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17 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 8GS-3: 7Misc: 1
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GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

1.Birth Anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj

PIB
Illustration for Birth Anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj

What & Where

Maratha Empire founder; envisioned Hindavi Swarajya—indigenous, ethical self-rule free of foreign dominance

Born 19 Feb 1630, Shivneri Fort near Pune; operations spanned Western Deccan & Konkan coast

Perfected guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kava) and coastal fort chain to secure western seaboard

Quick Facts for MCQs

Military Strategy

  • Guerrilla cavalry raids exploited hills, forests, surprise tactics
  • Notable victories: Pratapgad 1659, Purandar 1665, Sinhagad 1670, Sangamner 1679
  • Wagh Nakh surprise strike killed Afzal Khan at Pratapgad

Governance Model

  • Ashtapradhan handled finance, foreign, justice, defence, internal security, etc.
  • Revenue reforms removed intermediaries, ensuring cultivator-state direct link
  • Inclusive recruitment across castes and faiths strengthened loyalty

Naval Prowess

  • Built 200-plus-ship fleet; combated Portuguese, Siddi, English powers
  • Coastal forts Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Jaigad guarded trade arteries
  • First systematic Indian sea-borne defence doctrine credited to him

Language & Culture

  • Administration conducted in Marathi, Sanskrit promoting Swabhasha ideal
  • Swadharma emphasis preserved local customs, temple endowments
  • Multiple honorifics asserted sovereign, dharma-protector image

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Birth date19 February 1630
BirthplaceShivneri Fort, Pune
EmpireMaratha
Core idealHindavi Swarajya
Guerrilla termGanimi Kava
Key councilAshtapradhan Mandal (8)
Revenue reformDirect peasant assessment
Naval titleFather of Indian Navy
Famous naval fortSindhudurg, Konkan
Weapon vs Afzal KhanWagh Nakh (1659)
Language shiftPersian → Marathi, Sanskrit
Major raidSurat 1664
Final major battleSangamner 1679
HonorificsChhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya-Kulavantas, Haindava Dharmodhhaarak

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2023PYQ 1

Arrange the following events associated with Shivaji in chronological order : 1. Attack on Afzal Khan 2. Capture of Torna 3. Attack on Shaista Khan 4. Annexation of Javli Select the correct answer using the code given below :

UPSC 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements about the administrative measures of Shivaji: 1. The scheme of Ashta Pradhan (eight ministers) was completed and announced at the time of Shivaji's coronation with regulations and duties properly defined. 2. Shivaji introduced Marathi in place of Persian and coined Sanskrit technical terms for administrative purposes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

GS-2Polity

2.National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

PIB
Illustration for National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

What & Where

Constitutional watchdog under Article 338A safeguarding Scheduled Tribe rights across India

Formed 2004 after 89th Amendment bifurcated earlier SC-ST commission

Seats in New Delhi; oversees Union, States, Scheduled & Tribal Areas

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Evolution

  • 1978 multi-member SCs-STs commission; 1992 65th Amendment gave constitutional status
  • 2003 amendment split into NCSC and NCST for focused tribal attention

Composition & Tenure

  • Chairperson status Union Cabinet Minister; Vice-Chairperson rank Minister of State
  • Tenure three years or until 70 years age, whichever earlier

Mandate & Powers

  • Monitoring safeguards: land alienation, atrocities, benefit denial
  • Inquiry authority mirrors Civil Procedure Code courts; recommendations non-binding yet persuasive

Advisory & Development Role

  • Policy input on socio-economic plans, budgetary allocations, forest-rights, displacement rehabilitation
  • Can suggest specific Tribal Sub-Plan measures to Union & States

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Constitutional Article338A
Creating Amendment89th, 2003
Operational Since19 Feb 2004
Total Members5 (Chair + VC + 3)
Appointing AuthorityPresident of India
Report RecipientPresident; laid before Parliament
Civil-Court PowersSummon, document call, evidence record
Mandatory Government ConsultationAll major ST-affecting policy
Previous Combined BodyNational Commission for SCs & STs
HQ LocationNew Delhi

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2020PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा आयोग अनुच्छेद 338A से संबंधित है?

UPSC 2024PYQ 2

Consider the following statements: 1. A special provision was made in the Constitution of India by the Constitution (Eighty-ninth Amendment) Act, 2003 to establish the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. 2. National Commission for Backward Classes, National Commission for Minorities and National Commission for Scheduled Castes are constitutional bodies. 3. National Commission for Women is not a constitutional body. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

GS-2Polity

3.Bonded Labour Abolition Act Golden Jubilee

The Hindu
Illustration for Bonded Labour Abolition Act Golden Jubilee

What & Where

Bonded labour: forced work to repay debt or hereditary caste service; outlawed by Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976

50th anniversary: February 2026, spotlight on persisting bondage in sectors like brick kilns, poultry farms

Hotspot: Odisha tribal migrants; rescues in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana expose inter-state dimension

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Provision: Act makes bondage cognizable offence; District Magistrate & Vigilance Committees responsible for identify-release-rehabilitate
  • Scope: Covers economic debt, hereditary caste servitude such as barber or washerman services
  • Penalty focus: Criminalisation aimed at deterring creditors, thekedars

Implementation Gaps

  • Delay: Release certificates, fund transfer often languish years between source and destination states
  • Funding lapse: Half Odisha districts still without mandatory ₹10 lakh, stalling 48-hour relief
  • Data void: No national survey post-SECC-2011, hindering proactive detection

Socio-Economic Factors

  • Relapse driver: No land, skills, or income pushes survivors back to same contractors
  • Caste denial: Officials revoke certificates, claiming servitude ended, ignoring systemic coercion
  • Debt cycle: High-interest advances, lack of alternative credit perpetuate bondage

Way Forward

  • Immediate cash: Activate corpus for spot payments within 48 hours of rescue
  • Scheme convergence: Link to MGNREGS, PMAY, PDS on day of release
  • Digital tracking: Real-time portal to monitor certificates, rehabilitation status inter-state

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Act commencement25 Oct 1976
National releases (SECC-2011)≈1.65 lakh persons
Odisha rescued till last count8,304 persons
Mandatory district corpus₹10 lakh for instant relief
Districts in Odisha lacking corpus~50 %
Central rehab grant (2022)₹1 – 3 lakh, graded
Typical bonded workday14 – 15 hours
GS-2Polity

4.Supreme Court Debate on Freebies

Indian Express

What & Where

Freebies: government-funded goods, services or cash promised free to voters, largely announced near elections

Key types: utility subsidies, consumer durables, cash doles, extra foodgrain, farm loan waivers

Scope: across Indian States; scrutinised by Supreme Court, RBI, Election Commission

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • SupremeCourt: 2013 Balaji upheld policy domain; 2025 PIL called freebies a parasite creator; 2022 panel proposed
  • ElectionCommission: Model Code asks manifestos to avoid fiscally unsound promises that vitiate electoral purity
  • RBI: distinguishes freebies from merit goods, flags crowding-out of infrastructure and capex

Fiscal Impact

  • DebtBurden: rising subsidies widening state deficits; liabilities touching 28.1 % GDP
  • CrowdingOut: populist spend squeezes capital outlays, dampens medium-term growth
  • FRBMStrengthening: suggested sunset clauses, tracking off-budget borrowings, tighter targets

Social Concerns

  • DependencyCulture: cash transfers up to 87 % income for some self-employed women, discourage self-reliance
  • ElectoralIntegrity: unconditional doles equated with monetary inducement, distort level playing field
  • LimitedOutcomes: consumption boost yet weak gains in nutrition, education without supporting services

International Examples

  • Venezuela: generous freebies fostered non-productive populace, preceded 2000 economic collapse
  • ConditionalCash: Mexico Progresa, Brazil Bolsa Família link aid to school attendance, health check-ups
  • BestPractice: time-bound, targeted, outcome-linked transfers balance welfare with fiscal prudence

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
SC Balaji ruling year2013
Estimated freebie cost FY26₹1.7 lakh crore
States’ gross fiscal deficit FY253.2 % of GDP
States’ outstanding liabilities28.1 % of GDP
2022 expert panel on freebiesNot constituted
GS-2Polity

5.Supreme Court on Hate Speech Laws

The Hindu

What & Where

Hate speech: communication that incites hatred or violence against protected groups in India

Hate crime: any offence where bias motive targets race, caste, religion, gender, orientation, disability

Supreme Court: ongoing scrutiny of identity-based offences threatening fraternity nationwide

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Statutes: BNS 2023, RPA 1951, SC/ST Act 1989, PCR Act 1955 address facets of hate offences
  • Gap: no standalone hate crime law; vague terms like disharmony hinder convictions
  • Proposal: codify clear definitions separating hate speech and hate crime

Judicial Precedents

  • Supreme Court orders police suo motu action against hate speech since Shaheen Abdulla 2022
  • Section 66A struck 2015 for over-broad curbs on Article 19 rights
  • Pravasi Bhalai 2014 pushed Law Commission to draft hate speech framework

Enforcement Challenges

  • Conviction rate low owing to poor evidence and political patronage
  • Social media algorithms and anonymity intensify spread of divisive content
  • NCRB lacks specific categories for lynching or religious killings hindering data-driven policy

Recommended Actions

  • Suo motu FIR delay deemed contempt; officers personally accountable
  • IT Rules 2026 propose 24-hour takedown channel via district nodal officers
  • Special hate courts suggested to complete trials within six months

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Definition source267th Law Commission Report 2017
Free-speech guaranteeConstitution Art 19(1)(a)
Reasonable restrictionConstitution Art 19(2)
Penal clause usedBNS 2023 promotes enmity
Disqualification lawRPA 1951 Sec 8
Anti-lynching guidelinesTehseen Poonawalla 2018
Suo motu FIR mandateShaheen Abdulla 2022
Section struck for vaguenessIT Act 66A in Shreya Singhal 2015
GS-2Scheme

6.Vibrant Villages Programme Phase II

The Print

What & Where

Definition: Central Sector scheme for integrated development of villages in blocks abutting International Land Borders, excluding northern belt under VVP-I.

Scope: 1,954 strategic villages across 15 States & 2 UTs along Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Pakistan etc.

Timeline: Approved FY 2024-25–2025-26; funding till 2028-29; launched Feb 2026, Nathanpur (Cachar), Assam.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Central Sector design ensures 100 % Union funding, direct MHA oversight.
  • Builds on BADP, complements VVP-I to avoid northern border overlap.
  • Saturation rule guarantees every eligible household receives ongoing scheme benefits.

Tech & Schemes

  • Road connectivity via PMGSY-IV links all strategic villages year-round.
  • Digital Bharat Nidhi funds 4G/5G towers for uninterrupted telecom.
  • BIND & RDSS deliver television access and reliable power supply.

Security Dimension

  • Resident populations act as informal sentinels for BSF, Assam Rifles etc.
  • Outreach activities strengthen community–security forces trust.
  • Reduces out-migration, limiting unguarded stretches vulnerable to encroachment.

Economic Angle

  • Tourism, homestays, cultural events tapped for income diversification.
  • SHGs/FPOs receive skill, credit support for agri-allied enterprises.
  • Financial inclusion via PM-JDY and DBT stabilises household cash flow.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Scheme categoryCentral Sector
Nodal ministryMinistry of Home Affairs
Approved periodFY 2024-25 to 2025-26
Funding windowUp to 2028-29
Financial outlay₹6,839 crore
Launch date/placeFeb 2026, Nathanpur (Assam)
Coverage units15 States + 2 UTs
Villages targeted1,954
Core infra pillarsRoad, Telecom, Television, Electrification
Implementation modelSaturation + convergence of flagship schemes

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2024PYQ 1

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

UPSC 2024PYQ 2

Which of the following statements about 'Vibrant Village Programme' of the Government of India is/are correct? 1. It aims at comprehensive development of the identified villages 2. Fairs, festivals, sports meet etc. are organized under this programme Select the answer using the code given below:

GS-2Security

7.MILAN 2026 Multilateral Naval Exercise

DD News
Illustration for MILAN 2026 Multilateral Naval Exercise

What & Where

MILAN 2026 = multilateral naval exercise to boost maritime cooperation, interoperability, trust.

Conducted by Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Bay of Bengal.

Focus region: Indo-Pacific, incl. nine ASEAN navies.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Interoperability: joint ASW, AD, SAR drills for collective maritime deterrence.
  • Collective security: aligns with Indo-Pacific strategic architecture, counters transnational threats.
  • IONS forum: Chiefs’ conclave institutionalises regional naval dialogue.

Diplomacy & Policy

  • Defence diplomacy: high-level interactions with ASEAN Navy Chiefs broaden strategic trust.
  • Act East & MAHASAGAR: exercise operationalises India’s eastward outreach and wider ocean vision.
  • Multilateralism: 74-nation participation bolsters India’s security partnership credentials.

Exercise Components

  • Sea phase: live-fire ASW, formation tactics, cross-deck helicopter ops.
  • Harbour phase: professional exchanges, tabletop wargames, cultural engagements.
  • Fleet Review: showcases multi-nation naval presence and interoperability.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Host serviceIndian Navy
First held1995 (background)
Current editionMILAN 2026
Venue city/stateVisakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Participating nations74 (largest so far)
ASEAN members present9
Exercise themeCamaraderie, Cooperation and Collaboration
Sea-phase drillsASW, Air Defence, Search & Rescue
Flagship eventsInternational Fleet Review 2026, IONS Conclave of Chiefs
Indigenous showpiecesINS Vikrant, Visakhapatnam-class destroyers
Policy linkageAct East Policy, MAHASAGAR vision

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2020PYQ 1

MILAN, एक बहुपक्षीय नौसैनिक अभ्यास, 2020 निम्नलिखित में से किस शहर में आयोजित किया गया था ?

UPSC 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following countries did the Indian Navy participate in the U.S. Navy-led Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) military exercise, to demonstrate its maritime manoeuvres?

GS-2Security

8.Iran Drill Closes Strait of Hormuz

Times of India
Illustration for Iran Drill Closes Strait of Hormuz

What & Where

Strait of Hormuz – narrow, vital maritime chokepoint; lone sea outlet of Persian Gulf.

Width 55–95 km; flanked by Iran (N) and Oman-UAE (S).

Links Persian Gulf (W) with Gulf of Oman & Arabian Sea (E).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Exercise Smart Control involved live-fire; lanes temporarily closed.
  • Iran leverage: threats in 1980s Tanker War & 2012 sanctions episodes.
  • Saudi, UAE bypass pipelines exist yet carry only fraction of Hormuz flow.

Economic Angle

  • Roughly 80 % of shipments bound for Asia—India, China, Japan, S Korea.
  • Any choke elevates freight, insurance, crude prices globally.
  • Limited alternates amplify market volatility and supply-chain risk.

India Impact

  • Heavy dependence elevates energy security priority for Delhi.
  • Blockade risk strains forex, inflation, strategic oil reserve planning.
  • Drives naval outreach and diversification of suppliers & fuels.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Width range55–95 km
ConnectsPersian Gulf ↔ Gulf of Oman/Arabian Sea
Global seaborne oil & gas≈20 % transits here
India crude via strait≈50 % of imports
India LNG via strait≈60 % of imports
Major exportersSaudi, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar
2026 Iranian drill name“Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz”
GS-2MiscQuick Bite

9.World Day of Social Justice 2026

PIB
Illustration for World Day of Social Justice 2026

What & Where

Global UN observance every 20 Feb highlighting social, economic & political justice.

Priority areas: poverty eradication, decent work, gender equality, social inclusion.

Roots: Copenhagen Declaration 1995 → UNGA proclamation 2007 → first observance 2009.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Copenhagen Declaration 1995 frames the global social justice agenda.
  • UNGA Resolution 62/10 (2007) formally instituted the Day.
  • ILO 2008 Declaration stresses fair, inclusive globalisation.

International Institutions

  • ILO steers the Decent Work Agenda within observance goals.
  • UNDESA mainstreams social justice across economic, labour, climate, digital policies.
  • Civil-society coalitions press for justice indicators in global strategies.

Development Goals

  • Direct SDG linkage: No Poverty (1), Decent Work (8), Reduced Inequalities (10).
  • Broadly advances inclusive growth and equitable opportunity targets.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Observance date20 February (annual)
Proclaimed byUN General Assembly, 2007
First observance2009
Foundational document1995 Copenhagen Declaration
2026 theme“Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice”
ILO declaration date10 June 2008
Key SDGs supported1, 8, 10
GS-3Economy

10.Salem Sago GI Export

News on Air

What & Where

Definition: Salem Sago (Javvarisi) are tapioca-starch pearls, 2–4.5 mm, staple food & industrial input.

Process: Wet cassava starch rolled-dried; ~5 kg tubers yield 1 kg sago.

Geography: Salem district, Tamil Nadu—“Land of Sago”; supplies ≈80 % of India’s output, now exported to Canada.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Production & Yield

  • Yield-leader: Salem belt among world’s highest tapioca productivities at 25–30 t/ha.
  • Efficiency: High starch ratio enables commercial viability for small farmers.
  • Dominance: Over 80 % national sago comes from Salem cluster.

Trade & Export

  • Milestone: 2023 first GI-tagged Salem Sago consignment air-shipped to Canada.
  • Support: APEDA coordinated producer-led export logistics, compliance and branding.
  • Benefit: GI + exports expected to raise farmgate prices, especially for tribal cultivators.

Legal & Policy

  • Protection: GI status safeguards name, prevents misuse outside Salem geography.
  • Registrar: SAGOSERVE obtained GI, represents local starch & sago manufacturers.
  • Alignment: Initiative fits India’s agri-export diversification under Agricultural Export Policy.

Multi-Sector Uses

  • Food: Breakfast cereals, desserts, fasting dishes.
  • Industry: Paper, textile sizing, cosmetics, pharma binders, construction adhesives.
  • Alcohol: Fermented starch employed in ethanol and beer production.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
GI tag yearMarch 2023
GI holderSAGOSERVE Co-op, Tamil Nadu
Facilitating agencyAPEDA
First direct export marketCanada
Regional tapioca yield25–30 t/ha
Starch in roots30–35 %
Calorific value~310 kcal/100 g
Granule size2–4.5 mm
Conversion ratio1 kg sago : 5 kg tubers
Major production beltSalem, Erode, Namakkal, Dharmapuri
GS-3S&T

11.Shalimar Wheat Early-Maturing Varieties

The Hindu
Illustration for Shalimar Wheat Early-Maturing Varieties

What & Where

Definition Shalimar Wheat: early-maturing SW-3 & SW-4 bred by SKUAST-K via conventional crossing

Key types: SW-4 harvests last week May; SW-3 first week June

Geography: Optimised for mid-altitude Kashmir rice–wheat belt up to ≈1,850 m

Quick Facts for MCQs

Agronomic Traits

  • Early maturity enables wheat harvest 10–15 days sooner than older varieties
  • SW-3 balances yield with shortened growth period, avoiding typical productivity penalties
  • Both varieties sustain high tillering under cool Kashmir springs

Nutritional Angle

  • Biofortified SW-3 offers elevated iron, zinc and protein, aiding hidden-hunger mitigation
  • No transgenic intervention, easing consumer acceptance
  • Nutrient levels meet ICAR biofortification benchmarks

Disease Resistance

  • Built-in resistance to prevalent yellow rust pathotypes of North-Western Himalaya
  • Reduced fungicide dependence lowers input costs and residue load
  • Multi-year hotspot screening ensured durable resistance

Cropping System Impact

  • Timely wheat clearance permits June paddy transplantation without nursery ageing losses
  • Supports food-security by stabilising Kashmir’s dominant rice–wheat acreage
  • Less fallow gap minimises soil moisture loss between crops

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Breeding instituteSKUAST-K, Shalimar campus
Method usedConventional cross-breeding, pedigree selection
Maturity SW-4Last week of May
Maturity SW-3First week of June
Target rotationRice–wheat system
Altitude suitability≤ 1,850 m
Yield potential SW-3≈ 38 q/ha
Yellow-rust statusResistant
Fe + Zn content SW-3> 40 ppm combined
Protein content SW-3≈ 12 %

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2002PYQ 1

Consider the following high yielding varieties of crops in India: 1. Arjun 2. Jaya 3. Padma 4. Sonalika Which of these are wheat?

GS-3S&T

12.Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute Qualification Test

New Indian Express

What & Where

Component: Drogue Parachute of Gaganyaan deceleration system; stabilises crew module during atmospheric re-entry.

Location: Developed by ISRO-DRDO; load-tested at DRDO’s RTRS, TBRL Chandigarh.

Process: Deploys after apex cover separation, before pilot/main parachutes, to cut speed and impart stability.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technology & Design

  • Ribbon-fabric architecture lowers shock loads, boosts tensile resilience.
  • Drogue acts transition link enabling pilot parachute extraction and main canopy deployment.
  • Built with added structural margins for extreme aerodynamic and ballistic conditions.

Testing & Validation

  • Qualification trial exceeded worst-case flight stresses to certify reliability.
  • RTRS sled simulated high-speed re-entry flow, verifying deployment dynamics.
  • Part of sequential evaluation of all four parachute categories in deceleration suite.

Mission Relevance

  • Successful test retires key risk heading to India’s first crewed orbital flight.
  • Stable drogue performance essential for controlled descent and survivable landing zone accuracy.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
DevelopersISRO + DRDO
Test facilityRail Track Rocket Sled, TBRL Chandigarh
Parachute designHigh-strength ribbon
Qualification levelLoads > maximum flight loads
Deceleration system10 parachutes, 4 types
Drogue parachutes per module2
Primary roleStabilise & reduce velocity pre-main canopy
MissionGaganyaan human spaceflight, safe splashdown

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2024PYQ 1

भारत का 'मिशन शक्ति' (DRDO) निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंधित है?

GS-3S&T

13.Graphics Processing Unit Evolution and Uses

The Hindu
Illustration for Graphics Processing Unit Evolution and Uses

What & Where

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): specialized silicon for massive parallel numeric tasks, initially gaming, now AI/HPC backbone

Found chiefly on discrete graphics cards, motherboard chips or integrated SoCs in laptops/phones

Core use across rendering pipeline: vertex → rasterisation → shading → frame-buffer write

Quick Facts for MCQs

Architecture & Working

  • Parallelism: thousands of small cores execute identical shader programs simultaneously
  • Memory hierarchy: large VRAM, smaller caches, shared memory to cut latency bottlenecks
  • Packaging: some high-end parts co-package HBM for terabytes-per-sec throughput

Market Structure

  • Concentration: Nvidia leads PCs and data-centres; AMD & Intel minor participants
  • Advantage: combo of hardware speed plus mature CUDA ecosystem
  • Device scale: high-end GPUs among transistor-richest chips, fabricated on 3-5 nm nodes

CPU–GPU Contrast

  • CPUs optimize branch prediction, fast task switching, few powerful cores
  • GPUs sacrifice control logic to multiply simple ALUs, ideal for repetitive math
  • Outcome: GPUs excel at AI training, image rendering, scientific simulations

Indian Initiatives

  • IndiaAI Mission targets domestic AI compute infrastructure using GPUs
  • India Semiconductor Mission funds fabrication, design, packaging capabilities
  • Mission 2.0 expands incentives for advanced nodes and high-bandwidth memory plants

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
First branded GPUNvidia GeForce 256, 1999
Screen load (1080p @ 60 Hz)≈120 million pixel updates / sec
Rendering pipeline steps4 (vertex, rasterise, shade, write)
Dominant vendor shareNvidia ≈90 % of discrete PC GPUs
Key software stackCUDA enables general-purpose GPU computing
GPU memoryHigh-bandwidth VRAM beside/stacked on die
CPU vs GPU focusCPUs: control/cache; GPUs: duplicated compute blocks, wide data paths
Indian schemesIndiaAI Mission; India Semiconductor Mission & 2.0
GS-3S&T

14.M.A.N.A.V. Human-Centric AI Framework

PIB

What & Where

M.A.N.A.V. = human-centric AI framework: Moral, Accountable, National-sovereign, Accessible, Valid systems.

Focus shifts from autonomous tech to extension of human aspirations via ethics, governance, inclusivity.

Unveiled by PM at India-AI Impact Summit 2026, New Delhi—the first Global South AI summit.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • IT Rules 2026 define deepfakes and enforce intermediary accountability.
  • AI Governance Guidelines 2025 embed transparency, equity, constitutional values.
  • Safe & Trusted AI pillar funds bias checks, audits, privacy-preserving design.

Tech & Schemes

  • IndiaAI Mission scales compute, datasets, skilling while institutionalising standards.
  • MeghRaj Cloud and IndiaAI Compute Portal give shared GPU/TPU access to startups.
  • Semiconductor and National Supercomputing Missions build indigenous chips and HPC capacity.

International Examples

  • Pax Silica secures resilient silicon supply chains, diluting Chinese dominance.
  • AI summits timeline: 2023 Bletchley, 2024 Seoul, 2025 Paris, 2026 New Delhi.
  • 2025 Paris Joint Statement on Inclusive & Sustainable AI signed by 58 nations incl India.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Acronym M.A.N.A.V.Moral Ethical, Accountable, National Sovereignty, Accessible Inclusive, Valid Legitimate
IndiaAI Mission outlay₹10,300 crore+
Guinness ethical-AI pledges250,946 within 24 hrs
IT Amendment Rules2026; regulate synthetic content
AI Governance Guidelines2025; transparency & equity
Pax Silica launchDec 2025, US-led
Pax Silica partnersAustralia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, ROK, Singapore, UAE, UK
Next AI summit hosts2027 Geneva (Switzerland); 2028 UAE

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 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 : I. भारत के प्रधानमंत्री ने ब्रिटेन में 2023 में सम्पन्न सम्मेलन सहित 2024 में भारत द्वारा किए गए प्रयासों का विवरण प्रस्तुत किया। II. अन्य देशों के साथ-साथ US और UK ने UK में सम्पन्न AI शिखर सम्मेलन पर सहमति व्यक्त की। उपयुक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/हैं?

UPSC 2024PYQ 2

Which of the following statements about GPAI (Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence) is/are correct? 1. It is a multi-stakeholder initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting edge research. 2. The Annual GPAI Summit was held at New Delhi in December 2023. Select the answer using the code given below:

GS-3Environment

15.North-East India Forest Fire Crisis

Down to Earth

What & Where

Surface forest fires in Himalayan North-East; feed on dry litter, grass; ignite mainly December–March dry season

Current hotspots Lohit Valley (Arunachal) & Dzukou-Japfu ridge (Nagaland), elevations 9,000-10,000 ft

Region forms part of Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot; holds 36 % of India’s forest cover

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers

  • Dry-spell: failed Western Disturbances desiccate fuel bed, Lohit moisture deficit extreme in 2026
  • Shifting-cultivation: uncontrolled Jhum burns escape into reserve forests, Anjaw district trigger noted
  • Human-negligence: trekkers, poachers spark Dzukou blaze amid alpine grass fuel load

HADR Response

  • IAF-ops: Mi-17 V5 with 3,500 L Bambi Buckets, multiple sorties from Walong & Dimapur bases
  • Synergy: Army Spear Corps, state forest staff, local disaster cells coordinate ground containment lines
  • Central-funding: Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme finances fire lines, watchers

Operational Challenges

  • Terrain: steep ridges block fire trucks; hotspots reachable only after days on foot
  • Thin-air: reduced lift, poor visibility complicate bucket precision, Padumpokhiri lake refills risky
  • Water-scarcity: few high-altitude sources lengthen helicopter turnaround times

Future Actions

  • Community-brigades: incentivised Joint Forest Management first responders before aerial aid arrives
  • Tech-upgrade: drones, AI spread models for night surveillance and proactive evacuation
  • Fuel-removal: commercial extraction of pine needles, bamboo biomass to cut combustible load

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Incidents spike~200 × more fires in Arunachal, early 2026 vs 2025
Altitude of IAF buckets>9,500 ft (record for Mi-17 V5)
Water dropped, Walong sector1.4 lakh L in one week
Dominant fire typeSurface, not crown
Seasonal concentration80 % fires during Mar–Apr
2026 anomalyPeak advanced to February
Forest alert systemFSI SNPP-VIIRS satellite
NE forest share36 % of national cover

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2022PYQ 1

The forests of Uttarakhand, Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh and Dzukuo Valley in Nagaland and Manipur were in the news on account of which one of the following reasons?

UPSC 2021PYQ 2

सवाना की वनस्पति में फैले हुए छोटे वृक्षों के साथ घास के मैदान होते हैं, किन्तु इस क्षेत्र में कोई वृक्ष नहीं होते हैं। ऐसे क्षेत्र में वन विकास सामान्यतः एक या एकाधिक या कुछ परिस्थितियों के संयोजन के द्वारा नियंत्रित होता है। ऐसी परिस्थितियों निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी हैं? 1. विलवर्ती प्राणी और दीमक 2. अग्नि 3. चरने वाले शाकभक्षी प्राणी (हर्बिवोर्स) 4. मौसमी वर्षा 5. मृदा के गुण नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनें:

GS-3Mapping

16.Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary Corridor

New Indian Express
Illustration for Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary Corridor

What & Where

Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary: 269.96 sq km Sal-dominated forest corridor in Terai Arc, Nainital (Uttarakhand), between Gola-Sharda rivers.

Links Ramnagar forests (India) with Shuklaphanta NP (Nepal); part of Shivalik Elephant Reserve, newly recommended Tiger Reserve.

Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata): Vulnerable semi-aquatic carnivore, first officially recorded here, signals healthy freshwater habitat.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Conservation & Policy

  • NTCA prescription elevates site to Tiger Reserve, strengthening legal protection and funding streams.
  • Inclusion in Shivalik Elephant Reserve ensures dual flagship focus: elephant and tiger conservation mandates.
  • Otter’s Vulnerable tag necessitates stricter aquatic pollution control within sanctuary streams.

Biodiversity Metrics

  • Faunal roster includes tiger, leopard, Asian elephant, sloth bear, 15 reptiles, 20 fish species.
  • Corridor status enables genetic flow between western Terai forests and Nepal’s Shuklaphanta megafauna.
  • Over 100 tree species enhance vertical stratification, supporting 250 recorded avifauna.

Species Adaptations

  • Smooth, hydrophobic fur plus webbed paws minimize drag, boosting swimming efficiency.
  • Group hunting in V-formation maximizes fish capture in fast-flowing waters.
  • Tactile vibrissae detect prey vibrations, allowing foraging success in turbid conditions.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Sanctuary notification2012
Sanctuary area269.96 sq km
DistrictNainital, Uttarakhand
Flanking riversGola & Sharda
Larger landscapeTerai Arc (India–Nepal)
Elephant reserve tagShivalik Elephant Reserve, 2002
Proposed tiger reserve count3rd for Uttarakhand (after Corbett, Rajaji)
Dominant treeSal (Shorea robusta)
Mammal species~25
Bird species~250
Smooth-coated otter statusIUCN Vulnerable
Otter scientific nameLutrogale perspicillata
Otter length≈1.3 m
Otter weight7–11 kg

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2025PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित में से किन्हें वर्ष 2025 में भारत में रामसर स्थल के रूप में शामिल किया गया? 1. सक्करकटाई पक्षी अभयारण्य 2. उदभा झील 3. रूद्रसागर झील 4. चौराह वन्यजीव अभयारण्य नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर उत्तर चुनिए:

MiscMisc

17.Daily Current Affairs 20 February 2026

The Hindu
Illustration for Daily Current Affairs 20 February 2026

What & Where

Bonded Labour System = forced work to liquidate debt or fulfil hereditary caste service; legally abolished in 1976

Two forms → economic debt-bondage; hereditary/caste-based servitude (e.g., barber, washerman customs)

Hotspots → brick-kilns & poultry farms across Odisha source villages, AP/Telangana destination units

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • District Magistrate & Vigilance Committees empowered to identify, release, rehabilitate labourers
  • IT Amendment Rules 2026 regulate deepfakes under M.A.N.A.V’s Valid-Safe pillar
  • VVP-II (₹6,839 cr) saturates 1,954 border villages with roads, telecom, power, TV

Environmental Impact

  • Arunachal fire incidents ↑ 200× vs 2025; 1.4 lakh L water dropped in a week
  • NE forests hold 36 % of India’s cover; 80 % fires normally Mar-Apr
  • Smooth-coated otter first recorded in Nandhaur WLS, Uttarakhand—bio-indicator of clean rivers

Tech & Schemes

  • Gaganyaan drogue parachute qualified via RTRS; ribbon design tested beyond max loads
  • IndiaAI Compute Portal, MeghRaj Cloud democratise access under M.A.N.A.V Accessible-Inclusive pillar
  • Shalimar Wheat-3 matures by early June; 38 q/ha yield with >40 ppm Zn, Fe

Security Dimension

  • MILAN 2026 at Visakhapatnam: 74 nations, theme “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration”
  • Sea phase drills include ASW, Air-defence, SAR; showcases INS Vikrant
  • VVP-II villages act as “eyes & ears” for BSF along Indo-Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar borders

Social Concerns

  • NCST (Art 338A) formed 2004; powers of civil court to probe tribal rights violations
  • Salem Sago (GI 2023) first direct consignment to Canada; boosts farmer incomes

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Abolition Act year1976
National bonded-labourers released (SECC-2011)~1.65 lakh
Odisha rescues till last count8,304
Mandatory district corpus₹10 lakh
Central rehab grant (2022 scheme)₹1 – 3 lakh
Typical bondage work hours14 – 15 hrs/day

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2025PYQ 1

S1. In many countries, there are millions of people who are underprivileged and deprived S6. In the past forced labour was imposed by landlords, moneylenders, and other wealthy persons P. Both of these are prohibited under the Constitution of India Q. One such form of exploitation in our country has been begar or forced labour without payment R. The marginalised are often subjected to exploitation by their fellow human beings S. Another closely related form of exploitation is buying and selling

UPSC 2022PYQ 2

The forests of Uttarakhand, Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh and Dzukuo Valley in Nagaland and Manipur were in the news on account of which one of the following reasons?

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