Saturday, 21 February 2026

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: What does the 104th Constitution Amendment Bill relate to?

The correct answer is (a) Abolition of Legislative Councils in certain States. This question appeared in GS1 2006.

Q: Consider the following statements:

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in GS1 2007.

Q: The basic aim of Lead Bank Scheme is that

The correct answer is (c) individual banks should adopt particular districts for intensive development. This question appeared in GS1 2012.

Q: Which of the following terms indicates a mechanism used by commercial banks for providing credit to the government ?

The correct answer is (a) Cash Credit Ratio. This question appeared in GS1 2010.

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, GEO_GS 2024.

Q: Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute significantly in the economic and social development of the country. Which of the following measures is / are taken by the Government with respect to MSMEs?

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3. This question appeared in CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2021.

Q: The Constitution (35th Amendment) Act of 1974 is related to which one of the following States?

The correct answer is (a) Mizoram. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2021.

Q: Chapchar Kut is a festival celebrated in the state of

The correct answer is (a) Arunachal Pradesh. This question appeared in GS1, NDA_GAT 2002.

Q: Consider the following:

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2022.

Q: Which one of the following is not the principle of India’s Foreign Policy for Panchsheel?

The correct answer is (b) Mutual contentions. This question appeared in ESE_GS, GS1 2025.

15 topicsGS-1: 2GS-2: 6GS-3: 7

0/15 done

GS-2Polity

1.Bill Seeks Diversity in Higher Judiciary (Judicial Appointments)

The HinduJudicial Diversity Bill · Proportional Representation · Regional Benches

What & Where

Private Member’s Constitution (Amendment) Bill, Feb 2026, seeks compulsory social diversity in higher-judiciary appointments and permanent regional Supreme Court benches

Proportional slots mandated for SC, ST, OBC, women, religious minorities; Centre must notify Collegium names within 90 days

Four-bench structure: Constitution Bench stays in Delhi; appellate benches proposed at Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai for nationwide access

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Provisions

Article-124 President appoints SC judges in consultation with CJI and senior judges
Article-130 permits CJI, with Presidential nod, to situate Supreme Court outside Delhi
Article-217 governs High Court judge appointments via President, CJI, Governor, HC Chief Justice

Structural Barriers

Opacity Collegium decisions lack public criteria, minutes, diversity audits
Nepotism Family connections create “Uncle Judge” exclusion of first-generation advocates
Gender-leak Women comprise only 14 % High Court judges by 2024

Strengthening Measures

MoP-update Mandate demographic diversity alongside merit and seniority
NJAC-revival Include judiciary, executive, bar, academia for transparent selection
Facilities Crèches, safe washrooms, harassment redressal to retain women litigators

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Bill type	Private Member Constitution Amendment
Introduced	Lok Sabha, Feb 2026
Articles relevant	124, 217, 130
Diversity quota groups	SC, ST, OBC, women, minorities
2018-24 SC/ST/OBC share	≈20 % of higher-judiciary appointees
Women share 2018-24	<15 %
Minority share 2018-24	<5 %
Govt notification limit	90 days after Collegium recommendation
Proposed SC benches	Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai
Law Commission backing	229th Report, 2009

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2006PYQ 1

What does the 104th Constitution Amendment Bill relate to?

GS1 2007PYQ 2

Consider the following statements:

GS-3Economy

2.Draft Revisions to Lead Bank Scheme (Financial Inclusion)

Economic TimesLead Bank Scheme · RBI Draft · SLBC

What & Where

Lead Bank Scheme (LBS) — RBI’s district-centric “Area Approach” for credit deployment & financial inclusion

Core processes: Lead bank designation, SLBC coordination, Service Area village mapping

Geography: Nationwide except early exclusions of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai metros

Quick Facts for MCQs

Policy Revision

Draft guidelines seek streamlined operations, stronger SLBCs, empowered LDM offices
Benchmark 60 % CD ratio to be monitored branch-wise, reported district-wise
Focus on tighter bank-government-agency convergence for resource mobilisation

Institutional Framework

Lead Bank anchors credit planning, chairs District Consultative Committee
SLBC quarterly reviews state credit targets, sectoral gaps, financial inclusion progress
LDM coordinates branch credit plans, data aggregation, grievance redress in district

Historical Evolution

1969 vision of social banking fused developmental goals with commercial banking
Service Area Approach 1989 allotted 15–25 village clusters per rural branch to avoid overlap
Scheme continuously updated; latest draft is first major overhaul in over a decade

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch month-year	December 1969
Launching authority	Reserve Bank of India
Guiding committees	Gadgil Study Group, Nariman Committee (1969)
Draft CD ratio norm	60 % for rural & semi-urban branches
Primary planning unit	District
Executing officer	Lead District Manager (LDM)
SLBC role	Apex state-level coordination forum
Service Area Approach start	April 1989
Typical lead bank type	Public Sector Commercial Bank
Core objective	Priority-sector credit flow & inclusion

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2012PYQ 1

The basic aim of Lead Bank Scheme is that

GS1 2010PYQ 2

Which of the following terms indicates a mechanism used by commercial banks for providing credit to the government ?

GS-3Economy

3.Export Promotion Mission Interventions (MSME Exports)

PIBExport Promotion Mission · MSME · Export Factoring

What & Where

Export Promotion Mission (EPM): 6-year umbrella scheme boosting MSME exports through converged financial & non-financial tools.

Twin streams: Niryat Protsahan (financial enablers) and Niryat Disha (capacity, logistics, compliance).

Coverage: All-India rollout FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, led by Department of Commerce & DGFT.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Financial Enablers

Factoring: Interest rebate makes discounted invoice finance affordable for small exporters.
E-commerce credit: Dual facilities cover domestic dispatch & overseas inventory holding.
Emerging markets support: Shared-risk instruments cushion high-risk buyer or country exposure.

Logistics & Warehousing

FLOW: Up to 30 % capital subsidy for foreign warehouses, incl. E-commerce Export Hubs, max 3 years.
LIFT: Freight reimbursement targets low-export districts to neutralise distance disadvantage.

Quality & Compliance

TRACE: Partial TIC cost refund incentivises global certifications, yearly cap ₹25 lakh per IEC.
INSIGHT: 50 % project aid; 100 % for govt bodies, strengthening Districts as Export Hubs skilling.

Governance & Scope

Anchor: Department of Commerce; DGFT nodal; coordination with MSME Ministry, EPCs, states.
Sectoral priority: Textiles, leather, gems-&-jewellery, engineering, marine—most tariff-exposed lines.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Total EPM outlay	₹25,060 crore
Mission span	6 years (2025-26 → 2030-31)
Operational interventions	10 of 11
Freshly launched interventions	7 (3 financial, 4 non-financial)
Uniform interest subvention	2.75 %
Export Factoring cap	₹50 lakh per MSME/yr
Direct E-commerce credit limit	₹50 lakh; 90 % guarantee
Overseas Inventory credit limit	₹5 crore; 75 % guarantee
TRACE reimbursement	60 % Positive List; 75 % Priority List
LIFT freight aid ceiling	₹20 lakh per IEC/yr

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

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

CAPF_GAI, GEO_GS 2021PYQ 2

Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute significantly in the economic and social development of the country. Which of the following measures is / are taken by the Government with respect to MSMEs?

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

4.Mizoram and Arunachal Statehood Anniversary (Post-Independence States)

PIBStatehood 1987 · Mizoram Peace Accord · State of Mizoram Act

Illustration for Mizoram and Arunachal Statehood Anniversary (Post-Independence States)

What & Where

Statehood Day: Mizoram & Arunachal Pradesh became 23rd & 24th Indian states on 21 Feb 1987.

Northeast Himalaya; Mizoram flanks Myanmar–Bangladesh, Arunachal borders Bhutan–China–Myanmar.

Both carved from Assam via Union-Territory phase (1972) after accords ending insurgency or strategic concerns.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Evolution

1959-61 Mautam famine spurred Mizo National Front insurgency.
1986 Mizoram Peace Accord, State of Mizoram Act 1986 enabled statehood.
China border risk drove Arunachal’s elevation; State Act passed 1986.

Demography & Society

Mizoram highest tribal concentration; Arunachal hosts widest tribal diversity spectrum.
Literacy gap: Mizoram far above national, Arunachal below national average.
Sex ratios roughly match national trend, Mizoram slightly favourable.

Geopolitics & Security

Arunachal strategic for India–China boundary (McMahon Line, Tawang axis).
Mizoram stability critical for India–Myanmar border management and Act East projects.
Statehood settlements reduced secessionist violence, integrating NE periphery.

Environment

Mizoram’s 85 % forest cover tops India, aiding biodiversity & climate goals.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Statehood date (both)	21 Feb 1987
Union-Territory creation	1972 for both
Capital – Mizoram	Aizawl
Capital – Arunachal	Itanagar
Forest cover % (Mizoram)	85.4 % of area
Largest NE state (area)	Arunachal Pradesh
Intl borders – Mizoram	Myanmar, Bangladesh
Intl borders – Arunachal	Bhutan, China, Myanmar
Literacy – Mizoram	91.58 %
Literacy – Arunachal	65.38 %
Sex ratio – Mizoram	975 ♀/1000 ♂
Sex ratio – Arunachal	938 ♀/1000 ♂
Tribal population peak	Mizoram (highest %)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1, NDA_GAT 2021PYQ 1

The Constitution (35th Amendment) Act of 1974 is related to which one of the following States?

GS1, NDA_GAT 2002PYQ 2

Chapchar Kut is a festival celebrated in the state of

GS-3S&T

5.Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster Vaccine (Immunization)

News on AirTd Vaccine · Booster Dose · Tetanus

What & Where

Td vaccine = booster against tetanus & diphtheria; launched by Union Health Minister at Central Research Institute, Kasauli (H.P.)

Two formulations: Td (tetanus + diphtheria); Tdap (adds pertussis, advised for pregnant women & infant caregivers)

Administered post-childhood; boosts waning immunity every 10 yrs, can be co-given with other routine shots

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

UIP integration ensures free Td boosters via public health facilities, improving adolescent & adult coverage
Co-administration policy cuts extra visits; boosts overall completion rates

Disease Biology

Tetanus spores in soil enter via wounds; toxin causes lockjaw, muscle spasms, respiratory failure
Diphtheria aerosol-borne; throat pseudomembrane may suffocate, toxins damage heart & nerves

Dosage & Safety

Intramuscular 0.5 ml deltoid/thigh; immunity peaks within weeks, sustained by memory cells
Contra-indicated only in severe allergic reaction to previous dose; no live organisms, so safe for immunocompromised

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Pathogens covered (Td)	Clostridium tetani; Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Booster interval	Every 10 years
Age/phase targeted	Adolescence & adulthood after primary childhood series
Key side-effects	Mild pain, redness, low-grade fever
Pregnancy advisory	Prefer Tdap during each pregnancy (27-36 weeks)
Launch site	Central Research Institute, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Immunisation link	Part of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme
Storage requirement	2 – 8 °C cold chain
Community benefit	Herd immunity; reduced respiratory failure & cardiac/nerve damage
Co-administration	Safe with other vaccines in same visit

GS-2Editorial

6.India’s Strategy Amid Multilateral Erosion (Foreign Policy)

The HinduUNSC Paralysis · Minilateralism · Multi-alignment

What & Where

Emerging world order: power-centric, minilateral alignments replacing rule-based multilateralism.

Key processes: US isolationism, China-built architectures (BRI, NDB, RCEP), niche groups like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2.

Core geography: Indo-Pacific—LAC land frontier and Indian Ocean Region pivotal for India.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geopolitical Shifts

Unilateralism: US tariff threats, WHO & Paris exits erode collective norms.
Minilateralism: QUAD, AUKUS, RCEP gaining over universal WTO, UNSC setups.
Weaponised interdependence: semiconductors, SWIFT, energy routes used for coercion.

India’s Diplomatic Phases

Non-Alignment 1947-64 focused on decolonisation; exposed by 1962 China war.
Realist 1964-91 saw 1971 Indo-Soviet Treaty, 1974 nuclear deterrent.
Assertive Multi-vector 2014-26 balances Quad with Russian arms, leads Global South.

Key Challenges

China: border standoff, pharma–electronics import dependence, IOR encirclement via BRI ports.
Transactional trade: India-US interim pact demands concessions before tariff cuts.
Expectation gap: rising calls for decisive Indian positions on Ukraine, Gaza, climate.

Suggested Actions

Supply-chain de-risk: SCRI, friend-shoring electronics, APIs, semiconductors.
Tech sovereignty: secure critical minerals; push AI, quantum to become digital rule-maker.
BRICS reboot: convert bloc to economic cooperation; pilot cross-border CBDC linkage.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
US withdrawals from UN bodies	31 institutions exited
China-led UN specialised agencies	4 of 15
WTO Appellate Body	Blocked since Dec 2019
Troops deployed along LAC	≈ 60,000 each side
India joins revived Quad	2017
Russian S-400 contract	2018
African Union in G20	Inducted 2023 Delhi summit
Pokhran-I nuclear test	1974
Voice of Global South Summit	Launched 2023
UNSC veto holders	US, UK, France, Russia, China

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 1

Consider the following:

ESE_GS, GS1 2025PYQ 2

Which one of the following is not the principle of India’s Foreign Policy for Panchsheel?

GS-2Economy

7.Pax Silica Supply Chain Initiative (Critical Minerals)

ITPax Silica · Supply Chain Security · Semiconductors

Illustration for Pax Silica Supply Chain Initiative (Critical Minerals)

What & Where

Strategic U.S.-led initiative securing diversified supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, electronics & AI technologies

Conceived against rare-earth concentration worries; inaugural summit Washington D.C., Dec 2025

India now joins 10 other signatories spanning Indo-Pacific, West Asia & Europe

Quick Facts for MCQs

Supply Chain Security

Diversification cuts over-reliance on single-country rare-earth processing and chip fabrication
Addresses non-market dumping; shields sensitive tech & infrastructure
Coordinates mineral refining, processing, access among partners

Technology Collaboration

Joint R&D across semiconductors, AI systems, data infrastructure, advanced manufacturing
Builds trusted innovation ecosystem linking governments, industry, academia
Aligns long-term tech governance standards among like-minded democracies

Economic & Investment Angle

Promotes pooled investments, incentives strengthening industrial networks
Deepens economic partnerships to hedge coercive supply disruptions
Seeks resilient global economic architecture based on transparent markets

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Lead agency	U.S. Department of State
Launch summit	Washington D.C., Dec 2025
Signatory members	11 (US, Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, ROK, Singapore, UAE, UK, India)
Non-signatory participants	Canada, EU, Netherlands, OECD, Taiwan
Core sectors	Critical minerals, Semiconductors, Electronics, AI
Primary aim	Resilient, diversified, trusted supply chains
Key risk addressed	Coercive or monopolistic supply practices
India status	New entrant, 2025
Private sector role	Mobilise entrepreneurship & scale innovation
Geostrategic tag	Pax Silica initiative

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2024PYQ 1

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

GS-2MiscQuick Bite

8.India Observes Board of Peace Meeting (Israel-Palestine)

The HinduBoard of Peace · Observer Status · Two-State Solution

What & Where

Board of Peace; US-initiated multilateral forum, pitched as alternate conflict-resolution platform

First meet: Washington D.C., Feb 2026; agenda—Gaza Strip redevelopment

Membership: 27 countries; India present only as “observer”

Quick Facts for MCQs

Institutional Details

Members include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Argentina; mix of West Asian, Latin American, Asian states
Structure undefined; positioning as quicker, flexible platform versus UN mechanisms
Funding anchored by US, inviting voluntary contributions from participants

India’s Stand

Supports Gaza Peace Plan, signed >100-entity statement condemning West Bank settlements as illegal
Maintains “de-hyphenated” diplomacy, balancing Arab League engagement with Israel ties
Reiterates commitment to sovereign, contiguous Palestine alongside Israel

Funding & Projects

USD 10 billion earmarked for Gaza infrastructure, housing, health facilities
Priority areas: power grid revival, desalination plants, job-oriented economic zones

West Asia Diplomacy

Participation keeps India engaged in region’s peace architecture without formal alliance obligations
Alignment with wider international criticism of settlement expansion bolsters rules-based image

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Founding actor	United States
Launch year	2026
Initial meet venue	Washington D.C.
Total participant states	27
Indian role	Observer, not full member
Core mandate	Gaza reconstruction, conflict mediation
US financial pledge	USD 10 billion
Potential rival institution	United Nations
Related UNSC Resolution	2803
India’s preferred solution	Two-State based on 1967 borders

GS-2Misc

9.Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 (UAE Aid Mission)

DD NewsUAE · Gaza Air Bridge · Field Hospital

What & Where

Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 (OCK-3): UAE-led international humanitarian mission targeting the Gaza Strip

Provides continuous sea-air-land bridge of food, medicine, water, shelters during Ramadan humanitarian peak

Core geography: Gaza (field hospital), Rafah (desalination plants), Al Arish Egypt (floating hospital)

Quick Facts for MCQs

Logistics & Transport

Bridge design: dedicated air corridor + sealift + truck convoys ensuring uninterrupted supply chain
Airdrop capability: Birds of Goodness reaches inaccessible northern Gaza zones
Volume focus: labelled one of region’s highest sustained relief tonnages

Medical Infrastructure

Field hospital: emergency, primary care, stabilization inside Gaza conflict zone
Floating hospital: specialized surgeries offshore at Al Arish to bypass ground access limits
Health scope: surgery, trauma care, maternal-child services bolstering overstretched local facilities

Funding & Diplomacy

Billion-dollar top-up signals pivot from short-term relief to long-term stabilization projects
Board of Peace platform used to mobilize multilateral coordination around OCK-3 efforts
UAE positioning: ranks among leading donors to Palestinian humanitarian response

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch directive	President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Mission phase	Third edition of Chivalrous Knight series
Transport mix	Hundreds of flights, several ships, 300+ land convoys
Field hospital site	Inside Gaza Strip
Floating hospital site	Al Arish, Egypt
Desalination plant site	Rafah crossing area
Special airdrop arm	Birds of Goodness initiative
Recent UAE pledge	Additional USD 1 billion at Board of Peace, Washington
Cumulative UAE aid	Nearly USD 2 billion
Primary timing window	Holy Month of Ramadan 2024

GS-3Security

10.Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (Naval Forum)

PIBIONS · Indian Ocean Region · Maritime Cooperation

Illustration for Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (Naval Forum)

What & Where

Voluntary multilateral naval forum for Indian Ocean Region (IOR) littorals

Initiated by Indian Navy; HQ functions rotate with chair

Core geography: 25 IOR nations spanning Africa, West Asia, South Asia, SE Asia, Australia

Quick Facts for MCQs

History & Chairmanship

Rotation: UAE, South Africa, Australia, Bangladesh, Iran, France, Thailand followed India’s first term
2026 reassumption signals renewed Indian leadership and agenda-setting opportunity
Conclave of Chiefs serves as formal handover and strategic review mechanism

Core Functions

Strategic dialogue: Biennial Conclaves for chiefs to address threats, cooperation roadmaps
Capacity building: Joint IMEX drills, professional exchanges, interoperability enhancement
Maritime domain awareness: Shared data, coordinated surveillance for safer sea lines of communication

Working Groups

HADR: Frameworks for rapid disaster response, best-practice drills among littoral navies
MARSEC: Joint strategies against piracy, terrorism, trafficking, other non-traditional threats
IS&I: Real-time information exchange protocols, common procedures, digital tools for joint ops

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full name	Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
Launch year	2008
Inaugural chair	India (2008-10)
Current chair cycle	India, Feb 2026-28
9th Conclave venue	Visakhapatnam, India
Nature	Voluntary, inclusive, multilateral maritime forum
Membership strength	~25 navies + observers
Flagship exercise	IMEX (multilateral maritime drills)
Specialised working groups	HADR; Maritime Security; Information-Sharing & Interoperability
Key aim	Peace, stability, secure sea lanes in Indian Ocean

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2017PYQ 1

Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2024PYQ 2

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

GS-3Security

11.INS Krishna Cadet Training Ship (Naval Training)

Times of IndiaCadet Training Ship · INS Krishna · L&T Shipyard

Illustration for INS Krishna Cadet Training Ship (Naval Training)

What & Where

Launch site Kattupalli (Chennai); INS Krishna is Indian Navy’s first indigenous Cadet Training Ship (CTS).

Lead ship of three-vessel CTS class for practical navigation, seamanship & ship-handling training of officer cadets.

Built under Buy (Indian-IDDM) route; showcases private-sector warship design capability via Larsen & Toubro.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Design

Indigenous hull; integrated simulators enable onboard watch-keeping, navigation and seamanship drills.
Dual-propulsion architecture supports sustained 60-day missions without replenishment.
Modular armament fit allows easy future upgrades.

Training Infrastructure

Purpose-built ship frees frontline combatants from training diversion.
70-seat smart classrooms replicate Naval Academy pedagogy at sea.

Security Dimension

76 mm gun + CIWS provide point defence during training deployments.
Capability boosts fleet readiness by accelerating cadet–to–bridge transition.

Naval Diplomacy

Berths reserved for Friendly Foreign Country cadets foster maritime partnerships.
Port calls during training voyages project Aatmanirbhar Bharat shipbuilding prowess worldwide.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Ship class	Cadet Training Ship (CTS)
Builder & yard	L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli
Displacement	~4,700 tonnes
Length	122 metres
Top speed	20 knots
Sea endurance	60 days
Classroom capacity	3 rooms × 70 cadets
Total accommodation	20 officers, 150 sailors, 200 cadets
Primary gun	76 mm naval gun
CIWS fit	2 × AK-630M
Additional weapons	12.7 mm RC guns
Training bridge	Dedicated cadet bridge + chart house
Procurement category	Buy (Indian-IDDM)
Gender inclusivity	Facilities for women cadets
Overseas training	Cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2024PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements about 'INS Tarmugli' is not correct?

CDS_GK 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following ships was involved in ‘Mission Sagar – II’?

GS-3Security

12.Rising Cybercrime Trends in India (Cyber Security)

The PrintCybercrime 2025 · ₹22 · 495 Crore Losses

What & Where

Cybercrime = illegal acts via computers/networks; spectrum now spans phishing, AI-driven deepfake fraud, digital arrests, sextortion

Key 2025 threats: investment scams, digital arrests, sextortion, UPI collect-request misuse, cross-border ransomware

India focus: 28.15 lakh cases, ₹22,495 cr loss; ~50 % attacks traced to Cambodia-Myanmar-Laos compounds

Quick Facts for MCQs

Data Trends

Spike 24 % in cybercrime cases between 2024-25
Losses dipped 1.5 % owing to real-time fund freezes
Investment scams made 35 % cases yet 76 % losses

Drivers

Penetration 86 % internet households expanding rural attack surface
Inflation plus quick-rich mindset fueling fake high-return apps
Generative AI creating convincing voice video deepfakes for impersonation

Policing Challenges

FIR conversion only 0.2 % of complaints due to jurisdictional puzzles
VPNs RaaS encryption masking attacker location
Forensic expert shortage despite 459 cyber police stations

Government Measures

1930 helpline enabling real-time hold on fraudulent transfers
I4C platform blocked ₹8,031 cr since launch
Proposal mandatory e-FIR nationwide plus AI mule-account flagging

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Case volume 2025	28.15 lakh
Year-on-year rise	24 %
Total money lost 2025	₹22,495 crore
Investment scam share of losses	76 %
Fraud blocked by I4C (cumulative)	₹8,031 crore
Digital arrests loss share	9 %
Household internet penetration 2025	86 %
FIRs registered 2025	55,484

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

13.Poland Withdraws from Ottawa Mine Ban (Anti-Personnel Mines)

The HinduPoland · Ottawa Convention 1997 · Landmine Ban

Illustration for Poland Withdraws from Ottawa Mine Ban (Anti-Personnel Mines)

What & Where

Ottawa Convention 1997 – global ban on anti-personnel mines

Poland’s Eastern Shield fortification zone along Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave & Belarus border

Landmine classes: anti-personnel banned, anti-tank regulated by CCW 1980 Amended Protocol II 1996

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Ottawa Convention bans anti-personnel mines use, stockpiling, production, transfer
Anti-tank mines regulated, not banned, under CCW 1980 Amended Protocol II 1996
Poland ratified 2012, now withdrawing 2026, ending treaty obligations

Security Dimension

Eastern Shield fortifications contemplate minefields deterring aggression from Russia and Belarus
Withdrawal follows Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion, heightening regional threat perception
Polish government promises deployment only under realistic threat to minimise civilian harm

International Examples

Regional exits include Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine post-Ukraine war
Non-parties India, Russia, United States among nearly three dozen states
Trend signals NATO eastern flank re-evaluating disarmament commitments

Production & Industry

Poland pursues self-sufficiency via domestic manufacture of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines
Collaboration planned with Polish defence producers for inventory rebuilding
Mines retained in stockpiles pending security trigger deployment

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Treaty name	Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa) 1997
Poland ratification year	2012
Stockpile destruction completed	2016
Withdrawal announced	Feb 2026
Fortification project	Eastern Shield
Other recent withdrawers	Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine
Non-party major powers	India, Russia, United States
Anti-tank mines status	Allowed under CCW Amended Protocol II

GS-2Scheme

14.SANKALP Skill Development Scheme (Skill Training)

The HinduSANKALP · MSDE · World Bank Loan

What & Where

Flagship scheme SANKALP upgrades short-term skill training quality, reach and inclusion across India.

Launch 19 Jan 2018; original closure Mar 2023, now extended.

Implementing agency MSDE with World Bank loan; executed through Central-State-District skill institutions.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Scheme Design

Institutional-strengthening: upskills NSDC, SSCs, State Skill Missions, District hubs.
Quality-assurance: standards, third-party assessments, unified certification portal.
Industry-linkage: MoUs with employers for demand-driven curricula and placements.

Financials

Allocation ₹4,455 cr split GoI & World Bank; draws released on achieving DLIs.
Performance-based grants incentivise states to reform training governance.
Cost allows modern labs, trainer capacity, inclusion pilots.

Implementation Gaps

PAC-observed: slow progress, delayed milestones, weak field monitoring.
Extension beyond 2023 indicates lag in meeting reform targets.
Committee recommends tighter MSDE oversight, real-time dashboard use.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Full form	Skill Acquisition & Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion
Nodal ministry	Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
Launch date	19 January 2018
Original duration	FY 2018-23
Total outlay	₹4,455 crore
Key financier	World Bank loan assistance
Scheme type	Centrally Sponsored, performance-linked
Monitoring tool	Results Framework & Disbursement Linked Indicators
Core focus	Quality, industry linkage, marginalised inclusion
Parliamentary scrutiny	Public Accounts Committee (PAC) 2024

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 1

Consider the following statements about the SANKALP Scheme:

GEO_GS, GS1 2008PYQ 2

What is the name of the scheme which provides training and skills to women in traditional and non-traditional trades?

GS-1Editorial

15.Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem Report (Skill Apprenticeship)

PIBNITI Aayog · Apprenticeship Engagement Index · 20 Recommendations

Illustration for Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem Report (Skill Apprenticeship)

What & Where

Policy report “Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem” by NITI Aayog, 2024, to embed apprenticeships as human-capital pillar for Viksit Bharat @ 2047

Framework spans five processes — policy reform, structural strengthening, state-district action, industry engagement, aspirant support

Core geography skewed toward industrial states; Gujarat alone commands 24.18 % of National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme engagements

Quick Facts for MCQs

State Disparities

Concentration: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka dominate apprenticeship seats
Negligible uptake: several states/UTs contribute under 0.001 % to national pool
Implication: unequal access erodes demographic dividend in lagging regions

Systemic Challenges

Aspirational bias: degree preference over vocational skills hampers enrolment
Regulatory clutter: multiple portals NAPS vs NATS deter MSMEs participation
Infrastructure gaps: District Skill Committees often lack funds, trainers, equipment

Recommendations & Tools

Single digital portal to unify registration, compliance, stipend flow
Apprenticeship Engagement Index to rank states, foster competitive federalism
Cluster-based MSME consortia proposed to collectively hire and train apprentices

Economic Angle

Learning-by-doing raises enterprise productivity, lowers onboarding costs
Skilling mismatch now causing higher unemployment among tertiary-educated youth
Bio-energy linkage could turn rural apprenticeships into 18 GW annual power opportunity

Social Inclusion

District-level skilling anchors to map local industry demand with marginalized youth supply
Portable, globally recognized certifications to enhance mobility and wages
Vocational mainstreaming under NEP 2020 integrates classroom credit with shop-floor exposure

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Releasing agency	NITI Aayog
Report recommendations	20
Strategic pillars listed	5
Gujarat share in NAPS FY 24-25	24.18 %
Power potential from agri residues	18,000 MW per year
Proposed new metric	Apprenticeship Engagement Index

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2023PYQ 1

Consider the following statements concerning the National Education Policy, 2020:

CDS_GK, NDA_GAT 2025PYQ 2

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

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