longer growing seasons, increased human access

GS-3Security

12.Dornier 228 Utility Aircraft Procurement

ANIDornier 228 · STOL · Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

Illustration for Dornier 228 Utility Aircraft Procurement

What & Where

Dornier 228: twin-engine turboprop STOL utility aircraft for transport, patrol, SAR

Where: designed Germany 1980s, license-built by HAL Kanpur, now for Indian Coast Guard

Variants: 228-100/200, 228 NG glass-cockpit, HAL Maritime Patrol version

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Surveillance: boosts coastal watch, EEZ policing, anti-smuggling, SAR for Coast Guard
Mission roles: maritime patrol, border surveillance, real-time vessel tracking via datalink

Tech & Schemes

STOL: special wing allows operations from 800-m unpaved strips, key for island outposts
Avionics: NG variant sports glass cockpit, five-blade propeller, autopilot
Sensors: 360° radar and FLIR enable night all-weather detection

Economic Angle

Indigenisation: Buy (Indian) contract strengthens HAL domestic assembly line
Employment: cascades to MSME vendors, avionics and composite manufacturers
Self-reliance: aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat defence procurement push

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Contract value	₹2,312 crore
Ordering agency	Ministry of Defence
Service user	Indian Coast Guard
Supplier	Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Kanpur
Quantity	8 Dornier 228
Procurement category	Buy (Indian)
Passenger capacity	Up to 19
Endurance	5–6 hours
Engine model	Twin Garrett TPE331 turboprop
STOL ability	Operates from short, unpaved strips

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

NDA_GAT 2022PYQ 1

With reference to India's defence, the terms ‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ refer to

GS-3Security

13.Ricin Toxin Bioterrorism Threat

Indian ExpressRicinus communis · Schedule 1 CWC · Protein Synthesis Inhibitor

What & Where

Ricin – naturally occurring type-II ribosome-inactivating protein extracted from castor beans (Ricinus communis).

India’s first alleged bioterror plot: Hyderabad doctor; probe shifted from Gujarat ATS to NIA for national-level investigation.

Security tag: Listed as Schedule 1 substance under the Chemical Weapons Convention, attracting highest global control.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Agency: National Investigation Agency now leads probe, replacing Gujarat ATS.
Milestone: Officially first case labelled bioterrorism in India.
Compliance: Schedule 1 status mandates strict licensing, reporting and export bans.

Scientific Properties

Mechanism: Inhibits ribosomal 60S subunit, halting protein synthesis, destroying cells.
Toxicity: Minute inhaled, ingested or injected doses can be lethal; multi-route threat.
Countermeasure gap: No vaccine or antidote; only supportive care available.

Operational Challenges

Production: High-purity extraction from castor mash technically complex, limits scale.
Dissemination: Stable, respirable aerosol difficult to achieve for non-state actors.
History: Prior incidents confined to small-scale assassinations, never mass casualties.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Toxin class	Type-II ribosome-inactivating lectin
Source plant	Castor bean (Ricinus communis)
Extraction solvent	Industrial acetone
Antidote availability	None known
CWC listing	Schedule 1 substance
Recorded use pattern	Targeted assassinations, no mass-casualty success

GS-3Security

14.Assam Rifles Induct Indigenous Dog Breeds

The HinduTangkhul Hui · Kombai · Assam Rifles

What & Where

Indigenous-canine shift: Assam Rifles replacing Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Labradors with Tangkhul Hui & Kombai breeds

Training hub: Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre, Jorhat (Assam); deployment across Northeast insurgency belt and Jammu & Kashmir

Timeline: full indigenous induction by 2027, foreign breeds completely phased out by 2050 under 2025 MHA directive

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Tracker dogs detect arms, explosives, narcotics supporting counter-insurgency in thick jungle terrain
Indigenous breeds expected higher stamina, lower acclimatisation issues enhancing patrol efficiency

Breeds & Veterinary

Tangkhul Hui carries strong disease resistance, traditional hunting lineage from Ukhrul district
Kombai offers agility, loyalty, complements Hui traits for mixed-team deployment

Policy & Timeline

MHA 2025 directive pushes all CAPFs toward Indian canine breeds preference
Assam Rifles roadmap: incremental intake till 2027, systematic foreign breed retirement culminating 2050

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Implementing force	Assam Rifles (oldest CAPF)
Founded as	Cachar Levy, 1835
Administrative control	Ministry of Home Affairs
Operational control	Ministry of Defence
Main border guarded	Indo-Myanmar, 1 640 km
Indigenous breeds chosen	Tangkhul Hui (Manipur) ; Kombai (Tamil Nadu)
Training facility	Dog Training Centre, Jorhat (Assam)
Current foreign breeds	Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, Labrador
MHA canine order year	2025
Phase-out deadline	2050 (gradual), 2027 for full induction

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2022PYQ 1

Which one of the following is the oldest Central Paramilitary Force in India?

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