Tuesday, 24 February 2026

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Consider the following statements with reference to India:

The correct answer is (a) 1 and 2. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2002.

Q: Which one of the following statements with regard to the Election Commission is not correct ?

The correct answer is (b) An Election Commissioner can be removed from his office without the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2022.

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, GS1 2020.

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

The correct answer is (a) I and II only. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2025.

Q: A great deal of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India comes from Mauritius than from many major and mature economies like UK and France. Why?

The correct answer is (a) India has preference for certain countries as regards receiving FDI. This question appeared in GS1 2010.

Q: Consider the following pairs:

The correct answer is (d) None of the pairs. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2023.

Q: Which one of the following sea ports has gained importance for the export of iron ore to Japan?

The correct answer is (c) Cochin. This question appeared in CDS_GK, GS1 2021.

Q: Which of the following statements about GPAI (Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence) is/are correct?

The correct answer is (a) 1 only. This question appeared in GEO_GS 2024.

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

The correct answer is (a) It is a fast attack craft commissioned by the Indian Navy.. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024.

Q: Which one of the following ships does NOT come under Indian Navy's eight ASW Shallow Water Craft project?

The correct answer is (a) Mahanav. This question appeared in CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024.

14 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 4GS-3: 7

0/14 done

GS-2Polity

1.Ensuring Election Commission Independence (Election Commission)

The HinduArticle 324 · Chief Election Commissioner · Security of Tenure

What & Where

Independence of Election Commission: election supervision free from executive, political, external influence across India

Key processes: appointment method, security of tenure, financial autonomy, collective decisions under Article 324

Core geography: Constitutional body headquartered New Delhi with jurisdiction over entire Union

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Safeguards

Security-of-tenure and service-condition shields embedded in Article 324(5)
Plenary power enables EC action even when statute silent (Mohinder Singh Gill 1978)
Multi-member design curbs individual bias by ensuring collective supervision

Judicial Verdicts

Indira Gandhi 1975: free, fair elections part of Basic Structure
T.N. Seshan 1995: Election Commissioners’ status equal to CEC, multi-member upheld
Anoop Baranwal 2023: CJI inclusion sought for neutral appointments

Operational Challenges

Executive-heavy panel enabled partisan appointments, e.g., two ECs filled March 2024
Financial dependence delayed emergency funds for 2025 Bihar roll scrutiny
Tech-driven de-duplication deleted 25 lakh genuine voters in Haryana 2025

Reform Proposals

Extend CEC-level removal safeguards to all Commissioners via Article 324(5) amendment
Charge EC expenditure to Consolidated Fund for purse-string insulation
Create independent secretariat; mandate physical hearings before voter deletions

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Article vesting powers	Article 324(1)
Removal standard for CEC	Same as SC judge; proven misbehaviour/incapacity
Service conditions post-appointment	Cannot be varied to CEC’s disadvantage
Multi-member status since	1993 (three-member Commission)
Protection for other ECs	Weaker; removable on CEC recommendation
Appointment panel (2024 Act)	PM + Cabinet minister + LoP
Budget source	Voted demand, not Consolidated Fund
Latest SC mandate on selection	Anoop Baranwal 2023 added CJI
Ongoing constitutional challenge	Jaya Thakur case 2024-26

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2002PYQ 1

Consider the following statements with reference to India:

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements with regard to the Election Commission is not correct ?

GS-2Polity

2.Parliamentary Freedom of Speech Safeguards (Parliamentary Privileges)

The HinduArticle 105 · Expunction · Immunity

What & Where

Parliamentary privilege; Article 105 grants MPs freedom of speech during House/committee proceedings across Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha.

Immunity covers “anything said or any vote given”, shielding from civil/criminal action within Indian courts.

Rule-380 Lok Sabha Procedure allows Speaker to expunge unparliamentary words, moderating the privilege in practice.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Constitutional Provisions

Article 105 unique to Parliament; Article 194 mirrors for State Legislatures.
Privilege operates independent of Article 19 reasonable-restrictions regime.
Extension covers constitutionally entitled participants ensuring open executive-legislative dialogue.

Procedural Rules

Sub-judice bar; ongoing court matters cannot be debated.
Prior-notice needed before defamatory allegations against individuals.
Negative references to high constitutional authorities restricted for decorum.

Judicial Pronouncements

Tej Kiran Jain broadened “anything”, making privilege nearly absolute.
Raja Ram Pal allowed SC review when privilege breaches constitutional boundaries.
Sita Soren criminalised vote-linked bribery, narrowing immunity scope.

Checks & Limits

Committee of Privileges investigates misuse, recommends sanctions.
Speaker’s expunction decisions aim to balance free speech with dignity.
Courts barred from questioning speeches unless privilege itself violated.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Core freedom clause	Article 105(1)
Legal immunity clause	Article 105(2)
Judge-conduct discussion ban	Article 121
Expunction authority	Rule 380, Lok Sabha Rules
Non-member protected	Attorney General of India
First absolute-immunity case	Tej Kiran Jain v. N. Sanjiva Reddy (1970)
Bribery immunity quashed	Sita Soren v. Union of India (2024)
1998 bribery immunity case	P.V. Narasimha Rao v. State
Privilege judicial-review case	Raja Ram Pal v. Speaker (2007)
Minister-speech liability case	Kaushal Kishor v. State of UP (2023)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 2

With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements:

GS-3Economy

3.National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 Roadmap (Asset Monetisation)

PIBNMP 2.0 · NITI Aayog · ₹16.72 lakh crore

What & Where

National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0: FY 2026-30 roadmap to lease brownfield public assets across India.

Prepared by NITI Aayog; executed under Finance Ministry, monitored by CGAM & Cabinet Secretary.

Targets highways, rail, power, ports, coal, telecom, aviation, urban infra, tourism.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

Asset recycling lowers immediate budgetary CAPEX, freeing fiscal space for social spending.
Long-term private capital infusion expected to deepen domestic infrastructure bond market.
Monetisation proceeds envisioned to catalyse multiplier effect via fresh public investment.

Governance Mechanism

Inter-ministerial group led by Cabinet Secretary ensures continuous oversight and milestone tracking.
Standardised processes, time-bound approvals adopted after NMP 1.0 lessons.
Line ministries must place annual pipelines on the CPSE Asset Monetisation Dashboard.

Sectoral Allocation

Railways share 16% (₹2.62 lakh crore); focus on stations, freight corridors, warehouses.
Ports 16% (₹2.63 lakh crore) through berth concessions, container terminals, SEZ land parcels.
Coal 13% (₹2.16 lakh crore) via commercial mine auctions and MDO contracts.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Coverage Years	2026-2030
Monetisation Value	₹16.72 lakh crore
Expected Private Investment	₹5.8 lakh crore
Top Sector Share	Highways + MMLPs + Ropeways 26%
Second-largest Sector	Power 17%
Key Monetisation Models	PPP, InvIT, cash-flow securitisation, auctions, partial divestment
Revenue Destination	Consolidated Fund, PSU coffers, State funds, direct private spend
Core Guidance Doc	Methodology & roadmap by NITI Aayog
Monitoring Body	Core Group of Secretaries on Asset Monetisation
Aim	Recycle assets to fund new CAPEX without extra fiscal burden

GS-3Economy

4.India-France DTAC Amendments (Double Taxation)

PIBDTAC 1992 · Capital Gains Tax · MFN Clause Removal

What & Where

India–France Amending Protocol to 1992 Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC), signed Feb 2026.

Updates capital-gains, dividend, MFN, FTS, Permanent Establishment, information-exchange and BEPS provisions.

Applies to taxpayers and cross-border transactions between India and France.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Taxation Changes

Capital gains: exclusive taxing rights to company-resident jurisdiction.
Dividends: flat 10 % replaced by split 5 %/15 % structure.
FTS & PE: US-style FTS definition and Service PE added.

BEPS & MFN

MFN clause formally removed, ending related disputes.
BEPS MLI anti-avoidance standards embedded into bilateral treaty.
Tax collection article enables cross-border recovery collaboration.

Economic Angle

Tax certainty improved, expected to boost bilateral investment and technology flows.
Clearer rules reduce litigation, enhancing investor confidence in both jurisdictions.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Original DTAC year	1992
Amending Protocol year	2026
Signatories	India & France
Capital-gains taxing right	State where company is resident
MFN clause	Deleted
Dividend tax rates	5 % (≥10 % holding); 15 % (others)
FTS definition basis	Aligned with India–US treaty
New PE category	Service PE
BEPS MLI provisions	Incorporated
New cooperation tool	Assistance in Collection of Taxes

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2010PYQ 1

A great deal of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India comes from Mauritius than from many major and mature economies like UK and France. Why?

GS-3Infrastructure

5.V.O. Chidambaranar Port Expansion Projects (Port Infrastructure)

PIBTuticorin Port · Gulf of Mannar · Green Energy

What & Where

VOC Port – artificial, all-weather deep-sea harbour on Coromandel Coast, Tuticorin, Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu

Gateway along East–West international sea route, key for trade with Mediterranean, Europe, United States

Naturally cyclone-sheltered by Sri Lanka lying southeast

Quick Facts for MCQs

Infrastructure Push

Expansion package targets deeper berths, mega-carrier handling via Outer Harbour
Artificial harbour allows 24×7 deep-draft operations without tidal constraint
Investment complements Sagarmala objectives of port-led growth

Tech & Green Initiatives

Green hydrogen generation powers selected port equipment, cuts fossil dependence
Digital Twin enables predictive maintenance, optimised cargo flow analytics
Energy projects part of broader green port vision under Maritime India-2030

Security Dimension

Anti-drone shield integrates radar detection and RF neutralisation, first at any Indian port
System strengthens critical maritime infrastructure security amid rising UAV threats

Cultural Heritage

Maritime Heritage Museum highlights Coromandel nautical history and Swadeshi movement legacy
Port renaming immortalises V.O. Chidambaranar’s challenge to British maritime monopoly

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Original name	Tuticorin Port
Renamed year	2011
Named after	V.O. Chidambaranar, Swadeshi Steam Navigation pioneer
Minister’s Feb 2026 package	₹1,500 crore; infra & green energy projects
Green hydrogen milestone	First Indian port with on-site production (pilot late 2025)
Digital Twin status	First Indian port to deploy real-time virtual replica
Anti-drone defence	Radar + RF system operational Feb 2026
Geographic setting	Gulf of Mannar, Coromandel Coast
Natural shelter factor	Sri Lanka buffers storms & cyclones
Future role	Planned South-India trans-shipment hub via Outer Harbour

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2023PYQ 1

Consider the following pairs:

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following sea ports has gained importance for the export of iron ore to Japan?

GS-3InfrastructureQuick Bite

6.E175 Regional Jets Assembly in India (Regional Aircraft)

Business StandardE175 Jet · Adani Defence · Embraer

What & Where

Final Assembly Line (FAL) for Embraer E175 regional jets to be set up in India

Partners: Adani Defence & Aerospace (India) and Embraer (Brazil)

Targets high-frequency Tier-2/3 routes under RCS-UDAN

Quick Facts for MCQs

Make in India Drive

Emphasis: Indigenous aviation ecosystem to cut import dependence
Objective: Position India as regional-jet manufacturing hub

Aircraft Demand

Projection: 500 regional jets needed by 2046 in 80–146 seat bracket
Usage: High-frequency shuttles connecting underserved Tier-2/3 markets

Industrial Scope

Coverage: Final assembly, component manufacturing, aftermarket services
Sustainability: Securing domestic & export orders to keep FAL viable

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
MoU status	Enhanced MoU signed Feb 2026
Aircraft model	Embraer E175
Seating capacity	Up to 88 passengers
Indian demand forecast	≈ 500 aircraft (80–146 seat class) in 20 years
Key scheme linkage	RCS-UDAN (Regional Connectivity)
Core programme	Make in India – Aviation
Ecosystem scope	Manufacturing, supply chain, pilot training, aftermarket
Industrial partner nationality	Brazil (Embraer), India (Adani)

GS-1History

7.UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards 2025 (Heritage Conservation)

DHUNESCO Awards · Our Lady of Grace Cathedral · Vasai

Illustration for UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards 2025 (Heritage Conservation)

What & Where

UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards: honours top cultural-heritage conservation projects across 45-nation Asia-Pacific region.

Established 2000, focuses on technical excellence, cultural authenticity, community participation & adaptive reuse.

2025 Award of Merit bagged by 16th-century Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, Papdy-Vasai, Maharashtra.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Award Criteria

Understanding-of-place, technical achievement, sustainability & community impact dominate jury metrics.
Accepts private or public-private initiatives; excludes wholly state-funded routine maintenance.
Heritage types span buildings, towns, archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, vernacular architecture.

Conservation Approach

Emphasis on using traditional materials; Vasai used stone, mud mortar, zero cement.
Adaptive reuse encouraged to ensure economic viability & long-term preservation.
Projects must document minimal intervention and reversibility where feasible.

Vasai Cathedral Highlights

Roof, façade, corridors, bell tower restored with hand-carved liturgical elements reflecting original craft.
Functions as living church, safeguarding tangible structure & intangible worship traditions.
Showcases Indo-Portuguese stone masonry, bolstering coastal Maharashtra’s colonial-era heritage tourism.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Administering body	UNESCO
Award launch year	2000
Geographic scope	Asia-Pacific region
Total projects honoured	300+ across 27 countries
Eligibility window	Completion within past 10 years
2025 prize category	Award of Merit
Winning Indian site	Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, Vasai
Cathedral age	≈ 475 years (16th century)
Architectural style	Early Portuguese colonial ecclesiastical
Recent restoration cost	~₹4.5 crore, community-funded

GS-1MappingQuick Bite

8.Mexico Geographical Overview (Mexico Geography)

ITPacific Ring of Fire · Sierra Madre Ranges · Rio Grande

Illustration for Mexico Geographical Overview (Mexico Geography)

What & Where

Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos): federal republic in southern North America linking U.S. and Central America.

Bordered by Pacific Ocean (W & S) and Gulf of Mexico–Caribbean Sea (E); in Pacific Ring of Fire.

Capital Mexico City sits on Mexican Plateau within Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

Ring-of-Fire setting causes frequent quakes and eruptions.
Sierra Madre Occidental (W) & Oriental (E) flank central plateau.
Coastal plains, plateaus, peninsulas create diverse climate zones.

Biodiversity & Tourism

Megadiverse nation hosting deserts, rainforests, coral reefs.
Yucatán cenotes, Mayan ruins, Cancún beaches draw global tourists.
Pacific resorts leverage whale-watching and surf-rich coastline.

Security Dimension

Cartel leader “El Mencho” death sparked multi-state violence.
Federal deployment of ~10,000 troops to restore order.
Persistent cartel conflict poses risk to investment and tourism.

Economic Angle

Manufacturing, agriculture, services power leading Latin-American GDP.
USMCA membership integrates supply chains with U.S.–Canada.
Land bridge location vital for north–south trade corridors.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Capital	Mexico City
Northern neighbour	United States
Southeastern neighbours	Guatemala, Belize
Western & Southern water body	Pacific Ocean
Eastern water bodies	Gulf of Mexico; Caribbean Sea
Major mountain ranges	Sierra Madre Occidental; Sierra Madre Oriental; Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt
Highest volcano	Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba)
Active volcano near capital	Popocatépetl
Key peninsulas	Yucatán; Baja California
Principal plateau	Mexican Plateau
Border river with U.S.	Río Bravo (Rio Grande)
Troops deployed post-cartel violence	≈10,000
Economic status	Among largest Latin-American economies

GS-3S&T

9.New Delhi AI Impact Declaration (AI Governance)

PIBNew Delhi Declaration · AI Impact Summit · Seven Chakras

What & Where

New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact 2026 – voluntary pact for equitable, trusted, democratic diffusion of AI

Adopted at India-AI Impact Summit, New Delhi; 89 signatories including US and China

Framework rests on seven Chakras; guided by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam & Sarvajan Hitaya Sarvajan Sukhaya

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Non-binding; lacks enforcement or red-lines on high-risk AI unlike EU AI Act
Calls for Charter on Democratic Diffusion, Trusted AI Commons, yet no verification mechanism
India introduces MANAV Vision for ethical, sovereignty-focused AI development

Economic Angle

USD 250 bn for datacentres and fabs; USD 20 bn earmarked for deep-tech venture capital
Pax Silica entry secures semiconductor supply and critical mineral diversification
UPI-style MSME AI Stack planned to raise small-business productivity

Tech & Schemes

Government adding 20 000 GPUs, aiming 1 lakh compute by 2026 under IndiaAI Mission 2.0
Sarvam-30B, Sarvam-105B and Param2 models mark indigenous frontier capabilities across 22 languages
Sarvam Kaze smart-glasses and Sutra AI anchor expand domestic AI product ecosystem

Social Concerns

5.8 mn Indian IT jobs vulnerable; minimal labour-union voice at summit
Large-scale skilling via Reskilling Playbook and Bodhan AI proposed to prevent displacement
Risk of data-colony status if foreign firms retain high-value AI platforms

Environmental Impact

Data centres use ~1.1 mn L water daily; Bengaluru expansion aggravates urban scarcity
Declaration urges energy-efficient algorithms and renewable-powered Green AI
Guiding Principles and Resilient AI Infrastructure Playbook aim at resource efficiency

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Adoption year	2026
Signatory count	89 countries & organisations
Binding nature	Non-binding, voluntary
Structural pillars	7 Chakras
Core motto	Sarvajan Hitaya – Sarvajan Sukhaya
Key commons	Global AI Impact & Trusted AI Commons
India GPU target	1 00 000 GPUs by 2026
Investment pledges	USD 250 bn infra + USD 20 bn deep-tech VC
Semiconductor bloc	Pax Silica Alliance
Proposed UN fund	USD 3 bn for Equitable AI

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2024PYQ 1

Which of the following statements about GPAI (Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence) is/are correct?

GS-2Polity

10.Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Milestone (Maritime Labour)

ANMaritime Labour Convention · Seafarers' Bill of Rights · ILO

Illustration for Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Milestone (Maritime Labour)

What & Where

Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 = global treaty setting minimum working-/living standards for seafarers; nicknamed “Seafarers’ Bill of Rights”.

Adopted 23 Feb 2006 at International Labour Conference, Geneva; applied worldwide irrespective of ship flag or crew nationality.

20th anniversary jointly spotlighted by International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Consolidates >60 earlier maritime labour instruments into one coherent convention.
Applies to all ships engaged in commercial activities except fishing/naval/state vessels.
Aims fair competition by disallowing cost-cutting via substandard labour practices.

Labour Standards

Sets minima on age, medical fitness, professional training before boarding.
Mandates written employment contracts, timely wages, regulated work/rest hours, paid leave, repatriation rights.
Prescribes onboard accommodation, ventilation, lighting, recreational spaces.

Compliance & Enforcement

Flag State must issue Maritime Labour Certificate after inspections.
Port State control empowered to detain vessels violating MLC norms.
Regular survey cycle: initial, intermediate (2–3 yrs), renewal (5 yrs).

Social Impact

Global improvements in wages, safety, social-security coverage for ~1.9 million seafarers.
Provides onboard and shore-based medical care parity with land workers.
Strengthens grievance redressal via both onboard and onshore complaint mechanisms.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Treaty nickname	Seafarers’ Bill of Rights
Adopted on	23 February 2006
Adopted by	International Labour Conference, Geneva
Custodian UN agency	International Labour Organization
20th-anniversary partners	ILO & International Maritime Organization
Key objective	Decent work standards + fair competition in global shipping

GS-2Polity

11.US IEEPA 1977 Sanctions Authority (US Sanctions Law)

Indian ExpressIEEPA 1977 · National Emergency · Asset Blocking

What & Where

Statute: US International Emergency Economic Powers Act enables presidential control over international commerce during declared external emergencies

Enacted: 1977, superseding 1917 Trading with the Enemy Act powers

Geography: Applies within United States jurisdiction but targets foreign entities/assets globally

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Authority: Allows blocking of assets, restricting financial flows and regulating trade during emergencies
Limitation: Act designed for sanctions, not long-term tariff imposition
Replacement: Narrows earlier broad powers granted under 1917 Trading with the Enemy Act

Security Dimension

Trigger: Extraordinary external threats to national security, foreign policy or economy
Application: Frequently invoked against terrorism financiers, hostile regimes, cyberattacks
Statecraft: Instrument central to US sanctions diplomacy and coercive economic measures

Checks & Oversight

Declaration: President must issue formal national emergency under National Emergencies Act
Reporting: Ongoing transaction regulations require periodic updates to Congress
Review: Supreme Court can strike measures exceeding statutory or constitutional limits, as with recent tariff case

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Enactment year	1977
Parent legislation replaced	Trading with the Enemy Act, 1917
Primary aim	Swift response to external threats via economic measures
Core toolset	Sanctions, asset freezes, transaction restrictions
Emergency basis	Requires proclamation under National Emergencies Act
Oversight mechanism	Mandatory periodic reports to US Congress
Judicial check	Measures subject to constitutional review by courts
Tariff power scope	No explicit blanket authority for long-term duties

GS-3Security

12.INS Anjadip Anti-Submarine Craft (ASW Craft)

PIBINS Anjadip · ASW-SWC project · Water-Jet Propulsion

Illustration for INS Anjadip Anti-Submarine Craft (ASW Craft)

What & Where

INS Anjadip ≈ state-of-the-art Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft of Indian Navy.

Third unit in 8-ship ASW-SWC project; to join Eastern Naval Command for littoral defence.

Indigenously designed by GRSE, Kolkata; hull fabrication/fit-out via PPP with L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Water-jet propulsion enhances manoeuvrability, noise reduction in shallow seas.
Abhay sonar provides high-resolution submarine detection ≤25 m depth.
Indigenous ASW rockets align with Make-in-India naval armament push.

Security Dimension

Vessel dubbed ‘Dolphin Hunter’; counters midget and conventional subs near coasts.
25-knot dash speed enables rapid choke-point response in Eastern seaboard.
Mine-laying option bolsters anti-access strategies during heightened threat.

Industrial Ecosystem

PPP model leverages GRSE design with L&T modular construction efficiencies.
Project sustains domestic MSME supply chains for sensors, propulsion, ordnance.
Repeated hull design across 8 ships reduces unit cost, accelerates delivery timelines.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Class/Type	Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
Project size	8 vessels (Anjadip is 3rd)
Builder	Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
PPP partner	L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli
Length	~77 m
Propulsion	High-speed water-jet (largest IN class using it)
Top speed	25 knots
Sonar	Hull-mounted ‘Abhay’ (shallow-water optimised)
Main weapons	Lightweight torpedoes, indigenous ASW rockets, mines
Multirole tasks	ASW, coastal surveillance, LIMO, SAR
Sister ships	INS Mahe, INS Malvan (launched/delivered)
Namesake legacy	Ex-Petya corvette INS Anjadip, decommissioned 2003

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 1

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

CDS_GK, ESE_GS 2024PYQ 2

Which one of the following ships does NOT come under Indian Navy's eight ASW Shallow Water Craft project?

GS-3Security

13.Prahaar National Counter-Terrorism Policy (Counter-Terror Doctrine)

DD NewsPrahaar Policy · Seven-Pillar Framework · Intelligence-led Operations

Illustration for Prahaar National Counter-Terrorism Policy (Counter-Terror Doctrine)

What & Where

Prahaar = India’s first integrated national counter-terrorism doctrine.

Operative pan-India; synchronises central, state & district security set-ups.

Whole-of-government + society approach to prevent, respond, recover from terror.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Uniform SOPs unify Centre–State–District actions, replacing fragmented protocols.
Doctrine status; no separate Act passed but guides agencies & budget priorities.

Tech & Schemes

AI-enabled surveillance, SIGINT, cyber-forensics mandated for pre-emptive strikes.
Inter-agency data grid links IB, NIA, State ATS for real-time feeds.

Security Dimension

Targets hybrid threats combining terror, cyber warfare, organised crime.
Emphasises pre-emptive neutralisation over post-incident policing.

International Cooperation

Seeks wider extradition treaties, joint drills, shared watch-lists with QUAD, SCO, INTERPOL.
Aligns domestic measures with UNSC & FATF anti-terror frameworks.

Human Rights

Periodic rights audits ensure compliance with SC jurisprudence.
Recovery pillar provides victim assistance & community rehabilitation programmes.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch body	Government of India
Policy model	Proactive, intelligence-led doctrine
Pillars count	7
Acronym PRAHAAR	Prevention, Response, Aggregation, Human-rights, Attenuation, Aligning, Recovery
Key tech focus	Drones, encrypted apps, dark web, crypto funds
Core aim	Disrupt finance, recruitment, logistics, cyber cells
Counter-radicalisation	Education, engagement, graded policing
Human-rights guardrails	Legal due process, redressal mechanisms
Global alignment	UN norms; extradition & intel-sharing pacts
Threat scope	Terrorism, hybrid cyber–crime convergences

GS-1Editorial

14.India Adolescent Mental Health Crisis (Adolescent Mental Health)

The HinduNational Mental Health Survey · ADHD Prevalence · Digital Addiction

What & Where

Quiet Crisis = persistent adolescent anxiety-depression-digital addiction, often overlooked as mere behaviour phase

Onset early childhood (age 4-5); magnified during 10-19 yrs developmental window

Geography India-wide; exacerbated by 800 mn low-cost internet users and school exam culture

Quick Facts for MCQs

Drivers

Screen-time overload causing sleep disruption, emotional dysregulation, sensory play loss
Academic-rank focus elevating exam anxiety over well-being skills
Social-media FOMO fueling body-image issues, especially among girls

Government & Schemes

Tele-MANAS offers nationwide crisis counselling, digital addiction support
Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres integrate mental-health screening at primary level
Online Gaming Regulation Act 2025 targets addiction, financial harm from real-money games

Challenges

Manpower shortage of child psychiatrists, psych-social workers limits access
Tech-savvy minors bypass age-gates via VPNs, fake IDs undermining regulation
Persistent stigma keeps families silent till crisis, referral pathways remain fragmented

Proposed Actions

Digital-wellness curriculum introducing screen-time management and cyber-safety in schools
Mandatory daily physical activity to counter sedentary digital habits, improve neuroplasticity
Routine universal mental-health check-ups alongside physical growth monitoring in schools

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Adolescent mental-illness prevalence	7–10 % (National Mental Health Survey)
ADHD among school kids	5–7 %
Indian internet users	800 million
Avg child screen exposure	6–7 hours/day
Psychiatrists available	<10,000 for 1.4 bn population
Treatment gap estimate	85 % (ANCIPS 2026)
Girls distressed by social comparison	65 % (2025 study)
Teens using phone for social media	76 % (ASER 2024)
Tele-MANAS helpline number	14416, 24×7
Online Gaming (Reg.) Act	Enacted 2025

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

Which one of the following statements about Tele MANAS App is correct?

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