Annual Edition for ESE 2025

ENGINEERS’ EXCLUSIVE

UPSC Engineering Services Examination, State PSCs and other examinations

The Global Trade War Jnanpith Award 2024 Chief Election Commissioner
Global markets stabilize as Donald Trump Vinod Kumar Shukla becomes President of India appoints
announces a 90-day pause on tariffs 10th Hindi writer to win the Gyanesh Kumar as the 26th
worldwide, except for China. prestigious award. Chief Election Commissioner.

PM Narendra Modi Parliament passed the Recent

attended BIMSTEC Summit Waqf (Amendment) Bill to Current Affairs
2025 held in Bangkok manage Waqf properties Questions
ENGINEERS' EXCLUSIVE

Current Affairs

Annual Edition
for
ESE 2025
Preliminary Examination

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 Contents

Current Economic Issues

PAGE 10
Reciprocal Tariffs: US President Environment & Wildlife
PAGE 35
Donald Trump announced ‘reciprocal
tariffs’ on imports from various
countries, including India,........... 10 COP29: UNFCCC Conference of National Affairs
COP29 was concluded in Baku, PAGE 43
Economic Survey 2024-25: Union Azerbaijan. This conference saw
Minister of Finance and Corporate around 200 countries negotiate
One Nation One Election: The
Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman agreements aimed at addressing
Constitution (One Hundred and
presented the Economic Survey global climate challenges.......... 36
2024-25 in the Parliament........... 22 Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024,
popularly being referred to as the Bill
Union Budget 2025-26: The Union on “One Nation, One Election”...... 47
Budget 2025-2026 was framed
around the theme "Sabka Vikas" 18th Lok Sabha: The 18th Lok Sabha
emphasizing balanced growth across has been commenced after electing
all regions of India. ................... 24 543 members of Parliament through
the General Election 2024 held in
7 phases..................................... 55
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this
magazine are those of the authors and do
not necessarily reflect policy or position of
CURRENT AFFAIRS Magazine or
MADE EASY Publications Pvt. Ltd. They
should be understood as the personal
opinions of the author/ authors.
 ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

International Affairs
PAGE 75

PM Modi state visit to Mauritius: The

Science and Technology
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid PAGE 101 Defence in News
a state visit to Mauritius. He was the PAGE 115
Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day ISRO in News :
Celebrations on March 12.......... 76 Chandrayaan-5 Mission, ISRO’s
2025: Year of Defence Reforms:
100th Launch, Chandrayaan-4, ISRO
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has
successfully sprouts cowpea seeds
declared 2025 as the “Year of Defense
in Space, Aditya-L1, Power Head Test
Reforms,” signifying a commitment
Article (PHTA), CE20 Cryogenic Engine,
to modernizing and strengthening its
Gaganyaan Mission................... 111
armed forces........................... 117

Miscellaneous........................................136

ESE-2024 Toppers' Interview.............. 152

Recent Current Affairs Questions....... 156

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10
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam
CURRENT
ECONOMY ISSUES
Trump announced TARIFFs Worldwide
In a significant move, US President Donald Trump announced ‘reciprocal tariffs’ on imports from various
countries, including India, aimed to address trade imbalances but sparked global concerns about
economic stability and diplomatic relations.

Tariff
• It is a tax or duty imposed by a government on imported goods and services. It is used to regulate trade,
protect domestic industries, generate revenue, correct trade imbalances, and exert economic leverage.

Reciprocal Tariff
• It refers to trade measures imposed by one country in response to tariffs or trade barriers set by another
country. It aims to create a level playing field by mirroring the duties imposed on exports.

Discounted Reciprocal Tariff

• It is a trade arrangement between two countries (or economic blocs), where each agrees to reduce or eliminate import duties on
goods or services from the other on a reciprocal basis, but at discounted rates compared to standard tariff commitments.
• It is a trade measure designed to counteract perceived trade imbalances.

Key Highlights of Reciprocal Tariffs Impact on India

• ‘Liberation Day’ Announcement: Trump • Export Challenges: India will have impact on its exports to the US, affecting
declared April 2, 2025, as ‘Liberation Day’ key sectors such as automobiles, textiles, and fisheries. It posed a challenge
marking the introduction of reciprocal tariffs for Indian exporters, who had to navigate higher costs and reduced
aimed at addressing trade imbalances. competitiveness in the US market.
• Baseline Tariff: A universal 10% tariff was • Economic Adjustments: To mitigate the impact, India might consider reducing
imposed on all imports, with higher rates tariffs on US imports, including gems, jewelry, and auto parts.
applied to countries with significant trade
• Strategic Partnerships: Despite the tariffs, India is emphasizing its commitment
surpluses with the USA. The tariffs ranged
to strengthening bilateral trade relations with the U.S., aiming for long-term
from 10% to 50% on its exports to the USA.
economic collaboration.
Major sectors affected included textiles,
• Comparative Advantages: Tariff on India (26%) was lower than other Asian and
chemicals, machinery, and electronics.
South Asian countries including Vietnam (46%), Thailand (37%), Bangladesh
• Country-Specific Tariffs: Earlier, India faced
(37%), Sri Lanka (44%) and Pakistan (30%), which could give India some
a 26% discounted reciprocal tariff, but
‘comparative advantages’.
in a recent significant move, Trump has
announced 90-day pause on tariffs for all Sectors Affected in India
countries, except China. • Electronics Sector: Nearly $14 billion worth of electronics exports from India
• Economic Rationale: The tariffs were may be hit by new US tariffs.
calculated to balance trade deficits and
• Gems and Jewellery: Over $9 billion worth of exports could be affected.
address non-monetary trade barriers such
• Auto Parts & Aluminium: Not impacted by the earlier 26% tariff, but still face
as currency manipulation and regulatory
an existing 25% tariff announced earlier by Trump.
differences.
• Pharmaceuticals & Energy Products: Approximately $9 billion in pharmaceutical
Impact on the Rest of the World exports are exempt from the latest tariffs. Energy products are also exempt.

Global Trade Tensions: Countries like China, Vietnam, and the European Union faced even higher tariffs. It escalated trade tensions and raised fears of a
global trade war.
Market Volatility: The tariffs triggered significant market fluctuations, with global stock indices experiencing sharp declines. Businesses reliant on
international supply chains faced disruptions and increased costs.
Retaliatory Measures: Several countries announced counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, further straining international trade relations.
Current Economy Issues
11
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Rise of India’s External Debt Key highlights

• As per recent report by Reserve • Components of the Scheme: The GMS consisted of three
Bank of India, India's external debt components:
was placed at $663.8 billion, an 1. Short-term bank deposits (1-3 years).
increase of US$ 39.7 billion over its 2. Medium-term government deposits (5-7 years).
level at end-March 2023. 3. Long-term government deposits (12-15 years). The
• External Debt is money borrowed minimum deposit allowed was 10 grams of gold, with no
from a source outside the country, which needs to be repaid maximum limit.
in the borrowed currency. It can be obtained from foreign • Interest Rates Under the Scheme: Interest rates for short-term
commercial banks, international financial institutions such as deposits were determined by individual banks based on
the IMF and the World Bank, and from foreign governments. market conditions.
• The external debt-to-GDP ratio declined from 19.0% at end-  For medium and long-term deposits, rates were set by
March 2023 to 18.7% at end-March 2024. the government in consultation with the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI).
• There was a USD 45.6 billion increase in long-term debt
 Medium-term bonds offered 2.25%, while long-term
(maturing in over a year) to reach USD 541.2 billion in March
bonds offered 2.5%.
2024.
• Performance and Impact of the Scheme: As of November
 Proportion of short-term debt (maturing in up to a year)
2024, approximately 31,164 kg of gold had been mobilised
decreased from 20.6% to 18.5%.
under the GMS.
 The ratio of short-term debt to forex reserves declined
from 22.2% to 19%.  Short-term deposits accounted for 7,509 kg, medium-
term for 9,728 kg, and long-term for 13,926 kg. About
• India's external debt as of March 2024 was primarily in
5,693 depositors participated in the scheme.
US Dollars (53.8%), followed by Indian Rupees (31.5%),
 The scheme aimed to convert idle gold into productive
Yen (5.8%), SDR (5.4%), and Euro (2.8%). There was an
assets.
increase in debt of both government and non-government
sectors. • Reasons for Discontinuation: The Ministry of Finance cited
evolving market conditions and the scheme’s performance
• Non-financial corporations held the highest share of
as reasons for its discontinuation.
outstanding debt (37.4%) followed by deposit-taking
 The government has noted increase in gold prices,
corporations (except the central bank)( 28.1%), general
prompting a reassessment of gold-related schemes.
government (22.4%) and other financial corporations
 The previous issuance of sovereign gold bonds also
(7.3%).
faced similar scrutiny.
• Loans constitute 33.4% of external debt, followed by
• Future of Gold Schemes in India: With the discontinuation of
currency and deposits (23.3%), trade credit and advances
the GMS’s medium- and long-term components, the focus
(17.9%), and debt securities (17.3%).
shifts to short-term bank deposits.
 The RBI is expected to provide detailed guidelines on
Discontinue of Gold Monetisation Scheme the future of these deposits.
(GMS)  The government aims to refine gold-related policies to

• The Government of India has recently adapt to changing economic conditions.

decided to discontinue the medium
and long-term components of About Gold Monetisation Scheme
the Gold Monetisation Scheme
• The Gold Monetisation Scheme was launched in
(GMS).
November 2015. Its primary aim was to mobilise idle
• This decision, effective from
gold held by households and institutions.
March 26, 2025, comes amid rising
• This initiative sought to reduce gold imports and the
gold prices and a comprehensive review of the scheme’s
current account deficit. The scheme allowed individuals
performance. The Ministry of Finance stated that only short-
to deposit gold with banks, making it productive for the
term bank deposits will remain, subject to banks’ discretion.
economy.
12
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Union Govt. plans to launch a Statistical NITI Aayog Report on Women Financial
Business Register Empowerment
• The Government of India plans to launch a statistical Recently NITI Aayog launched the report titled “From Borrowers
business register by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story." The
monitor the opening and closing of businesses across the report sheds light on the role of women entrepreneurs in shaping
nation. It will provide a framework for the economic census India’s economic landscape.
and various business surveys.
• The register is designed to enhance data accuracy and Key Highlights
reduce errors in business information collection. • Steady Rise in Women Borrowers: Women seeking credit grew
three times between 2019 and 2024, reflecting increased
Key highlights: demand among female borrowers.
• Purpose: The primary goal of the register is to consolidate • Women Borrower Demographics: About 60% of women
information about all enterprises in India. It will track active borrowers availing credit are from semi-urban or rural areas.
and closed establishments. This data will be crucial for Women under 30 years of age account for only 27% of retail
conducting the economic census and other surveys, such credit uptake by women, compared to 40% for men.
as the Annual Survey of Industries and the Annual Survey of • Credit Supply Trends: Women’s participation in credit
Unincorporated Sector Enterprises. origination has seen notable growth in recent years. Since
• Implementation: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme 2019, the share of Women in Business Loans and Gold
Implementation (MoSPI) is responsible for the register. It Loans has increased by 14% and 6% respectively.
plans to utilise multiple data sources. These include the  By 2024, 42% of loans availed by women were for
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, the Ministry personal finance, a slight increase from 39% in 2019.
of Corporate Affairs database, Goods and Services Tax  The majority of loans availed by women continue to be
records, and the micro, small, and medium enterprises against gold – 36% of all loans availed by women in 2024
database. Sample data has already been received from were gold loans vs. 19% of loans availed in 2019.
several agencies. • Rise in Credit Monitoring and Awareness: As of December
• Updating the Register: The statistical business register will 2024, 27 million women borrowers in India have monitored
be updated regularly. Officials have indicated that updates their credit information report and score with CIBIL.
could occur quarterly or semi-annually. This frequency aims
Significance
to ensure that the data remains relevant and accurate for
• Economic Growth: Women constitute nearly half of India’s
economic analysis.
population but contribute only 18% to the GDP. Encouraging
• Significance for Economic Census: The register will serve as a
women entrepreneurs can increase India’s GDP by 27%, as
key framework for the economic census, which is set to be
per IMF estimates.
conducted this year.
• Employment Generation: MSMEs owned by women play a
 This census will capture the number of establishments
crucial role in job creation and skill development at local levels.
engaged in both agricultural and non-agricultural
• Social Empowerment: It promotes gender equality by
activities across all states.
demonstrating women’s ability to lead and manage
 The register will help avoid duplication during the census
enterprises successfully.
process.
• International Recommendations: The United Nations Statistics Government Initiatives
Division recommends the implementation of statistical • The National Rural Livelihood Mission has enabled 9 million
business registers. Over 60% of developing countries have women Self Help Groups (SHGs) to improve their livelihoods
adopted this practice. India initially planned to establish the through access to formal banking.
register during its sixth economic census. However, delays • NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
occurred due to issues with state preparations. brings together public and private sector partners to create
a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.
Impact on Economic Analysis • The PM SVANidhi Yojana supported 30.6 lakh women street
• The statistical business register will aid in sectoral vendors with 5,939.7 crore in working capital loans as of
performance analysis. It will also support calculations related December 2024.
to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): In FY 2023-24, loans
• The initiative aims to provide a more robust economic totaling INR 2.22 lakh crore were disbursed to 4.24 crore
framework for understanding business dynamics in India. women entrepreneurs.
Current Economy Issues
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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

SEBI launches MITRA platform RBI introduced bank.in domain

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
(SEBI) has introduced a new digital platform has introduced the ‘bank.in’ internet
named Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and domain to address increasing
Retrieval Assistant (MITRA). This initiative financial fraud cases in the country.
aims to assist investors in tracking inactive • This initiative was announced during
or unclaimed mutual fund folios. a recent Monetary Policy Committee
• The platform responds to concerns where investors lose track meeting led by newly appointed
of their investments due to outdated contact information or lack Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The RBI
of awareness regarding investments made in their name. aims to enhance digital security and improve customer trust
in online banking.
Key highlights:
• Criteria for Inactive Folios: A mutual fund folio is classified Key highlights:
as inactive if there are no investor-initiated transactions for • Rise in Banking Fraud Cases: Recent data indicates surge in
a period of ten years, despite having a unit balance. This banking fraud cases. In the first half of the fiscal year, the
classification helps identify investments that may have been total number of fraud incidents rose to 18,461, with financial
overlooked by the investor. losses amounting to ₹21,367 crore. This sharp increase puts
• Role of Qualified RTAs: The platform will be managed by two stress on the urgent need for enhanced security measures in
Qualified Registrars and Transfer Agents (QRTAs), namely the banking sector.
Computer Age Management Services Limited (CAMS) and • Future Plans for Financial Domains: The RBI is also planning
KFIN Technologies Limited. These QRTAs are responsible to introduce ‘fin.in’ for non-bank financial entities. This will
for ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining further enhance security and trust in the financial services
the platform’s integrity. sector. The registration for ‘bank.in’ is set to start in April
• Awareness and Compliance: SEBI has directed all 2025, with ‘fin.in’ to follow shortly after.
stakeholders, including Asset Management Companies • Importance of Cyber Security: Cyber security is a critical
(AMCs) and mutual fund distributors, to raise awareness concern for the RBI. Governor Malhotra emphasised the
about the MITRA platform among investors. This initiative need for banks to develop robust incident response and
aims to reduce the number of non-KYC compliant folios and recovery mechanisms. Regular testing of these systems
unclaimed mutual fund investments. is essential for operational resilience against cyber
• Impact on Investors: The launch of MITRA is expected to threats.
encourage investors to reclaim their forgotten investments.
It also aims to reduce the number of inactive folios, thereby About bank.in
enhancing investor protection. By making it easier for
investors to trace their investments, SEBI hopes to encourage • The ‘bank.in’ domain is designed to help users identify
a more informed and engaged investor community. legitimate banking websites.

• Technological Considerations: The QRTAs must ensure the • It will assist in distinguishing fraudulent sites from
platform complies with guidelines for Business Continuity authentic ones.
Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) as specified by SEBI. • This move is a response to the alarming rise in cyber
This emphasis on technological compliance ensures that the fraud incidents, which increased by 27% in the first
platform remains secure and accessible to all investors. half of the fiscal year.

About Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and About IDRBT

Retrieval Assistant (MITRA) • The Institute for Development and Research in Banking
• MITRA seeks to empower investors by providing a Technology (IDRBT) will serve as the exclusive
searchable database of inactive mutual fund folios. registrar for the ‘bank.in’ domain.

• It encourages individuals to search for forgotten • Detailed guidelines will be provided to banks for the
investments and update their Know Your Customer registration process.
(KYC) details as per current regulations. • The RBI aims to streamline the domain allocation
• The platform aims to mitigate the risks associated with process and ensure that only genuine banks can use
fraudulent redemptions of inactive folios. the ‘bank.in’ extension.
14
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Indian Railways Mission 3000 • Future Growth Projections: To reach the 3,000 MT target,
Indian Railways must achieve a compound annual growth
Indian Railways is striving to enhance its freight loading
rate (CAGR) of 16.2%. This requires departure from past
capabilities under the ambitious Mission 3000 plan. This initiative
growth rates, which averaged 4.1% over the last decade.
aims to achieve a cargo volume of 3,000 million tonnes (MT)
by 2030. Despite facing criticism for its slow progress, Union
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw remains optimistic about Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
meeting the targets. The ministry anticipates increases in freight 2023-24 released
volumes through various infrastructure projects.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
Key Points: has released the factsheet of the Household Consumption
Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24.
• Current Freight Performance: Indian Railways is projected
to surpass 1,600 MT of cargo for the first time this financial
Key Highlights:
year. However, it needs to nearly double its output within five
• Rising Consumption: Rural consumption spending increased
years to meet the Mission 3000 target. The government has
significantly, with the average monthly per capita expenditure
revised its freight loading estimates, now set at 1,635 MT for
(MPCE) rising to Rs 4,122 (up 9.3% from Rs 3,773 in 2022-23).
the current year and 1,700 MT for 2025-26. This reflects a
mere 2.9% growth in freight for the current financial year.  The MPCE of urban areas is Rs 6,996 (up 8.3% from Rs
6,459 in 2022-23).
• Infrastructure Development: Key projects like the Sonnagar-
 The gap between rural and urban consumption narrowed
Andal quadrupling project are expected to boost cargo
from 83.9% in 2011-12 to 69.7% in 2023-24, suggesting
capacity. The government has allocated over ₹2,500 crore for
that rural consumption is growing faster than urban
Delhi’s railway infrastructure in the FY26 budget. Additionally,
the introduction of hydrogen trains and Namo Bharat trains consumption.
aims to modernise the fleet.  Imputed values for free benefits (e.g., food grains, school
uniforms) under welfare schemes marginally increased
• Market Share Challenges: Historically, Indian Railways held a
MPCE estimates. Rural MPCE Rs 4,247 (with imputation)
dominant 85% market share in logistics in 1950-51. However,
this has now decreased to 27% as road transport has gained and Urban Rs 7,078 (with imputation).
popularity. If the current growth trend continues, railways • Regional Disparities: Sikkim had the highest MPCE Sikkim
could see its market share drop to 22% by FY30. (rural Rs 9,377 and urban Rs 13,927), while Chhattisgarh
• Recommendations for Growth: The internal report Mission (rural Rs 2,739 and urban Rs 4,927) recorded the lowest.
3000 MT suggests expanding the network, increasing rolling  Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and
stock, and reducing cargo tariffs by up to 30% by 2026-27. Kerala, showed higher-than-average per capita
The report aims to enhance the average cargo speed from consumption spending.
24 km/h to 50 km/h and increase container movement market  West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh,
share from 16% to 32%. had lower spending than the national average.
 Among the Union Territories (UTs), MPCE is the highest
• Environmental Considerations: The shift to rail transport
in Chandigarh (Rural Rs. 8,857 and Urban Rs. 13,425),
is also driven by environmental concerns. Road freight
whereas it is the lowest in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and
contributes to carbon emissions. Increasing rail freight
Daman and Diu (Rs. 4,311) and Jammu and Kashmir
share is expected to lower logistics costs and reduce CO2
(Rs. 6,327) in rural and urban areas, respectively.
emissions, benefiting the environment.
• Consumption Inequality: The Consumption Inequality, as
• Strategic Interventions Needed: To achieve its targets, Indian measured by the Gini coefficient, has decreased in both
Railways must implement strategic interventions. These rural and urban areas.
include improving customer service, enhancing reliability,  The Gini coefficient dropped from 0.266 to 0.237 in rural
and diversifying the freight commodity basket. Currently, areas and from 0.314 to 0.284 in urban areas from 2022-
coal, iron ore, and food grains dominate the freight volume. 23 to 2023-24.
• Financial Resources and Policy Reforms: The total capital • Food Expenditure: In 2023-24, spending on food increased
expenditure required for infrastructure improvements is in both rural (47.04%) and urban (39.68%) areas, reversing
estimated at ₹8.5 lakh crore. The report calls for five policy previous declines.
interventions to enhance competitiveness. This includes  The highest food expenditure was on beverages,
improving containerisation and attracting more automobile refreshments, and processed food, followed by milk,
traffic to railways. milk products, and vegetables.
Current Economy Issues
15
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

• Non-Food Expenditure: The share of non-food expenditure on cash flow data from milk cooperatives and land ownership
remained high, at 52.96% in rural areas and 60.32% in urban records.
areas. • Expansion and Future Scope: The RBI plans to expand ULI’s
 Rural households spent more on conveyance (7.59%), scope by incorporating more loan types and data providers.
medical expenses (6.83%), and clothing and bedding This includes kisan credit cards, housing loans, and micro-
(6.63%), while urban households spent more on business loans. The goal is to enhance the platform’s
conveyance (8.46%), miscellaneous goods (6.92%), and capabilities and further simplify credit access for diverse
rent (6.58%). borrower profiles.
• Fractile Consumption Patterns: In 2023-24, consumption • Digital Public Infrastructure: India’s embrace of Digital Public
spending decreased for the top 5% of both rural and urban Infrastructure (DPI) facilitates transparency and efficiency
populations, compared to 2022-23. across various sectors. ULI is important component of this
 In contrast, the bottom 5% saw significant increases, with rural infrastructure, aiming to break down data silos that hinder
spending rising 22% and urban spending growing 19%. effective credit delivery. By integrating diverse data sources,
 This shows significant growth in consumption for the ULI enhances the overall digital ecosystem for financial
lower-income groups, indicating economic improvement. transactions.
• The Role of FinTechs: FinTech companies stand to benefit from
About Household Consumption Expenditure Survey ULI. They can access a variety of lenders through a single
• The HCES collects data on household spending platform, enabling them to provide deeper customer insights.
patterns to assess living standards, well-being, and This collaboration between traditional banks and FinTechs is
consumption behavior. expected to enhance the lending landscape further.

• HCES has been conducted by the National Statistical

Office (NSO) since 1951 as part of the National Sample India updates GDP Base Year to 2022-23
Survey (NSS) under the MoSPI.
Government has formed 26-member Advisory Committee on
• Significance: Provides inputs for calculating Consumer
National Accounts Statistics (NAS) to update the GDP base year
Price Indices (CPI) and revising the base year for
from existing 2011-12 to 2022-23.
macroeconomic indicators like Gross Domestic
Product (GDP). HCES helps to measure poverty, Key highlights:
inequality, and social well-being. • The NAS under chairmanship of Biswanath Goldar has been
formed to identify new data sources & refine methodology
for compiling NAS. Central Statistics Office (CSO) brings out
RBI to Launch Unified Lending Interface NAS annually which includes GDP estimates from multiple
approaches.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to launch the Unified
Lending Interface (ULI) at national level to transform India’s • Advisory Committee on NAS will review data sources to align
lending sector. The ULI was launched as a pilot project by the GDP with inflation and industrial indices.
RBI in 2023. • The previous base year revision in 2015 changed base
year from 2004-05 to 2011-12. In the new series, CSO did
Key Features of ULI away with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at factor cost, and
• The ULI allows lenders to access a comprehensive range of adopted the international practice of valuing industry-wise
data including land records, satellite imagery, and financial estimates as Gross Value Added (GVA) at basic prices.
insights. This is particularly beneficial for first-time borrowers
who lack traditional credit histories. About Base Year
• With ULI, lenders can quickly assess an applicant’s • A base year is the reference year whose prices are used to
creditworthiness through available data, reducing the time calculate the real growth (minus inflation) in national income.
and complexity of loan approvals. • Thus, Base year is a benchmark used for GDP calculation.
• Benefits for Borrowers: Borrowers, especially from rural areas, For example: If 2011-12 is the base year, GDP for other years
can now secure loans without extensive documentation. ULI is adjusted to match 2011-12 prices.
provides vital information about their economic activities, • Revision of base year are also relevant for other metrics such
allowing lenders to automate decision-making. For instance, as the Index of Industrial Production (IIPs), the Wholesale
a dairy farmer can have their loan eligibility assessed based Price Index (WPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
16
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

India: Top Recipient of Remittances 16th Finance Commission begun work

India is the largest recipient of remittances in 2024, with an The 16th Finance Commission headed by
estimated inflow of $129 billion, followed by Mexico, China, Arvind Panagariya has begun its work by
inviting suggestions from the public on the
Philippines, and Pakistan.
mandate set for it by the Centre.

Key functions
• The Finance Commission decides what
proportion of the Centre’s net tax revenue goes to the States
overall (vertical devolution) and how this share for the States
is distributed among various States (horizontal devolution).
• The horizontal devolution of funds between States is usually
decided based on a formula created by the Commission that
takes into account a State’s population, fertility level, income
level, geography, etc.
• The vertical devolution of funds, however, is not based on
any such objective formula.
• The Centre also aids States through additional grants for
certain schemes that are jointly funded by the Centre and
Key Highlights the States.

• The growth rate of remittances in 2024 is estimated at 5.8%,

up from 1.2% in 2023. About Finance Commission
• Official remittances to low- and middle-income countries • The Finance Commission is a constitutional body
(LMICs) are expected to reach $685 billion in 2024. constituted by the President of India under Article 280,
that recommends how tax revenues collected by the
• South Asia is expected to see the highest increase in
Central government should be distributed among the
remittances (11.8%), driven by strong flows to India,
Centre and various States in the country.
Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
• The Commission is reconstituted every five years
• Remittances continue to outpace other financial flows,
and usually takes a couple of years to make its
including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). recommendations to the Centre.
• FDI has declined by 41% over the past decade, while • The Centre is not legally bound to implement the
remittances have increased by 57%. suggestions made by the Finance Commission.
• The recovery of job markets in high-income OECD countries,
especially the United States, has been the key driver, with 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in
foreign-born worker employment increasing by 11% above Insurance Sector
pre-pandemic levels.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the opening up
 This recovery has particularly boosted remittances to of the insurance sector to 100% foreign direct investment (FDI),
Latin America and the Caribbean. up from the previous limit of 74%, to boost the sector.

NOTE Indian Insurance Sector

• Remittances refer to the money sent by • It has undergone significant transformation, evolving from
individuals working abroad back to their being dominated by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to a
families and communities in their home more diverse industry with various players offering a wide
country. range of products.
• These funds are typically transferred • The transformation has been driven by Economic
through banks, online platforms, or money development, Technological advancements, Demographic
transfer services. changes, Increased consumer awareness, particularly
after the COVID-19 pandemic, regarding the importance of
financial security through insurance.
Current Economy Issues
17
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

• The insurance sector has played a significant role in the • Tax Year: The Bill introduces the concept of “tax year”, which
economic development of India. has been defined as the 12-month period beginning April 1.

Impact of 100% FDI on Insurance

• India’s insurance sector has attracted Rs 82,847 crore in FDI RBI’s Pravaah and Sarthi Initiatives
since 2000, driving growth and improving operations. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been awarded
• The government expects the sector to grow at 7.1% annually the Digital Transformation Award 2025 for Digital Initiatives by
over the next five years, driven by foreign investment and Central Banking, London.
policy changes.
• 100% FDI could address the insurance under-penetration in Digital Initiatives By RBI
India, accelerating the adoption of global best practices and • The award highlights the RBI’s commitment to innovation
introducing innovative products and services. and efficiency in governance through its groundbreaking
• It will ensure long-term capital, enhance technology, digital initiatives, Pravaah and Sarthi.
strengthen distribution, and increase competitiveness. • Sarthi System:
 It is an internal workflow digitization system that has
Income Tax Bill 2025 introduced streamlined record management, automated processes,
The government has proposed a new bill to repeal and replace and enhanced data analysis.
the 60-year-old Income Tax Act, 1961, with a simpler and more  It has eliminated the reliance on manual paperwork,
efficient tax framework. boosting operational efficiency across RBI departments
by enabling secure digital submissions and improving
Key Highlights
collaboration.
• Income Tax Bill 2025 aims to simplify Income Tax Act
• Pravaah System:
1961. The new bill reduces chapters and words for
enhanced clarity.  It serves as a digital regulatory application platform

• It aims to reduce litigation and enhance compliance. for external users. It allows seamless submission and
Once passed, the proposed legislation will be called processing of regulatory applications, integrating directly
the Income Tax Act, 2025, and is expected to take effect with the Sarthi database.
in April 2026.  It has significantly reduced paperwork, enhanced
transparency, and improved cybersecurity in financial
Features documentation.
• Qualitative Improvements
 Simplified language, making the law more accessible.
 Consolidation of amendments, reducing fragmentation.
RBI joined Project Nexus
 Removal of obsolete and redundant provisions for The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
greater clarity. joined Project Nexus. Project Nexus is
 Structural rationalization through tables and formulae for conceptualised by the Innovation Hub
improved readability. of the Bank for International Settlements
 Preservation of existing taxation principles, ensuring (BIS).
continuity while enhancing usability. • It is the first BIS Innovation Hub
• Crypto as Property: Virtual digital assets such as project in the payments area to
cryptocurrencies have been included in the definition of move towards live implementation.
property to be counted as a capital asset. • It seeks to enhance cross-border payments by connecting
• Dispute Resolution: It provides the points of determination, multiple domestic instant payment systems (IPS) globally.
decision, and the reasons behind it, marking a shift from the • BIS will facilitate central banks and IPS operators of India,
earlier section, which lacked clarity on the manner of issuing Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand as they
DRP directions. work towards live implementation in the next phase, with
• Capital Gain Exemptions: Section 54E of the Act, which details Bank of Indonesia as special observer.
exemptions for capital gains on transfer of capital assets • The platform is expected to go live by 2026.
prior to April 1992 has been removed.
18
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP) • Automated quality testing to minimize disputes over product
grading.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
• Direct bank transfers and e-wallets for quick settlements.
(MoSPI) held a session on the Conceptual Framework of Gross
• Fintech partnerships to provide micro-loans based on
Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP)
transaction history.
Key Highlights • Introduction of a unified digital pass to ease regulatory
• The initiative aims to quantify the impact of knowledge, compliance.
innovation, and intellectual assets on India’s economic and • Standardized tax & compliance framework to facilitate free
social landscape. movement of produce.
• Voice-based commands and local language options on the
• GDKP could provide a more holistic picture of economic
e-NAM app.
growth driven by research, innovation, and technology.
• Digital literacy campaigns to help farmers navigate the
platform.
About Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP)
• The concept of GDKP was first propounded by Prof.
About e-NAM
Umberto Sulpasso of the University of Southern • e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading platform that
California along with Prof. Jeff Cole. connects Agricultural Produce Market Committee
• It is a proposed metric designed to measure the (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for
knowledge generated and utilized within an economy agricultural commodities.
and serve as a supplementary indicator to GDP. • It is implemented by the Small Farmers Agribusiness
• GDKP evaluates a nation’s growth and future using Consortium (SFAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture &
four fundamental pillars: Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW).
 Knowledge Items (Ki): Identifying modern and • It provides digital services to traders, farmers, Farmer
traditional cultural knowledge that contributes to Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Mandis.
the country’s intellectual capital. • As of December 31, 2024, 1.79 crore farmers and 2.63
 Country’s Knowledge Producing Matrix (CKPM): lakh traders have registered on the platform.
Analyzing knowledge produced by government
institutions, private organizations, and households.
 Country’s Knowledge User Matrix (CKUM): RBI released Financial Stability Report (FSR)
Measuring the value of knowledge purchased
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in
by individuals and private entities, reflecting its
its December 2024 Financial Stability
demand and practical application.
Report (FSR), projected India’s GDP
 Cost of Learning: Similar to the cost of living, this
growth at 6.6% for FY 2024-25.
metric is proposed as a political reference point for
government budget allocations and policy decisions. Key Highlights
• RBI highlighted India’s economic
e-NAM 2.0 : e-NAM to be upgraded resilience, supported by sound
The Union Agriculture Minister has announced plans to upgrade macroeconomic fundamentals,
the National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) to e-NAM 2.0 to resolve improved asset quality in banks,
logistical hurdles in inter-state and inter-mandi trade. and robust financial system
indicators.
Key Features of e-NAM 2.0 • Risks such as moderation in urban demand, global
• Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) integration for uncertainties, and protective trade policies were noted.
real-time tracking of produce. • Real GDP growth is forecasted at 6.6% for FY25, aided by
• Optimized freight options to reduce transit times and improve government investment, rural demand recovery, and a boost
delivery efficiency. in services exports.
• Expanded Warehousing and Cold Storage Infrastructure: • The gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio of Scheduled
The Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) will offer subsidized Commercial Banks (SCBs) hit a 12-year low of 2.6%
loans to promote private investment in storage facilities. in September 2024, while net NPAs dropped to 0.6%,
• AI and Machine Learning (ML) to suggest fair market prices. showcasing improved asset quality.
Current Economy Issues
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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Angel Tax abolished to boost startups • The capital influx from FIIs can positively or negatively impact
the local economy, influenced by factors including market
The recent abolition of the angel tax in India has sparked a wave
dynamics, governmental policies, and worldwide economic
of optimism among startups.
conditions.
Key Highlights • FIIs in India are governed by the Securities and Exchange
• Many companies are relocating their headquarters back Board of India (SEBI), and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
to India, encouraged by government initiatives aimed at They also set the investment limits for them.
improving the ease of doing business. • SEBI has over 1450 foreign institutional investors registered
• The decision, part of the FY25 Budget, has been instrumental with it.
in reversing the trend of startups registering abroad for better
tax advantages. About Green bonds
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT) has reported uptick in the number of startups • Green bonds are bonds issued by any sovereign entity,
returning to the country. inter-governmental groups or alliances and corporates
with the aim that the proceeds of the bonds are utilised
About Angel Tax for projects classified as environmentally sustainable.

• Angel tax is aimed to curb tax avoidance and money • Green bonds are specifically designed to fund
laundering by taxing the difference between the fair environmentally friendly initiatives. The projects
market value (FMV) of shares and the price at which they finance can include renewable energy,
closely held companies issued them. energy efficiency, clean transportation, sustainable
agriculture, and more.
• It was introduced in 2012.
• Green Bonds provide investors with an opportunity to
• The removal of angel tax has led to a wave of “reverse
support environmentally sound practices, impacting
flipping,” where startups that initially registered abroad
the strategic decisions of the entities issuing the
are now returning to India.
bonds.
RBI allowed FIIs to invest in Green Bonds • They offer a way to mitigate risks associated with
climate change and aim to achieve returns that
Recently, the Reserve
are comparable to, if not better than, traditional
Bank of India (RBI) has
investments.
allowed investments in the
country’s Sovereign Green
Bonds (SGrBs) by Foreign
Institutional Investors (FIIS).
Temporary Identification Number (TIN) to be
introduced
Key Highlights: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has
• This decision will expand the available capital for the recently implemented changes to the Goods and Services Tax
country’s ambitious objectives, as committed by Prime (GST) framework in India.
Minister Narendra Modi at the 2021 COP26 in Glasgow.
• Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are those institutional
Key Facts
investors who invest in assets belonging to a different • These changes include the introduction of a Temporary
country other than that where these organizations are based. Identification Number (TIN) for businesses that do not require
mandatory registration.
• Investors such as pension funds, mutual funds, insurance
companies, banks, and other significant financial institutions • This move aims to streamline tax compliance and facilitate
from abroad are included in Foreign Institutional Investors payments under the GST regime.
(FIIs). • Additionally, the CBIC has announced a waiver of excess late
• FIIs are crucial to a country’s financial markets as they enhance fees for the financial years 2017-18 to 2022-23 concerning
liquidity, boost trading volumes, and affect stock prices. annual returns.

• These investors deploy their capital into various financial Temporary Identification Numbers Under GST
instruments like stocks, bonds, and derivatives, driven • The GST Council has recommended a new rule enabling tax
by their strategic investment plans and views on market officers to issue Temporary Identification Numbers to entities
conditions. not liable for registration.
20
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

• This provision allows businesses to make necessary Business Ready (B-READY) 2024 Report
payments even without a permanent GST registration.
India is facing challenges in achieving good scores in the World
• The notification clarifies that these TINs will be granted under Bank’s Business Ready report.
specific conditions outlined in Part B of FORM GST REG-12.
Key Highlights
Threshold Limits for Registration
• The B-READY report, launched by the World Bank,
• Under the GST framework, businesses must register if their
benchmarks the business environment and investment
turnover exceeds certain thresholds.
climate across economies.
• For the manufacturing sector, the limit is ₹40 lakh.
• It evaluates regulatory frameworks, public services, and their
• For the service sector, it is set at ₹20 lakh. effectiveness in facilitating business operations, replacing
• Special Category States have different thresholds, with some like the previous Doing Business index.
Jammu and Kashmir opting for a ₹40 lakh limit for commodities. • Multiple steps in business entry and incomplete digital
• Other states, such as Puducherry, have chosen a ₹20 lakh integration, leading to moderate scores.
limit for goods. • Four labour codes introduced, but uneven state-level
implementation results in slow progress and moderate to low
scores.
Union Govt. formed Ramesh Chand Committee
• Burdensome GST compliance, slow dispute resolution, and
The Union Government announced the formation of Ramesh
limited SME credit access add to challenges.
Chand Committee to revise the country’s Wholesale Price Index
(WPI), with a new base year of 2022-23, replacing the current
base year of 2011-12. CCI to regulate Predatory Pricing
Key Facts Recently, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) released
the draft Competition Commission of India (Determination of
• The WPI has undergone revisions in the past, with the last
Cost of Production) Regulations, 2025, for predatory pricing.
update occurring in 2015 when the base year was changed
from 2004-05 to 2011-12. • Definition: Predatory pricing refers to the practice of selling
goods or services below the cost of production with the
• The primary objective of updating the Wholesale Price Index
intention of eliminating competition.
(WPI) is to provide a more accurate representation of inflation
at the producer level. • Strategy: Typically employed by market giants with
substantial financial resources. Involves setting prices below
• Currently, the WPI focuses solely on goods, overlooking the
average variable costs, accepting short-term losses to force
service sector, which accounts for more than half of India’s
competitors out of the market.
economic output.
• Impacts:
• To address this limitation, the government plans to transition
 Short-term benefit: Consumers may enjoy lower prices.
to a more inclusive Producer Price Index (PPI). This shift
 Long-term harm: Once competitors are driven out, the
aims to capture a broader range of economic activity by
dominant firm may increase prices, negatively impacting
incorporating both goods and services, ensuring a more
consumers and market competition.
comprehensive and precise measure of inflation.
• Regulation:
 Competition Act, 2002: Prohibits predatory pricing under
About Ramesh Chand Committee
Section 4(2)(a)(ii) as an abusive practice by dominant
• The panel, headed by NITI Aayog member Ramesh enterprises.
Chand, will also review the methodology and • Draft Regulations (Latest Developments):
composition of a new Producers’ Price Index (PPI).  Recent updates to the regulations redefine the
• The group’s task is to assess and suggest methodology for calculating costs involved in predatory
improvements to the price collection system, refine the pricing allegations, replacing the 2009 regulations.
computation methods for both indices, and develop a  Part of a comprehensive regulatory update under
roadmap for transitioning from the WPI to the PPI. the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, aimed at
• It is also expected to propose further enhancements modernizing India’s competition law. The new regulations
for the reliability of the indices. The final report is due seek to align India’s approach with global best practices
by June 30, 2026. and contemporary economic theories.
Current Economy Issues
21
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Rbi enhances UPI Transaction Limit for Tax National Payments Corporation of India
Payments NPCI, an umbrella organisation for operating retail payments
and settlement systems in India, is an initiative of Reserve Bank
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
has taken a significant step to facilitate digital
provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
payments by increasing the transaction
limit for tax payments through the Unified
Payments Interface (UPI). USA to form Crypto Strategic Reserve
Key Points: Recently, US President Donald Trump announced the formation
• Increased Limit: The UPI transaction limit for tax payments of a United States ‘Crypto Strategic Reserve’. This initiative
has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per transaction. includes major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum,
This move aims to make it easier for taxpayers to settle their XRP, Solana, and Cardano. The announcement came just
dues using UPI. before the White House Crypto Summit, marking shift in the US
government’s approach to digital assets.
• Delegated Payments Feature: In addition to the increased
• Background:
limit, the RBI has proposed a new feature called “Delegated
Payments” for UPI users.  The establishment of the Crypto Strategic Reserve aims
to position the US as a leader in the digital asset industry.
 It allows a primary user (say, an account holder) to
Trump’s previous stance on cryptocurrencies was
authorise another individual (a secondary user) to make
critical, labelling them as a ‘scam’. However, his 2024
UPI transactions from the primary user’s bank account,
campaign saw a pivot towards supporting the crypto
up to a specified limit.
sector.
 Essentially, this means that parents can grant their
 This change was influenced by substantial backing from
children limited access to their accounts for daily
the cryptocurrency community.
expenses, even if the children don’t have their own bank
accounts or smartphones. • Market Impact:

• Previous Changes: It’s worth noting that in December of last  The announcement triggered a $300 billion surge in the
year, the RBI had already increased the UPI transaction limit global cryptocurrency market.
to Rs 5 lakh (from Rs 1 lakh) specifically for payments related  Bitcoin rose over 10%, reaching $94,821, while Ethereum
to hospitals and educational institutions. climbed by 12%. Other cryptocurrencies like XRP,
Solana, and Cardano experienced even more gains of
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) 30%, 20%, and over 50%, respectively.
• It is an advanced version of  This rally indicates strong market confidence in the new
Immediate Payment Service strategic reserve.
(IMPS) round–the-clock funds • Regulatory Changes:
transfer service to make cashless  Trump’s current administration has shifted away from
payments faster, easier and smoother. the regulatory-heavy approach of the previous Biden
• UPI is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into administration.
a single mobile application (of any participating bank),  The Biden administration had proposed a 30% tax on
merging several banking features, seamless fund routing & cryptocurrency miners and pursued enforcement actions
merchant payments into one hood. against crypto entities.
 In contrast, Trump’s policies include nominating crypto
• UPI is currently the biggest among the National Payments
advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chairman and withdrawing
Corporation of India (NPCI) operated systems including
investigations into various crypto firms.
National Automated Clearing House (NACH), Immediate
Payment Service (IMPS), Aadhaar enabled Payment System • Objectives of the Crypto Reserve:
(AePS), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), RuPay etc.  The primary goal of the Crypto Strategic Reserve
is to enhance the legitimacy and acceptance of
• The top UPI apps today include PhonePe, Paytm, Google
cryptocurrencies.
Pay, Amazon Pay and BHIM, the latter being the Government
 By holding a diverse portfolio of digital assets, the US
offering.
government aims to encourage institutional adoption
• Participants in UPI: Payer Payment Service Provider (PSP),
and integration into traditional financial systems. This
Payee PSP, Remitter Bank, Beneficiary Bank, NPCI, Bank
initiative could also shape global regulatory standards
Account holders, and Merchants.
for cryptocurrencies.
22
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

 India’s retail inflation reduced to 4.9% in FY25.

 RBI and IMF project inflation will align to around 4% by
FY26.

Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala • Medium-Term Outlook: India aims for 8% growth to achieve
Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2024-25 in the ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
Parliament.  Focus on deregulation to empower growth and ease of
doing business, particularly for SMEs.
Major Highlights
• Investment and Infrastructure: Government capital
• State of the Economy: India’s real GDP growth estimated at
expenditure grew by 38.8% from FY20 to FY24.
6.4% in FY25, aligning with its decadal average.
 5853 km of National Highways constructed in FY25 (Apr-
 Global GDP grew 3.3% in 2023, slightly higher than IMF’s
Dec).
3.2% forecast for the next five years.
 Renewable energy capacity grew by 15.8% YoY by Dec
 FY26 GDP growth expected between 6.3% and 6.8%.
2024.
 Retail inflation reduced to 4.9% in FY25 (April-Dec).
 Significant infrastructure projects, including metro
 Capital expenditure (CAPEX) grew 8.2% YoY post-
expansion and electricity access for rural areas.
general elections in 2024.
• Industry: Industrial growth projected at 6.2% in FY25, driven
 India’s share in global services exports is 7th largest.
by electricity and construction.
• Monetary and Financial Sector Developments: Bank credit
 Automobile sales up by 12.5% in FY24.
grew steadily; asset quality and profitability improved.
 India ranks 6th in global patent filings.
 Gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) at a 12-year low
 The MSME sector is growing, with initiatives like the Self-
(2.6% of gross loans). `3.6 lakh crore realized from 1,068
Reliant India Fund.
insolvency resolutions.
• Services: Services sector contribution to GVA increased to
 India’s stock markets outperformed emerging market
55.3% in FY25.
peers.
 Services exports grew by 12.8% in FY25 (Apr-Nov).
 Resource mobilization from primary markets reached
 Indian Railways and tourism sector show strong growth.
`11.1 lakh crore in FY25.
• Agriculture and Food Management: Agriculture contributes
 Insurance premiums grew by 7.7%, and pension sector
16% to GDP in FY24.
subscribers rose 16%.
 Kharif foodgrain production is expected to rise by 89.37
• External Sector: Exports grew by 6%, with the services sector
LMT in FY24.
up 11.6% (April-Dec FY25).
 Fisheries and livestock sectors show strong growth.
 India ranked 2nd in global telecommunications, computer
 MSP increases for Arhar and Bajra by 59% and 77%,
& information services exports.
respectively.
 FDI inflows increased by 17.9% YoY to USD 55.6 billion
• Climate & Environment: India’s non-fossil fuel power
in FY25.
generation capacity reached 46.8% of total capacity.
 Forex reserves stood at USD 640.3 billion, covering 10.9
 LiFE initiative to drive sustainable living, with potential
months of imports.
global savings of USD 440 billion by 2030.
• Prices and Inflation: Global inflation moderated to 5.7% in
 India’s carbon sink increased by 2.29 billion tonnes CO2
2024.
equivalent.
Current Economy Issues
23
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

• Social Sector: Social services expenditure grew at 15%

CAGR from FY21 to FY25. ECONOMIC SURVEY
 Decline in income inequality, with improvements in rural OF INDIA
and urban Gini coefficients.
 Government health expenditure up from 29% to 48%, The Economic Survey is an
reducing out-of-pocket expenses. annual report presented by the
government before the Union
 Ayushman Bharat has saved over ₹1.25 lakh crore.
Budget to assess India's economic
• Employment and Skill Development: Unemployment rate
condition.
declined to 3.2% in FY24.
 Government initiatives supporting women Prepared by the Economic
entrepreneurship, including credit and skill development. Division of the Ministry of Finance
under the Chief Economic
 Emerging sectors like the digital economy and renewable
Adviser's supervision, it is tabled
energy provide job opportunities.
in both houses of Parliament by
 EPFO payroll additions doubled in the last six years.
the Union Finance Minister.
• Labour in the AI Era: AI expected to surpass human
performance in key sectors but faces barriers like reliability The survey assesses economic
and infrastructure. performance, highlights
sectoral developments, outlines
 India’s young, tech-savvy population is poised to
challenges and provides an
leverage AI for enhanced productivity.
economic outlook for the coming
 Collaboration between government, private sector, and
year.
academia is crucial to manage AI’s societal impact.
The Economic Survey was first
presented in 1950-51 as part
of the budget and became a
separate document from the
Union Budget in 1964, tabled a
day before the budget.
The Government of India has
appointed Anantha Nageswaran as
the new Chief Economic Advisor. He
is a former member of Prime Minister
Economic Advisory Council.

Nageswaran worked as a senior

advisor to the International Financial
Services Authority of India (IFSCA)
between 2019 and 2021.
24
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

The Union Finance Minister quoted the renowned Telugu poet Shri Gurajada Appa Rao’s
saying, “A country is not just its soil; a country is its people,” to highlight the importance of
The people-centric development.

Principles of Viksit Bharat:

• Eradicate poverty (Zero-poverty)
was framed around the theme • Provide high-quality, universal school education
• Ensure access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare
"Sabka Vikas",
• Achieve full employment with a skilled workforce
emphasizing
balanced growth • Involve 70% women in economic activities
across all regions • Strengthen agriculture to make India the “food basket of the world
of India.
Budget Estimates 2025-26
• The total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at `34.96
lakh crore and `50.65 lakh crore respectively.
• The net tax receipts are estimated at ₹ 28.37 lakh crore.
• The fiscal deficit is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.
• The gross market borrowings are estimated at `14.82 lakh crore.
• Capex Expenditure of `11.21 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP) earmarked in FY2025-26.

Key Engines of Growth

• Agriculture (1st Engine): Launch of Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to cover
100 districts.
 Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses for Tur, Urad, and Masoor pulses.
 Loan limit for Kisan Credit Cards raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
 Comprehensive program for vegetables, fruits, high-yield seeds, and cotton
productivity.
• MSMEs (2nd Engine): MSME investment & turnover limits enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times.
 Credit cards for micro enterprises and a loan scheme for 5 lakh women and
marginalized entrepreneurs.
 Development of a toy manufacturing hub and National Manufacturing Mission.
• Investment (3rd Engine): 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up in schools.
 Broadband for all secondary schools & PHCs under BharatNet project.
 Establishment of National Centres of Excellence for skilling.
 `1.5 lakh crore for 50-year interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure.
 Urban Challenge Fund of `1 lakh crore to support urban development.
 `20,000 crore for private sector-driven R&D and innovation.
 National Geospatial Mission for urban planning and Gyan Bharatam Mission for
manuscript conservation.
 Nuclear Energy Expansion: Rs.20,000 crore for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• Exports (4th Engine): Launch of Export Promotion Mission and BharatTradeNet for trade
documentation.
 Support for domestic manufacturing and integration with global supply chains.
 Infrastructure support for air cargo and fisheries exports.

Reforms
• Financial Sector: Increase in FDI limit in insurance from 74% to 100%.
 Establishment of a High-Level Committee for Regulatory Reforms.
 Introduction of the Investment Friendliness Index of States.
 Decriminalization of 100+ provisions under the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0.
 Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) to review regulations.
Current Economy Issues
25
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

• Taxation & Fiscal Policy: Fiscal deficit Gyan Bharatam Mission • The technology is being developed
target of 4.4% of GDP for FY 2025-26. The Gyan Bharatam Mission was by the National Institute of Ocean
 Increased receipts and announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. Technology (NIOT).
expenditure estimates for 2025- • It is a landmark initiative focused on the  NIOT is an autonomous institute under
26. survey, documentation, and conservation MoES, has developed a 6000m depth-
 Commitment to fiscal consolidation of India’s manuscript heritage. rated Remotely Operated Vehicle
with a clear roadmap. (ROV) ‘Matsya 6000’.
• The mission aims to cover more than
• The mission aims to send three
Tax Proposals one crore manuscripts, ensuring their
people to a depth of 6,000 meters in a
preservation and accessibility for
• Personal Income Tax Reform: no tax for submersible called the MATSYA 6000.
future generations.
income up to `12 lakh per annum.
 Standard deduction of `75,000 for • With this initiative, the government is Makhana Board
income up to 12.75 lakh. taking significant steps to reviving the
The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated
 Estimated `1 lakh crore revenue National Manuscripts Mission (NMM)
`100 crore to establish a Makhana Board
loss due to tax reforms. launched in 2003 but largely inactive,
in Bihar, aimed at promoting Makhana
and promoting India’s rich literary and
• TDS/TCS Rationalization: TDS limit on products. The Board will provide training,
intellectual traditions at a global level.
interest for senior citizens increased support, and access to government
from `50,000 to `1 lakh. • To accommodate this initiative, the schemes to benefit Makhana farmers.
 TDS threshold on rent raised to budget for the National Manuscripts
• Common Name: Fox nut
`6 lakh from `2.4 lakh. Mission (NMM) has been significantly
• Botanical Features: Recognized for its
 Extension of updated returns filing increased from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore.
violet and white flowers.
to 4 years for any assessment year. • Significance of the Mission:
 Has large, round, and prickly
• Compliance Simplification: Increase in  Preserving India’s Intellectual and
leaves, often exceeding one
registration period for small charitable Cultural Heritage: Manuscripts
meter in diameter.
trusts from 5 to 10 years. hold knowledge on subjects such
• Nutritional & Economic Importance:
 Senior citizens benefit from tax as philosophy, science, medicine,
Considered a superfood, rich in
exemption on National Savings literature, mathematics, and
carbohydrates, protein, and minerals.
Scheme withdrawals. astronomy. Their preservation
 Widely used in medicine,
• Promotion of Employment & helps safeguard India’s historical
healthcare, and nutrition.
Investment: Presumptive taxation wisdom.
 Mithila Makhana received the
regime for non-residents providing  Digital Access for Future
Geographical Indication (GI) tag
services to electronics manufacturing Generations: Manuscripts often
in 2022.
companies. suffer from physical decay.
• Cultivation: Cultivated across South
Digitization ensures 24/7 access
 Extension of the Sovereign and East Asia, with Bihar contributing
to these texts worldwide while
Wealth Funds and Pension Funds nearly 90% of global production.
preventing deterioration.
investment deadline to 2030.
 Global Academic Impact: By • Major Producing Districts in
• Customs Tariff Reforms: Removal of Bihar: Darbhanga, Madhubani,
making manuscripts available
seven tariffs, simplification of cess, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul,
for study, India strengthens its
and reduction of Basic Customs Duty Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi
position as a hub of ancient
(BCD) on critical minerals and textiles. (Mithilanchal region).
knowledge and scholarship.
 Reduction in BCD on lithium-ion
• Climatic & Agronomic Conditions:
battery manufacturing capital Samudrayaan Mission Grown in tropical and subtropical
goods and shipbuilding materials. Samudrayaan Mission has been allocated regions.
 Duty adjustments to encourage Rs 600 crore in Union Budget 2025-26.  Cultivated in stagnant water
domestic manufacturing.
• Launched in 2021, it is India’s first bodies like ponds, lakes, and
• Export Promotion: Reduction of BCD manned ocean mission to explore the wetlands (depth: 4-6 feet).
on fish products and leather to boost deep ocean.  Optimal Growth Conditions:
exports.
• It is a project of the Ministry of Earth Temperature: 20-35°C, Humidity:
 Fully exempted BCD on lifesaving 50-90%, Annual Rainfall: 100-250
Sciences (MoES) under the Deep
medicines for cancer, rare cm.
Ocean Mission.
diseases, and chronic illnesses.
26
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam
Important Terms used in

ECONOMY
Unemployment and its types Examples: Market borrowings by the government from the

Unemployment occurs when a person who is actively searching public, Borrowings from the RBI, Borrowings from commercial

for employment and is unable to find work. banks or financial institutions through the sale of T-BILLS,

• Disguised Unemployment: It is a phenomenon wherein more loans received from foreign governments or international

people are employed than actually needed. It is primarily financial institutions, post office savings, post office saving

traced in the agricultural and the unorganised sectors of India. certificates and PSU’s Disinvestment.

• Seasonal Unemployment: It is an unemployment that occurs Revenue Receipts

during certain seasons of the year. Agricultural labourers in
• These are receipts of the government incomes which cannot
India rarely have work throughout the year.
be reclaimed back by the citizens from the government.
• Structural Unemployment: It is a category of unemployment
arising from the mismatch between the jobs available in the Capital Expenditure
market and the skills of the available workers in the market. • All those expenditures of the government which either result in
the creation of physical/financial assets or reduction in financial
• Cyclical Unemployment: It is result of the business cycle,
liabilities. Examples: Purchase of land, machinery, building and
where unemployment rises during recessions and declines
equipment’s; investment in shares; loans and advances by the
with economic growth. Cyclical unemployment figures in
central government to state governments and UTs.
India are negligible. It is a phenomenon that is mostly found
in capitalist economies. Revenue Expenditure
• Technological Unemployment: It is loss of jobs due to • The expenditure incurred by the government that neither
changes in technology. In 2016, World Bank data predicted creates any physical/financial asset nor reduces the liability
that the proportion of jobs threatened by automation in India of the government.
is 69% year-on-year.
Perfect Competition
• Frictional Unemployment: The Frictional Unemployment
• Pure or perfect competition is a theoretical market structure
also called as Search Unemployment, refers to the time lag
in which the following criteria are met:
between the jobs when an individual is searching for a new • All firms sell an identical product (the product is a "commodity"
job or is switching between the jobs. or "homogeneous").
• Vulnerable Employment: This means, people working • All firms are price takers (they cannot influence the market
informally, without proper job contracts and thus sans any price of their product).
• Market share has no influence on prices.
legal protection. These persons are deemed ‘unemployed’
• Buyers have complete or "perfect" information—in the past,
since records of their work are never maintained.
present and future—about the product being sold and the
• Unemployment Trap: It is a situation when unemployment prices charged by each firm.
benefits discourage the unemployed to go to work. People • Resources for such a labor are perfectly mobile.
find the opportunity cost of going to work too high when one • Firms can enter or exit the market without cost.
can simply enjoy the benefits by doing nothing.
Primary Deficit
Capital Receipts • The borrowing requirement of the government includes interest
• All those receipts of the government which either creates obligations on accumulated debt. The goal of measuring
liability or reduces financial asset are capital receipts. primary deficit is to focus on present fiscal imbalances.
 Important Terms used in ECONOMY

Current Economy Issues

27
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Fiscal Policy External Commercial Borrowing (ECB)

• Fiscal policy means the use of taxation and public expenditure • ECB is an instrument used in India to facilitate Indian
by the government for stabilization or growth of the economy. companies to raise money outside the country in foreign
Some of the major instruments of fiscal policy are as follows: currency. It may be commercial loans which can be in form
Budget, Taxation, Public Expenditure, public revenue, Public of bank loans, bonds, securitised instruments, buyers’ and
Debt, and Fiscal Deficit in the economy. supplier’s credit availed from non-resident lenders with
minimum average maturity of 3 years.
Privatization • It should be noted that ECB is not Foreign Direct Investment
• The transfer of ownership, property or business from the (FDI). In case of FDI, foreign money is only used to finance
government to the private sector is termed privatization. The equity capital. But in case of ECB, foreign money is used to
government ceases to be the owner of the entity or business. finance any kind of funding other than equity.

Fiscal Deficit Fair and Remunerative Price

• A fiscal deficit is a shortfall in a government's income • It is the minimum price at which rate sugarcane is to be
compared with its spending. A fiscal deficit is calculated as purchased by sugar mills from farmers. FRP is fixed by Union
a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), or simply as government on basis of recommendations of Commission for
total dollars spent in excess of income. Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), an attached office of
Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Trade War
• Trade war is a subset of Trade Protectionism. It is a conflict Shell Companies
between two or more nations regarding trade tariff imposition • A shell company is a corporation without active business
on each other’s goods. operations or actual assets. They exist only on paper and
have no office and no employees, but may have a bank
Current Account Deficit
account or passive investments, etc.
• It means the value of imports of goods/services/investment
incomes is greater than the value of exports. It is sometimes Exchange Traded Derivatives (ETD)
informally referred to as a trade deficit.
• ETD are traded via central exchange with publicly visible

Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Status prices i.e. on a centralised exchange while Over the Counter

• Most Favoured Nation is a treatment accorded to a trade (OTC) derivatives are for companies that are not listed on a

partner to ensure non-discriminatory trade between two formal exchange and traded between two parties (bilateral
countries vis-a-vis other trade partners. negotiation) without going through an exchange or any other

Endowment Fund intermediaries.

• It is an investment fund established by a foundation (universities,

Angel Tax
nonprofit organisations, churches and hospitals etc.) that
• Angel tax is the tax charged on the closely held company
makes consistent withdrawals from invested capital. It means
that endowment funds are basically investment portfolios where when it issues shares to a resident person at a price which is

initial money is provided by donations to a foundation. more than its fair market value.

Market Capitalisation (m-cap) Securities Transaction Tax (STT)

• Market Capitalisation is calculated by multiplying total • STT is restricted only to difference between settlement and

number of company’s outstanding shares by the current strike price in case of exercise of options. STT (a direct tax)

market price of one share. The market-cap figure of listed is levied on every sale and purchase of securities that are

companies changes daily with stock price movement. listed on recognised stock exchanges in India.
 Important Terms used in ECONOMY

28
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Multilateral Convention the period of employment. A minimum of five years of service

• The Multilateral Convention (MLI) is an outcome of OECD or with an organisation is mandatory for availing the benefit of

G20 Project to tackle Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (called gratuity.

as BEPS Project). BEPS means tax planning strategies which

Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)
exploit mismatches and gaps in tax rules so as to artificially
• FPI consists of securities and other financial assets passively
shift profits to a low or no-tax location where there is little/no
held by foreign investors. FPI does not provide the investor
economic activity, which further results in little or no overall
with direct ownership of financial assets. In India, FPIs are
corporate tax being paid.
allowed to invest in various debt market instruments such as
Pre-Paid Payment Instrument (PPIs) government bonds, treasury bills, state development loans

• PPIs are instruments which come with a preloaded value and (SDLs) and corporate bonds, but with certain restrictions

in even with pre-defined purpose of payment. PPIs facilitates and limits. FPI is part of countries capital account and is

financial services, inter-personal remittance transactions listed on its balance of payments (BOP).

(like sending money to friend or a family member), purchase

Foreign Exchange Reserves
of goods and services (G&S), etc., against amount stored on
• Foreign Exchange Reserves are the reserve assets held by
such instruments. a central bank in foreign currencies. They are used to back
liabilities on their own issued currency as well as to influence
Currency Chest monetary policy. These reserves act as a buffer during the
• Currency chest is the place where the currency is stored. challenging times to the economy.
These chests act as the distributives of RBI cash and enable • The components of India’s FOREX Reserves which is
RBI to take back soiled notes and mutilated notes from the expressed in terms of US dollars include foreign currency
public. assets (FCAs), Gold Reserves, Special Drawing Rights
(SDRs) and RBI’s Reserve position with International
Ways and Means Advances (WMA)
Monetary Fund (IMF). FCAs constitute the largest component
• Ways and Means Advances is the temporary loan facility
of Indian Forex.
provided by the RBI to the centre and state governments.
The WMA scheme was introduced in 1997 to meet any Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework
temporary mismatches in the receipts and payments of the • Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework has been issued
government. by the RBI to maintain the sound financial health of banks.
• The WMA needs to be vacated after 90 days. The interest The RBI will initiate certain structured and discretionary
rate for WMA is currently charged at the Repo Rate. The actions for the bank under the PCA when the Banks breach
limits for WMA are decided by the RBI and in consultation any of the three key regulatory trigger points:
with the Government of India. • Capital to risk-weighted assets ratio
• Net non-performing assets
White Label ATMs
• Return on assets.
• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) set up, owned and
operated by non-bank entities are called White Label ATMs.
Standard Deduction
These White Label ATMs provide banking services to the
• Standard Deduction refers to deduction allowed as per
customers of banks on the basis of the cards (debit/credit/
the Income Tax irrespective of the expenses met or the
prepaid) issued by banks.
investment made by the individual. An individual is not

Gratuity required to disclose any investment proofs or expense bills

for this purpose, the Standard Deduction is allowed at a
• Gratuity is the monetary benefit provided by the employer
standard rate.
to his/her employee for the services rendered by him during
 Important Terms used in ECONOMY

Current Economy Issues

29
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Authorised Capital Priority Sectors

• Authorised Capital refers to the maximum amount of • Priority Sector means those sectors which the Government
capital for which shares can be issued by a company. The of India and Reserve Bank of India consider as important for
the development of the basic needs of the country and are to
Authorised capital would be mentioned in the Memorandum
be given priority over other sectors. The banks are mandated
of Association of the Company and can be increased at any
to encourage the growth of such sectors with adequate and
time in future.
timely credit.

Currency Swap Agreements Basel III Norms

• A Currency swap agreement is a foreign exchange • It is an international regulatory accord that introduced a set
agreement between two parties to exchange a given amount of reforms designed to improve the regulation, supervision
of one currency for another and, after a specified period of and risk management within the banking sectors.
time, to give back the original amounts swapped.
Plan and Non-Plan Expenditure
Public Credit Registry • Plan expenditure, also known as development expenditure,
is used on government programmes and flagship schemes,
• Public Credit Registry is a digital registry of authenticated
whereas non-Plan expenditure involves spending on
granular credit information and will work as a financial
defence, subsidies and transfer to states and the large share
information infrastructure providing access to various
of government spending comes from none other than non-
stakeholders and enrich the existing credit information
Plan expenditure. The Plan expenditure allocation estimates
ecosystem. It would be mandatory for reporting for all are determined by the Planning Commission whereas in
material events for each loan, notwithstanding any threshold the case of non-Plan expenditure, the finance ministry
in the loan amount or type of borrower to the Public Credit determines them without consultation with the Commission.
Registry.
Deficit Financing
Electoral Bond • The term 'deficit financing' is used to denote the direct addition
to gross national expenditure through budget deficits, whether
• An Electoral Bond is just like a promissory note that will be
the deficits are on revenue or on capital account.
payable to bearer on demand and free of interest. It can be
purchased by a citizen of India or anybody incorporated in Behavioural Economics
India. • Behavioural economics majorly depends upon emphasising
the beneficial social norm and understanding their drivers;
Commodity Market changing the default option and understanding the inertia of
• It is physical or virtual marketplace for buying, selling and people to change and; repeated reinforcements to sustain
trading raw or primary products. Thus, it is market that trades in changed behaviour.
primary economic sector rather than manufactured products.
Fiscal Rectitude
Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) • An honest and honourable handling of a government's
finances (tax revenues, for instance) by those hired or
• NDTL shows the difference between the sum of demand and
elected to do that job.
time liabilities (deposits) of a bank (with the public or the
other bank) and the deposits in the form of assets held by the Gender Budgeting
other bank. • Gender Budgeting is concerned with gender-sensitive
formulation of legislation, policies, plans, programmes
Priority Sector Lending and schemes; allocation and collection of resources;
• It is an important role given by the Reserve Bank of India implementation and execution; monitoring, review, audit
(RBI) to the banks for providing a specified portion of the and impact assessment of programmes and schemes; and
bank lending to few specific sectors. follow-up corrective action to address gender disparities.
 Important Terms used in ECONOMY

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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Asset Turnover Ratio Regressive Tax

• Asset turnover ratio is the ratio between the value of a • Under this system of taxation, the tax rate diminishes as the
company’s sales or revenues and the value of its assets. taxable amount increases. In other words, there is an inverse
It is an indicator of the efficiency with which a company is relationship between the tax rate and taxable income. The rate
deploying its assets to produce the revenue. of taxation decreases as the income of taxpayers increases.

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) Special Drawing Rights

• CAR is the ratio of a bank’s capital in relation to its risk • This is a kind of reserve of foreign exchange assets
weighted assets and current liabilities. It is decided by comprising leading currencies globally and created by the
central banks and bank regulators to prevent commercial International Monetary Fund in the year 1969.
banks from taking excess leverage and becoming insolvent • Before its creation, the international community had to face
in the process. several restrictions in increasing world trade and the level of
financial development as gold and US dollars, which were
Contagion
the only means of trade, were in limited quantities. In order
• In economics and finance, a contagion can be explained
to address the issue, SDR was created by the IMF.
as a situation where a shock in a particular economy or
region spreads out and affects others by way of, say, price Proportional Tax
movements. • Proportional tax is the taxing mechanism in which the taxing
authority charges the same rate of tax from each taxpayer,
Liquidity Trap
irrespective of income. This means that lower class, or
• Liquidity trap is a situation when expansionary monetary
middle class, or upper class people pay the same amount
policy (increase in money supply) does not increase the
of tax. Since the tax is charged at a flat rate for everyone,
interest rate, income and hence does not stimulate economic
whether earning higher income or lower income, it is also
growth.
called flat tax.

Non Performing Assets

Derivatives
• A non performing asset (NPA) is a loan or advance for which
• A derivative is a contract between two parties which derives
the principal or interest payment remained overdue for a
its value/price from an underlying asset. The most common
period of 90 days.
types of derivatives are futures, options, forwards and swaps.
• Banks are required to classify NPAs further into Substandard,
Doubtful and Loss assets. Hedge Fund
• Hedge fund is a private investment partnership and funds
Profitability Index pool that uses varied and complex proprietary strategies and
• Profitability index is a financial tool which tells us whether an invests or trades in complex products, including listed and
investment should be accepted or rejected. It uses the time unlisted derivatives.
value concept of money.
Phillips Curve
Venture Capital • The inverse relationship between unemployment rate and
• Start up companies with a potential to grow need a certain inflation when graphically charted is called the Phillips curve.
amount of investment. Wealthy investors like to invest
Laffer Curve
their capital in such businesses with a long-term growth
• The Laffer Curve describes the relationship between tax
perspective. This capital is known as venture capital and the
rates and total tax revenue, with an optimal tax rate that
investors are called venture capitalists.
maximizes total government tax revenue.
 Important Terms used in ECONOMY

Current Economy Issues

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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Dividend economic growth initially leads to greater inequality, followed

• Dividend refers to a reward, cash or otherwise, that a company later by the reduction of inequality.

gives to its shareholders. Dividends can be issued in various

Balance Sheet
forms, such as cash payment, stocks or any other form. A
• Balance Sheet is the financial statement of a company which
company’s dividend is decided by its board of directors
includes assets, liabilities, equity capital, total debt, etc. at
and it requires the shareholders’ approval. However, it is
a point in time. Balance sheet includes assets on one side,
not obligatory for a company to pay dividend. Dividend is
and liabilities on the other. For the balance sheet to reflect
usually a part of the profit that the company shares with its
the true picture, both heads (liabilities & assets) should tally
shareholders.
(Assets = Liabilities + Equity).
Appropriation Bill
Debt Consolidation
• Appropriation Bill gives power to the government to withdraw
• Debt consolidation means combining more than one debt
funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for meeting the
obligation into a new loan with a favourable term structure such
expenditure during the financial year.
as lower interest rate structure, tenure, etc. Here, the amount
Securities Transaction Tax received from the new loan is used to pay off other debts.

• STT is a kind of turnover tax where the investor has to pay

Freight Village
a small tax on the total consideration paid or received in a
• A freight village is a defined area within which all activities
share transaction. STT was introduced in the Budget of 2004
relating to transport, logistics and the distribution of goods,
and implemented in Oct 2004. The objective behind the levy
both for national and international transit, are carried out by
is to mitigate tax evasion as the same is taxed at source.
various operators.
Stocks, futures, option, mutual funds and exchange traded
funds come under the ambit of STT. Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs)
• These are mutual fund like institutions that enable investments
Subvention
into the infrastructure sector by pooling small sums of money
• Subvention refers to a grant of money in aid or support,
from multitude of individual investors for directly investing
mostly by the government. The term finds a mention in almost
in infrastructure so as to return a portion of the income to
every Budget.
unit holders of InvITs, who pooled in the money. InvITs are
Treasury Bills regulated by Securities and Exchange Board of India

• These are government bonds or debt securities with maturity

Countervailing Duty (CVD)
of less than a year. T- bills are issued to meet short-term
• Countervailing Duty (CVD) is an additional import duty
mismatches in receipts and expenditure. Bonds of longer
imposed on imported products (by the importing country)
maturity are called dated securities.
when such products enjoy benefits like export subsidies and
Credit Rating tax concessions in the country of their origin.

• Credit rating is an analysis of the credit risks associated with

Safeguard Duty
a financial instrument or a financial entity. It is a rating given to
• Safeguard Duty is duty payable on import of goods which
a particular entity based on the credentials and the extent to
is already being manufactured in India but cost of which
which the financial statements of the entity are sound, in terms
is high compared to import price. It is imposed by Central
of borrowing and lending that has been done in the past.
Government on goods so that the Indian manufacturers do
Kuznets Curve not suffer due to import of cheaper goods from outside. It

• It is a curve used to demonstrate the hypothesis that helps in creating a level playing field for Indian manufacturers
and importers.
 Important Terms used in ECONOMY

32
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Dumping Duty commercial substance and is not a genuine transaction, then

• It is said to occur when the goods are exported by a country what should be the tax liability associated with it.

to another country at a price lower than its normal value. This

Windfall tax
is an unfair trade practice which can have a distortive effect
• A windfall tax is a tax levied by governments against certain
on international trade.
industries when economic conditions allow those industries
Anti-dumping Duty to experience significantly above-average profits. Windfall

• Anti-dumping Duty is a protectionist tariff that a domestic taxes are primarily levied on companies in the targeted
industry that have benefited the most from the economic
government imposes on foreign imports that it believes are
windfall, most often commodity-based businesses.
priced below fair market value. Dumping is a process where

a company exports a product at a price lower than the price Withholding Tax
it normally charges in its own home market. • A withholding tax is an amount that an employer withholds
from employees' wages and pays directly to the government.
Shadow banking The amount withheld is a credit against the income taxes the
• Shadow Banking is that part of the financial system where employee must pay during the year. It also is a tax levied on
credit intermediation involving entities and activities remains income (interest and dividends) from securities owned by a

outside the regular banking system. non-resident as well as other income paid to non-residents of
a country.
Masala Bonds
Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT)
• Masala bonds are rupee-denominated debt securities issued
• MAT is a tax to facilitate the taxation of ‘zero tax companies’
outside India by Indian companies. The bonds are directly
i.e., those companies which show zero or negligible income
pegged to the Indian currency. So, investors directly take the
to avoid tax. Under MAT, such companies are made liable to
currency risk or exchange rate risks. pay to the government, by deeming a certain percentage of
their book profit as taxable income.
World Trade Organization (WTO) subsidies
• In WTO terminology, domestic subsidies in agriculture are Crowdfunding
identified by “Boxes” namely Green Box, Amber Box & Blue Box. • Crowdfunding is the use of small amounts of capital from
• Green Box - In simple terms, subsidies that not distort trade a large number of individuals to finance a new business
or at most cause minimal distortion are in this box. Usually venture. Crowdfunding makes use of the easy accessibility
these subsidies are not directed at specific products. of vast networks of people through social media and
• Amber Box - The subsidies that distort the international trade crowdfunding websites to bring investors and entrepreneurs
by making products of a particular country cheaper in the together, and has the potential to increase entrepreneurship
international market as compared to same or similar product by expanding the pool of investors from whom funds can be
from another country is slotted under this box. raised beyond the traditional circle of owners, relatives and

• Blue Box - These are basically Amber Box subsidies but they venture capitalists.

tend to limit the production. Countries argue that Blue box

Bank Rate
subsidies are crucial for ushering in agricultural reforms.
• Bank rate is the rate charged by the Reserve Bank of India for
General Anti Avoidance Rule (GAAR) lending funds to commercial banks. It influences lending rates

• GAAR is a set of rules or a framework which helps the of commercial banks. Higher bank rate will translate to higher

revenue authorities decides whether a particular transaction lending rates by the banks. In order to curb liquidity, the central

has commercial substance or not. If it does not have bank can resort to raising the bank rate and vice versa.
 Important Terms used in ECONOMY

Current Economy Issues

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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Gross Domestic Product macroeconomic objectives like inflation, consumption,

• GDP is the final value of the goods and services produced growth and liquidity.

within the geographic boundaries of a country during a

Purchasing Power Parity
specified period of time, normally a year. GDP growth rate
• Purchasing Power Parity aims to determine the
is an important indicator of the economic performance of a
adjustments needed to be made in the exchange
country.
rates of two currencies to make them at par with the
purchasing power of each other. It is the expenditure on
Gross National Product
a similar commodity must be same in both currencies
• Gross National Product (GNP) is Gross Domestic Product when accounted for exchange rate. It is used worldwide
(GDP) plus net factor income from abroad. It measures to compare the income levels in different countries.
the monetary value of all the finished goods and services
produced by the country's factors of production irrespective Repo Rate
of their location. It includes taxes but does not include • Repo rate is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends

subsidies. money to commercial banks in the event of any shortfall of

funds. For RBI point of view it is called as short term lending
Wholesale Price Index and from banks point of view it is short term borrowing.

• Wholesale Price Index (WPI) represents the price of goods at

Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)
a wholesale stage i.e. goods that are sold in bulk and traded • Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) is the ratio of total deposits
between organizations instead of consumers. WPI is often of a commercial bank which it has to keep with itself in the
form of liquid assets. Liquid assets may consist of cash in
used as a measure of inflation.
hand, gold, reserves with RBI, excess reserves, government
securities and other encumbered securities, etc.
Inflation
• SLR is amount that banks are required to maintain as
• Inflation is the percentage change in the value of the Wholesale
stipulated proportion of their net demand and time liabilities
Price Index (WPI) on a year-on year basis. It effectively measures
(NDTL) in form of liquid assets such as cash, gold treasury
the change in the prices of a basket of goods and services in
bills, unencumbered securities and dated securities etc.
a year. It occurs due to an imbalance between demand and
supply of money, changes in production and distribution cost Sovereign Risk
or increase in taxes on products. When economy experiences • Any risk arising on chances of a government failing to make
inflation the price level of goods and services rises and the debt repayments or not honouring a loan agreement is a

value of currency reduces. sovereign risk.

Liquidity Service Tax

• Service tax is a tax levied by the government on service
• Liquidity means how quickly one can get his cash in hand.
providers on certain service transactions, but is actually
In simpler terms, liquidity is to get your money whenever you
borne by the customers.
need it. It might be emergency savings account or the cash

lying with you that you can access in case of any unforeseen Reverse Repo Rate
happening or any financial setback. • Reverse Repo Rate is the rate at which the Reserve Bank
of India borrows money from commercial banks within the
Monetary Policy country. It is a monetary policy instrument which can be used
• Monetary policy is the macroeconomic policy laid down by to control the money supply in the country. An increase in
the Reserve Bank of India. It involves management of money Reverse Repo Rate means that commercial banks will get
supply and interest rate and it is the demand side economic more incentives to park their funds with the RBI, thereby
policy used by the government of a country to achieve decreasing the supply of money in the market.
 Important Terms used in ECONOMY

34
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Recession Cash Reserve Ratio

• Recession is a slowdown or a massive contraction in • Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is a specified minimum fraction
economic activities. A significant fall in spending generally of the total deposits of customers, which commercial banks
leads to a recession.
have to hold as reserves either in cash or as deposits with

Marginal Standing Facility the central bank.

• Marginal standing facility is a window for banks to borrow

Depreciation
from the Reserve Bank of India in an emergency situation
• The monetary value of an asset decreases over time due to
when inter-bank liquidity dries up completely.
use, wear and tear or obsolescence. This loss is measured
• MSF is very short term borrowing scheme for scheduled as depreciation.
banks and is rate at which scheduled banks borrow funds
Equated Monthly Installment
overnight from RBI against government securities.
• EMI or equated monthly installment, as the name suggests,
Exchange Rate is one part of the equally divided monthly outgoes to clear off
• Exchange rate is the price of one currency in terms of an outstanding loan within a stipulated time frame.
another currency. Exchange rates can be either fixed or
floating. Fixed exchange rates are decided by central banks Microeconomics
of a country whereas floating exchange rates are decided by • Microeconomics is the study of individuals, households
the mechanism of market demand and supply.
and firms' behaviour in decision making and allocation of

Deflation resources. It generally applies to markets of goods and

services and deals with individual and economic issues.
• When the overall price level decreases so that inflation rate

becomes negative, it is called deflation. It is the opposite of Ponzi scheme

the inflation.
• A Ponzi scheme is an investment plan in which the operator

Balance of Payment or the operating company pays returns to investors from the

• According to the RBI, balance of payment is a statistical new capital coming in from new investors instead off the

statement that shows the transaction in goods, services profits of the business. The investors get attracted to these

and income between an economy and the rest of the world; schemes because of the unusual high rate of return offered
changes of ownership and other changes in that economy's within shorter time spans compared to other conventional
monetary gold, special drawing rights (SDRs), and financial investment options.
claims on and liabilities to the rest of the world, and
Unrequited transfers. Demat Account
• The way in which a bank keeps money in a deposit account,
Base Rate
the depository company converts share certificates into
• Base rate is the minimum rate set by the Reserve Bank
electronics form and keeps them in a Demat Account.
of India below which banks are not allowed to lend to its
customers. It is decided in order to enhance transparency in
Vostro Account
the credit market and ensure that banks pass on the lower
• When a foreign bank is opened in India with Indian currency,
cost of fund to their customers. Loan pricing will be done by
it is known as Vostro account. eg. Standard Chartered Bank
adding base rate and a suitable spread depending on the
in India.
credit risk premium.
 ENVIRONMENT
Environment & Wildlife
35
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

& WILDLIFE
India State of Forest Report 2023
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, released the India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) at
Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Key Facts
• It is published every two years by the Forest Survey of India under the
Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The first survey
was published in 1987, and ISFR 2023 is the 18th such report in the
series.
• The report contains information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove
cover, growing stock, carbon stock in India’s forests, instances of forest
fire, Agroforestry, etc.

Major Findings of ISFR 2023

• The Forest and Tree cover of the country is 8,27,357 sq km which is 25.17
percent of the geographical area of the country, consisting of 7,15,343 sq
km (21.76%) as forest cover and 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%) as tree cover.
• 19 states/UTs have above 33 percent of the geographical area under forest cover.
 Out of these, eight states/UTs namely Mizoram, Lakshadweep, A & N Island, Arunachal Forest Survey of India
Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur have forest cover above 75
• Forest Survey of India (FSI)
percent.
was established in 1981
• There is an increase of 1445 sq km in the forest and tree cover of the country which includes
and is under the Ministry
156 sq km increase in the forest cover and 1289 sq km increase in tree cover.
of Environment, Forest and
 Top four states showing maximum increase in forest and tree cover: Chhattisgarh, Uttar Climate Change.
Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan.
• It succeeded the Pre-
 Top three states showing maximum increase in forest cover: Mizoram, Gujarat and investment Survey of
Odisha. Forest Resources (PISFR),
 Area-wise top three states having largest forest and tree cover: Madhya Pradesh, initiated in 1965 with
Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Food and Agriculture
 Area-wise top three states having largest forest cover: Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Organization (FAO)
Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. and United Nations
• In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to total geographical area, Lakshadweep Development Programme
(91.33 percent) has the highest forest cover followed by Mizoram (85.34 percent) and (UNDP) support.
Andaman & Nicobar Island (81.62 percent). • It conducts surveys and
• The total annual potential production of timber from trees outside forest has been estimated research to monitor India’s
as 91.51 million cum. forest and land resources,
providing data for national
• The extent of bamboo bearing area for the country has been estimated as 1,54,670 sq km.
planning, conservation,
 As compared to the last assessment done in 2021 there is an increase of 5,227 sq km
and sustainable
in bamboo area.
management.
• The total carbon stock in the country’s forest is estimated to be 7,285.5 million tonnes.
• Headquarters: Dehradun.
 There is an increase of 81.5 million tonnes in the carbon stock of the country as
compared to the last assessment.
• India’s mangrove cover has decreased. It is now 4,991.68 sq km, a decrease of 7.43 sq km.
• Gujarat, has lost the highest area under mangroves, when compared to the last assessment – 36.39 sq km.
36
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the
Parties 29 (COP29) was concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan. This conference saw around 200
countries negotiate agreements aimed at addressing global climate challenges.

Key Highlights: by 2030, addressing methane from agriculture, waste,

• New Climate Finance Goal: A major breakthrough at COP29 and fossil fuels.
was the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance • Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: COP29 reinforced
(NCQG). It aims to triple climate finance for developing the importance of Indigenous Peoples and local communities
countries to USD 300 billion per year by 2035 from the in addressing climate change.
previous goal of USD 100, with developed countries taking COP29 adopted the Baku Workplan and renewed the

the lead. Facilitative Working Group (FWG) mandate under the Local
 It also makes a general call on all actors to scale up Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP).
climate financing to USD1.3 trillion per year by 2035  The Baku work plan prioritises bridging indigenous
from all public and private sources to help developing knowledge with modern science, enhancing
countries mitigate and adapt to climate impacts. indigenous participation in climate dialogues and
• Carbon Markets Agreement: COP29 reached a landmark embedding indigenous values into climate policies.
agreement to finalise the mechanisms for carbon markets,  The FWG will implement the Baku Workplan in a
including country-to-country trading (Article 6.2 of the Paris gender-responsive and collaborative manner, with a
Agreement) and a centralised carbon market under the review of progress scheduled for 2027.
United Nations (UN) (Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement).  FWG of the LCIPP is a constituted body established
 Article 6.2, allows bilateral agreements between countries at COP24 to further operationalize the LCIPP and
to trade carbon credits based on mutually agreed terms. facilitate its functions on knowledge, engagement,
 Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (also known and climate policies, working with diverse bodies.
as Article 6.4) seeks to develop a centralised, United • Gender and Climate Change: A decision was made to extend
Nations-managed carbon emissions offset and trading the Lima Work Programme on Gender (LWPG) for another 10
system. years, reaffirming gender equality in climate action and the
• Declaration on Reducing Methane: Over 30 countries, need for a new gender action plan to be adopted at COP30
including the US, Germany, UK, and UAE, endorsed the (Belém, Brazil).
COP29 Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic  Established in 2014, the LWPG aims to advance gender
Waste (India is not a signatory). balance and integrate gender considerations to ensure
 The declaration targets the waste sector’s methane gender-responsive climate policy and action under the
emissions, which contribute to 20% of global methane Convention and the Paris Agreement.
emissions. It focuses on five priority areas: Nationally • Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers: The COP29
Determined Contributions (NDCs), regulation, data, Presidency in partnership with the Food and Agriculture
finance, and partnerships. Organization (FAO) launches the Baku Harmoniya Climate
 Countries are encouraged to include sectoral targets for Initiative for Farmers.
reducing methane emissions from organic waste in their  It is a platform that brings together the dispersed
NDCs. landscape of existing climate initiatives in the field of
 This builds on the Global Methane Pledge (India is not a food and agriculture, in order to make support for farmers
signatory) to reduce global methane emissions by 30% easier to find and to facilitate access to finance.
Environment & Wildlife
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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

India’s stance at COP 29 • Leveraging International Influence: India leads the Like-
• Opposition to the Deal: India rejected the NCQG, criticising it minded Developing Countries (LMDC) and BASIC group
for its inadequacy. The USD 300 billion pledge was deemed at COP, amplifying the voices of the Global South and
insufficient for addressing the climate challenges faced by advocating for equitable climate action and finance.
developing nations.  Platforms like COP provide India opportunities to promote
 India, alongside other Global South countries, has been initiatives like the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) and
advocating for at least USD 1.3 trillion annually to meet Mangrove Alliance for Climate.
the growing demands of climate change mitigation and
India’s Role in Global Climate Governance Evolved
adaptation in developing nations, with USD 600 billion as
• 1970s to 2000s: India was cautious about Western environmental
grants or grant-equivalent resources.
calls, fearing they would hinder its economic development.
• Article 9 of the Paris Agreement: India emphasised that
 At the 1972 Stockholm Conference, the then Prime
developed countries should lead in mobilising climate
Minister Indira Gandhi emphasised the need to balance
finance, in line with Article 9 of the Paris Agreement, which
environmental protection with poverty alleviation.
places responsibility on developed nations.
 By signing the UNFCCC in 1992 at the Earth Summit
 However, the final deal shifted the responsibility to
in Rio de Janeiro, India formally embraced sustainable
all actors, including developing countries, instead
development and supported Common But Differentiated
of holding developed nations accountable for their
Responsibilities (CBDR), which recognised the varying
historical emissions and financial commitments.
capacities and responsibilities of developed and
• Solidarity with Vulnerable Nations: India backed the concerns
developing nations.
of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island
 India hosted COP8 in 2002, marking its shift from a passive
Developing States (SIDS), who walked out of the negotiations,
participant to an active role in climate negotiations.
citing that their demands for a fair and adequate financial
 India launched the National Action Plan on Climate
target were being ignored.
Change (NAPCC) in 2008, demonstrating its commitment
India Role in COP: to reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy.

• India's Climate Commitments and Achievements: India’s first • Post-2015: The Paris Agreement, 2015 marked a pivotal shift
NDC was submitted in 2015, and it updated its climate in global climate governance, allowing developing nations
goals in 2022, highlighting achievements such as reducing like India to contribute to climate action without facing
emissions intensity by 33–35% and meeting 40% of its disproportionate obligations.
energy capacity from non-fossil fuels.  The transition from rigid emission reduction targets to
voluntary Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
• Securing Climate Finance: India has been a major beneficiary
enabled India to align its climate commitments with
of funds through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund
developmental priorities.
and carbon credits markets.
 India submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions
 COP discussions on the Loss and Damage Fund
(NDCs) and updated them in 2022.
are crucial for India to secure financial support for
 India contributed USD 1.28 billion to climate finance for
addressing the climate-induced impacts such as floods
other developing countries in 2022, reinforcing its role as
and cyclones.
a climate leader.
• Global Climate Leadership: COP provides India the
• Advocacy for Climate Equity and Justice: India advocates for
opportunity to assert its leadership in global climate
developed nations to provide financial and technological
action, with initiatives like the International Solar Alliance
support to developing countries and actively supports
(ISA) to drive sustainable solutions for the global climate
mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund and Loss and
challenge.
Damage Fund.
38
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Madhav National Park: India’s 58th Tiger It includes both range countries (countries where these
species are found) and non-range countries interested in
Reserve
supporting big cat conservation.
The Union Government declared
• The primary goal of IBCA is to facilitate global collaboration
the Madhav National Park in
for big cat conservation, consolidate successful conservation
Madhya Pradesh as the country’s
practices, and achieve the common goal of preserving big
58th tiger reserve.
cats worldwide.
Key Facts • It aims to provide financial support, disseminate conservation best
• It has become the ninth tiger practices, create a central repository of technical knowledge, and
reserve in the state, the highest in any state. strengthen intergovernmental conservation platforms.
• Location: It is situated near Shivpuri town in Madhya Pradesh
and is a part of the upper Vindhyan hills.
Indore & Udaipur : Global List of Accredited
• Lakes: Sakhya Sagar (Ramsar site, in 2022) and Madhav
Sagar.
Wetland Cities
• Rivers: Manier and Sind river. Indore and Udaipur have become the first
• Vegetation: Tropical dry deciduous forests and Dry Thorn two Indian cities to join the global list of
Forests. accredited wetland cities.
• Flora: Kardhai, Salai, Dhaora and Khair.
• Fauna: Nilgai, Chinkara and Chowsinga and Deer including Key Highlights
Chital, Sambar and Barking Deer. • Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar Site in Indore,
• It was the hunting ground of Mughal emperors and Maharaja has been recognised for water bird
of Gwalior. congregation and is being developed as a bird sanctuary.
• It got the status of a National Park in 1958. • Udaipur in Rajasthan is surrounded by five major wetlands,
namely, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar,
and Doodh Talai.
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):
Framework Agreement Signed About Wetland City Accreditation Program
• It is part of the Ramsar Convention, and was approved
during COP12 held in the year 2015.
• Accreditation is granted to only those cities which
satisfy all the six international criteria including
adopting measures for conservation of wetlands and
their ecosystem services.
The Framework Agreement on the establishment of the • Aim: To promote conservation and wise use of urban
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) recently came into force, and peri-urban wetlands.
making it a full-fledged, treaty-based inter-governmental
• Validity: It is valid for 6 years, after which it must be
international organization.
renewed, providing that it continues to fill each of the 6
• The IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in
criteria.
2023, during the “Commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger”
• The global list of 74 accredited wetland cities
event. It is headquartered in Delhi.
comprises the highest 22 from China followed by nine
• Members: 27 countries have consented to join the Alliance.
from France.
 Five countries (Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and
• Ramsar Convention is an international convention
Liberia) have officially ratified and become members of
on wetlands, adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of
the IBCA.
Ramsar.
 It was established by the Government of India through the
 It provides a framework for the conservation and
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of
wise use of wetlands and their resources across its
Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), with
172-member countries including India.
an order dated 12th March, 2024.
 At present, 85 wetlands in India are protected
• It aims to conserve seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion,
under the treaty.
Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
Environment & Wildlife
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New Ramsar Sites declared  They are characterized by long legs, slender bodies,
and often long bills, which they use to forage for food
Recently, the Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird
like insects and worms.
Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu; and Tawa Reservoir of Madhya
Pradesh have been recognised as wetlands of international
importance under the Ramsar Convention, taking the tally to 85. About Marine National Park
• The Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in
Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary
Gujarat is India’s first designated marine national park.
• Located in Tiruppur district, in
Tamil Nadu this sanctuary is • Spanning the districts of Devbhoomi Dwarka,
a haven for avian biodiversity, Jamnagar, and Morbi, it covers approximately 170 km
especially for waterfowl of coastline and 42 islands.
habitats. • This protected area in the Gulf of Kutch was established
• The sanctuary is named after to conserve marine biodiversity and mangrove
Nanjarayan, a local deity associated with the well-being of ecosystems.
birds and animals. • The park is positioned along the Central Asian Flyway
(CAF).
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary • It is a key migratory route for birds traveling, covering
• Found in Villupuram, Kazhuveli a large continental area of Eurasia between the Arctic
in Tamil Nadu that provides and Indian Oceans and the associated island chains.
essential habitat for various bird
species, including migratory
visitors. COP 16 of UNCCD: Business4Land initiative
• With the addition of Nanjarayan launched
and Kazhuveli, Tamil Nadu now boasts 18 Ramsar
At the 16th session of the
sites—the highest number in India.
Conference of the Parties
(COP16) of the United
Tawa Reservoir
Nations Convention to
• It is located in Madhya
Combat Desertification
Pradesh’s Narmadapuram
(UNCCD) that took
district.
place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Business4Land initiative was
• Its inclusion underscores our launched.
commitment to preserving these
vital ecosystems, which play a Business4Land Initiative:
crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, water purification, • Launched by: United Nations Convention to Combat
and flood control. Desertification (UNCCD) (It is a legally binding international
agreement.)
India’s 1st Coastline-Waders Bird Census • Aim: To engage private sector actors in sustainable land
management strategies.
Gujarat is set to conduct the
country’s first-ever census • Supported by: World Economic Forum, World Business
of coastal and wader birds Council for Sustainable Development Sustainable Fibre
at the Marine National Park Alliance, etc
and Sanctuary in Jamnagar. • Objectives:
 Raising awareness about the importance of sustainable
Key Highlights
land management within the private sector.
• The census will be jointly organised by the state forest
department and the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat.  Encouraging businesses to commit to sustainable
practices & invest in land restoration
• Waders Bird:
 Fostering collaboration between businesses,
 They are also known as shorebirds or sandpipers, are
a group of birds typically found in coastal habitats or governments, and civil society to accelerate progress
wetlands. towards land degradation neutrality.
40
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USA withdrew from Paris Agreement COP-16 of Convention on Biological Diversity

US President Donald Trump held
decided to withdraw the The Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of
United States from the Paris the Parties (COP-16) to the Convention on
Agreement again — having Biological Diversity was held in Cali, Colombia.
first done so in 2017.
National Biodiversity Strategy and
Key Facts Action Plan (NBSAP)
• On his first day in office, • India launched the updated National
Trump also ordered an immediate revocation of all climate Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
finance commitments made by the US. (NBSAP) 2024-2030, at the COP 16 to the Convention on
 He has promised to reverse some of the climate-friendly Biological Diversity (CBD).
energy policies of the last few years, and reiterated • India has updated the NBSAP to align with the Kunming-
his commitment to extracting more oil and gas to meet Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF)
America’s energy requirements. establishing the National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs).
• Background:
• It outlines 23 National Biodiversity Targets focused on
 Trump’s predecessor (and successor) Joe Biden had reducing threats to biodiversity, ensuring sustainable use of
taken the US back into the Paris Agreement in 2021. resources, and enhancing tools for implementation.
 The US had not become a party to the 1997 Kyoto
 Each target is linked to specific strategies aimed at
Protocol as well, having refused to ratify it after signing
promoting ecosystem resilience, species recovery, and
on to it.
sustainable management practices.
 He opined that the international regulations on climate
• Implementation: The MoEFCC serves as the central agency
change have been unfair to the US because similar
responsible for coordinating biodiversity conservation efforts
restrictions are not placed on China, on account of it
across India.
being classified as a developing country.
About Convention on Biological Diversity
About Paris Agreement • The Convention was
opened for signature
• It is a legally binding international treaty on climate
in 1992 at the United
change, adopted in 2015, at the COP21 to the United
Nations Conference on
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Environment and Development (Rio Earth Summit). The
(UNFCCC).
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) entered into
• It aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees force on 29 December 1993.
Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit • The first session of the COP was scheduled in 1994 in
the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. the Bahamas.
• The Paris Agreement emphasizes nationally • Secretariat: Montreal, Canada.
determined contributions (NDCs) and encourages all • Ratification: The CBD has been ratified by 196 nations, making
countries to take climate action. it one of the most widely adopted international treaties.
• Countries must review and update their NDCs every  The United States is the only UN member state that
five years to enhance their efforts and increase has not ratified the convention.
ambition over time. • It has 3 main objectives;
• Article 28 of the Paris Agreement lays out the procedure  The conservation of biological diversity
and timeline for a country’s withdrawal from the treaty.  The sustainable use of the components of biological
• Any time after three years from the date on which this diversity
 The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising
Agreement has entered into force for a Party, that Party
out of the utilization of genetic resources.
may withdraw from this Agreement by giving written
• Governing body is the Conference of the Parties (COP),
notification.
which meets every two years.
Environment & Wildlife
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Union Cabinet approved BioE3 Policy Key Highlights of the Report

• Distribution: Southeast Asia accounts for 33.6 percent of
The Union Cabinet cleared
global mangrove cover with Indonesia alone having 21
a proposal to bolster
percent of the world’s mangroves.
biotechnology-based
manufacturing, called BioE3 • Area under threat:

(Biotechnology for Economy,  Mangrove areas of Indonesia, northeast Brazil and

Environment and Employment) northwest Mexico are experiencing significant losses.

 Mangroves in Lakshadweep archipelago and on the
Policy.
coast of Tamil Nadu are critically endangered.
Key Highlights
• Reasons for Loss:
• To address the national
 Conversion to aquaculture, oil palm plantations and rice
priorities, the BioE3 Policy
cultivation together accounts for 43 percent of mangrove
would broadly focus on the losses between 2000 and 2020.
following strategic/thematic  Shrimp farms that are mostly constructed within the
sectors: vital intertidal zones, resulting in the total removal of
 high value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers & enzymes mangroves.
 smart proteins & functional foods;
 precision biotherapeutics;
 climate resilient agriculture; World Wildlife Crime Report 2024 released
 carbon capture & its utilisation; The 2024 World Wildlife Crime
 marine and space research. Report was released by the United
• The policy includes innovation-driven support to R&D and Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
entrepreneurship across thematic sectors.
Key Highlights:
Significance: • This report provides insights

• The policy will accelerate technology development and into the illegal wildlife trade

commercialization by establishing Biomanufacturing & Bio- that occurred between 2015

AI hubs and Bio-foundry. and 2021.

• Along with prioritizing regenerative bioeconomy models of • Rhinos, elephants, pangolins,

green growth, this policy will facilitate expansion of India’s cedars, rosewoods and
skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation. agarwood most affected by
• The Policy will further strengthen Government’s initiatives illegal wildlife trade
such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy & ‘Lifestyle for • The 2024 report is the third edition, with earlier editions published in
Environment’ and will steer India on the path of accelerated 2016 and 2020. It probes trends in the illicit trafficking of protected
‘Green Growth’ by promoting ‘Circular Bioeconomy’.
wildlife species.
• It will foster an advanced future that is more sustainable, • It also presents systematic analyses of wildlife crime harms
innovative, and responsive to global challenges and lays and impacts, probes the factors driving wildlife trafficking
down the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat. trends, and takes stock of current knowledge about the
effectiveness of the different types of intervention being
pursued to resolve this problem.
State of the World’s Mangroves,
• The report noted that wildlife trafficking persists worldwide
2024 Report released despite two decades of concerted action at international and
The Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) national levels.
has released a report titled ‘The State • The document urged strong coherence and harmonisation across
of the World’s Mangroves, 2024’ on the trade chain, strong international cooperation and increased
World Mangrove Day (26 July). investment to build data and analytical capacity at national and
international levels in order to close knowledge gaps.
42
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World Air Quality Report 2024 released • Each edition explores ways to bridge the emissions gap.

A recent report by IQAir revealed that India is among the world’s • The report assessed countries’ Nationally Determined
most polluted nations. Thirteen of the top twenty polluted cities Contributions (NDCs), which they are required to update
globally are located in India. every five years, to determine how much the world might
warm if these plans were fully implemented.
Major Findings
• 1.5 Degree Target: It warned that the Paris Agreement
objective of keeping global rise in temperatures to within 1.5
degree Celsius would be gone within a few years.
 The bare minimum required to keep the 1.5-degree target
in sight was 42 percent reduction. The reductions must
increase to 57 percent by 2035 to keep the target alive.
• Global emissions in 2023 was 1.3 percent higher than the
previous year.
 Greenhouse gas emissions of China and India, two of the top
Key Highlights three emitters, grew by 5.2 percent and 6.1 percent respectively.
• According to the World Air Quality Report 2024, India ranks • Current climate actions, even in the most optimistic scenario,
as the fifth most polluted country, a slight improvement from
could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by only 10
third place in 2023.
percent by 2030 on 2019 levels.
• The average PM2.5 concentration in India decreased by 7%
 The 2-degree Celsius threshold would be in danger of being
to 50.6 micrograms per cubic metre.
breached, unless countries dramatically scale up their climate
• However, cities like Delhi continue to struggle, with a PM2.5
actions to reduce global emissions in two years.
level of 91.6 micrograms per cubic metre. This figure is
nearly unchanged from the previous year.  Without dramatic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, the
world could face an inevitable 3.1°C temperature rise.
Major Polluted Cities in India
About United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
• The report lists Byrnihat, Delhi, Mullanpur, Faridabad, Loni,
New Delhi, Gurugram, Ganganagar, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, • It is the leading environmental authority in the United
Muzaffarnagar, Hanumangarh, and Noida among the world’s Nations system established in 1972.
top polluted cities. • The UN Environment Assembly is the policy-making organ
• These cities report PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO limits by of UNEP.
over ten times. • Headquarter: Nairobi, Kenya.
Health Impacts of Air Pollution • Major Reports: Global Environment Outlook, The Rise
• Air pollution affects public health. Life expectancy is reduced of Environmental Crime Report, Actions on Air Quality,
by an estimated 5.2 years due to poor air quality. Frontiers Report, Adaptation Gap Report.
• A study published in Lancet Planetary Health indicates that
approximately 1.5 million deaths annually from 2009 to 2019 Rushikonda Beach received Blue Flag Tag
were linked to long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution. PM2.5 Rushikonda Beach in Visakhapatnam wins back the Blue Flag
particles, smaller than 2.5 microns, can infiltrate the lungs tag. India currently has 13 beaches with Blue Flag certification.
and bloodstream, causing severe health issues such as • The Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded to
respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and cancer. beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
It is administered by the Foundation for Environmental
UNEP launched Emissions Gap Report 2024 Education (FEE), headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Emissions Gap Report, an annual publication of the UN • Recognized globally as a symbol of cleanliness, safety, and
Environment Programme (UNEP), has been released. environmental sustainability.
Key Highlights • To earn the Blue Flag, a beach/marina must meet 33 strict
• It is UNEP’s spotlight report launched annually in advance of criteria across four main categories:
the annual Climate negotiations.  Environmental Education and Information
 Water Quality
• It tracks the gap between where global emissions are
 Environmental Management
heading with current country commitments and where they
 Safety and Services
ought to be to limit warming to 1.5°C.
 NATIONAL
National Affairs
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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

AFFAIRS
Parliament Passes
(Amendment) Bill 2025 WAQF
Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, now renamed as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment,
Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill, has been passed in the Parliament. Mussalman Wakf
(Repeal) Bill 2024 also approved, repealing the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923.

Key Amendments
• Composition of the Central Waqf Council: The Union Minister in-charge of waqf is the ex-
Meaning of ‘Waqf’
officio chairperson.
Refers to properties dedicated
• Council members include:
solely for religious or charitable
 Members of Parliament (MPs).
purposes under Islamic law.
 Persons of national eminence.
 Retired Supreme Court/High Court judges. Sale or other use of the
 Eminent scholars in Muslim law. property is prohibited.
 The Bill removes the Muslim requirement for MPs, former judges, and eminent
The ownership of the property
persons.
is transferred from the person
 The Bill mandates two non-Muslim members in the Council.
making the Waqf (called waqif)
• Composition of Waqf Boards: to Allah, making it irrevocable.
 Empowers state governments to nominate one person from each group.
 Non-Muslim members required: two. The creator is a wakif, and
 Must include at least one member each from Shias, Sunnis, and Backward Muslim the property is managed by a
classes. mutawalli.
 Requires two Muslim women members.
• Composition of Tribunals:
 Removes the expert in Muslim law.
 District Court judge (Chairman).
 Joint Secretary rank officer.
• Appeals Against Tribunal Orders:
Origin of the Concept
 Act: Decisions of Tribunals are final, with no appeals allowed in courts.
of ‘Waqf’
 Bill: Allows appeals against Tribunal decisions to the High Court within 90 days.
• Survey of Properties: The Bill replaces the Survey Commissioner with the District Collector Traces back to the Delhi
or other senior officers to oversee the survey of Waqf properties. Sultanate when Sultan
Muizuddin Sam Ghaor
• Government property as waqf: The Bill states that any government property identified as
dedicated villages to
waqf will cease to be so. The Collector of the area will determine ownership in case of
the Jama Masjid of
uncertainty, if deemed a government property, he will update the revenue records.
Multan.
• Audits: Waqf institutions earning over ₹1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored
auditors. Waqf properties grew with the
• Centralized Portal: A centralized portal will be created for automating Waqf property rise of Islamic dynasties in India.
management, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
The Mussalman Waqf Validating
• Property Dedication: Practicing Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate property to Act of 1913 protected the
the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules. institution of Waqf in
• Women’s Inheritance: Women must receive inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with India.
special provisions for widows, divorced women, and orphans.
44
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Pamban Bridge

The new Pamban Bridge has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, replacing the century-old structure.

Historical Linkages
• The Pamban Bridge connects Rameswaram to mainland India, spanning across the ocean.
• It was originally built in 1914 and served as India’s first sea bridge, crucial for trade and pilgrimage.
• The old bridge survived the 1964 tsunami, which tragically washed away a train, but suffered extensive damage. It was later
restored by renowned engineer E. Sreedharan with the help of local fishermen.
• The new bridge was designed to overcome the limitations of the old structure, ensuring durability, improved maritime navigation,
and future-ready capacity. It aims to enhance regional connectivity and support economic growth.

New Bridge
• The New Pamban Bridge has been constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of
Railways.
• It features a 72.5-meter lift span that can rise 17 meters to allow ships to pass.
• It is 3 meters higher than the old bridge and is designed to accommodate both heavy freight trains and advanced semi-high-
speed trains, like Vande Bharat.
• It spans 2.08 kilometers and has an expected lifespan of 58 years.
• It is India’s first Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge and is built with advanced materials to withstand harsh marine conditions.

Historical Background
• Construction and Inauguration: The Pamban Bridge was commissioned on February 24, 1914, to improve connectivity between
the mainland and Rameswaram Island. Over the years, it has become a key landmark in the region.
• Strategic Importance
 Sole Link: For much of its history, the bridge was the only link between Rameswaram Island and the mainland, making it a
crucial infrastructure piece for both transportation and economic activities.
 Pilgrimage Significance: The bridge has played a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of pilgrims traveling to the
Rameswaram Temple, a major religious site in Tamil Nadu.
 Humanitarian Role: During the Sri Lankan Civil War, the bridge also served as an important route for refugees seeking asylum
in India, further emphasizing its strategic significance.
National Affairs
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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Ken-Betwa River Linking Project unveiled • The construction of large-scale infrastructure for river
interlinking projects can be economically challenging, with
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the
costs often exceeding initial estimates.
interstate Ken-Betwa River linking project.
• Areas prone to earthquakes face increased risks due to the
Key Highlights construction of large dams and other infrastructure.
• In 2021, a memorandum of agreement was signed among • Neglecting maintenance can lead to system failures and
the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the governments of Madhya adverse consequences.
Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to implement the Ken-Betwa Link • Local communities and environmental activists often oppose
Project. river interlinking projects due to concerns about their impact
• The project will transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa on the environment, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
river, both tributaries of the Yamuna.
• The Ken-Betwa Link Canal will be 221 km in length, including Significance of River Linking Projects
a 2-km tunnel. • It helps transfer surplus water from water-rich regions to
water-deficient areas, addressing water scarcity issues.
• It has two phases. Phase-I will involve building the Daudhan
Dam complex and its subsidiary units. • It increased water availability in dry regions to enhance
agricultural productivity.
• Phase-II will involve three components — Lower Orr Dam,
Bina Complex Project and Kotha Barrage. • Interlinking rivers help distribute excess water during periods
of heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of floods in specific
• The project lies in Bundelkhand, which spreads across 13
regions.
districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
• The construction of reservoirs and canals for interlinking
• The project will be of immense benefit to the water-starved
projects create opportunities for hydropower generation.
region.
• The construction and maintenance of interlinking
• It is proposed to be implemented in eight years.
infrastructure create job opportunities, contributing to
economic development.
• River interlinking projects potentially reduce inter-state
disputes over water resources by providing a more equitable
distribution of water.

Uttarakhand approved Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

The Uttarakhand Government
approved the rules for the
Uniform Civil Code.

Key Facts
• In 2024, The Uttarakhand
Legislative Assembly
passed The Uniform Civil Code
of Uttarakhand Act, 2024, becoming
Concerns with the River Linking Projects the first Indian State to adopt a UCC post-
• Altering natural river courses and diverting water can disrupt independence.
ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, changes in biodiversity,
• It bans polygamy, nikah halala, child marriage, and
and potential extinction of species.
extrajudicial divorce practices while ensuring uniform
• The construction of dams, reservoirs, and canals for river
marriageable ages (21 for men, 18 for women).
interlinking result in the displacement of communities,
 Women gain equal property rights, though personal laws
leading to social and economic hardships for affected
populations. on guardianship and Hindu Undivided Families remain
unchanged.
• River interlinking projects often involve multiple states, and
disagreements arise over water sharing, leading to inter-  Live-in relationships are recognized as quasi-marriages,
state disputes. safeguarding offspring legitimacy.
46
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Union Govt. approved President’s Rule in Manipur

About Uniform Civil Code (UCC) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has
• A Uniform Civil Code refers to the provision of one announced the imposition of President’s Rule
law for the entire country, applicable to all religious in Manipur, with the state assembly placed
communities, in their personal matters such as under suspended animation.
marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, etc.
Constitutional Provisions
• It aims to replace the existing diverse personal laws
• Article 356 empowers the President
that vary based on religious affiliations.
of India to impose President’s Rule
• Article 44 contained in part IV of the Constitution says in a state when governance cannot be
that the state “shall endeavor to secure for the citizens carried out as per constitutional provisions.
a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India”.
• Grounds: If the President receives a report from the state’s
• Part IV of the Constitution outlines the Directive
Governor or otherwise is convinced or satisfied that the
Principles of State Policy, which, while not enforceable
state’s situation is such that the state government cannot
or justiciable in a court of law, are fundamental to the
carry on the governance according to the provisions of the
country’s governance.
Constitution.
• UCC in Goa: It follows the Portuguese Civil Code of
1867, which means that people of all religions in Goa • Under the President’s rule, the elected state government is
are subject to the same laws on marriage, divorce, and dismissed and its powers are suspended.
succession.  The Governor becomes the executive head of the state
 The Goa, Daman and Diu Administration Act of and runs the administration on behalf of the President.
1962, which was passed after Goa joined the • The proclamation remains valid for up to two months but must
union as a territory in 1961, gave Goa permission be approved by both Houses of Parliament to extend further.
to apply the Civil Code.  If approved, the Rule can last for six months and be
extended in increments of six months, up to a maximum
of three years.
Union Govt. approved Eighth Pay Commission
The Union Government has approved the establishment of the
Union Govt. notified National Turmeric Board
Eighth Pay Commission.
The Government of India notified the
Key Points: establishment of National Turmeric Board.
• The Pay Commission determines the salary, compensation,
and allowances for central government employees and Key Facts
pensioners. • It is a dedicated body established
to promote turmeric cultivation,
• Objectives:
research, and exports, ensuring
 Proposing formulas for dearness allowance (DA) and
holistic growth in the turmeric sector.
dearness relief (DR) adjustments to mitigate inflation’s
impact. • Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana.
 Recommendation of Pay commission is non-binding in • First Chairperson: Palle Ganga Reddy.
nature. • Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and
• Pay Commissions are generally constituted every 10 years. Industry.
The 8th Pay Commission is being set up well before the term • Aim: To enhance turmeric production.
of the 7th Pay Commission ends in 2025, allowing sufficient  Support farmers and improve their livelihoods.
time for review and implementation.  Boost global exports of turmeric and value-added
• The 7th pay commission headed by Justice A.K. Mathur, products.
was implemented in 2016 and introduced Pay Matrix; Min: • Functions: The Board will also look into creating awareness
Rs 18,000/month, Max: Rs 2,50,000/month. on the essential and medical properties of turmeric, ways
• Composition: Usually headed by a retired Supreme Court to increase its yield and boost logistics and supply chain to
judge. foster trade into newer markets.
National Affairs
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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

One Nation One Election

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly
being referred to as the Bill on “One Nation, One Election”, was introduced in the Lok
Sabha by Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal.

• The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to align the
elections of the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry and the NCT
of Delhi, was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
• Simultaneous Elections (One Nation One Election) refer to the idea of holding Lok
Sabha and State legislative assembly elections together, with the aim of reducing
the frequency of elections and their associated costs.
• Simultaneous elections in India to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies
were held in the years 1951-52, 1957, 1962 and 1967. Thereafter, the schedule
could not be maintained and the elections to the Lok Sabha and the State legislative
assembly have still not been realigned.

One Nation One Election Bill History

The years 1951-52, 1962 and 1967 witnessed simultaneous elections dating back the
concept of one nation one election to the early years of Indian Independence. This process
was only discontinued after the 1967 elections due to the premature dissolution of a few
state assemblies and Lok Sabha in 1970. Since then the elections are being conducted
separately which is only leading to increased costs. The concept of one nation one election
has been revived recently with the aim of aligning India’s electoral process.

RAM NATH KOVIND COMMITTEE

The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, headed by former
President Ram Nath Kovind, was constituted by the Government of India
on 2nd September 2023.

Its primary objective was to explore the feasibility of conducting

simultaneous elections for
the Lok Sabha and State
Legislative Assemblies.

The Committee
submitted
The committee recommended a two-step approach to
its report to
lead to the simultaneous elections.
President of
Step 1 : Simultaneous elections to be held for the Lok
India Droupadi
Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies.
Murmu on
Step 2 : The elections to the municipalities and the
14th March
panchayats to be held within 100 days of holding the
2024.
Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
48
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PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Z-Morh Tunnel Key Highlights

• This initiative, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission,
represents step towards enhancing India’s renewable
energy capacity and achieving its net zero goals by 2070.
• The GHH will feature a capacity to produce 1,500 tonnes per
day (TPD) of green hydrogen. Additionally, it will produce
7,500 TPD of green hydrogen derivatives, including green
methanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel.
• The GHH project is expected to generate over 57,000 jobs by
2032. This employment boost will impact the local economy,
encouraging growth in the region and contributing to India’s
broader economic objectives.
• The GHH project aligns with India’s target of achieving
500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. It aims to
facilitate decarbonisation across major sectors and support
The Z-Morh Tunnel, Infrastructure project in Kashmir, aims to the nation’s quest for energy independence.
enhance connectivity in the region, has been inaugurated by PM
Narendra Modi.
NITI Aayog launched EmpowHER Biz
Key Highlights The Women Entrepreneurship
• A 6.4-kilometre-long tunnel Z-Morh connects Sonamarg, Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog has
a popular tourist destination, with Kangan town in the recently launched a new initiative
Ganderbal district. called EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki
• Its construction addresses the challenges posed by heavy Udaan.
snowfall and avalanches during winter, which often render
the roads impassable. Key Highlights
• The tunnel promises year-round access, benefiting both • The EmpowHER Biz initiative aims to empower women
tourism and military operations in Ladakh. entrepreneurs by providing them with essential skills and
resources to thrive in the organised retail sector.
• The Z-Morh Tunnel will ensure uninterrupted access, vital for
both civilian and military transport. • This programme is in partnership with New Shop, a leading
24/7 convenience retail chain in India.
• Initiated in 2012, the project faced numerous delays due to
financial and administrative issues. • EmpowHER Biz is designed to equip aspiring women
entrepreneurs with mentorship and comprehensive training.
Strategic Importance • The programme focuses on key areas such as retail
• The Z-Morh Tunnel is part of the broader Zojila Tunnel management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business
project, which aims to connect Srinagar with Ladakh. development. It seeks to create a supportive environment for
• This connectivity is critical for India’s defence strategy, women to succeed in retail.
especially given the region’s contentious borders with
Pakistan and China. About Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
• The tunnel will reduce reliance on air transport for military • Women Entrepreneurship Platform was incubated
logistics, enhancing operational efficiency. in NITI Aayog in 2018 and transitioned into a public-
private partnership in 2022.

India’s First Green Hydrogen Hub launched • The platform aims to empower women entrepreneurs
by addressing information asymmetry and providing
India’s first integrated green hydrogen
support across several pillars – Access to Finance,
production facility “Green Hydrogen
Market Linkages, Training and Skilling, Mentoring &
Hub (GHH)” project has been officially
Networking, Compliance & Legal Assistance, and
launched in Pudimadaka, Anakapalli
Business Development Services.
district, Andhra Pradesh.
National Affairs
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Republic Day Parade 2025 During the 76th Republic Day parade, India showcased its military strength and cultural heritage.

Key Highlights
• This parade was presided over by the President of India, who is the supreme
commander of the Armed Forces.
• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest at the event.
• A contingent of 342 members from the Indonesian National Armed Forces also
participated in the parade, marking the first-time troops from Indonesia joined a
foreign parade.
• Foreign soldiers took part in the parade for the first time in 2016 with the participation
of the French army contingent.
• Sanjay and Pralay: The Army’s battle surveillance system “Sanjay” and the Defence
Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) surface-to-surface tactical
missile “Pralay” were featured for the first time.

• Joint Tri-Services: For the first time, • The Delhi Police All-Women Band, • Cultural performance: It spanned
a tri-services tableau, highlighting included four women Sub-Inspectors the entire Kartavya Path for the first
enhanced synergy among the country’s and 64 women constables from the time, over 5,000 folk and tribal artists
armed forces was showcased. Brass and Pipe Band units. performed 45 dance forms. The
 It depicted a coordinated 11-minute performance, titled “Jayati
• The ministry of rural development’s
battlefield scenario, featuring Jaya Mamah Bharatam,” was curated
tableau on the “Lakhpati Didi
land, air, and naval operations. by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Initiative,” which promotes
• Key Military Assets: BrahMos, Pinaka,
and Akash systems.
women’s economic empowerment Significance
through entrepreneurship and self- • It marks the adoption of the Indian
• Indian Navy: It showcased indigenous
reliance. Constitution on January 26, 1950.
warship design and included models of
vessels such as INS Surat, INS Nilgiri,  January 26 is chosen to honour
Indian Culture the declaration of Purna Swaraj
and INS Vaghsheer, underlining the
• The Republic Day parade featured made by the Indian National
country’s progress in maritime security.
31 tableaux from 16 states and union Congress on January 26, 1930.
Showcasing Women Empowerment territories, as well as central ministries • It honors the martyrs who have
• Dimple Singh Bhati of the Indian Army and organizations. sacrificed their lives for the country
created history by becoming the first • Theme: Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas. and to bestow bravery awards upon
woman officer to present a salute to • Uttar Pradesh’s tableau highlighted military personnel and citizens.
the President. the ongoing Maha Kumbh in • It also pays tribute to the Constitution’s
• An all-women marching contingent Prayagraj, showcasing scenes of principles and the democratic framework
from the Central Reserve Police Force ‘Samudra Manthan,’ ‘Amrit Kalash,’ it established, highlighting values such as
(CRPF). and holy bathing at the Sangam. justice, equality, and fraternity.

Union Govt. launched Project ISHAN

With the idea of One nation, one airspace, India has initiated Project ISHAN (Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management) at Nagpur.
Key Highlights:
• It is an integration initiative which seek to merge India’s four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and
Chennai into one airspace around Nagpur.
• This project aims to enhance the capacity of the aviation industry to handle the increasing domestic passenger numbers, which
has been predicted to double by 2030.
• The aim behind the initiative is to reduce carbon footprint, enhance safety, and reduce aircraft fuel usage.
• A single flight information region (FIR) created as part of Project ISHAN would offer numerous advantages in terms of safety,
efficiency, user satisfaction, reduced carbon footprint, and optimal manpower utilization.
• There are several challenges in implementation such as standardization of technology, revision of procedures, and formulation of
new policies.
50
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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 observed • The portal aims to expedite the process of obtaining support
from Interpol, which is crucial for tackling crimes that cross
The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was held
national borders.
in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025.

Key Highlights About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• This event aimed to strengthen ties between India and its • The CBI was established in 1963,
diaspora. evolving from the Special Police
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the convention, Establishment set up during World
with President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad and War II.
Tobago as the chief guest addressing the gathering virtually. • Originally focused on corruption,
• The event celebrated the contributions of overseas Indians the agency has expanded its
to India’s progress. mandate to include serious crimes such as terrorism,
• This year’s theme was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit economic fraud, and organized crime.
Bharat.” The convention same participation from over 50 • The CBI operates under the Delhi Special Police
countries, including prominent businessmen, entrepreneurs, Establishment Act, 1946, and is recognised as the
and economists. nodal agency for Interpol-related affairs in India.
• The event aimed to encourage dialogue between the
Government of India and its diaspora.
• Discussions was focused on visa regulations, investment One Nation One Subscription Initiative unveiled
opportunities, and community welfare. The One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative is a landmark
step aimed at democratizing access to global scholarly
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas knowledge in India.
• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated annually on Key Highlights
January 9. This date marks Mahatma Gandhi’s return • The Information and Library Network Centre under UGC will
to India from South Africa in 1915. centrally manage the subscription and distribution, ensuring
• The event marks the importance of the Indian diaspora seamless digital access to resources.
in shaping India’s identity and global presence. • A centralized platform will simplify access and reduce
• It serves as a reminder of the historical connections administrative burdens.
between India and its overseas citizens. • A ₹6,000 crore budget has been allocated for the scheme’s
first phase (2025–2027).
• Phase I (2025–2027): Establish the framework, provide access
Union Govt. launched Bharatpol Portal to research materials, and negotiate Article Processing
The Bharatpol portal, launched by Union Home Minister Charges (APCs) for Indian researchers.
Amit Shah, marks advancement in India’s law enforcement • It will provide equitable access to international research
capabilities. resources across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, addressing regional
disparities in research opportunities.
Key Highlights • It will provide access to high-quality journals enhances
• This innovative platform, developed by the Central Bureau of research capabilities, enabling Indian researchers to
Investigation (CBI), facilitates real-time information sharing contribute to cutting-edge global innovations.
among state police and central agencies. • The discounts on Article Processing Charges (APCs) will
• The initiative aims to enhance international police cooperation make publishing in high-impact journals more accessible.
through Interpol, particularly in addressing transnational • Integration with global research communities promotes
crimes such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and drug interdisciplinary and international collaborations, elevating
trafficking. India’s global research footprint.
• The Bharatpol portal is designed to streamline requests for • It will enhance India’s R&D ecosystem, supporting innovation
international assistance in criminal investigations. It allows in critical areas like STEM, medicine, and social sciences,
police forces across states and Union Territories to send which are pivotal for economic growth and self-reliance.
requests for information on fugitives and other criminal • It will complement initiatives like the Anusandhan National
matters. Research Foundation (ANRF), creating a more robust
research infrastructure.
National Affairs
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India’s First Zero-Waste Airport unveiled Classical Language Status: 5 more languages
Indore, recognized as India’s added
cleanest city, became the The Union Cabinet has granted classical language status
first zero-waste airport in the to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, increasing
country. recognized classical languages to eleven.

Key Highlights Classical Languages

• This recognistion focuses • Earlier, India had six classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit,
on comprehensive waste Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
management, recycling waste generated by both the airport • Tamil was declared a classical language in 2004, Sanskrit in
and its aircraft. 2005, Kannada in 2008, Telugu in 2008, Malayalam in 2013,
• The airport has implemented a complete waste management and Odia in 2014. All the Classical Languages are listed in
the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
system. This system will recycle waste from planes, shops,
gardens, and toilets. Wet waste will be transformed into • It should have high antiquity of its early texts/recorded
fertilizer, contributing to a circular economy. history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years, a body of ancient
literature or texts that is considered a valuable heritage by
• The project not only reduces waste but also promotes
generations of speakers.
environmental sustainability.
• The Education Ministry provides certain benefits to promote
4R Principle it such as:
The zero-waste project adheres to the 4R principle – Reduce,  Two major annual international awards for scholars of
Reuse, Recycle, and Restore. This framework aims to minimize eminence in the said languages.
waste generation while maximizing resource recovery.  A Centre of Excellence for Studies in the classical
language is set up, and the University Grants Commission
is requested to start with a certain number of Chairs for
First Diabetes Biobank established the classical language at least in the Central Universities.
India has established its first biobank
for diabetes in Chennai. India’s First Constitution Museum inaugurated
India’s first Constitution Museum was inaugurated in Sonipat,
Key Facts
Haryana.
• A biobank is a facility that collects,
Key Highlights
processes, stores, and distributes
• The museum is located at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU)
biological samples, such as blood, tissues, and DNA.
and aims to tell the significance of the Constitution of India.
• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in
• The museum features interactive displays and advanced
collaboration with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation
technology. It showcases the Constitution’s history over 75
(MDRF), has launched this diabetes biobank. years. Each section of the Constitution has been represented.
• This initiative aims to advance scientific studies on diabetes, Various formats have been used, including text, audio-
focusing on its causes, variations, and complications in the visuals, and experiential exhibits.
Indian population. • The museum highlights profiles of the Constituent Assembly
• It will enable researchers to access a diverse range of members.
biospecimens from individuals with various types of diabetes, • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar will be prominently featured. He is
including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. recognized as the principal architect of the Constitution.

• The biobank can help in the discovery of novel biomarkers

for early diagnosis of diabetes. Biomarkers are critical
About S.A.M.V.I.D. Project
for developing personalized treatment and management • Smart Assistant for Museum Visitors and Interactive
strategies. Displays (S.A.M.V.I.D.) project is a collaboration
• India is known as the diabetes capital of the world, with over between JGU and IIT Madras.

10 crore diabetes cases and around 13.6 crore pre-diabetes • It seeks to make learning engaging and interactive. The
cases. project focuses on innovative storytelling techniques.
52
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Charaideo Moidams
• Assam’s Charaideo Moidams burial sites have been added to
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s
(UNESCO) World Heritage Sites list. It is India’s 43rd UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
• The Charaideo moidams represents the late medieval (13th-19th
century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom community in
Assam.
• Charaideo, more than 400 km east of Guwahati, was the first capital
of the Ahom dynasty founded by Chao Lung Sukaphaa in 1253.
• The Ahoms preferred to place the deceased family members at
Charaideo where the first king Sukapha was laid to rest.
• The historical chronicles inform that wives, attendants, pet animals
and huge quantity of valuables were buried with the departed kings.
• After 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of
cremation and began entombing the cremated bones and ashes in a
Maidam at Charaideo.
• Out of 386 Maidams explored so far, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved, representative of and
the most complete examples of mound burial tradition of the Ahoms.

Who were the Ahoms?

• The Ahom, also known as the Tai-Ahom, are an ethnic group from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India.
This ethnic group is made up of interbred descendants of the Tai people, who first came to Assam's
Brahmaputra valley in 1228, and indigenous people who later joined them.
• The current Ahom people and culture are a mix of the ancient Tai people and culture, as well as
indigenous Tibeto-Burman people and cultures that they assimilated in Assam. Sukaphaa, the Tai
group's leader, and his 9000 supporters founded the Ahom empire (1228-1826 CE), which ruled
over part of modern-day Assam's Brahmaputra Valley until 1826.
• It retained sovereignty for 600 years until annexed by British India in 1826 (Treaty of Yandaboo).
Lachit Borphukan (1622-1672) is the most celebrated ruler of Ahom Dynasty.

President of India constituted 23rd Law

Commission About Law Commission of India

President Droupadi Murmu has sanctioned the constitution of the • Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body.
23rd Law Commission of India, which will serve from September • It is constituted by a notification of the Department of
1, 2024, to August 31, 2027. Legal Affairs of Ministry of Law & Justice.

Constitution of the 23rd Law Commission • It is constituted with definite terms of reference to carry
out research in the field of law.
• The Commission will consist of;
 A full-time Chairperson. • The Commission makes recommendations to the
 four full-time Members (including Member-Secretary). Government in the form of Reports as per its terms of
reference. However, these recommendations are not
 Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs as ex officio
binding on the Government.
Member.
 Secretary, Legislative Department as ex officio Member; • The first law commission in independent India was
and not more than five part-time Members. established in 1955, with its chairman M.C.Setalvad.
National Affairs
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Union Government launched 21st Livestock • The plan involves setting up and strengthening 100,000

Census new and existing district cooperative societies, multi-

purpose district cooperative societies, and multi-purpose
The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal
PACS, which will be linked to milk routes with necessary
Husbandry and Dairying, launched the
infrastructure.
21st Livestock Census.

Key Facts
About White Revolution
• It is conducted every five years
and carries out a headcount of the • The White Revolution in India,
number of domesticated animals, also known as Operation
poultry, and stray animals in the country. Flood, was a significant
 Information about the species, breed, age, sex, and dairy development program
ownership status is noted. implemented to enhance milk production and address
• Since 1919, a total of 20 livestock censuses have been the country’s milk scarcity issues.
carried out so far, with the last being conducted in 2019. • It was launched in 1970 by the National Dairy
Development Board (NDDB) under the leadership of
About 21st Livestock Census Dr. Verghese Kurien, often referred to as the “Father of
the White Revolution.”
• It will take place between October 2024 to February 2025.
• It is expected to cover 30 crore households in India.
• 16 animal species will be collected in the census. Union Cabinet approved National Maritime
• It will also carry out a headcount of poultry birds such Heritage Complex (NMHC)
as fowl, chicken, duck, turkey, geese, quail, ostrich, and
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
emu. approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage
• The data from the census will also be crucial to track Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.
progress of achieving Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) of the United Nations.
About National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)
• It is being constructed at Lothal, Gujarat, a site of
Union Govt. launched White Revolution 2.0 historical significance linked to the Indus Valley
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the Civilization. The project is under the Ministry of Ports,
standard operating procedure for ‘White Revolution 2.0’. Shipping, and Waterways.
• Its primary objective is to showcase the maritime
Key Highlights
heritage of India from ancient to modern times, utilizing
• Government also launched an action plan on the formation
an edutainment approach and incorporating the latest
and strengthening of two lakh new Multipurpose Primary
technology
Agriculture Cooperative Societies, dairy and fishery
cooperatives. • The NMHC is set to become the world’s largest maritime
museum complex, positioning it as a key international
• The White Revolution 2.0 focuses on four key areas
tourist destination.
– empowering women farmers, enhancing local milk
production, strengthening dairy infrastructure and boosting • The project aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to
dairy exports. showcase India’s 4,500-year maritime heritage, initiated

• White Revolution 2.0 aims to increase milk procurement by by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
dairy cooperative societies by 50 percent over the next five • It is a part of the Sagarmala Programme, a flagship
years. initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting
 The dairy cooperatives will procure one thousand lakh port-led development and enhancing the efficiency of
litre of milk daily by the end of the fifth year significantly logistics in the country.
enhancing the livelihoods of rural producers.
54
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Union Government notified  The initiative aims to foster innovation and sustainability

Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) in India’s agricultural sector.

• Krishi Nivesh Portal: It aims to boost agricultural investment
Rules, 2024
in India.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has notified the
 The portal will serve as an integrated, centralized
Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024.
platform.
Key Provisions  It aims to provide a one-stop solution for agri-investors.
• It aims to safeguard India’s communication networks  The portal will help investors access various government
and services, through measures including specified schemes and benefits.
timelines for telcos to report security incidents and make
disclosures.
First Bio-Bitumen Highway Stretch
• A telecommunication entity will include any person providing
inaugurated
telecom services, or establishing, operating, maintaining, or
expanding telecom network, including an authorised entity
holding an authorisation.
• The rules also empower the central government/ its
authorised agency to seek traffic data and any other data
(other than the content of messages) from a telecom entity
for the purpose of ensuring cyber security.
• It has mandated telecom companies to report cybersecurity
incidents to the government within six hours of becoming
aware and additional details within 24 hours.
• Telecom companies have been asked to appoint a chief
The first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-
telecommunications security officer, who is a citizen and
44 was inaugurated in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra, utilizes
resident of India.
lignin-based bio-bitumen technology, developed through
• The telecom operators are also required to adopt a telecom collaborative efforts involving Praj Industries, CSIR-CRRI,
cybersecurity policy, which includes security safeguards, NHAI, and Oriental.
risk management approaches, actions, training, best
practices and technologies.
About Bio-Bitumen
• A manufacturer of equipment that has an International Mobile
Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is required to register the Bio-bitumen is a sustainable alternative to traditional
number of such equipment manufactured in India with the bitumen. It is derived from lignin, a natural polymer found in
government before the sale of first such equipment. plant cell walls. This material serves as a binder, providing
similar properties to conventional bitumen but with ly lower
environmental impact.
Union Govt. launched AgriSURE Fund & Krishi
Nivesh Portal Importance of Lignin
The Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister launched Lignin is abundant in agricultural waste and is a renewable
the AgriSURE Fund and Krishi Nivesh Portal in New Delhi. resource. By using lignin, this project addresses the shortage
of traditional bitumen, which currently sees 50% of its supply
Key Highlights imported into India. The shift to bio-bitumen reduces dependency
• AgriSURE Fund: It aims to support start-ups and agripreneurs on imports and promotes local production.
in the agriculture and allied sectors.
 The fund will provide both equity and debt support. Environmental Benefits
 The fund will support sector-specific, sector-agnostic, The use of bio-bitumen contributes to global sustainability
and debt AIFs. goals. It is estimated to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at
 It will also offer direct equity support to start-ups. least 70% compared to fossil-based alternatives. Additionally,
 Focus: Investments will target high-risk, high-impact this initiative prevents stubble burning, which is contributor to
activities within the agriculture value chain. air pollution
National Affairs
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18th Lok Sabha

The 18th Lok Sabha has been commenced About Pro-tem Speaker
after electing 543 members of Parliament • Before the election of Speaker, the
through the General Election 2024 held in President appoints pro-tem Speaker.
7 phases. He is chosen to administer some
The 18th Lok Sabha important duties. ‘Pro-tem’ essentially
elected Om Birla as means ‘for the time being’ or
the new Speaker. ‘temporarily’.
It is the 2nd term scrutiny.
• The Constitution does not mention
of Om Birla has the post. However, the official • MPs scrutinise government actions,
the Speaker of Lok Om Birla ‘Handbook on the Working of Ministry budgets, and policies.
Sabha. of Parliamentary Affairs’ speaks about • The majority party or coalition usually
Earlier, Bhartruhari the ‘Appointment and Swearing in of enjoys a stable mandate, reducing the
Mahtab was Speaker pro tem’. risk of frequent elections. This stability
appointed as pro- • Administering oaths to the new MPs is promotes long-term policy planning.
tem Speaker of the the pro-tem Speaker’s primary duty. • The fusion of powers enables quick
18th Lok Sabha. Bhartruhari Mahtab
• The seniormost members (in terms decision-making. The government
He is the Member of number of years of membership of can swiftly respond to crises or urgent
of Parliament from Cuttack Lok Sabha the House) are generally chosen for matters.
constituency. the purpose, though there have been • Quick decision-making due to the
Election of Speaker exceptions. close relationship between the
• The presiding officer of India’s Lower executive and legislative branches.
House of Parliament, the Lok Sabha Parliamentary Form of Government • The Parliament represents diverse
Speaker, is the constitutional head of • It is a democratic system where interests, allowing for broader
the House. the Executive branch derives its participation in governance. Minority
legitimacy and authority from the parties have a voice and can influence
• In the absence of the Speaker, the
Legislative branch (Parliament). policies.
Deputy Speaker discharges his/her
functions. • In this model, the head of government • Unlike presidential systems, where
(usually the Prime Minister) is executive-legislative conflicts can lead
• Article 93 of the Indian Constitution
accountable to the Parliament and to gridlock, parliamentary systems
provides for the election of both the
can be removed through a vote of no facilitate smoother functioning.
Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
confidence.
• Generally, a member belonging to the
• In a Parliamentary form of Government, Key facts about 18th Lok Sabha
ruling party is elected as Speaker.
the day-to-day working of the system • Leader of the House : Narendra Modi
• The ruling party nominates a candidate, places significant demands on (Constituency : Varanasi, Uttar
then after a formal consultation with the time and resources of various Pradesh).
the opposition party, the candidate is Ministries and Departments. • Leader of Opposition : Rahul Gandhi
named the Speaker of Lok Sabha for
• The Constitution of India outlines (Constituency : Rae Bareli, Uttar
the respective assembly. provisions related to the parliamentary Pradesh)
• However, in the less practiced form of government. • Oldest Member : T. R. Baalu
method, the ruling and opposition
Advantages of a Parliamentary System (Constituency : Sriperumbudur, Tamil
party nominates one candidate
Nadu)
from each side for the position. The • The government is directly
accountable to the parliament. • Youngest Member : Pushpendra Saroj
Speaker is elected based on votes
Regular question sessions, debates, (Constituency : Kaushambi, Uttar
cast by the present MPs of the Lok
and motions ensure transparency and Pradesh)
Sabha on the day of the election.
56
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Kozhikode: India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Eligibility Criteria for Navratna Status:
Literature • The company should already hold the Miniratna Category
Status and be listed under Schedule A of CPSEs.
Recently, Kozhikode, known for its
rich cultural heritage, was officially • It must have consistently received an outstanding rating
declared as India’s first UNESCO ‘City under the Memorandum of Understanding System for at
of Literature’. least three out of the last five years.
• The company needs to meet specific criteria across six key
Key Facts
areas, including net profit to net worth, gross margin as
• Earlier, in October 2023, Kozhikode
capital expenditure, manpower cost to cost of production or
secured a place in the ‘Literature’
category of the UNESCO Creative services, gross profit as turnover, and earnings per share.
Cities Network (UCCN). It The company must attain a composite score of 60 or above
acknowledges the city’s profound in the areas mentioned above.
cultural and literary contributions.
Benefits of Navratna Status:
• Kozhikode (known as Calicut during British rule) has a
vibrant literary tradition. • Financial Autonomy: Navratna companies can invest up to
`1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a single project
• The city is renowned for its role as an ancient trading hub
and the place where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama without government approval. They can invest up to 30% of
first landed in India in 1498. their net worth within a year, as long as it stays below `1,000

• From the year 2025, June 23 will be celebrated as the ‘City of crores.
Literature’ Day in Kozhikode. • Operational Freedom: These companies have the liberty
to form joint ventures, establish subsidiaries overseas,

About UNESCO and make strategic decisions in areas such as capital

expenditure and human resources management.
• United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
was formed in 1945, is a specialised
About Indian Renewable Energy Development
agency of the United Nations (UN)
based in Paris. Agency (IREDA)
• UNESCO contributes to peace and security by • IREDA has been notified as a ‘Public Financial
promoting international cooperation in education, Institution’ under ‘Section 4A’ of the Companies Act,
sciences, culture, communication and information. 1956 and registered as a Non-Banking Financial
• It has 195 member states and ten associate members. Company (NBFC) with RBI.
• India is a founding member of the Organisation. • It comes under the administrative control of the Ministry
of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
IREDA gets Navratna Status • ‘Motto: Energy for Ever’
Recently, Indian Renewable Objectives:
Energy Development Agency
• To give financial support to specific projects and
(IREDA) was granted 'Navratna
schemes for generating electricity and / or energy
Status' by the Department of
through new and renewable sources and conserving
Public Enterprises.
energy through energy efficiency.
Key highlights: • To maintain its position as a leading organisation to
• It is a recognition given to Central Public Sector Enterprises provide efficient and effective financing in renewable
(CPSEs) in India, providing them with greater autonomy to energy and energy efficiency / conservation projects.
compete in the global market.
• To increase IREDA`s share in the renewable energy
• It was first introduced in 1997, with the aim of empowering
sector by way of innovative financing.
CPSEs to compete globally.
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Ladakh: Reservation of 95% Jobs for Locals Gujarat : India’s first solar-powered village
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed 95% reservation Masali village has become India’s first solar-powered border
in government jobs for locals in Ladakh. village.
• It is situated in Banaskantha district of Gujarat.
Key Highlights
• It is located 40 km from the Pakistan border
• 95% reservation in government jobs for local people with
• The village of 800 people now has 119 houses with solar
ST status in Ladakh. Gazetted posts will be filled through
rooftops, generating over 225 kilowatts of electricity.
Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC),
not through the DANICS. • This initiative, part of the PM Suryaghar Yojana, was carried
out under the Border Development Project.
• 33% reservation for women in both Leh and Kargil
Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC). • Masali is the second solar village in Gujarat, after Modhera,
and the first in a border area in India.
• A draft will be proposed to ensure constitutional safeguards
for preserving Ladakh’s land and culture.
• The government will declare Urdu and Bhoti as official Bihar : First Dry Port inaugurated
languages of Ladakh.
Bihar got its first dry port at Bihta, a town near state capital
Patna.
Jammu & Kashmir : Srinagar (World Craft City) Key Highlights
Srinagar has become the fourth • A dry port, or inland container depot (ICD), provides a
Indian city to be recognised as a
logistics facility away from a seaport or airport for cargo
‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft
handling, storage, and transportation. It acts as a bridge
Council (WCC). Previously Jaipur,
between sea/air ports and inland regions, facilitating efficient
Malappuram and Mysore have been
recognised as World Craft Cities from movement of goods.
India. • It was much needed for Bihar as its export goods mainly agro-
based, garments and leather products are manufactured in
Key Facts
diverse locations.
• The WCC listed a number of craft
• Bihar is a major producer of fruits and vegetables such as
products of Kashmir including
Papier-Mache, Hand Knotted Carpets, Pashmina Shawls, potato, tomato, banana, litchi and makhana (fox nuts).
Kani and Sujini work.
• This achievement follows Srinagar’s recognition as a United Maharashtra: First Made-in-India Surgical
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Robot
(UNESCO) Creative City for Crafts in 2021.
The SSI Mantra, India’s first made-in-India surgical robot, has
been installed at Noble Hospital and Research Centre in Pune,
About World Craft Council (WCC)
Maharashtra. This advancement in medical technology recently
• The World Crafts Council was gained approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control
founded at the 1st World Crafts Organisation (CDSCO). The installation ceremony was attended
Council General Assembly in New by Marathi actor Prasad Oak, marking a milestone in India’s
York in 1964. healthcare landscape.
• The main objective of the World
Crafts Council is to strengthen the status of crafts in Features of SSI Mantra
cultural and economic life. The SSI Mantra boasts five robotic arms and a 3D HD headset for
• The Council aims to promote fellowship among surgeons, including a vision cart that provides 3D 4K imaging.
craftspersons by offering them encouragement, help, These features enhance precision and control during surgical
and advice. procedures, ensuring better outcomes for patients.
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Applications in Surgery girls from 18 to 21 years. It aims to provide gender equality

The robotic system will facilitate various life-saving surgeries. and create opportunities for girls to pursue higher education
It will be employed in general surgery, cardiac and thoracic and personal development.
operations, urology, gynecology, and complex procedures. • Himachal Pradesh proudly claims the title of being the first
The first surgery performed using the robot was a robotic right state in India to enact legislation increasing the marriage age
extended hemicolectomy on a colon cancer patient. of girls to 21.

Assam: Union Govt. to implemented Assam Accord Kerala : Justice Hema Committee Report
The Assam government has decided to fulfill most of the released
recommendations of the high-powered committee appointed by The Justice Hema Committee report exposed pervasive
the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to implement Clause 6 of the sexual exploitation and rights violations against women in the
Assam Accord, 1985. Malayalam film industry.

Key Facts Key Facts

• The Assam Accord was signed in 1985 amongst Union of • Five years ago, the report was submitted to the Kerala
India, Govt. of Assam, All Assam Student of Union, All Assam government.
Gana Sangram Parishad.
• The committee identified at least 17 forms of exploitation
• To implement the various Clauses of Assam Accord a
experienced by women working in 30 different categories
new Department has been established in the name of
within the industry.
“Implementation of Assam Accord Department” during the
 Key issues included the casting couch, lack of basic
year 1986.
amenities, and threats against filing complaints.
• The Accord set March 24, 1971, as a cut-off. Anyone who
• The committee confirms the rumoured existence of the
had come to Assam before midnight on that date would be
practice of “casting couch” in the industry.
an Indian citizen, while those who had come after would be
dealt with as foreigners.
Background
• The same cut-off was used in updating the National Register
• The three-member committee, consisting of retired High
of Citizens (NRC).
Court Justice K. Hema, former actress Sharada, and retired
• The Assam Accord’s Clause 6 says, “Constitutional,
IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari, was established in response
legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be
to a demand from the Women in Cinema Collective.
appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and
• This demand followed the abduction and sexual assault of
promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage
a leading female actor in 2017—a case that remains in trial,
of the Assamese people.”
with prominent actor Dileep listed as the eighth accused.
 Clause 6 focuses on protecting the cultural, social, and
linguistic identity of the Assamese people.
Major Concerns
• Producers are warned by the industry’s “power group” not to
Himachal Pradesh: Govt. increased Minimum cast actors who fall out of favour with them.
Age of Marriage for Women • Even the release of movies can be prevented as the Film
Chamber of Commerce has to issue NOC.
In a significant move towards gender equality and promoting
higher education, the Himachal Pradesh State Assembly • The report highlights the lack of changing rooms or toilet
recently passed the ‘Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal facilities on the set, especially in outdoor locations, leading
Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024’. to urinary infection for many women.
• Junior artists are in some cases “treated worse than slaves”
Key facts with work extending up to 19 hours.
• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 was enacted to • The lack of a written contract is exploited by some to
prevent the solemnisation of child marriages and address deprive the actors and technicians of even the remuneration
related matters. promised orally.
• The Bill proposes raising the minimum age of marriage for
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• Another alarming finding is that many men assume that • The mission aims to create markets for produce from remote
women willing to perform intimate scenes on-screen villages, which is expected to enhance farmers’ income and
are also willing to do so off-set, reflecting a lack of provide employment opportunities. The initiative will also
professionalism and understanding of the craft among strengthen ties between local communities and ITBP forces.
men in the industry.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands : Port Blair

Karnataka : Karnataka Govt. unveiled plan for renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram
SWIFT City The Indian government
The Karnataka government has unveiled its ambitious plan has decided to rename
to establish SWIFT City (Startups, Workspaces, Innovation, Port Blair in the Andaman
Finance, and Technology City) in Bengaluru, aiming to enhance and Nicobar Islands
the start-up ecosystem and making the city industrial hub. as Sri Vijaya Puram to
remove colonial imprints
Key Highlights and honor the islands’
• The project follows the recent announcement of Knowledge, role in India’s freedom
Wellbeing, and Innovation City (KWIN City), further struggle.
emphasizing the government’s focus on innovation and
entrepreneurship. Key Facts
• SWIFT City will cover over 1,000 acres and is designed to • Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
attract start-ups, aims to replicate the success of established • It was originally named after Archibald Blair, a British naval
industrial areas like International Tech Park (ITPL) and surveyor who explored the area in the late 18th century.
Electronic City. The project is set to become a central point • Blair initially named the natural harbor Port Cornwallis before
for innovation and technology in Bengaluru. it was renamed Port Blair.

• SWIFT City will offer 8 to 10 plug-and-play facilities, each • The East India Company (EIC) used the islands as a penal
spanning 20–25 acres. Start-ups can access land parcels colony and strategic base.
ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 square feet. These options • Port Blair was established as a penal colony after the Revolt
will be available through lease, sale, or equity-sharing of 1857, with a significant cellular jail (Kaala Paani) built in
agreements, providing flexibility for new businesses. 1906 housing freedom fighters like Veer Damodar Savarkar.
• A prominent king of the dynasty, Rajendra Chola, maintained
the Nicobar Islands as a naval base to launch attacks on the
Arunachal Pradesh : Mission Arun Himveer Srivijaya kingdom based on the Sumatra islands of present-
The government of Arunachal Pradesh day Indonesia. This naval expedition was a unique event
has launched ‘Mission Arun Himveer’, in Indian history and its legacy of peaceful relations with
which aims to improve market access for Southeast Asia. During 1014 AD and 1042 AD, the southern
agricultural and horticultural products. islands of this archipelago were used as a strategic naval
base by the Chola Dynasty
Key Highlights • The islands, once a Chola naval base and the site of key
• Mission Arun Himveer was announced in Itanagar with the events like the first Tiranga unfurling by Netaji Subhash
signing of an agreement between the Arunachal Pradesh Chandra Bose and the imprisonment of freedom fighters in
Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) and the Indo-Tibetan the cellular jail, are now seen as crucial for India’s strategic
Border Police (ITBP). and developmental goals.
• Mission Arun Himveer focuses on supplying locally grown
produce to the ITBP, which includes fruits, vegetables, meat,
30th December 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra
and poultry. The products will be sourced from local farmers,
Bose hoisted the national flag for the first time on
self-help groups (SHGs), farmer-producer organizations
(FPOs), and cooperatives. Indian soil, at Port Blair.
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Andhra Pradesh : P4 Initiative launched • Expected Outcome: Mobilize public-private participation,

foster inclusive economic growth, and create a new poverty
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister launched the ‘Zero Poverty – P4’
alleviation model in India.
initiative under Swarnadra 2047 vision.

Key Facts Jharkhand : Sarhul Festival celebrated

• Aim: To ensure poverty-free Andhra Pradesh by 2029. Adivasis in Jharkhand and the larger Chhotanagpur region will
• ‘P4’ stands for ‘Public, Private, People Partnership’, and welcome the new year and the spring season with the Sarhul festival.
achieving ‘zero poverty’ is one of the (10 principles) of
Key Facts
Swarna Andhra-2047.
• Sarhul, meaning “worship of the Sal tree,” celebrates
• Key Benefits:
the union of the Sun (male priest) and the Earth (priest’s
 House sites and house construction. wife), symbolizing life’s cycles. It marks the beginning of
 Sanitation facilities and 100% tap water connections. agricultural activities after rituals. Sal trees (Shorea robusta)
 LPG connections, reliable power supply, and rooftop are venerated in Adivasi tradition as the abode of Sarna Maa,
solar incentives. the deity who protects villages from natural forces.
 High-speed internet for all households. • The festival lasts for three days.
 Promotion of entrepreneurship in every family. • The main rituals happen on day two at Sarna Sthals.
• Target Beneficiaries: Economically weaker families, termed  These communally protected “sacred groves” can be
‘Bangaru Kutumbam’ (golden families). found near villages across Chhotanagpur, which includes
• Supporters: Well-off contributors, called ‘Margadarsis’ (guides). Jharkhand, parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Bihar.
 Priority is given to the 20 lakh most deprived families for • Sarhul is celebrated by tribes like Oraon, Munda, Santal,
adoption by the top 10% wealthier families. Khadia, and Ho, with each having unique ways of celebrating.
• Role of ‘Margadarsis’: The festival has evolved from a hunting tradition to one
 Provide financial support or mentorship (e.g., education, focused on agriculture.
career guidance, business support). • The festival spread beyond Chhotanagpur with tribes
 Engage in long-term support beyond financial help. migrating as indentured labor, now celebrated in places like
 Contributions can include funding for education, medical Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nepal, Bangladesh,
expenses, and community development. and Bhutan.

REPORTS & INDICES

Fiscal Health Index (FHI) Report Major Findings

NITI Aayog has released the first Fiscal Health Index (FHI) report. • Top Performing: Odisha, Chhattisgarh,
Goa, Jharkhand and Gujarat
Key Highlights have emerged as top-performing
• The report titled “Fiscal Health Index 2025” ranked States for ‘achievers’ among the States.
2022-23.  It displays strong fiscal health,
• It covers 18 major States that drive the Indian economy in excelling in revenue mobilization,
terms of their contribution to India’s GDP, demography, total expenditure management, and
public expenditure, revenues, and overall fiscal stability. debt sustainability.

• It will be an annual publication and offers a systematic • Aspirational States: Haryana, Kerala, West
approach to assess the state’s fiscal health, identify areas Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab.
for improvement, and promote best practices across states.  These states face high debt, large interest payments,
weak revenue generation, and inefficiencies in capital
• Sub-Indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation,
expenditure, with reliance on non-tax revenue impacting
Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability.
their fiscal health and rankings.
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REPORTS & INDICES

Report on S.A.F.E. Accommodation • Key states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi are
emerging as talent hubs, with cities such as Pune, Bengaluru,
NITI Aayog released a report on
and Mumbai providing a skilled workforce.
“S.A.F.E. Accommodation – Worker
• The men’s employability is expected to rise to 53.5% in 2025
Housing for manufacturing growth”.
from 51.8% in 2024, while women’s employability is projected
Key Highlights
to decline from 50.9% to 47.5%.
• The report explores the crucial role
of secure, affordable, flexible, and Women and Men in India 2024 Report
efficient (S.A.F.E.) accommodations The Ministry of Statistics and Programme
for industrial workers in boosting Implementation (MoSPI), released the 26th
India’s manufacturing sector. edition of its publication titled “Women and Men
• It identifies key challenges, offers in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data”.
actionable solutions, and highlights the pivotal interventions
required to scale up such housing facilities across the country. Key Highlights
• In the Union Budget 2024-25, the Union Finance Minister • The publication offers a comprehensive
emphasized the importance of rental housing for industrial overview of the gender landscape in
workers. This initiative, to be executed under a Public-Private India, presenting selected indicators
and data across key areas like
Partnership (PPP) model with Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
population, education, health, economic participation,
• India is poised to elevate its manufacturing sector’s
and decision-making, all sourced from various Ministries/
contribution to GDP from the current 17% to 25% as part of
Departments/Organizations.
achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Education: The Gender Parity Index (GPI) for enrolments at
 This goal is aligned with the country’s objectives of both primary and higher secondary levels increased in FY24
becoming a global manufacturing hub. compared to FY23 and FY22, indicating more girls being
About S.A.F.E. enrolled in school.
• The S.A.F.E. accommodation initiative offers a  At the upper primary and elementary levels, the enrolment
comprehensive framework by aligning regulatory and numbers were nearly equal for both boys and girls.
• Labour Force Participation: The Labour Force Participation Rate
financial frameworks.
• The report identifies several benefits of S.A.F.E.: (LFPR) for women aged 15 years and above saw a significant
 Proximate and well-designed housing improves improvement from 49.8% in 2017–18 to 60.1% in 2023–24.
workers’ quality of life, reduces commute times, and  This reflects growing inclusion of women in the workforce
and economic activity.
enhances overall productivity.
• Financial Inclusion: Women owned 39.2% of all bank accounts
 High-quality accommodations demonstrate India’s
in India as of the latest data. They contributed 39.7% to total
commitment to international standards, thereby making
deposits in banks.
the country a preferred destination for manufacturing
 Women’s presence is most prominent in rural areas, where
investments.
 Adherence to international labour standards enhances they make up 42.2% of account holders.
India’s reputation and competitiveness in the global market. • Entrepreneurship & Economic Independence: The number
of female-headed proprietary establishments across
India Skills Report, 2025 manufacturing, trade, and services has been rising
As per the recent “India Skills Report consistently between 2021–22 and 2023–24.
2025,” nearly 55% of Indian graduates are  Startups with at least one woman director (DPIIT-recognized):
projected to be globally employable by  In 2017: 1,943 startups
2025, an increase from 51.2% in 2024.  In 2024: 17,405 startups
Key Highlights  This is more than an 800% increase in 7 years.
• The report was prepared by the • Political Participation: Female voter turnout has seen variations
Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) over the years, rising to 67.2% in 2019, followed by a modest
with Wheebox and the All-India Council dip to 65.8% in 2024.
for Technical Education (AICTE). • Violence against Women: Nearly 31.9% of married women
• Management graduates lead with an aged 18 to 49 in India report experiencing spousal violence,
employability rate of 78%, followed by engineering (71.5%), with the highest prevalence observed in Karnataka (48.4%),
MCA (71%), and science graduates (58%). Bihar (42.5%), and Manipur (41.6%).
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Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 • Extending the tenure to 10 years may provide more stability
and continuity in the leadership of co-operative banks.
The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced by
the Union Minister of Railways in the Lok Sabha, proposing • The exemption for central co-operative bank directors
significant reforms to enhance the autonomy and efficiency of serving on state co-operative bank boards could facilitate
Indian Railways. better coordination and collaboration within the co-operative
banking sector.
Key Highlights • Raising the threshold to ₹2 crore reflects the changing
• It amends the Railways Act, 1989, to provide legal sanction economic landscape and may encourage greater investment
to the Railway Board, which has operated without statutory in companies by individuals associated with banks.
backing since its inception.
• Allowing up to four nominees provides greater flexibility for
• It grants greater autonomy to railway zones to manage depositors in distributing their assets and can help streamline
budgets, infrastructure, and recruitment independently. the inheritance process.
• It introduces an autonomous body to regulate tariffs, ensure
safety, and facilitate private sector participation.
• It merges the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, with the
Section 6A of Citizenship Act
Railways Act, 1989. In a 4:1 majority verdict, the Constitution Bench of the Supreme
Court upheld the constitutionality of Section 6A of the Citizenship
Act, 1955.
Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Key Facts
The Lok Sabha passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill,
• Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, confers citizenship
2024.
to immigrants who entered Assam after January 1, 1966 but
Key Highlights before March 24, 1971. The provision was inserted into the
• It amends the: (i) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, (ii) Act in furtherance of a Memorandum of Settlement called the
Banking Regulation Act, 1949, (iii) State Bank of India Act, “Assam Accord”.
1955, (iv) Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer • Under Section 6A, foreigners who had entered Assam before
of Undertakings) Act, 1970, and (v) Banking Companies January 1, 1966, and been “ordinarily resident” in the State,
(Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980. would have all the rights and obligations of Indian citizens.
• The cut-off date provides a different standard for citizenship
Key Changes Made for immigrants entering Assam than the rest of India (which
• Shifting to a calendar month-based definition makes is July 1948) and violates the right to equality (Article 14) of
calculating the average daily balance for cash reserves the Constitution.
simpler and more aligned with standard accounting • Also, the provision violates the rights of indigenous people
practices. from Assam under Article 29 by changing the demographics
in the state.
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Supreme Court Ruling • Urban Disaster Management Authorities: It empowers the

• The Court opined that the mere presence of diverse ethnic state government to constitute a separate Urban Disaster
groups within a state does not, in itself, constitute a violation Management Authority for state capitals and cities with a
of Article 29(1) of the Constitution (protection of interests of municipal corporation.
minorities). • Formation of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF): The Bill
• Section 6A is a statutory intervention that balances the empowers the state government to constitute a SDRF. The
humanitarian needs of migrants of Indian origin and the state government will define the functions of SDRF and
impact of such migration on economic and cultural needs of prescribe the terms of service for its members.
Indian states • Statutory status to existing committees: The Bill provides
• The judgment underlined parliamentary supremacy over statutory status to existing bodies such as the National
citizenship matters under Article 11 of the Constitution. Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High-Level

• It also reinforced the Union government’s defense of Committee (HLC).

amendments under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of  The NCMC will function as the nodal body for dealing
2019, which is presently pending challenge in the Supreme with major disasters with serious or national ramifications.
 The HLC will provide financial assistance to state
court.
governments during disasters.
• Appointments to NDMA: It empowers NDMA to specify
Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 the number and category of officers and employees, with
Parliament has passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) previous approval of the central government. NDMA may
Bill 2024. also appoint experts and consultants as necessary.

Key Facts
• The Bill amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005. NAMASTE Scheme
• The DM Act establishes: The distribution of PPE kits and Ayushman
 National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), health cards under the NAMASTE scheme
 State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), is a crucial step towards ensuring dignity,
 and the District Disaster Management Authority. safety, and social empowerment of Safai
Mitras.
• These authorities are responsible for disaster management
• Objectives: Eradicate manual scavenging
at the national, state, and district level, respectively.
by promoting mechanized sanitation.
Key Highlights of the Bill  Enhance the safety and dignity of sewer & septic tank
• Preparation of disaster management plans: The Bill provides workers.
that NDMA and SDMA will prepare disaster management  Formalize the workforce and provide skill development
plans, which was earlier prepared by the National a State opportunities.
Executive Committee. • Implemented by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
(MoSJE) & Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
• Functions of NDMA and SDMA: The Bill adds these functions:
• Implementation Timeline: FY 2023-24 to 2025-26 (3 years).
 taking periodic stock of disaster risks, including emerging
• Target Group: Initially focused on sewer and septic tank
risks from extreme climate events,
workers (SSWs). Waste-pickers were added in 2024 to
 providing technical assistance to authorities below them,
further expand coverage.
 recommending guidelines for minimum standards of
relief,
 and preparing national and state disaster databases, National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land
respectively. Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA)
• The Bill also empowers NDMA to make regulations under the
The National Geospatial Knowledge-
Act with prior approval of the central government. based Land Survey of Urban
• Disaster Database: The Bill mandates the creation of a Habitations (NAKSHA) is programme
comprehensive disaster database at both national and state launched by the Government of
levels. India.
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Key Highlights • Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS) (Pilot Basis):
• NAKSHA aims to create and update land records in urban It allows states to involve private stockists for oilseed
and semi-urban areas. procurement.
• It covers 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 states  It is implemented in selected Agricultural Produce Market
and three Union Territories. The programme is fully funded Committees (APMCs) or districts.
by the central government, with an estimated cost of ₹194
Key Changes in the scheme
crore.
• In 2024 the Government converged the Price Support
Objectives of NAKSHA Scheme (PSS) & Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) schemes
• The primary objective of NAKSHA is to ensure accurate in PM AASHA to serve the farmers and consumers more
documentation of land ownership. efficiently.
 It will help in protecting consumers from extreme volatility
• It aims to empower citizens by improving ease of living and
in prices of agri-horticultural commodities by maintaining
enhancing urban planning.
strategic buffer stock of pulses and onion for calibrated
• The initiative also seeks to reduce land-related disputes.
release; to discourage hoarding, unscrupulous speculation;
• By establishing reliable land records, it promotes and for supplies to consumers at affordable prices.
transparency and efficiency in property administration.
• The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) was made a
component of the integrated scheme of PM-AASHA.
Technological Framework
 The scheme is for perishable agricultural and horticultural
• The NAKSHA programme employs advanced technology for
commodities like onions, potatoes, and tomatoes.
land surveying.
 It is implemented when prices fall by at least 10% from
• Drones will be used to conduct aerial surveys, which will
the previous normal season.
provide orthorectified imagery.
• The Survey of India serves as the technical partner,
About PM-AASHA Scheme
responsible for the aerial surveys.
• The Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development • The scheme was launched in 2018 as an umbrella
Corporation (MPSEDC) will develop an end-to-end web-GIS scheme to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) to
platform for data management. farmers, particularly for pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
• It aims to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and
price stability in the agricultural sector.
PM-AASHA
The Union Government has approved
the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Soil Health Card
Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM- The Soil Health Card Scheme, introduced on
AASHA) Scheme during the 15th Finance February 19, 2015, in Rajasthan, has completed
Commission Cycle up to 2025-26. 10 years in operation.

Components of PM-AASHA Soil Health Cards Scheme

• Price Support Scheme (PSS): The government procures • Objective: Soil health card provides
pulses, oilseeds, and copra at MSP. information to farmers on nutrient status of
 The Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) conduct their soil along with recommendations on
procurement in collaboration with state agencies. appropriate dosage of nutrients to be applied for improving
 Only produce meeting Fair Average Quality (FAQ) soil health and its fertility.
standards is procured.  The scheme assists State Governments to issue soil
• Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): It directs health cards to all farmers in the country.

compensation payments to pre-registered farmers for the • The Soil Health Card contains status of the soil with respect
to 12 parameters that determine soil health:
difference between MSP and the market price.
 Macro-nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium
 There is no physical procurement of produce.
(K), Sulfur (S).
 It applies to oilseeds and requires transactions through a
 Micro-nutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu),
transparent auction process in notified market yards.
Manganese (Mn), Boron (Bo).
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 Other Indicators: pH level (Acidity or Basicity of soil), Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
Electrical Conductivity (Indicates the presence of salts in • It enables all senior citizens aged 70 and above to access
soil), Organic Carbon (OC). free healthcare benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan
• Soil Health Card scheme has been merged in Rashtriya Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme as one of its components
• Eligible beneficiaries covered under Private health
under the name ‘Soil Health & Fertility’ from the year 2022-23.
insurance policies or Employees’ State Insurance
Corporation (ESIC) scheme will also be eligible to avail
Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign benefits under PMJAY.

Union Minister for Women and Child • Those already availing benefits of Central Government
Development launched the national Health Scheme (CGHS) and Ex-Servicemen Contributory
campaign “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” Health Scheme (ECHS) may have to either choose their
which aims to eradicate child existing scheme or opt for PMJAY.
marriage and empower young girls across the nation.
Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Key Highlights • It was launched in 2018, by the Government of India with the aim of
• The campaign will prioritize seven states with high rates of achieving universal health coverage. It has two key components;
child marriage: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, 1. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana
Tripura, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh. (AB PM-JAY)
2. Ayushman Arogya Mandir
• The campaign will involve community mobilization and
• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri- Jan Arogya Yojana (AB
awareness-raising activities to change societal norms and
PM-JAY)
attitudes towards child marriage. Action plan aimed at reducing
 AB PM-JAY is the largest publicly funded health
the child marriage rates below 5% by 2029 was launched.
assurance scheme in the world which provides health
• The campaign will strengthen the legal framework to prevent cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary
and punish child marriage, including stricter enforcement of and tertiary care hospitalization.
the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.  It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days
• A dedicated online portal will enable citizens to report child of post – hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics
marriage incidents and access information about legal and medicines.
remedies. • Ayushman Arogya Mandir
 It aims to provide free Comprehensive Primary Health
Status of Child Marriage in India Care, emphasizing wellness and a wider array of services
• According to the latest data, child marriages in India have at the community level.
halved from 47.4% in 2005-06 to 23.3% in 2019-21. This
decline is attributed to the implementation of the Prevention
of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) in 2006 and various awareness
Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY)
programmes. The Union Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare has doubled the monthly nutrition
• As per the NFHS-5 data, there has been a substantial
support under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana
decrease in child marriage rates, from 47.4% in 2005-06 to
(NPY) for tuberculosis (TB) patients.
26.8% in 2015-16.
• Despite the overall decline, certain states like West Bengal, Key Facts
Bihar, and Tripura still report higher rates of child marriage • The monthly nutrition support has been revised from existing
compared to the national average. Rs. 500 per month/patient to Rs. 1,000/month/patient for the
entire duration of the treatment.
Ayushman Vay Vandana Card • Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) is a centrally sponsored
More than 10 lakh senior citizens scheme under National Health Mission (NHM), and all
have enrolled for the newly notified TB patients are beneficiaries of the scheme.
launched Ayushman Vay Vandana • It was launched in 2018 and is implemented by the Ministry
Card. of Health and Family Welfare.
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• The monetary assistance scheme is expected to aid operated by organisations outside IWAI or ICSL to boost
nutritional recovery, improve response to treatment and private participation in inland waterways transportation.
outcomes and reduce mortality due to TB in India. • The duration of this scheme is three years.
• India has the highest burden of TB and it kills an estimated
4,80,000 Indians every year. Current Status of Inland Waterways in India
• Although elimination of tuberculosis is one of the sustainable • India has an extensive inland waterways network of 20,236
development targets to be achieved by 2030 by the world, km, comprising 17,980 km of rivers and 2,256 km of canals
India has set the target of 2025. suitable for mechanised crafts.
• India currently has 111 National Waterways (NWs), as
declared under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
NAMO DIDI Drone Scheme • Cargo transported on national waterways increased from
The Government has approved ‘Namo 18.07 Million Metric Tonnes (MT) in 2013-14 to 132.89 Million
Drone Didi’ as Central Sector Scheme MT in 2023-24 — a growth of over 700%.
for providing drones to the Women Self • India aims to achieve 200 Million MT of cargo movement via
Help Groups (SHGs) with an outlay of Rs. waterways by 2030 and 500 Million MT by 2047.
1261 Crores for the period from 2023-24
to 2025-26. TULIP Programme
Key Features of the Scheme: The Union Minister for Social Justice
• Central financial assistance covers 80% of drone cost, up and Empowerment (SJE) launched
to Rs. 8 lakhs. Additional funding options available through ‘TULIP’ (Traditional Artisans’
Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF). Upliftment Livelihood Programme).
• Comprehensive package includes a drone with essential
Key Highlights
accessories (batteries, spray equipment, tools) and a one-
• Under the TULIP brand, artisans from Scheduled Castes
year warranty.
(SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), sanitation workers,
• Mandatory 15-day training to be provided to one of the
and persons with disabilities will have an e-platform to
members of women SHGs as a drone pilot and additional
market their products.
training for agriculture purpose for nutrient and pesticide
• The goal of TULIP is to empower marginalized artisans by
application.
providing them with a platform for global exposure and sales
of their products through e-marketing.
Jalvahak Scheme
The Union Government launched the
‘Jalvahak’ scheme to incentivise cargo PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme
movement via inland waterways, across The Union Cabinet approved PM Vidyalaxmi,
National Waterways-1 (Ganga River), which seeks to provide financial support to
National Waterways-2 (Brahmaputra meritorious students in their pursuit of higher
River), and National Waterways-16 education.
(Barak River).
Key Highlights
Key facts • PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme is a Central Sector Scheme and
• The scheme offers direct incentives to cargo owners for facilitates the extension of education loans to students who
transporting goods via inland waterways for distances get admission in the top 860 quality higher educational
exceeding 300 km. Reimbursement of up to 35% of total institutions (QHEIs) of the nation.
operating expenditure incurred during cargo transportation
• Benefits: For loans up to ₹7.5 lakh, the student will receive a
is provided.
credit guarantee of 75%, enabling banks to extend education
• The scheme is a joint effort of the Inland Waterways Authority
loans to students.
of India (IWAI) and the Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited
 The scheme will provide for students with up to Rs. 8
(ICSL).
lakhs annual family income, for 3% interest subvention
• Cargo owners are encouraged to hire vessels owned or
on loans up to Rs 10 lakh.
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• The scheme will be applicable to the QHEIs of the nation, as Key Facts:
determined by the National Institutional Ranking Framework • It was launched by the Prime Minister on April 8, 2015 for
(NIRF) rankings, including all HEIs – government and private. providing loans up to Rs.10 Lakh to the non-corporate, non-
• It will supplement Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha farm small/micro enterprises
Protsahan (PM-USP) Scheme. • It aims to provide financial inclusiveness and support to the
• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommended marginalised and hitherto socio-economically neglected classes.
expanding financial assistance to meritorious students
• Categories: MUDRA loans are offered in three categories
across both public and private higher education institutions
namely, ‘Shishu’, ‘Kishore and ‘Tarun’ which signifies the
in India.
stage of growth or development and funding needs of the
borrowers:
PM E-DRIVE Scheme  Shishu: covering loans upto Rs. 50,000/-
The PM Electric Drive Revolution in  Kishore: covering loans above Rs. 50,000/- and up to Rs.
Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM 5 lakhs
E-DRIVE) Scheme was approved by the  Tarun: covering loans above Rs. 5 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakh.
Cabinet with an outlay of Rs. 10,900 crore • Latest Developments: A new “Tarun Plus” category will be
till March 2026. introduced for loans ranging from `10 lakh to `20 lakh,
specifically for eligible entrepreneurs.
Key Highlights
 This change, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala
• It promotes mass mobility through the support of public
Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2024-25, aims to
transportation systems.
support entrepreneurs who have previously taken and
• Its primary aim is to accelerate the adoption of electric
successfully repaid loans under the “Tarun category.”
vehicles (EVs), establish charging infrastructure, and build a
 The guarantee coverage of PMMY loans for amounts up
robust EV manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
to `20 lakh will be provided under the Credit Guarantee
Objectives: Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU).
• Promote mass mobility via EVs.
• Offer upfront incentives for EV purchases to boost adoption. Prime Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship
• Establish a competitive EV manufacturing ecosystem aligned Scheme (YUVA) Scheme
with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Ministry of Education
• Improve air quality and reduce transportation-related (MoE) and the National Book
environmental impacts. Trust (NBT) of India launched
the third edition of the Prime
Key Components: Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship Scheme.
• Subsidies: Incentives for various EV types, including e-2Ws, e-3Ws,
e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging EV categories. Key Facts
• Grants for Capital Assets: Funding for electric buses, charging • YUVA 1.0 (launched in May 2021) marked the beginning of
stations, and upgrades to testing facilities. the initiative during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations,

• Administrative Costs: Includes funding for IEC (Information, commemorating 75 years of India’s independence. Its theme
Education & Communication) activities and a project was the National Movement of India, focusing on unsung
management agency. heroes, little-known facts, and various aspects of the freedom
struggle.
• YUVA 2.0 (launched in October 2022) built upon the
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
foundation of YUVA 1.0 with a focus on Democracy as
The government has
the core theme. It aimed to develop young writers who
doubled the loan limit under
could explore India’s democratic values, traditions, and
the Pradhan Mantri Mudra
Yojana (PMMY) to `20 lakh to governance structures.
enhance entrepreneurship in India.
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Mission Mausam Unified Pension Scheme

Cabinet approved ‘Mission Mausam’ to create a more weather- Recently, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the
ready and climate-smart Bharat. Prime Minister, approved the Unified Pension
Scheme (UPS) by replacing the National
Pension System (NPS).
About Mission Mausam
• It is a two-year initiative aimed at enhancing India’s Key Facts
capacity to cope with extreme weather and climate • Based on the recommendations of T. V.
challenges. Somanathan Committee (2023), it will be effective from April

• The mission, with a financial outlay of `2,000 crore, will 1, 2025.

be implemented under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. • The UPS proposes to amalgamate advantages of both Old
 The India Meteorological Department, the Indian Pension Scheme (OPS) and New Pension Scheme (NPS).

Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National • It represents a forward-looking approach to retirement
Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting planning in India, aiming to provide a secure and sustainable
institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences will pension system for all eligible employees.
spearhead the mission’s implementation. • It aims to provide long-term financial security to government
• Key components include expanding research employees while maintaining flexibility and choice.
in atmospheric sciences, focusing on weather
Key Features of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
surveillance, forecasting, and modelling.
• Under the UPS, eligible employees are assured a pension
 The mission will integrate advanced technologies
equal to 50% of their average basic pay drawn over the
such as artificial intelligence, machine learning,
last 12 months prior to superannuation. For service periods
and high-performance computing to improve the between 10 and 25 years, the pension will be proportional.
accuracy of weather predictions.
• Employees with a minimum qualifying service of 25 years will
• Importance: It will enhance weather observation
receive the full assured pension. In case of an employee’s
systems and provide better monsoon forecasts, air
demise, their family will receive an assured pension equal to
quality alerts, and extreme weather warnings.
60% of the employee’s pension before their demise.
 The mission will benefit sectors including
• Upon superannuation after a minimum of 10 years of service,
agriculture, disaster management, and health.
employees will receive an assured minimum pension of Rs
10,000 per month. It ensures a safety net for retirees.
SEHER Programme  The UPS promises central government employees who
Recently, Women Entrepreneurship Platform and TransUnion have completed at least 25 years of service a guaranteed
CIBIL Partner launched the SEHER Program to empower women pension.
entrepreneurs.  It is calculated as half of their average basic salary over
the 12 months preceding superannuation.
• The UPS applies inflation indexation to the assured pension,
About About SEHER Programme
assured family pension, and assured minimum pension.
• It is a credit education initiative  In the form of Dearness Relief based on All India
aimed at empowering women Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW),
entrepreneurs in India by
similar to service employees.
providing essential financial
• In addition to gratuity, 1/10th of monthly salary+ Dearness
literacy content and business skills to women business
Allowance for every completed six months of service.
owners.
• Employees choosing the UPS will continue to contribute 10%
• It facilitates better access to credit and financial
of their salary.
resources for women-led businesses.
 The government’s contribution will increase from 14% to
• It provides women entrepreneurs with knowledge
18.5%.
about credit scores, loan eligibility, and financial
 It ensures that employees do not face any additional
planning.
financial burden.
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Swachh Bharat Mission • The Abhiyan will cover around 63,843 villages benefitting
more than 5 crore tribal people in all tribal majority villages
Swachh Bharat Mission completed
and aspirational blocks in 30 States/UTs.
the 10 years of implementation on
• It envisions saturation of critical gaps in social infrastructure,
2nd October 2024. This year’s theme,
health, education, livelihood.
‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar
• The Mission comprises 25 interventions which will be
Swachhata,’ emphasises the importance of cleanliness and
implemented by 17-line ministries.
environmental well-being.
• Each Ministry/Department would be responsible for
Key points: implementation of schemes related to it in a time bound
• The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched in 2014 manner through funds allocated to them under the
with the goal of achieving universal sanitation coverage by Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) in
2019, as a tribute to the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma the next 5 years.
Gandhi.
• It aims to make the country Open Defecation Free (ODF).
National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds
• It aims to build toilet infrastructure by offering financial
(NMEO-Oilseeds)
incentives for building household toilets, as well as
The Union Cabinet approved the National
community toilets for slums and migrant populations.
Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-
• It consisted of two sub-missions, urban, and rural or Gramin Oilseeds) to increase domestic oilseed
(G). production and achieve self-sufficiency in
• SBM(G) sought to improve “the levels of cleanliness through edible oils.
Solid and Liquid Waste Management activities and making
Key points NMEO-Oilseeds
Gram Panchayats Open Defecation Free (ODF), clean and
• The initiative will span from 2024-25 to 2030-31 and will
sanitized.
focus on enhancing the production of key primary oilseed
 2019 marked the end of the first phase of SBM(G), the
crops such as Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean,
second phase, started in 2020-2021, expands efforts
Sunflower, and Sesamum.
with a focus on safe management of solid and liquid
 It will also focus on increasing collection and extraction
waste and sustainability of ODF.
efficiency from secondary sources like Cottonseed, Rice
• SBM (Urban) 2.0: Commenced in 2021 and is expected to
Bran, and Tree Borne Oils.
run till 2026.
• Aim: To increase primary oilseed production from 39
 Targets: Sustaining the achievements of phase 1 and
million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-
ensuring that treatment of both liquid and solid waste
31, meeting around 72% of our projected domestic
is achieved through the help of technology and private
requirement.
sector engagement.
• Implementation: By promoting adoption of high-yielding
high oil content seed varieties, extending cultivation into rice
Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan fallow areas, and promoting intercropping.
(DAJGUA)
The Prime Minister launched the Dharti
Oil Seed Production in India
Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan • India is the fourth largest oilseeds producer in the world,
(DAJGUA). behind the USA, China, and Brazil. It has 20.8% of the total
area under cultivation globally, accounting for 10% of global
Key Facts
production.
• The scheme is launched for
• The largest oilseed-producing states in India include
improving the socio-economic
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana,
condition of tribal communities, by adopting saturation
coverage for tribal families in tribal-majority villages and Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and
aspirational districts. Telangana.
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• Over the past decades, per capita consumption of edible Key Highlights
oil in the country has seen rise. This surge in demand has • The outlay of the scheme is Rs.79,156 crore (Central Share:
significantly outpaced domestic production, leading to Rs.56,333 crore and State Share: Rs. 22,823 crore).
a heavy reliance on imports to meet both domestic and • It will cover around 63,000 villages benefitting more than
industrial needs. 705 tribal communities as announced in the Budget Speech
• In 2022-23, India imported 16.5 million tonnes (MT) of edible 2024-25.
oils, with domestic production fulfilling only 40-45% of the
 India has Scheduled Tribe population of 10.45 crore
country’s requirements.
as per 2011 census and there are more than 705 tribal
communities.
Digital Agriculture Mission • The Mission comprises 25 interventions which will be
Recently, the Union Cabinet Committee implemented by 17-line ministries.

approved the Digital Agriculture • Each Ministry/Department would be responsible for

Mission with an outlay of Rs. implementation of scheme related to it through funds
allocated to them under Development Action Plan for
2817 Crore, including the central
Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) in next 5 years to achieve
share of Rs. 1940 Crore.
following goals:
Key Facts  Goal-I: Pucca house for eligible Households with other
• It aims to nurture agri- entitlements and Improving Village infrastructure,
tech start-ups by harnessing  Goal-2: Promotion of Economic Empowerment by Skill
cutting-edge advancements in cloud Development Entrepreneurship promotion and enhanced
computing, earth observation, remote sensing, data livelihood(self-employment),
analytics, and artificial intelligence/machine learning models.  Goal-3: Universalization of Access to Good Education,
• It is conceived as an umbrella scheme to support digital  Goal-4: Healthy lives and Dignified Ageing.
agriculture initiatives, such as creating Digital Public
Infrastructure, implementing the Digital General Crop
Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya
Estimation Survey (DGCES), and taking up other IT initiatives
by the Central Government, State Governments, and
Yojana (AB-PM-JAY)
Academic and Research Institutions. The Union Cabinet has approved
extending Ayushman Bharat Pradhan
• At its core, DAM seeks to transform India’s agricultural
Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
landscape by infusing it with digital nutrients.
health coverage to all senior citizens aged
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture: It aims to 70 and above, regardless of income.
provide authenticated demographic details, land holdings,
and crop information for cultivators and tenant farmers. Key Points
 It’s like giving each farmer a digital identity (akin to • Eligible senior citizens will receive a distinct card to access
Aadhaar) – a trusted ‘Kisan ki Pehchaan’ (a digital their entitled benefits.
Farmer ID) – while connecting them to relevant state and • Seniors already covered by AB PM-JAY will receive an
central government databases. additional top-up of Rs. 5 lakh annually for themselves.
 This data-driven approach promises innovative, farmer-  This top-up is separate from their family’s existing coverage.
centric services. • Options for Other Health Insurance Schemes: Senior citizens
covered under other public health insurance schemes
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS),
Abhiyan (PMJUGA) Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and
Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) can either
The Union Cabinet approved Pradhan
retain their existing coverage or opt for AB PM-JAY.
Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan for
 Senior citizens under private health insurance or the
improving the socio-economic condition of
Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme are also
tribal communities.
eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits.
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Key highlights: It recognises that without these fundamental skills, further

• AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health learning becomes challenging.
assurance scheme. • Universal Access: NIPUN Bharat aims to ensure that no child
• It provides Rs. 5 lakh annual coverage per family for is left behind. Regardless of socio-economic background
secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations. or geographical location, every young learner should have
• Based on Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011) access to quality education.
for rural and urban areas.
• Holistic Development: Strong foundational skills not only
• The scheme is being implemented in 33 States/UTs except
enable academic success but also contribute to a child’s
for the NCT of Delhi, West Bengal, and Odisha.
overall cognitive, emotional, and social development.
• Up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post-
hospitalization expenses (e.g., diagnostics, medicines).
Implementation and Key Components
 No restrictions on family size, age, or gender. • National Steering Committee: It was set up by the Ministry
 Coverage includes all pre-existing conditions from day of Education to oversee the progress of NIPUN Bharat. It
one. includes education secretaries from various states and other
• So far, it has facilitated over 7.37 crore hospital admissions,
key stakeholders.
benefiting 55 crore individuals across 12.34 crore families.
• Monitoring and Tracking: State and union territories are
 Initially, the scheme covered 10.74 crore vulnerable
preparing implementation plans to achieve universal FLN
families (40% of India’s population).
in primary schools. Regular monitoring ensures progress
 In January 2022, the base was expanded to 12 crore
families to account for population growth. toward the 2026-27 goal.
 The recent extension also includes free healthcare for 37
lakh ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers, and Helpers (AWWs/
Collaborative Efforts
AWHs) across the country. • NCERT: It plays a pivotal role in designing curriculum
frameworks, teacher training, and assessment tools for
NIPUN Bharat.
NIPUN Bharat Mission
• CBSE: It actively supports the mission by integrating FLN
Recently, the union government competencies into its curriculum.
launched the NIPUN (National Initiative
for Proficiency in Reading with
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Understanding and Numeracy) Bharat
Mission. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY),
launched in 2014 under the Ministry of Finance
Key Highlights has completed a decade of successful
• It is launched by the Ministry of Education, a crucial step implementation.
toward ensuring that every child in India acquires foundational
literacy —such as reading, writing, and numeracy skills that
Key Features of the Jan Dhan Yojana
are essential for a child’s overall development and future • PMJDY being the largest financial inclusion initiative to provide
success. support to the marginalised and economically backward

• The mission’s primary goal is to achieve universal sections through its financial inclusion interventions.
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) among children • Under the PMJDY, individuals can open a basic savings
in the age group of 3 to 9 years. bank deposit (BSBD) account at any bank branch or through
• By the end of Grade 3 (approximately age 8-9), every child a Business Correspondent (‘Bank Mitra’).
should possess the necessary competencies in reading,
writing, and basic maths. Key benefits of the scheme include:
• No requirement to maintain a minimum balance in PMJDY accounts
Significance • Interest earned on deposits in PMJDY accounts
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Emphasis: NEP places
• Provision of a RuPay Debit card to account holders
foundational literacy and numeracy as the highest priority.
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• Accident insurance cover of Rs 100,000 (increased to Rs Key Highlights:

200,000 for new accounts opened after August 28, 2018) • PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Yojana aims to provide free
with the RuPay card electricity to one crore households in India, who opt to install
• Overdraft facility of up to Rs 10,000 for eligible account holders roof top solar electricity units.
• Eligibility for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Pradhan Mantri • The households will be able to get 300 units of electricity free
Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri every month.
Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY),
• The scheme provides for a subsidy of 60 percent of the solar
and Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Bank
unit cost for systems up to 2 kW capacity and 40 percent
(MUDRA) scheme.
of additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3 kW
capacity.
Lakhpati Didi Yojana • The subsidy has been capped at 3 kW capacity.
Recently, the Prime Minister participated in ‘Lakhpati Didi • A Model Solar Village will be developed in each district of the
Sammelan’ at Jalgaon, Maharashtra. country to act as a role model for adoption of rooftop solar in
rural areas,
Key Highlights
• Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions shall
• It is an inspiring gathering that recognises and celebrates
the achievements of women who have become ‘Lakhpati also benefit from incentives for promoting Rooftop Solar
Didis’ – those who earn an annual sustainable income of at (RTS) installations in their areas.
least `1 lakh (approximately $1,350). • The scheme provides a component for payment security for
• This income is calculated for at least four agricultural renewable energy service company (RESCO) based models
seasons and/or business cycles, with an average monthly as well as a fund for innovative projects in RTS.
income exceeding Rupees Ten Thousand (Rs. 10,000), so
that it is sustainable.
Longevity India Initiative
• It aims to uplift women in rural areas by providing them
with skill development, training programmes, and financial Recently, the Indian Institute of
support, organised under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana Science (IISc) has launched the
– National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) scheme of ‘Longevity India Initiative’ aiming
the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). at extending human health-span
• It facilitates diversified livelihood activities, by ensuring and tackling ageing-related challenges.
convergence across all Government departments/ Ministries,
Private sector and Market players. The strategy includes Key Highlights:
focused planning, implementation and monitoring at all levels. • It brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts from
• The government disburses funds to self-help groups (SHGs) academia, industry, and healthcare to address complex
through a revolving fund. challenges related to ageing.
• Since the inception of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, one crore • It primarily focuses on identifying early disease indicators,
women have already achieved Lakhpati status, and the investigating ageing biomarkers, and developing new
government has set a target of three crore Lakhpati Didis, therapeutics and technologies to aid healthy ageing.
reflecting its commitment to women’s economic empowerment. • It seeks to enhance the understanding of aging through both
fundamental and applied research, and to develop solutions
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana that can improve quality of life.

The Union Government is preparing to train • The initiative has received initial grant funding support from
a workforce of 100,000 individuals in the Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India.
installation and maintenance of solar panels • It is an attempt to bring together multiple stakeholders
to aid its initiative of assisting 10 million working in the space, and explore the subject, factoring in
households in transitioning to solar energy. India’s specific and diverse needs.
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• India’s elderly population is projected to surge to 347 million • The day-wise program includes yoga, mindfulness, and
by 2050. meditation, alongside thematic experiential learning and

• It is imperative to leverage technology to provide accessible engaging hands-on activities.

geriatric healthcare, nurture the silver economy, and invest • Evening activities will include visits to ancient and heritage sites,
inspirational film screenings, mission life creative activities,
in digital systems that support ageing populations.
talent shows etc. ensuring a holistic learning approach.

Prerana Programme
GREAT Scheme re
ne
urs
hip across Aspir
ing
I

Recently, the Secretary of the

nn
p
tre

ov
En

ato
The Empowered Programme Committee

arch and

rs in Technical T
Department of School Education
(EPC) has approved 7 startup proposals

Rese
and Literacy (DoSEL) addressed

for

ex
nt
under the GREAT scheme.

til
ra
es
G
GREAT
the first alumni meeting of the Scheme

Prerana Programme. Key highlights:

• The GREAT (Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship
Key Highlights:
across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles) scheme
• Prerana is an experiential and inspirational learning program
is a key initiative under the National Technical Textiles
for students with the best-in-class technology where heritage
Mission (NTTM) of the Ministry of Textiles.
meets innovation.
• Grant-in-aid of up to `50 lakhs for a period of 18 months
• It is Launched by Department of School Education & Literacy, would be given under the scheme.
Ministry of Education, Government of India • It is open to individual entrepreneurs, startups, and
• To offer a meaningful, unique, and inspiring experience to all companies working on innovative technical textiles
participants and empowering them with leadership qualities. projects.

• It is a week-long residential program for selected students of • It helps towards promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and

class IX to XII. indigenous production in the technical textiles sector in India.

• PRERANA started in the pilot phase from January to February

2024 in the Vernacular school at Vadnagar, Mehsana, ULLAS Initiative
Gujarat. The 6th batch will start from 15th April 2024. Ladakh has achieved full
functional literacy under the
• In this phase, the Prerana program has been held for five
ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta
batches of 20 participants each from five states and one
Karyakram (ULLAS-NILP).
Union Territory.

• Prerana combines experiential learning with cutting-edge

Key fatcs:
• ULLAS is a centrally sponsored scheme, launched by
technology, bridging traditional heritage with modern innovation.
the Ministry of Education that aims to cover all aspects of
• The curriculum is built around nine core values: Dignity and
Education for All.
Humility, Valor and Courage, Hard Work and Dedication,
• It targets non-literates aged 15 and above, running from FY
Compassion and Service, Diversity and Unity, Integrity
2022-23 to 2026-27.
and Purity, Innovation and Curiosity, Faith and Trust, and
• ULLAS-NILP comprises five components: Foundational
Freedom and Responsibility.
Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic
• These themes aim to instill a deep respect for India’s Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education. Its
diverse culture and promote the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva implementation is facilitated through volunteerism and online
Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). mode.
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Miscellaneous
National
 The Union Cabinet has approved the Rules, 2023, which empowered the  The National Skill Development
launch of the National Critical Mineral Centre to set up a Fact Check Unit Corporation (NSDC) launched the
Mission (NCMM) with an expenditure (FCU) to identify fake, false and Women Entrepreneurship Programme.
of Rs. 16,300 crore. misleading information about the The initiative aims to empower 25
Critical minerals are those minerals government. lakh women across India, providing
that are essential for economic The Rules made it obligatory on them with the skills, knowledge, and
development and national security. intermediaries like social media resources needed to start and grow
Aim: To create a fast-track regulatory platforms “to not to publish, share successful businesses.
approval process for critical mineral or host fake, false or misleading Divided into two phases, NSDC, with
mining projects. information in respect of any business support from the National Institute
of the Central Government”. for Entrepreneurship and Small
 Union Home Minister Amit Shah
It was established under the Press Business Development (NIESBUD),
led the 27th Western Zonal Council
Information Bureau (PIB) and started will offer free online self-learning
meeting in Pune, Maharashtra.
its operations in 2019. entrepreneurship courses through the
The meeting included the Chief
Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) as part
Ministers of Maharashtra, Gujarat,  The government has decided to of the programme.
and Goa, the Administrator of Dadra
observe the 25th of June every year
and Nagar Haveli and Daman and  Recently, NITI Aayog informed that
as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’.
Diu, and senior government officials the National Monetisation Pipeline
from the state and central ministries. On 25 June in 1975, former Prime monetized Rs 3.85 Lakh Crore Assets
Zonal Councils remain vital for Minister Indira Gandhi imposed an in last 3 Years.
encouraging cooperative federalism Emergency in the country which It is a strategic initiative aimed at
in India. They facilitate dialogue lasted until March 21, 1977. unlocking the value of brownfield
between states, addressing issues There was large-scale suspension of public sector assets.
of common interest and enhancing fundamental rights for the citizenry, It lists potential core assets of the
collaboration among regions. detention and arrest of Opposition Central Government that can be
leaders and critics, and press monetized.’
 The Government of India recently
censorship.
launched a revamped e-auction
 The Union Minister inaugurated
portal named ‘Baanknet’, for buyers  The government has reconstituted India’s first demonstration facility
and investors interested in properties the NITI (National Institution for for biopolymers at Jejuri in Pune
auctioned by public sector banks
Transforming India) Aayog, increasing (Maharashtra).
(PSBs).
the number of special invitees from The facility is a demonstration of
The portal aims to streamline the five to 11. India’s commitment to transitioning
auction process and enhance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains from fossil-based plastics to eco-
transparency in the real estate market.
the Chairperson and economist friendly alternatives, addressing the
Baanknet boasts several advanced global plastic pollution crisis.
Suman K Bery will continue to be the
features designed to improve user
Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog. Biopolymers are the materials derived
experience. It offers a frictionless
While the top postions remain from biological sources such as
journey for users, integrating pre-
unchanged, several new ministers in fats, vegetable oils, and sugars,
auction, auction, and post-auction
the newly formed government have which offer several advantages over
processes into a single application.
been appointed as either ex-officio traditional synthetic polymers, which
 The Bombay High Court struck down members or special invitees to the are typically made from petrochemical
the amended Information Technology Aayog. sources.
 INTERNATIONAL
International Affairs
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AFFAIRS
BIMSTEC Summit, 2025
PM Narendra Modi attended the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal
Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation)
Summit in Bangkok, hosted by Thailand.

Key Highlights
• Theme: “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open”
• Focus on shared growth amid global uncertainties.
• The BIMSTEC Summit is the first in-person meeting in seven years.
• The chairmanship of the regional grouping was handed over to
Bangladesh.

India-led Initiatives:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a 21-point action plan.
• Mitigation and Disaster Management: Summit Outcomes:
 Establishing the BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster • BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030: It’s the first long-term plan to
Management in India to cooperate in disaster management, make BIMSTEC more prosperous, strong, and open by the
relief and rehabilitation. year 2030. The vision focuses on improving trade, transport
 Fourth joint exercises between BIMSTEC Disaster Management links, and people’s safety and well-being
Authorities to be held in India this year. • Rules of Procedure for BIMSTEC: This sets clear rules for how
• BODHI Program for skilling youth: BODHI [BIMSTEC for Organized BIMSTEC will work, helping the group to function more
Development of Human Resource Infrastructure] under which smoothly and efficiently.
training and scholarships would be provided to professionals, • Report by the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons’ Group: This report
students, researchers, diplomats and others. gives helpful suggestions for how BIMSTEC should move
 300 youths will be trained from BIMSTEC countries in India forward, in line with the 2030 vision.
every year. • Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation: A new
• India to host BIMSTEC Athletics Meet this year. agreement was signed to improve sea transport between
 First BIMSTEC Games in 2027 South and Southeast Asia. This will help reduce shipping
 BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival. costs, make trade faster, and make it easier for goods and
• Youth-focused initiatives: Young Leaders’ Summit, Hackathon, people to move across the region
Young Professional Visitors program.
 Pilot study on Digital Public Infrastructure, cancer care capacity
building.
BIMSTEC
 Proposal for BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and Business • It is a regional cooperation organization formed in 1997
Summit. with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. It unites
• Proposed establishing connectivity between India’s Unified South and Southeast Asian nations bordering the Bay
Payments Interface (UPI) and the payment systems of BIMSTEC of Bengal.
member states. • Founding Members (1997): Bangladesh, India, Sri
 Such integration would bring substantial benefits across trade, Lanka, Thailand.
industry and tourism, enhancing economic activity at all levels. • Current Members: It comprises seven member states:
• Space Sector: Build nano-satellites for the BIMSTEC member nations Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka,
and also explore the setting up of ground stations and promote the and Thailand.
use of remote sensing data. • Objective: To help countries in their economic growth,
• Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre: Proposed the establishment to support social development, and to encourage
of a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India to enhance development in other areas, like science, technology
coordination in capacity building, research, innovation and and economic development.
maritime policies.
76
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PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Mauritius  FDI Source: Mauritius is the second-largest source of
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India for FY 2023-
24, after Singapore.
• Defence Relations: India is Mauritius’ preferred defence
partner for acquiring platforms, capacity building, joint
patrolling, hydrological services, etc.
 First Agreement: Transfer of a Dornier aircraft and an
Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv) to Mauritius on lease.
 Second Agreement: A $100 million Line of Credit (LoC) for
Mauritius to procure defence equipment.
• Space Cooperation: India and Mauritius are exploring space
research opportunities and signed an MoU in November
2023 for developing a joint satellite.
• Development Partnership: India has been contributing
to projects like the Metro Express, new hospitals, and

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Mauritius. infrastructure in Agaléga Island.

He was the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day Celebrations • SAGAR: The term SAGAR – ‘Security and Growth for All in the
on March 12. Region’ was coined by the PM in 2015 during his visit with a
focus on the blue economy.
Key Highlights of the Visit
• MOUs Signed: Includes training civil servants, small and
Mauritius
medium enterprises, blue economy development, combating
• Mauritius is a strategically located island nation in the
financial crimes, and local currency settlement for trade.
western Indian Ocean, close to India. It occupies a total
• Indian Rupee Credit Line: A 487.6 crore INR line of credit for area of 2,040 sq. km.
replacing water pipelines in Mauritius, a first-ever INR-based
• Nearly 70% of the population (1.2 million) of Mauritius is of
credit line.
Indian origin, strengthening ties with India.
• White-Shipping Agreement: Technical agreement for maritime
• Mauritius was initially a French colony before becoming a
security and information exchange.
British possession.
• Award Conferred: PM Modi received the Grand Commander
• Mauritius celebrates National Day on March 12, in honor
of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, marking
of the date of Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi
him as the first Indian recipient.
March.
• Vision for the Global South: PM introduced Vision • Mauritius Capital: Port Louis
MAHASAGAR (Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security
• History: In the 16th century, it was
And Growth Across Regions), building on the previous Vision
colonized by the Dutch, who named
SAGAR.
it after Prince Maurice of Nassau.
India- Mauritius Relations Later, the French took control in
• Diplomatic Relations: India and Mauritius established the 18th century before
diplomatic relations in 1948 and have become key trading ceding it to the British in
partners in the Asian continent. the early 19th century.
• Commercial Relations: For the FY 2022-2023, Indian exports Mauritius gained
to Mauritius was USD 462.69 mn, Mauritian exports to India independence from
was USD 91.50 mn and Total trade was USD 554.19 mn. Britain in 1968 and
 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement: Signed in 1982 to became a republic
help non-resident investors avoid double taxes. in 1992.
International Affairs
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Squad Alliance: India invited to join the group • The dialogue served as a platform to discuss pressing global
challenges, including climate change, digital transformation,
India has been invited to join the multilateral alliance Squad to
economic competition, and geopolitical conflicts, aiming to
prevent China’s influence in the South China Sea.
foster collaborative solutions and strengthen international
partnerships.
Key Highlights
• The Squad is an informal alliance formed in 2024 with • The dialogue witnessed participation from representatives
countries such as Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the of over 125 countries, including ministers, former heads
United States. The group now plans to invite India and South of state and government, military commanders & industry
Korea to join it. leaders etc.
• The defence forces of this alliance have conducted joint
Significance of Raisina Dialogue 2025
maritime activities in the exclusive economic zone of the
Philippines in the South China Sea. The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue holds significant
importance for several reasons:
• Aim: The Squad’s joint maritime activities are aimed at
providing strategic responses to tensions in the Philippines’ • Decadal Milestone: Celebrating a decade since its inception,
waters in the South China Sea. the 2025 edition reflects on its journey and contributions to
• Currently, India is a part of Quad, an alliance of the US, global discourse.
Japan, and Australia, which informally tries to keep a check • Premier Global Platform: As India’s leading conference on
on China’s dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. geopolitics and geo-economics, it brings together global
• The Quad is a tactical grouping that operates at a higher, leaders to discuss critical international issues.
more strategic level, across the Indo-Pacific. • Extensive Global Participation: With representatives from
around 125 countries, the dialogue fosters international
Raisina Dialogue 2025 held collaboration and diverse perspectives.
• Influence on Policy and Diplomacy: The discussions contribute
to shaping policy decisions, enhancing global cooperation
and understanding.
• Strengthening Economic Ties: Coinciding with the India-New
Zealand Free Trade Agreement negotiations, the dialogue
underscores its diplomatic and economic significance.
• Multilateral Engagement: Serving as a platform for cross-
sector and cross-regional dialogue, it promotes multilateral
cooperation among world leaders and experts.
• As the Raisina Dialogue 2025 convenes in New Delhi, it is
set to be a landmark event, fostering insightful discussions
and meaningful collaborations on global challenges and
opportunities.
The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue was recently held in
New Delhi, bringing together leaders, thinkers, and policymakers
from across the globe.

Key Facts
• It was co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation
(ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of
India.
• Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand was the
Chief Guest.
• The central theme for 2025 was “Kalachakra – People,
Peace, and Planet,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of
humanity, global harmony, and environmental sustainability.
78
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Israel-Hamas Draft Ceasefire Deal • With time, the countries around have normalized the ties with
Israel through the Abraham Accord, Oslo Accord, etc.
Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the
Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages. • But the deadlock still persists and the world community is
persistent in its ef-fort to attain the two-state solution.
Key Highlights
• The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year UK to hand-over Chagos Island to Mauritius
trying to mediate an end to the 15-month war.
• The plan would need to be submitted to the Israeli Cabinet
for final approval.
• It is a three-phase agreement — based on a framework laid
out by US Presi-dent Joe Biden and endorsed by the UN
Security Council.
• First Phase: It would begin with the gradual release of 33
hostages over a six-week period in exchange for Palestinian
women and children imprisoned by Is-rael. It will be a 42-
day phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from population The United Kingdom (UK) announced that an agreement has
centers. been reached to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius,
• In the second phase, Hamas would release the remaining ending decades of dispute and negotiation over Britain’s last
African colony.
living captives, main-ly male soldiers, in exchange for more
prisoners and the “complete withdraw-al” of Israeli forces
Chagos Archipelago:
from Gaza. • The Chagos archipelago, comprising 58 islands, lies roughly
• In a third phase, the bodies of remaining hostages would be 500 km to the south of the Maldives archipelago in the Indian
returned in ex-change for a three- to five-year reconstruction Ocean.
plan to be carried out in Gaza under international supervision. • These islands were uninhabited until the late 18th century,
when the French brought in slave labour from Africa and
About Hamas India to work in newly-established coconut plantations. In
1814, France ceded the islands to the British.
• Hamas is the largest Palestinian
• In 1965, the UK constituted the British Indian Ocean Territory
militant Islamist group and one of
(BIOT), of which the Chagos Islands were a central part. A
the two ma-jor political parties in
few other BIOT islands were later ceded to the Seychelles in
the region. Currently, it governs
1976 after it gained independence from Britain.
more than two million Palestinians
• Chagos was attached to Mauritius, another British colony
in the Gaza Strip.
in the Indian Ocean, for administrative purposes. But when
• The group was founded in the
Mauritius gained independence in 1968, Chagos remained
late 1980s, after the beginning of the first Pales-tinian
with Britain.
uprising against Israel’s occupation of the West Bank
and Gaza Strip.
• Hamas is designated a terrorist group by Israel, G20 Rio Summit, 2024 held
the United States, the Europe-an Union, the United
Kingdom, and other countries.

Israel-Palestine Conflict
• It is a decades long dispute between Israel and Palestine that
began in the middle of the twentieth century when the Jews
from various parts of the world were granted the homeland in
present-day Israel by Britain.
• It is one of the world’s longest conflicts where Israel has The 19th G20 Summit held in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro concluded
occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip which the with the adoption of the Rio Declaration, addressing critical
Palestine state claims. global issues such as climate change, the Ukraine war, conflicts
in West Asia, and economic inequality.
International Affairs
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Key Highlights India re-elected to UN Peacebuilding

• The declaration reaffirmed the G20’s commitment to the Commission
Paris Agreement and progress under the UN Framework
India has been re-elected
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
to the UN Peacebuilding
• The declaration unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its
Commission for 2025–2026.
forms and stressed the importance of protecting civilians,
particularly in conflict zones like Gaza and Lebanon. Key Highlights
• It emphasized diplomacy and dialogue to resolve ongoing • India’s current term on the Commission was expiring on
wars and crises, urging comprehensive ceasefires in Gaza December 31.
and Lebanon to mitigate humanitarian suffering. • The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is an intergovernmental
• Leaders called for an enlarged Security Council, advocating advisory body that supports peace efforts in conflict-
better representation for underrepresented regions and affected countries and is a key addition to the capacity of
groups. the International Community in the broad peace agenda.
• The PBC is composed of 31 Member States, elected from the
Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic
• The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was
and Social Council.
launched at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro,
• The Commission is mandated to bring together all relevant
Brazil.
actors to marshal resources and to advise on and propose
• Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty aims to integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and
accelerate efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty while recovery; to focus attention on the reconstruction and
promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). institution-building efforts necessary for recovery from
• The goal is to eliminate all nations from the Food and conflict.
Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) hunger map by 2030. • It is also mandated to provide recommendations and
• It consists of 148 members. This includes 82 countries, information to improve the coordination of all relevant actors
the African Union, the European Union, some international within and outside the United Nations, to develop best
organizations, and non-governmental organizations. practices, to help to ensure predictable financing for early
recovery activities and to extend the period of attention given
• The Alliance has been open to membership even for
by the international community to post-conflict recovery.
countries that are not part of the G20.
• The Commission also focuses on promoting an integrated,
How does India’s Leadership within the G20 Impact strategic and coherent approach to peacebuilding.
Global Issues?
• Championing Food Security: India has
Indonesia: Latest Full Member of BRICS
prioritized global food security,
leveraging its expertise in Indonesia has officially
agriculture and technology to become a full member
of the BRICS group,
mitigate food crises.
as announced by
• Reforming Multilateral
Brazil, strengthening
Platforms: India has actively
partnerships with other
championed the reform of global
developing nations of the group.
multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and
• BRICS is an acronym representing Brazil, Russia, India,
financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
China, and South Africa. The group was informally
• Supporting the Global South: India has emerged as a strong established in 2006 and formalised in 2009.
advocate for the Global South, amplifying its voice on critical • The inaugural summit took place in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
issues such as sustainable development, climate finance,
• South Africa joined the following year, expanding the group’s
and equitable vaccine distribution.
influence.
• Bilateral Talks and Strategic Partnerships: On the sidelines of • BRICS has since included additional members, including
the 2024 G20 Summit in Brazil, India held significant bilateral Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and UAE, reflecting its growing
discussions with countries like Australia, Norway, Indonesia, prominence in global affairs.
Portugal, Italy, the UK, and France.
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• The intergovernmental organization is currently looking to • Nigeria’s admission marks it as the ninth partner, joining
cement its reputation as an alternative to G7 grouping, which Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand,
is led by the US. Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
• Over 30 nations, including Southeast Asian countries like • Nigeria’s inclusion is due to its large population and
Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, have shown interest or economic potential. It aims to leverage BRICS for trade,
applied for BRICS membership. investment, and socio-economic cooperation, aligning with
its development objectives.

Syrian War: The Rebels ended Bashar al-

Assad’s regime About BRICS
The Syrian rebels took over the capital • BRICS was formed in 2009 to represent emerging
Damascus, which ended the rule of economies.
Bashar al-Assad as president of Syria. • Initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India and China, the
fifth member South Africa joined in 2010.
Key Highlights
• The group focuses on economic cooperation, political
• Rebels launched a new assault
dialogue, and reforming global governance.
on Aleppo. With Assad’s allies
focused elsewhere his army • Recently, BRICS expanded with Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia,
quickly collapses and rebels have Indonesia and the UAE as the members.
taken most major cities, driving
Assad from power.
• Syria is located in the Middle East, in the western part of the BRICS Summit 2024 held
Asian continent. The 2024 BRICS Summit held
• It shares borders with Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, in Kazan, Russia, focused on
Jordan to the south, Israel and Lebanon to the southwest, Strengthening Multilateralism for
and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Just Global Development and
• Syria occupies a strategic position, linking the Levant region Security.
with the rest of the Arab world.
• The Levant is a historical and geographical term referring to Key Highlights
a region in the Eastern Mediterranean. It includes modern- • The Kazan Declaration, issued at the summit, is a
day countries Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, and comprehensive document that emphasizes the need for
parts of Turkey. enhanced cooperation among the participating countries
and presents the bloc’s unified stance on key global issues.
• The Kazan Declaration emphasized “Strengthening
Nigeria: The latest Partner Country of BRICS Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”
Recently, Nigeria was officially with commitment to fostering peace, ensuring a fairer
admitted as a Partner country international order, and promoting sustainable development.
of the BRICS group. • Russia emphasized a BRICS-led payment system against
SWIFT, an international financial network that Russian banks
Key Facts were cut off from in 2022, as well as the escalating situation
• This move reflects in West Asia.
Nigeria’s growing
• The BRICS nations agreed to explore initiatives, such as
influence as Africa’s largest economy and its commitment to
BRICS Grain Exchange and BRICS (Re)Insurance Company.
enhancing international collaboration.
• The summit also endorsed the creation of a BRICS Partner
• BRICS aims to provide a counterbalance to Western-led
Country category, which would allow other nations to
economic forums and promote South-South cooperation.
collaborate with BRICS on various projects.
• The BRICS bloc also seeks to challenge the dominance
• BRICS R&D Vaccine Center was announced for fostering
of the US dollar in global trade. Leaders have discussed
research in vaccine development.
creating alternative payment systems to reduce dependence
• India’s initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance
on dollar-based transactions.
was recognized during the summit.
International Affairs
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BRICS SCO Summit, 2024 held

It is an acronym that refers to a group of five major emerging
national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South
Africa.
Origin: The term BRIC was coined by British economist Jim
O’Neill in 2001 to represent emerging economies.
 The group began holding annual meetings starting
in 2006 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly
(UNGA), and its success led to formal summits.
 BRICS nations have met annually at formal summits
since 2009.
 South Africa was inducted in 2010.
The Heads of Government Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation
Expansion of BRICS: Indonesia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran and the UAE Organisation (SCO) were attended by India, Pakistan, China,
are the five new additions to the BRICS. Russia and six other member countries. It was held in Islamabad,
Pakistan, on 15-16 October, 2024.
International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit held Key Highlights
The 7th session of the • External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar travelled to Islamabad
International Solar Alliance for the meeting, the first such visit in nine years.
(ISA) Assembly was held in • Due to territorial sovereignty issues, India remains the only
New Delhi. India elected as SCO member to oppose China’s Belt and Road Initiative
president and France as co-president for a two-year term from (BRI). The SCO’s joint communique reaffirmed support for
2024 to 2026. China’s BRI.
• The summit saw criticism of Western sanctions on Russia
Key Facts about ISA and Iran, which were deemed harmful to international trade
• ISA is an intergovernmental organization launched in 2015 and economic relations.
by India and France at the UN Climate Change Conference • Discussions between India and Pakistan indicated a potential
(COP21) in Paris. resumption of cricket ties, though these are still early.
• Objectives: • In a reference to Pakistan, the External Affairs Minister
 Achieve 1000 GW of solar capacity worldwide by 2030. said, “If activities across borders are characterised by
 Mobilize over USD 1 trillion in solar investments for terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely
member countries. to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-
 Develop financial mechanisms to reduce solar energy to-people exchanges in parallel.”
costs.
 Establish solar energy as a mainstream source globally. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
• Evolution: Initially for tropical countries, ISA expanded • Shanghai Five emerged in 1996 from a series of border
its scope in 2020, allowing all UN member states to join. demarcation and demilitarization talks between 4 former
Currently, over 110 countries have signed the ISA Framework USSR republics and China.
Agreement, with 90 full members.  Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan
 It became the first international intergovernmental were members of the Shanghai Five.
organization headquartered in India at National Institute  With the accession of Uzbekistan to the group in 2001,
of Solar Energy (NISE) in Gurugram. the Shanghai Five was renamed the SCO.
• Governance Structure: • Objective: To enhance regional cooperation for efforts to
 ISA Assembly: The main decision-making body curb terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the Central
comprising representatives from member countries. Asian region.
 Steering Committee: Provides strategic guidance and • Members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus and
oversight. the four Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
 Secretariat: Administrative body responsible for Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
implementing decisions. • Observer status: Afghanistan and Mongolia.
 Director General: Leads the ISA Secretariat for a term of • Language: The SCO’s official languages are Russian and
4 years with the possibility of re-election. Chinese.
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• Structure: The supreme decision-making body of the SCO is the  Infrastructure: Includes railroad, ship-to-rail networks,
Council of Heads of States (CHS) which meets once a year. road transport routes, electricity cable, hydrogen
 The Organization has 2 standing bodies — the Secretariat pipeline, and high-speed data cable.
in Beijing and the Executive Committee of the Regional  Signatories: India, US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, EU, Italy,
Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent. France, Germany.
• Support to Infrastructure Projects:
50th G7 Summit held  Lobito Corridor: Extends from Lobito, Angola, through
DRC, to Zambia.
 Luzon Corridor: Strategic economic and infrastructure
corridor in Luzon, Philippines.
 Middle Corridor: Trans-Caspian International Transport
Route (TITR), connecting Europe and Asia, serving as an
alternative to traditional corridors.
• The Great Green Wall Initiative:
 Objective: Combat desertification and land degradation
in the Sahel region of Africa.
 Scope: Create a wall of trees across Africa to prevent
Sahara Desert spread, improve biodiversity, and provide
economic opportunities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the G7 Summit in Puglia,
Italy.
About G7 Summit
Outcomes of G7 Summit: • Origin: The G7 originated from a 1973 meeting of
• Promotion to G7 PGII (Partnership for Global Infrastructure finance ministers and central bank governors. This
and Investment): meeting was convened in response to major economic
 50th G7 Summit Decision: Leaders decided to promote challenges of at time –an oil crisis, rising inflation and
concrete G7 PGII initiatives. collapse of the Bretton Woods system.
 Initiative Launch: Launched by the US and G7 allies at • Summit: The first summit of Heads of State and
the 48th G7 Summit in 2022. Government was held in 1975 in Rambouillet, France.
 Objective: Aim to narrow the USD 40 trillion infrastructure • Members: France, United States, United Kingdom,
gap in the developing world. Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada, and the European
 Principles: Values-driven, high-impact, and transparent Union.
infrastructure partnership to meet infrastructure needs of • The formation of G7 served two purposes: First, to
low and middle-income countries. address economic, political and security differences
 Funding Goal: G7 will mobilize USD 600 billion by 2027 and manage crises among the members. Second, to
for infrastructure projects in developing and middle- reinforce the dominance of the Western democratic
income countries. and liberal economic model in the global order.
• Support and Promotion to India-Middle East-Europe Economic • The G-7 does not have a formal constitution or a fixed
Corridor (IMEC): headquarters. The decisions taken by leaders during
 Commitment: G7 nations committed to promoting the annual summits are non-binding.
IMEC. • Timeline:
 IMEC Aim: Create a comprehensive transportation  Canada joined the group in 1976, and the European
network (rail, road, sea) connecting India, the Middle Union began attending in 1977.
 The G-7 was known as the ‘G-8’ for several years
East, and Europe.
after the original seven were joined by Russia in
 Signing: Signed at the G20 Summit in New Delhi,
1997.
September 2023, as part of the PGII.
 The Group returned to being called G-7 after Russia
 Corridors: East Corridor: Connecting India to the Arabian
was expelled as a member in 2014 following the
Gulf and Northern Corridor: Connecting the Gulf to latter’s annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine.
Europe.
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India-Canada Diplomatic Row  Canadian investments in India exceed CAD 75 billion,

with over 600 Canadian companies operating in India.
India decided to withdraw
 Exports: Pharmaceuticals, electronic goods, jewelry,
its High Commissioner, other
diplomats and officials from seafood, engineering goods.
Canada amid diplomatic row  Imports: Minerals, pulses, potash, and chemicals.
between the two countries. • Multiple MoUs signed for research and technological
collaboration.
Key Highlights • Largest foreign student demographic in Canada is Indian,
• In September 2023, the then Canadian PM Justin Trudeau with around 427,000 students.
alleged Indian involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh
Nijjar, which India rejected.
• India advised its nationals in Canada and suspended visa services
Balochistan Train Hijack
for Canadians. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility
• Visa Resumption: Services resumed in specific categories for hijacking the Jaffar Express.
in October and e-visas for certain categories in November
India’s Stand on Balochistan
2023.
• Complex Position: India’s stance on Balochistan is shaped
• The Ministry of External Affairs said the “unsubstantiated
by geopolitics, regional stability, and its relationship with
allegations” sought to shift focus away from “Khalistani
Pakistan. The India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir makes any
terrorists and extremists who have been provided shelter in
involvement in Balochistan a potential trigger for escalating
Canada”.
tensions.
• Concerns were raised about the safety of Indian diplomats,
• Support for Self-Determination: India supports the right
stating that the Trudeau Government’s actions contribute to
to self-determination for Balochistan’s people but avoids
an atmosphere of extremism and violence
interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs.

India-Canada Bilateral Relations • Overall, India’s stance on Balochistan involves expressing

• India-Canada relations are based on shared values of concerns about human rights violations without interfering
democracy, cultural diversity, economic engagement, and into the internal affairs.
people-to-people connections.
• In 2015, PM Modi visited Canada, leading to multiple About Balochistan
agreements.
• It is the largest but least populated
 In 2018, Trudeau visited India, signing six agreements in
of Pakistan’s four provinces –
various sectors.
Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab and
 COVID-19 Cooperation: Leaders discussed vaccine
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
collaboration and evacuation of stranded citizens.
• Ethnic Groups: Baloch, Brahui, and Pashtuns.
 G-7 Meeting (2022): The two PMs met to enhance bilateral
relations. • It has substantial reserves of oil and gas, alongside
gold and copper deposits, but has lagged in economic
 G20 Summit (2023): Trudeau attended the summit in India
growth compared to other regions in the country.
and met Modi.
• The province has been the site of a series of
• Established dialogues in trade, energy, and foreign affairs,
insurgencies, brutal state repression, and an enduring
with recent consultations in 2023.
Baloch nationalist movement since 1948.
• Counter-terrorism efforts under a Joint Working Group
established in 1997. About Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)
• An agreement signed in 2010 for peaceful nuclear energy • The BLA are a Baloch ethnonationalist group who
uses, with implementation oversight by a Joint Committee. emerged in the 2000s with the aim of achieving
• Expanded Ministerial level Energy Dialogue since 2018 to independence for Balochistan.
include renewables.
• Pakistan banned the organisation in 2006, and the
• MoUs signed for satellite tracking and astronomy; ISRO has
United States designated it as a global terrorist
launched Canadian satellites.
organisation in 2019.
• Total bilateral trade in 2023 reached USD 9.36 billion, with
significant service trade.
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Regime Change in Bangladesh • Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Discussions: During Sheikh
Hasina’s regime, India and Bangladesh initiated negotiations
Recent exit of Bangladesh’s
for a FTA. The proposed FTA would reduce or eliminate
Prime Minister from power
customs duties on goods traded between the two countries
could jeopardize India-
Bangladesh relationships and simplify norms to further promote trade and investment.
and affect growing trade ties, • Defence Cooperation: The India-Bangladesh border,
restricting the movement spanning 4,096.7 km, is the longest land boundary India
of people and goods etc. shares with any neighbor.
between the two countries.
Way Forward:
Factors Behind Sheikh Hasina’s Departure: • Collaborative Approach: Prioritize technical and diplomatic
• Nationwide Movement Triggered by Student Protests: What discussions to find a mutually beneficial solution, involving
began as a peaceful student protest against the 30% civil both national and state-level stakeholders.
service reservation for freedom fighters escalated into • Enhanced Border Security: Strengthen border infrastructure
a nationwide movement due to the government's harsh and surveillance to reduce illegal activities and unauthorized
response. The situation worsened when the Awami League's movement.
student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, attacked
• Humanitarian Assistance: Provide continued humanitarian
protesters, and the government imposed a strict curfew with
support to Bangladesh for Rohingya refugees and work
a 'shooton- sight' order.
diplomatically with Myanmar for safe repatriation.
Labeling the demonstrators as 'Razakars' a term historically
• Reassurance and Dialogue: Engage in dialogue with
associated with collaborators during the 1971 war further
Bangladesh to address concerns and reassure that the
heightened tensions.
Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 is not intended to harm
• Economic Slowdown: Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership,
bilateral relations.
Bangladesh saw rapid economic growth, with per capita
income tripling over a decade and over 25 million people
lifted out of poverty according to World Bank estimates.
• Erosion of Democratic Values: The parliamentary elections World’s Largest Hydropower Dam to be built
in 2014, 2018, and 2024 were marred by controversy, low in China
voter turnout, violence, and boycotts by opposition parties,
raising concerns about the erosion of democratic values in
Bangladesh.
• Reliance on Hard Power: To maintain control, Hasina’s
government increasingly relied on hard power, fostering a
climate of fear and repression.
• Rising Economic Inequality: Despite overall economic
progress, public discontent grew due to increasing
economic inequality, fueled by bank scams, a growing list of
loan defaulters, and rampant corruption.

China has approved the construction of the world’s largest

India-Bangladesh Relations under Sheikh Hasina’s
hydropower dam close to the Indian border, raising concerns in
Regime:
riparian countries — India and Bangladesh.
• Eradication of Anti-India Terror Groups: Under Sheikh Hasina's
leadership, anti-India terror groups and their supporter, Key Facts
Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, which had operated from safe • It will be constructed at a massive gorge in the Himalayan
havens in Bangladesh during the BNP-Jamaat rule from region, where the Yarlung Tsangpo River (the Tibetan name
2001-2006, were eradicated following her return to power. for the Brahmaputra) takes a sharp U-turn before flowing into
• Growth in Bilateral Trade: Bilateral trade between India and Arunachal Pradesh (India) and then Bangladesh.
Bangladesh flourished during Sheikh Hasina’s regime. • The project, costing over one trillion yuan ($137 billion),
• Enhanced Connectivity Projects: A number of infrastructure is expected to generate over 300 billion kWh of electricity
and connectivity projects were developed between India annually, enough to meet the yearly energy needs of more
and Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. than 300 million people.
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• This capacity would significantly surpass the 88.2 billion • India, along with other nations in the core group, guided
kWh of the Three Gorges Dam in central China, currently the the resolution, emphasizing its philosophy of Vasudhaiva
world’s largest hydropower project. Kutumbakam (“The world is one family”).
• This project is part of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025)
and National Economic and Social Development and the
Significance of December 21
Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 adopted by • Winter Solstice: Marks the shortest day and longest night of
Plenum, a key policy body of the ruling Communist Party of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
China (CPC) in 2020. • Ancient Indian texts like Surya Siddhanta reference solstices
• However, the dam also presents enormous engineering in calendrical and temple alignments.
challenges, as the site is located on a tectonic plate boundary • The date falls exactly six months after International Yoga Day
prone to earthquakes. (June 21).

U.S.-India TRUST Initiative launched Brain Rot: Oxford Word of the Year 2024
India and the US have launched the
“Transforming Relationship Utilizing
Strategic Technology” (TRUST)
initiative.

Key Highlights:
• It builds on national programs like
the US Critical Minerals and Materials (CMM) program and
India’s National Critical Minerals Mission to boost exploration,
recycling, and R&D in critical minerals.
• It focuses on cooperation in the recovery and processing of
critical minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements
(REEs).
• It aims to reduce barriers to technology transfer, address
export controls, and enhance high-tech commerce between
the two countries, particularly in critical minerals and Oxford University Press (OUP) has announced ‘Brain Rot’ as the
advanced materials. Oxford Word of the Year 2024, reflecting a defining cultural and
• It will promote collaboration among governments, academia, societal theme of the year.
and the private sector to drive innovation in sectors
like defense, AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, Key Highlights
biotechnology, energy, and space. It aims to counter China’s • The term ‘Braint Rot’ gained prominence due to concerns
dominance in critical minerals supply chains. over the detrimental effects of consuming excessive amounts
of low-quality online content, especially via social media.

December, 21: World Meditation Day • Selected through a global public vote involving over 37,000
participants and expert analysis of language trends, ‘brain
December 21 is now
rot’ captures the zeitgeist of 2024, where digital consumption
designated as World Meditation
and its consequences have been central topics of discussion.
Day after a UN General
Assembly draft resolution • First recorded in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden,
co-sponsored by India and the phrase has evolved to gain renewed relevance in the
adopted unanimously. digital age.
• Initially popularized on platforms like TikTok, the term is
Key Highlights
now being used more broadly, including in mainstream
• World Meditation Day is
journalism, to articulate concerns about the societal and
aimed at human well-being, including mental, emotional,
physical and spiritual dimensions. individual impacts of online habits.
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BIMSTEC Youth Summit held Key Highlights

• This initiative is part of a pilot project involving 52 member
countries, including India.
• The Silver Notice is a new addition to Interpol’s existing
suite of colour-coded notices, which facilitate international
cooperation in law enforcement.
• The Silver Notice is designed to assist countries in
tracking down assets linked to criminal activities. It allows
member nations to request information on properties,
vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses associated
with individuals involved in serious crimes such as fraud,
corruption, and drug trafficking.
India hosted the 1st BIMSTEC Youth Summit in Gandhinagar, • Each participating country can request up to 500 notices,
Gujarat which will be evenly distributed among them. This
collaborative approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of
Key Highlights asset tracing on a global scale.
• It is organized by India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, • Before publication, every Silver Notice will undergo a review
Ministry of External Affairs, and CII YI as the knowledge by Interpol’s General Secretariat to ensure compliance with
partner. the organisation’s rules. This includes verifying that notices
• It brings together over 70 young leaders from the seven are not used for political purposes, in line with Article 3 of
BIMSTEC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Interpol’s Constitution.
Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) to discuss challenges and
opportunities in areas such as entrepreneurship, technology, Interpol’s Colour-Coded Notices
digital connectivity, and sustainable development. Interpol currently employs several types of notices to facilitate
• The theme, “Youth as a bridge for intra-BIMSTEC exchange,” international cooperation:
focuses on empowering youth to address regional issues • Red Notice: Requests the detention of fugitives.
and collaborate on solutions for a better future. • Yellow Notice: Aids in locating missing persons, especially
• It aims to foster youth engagement and development in the minors.
region, aligning with India’s “Neighborhood First” and “Act • Blue Notice: Collects additional information related to
East” policies, and its vision for regional security and growth individuals in criminal investigations.
(SAGAR).
• Black Notice: Seeks information on unidentified bodies.
• The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
• Green Notice: Provides warnings about individuals posing a
Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was established in 1997
potential threat.
with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
• Orange Notice: Warns of imminent threats to public safety.
• Initially called BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-
• Purple Notice: Shares information on criminal methods and
Thailand Economic Cooperation), it later expanded to
techniques.
include Myanmar in December 1997 and Bhutan and Nepal
in 2004, changing its name to BIMSTEC. • UN Security Council Special Notice: Targets individuals or
entities under UN sanctions.
• Initially focused on six sectors (trade, technology, energy,
transport, tourism, fisheries), cooperation expanded in 2008
to include agriculture, health, poverty alleviation, counter-
terrorism, environment, culture, people-to-people contact,
and climate change.

Interpol launched Silver Notice

Interpol has recently launched its first Silver
Notice, aimed at locating laundered assets
across borders.
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India signed Riyadh Design Law Treaty Key Highlights

• India and 13 other Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for
Prosperity (IPEF) partners have established Supply Chain
Council [SCC], Crisis Response Network [CRN], and Labor
Rights Advisory Board [LRAB] for cooperation among
partner countries for strengthening supply chain resilience in
the region.
• The Supply Chain council was set up to pursue targeted,
action-oriented work to strengthen the supply chains for
those sectors and goods most critical to national security,
India has signed the Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT), reaffirming public health, and economic well-being.
its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and strengthening • It has USA as Chair and India as Vice-Chair.
its intellectual property (IP) ecosystem.
About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for
Key Highlights Prosperity (IPEF)
• The treaty introduces several key provisions aimed at
benefiting design applicants, including relaxed time limits • IPEF was launched in 2022, in Tokyo. The members
and the reinstatement of lost rights, the option to correct or are Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan,
add priority claims, and the option to file multiple designs in
Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore,
a single application.
Thailand, Vietnam and the U.S.
• The treaty encourages contracting parties to work towards
implementing electronic industrial design systems and • IPEF partners represent approximately 40 percent of
facilitating the electronic exchange of priority documents. the global GDP, and 28 percent of global goods and
• The treaty has been adopted after almost two decades services trade.
of negotiations under the World Intellectual Property
• The IPEF seeks to strengthen economic engagement
Organization (WIPO).
and cooperation among partner countries with the goal
• It ensures that the benefits of streamlined design protection
are accessible to all stakeholders, with particular emphasis of advancing growth, economic stability and prosperity
on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, in the region.
and independent designers.

World Maritime Conference 2024 held

India signed Supply Chain Resilience The 2024 edition of WMTC
Agreement (Pillar-II) was hosted in Chennai, from
December 4-6, by the Chennai
Branch of Institute of Marine
Engineers (India).

Key Highlights
• The World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) is
a premier global event held every three years under the
auspices of the World Maritime Technology Congress.
• This conference brings together industry leaders,
professionals, and experts in maritime technology and allied
sectors from across the globe.
• World Maritime Technology Conference held once every
three years.
India has signed the Supply Chain Resilience Agreement (Pillar- • Participants: 21 member organizations from 17 countries
II) under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity representing professionals in maritime technology and
(IPEF). related sectors.
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United States Agency of International • The treaty provided support for building local recycling
systems.
Development (USAID)
• Experts call for remedies for communities impacted by
The US President Donald Trump has imposed a 90-day freeze
plastic pollution. A human rights-based approach is crucial
on foreign aid, temporarily halting US Agency for International
for effective solutions.
Development programs worldwide.
• The treaty prioritised the needs of those most affected.
Key Highlights This includes addressing health and environmental
impacts.
• Food Security: Provides famine relief and manages an
advanced food shortage prediction system.
• Healthcare: Funds vaccination programs, pandemic Britain became the latest member of CPTPP
prevention, and global disease control efforts.
• Infrastructure & Development: Supports clean water
initiatives, disaster relief, and economic development
programs.
• Humanitarian Aid: Plays a critical role in war-affected regions,
including Ukraine and sub-Saharan Africa.

USAID and India

• India's association with USAID began in 1951 with the India
Emergency Food Aid Act, later evolving into infrastructure
development, capacity building, and economic reforms.
• USAID has supported initiatives in education, immunization,
polio eradication, and HIV/TB prevention.
• Over the past decade, India has received approximately Britain became the 12th member of the CPTPP (formerly known
$1.5 billion from USAID, accounting for 0.2% to 0.4% of its as Trans-Pacific Partnership), marking its most significant trade
total global funding. deal since Brexit.

Key Facts
Global Plastics Treaty held • Britain joins Japan, Australia, Canada, and eight other
nations in this trade pact.
Global Plastics Treaty was held in Busan, South Korea, from
November 25 to December 1. • Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-
Pacific Partnership was originated as the Trans-Pacific
Key Facts Partnership (TPP), a U.S.-led trade pact.
• United Nations experts stressed the necessity of • Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was renamed the CPTPP
accountability in the plastic lifecycle. They advocated for a after the U.S. withdrew from this in 2017 under the then
“polluter-pays” principle to fund waste management. President Donald Trump.

• The treaty integrated human rights principles. • This agreement now includes 12 members and aims to foster
economic cooperation across the Pacific. These countries
• Experts warned against shifting the burden to developing
were – Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia,
nations. These countries often lack the resources to manage
Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
plastic waste effectively.
• CPTPP requires countries to eliminate or significantly reduce
• The treaty addressed production, usage, and disposal. tariffs and make strong commitments to opening services
Effective solutions require a comprehensive approach to and investment markets.
plastic management. This includes designing products for • It also has rules addressing competition, intellectual property
recycling and reducing unnecessary plastic use. rights and protections for foreign companies.
• Developing nations face unique challenges in managing • This grouping accounts for about 15% of global GDP and
plastic waste. Many rely on imported plastics and lack provides trade access to a market of more than 500 million
recycling infrastructure. people.
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Australia to ban social media for children • This role will enhance India’s involvement in ARIN-AP’s
decision-making and ad-ministrative processes, supporting
The Australian government has announced plans to introduce
global asset recovery efforts.
legislation restricting social media access for children under
16, aiming to mitigate potential harms associated with online
platforms. US-Japan-South Korea launched DiGi
Social Media Regulation in India Framework
In India, social media regulation is governed by the Information The US, Japan, and South Korea launched the DiGi Framework
Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics to bolster digital infrastructure in India, focusing on 5G, data
Code) Rules, 2021 and Digital Personal Data Protection Act centers, AI, and smart cities.
(DPDPA) 2023.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
• It encompasses the foundational digital systems and
About IT Rules 2021
services that enable efficient, inclusive, and transparent
• A three-level grievance redressal system has been public service delivery. It refers to the shared digital sys-
established, allowing users to report concerns. Each tems and services that support public service delivery at
platform must respond to complaints within a specified scale.
time frame. • It includes digital identity systems, payment platforms, data
• Social media platforms are required to reveal the first exchange frame-works, and other foundational technologies,
originator of a controversial or harmful message when and characterised by its interoperabil-ity, open standards,
requested by a court or authorized government agency. societal scale, and robust governance frameworks.
This rule helps track the spread of misinformation or
• India has become the first country to establish all three
harmful content.
foundational Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs), collectively
• All social media intermediaries must appoint a Chief known as the India Stack. This comprehensive digital
Compliance Officer (CCO), a resident of India, to ensure framework includes:
the platform’s adherence to local laws and respond to
 Digital Identification (Aadhaar): Providing a unique digital
legal requirements.
identity for citi-zens.
• Significant social media platforms must provide an option  Real-time Rapid Payment System (UPI): Enabling fast and
for users to voluntarily verify their accounts, promoting
seamless digital payments.
trustworthiness on the platform.
 Data Sharing Architecture (Data Empowerment and
Protection Architecture, DEPA): Facilitating secure and
India joined Asset Recovery Interagency consent-based data sharing.

Network-Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP)

India, through its Directorate of Enforcement About DiGi Framework
(ED), has joined the Steering Committee of
• The DiGi Framework will support projects across
the Asset Recovery Interagency Network-
India’s information and commu-nications technology
Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP).
(ICT) sector, targeting critical areas like 5G, Open
RAN, sub-marine cables, optical fiber networks, data
Key Facts
centers, smart cities, e-commerce, AI, and quantum
• ARIN-AP, with 28 member jurisdictions and nine observers,
technology.
enables cross-border collaboration for asset tracing, freezing,
and confiscation through a network of contact points. • This collaboration between the U.S., Japan, and South
Korea and Indian private sector partners aims to boost
• It is part of the Global CARIN Network dedicated to
connectivity, enhance digital infrastructure, and ad-
combating the proceeds of crime across Asia-Pacific.
vance technological innovation across these sectors
• It facilitates intelligence-sharing, helping agencies trace and
in India.
recover assets linked to crimes across borders.
• It further reflects the shared commitment to advance
• India is set to assume the ARIN-AP presidency and host its
digital transformation and sustainable development in
Annual General Meet-ing in 2026, reinforcing its leadership
India and the Indo-Pacific region.
in asset recovery
90
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World Telecommunication Standardization Key Highlights

Assembly 2024 held • In 2023, Australia and India entered into a Migration and
Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA).
Recently the International Telecommunications Union – World
• MMPA is a bilateral framework that supports migration and
Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (ITU-WTSA
mobility between the two countries, while addressing issues
2024) concluded in New Delhi.
pertaining to illegal and irregular migration.
Key Highlights of the Event • MATES has been established under the MMPA.
• Bharat 6G Alliance: Key MoUs were signed with international
stakeholders, a step towards the promise of India’s About MATES
contribution to 10% of global 6G patents. • MATES scheme gives Indian university graduates and
• Academic Engagement: The 15th ITU Kaleidoscope early career professionals a chance to work in Australia
Conference saw record paper submissions, reflecting global for two years.
interest in the future of digital infrastructure.
• 3,000 spots are available for primary applicants annually
• Championing Gender Balance: The event celebrated
during the first pilot period.
unprecedented female partic-ipation, advancing gender
• The scheme will be available to graduates from the
equity in telecommunications with the highest female
top 100 Indian universities according to the National
participation of 26% for the WTSAs held outside Geneva (in
Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking for 2024.
Geneva 2022, it was 32%).
• MATES participants are not eligible to take part in the
About WTSA Scheme more than once.

• WTSA is the governing

conference for the
75 Years of Establishment of NATO
standardization work NATO has completed its 75 years of
of the Internation-al establishment in 2024.
Telecommunication Union, organized every four years.
Key Highlights:
• It is for the first time that the ITU-WTSA is being hosted
• NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty
in India and the Asia-Pacific.
Organization, is a military alliance of countries.
• It is a pivotal global event that has brought together
• It was founded in 1949 with the signing of the North Atlantic
more than 3,000 industry leaders, policy-makers and
Treaty, more popularly known as the Washington Treaty.
tech experts from over 190 countries, representing tel-
• To ensure the security and defense of its member countries
ecom, digital, and ICT sectors.
through collective defense.
• The original members of NATO were Belgium, Canada,
About International Telecommunications Union
Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the
(ITU)
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the
• It is the United Nations specialized agency for
United States.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
• The cornerstone of NATO is Article 5 of the North Atlantic
• Founded in 1865 to facilitate international connectivity
Treaty, which states that an armed attack against one or
in communications net-works.
more of its members is considered an attack against all
• India has been a member of ITU since 1869.
members.
• It allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits.
• Decisions within NATO are made on the basis of consensus
• It develops the technical standards that ensure
among member countries.
networks and technologies seam-lessly interconnect,
• The North Atlantic Council, which includes the ambassadors
and strive to improve access to ICTs to underserved
of all member countries, is the principal political decision-
communi-ties worldwide.
making body.
• It has 32 member countries, Finland and Sweden became
Australia launched MATES Scheme the 31st and 32nd members respectively.

Australia has come up with a new scheme for Indians called • On signing the Treaty, countries voluntarily commit
Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme themselves to participating in the political consultations and
(MATES). military activities of the Organization.
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19th East Asia Summit held

About Right to Disconnect of Australia
• It allows employees to ignore communications from
their employers after regular working hours.
• The primary goal of this policy is to alleviate the
stress associated with being constantly available and
responsive outside of work hours.
• It recognises that employees need dedicated
downtime to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life
balance.
• The Australian government joins more than 20 other
countries in adopting similar rules, mostly in Europe
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the 19th East
and Latin America.
Asia Summit (EAS) in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Key Highlights
• The PM emphasized that a free, open, inclusive, prosperous
Ukraine votes to join ICC
and rule-based Indo-Pacific is important for the peace and Ukraine’s parliament voted to join the International Criminal
progress of the entire region. Court, as it seeks to bring Russia on charges over war crimes.
• India stressed that maritime activities should be
conducted under the UN Convention on the Law of the About International Criminal Court (ICC)
Seas (UNCLOS) to ensure freedom of navigation and
air space. Also, a strong and effective Code of Conduct • ICC investigates and, where warranted,
should be created. tries individuals charged with the
gravest crimes of concern to the
About East Asia Summit (EAS) international community: genocide,
war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of
• The origins of East Asia Summit dates back to the 1990
aggression.
proposal for an East Asian Economic Grouping (EAEG).
• As a court of last resort, it seeks to complement, not
• The project was later revived through the ASEAN Plus
Three or APT (China, Japan, and South Korea) Summit replace, national Courts.
of Heads of State and Government that first met in • Impetus for the court came from the ad hoc international
Kuala Lumpur in December 1997. It eventually found tribunals set up in the 1990s to address the atrocity
expression through the creation of the EAS in 2005, crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.
with 16 members. The United States and Russia joined • The Rome Statute laid the foundation for the establishment
in 2011. of the International Criminal Court in 2002.
• There are 18 members:
• The Rome Statute was adopted in 1998 by the United
 The 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It gives legal authority to investigate alleged
Nations) members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,
crimes on the territory of its members or by their
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines,
nationals, when domestic authorities are “unwilling or
Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
unable” to do so.
 8 non-ASEAN members: Australia, China, India,
Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the • 124 countries are States Parties to the Rome Statute
United States. of the International Criminal Court. However, many
countries never signed the treaty, including China,
Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, North Korea, Saudi
Australia to implement Right to Disconnect Arabia, and Turkey.
Recently, Australia has implemented a regulation known as the
• In February 2024, Armenia became the latest country
“right to disconnect,” which permits employees to disregard
to join the ICC after ratifying the Rome Statute in 2023.
communications from their employers after hours.
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US Withdrawal from International Forums  Earlier, US left UNESCO in 2017, citing an alleged
anti-Israel bias within the organization. It echoed a
similar withdrawal in 1984 under President Ronald
Reagan, which was reversed in 2003.
• The US withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership
(TPP) in 2017, citing the need to protect American jobs
and industries.
 The remaining countries proceeded with a revised
version called the Comprehensive and Progressive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Gulf of Mexico
Recently, US President-elect Donald Trump announced
plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America”.
The United States has recently announced its withdrawal
from several key international organizations, including the
Key Facts
UNHRC, the WHO, and other international forums.
• Trump’s remarks were part of a broader critique of
Key Facts trade and immigration is-sues. He claimed that the
• United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): US cited United States does most of the work in the region and
the UNHRC’s ‘chronic bias against Israel’ and its failure suggested the name change was appropriate.
to address genuine human rights concerns. • In response, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum
 It was part of a broader pattern of the Trump proposed renaming North America to “Mexican
administration stepping back from international America”, referencing historical maps.
agreements and organizations under its ’America
First’ policy. Historical Facts
 It accused the UNHRC of ‘obsessively demonizing • The name “America” originates from the Italian explorer
the one democracy in the Middle East’ and Amerigo Vespucci. His letters described the existence
propagating antisemitism. of a “New World”.
 The US prohibits any future funding for the United • In 1507, cartographer Martin Waldseemüller created
Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which a map that labelled the new continent as “America”,
provides aid to millions of Palestinians. inspired by Vespucci’s first name. This map repre-
 It is important to note that the UNHRC has passed sented advancement in geographical knowledge,
over 100 condemnatory resolutions against Israel, clearly distinguishing the Western Hemisphere.
which amounts to more than 20% of all resolutions • The term “Mexico” derives from the Nahuatl language
passed by the council. of the Aztecs. It com-bines three words – “metztli”
• World Health Organization (WHO): Reasons behind (moon), “xictli” (belly button), and “-co” (place). This
withdrawal are WHO’s handling of the COVID-19
refers to Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital located on an
pandemic and its perceived bias towards China.
island in Lake Tex-coco, also known as the Moon Lake.
 The US, being the largest financial contributor to
The official name “United Mexican States” was first
the WHO, argued that the organization needed to
used in 1824, inspired by the United States.
be reformed to better serve its member states.
 It could cost WHO $130 million in annual funds and • Renaming the Gulf of Mexico would not be a unilateral
hinder global public health response. action by the US. The International Hydrographic
• The US has reviewed its involvement in other Organisation (IHO) oversees the naming of maritime
international organizations, such as UNESCO and areas and requires consensus among member states.
the Paris Climate Accord, citing ‘wild disparities’ in There is no formal protocol for renaming such bodies
financial contributions among member countries. of water.
International Affairs
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Birthright Citizenship of USA Bald Eagle : National Bird of the USA

On his first day in office, US The bald eagle is officially
President Donald Trump signed declared as the National
several executive orders, including Bird of the United States.
a controversial one aimed at ending
Key Facts
birthright citizenship for children of
• The bald eagle is
parents without legal status.
indigenous to North
Key Highlights America.
• This decision drew immediate backlash, prompting • The Bald Eagle has a
lawsuits from immigrant and civil rights groups, such distinctive white head and tail with dark brown body
as the American Civil Liberties Union. and wings. Its yellow beak is large and hooked, and it
• According to Trump’s executive order, individuals not has powerful talons.
subject to the jurisdiction of the US Constitution fall into • They are carnivorous birds, mainly feeding on fish, but
two main categories: will also hunt waterfowl or scavenge carrion.
• Unlawful Presence: • The Great Seal of the United States is a national
 When the mother was unlawfully present in the US symbol used in official documents such as treaties and
at the time of birth. commissions since 1782.
 The father was neither a US citizen nor a lawful • The Bald Eagle symbolizes strength, freedom, and
permanent resident. independence.
• Lawful but Temporary Presence: • It breeds in Canada, USA, Mexico, and the French island
 When the mother was lawfully in the US temporarily territories of Saint Pierre and Miquelon
(e.g., under a visa or the Visa Waiver Program). • The bald eagle is also protected under the National
 The father was neither a US citizen nor a lawful Emblem Act of 1940, which makes it illegal to sell or
permanent resident. hunt the creature.
• It is listed as Least Concern species in IUCN Red List
status.
About Birthright Citizenship in the US
• Birthright citizenship automatically grants
citizenship at birth.
White House: Trump-Zelenskyy Heated Talk
• In the US, it exists in two forms: jus soli • A White House meeting between President Donald
Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
(citizenship based on birthplace) and jus
aimed at securing a deal that would allow the U.S.
sanguinis (citizenship based on ancestry, for
access to Ukrainian rare mineral rights turned into a
children born abroad to US citizens).
heated exchange with the two leaders talking over
• The Fourteenth Amendment of the US each other.
Constitution, adopted in 1868 after the Civil War,
• The heated exchange, witnessed by dozens of
guarantees birthright citizenship. American and Ukrainian reporters in the Oval Office,
• It states that “all persons born or naturalized in took a combative tone about 40 minutes into the
the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction meeting when Zelenskyy raised Russia's 2014 invasion
thereof, are citizens of the United States and of of Crimea.
the state wherein they reside.” • Vice-President of USA V.D. Vance and Trump accused
• This was originally intended to ensure citizenship the Ukrainian leader of not being thankful for the
for America-born children of formerly enslaved assistance his country has received from Washington.
people. • Zelenskyy left the White House early, and a scheduled
joint press conference was canceled.
94
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RECENTLY RELEASED
REPORTS
& INDICES

World Happiness Report, 2025  Impurities such as black carbon from wildfires and dust
storms are accelerating the melting by increasing the
The Wellbeing Research Centre has
absorption of solar radiation.
released the World Happiness Report
• Rising temperatures are causing permafrost to melt, releasing
2025.
organic carbon into the atmosphere and exacerbating climate
Key Facts change. The thaw also destabilizes slopes, increasing the
• Published by: University of Oxford’s risk of landslides and other hazards.
Wellbeing Research Centre in • Snow cover has decreased in mountain regions, especially
partnership with Gallup, the UN in spring and summer, with further declines expected. A
Sustainable Development Solutions global mean decline of 7.79% in snow cover between 1979
Network. and 2022.
• Parameters: Social support, GDP per capita, health, life • The impacts of glacier melting and permafrost thaw include
expectancy, freedom, generosity and perception of corruption. erratic water flow, increased risk of glacial lake outburst
floods (GLOFs), and rising sea levels.
• Ranking: Finland emerged as the ‘happiest’ country again,
 GLOFs have caused over 12,000 deaths in the past 200
followed by Denmark and Iceland.
years.
 Afghanistan ranked the lowest followed by Sierra Leone
 The melting of glaciers contributes to 25-30% of global
and Lebanon.
sea level rise, posing risks to millions of people.
 India ranked 118 out of 147 countries, India’s lowest
ranking was 144 on the list in 2012, while its scores
peaked in 2022 at 94. Technology and Innovation Report, 2025
Note The 2025 Technology and Innovation
Report, entitled: Inclusive artificial
• The UN declared March 20 as the International Day of intelligence for development, has been
Happiness in 2012. issued by United Nations Trade and
• The concept of World Happiness Day was first proposed Development (UNCTAD).
by Bhutan in the 1970s, a country known for prioritizing
Gross National Happiness over Gross Domestic Product. Key Highlights
• It aims to guide policymakers through
the complex AI landscape and
support them in designing science,
UN World Water Development Report, 2025
technology and innovation policies that foster inclusive and
The United Nations World Water equitable technological progress.
Development Report 2025 – Mountains
• The US leads the world in terms of private investment in AI,
and Glaciers: Water Towers was released
at 67 billion US dollars in 2023, or 70 percent of global AI
by UNESCO.
private investment.
Key Highlights • China was in second position, with 7.8 billion US dollars, and
• Glaciers are melting faster than ever, India in tenth position, with 1.4 billion dollars.
with a significant loss of mass in the • India has been ranked 10th in the world with significant
last few years. private investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2023.
 Since 1975, glaciers have lost • According to the Report India ranked 36th in 2024 on the
over 9,000 billion tonnes of mass, equivalent to an ice Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index, improving its
block the size of Germany. position from 48th in 2022.
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Global Economic Prospects (GEP) Report, 2025 World Economic Situation and Prospects
The World Bank has released the 2025 Report, 2025
Global Economic Prospects (GEP) The Indian economy is projected to
Re-port 2025, a flagship biannual grow by 6.6 per cent in 2025, according
to the United Nations’ World Economic
publication of the World Bank Group
Situation and Prospects report.
that examines trends and projections
in the global economy. Key Highlights
• The report maintains its previous
Major Highlights
growth forecast, reflecting
• Global Economy: It is projected to confidence in In-dia’s economic
expand by 2.7% in both 2025 and resilience. The public sector plays
2026, the same pace as in 2024. important role in funding in-frastructure projects. These
• Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs) have projects enhance physical and digital connectivity and
improve social infrastructure, including sanitation and water
undergone signifi-cant transformation since 2000, now
supply.
contributing about 45% of global GDP, compared to 25% at
• The UN report emphasises the importance of capital
the start of the century.
expenditure on infrastruc-ture. Such investment is expected
 India, China, and Brazil, the three largest EMDEs, have
to yield strong multiplier effects on econom-ic growth.
collectively driv-en approximately 60% of annual global Infrastructure development is crucial for enhancing
growth since the start of the century. productivity across various sectors.
• Trade Restrictions: New global trade restrictions in 2024 were • The manufacturing and services sectors are anticipated to
five times the 2010-19 average. As a result, overall economic expand, contrib-uting to overall economic activity.
growth dropped—from 5.9% in the 2000s to 3.5% in the • Strong export growth in service industries and specific
2020s. goods categories, such as pharmaceuticals and electronics,
will further stimulate the economy.
• Challenges and Recommendations:
• Agricultural growth will contribute to the overall economic
 Rising trade tensions could reduce global growth.
performance of In-dia. Enhanced agricultural productivity
Persistent inflation could delay expected cuts in interest
can support rural incomes and con-sumption.
rates.
 With the right policies, these economies can even Regional Economic Outlook
transform some chal-lenges into significant opportunities. • The economic growth forecast for South Asia remains robust,
 All countries, meanwhile, should work together to primarily driven by India. The region is projected to grow at 5.7
strengthen global trade governance, with the support of per cent in 2025 and 6 per cent in 2026. India’s performance is
multilateral institutions. crucial for the region’s overall economic health.
• The interconnected nature of economies in South
India Specific Highlights Asia amplifies the impact of India’s growth on its
• Growth: India is projected to remain the fastest-growing neighbours.
large economy for FY26 and FY27 (growth rate – 6.7%),
reaffirming its dominance in the global economic Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), 2024
landscape.
India ranked 96 out of 180 countries in
 Growth in India’s services sector is expected to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
remain robust, while manufacturing activity will for 2024.
strengthen.
Key Highlights
• Investments: India’s Investment growth is expected to remain
• The Corruption Perceptions
steady, supported by rising private investments, improved
Index (CPI) 2024 highlights how
corporate balance sheets, and favourable financing corruption is hindering global
conditions. efforts to combat climate change.
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• The index ranks 180 countries and territories by their State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) Report, 2024
perceived levels of public sector corruption.
Recently, the Food and Agriculture
• It uses a scale of zero to 100, where “zero” is highly corrupt Organisation (FAO) of the United
and “100” is very clean. Nations has released ‘The State of
• The report has been compiled by Transparency Food and Agriculture 2024’ (SOFA
International. 2024).
• 85% of the world’s population lives in countries with CPI
Key Findings
scores below 50.
• The report highlights the
• India scored 38 out of 100, dropping one point from 2023,
importance of true cost accounting
and ranked 96th. in agrifood systems. It helps to
• Least Corrupt Countries: Denmark, Finland, Singapore. uncover the hidden costs and
• Most Corrupt Countries: South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela. benefits associated with food production and consumption,
including environmental degradation, health impacts, and
social inequalities.
Global Wage Report, 2024-25
• Overall, the hidden costs of agrifood systems amounted to
The International Labour Organization approximately $12 trillion annually, the analysis involving 156
(ILO) has released the Global Wage countries found.
Report 2024-25.
• In fact, globally, the dominant quantified hidden costs were
those arising from unhealthy dietary patterns that lead to
Key Highlights
diseases and lower labour productivity.
• The wage inequality has decreased at
an average rate of 11.1% per annum • India’s hidden costs are the third largest globally, following
in about two-thirds of all countries China and the United States, which have hidden costs of
around the world since 2000. $1.8 trillion and $1.4 trillion, respectively.

• Global wages have grown faster • Unhealthy diets are a major contributor to global hidden costs,
than inflation in recent times. accounting for approximately 70% ($8.1 trillion) of these costs.
The global real wages grew by 1.8% last year, while the • The report emphasises the critical role of both consumers
projections have reached 2.7% growth in 2024, the highest and producers in transforming agrifood systems.
increase in over 15 years. • It calls for greater consumer awareness and engagement, as
• Africa, Northern America and parts of Europe recorded well as equitable roles for producers in the supply chain.
stagnant or negative real wage growth.
• Low-income countries suffer from significantly higher wage About State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA)
inequality compared to high-income nations, with nearly 22%
• It is an annual flagship report published by the FAO
of workers earning less than half the median hourly wage.
of the United Nations that provides in-depth analysis
• Despite a 29% rise in productivity in high-income countries
and insights into key issues affecting global food and
between 1999 and 2024, real wages have only risen by 15%,
agriculture systems.
highlighting a failure to share productivity gains equitably
• SOFA 2024 delves into the true cost of food, emphasising
with workers.
the need for agrifood systems to be more inclusive,
• Women, especially in lower-middle-income countries,
resilient, and sustainable.
remain disproportionately affected by wage inequality due
to overrepresentation in informal, precarious and low-paid
work.
World Press Freedom Index, 2024
About Global Wage Report Recently, the Reporters Without
Borders (RSF) released its latest
• The Global Wage Report is an annual publication edition of World Press Freedom Index.
released by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The first edition was published in 2008. Key Highlights:
• It provides a detailed look at wage trends around the • It is published annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
world and in different regions, highlighting changes in that ranks 180 countries and regions according to the level
wage inequality and real wage growth. of freedom available to journalists.
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• It has been published every year since 2002.  The Union Labour Ministry contends that the Periodic
• It provides a snapshot of the media freedom situation based Labour Force Surveys provide a more accurate picture
on an evaluation of pluralism, independence of the media, of the employment situation in the country.
quality of legislative framework, and safety of journalists in
each country and region.
Global Hunger Index, 2024
• The press freedom questionnaire covers five categories —
India has been ranked 105th out of 127
political context, legal framework, economic context, socio- 2024
countries in the Global Hunger Index
cultural context and security. GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX

2024 GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX

(GHI) 2024, placing it in the “serious” HOW GENDER JUSTICE CAN ADVANCE CLIMATE RESILIENCE
AND ZERO HUNGER
• India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has seen a
category for hunger levels.
decline over the years.
• In 2022, India was ranked 150th out of 180 countries. Key Highlights of the GHI 2024
• However, in 2023, India’s ranking slipped further to 161st. • The 2024 Global Hunger Index
• In 2024, India’s score in the World Press Freedom Index fell from score for the world is 18.3,
36.62 to 31.28, but its rank improved from 161 in 2023 to 159 in considered moderate, down only
2024. It was due to other countries slipping in their rankings. slightly from the 2016 score of
18.8.
 Little progress has been made on reducing hunger
India Employment Report, 2024 since 2016, and the prospects for achieving Zero
Recently, India, a founding Hunger by the target date of 2030 are grim, with
42 countries still experiencing alarming or serious
member of the International Labour
hunger.
Organization (ILO), raised concerns
• The wars in Gaza and Sudan have led to exceptional
about the ILO’s India Employment
food crises.
Report 2024.
• Somalia, Yemen, Chad, and Madagascar are the
countries with the highest 2024 GHI scores; Burundi
Key Findings
and South Sudan are also provisionally designated as
• The India Employment Report
alarming.
2024, jointly prepared by the
• Progress has been notable for example in Bangladesh,
ILO and the Institute of Human
Mozambique, Nepal, Somalia, and Togo, although
Development (IHD), paints a vivid
challenges remain.
picture of the labour market.
• India’s performance remains concerning, in comparison to
• The report sheds light on the employment scenario in India,
the South Asian neighbours such as Bangladesh, Nepal,
but the Indian government contends that the model used by
and Sri Lanka, which fall into the “moderate” category.
the ILO does not accurately reflect the Indian context.
 India is listed alongside countries like Pakistan
• Youth Unemployment: The report highlights that India’s youth and Afghanistan, which also face severe hunger
constitute nearly 83% of the unemployed workforce. challenges.
 Moreover, the share of young people with secondary or • The report reveals alarming statistics: 13.7 percent of
higher education among the total unemployed youth has India’s population is undernourished, 35.5 percent of
nearly doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022. children under five are stunted, 18.7 percent suffer from
• Changing Employment Landscape: The concept of wasting, and 2.9 percent of children die before their fifth
employment in India has been evolving. On one hand, more birthday.
people are venturing into entrepreneurship, while on the
other, formal employment is gaining momentum. About Global Hunger Index (GHI)
 Subscriptions to schemes like the Employees Provident
• GHI is a tool for comprehensively measuring and
Fund Organization and the Employees State Insurance
tracking hunger at global, regional, and national levels.
Corporation reflect this trend.
• The index is published by Concern Worldwide, an
• Data Discrepancies: The crux of the issue lies in data
Irish humanitarian organisation, and Welthungerhilfe, a
disparities. The ILO’s data diverges from the data used German aid agency.
within India.
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Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI), • Enhancing capacity and technology transfer in developing

2024 countries is vital but currently lacks effectiveness due to

uncoordinated, short-term efforts.
India is ranked 39th among 119
countries in the 2024 Travel and About Adaptation Gap Report (AGR)
Tourism Development Index (TTDI)
• Adaptation Gap Report is an annual publication by the
report by the World Economic Forum
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
(WEF).
• Its purpose is to assess global progress on climate
change adaptation, i.e. the efforts made by countries
Key Highlights to adjust and prepare for current and future climate
• Introduced in 2022, TTDI is an impacts.
evolution of the Travel & Tourism • Adaptation gap refers to the difference between the
Competitiveness Index (TTCI), actual adaptation efforts being implemented and the
which has been published biennially since 2007. adaptation needs required to mitigate the risks posed
by climate change.
• It serves as a strategic benchmarking tool for businesses,
governments, and organizations to develop the Travel &
Tourism (T&T) sector.
Global Gender Gap Report, 2024
• It allows for cross-country comparison and benchmarking
The World Economic Forum (WEF)
on T&T development, informing policies and investment
report of 2024 on global gender
decisions for the sector.
gaps ranked India at 129 out of
146 economies, with a decline in
Adaptation Gap Report, 2024 the education sector being one of
the reasons for India’s poor rank.
The “Adaptation Gap Report 2024:
Come Hell and High Water” was Key Highlights
recently released by the United • The report indicates that,
Nations Environment Programme. despite high enrolment
rates for women in primary,
Key Highlights
secondary, and tertiary education, progress has been
• Although international public
sluggish.
adaptation finance for developing
countries increased to $28 billion • The literacy gap between men and women remains
in 2022, the overall gap remains substantial. Even doubling substantial at 17.2 percentage points. Consequently, India
adaptation finance from 2019 levels, as targeted by 2025 ranks 124th in this indicator, scoring 0.964 in education, a
under the Glasgow Climate Pact, would only reduce the decline from the score of 1.000 achieved in 2023.
finance gap by about 5%. • In higher education, the AISHE report for 2021-22
• 87% of countries now have at least one national adaptation indicates that the gross enrolment ratio (GER) for women is
planning instrument. Of these, 51 per cent have a second, marginally higher than that for men, with women achieving
and 20 per cent have a third. Aligning National Adaptation a GER of 28.5 compared to 28.3 for men. This marks a
Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions 32 per cent increase in female enrolment since 2014-15.
(NDCs) is crucial for strategic implementation. However, women students make up only 42.5% of those
• Progress towards UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience enrolled in STEM subjects from undergraduate to PhD
(FGCR) targets, agreed at COP 28, is mixed, with thematic levels.
areas like poverty reduction and cultural heritage protection • According to the Census data from 2011, adult literacy is
needing more focus. Many NAPs reference UAE FGCR targets
a matter of concern, with only 64.63% of women who are
but lack comprehensive data and planning for all sectors.
literate, in comparison to 80.88% of men.
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World Investment Report, 2024  Together, these five countries account for nearly half
(48.1 percent) of the 1.1 billion poor people.
The World Investment Report 2024
has recently been released by • Approximately 584 million people under 18 are living in
the UN Conference on Trade and extreme poverty, making up 27.9% of all children globally,
Development (UNCTAD). compared to 13.5% of adults.
• Poverty in conflicted regions: The report noted that 2023
Key Highlights witnessed more conflicts than at any time since World War II
• Environment for Investment: causing displacement of over 117 million people.
The global environment for
• Nearly 40% of the 1.1 billion people live in poverty,
international investment remains
approximately 455 million, are situated in countries
challenging in 2024. Weakening
experiencing conflict.
growth prospects, economic
fracturing trends, trade and
geopolitical tensions, industrial policies and supply chain About Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
diversification are reshaping FDI patterns, causing some
• Global Multidimensional Poverty Index is published
multinational enterprises (MNEs) to adopt a cautious
annually by the UN Development Programme (UNDP)
approach to overseas expansion.
and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development
• International project finance and cross-border mergers and Initiative.
acquisitions (M&As) were especially weak in 2023 mergers
• The index utilizes 10 indicators across these three
and acquisitions, which mostly affect FDI in developed
dimensions.
countries, fell by 46 percent in value.
• If a household is deprived in one-third or more of these
• Greenfield Investment Projects: Project numbers increased by
indicators, it is considered multidimensionally poor.
2 percent, growth was concentrated in developing countries,
where the number of projects was up by 15 percent.
• FDI in developing Asia fell by 8 percent. China, the second State of Global Air Report, 2024
largest FDI recipient in the world, saw a rare decline in
As per the State of Global Air Report
inflows. Sizeable declines were recorded in India and in
2024, Air pollution has caused 8.1
West and Central Asia.
million deaths around the world in
2021.
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, 2024
Key Highlights of the Report:
The 2024 Global Multidimensional
• Deaths Attributed to PM2.5 Air
Poverty Index, is published with the
Pollution:
theme of Poverty Amid Conflict.
 High Mortality Rate: Air
Key Findings pollution is a critical global
• Across 112 countries and 6.3 health issue, with over 90
billion people, 1.1 billion people percent of related deaths—totaling 7.8 million people—
(18.3 percent) live in acute attributed to fine particulate matter known as PM2.5.
multidimensional poverty.  Types of PM2.5 Pollution: PM2.5 pollution includes both
• Poor people live in rural areas: 962 ambient (outdoor) air pollution and household air pollution.
million (83.7 percent) live in rural areas.  These tiny particles, less than 2.5 micrometers in
 Around 70.7 percent of all poor people live in rural areas diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and
of Sub- Saharan Africa (463 million) and South Asia (350 bloodstream, causing severe health problems such as
million). respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• The five countries with the largest number of people living in • Country-Specific Impact:
poverty are India (234 million), Pakistan (93 million), Ethiopia  China and India: The two most populous countries, China
(86 million), Nigeria (74 million) and the Democratic Republic and India, together account for more than half of the
of the Congo (66 million). global deaths due to PM2.5 pollution.
 REPORTS & INDICES

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 China: Air pollution in China leads to approximately • Decline in Nuclear Warheads: The number of nuclear warheads
2.3 million deaths annually. Rapid industrialization, in the world continues to decline.
urbanization, and coal usage are significant contributors  However, this is only due to the USA and Russia
to the high levels of air pollution. dismantling retired warheads.
 India: In India, around 2.1 million deaths each year are • Operational Warheads: Global reductions of operational
attributed to PM2.5 pollution. Factors such as vehicle warheads appear to have stalled, and their numbers are
emissions, industrial activity, and burning of biomass for rising again.
cooking contribute to the high pollution levels.  The USA and Russia, which together possess almost
• Impact on Children: 90 percent of all nuclear weapons, have extensive
 Risk Factor for Children: Air pollution poses a significant programmes under way to replace and modernize their
risk to children, especially those under the age of 5. In nuclear warheads.
2021, it was the second leading cause of death for this • China is in the middle of a significant modernization and
age group, only behind malnutrition. expansion of its nuclear arsenal.
 Exposure to air pollution can lead to severe respiratory
 China has tripled the number with 500 warheads, some
infections, impaired lung development, and other critical
of which are believed to be on high operational alert for
health issues in young children.
the first time.
• Ozone Exposure:  Some projections suggest that China could potentially
 Ozone-Related Deaths: In addition to PM2.5, ozone deploy at least as many intercontinental ballistic missiles
pollution is a serious health hazard. as either Russia or the USA in near future.
 The report states that in 2021, 489,000 deaths globally • India and Pakistan also appear to be increasing the size
were attributable to ozone exposure. of their nuclear weapon inventories, and the UK plans to
 Ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, can increase its stockpile.
cause respiratory problems, exacerbate asthma, and • North Korea’s military nuclear programme remains central to
reduce lung function. its national security strategy and it may have assembled up
• Global Prevalence of PM2.5 Pollution: to 50 nuclear weapons and could produce more.
 A staggering 99% of the world’s population lives in • Israel continues to maintain its long-standing policy of
areas where PM2.5 levels exceed the World Health nuclear ambiguity, leaving significant uncertainty about the
Organization's air quality guidelines. number of its nuclear weapons.
 This widespread exposure means that almost
everyone on the planet is breathing air that is
detrimental to their About SIPRI

• SIPRI is an independent international

SIPRI Annual Report, 2024 institute dedicated to research into
conflict, armaments, arms control and
Stockholm International Peace
Research Institute (SIPRI) yearbook disarmament. It is based in Stockholm.
2024 has been published by Oxford • It was established in 1966, SIPRI provides data,
University Press. analysis and recommendations, based on open
sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the
Major Findings
interested public.
• Nuclear Arsenal: In 2024, nine
• Funding: It was established on the basis of a decision
states—the United States, the
Russian Federation, the United by the Swedish Parliament and receives a substantial

Kingdom, France, China, India, part of its funding in the form of an annual grant from
Pakistan, the North Korea and the Swedish Government.
Israel—together possessed • The Institute also seeks financial support from other
approximately 12121 nuclear weapons, of which 9585 were organizations in order to carry out its research.
considered to be potentially operationally available.
 SCIENCE &
Science & Technology
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TECHNOLOGY
ISRO launched SpaDex Mission
The SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, developed by ISRO, marks a significant step in advancing India’s space
exploration capabilities.

Key Points:
• SpaDeX is designed to test and demonstrate the technology required for docking two spacecraft in orbit.
• The mission involves two spacecraft – a “chaser” (SDX01) that will actively pursue and dock with a “target”
(SDX02) spacecraft.
• This makes India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to demonstrate space docking and
undocking capabilities.
• To demonstrate this capability, ISRO launched the experimental SpaDex mission on December 30, 2024.

Objectives:
• To demonstrate the rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two spacecraft in low Earth orbit.
• To test technologies like inter-satellite power transfer and composite spacecraft control, which are
crucial for future robotic and human spaceflight missions.
• SpaDeX will utilize a low-impact androgynous docking system, enabling a safe and secure connection
between the two spacecraft.
• Advanced sensors, including a Laser Range Finder (LRF) and Proximity and Docking Sensor (PDS), will ensure precise and
controlled docking.
• An autonomous inter-satellite link will enable real-time communication and data sharing between the spacecraft.

Space Docking
• Space docking is the process of bringing two fast-moving spacecraft into the same orbit, gradually bringing them closer, and physically
joining them together.
• This is a highly complex maneuver requiring precise navigation, automated control, and real-time adjustments.
• Benefits:
 Enabling Heavy Space Missions: Large spacecraft cannot be launched in one go due to weight limitations.
 Docking allows modular spacecraft assembly in orbit, similar to the International Space Station (ISS).
 Critical for Future Human Spaceflight: Essential for transporting astronauts & supplies to India’s planned space station by 2035.
 Key to India’s crewed lunar missions (by 2040) under Gaganyaan & future Moon missions.
 Supports Lunar Sample Return Missions: Chandrayaan-4, India’s future mission to bring back lunar soil and rock samples, will
rely on docking technology.
 Advancing In-Space Servicing & Robotics: Enables repairing, upgrading, and refueling satellites
in orbit without launching new ones.

India’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)

• Objective: To demonstrate in-space docking, rendezvous, and undocking capabilities.
• Satellites Used:
 SDX01 (Chaser Satellite): Actively approached and docked with the
target.
 SDX02 (Target Satellite): Served as the docking module.
• Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C60
• Orbit: 470 km circular orbit
• Developed by: UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, with support from other ISRO centers.
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Union Cabinet approved Shukrayaan the Earth. Unlike fiber-optic or mobile networks, which rely
on ground infrastructure, satellite internet beams data from
The Union Government has
space-based satellites to user terminals on Earth.
approved ISRO’s Venus
Orbiting Satellite mission, • Types: Geostationary Orbit (GEO) Satellites (e.g., VSAT
named Shukrayaan. services), Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites (e.g., Starlink,
OneWeb).
Key Facts • Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service that operates using
• Launch Details: a constellation of LEO satellites (over 7,000 satellites in orbit).
 Set to launch in March 2028.
 Estimated cost of the mission is Rs 1,236 crore.
 LVM-3 launch vehicle has been identified to place the
NASA launched PUNCH Mission
spacecraft in an Elliptical Parking Orbit (EPO)
• Objectives:
 To Analyze the composition of Venus’s thick, carbon
dioxide-rich atmosphere.
 To study the extreme greenhouse effect and its impact
on the planet’s climate.
 To utilize advanced radar technology to map the planet’s
surface, revealing hidden geological features.
 To explore the upper atmosphere of Venus, including
the ionosphere, to understand its interaction with solar
radiation and the solar wind.
NASA has launched the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and
Venus Heliosphere (PUNCH) Mission, aligning with the solar maximum
• Venus is often called Earth’s Twin. phase of the Sun’s cycle.
• Venus’s atmosphere is incredibly dense, composed primarily
of carbon dioxide. This dense atmosphere traps heat from About Solar Cycle
the Sun, creating a runaway greenhouse effect.
• Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system and is named • The Sun, like a bar magnet, possesses a magnetic field
after the goddess of love. with north and south poles.
• Venus rotates on its axis in the opposite direction to most • This magnetic field is generated by the movement of
other planets, a phenomenon known as retrograde rotation. electrically charged particles within the Sun.
This means that the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east • Approximately every 11 years, the Sun’s magnetic field
on Venus. completely flips, switching its north and south poles—a
• Several space missions, including Mariner 2, Venera, and phenomenon known as the solar cycle.
Magellan, have studied Venus, providing valuable insights
into its atmosphere, surface, and geology.
About Solar Maximum
• Future missions, such as NASA’s VERITAS and DAVINCI+, • Solar maximum is the peak phase of the Sun’s 11-year
aim to further explore Venus. cycle, characterized by heightened solar activity.
• During this period, the Sun emits more energy, radiation,
Starlink Satellite: SpaceX agreements with Jio and light and experiences an increased number of
& Airtel sunspots. The transition occurs when the Sun’s magnetic
Elon Musk-owned SpaceX field undergoes a complete flip.
has secured agreements with • Solar Maximum lasts between one and two years. The time
Airtel and Jio to distribute between two solar maxima can vary from 9 to 13 years.
Starlink, its satellite internet
service. Impacts of Solar Maximum on Earth
• Solar Flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs): The release
Key point :
of magnetic energy leads to massive solar storms that send
• Satellite internet is a wireless communication technology
bursts of radiation and particles into space.
that provides broadband services using satellites orbiting
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• Damage to Power Grids: Intense geomagnetic storms can Union Cabinet approved Bharatiya Antariksh
disrupt electrical infrastructure, leading to power outages. Station (BAS)
• Satellite Malfunctions: Increased solar radiation affects
satellite operations, potentially causing communication and
navigation failures.

About PUNCH Mission

• PUNCH is a NASA Small Explorer (SMEX) mission to
better understand how the mass and energy of the
Sun’s corona become the solar wind that fills the solar
system.
• The mission consists of a constellation of four small
satellites in Sun-synchronous, low Earth orbit that
together will produce deep-field, continuous, 3D The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
images of the solar corona. has approved the building of the first unit of the Bharatiya
Antariksh Station (BAS) by extending the scope of Gaganyaan
Govt. to implemnet Global Navigation program.
Satellite System (GNSS) toll system
Key Highlights
The government is planning to implement a Global Navigation
• The first module of BAS will be launched in 2028 and by
Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system starting
2035 the fully operational indigenous space station will be
April 2025.
created.
• The BAS will be placed in low earth orbit, at 400 km above
About Global Navigation Satellite System Toll the earth’s surface.
Collection System
• The revised Gaganyaan Programme to include the scope of
• GNSS-based tolling is expected development and precursor missions for BAS, and factoring
to be implemented by April 2025, one additional uncrewed mission and additional hardware
aiming to replace the existing requirement for the developments of ongoing Gaganyaan
FASTag system. Programme. Now the human spaceflight program of
• Vehicles with GNSS equipment will technology development and demonstration is through eight
be able to travel up to 20 km for
missions to be completed by December 2028 by launching
free each day on national highways and expressways.
the first unit of BAS-1.
Unlike the fixed tolls of the FASTag system, GNSS will
charge based on the actual distance traveled. • The 52-tonne space station will serve as a research platform
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for Indian astronauts and scientists to conduct experiments
has amended the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008 in microgravity, astronomy and Earth observation, and will
to incorporate GNSS-based toll collection, including allow astronauts to stay in orbit for 15-20 days.
the creation of dedicated GNSS lanes. Currently,
both GNSS and FASTag systems will operate
simultaneously, but over time, all lanes will transition Currently, there are only two
to GNSS. Vehicles not equipped with GNSS that use operational space stations – the
these lanes will face double the toll as a penalty. International Space Station (ISS),
• GNSS lanes will allow vehicles to pass through tolls developed in cooperation by the
without stopping, reducing congestion at toll plazas. To
United States, Russia, Japan, Europe
use GNSS, vehicles will need a special on-board unit
(OBU), which may eventually come factory-installed in & Canada; and China’s Tiangong
new vehicles. Space Station (TSS)
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India to launch Deep Sea Mission • This has emerged as strong contenders in the global AI
landscape, performing on par with ChatGPT and other
The Government of India is preparing to
leading AI systems.
send a human into the deep sea as part
of its ambitious ‘Deep Sea Mission,’ • How is it Different?
aligned with the country’s first  It was built at a fraction of the cost
human space mission scheduled of industry-leading models like
for early 2026. OpenAI – because it uses fewer
• DOM is implemented by the advanced chips.
Ministry of Earth Sciences  Its base model DeepSeek-R1
(MoES) and was approved in appears to have been trained via
2021 at a cost of nearly Rs 4,077 accurate sources while introducing a
crore over a five-year period in a layer of censorship.
phased manner.  It surpasses models developed by tech giants
Google, Meta, and Anthropic in terms of overall quality.
• The mission has six pillars:
 DeepSeek is also faster than GPT 4, more practical and,
 Development of technologies for deep-sea mining and a
according to many experts, even understands regional
manned submersible to carry three people to a depth of
idioms and cultural contexts better than its Western
6,000 meters in the ocean;
counterparts.
 Development of ocean climate change advisory services,
involving an array of ocean observations and models to
understand and provide future climate projections; About Large Language Model (LLM)
 Technological innovations for the exploration and • A Large Language Model (LLM) is a type of AI trained
conservation of deep-sea biodiversity; to understand and generate human language.
 Deep-ocean survey and exploration aimed at identifying
• These models are built on deep learning techniques
potential sites of multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides
allowing them to process and generate text in a
mineralisation along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic
coherent, contextually appropriate manner.
ridges;
• LLMs are used for various tasks, including text
 Harnessing energy and freshwater from the ocean; and
generation, language translation, and summarization.
 Establishing an advanced Marine Station for Ocean
Biology, as a hub for nurturing talent and driving new
opportunities in ocean biology and blue biotechnology.
IndiaAI Mission
Matsya6000 The Indian government has decided
• The Matsya6000 is India’s flagship deep-ocean human to build a domestic large language
submersible that aims to reach the ocean bed at a depth of model of its own as part of the Rs
6,000 m. 10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission.
• Accompanied by three crew members, called “aquanauts”, the
submersible carries a suite of scientific tools and equipment Key Highlights
designed to facilitate observations, sample collection, basic • It aims to build a homegrown AI system that understands
video and audio recording, and experimentation. India’s unique culture, languages, and needs.
• Matsya6000 combines the best and most feasible features • The foundational model could take anywhere between 4-8
of remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous remote months.
vehicles (AUVs). • The government’s AI compute facility would be “the most
affordable” in the world.

DeepSeek : A Breakthorough AI Model Infrastructure:

• The government has selected 10 companies that will supply
China has developed DeepSeek AI models, DeepSeek-V3 and
18,693 graphics processing units or GPUs.
DeepSeek-R1.
• GPUs are high end chips needed to develop machine learning
• DeepSeek is the name of a free AI-powered chatbot,
tools that can go into developing a foundational model. GPUs
developed by the Chinese AI company founded by
have become essential for more complex tasks, such as large-
entrepreneur Liang Wenfeng.
scale data processing and cryptocurrency mining.
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• The project also includes plans for AI data centres in Odisha. • This was corroborated by studying additional craters in the vicinity.
• The idea is that institutions and researchers use GPUs and
bring in innovations. Geological Features of the Landing Site
 Since these GPUs are available now, students and • The Shiv Shakti point is characterised by diverse terrain
researchers can make models on a large-scale instead types. Researchers identified three distinct terrain types –
of working in an ad hoc manner. high-relief rugged terrain, high-relief smooth plains, and low-
relief smooth plains.
About IndiaAI Mission • The landing site itself is situated in the low-relief smooth
• Launched in March 2024, it is a comprehensive plains, which were determined to be the oldest among the
initiative aimed at fostering AI research, development, studied terrains.
and innovation in India. • The Pragyan rover’s exploration revealed a diverse range of
• Funding: 5-year public-private partnership model. rock samples.
• Implementing Agency: ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business • Among the 5,764 rocks examined, 525 measured over 5
Division under Digital India Corporation. metres in length.
• Objectives: Strengthening public-private partnerships • Notably, the largest rocks were found near a fresh crater,
to accelerate AI research & development.
indicating that this area had experienced less space
 Deployment of over 10,000 GPUs to enable high-
weathering.
performance AI computing.
 Establishing AI supercomputing facilities like • This fresh crater, located 14 km south of the landing site,
AIRAWAT at C-DAC, Pune. provides vital information about the geological processes at
 Ensuring ethical AI practices, data transparency, play.
and accessibility.
• The launch of AIKosha, the AI Compute Portal, and other
About Chandrayaan-3
IndiaAI initiatives marks a major step in democratizing
AI access, fostering research-driven innovation, and • Chandrayaan-3 was India’s third lunar exploration
strengthening India’s global AI leadership. mission, launched by the Indian Space Research
• The event brought together government officials, Organisation (ISRO).

researchers, industry leaders, and startups, fostering • The mission aimed to explore the moon’s surface,
collaboration to build an AI-powered future for India. particularly the south pole region.
• The Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover were key
components of this mission. They provided crucial
Shiv Shakti Point: 3.7 Billion years old data about the lunar surface and its geological history.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s
landing site, known as Shiv
Shakti point, is estimated to Reimei : World’s 1st Hybrid Quantum
be around 3.7 billion years Supercomputer
old. This age coincides with
the emergence of primitive
microbial life on Earth.

Age Estimation of the

Landing Site
• Scientists from ISRO’s Physical Research Laboratory
conducted a detailed analysis of the landing site.
• They used high-resolution imaging techniques to study the
crater and rock distribution.
• The age of the region was established by examining 25 Engineers in Japan have successfully activated Reimei, the
craters, revealing an age of approximately 3.7 billion years. world’s first hybrid quantum supercomputer.
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Key Facts GSLV and LVM3, and is preparing for the Gaganyaan human
• The 20-qubit quantum computer has been seamlessly spaceflight mission.
integrated into Fugaku, the world’s sixth-fastest • Third Launch Pad (TLP) will be designed to support Next
supercomputer, marking a significant milestone in high- Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV), LVM3 vehicles with
performance computing. Semi-cryogenic stages, and scaled-up NGLV configurations.
• Unlike most quantum computers that rely on superconducting • It will involve significant industry participation and utilize
qubits, Reimei utilizes trapped-ion qubits—a technology that ISRO’s experience from earlier launch pad establishments.
isolates charged atoms (ions) in an electromagnetic ion trap
The facilities at the existing launch complex will be shared to
and uses lasers to precisely manipulate their quantum states.
maximize efficiency.
• The integration of Reimei into Fugaku aims to tackle complex
• The project is targeted to be completed within 48 months (4 years).
calculations that traditional supercomputers struggle with,
particularly in physics and chemistry research. • The total fund requirement is Rs. 3984.86 Crore for the
establishment of the TLP and associated facilities.

USA launched Stargate Project

About Satish Dhawan Space Center
The United States has launched a significant initiative under
the “Stargate Project” to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI) • SDSC SHAR is located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh,
capabilities. on a spindle-shaped island between the Pulicat Lake
and the Bay of Bengal.
Stargate
• It is the Spaceport of India, a leading centre of ISRO,
• Stargate is a $500 billion initiative designed to establish a
and provides world-class launch infrastructure for
comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the
satellite and launch vehicle missions for national and
United States over the next four years.
international customers.
 It is a collaborative effort between OpenAI, SoftBank,
and Oracle, with an in-itial $100 billion investment. • The centre, originally known as SHAR (Sriharikota
• The project involves constructing massive data centers and Range), was renamed in 2002 to honor Prof. Satish
campuses across the country to support the development Dhawan, former ISRO Chairman.
and deployment of AI technologies at scale. • SDSC SHAR became operational on October 9, 1971,
• Stargate is envisioned as a critical step toward re- with the launch of ‘Rohini-125’, a small sounding
industrializing the United States and enhancing its rocket.
technological capabilities.

Satish Dhawan Space Center: TLP to be First Detailed Map of Moon’s South Pole
established Researchers from Physical
Research Laboratory (PRL)
The Union Cabinet, Ahmedabad, Panjab University
chaired by Prime Minister Chandigarh, and ISRO’s
Narendra Modi, approved Laboratory for Electro-Optics
the establishment of the Systems in Bengaluru created
Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the first detailed map of the
the Satish Dhawan Space Moon’s south pole. They used
Centre. data from the Pragyan rover.

Key Facts Key Facts

• Launch Pad refers to a platform or area used to launch • Chandrayaan-3‘s Vikram lander deployed the Pragyan rover
rockets or other vehicles into space. for a nine-day mission. The rover analysed the chemical
composition of the lunar regolith.
• Currently, India relies on two launch pads: First Launch Pad
(FLP) and Second Launch Pad (SLP). • This mission marked the first landing in a high-latitude polar
region, providing unique vital information about the moon’s
• FLP has been operational for 30 years, supporting PSLV
geological history.
and SSLV. SLP, operational for 20 years, primarily supports
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• Data collected by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer India’s First Hyperloop Test Track completed
confirmed the presence of primordial magma beneath the
lunar surface. This discovery supports earlier theories about
an underground ocean of molten rock. Previous missions
had indicated magma’s existence but lacked detailed data
from polar regions.
• The new geological map reveals a landscape of highlands
and flat plains. Researchers traced secondary craters to
determine the primary impact source, Schomberger.
• The region’s age is estimated at around 3.7 billion years,
coinciding with early microbial life on Earth. This suggests
parallel evolutionary paths for both Earth and the moon.

IIT Madras has completed a 410-meter Hyperloop test track,

LingoSat : World's first wooden satellite marking a milestone in futuristic transportation. The Mumbai-
Pune corridor will be the first full-scale Hyperloop project in
Japan recently launched LingoSat, a
India.
wooden satellite, that marks milestone
in space exploration. Key Features:
• Hyperloop pods can reach up to 1200 km/h with an
Key Highlights
operational speed of around 360 km/h.
• This unique wooden satellite is the
• It operates within a vacuum-sealed environment, minimizing
first of its kind to be sent into Earth’s
resistance and energy consumption.
orbit. It was delivered by the International
• It provides direct, point-to-point travel without intermediate stops.
Space Station, diverging from traditional
• Due to reduced air resistance and friction, Hyperloop
rocket launches.
systems are expected to be highly energy-efficient.
• Built as a collaborative effort between Kyoto University and
• Hyperloop could drastically reduce travel times between
Sumitomo Forestry in Japan, LingoSat aims to assess the cities, making long-distance commutes more feasible.
viability of wood as a material for satellites.
• The primary aim of LingoSat is to evaluate how wood behaves About Hyperloop Technology
in the harsh conditions of space. Its sensors will monitor the
A Hyperloop is a high-speed transportation system where
wood’s reaction to extreme temperature fluctuations and
pods, functioning as pressurized vehicles, move at
radiation exposure.
extraordinary speeds through low-pressure tubes.
• The satellite will orbit Earth for six months, providing valuable
data on wood’s durability and performance in space.
Nano Bubble Technology launched for water
Construction and Design purification
• LingoSat measures
just 10 cm and weighs
900 grams. It is crafted
from Honeki Magnolia
wood panels.
• The construction
process utilised a traditional Japanese wood joinery method,
eliminating the need for metal screws or adhesives. This Union Ministry of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change
innovative design enhances the satellite’s environmental launched Nano Bubble Technology at the National Zoological
credentials. Park, Delhi, offering a groundbreaking approach to water
purification.
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Key highlights:
About Nano Bubble Technology • It is Developed with support from the Biotechnology Industry
• It is a cutting-edge method of improving water quality Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and brought to market
by using incredibly tiny bubbles, called nanobubbles. by Wockhardt under the name Miqnaf.
These bubbles are so small (less than 200 nanometers • The development of Nafithromycin took 14 years of research
in diameter) that they are invisible to the naked eye. and an investment of ₹500 crore, with clinical trials conducted
• Unlike regular bubbles that rise to the surface and in the U.S., Europe, and India.
pop, nanobubbles remain suspended in the water for
• It is designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial
a long time. This allows them to interact with pollutants
Pneumonia (CABP) caused by drug-resistant bacteria,
and break them down.
particularly affecting vulnerable groups like children, the
• Nanobubbles have a strong negative charge, which
elderly, and immune-compromised patients.
helps them attract and break down impurities in the
water. They can remove algae, organic waste, and • The antibiotic is ten times more effective than azithromycin,
even oil and grease. with a three-day treatment regimen that is safer, faster, and

• Nanobubbles can also increase the amount of oxygen better tolerated by patients.
dissolved in the water. • Nafithromycin is the first new antibiotic in its class to be
developed globally in over 30 years and is poised to tackle
the global AMR crisis.
Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) launched
The Indian National Centre for Ocean
Information Services (INCOIS) has Willow: Google launched Quantum Processor
developed a newer version of its own
Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT). Google launched its latest
quantum processor named
Key Facts about SARAT ‘Willow,’ which created
• SARAT was first launched in 2016. significant achievement in the
• SARAT 2.0 improves accuracy and usability potential of quantum computers
based on feedback from extensive Coast Guard operations. to tackle practical problems.
• Significance:
 Enhances efficiency in search and rescue operations. Key Facts
 Supports the Coast Guard and other agencies in saving • Willow has 105 physical
lives by reducing search areas. qubits and operates at extremely low temperatures.
 Incorporates feedback from real-life operations for • It boasts better error correction and faster performance than
improved reliability. other quantum computers.
• It can operate at near absolute zero temperatures (-273.15°
About INCOIS
C) for maximum stability.
• INCOIS operates as an autonomous organization • The coherence time of Willow’s data qubits is about 100
under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in India. microseconds, improved by error correction protocols.
• It is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana. • Willow’s architecture allows for lower error rates with more
• It monitors the Indian Ocean using a network of buoys, qubits.
tide gauges, and satellites. This data is used to provide • Google tested Willow using Random Circuit Sampling (RCS),
a range of oceanographic information and forecasts. a computationally hard task, which Willow completed in a few
minutes, outperforming classical computers by a massive
Nafithromycin: India’s first indigenous margin.

antibiotic launched
India has launched Nafithromycin, the Ministry of Science and Technology launched
country’s first indigenously developed Operation Dronagiri
antibiotic targeting antimicrobial
Recently, Operation Dronagiri was launched by the Ministry of
resistance (AMR).
Science and Technology.
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Key Highlights • Renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, are
• Operation Dronagiri is a pilot project under National used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis of water.
Geospatial Policy 2022 to demonstrate the potential • The captured CO2 is combined with hydrogen in the
applications of geospatial technologies and innovations in presence of a catalyst to produce methanol. This process
improving the quality of life of citizens. typically occurs at high pressure and temperature.

• In the first phase, Operation Dronagiri will be implemented Benefits of CO2-to-Methanol Conversion
in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra
• It provides a way to utilize CO2, reducing its impact on the
Pradesh & Maharashtra.
atmosphere.
• The pilot projects will be demonstrated to showcase the
• Methanol can be used as a fuel for transportation, power
potential applications of integration of geospatial data and
generation, or as a feedstock for chemicals.
technology in 3 sectors –Agriculture, Livelihoods, Logistics
• Methanol can be stored and transported more easily than
and Transport.
hydrogen, making it a potential energy storage solution
and supporting a transition to hydrogen-based energy
Meningitis : Nigeria becomes first country to systems.
develop vaccine • Methanol is widely used in producing chemicals, solvents,
and plastics, supporting diverse industrial applications.
Nigeria has become the first country in the
world to introduce a new,
highly effective vaccine against About Methanol
meningitis.
• Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood
Key highlights: alcohol, is the simplest alcohol. It’s a clear, colorless,
• Meningitis is a dangerous and flammable liquid with a distinctive odor.

inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and • Key Properties: Colorless, Miscibility (mixes completely
spinal cord. with water), Toxic if ingested, Flammability.

• It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites and

can lead to serious complications, including brain damage,
Indian-named Structures in Indian Ocean
hearing loss and learning disabilities.
Three underwater geographical structures located in the
• Bacterial meningitis, specifically caused by the
Indian Ocean have been awarded names proposed by India.
meningococcus bacteria, is a particular concern in Africa. A
All three names were proposed by India and approved by the
region of 26 countries known as the “African meningitis belt”
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)and UNESCO’s
stretches across the continent, including Nigeria.
IOC.
• The vaccine, called Men5CV, is recommended by the World
Health Organization (WHO) and offers protection against five Key facts
strains of the meningococcus bacteria in a single shot. • Location and Discovery: The structures are located along the
Southwest Indian Ridge in the Indian Ocean.
 Discovered by oceanographers from the National Centre
World’s first CO₂ to Methanol Plant
for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa.
inaugurated  Discovery occurred during an international survey
At its Vindhyachal plant, NTPC exploration programme.
achieved the first-ever synthesis of • Names: Ashoka Seamount (named after rulers of the
CO2 (captured from flue gas) and Mauryan dynasty): Discovered in 2012 by the Russian vessel
hydrogen (from a PEM electrolyzer)
Akademik Nikolay Strakhov, covering 180 sq km.
into methanol.
 Chandragupt Ridge (named after rulers of the Mauryan
Key Highlights dynasty): Discovered in 2020 by the Indian vessel MGS
• CO2 is captured from industrial Sagar, covering 675 sq km.
sources like power plants or  Kalpataru Ridge (third structure.: Also discovered in 2012
directly from the atmosphere. by the same Russian vessel, covering 430 sq km.
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Srijan: IndiaAI and Meta launched the Center  These infrared fingerprints can enable researchers to
pinpoint and quantify strong greenhouse gas emissions.
for Generative AI
IndiaAI and Meta have launched the Center for Generative
AI, Srijan, at IIT Jodhpur, alongside the “YuvAI initiative” in NASA discovered Cheyava Falls on Mars
partnership with AICTE. NASA’s Perseverance rover found a rock named Cheyava Falls
on Mars.
Center for Generative AI, Srijan
• The GenAI CoE aims to advance research and development About Cheyava Falls of Mars
in AI while fostering the growth of responsible and ethical AI • Cheyava Falls measures 3.2 feet
technologies in India. by 2 feet (1 metre by 0.6 metres).
• It will support and enhance open science innovation across • It is named after a waterfall in the
the AI technology landscape. Grand Canyon.
• It is situated at the northern edge
of Neretva Vallis, an ancient river valley that is 400 metres
About YuvAi Initiative wide, formed by ancient water flow into Jezero Crater. It
• Meta, in collaboration shows signs of organic material and evidence of past
water flow.
with MeitY and the
• It contains organic compounds, which are the building
All-India Council for
blocks of life, though these can also form through non-
Technical Education
biological processes.
(AICTE), launched the “YuvAi initiative for Skilling and
• It has large white veins of calcium phosphate and reddish
Capacity Building”.
bands of haematite.
• The program aims to bridge the AI talent gap in the
country by empowering 100,000 students and young Agnibaan–SOrTeD : World's first 3D printed
developers aged 18-30 to leverage open-source rocket engine
large language models (LLMs) to address real-world Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian Space
challenges. Technology start-up launched “Agnibaan –
• This will include: SOrTeD,” the world’s first rocket powered
 The establishment of a Gen AI Resource Hub with by a fully 3D-printed engine.
courses, case studies, and open datasets.
 An LLM for Young Developers Course designed by Key highlights
Meta. • It was launched at Sriharikota from
 Master Training Activation Workshops to introduce India’s first privately built launchpad,
participants to foundational AI concepts. called “Dhanush.” The launch is not
only a big step forward in technology,
but it also makes India a leader in the
NASA launched Tanager-1 Satellite aerospace industry when it comes to
using new production methods like 3D printing.
NASA has recently launched the Tanager-1 satellite to track
methane emissions. • Agnikul Cosmos’ use of 3D printing technology to make rocket
motors makes the manufacturing process a lot easier. This new
Key Facts idea cuts costs, shortens wait times, and makes the rocket
• The satellite will use imaging spectrometer technology to more reliable and efficient. India has also developed and built
track methane and carbon dioxide emissions. a semi-cryogenic engine from scratch for the first time.
• It will do so by measuring hundreds of wavelengths of light • The launch also showed how well government organizations
that are reflected by Earth’s surface. like IN-SPACe and the Indian Space Research Organization
 Different compounds in the planet’s atmosphere — (ISRO) could work together and help each other.
including methane and carbon dioxide — absorb different • Developing “Agnibaan – SOrTeD” meant overcoming many
wavelengths of light, leaving spectral “fingerprints” that difficulties linked to putting the launch vehicle together and
the imaging spectrometer can identify. making it work.
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in News

Chandrayaan-5 Mission • GSLV-F15 is the 17th flight of India’s Geosynchronous

Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and 11th flight with
The Union Government
Indigenous Cryo stage.
has approved the
Chandrayaan-5 mission to • Over these 100 launches ISRO has lifted 548 satellites to
study the Moon. orbit.

Chandrayaan Missions NavIC

• Chandrayaan-1 (2008): • It is a regional navigation
Made chemical, satellite system established
mineralogical, and by Indian Space Research
photo-geological maps Organisation (ISRO).
of the Moon in • NavIC was erstwhile known
• Chandrayaan-2 (2019): as Indian Regional Navigation
Its lander crashed, Satellite System (IRNSS).
but the orbiter sent • NavIC is designed with a
hundreds of images of constellation of 7 satellites
the Moon’s surface. and a network of ground
• Chandrayaan-3 (2023): It was a follow-on mission to stations operating 24 x 7.
Chandrayaan-2, to demonstrate end-to-end capability in  Three satellites of the
safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. It was able constellation are placed
to have the Vikram lander successfully soft-land on the in geostationary orbit
moon’s south pole region on August 23, 2023. and four satellites are
• Chandrayaan-4 Mission: It is expected to be launched placed in inclined
in 2027. It will aim to collect samples of the lunar soil geosynchronous orbit.
from the moon and bring the back to the earth for further • The ground network consists of a control centre, precise
study. timing facility, range and integrity monitoring stations, two-
way ranging stations, etc.
• Chandrayaan-5 Collaboration with Japan: The mission
will be conducted in association with Japan. Unlike the • NavIC offers two services: Standard Position Service (SPS)
Chandrayaan-3 mission, which carried a 25-kg rover, for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for strategic
Chandrayaan-5 will carry a 250-kg rover to study the users.
Moon’s surface.  It provides location accuracy better than 20 meters
and timing accuracy better than 40 nanoseconds
across the core service area.
ISRO’s 100th Launch • The NavIC coverage area includes India and a region up
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched to 1,500 kmbeyond the Indian boundary.
its historic 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space  NavIC SPS signals are interoperable with the other
Centre in Sriharikota. global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals
namely GPS, Glonass, Galileo and BeiDou.
Key Highlights
• GSLV F15 carried the NVS-02 navigation satellite placing About Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit
it into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
• The GTO allows satellites to be positioned into
 The NVS-02 is the second satellite in the NVS
geostationary orbits, where they can maintain a
series, and part of India’s Navigation with Indian
fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface.
Constellation (NavIC).
• This is crucial for communication and weather
 It is designed to provide accurate positioning
satellites that need to monitor specific areas
services across India.
continuously.
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Chandrayaan-4 Key Highlights

India will launch the Chandrayaan-4 • The CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital
mission to bring back samples of Plant Studies) experiment, developed by the Vikram
moon rocks to the Earth in 2027. Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), successfully sprouted
cowpea seeds in just four days. This experiment aims to
Key Highlights understand plant growth in microgravity, crucial for future
• Chandrayaan-1: It was long-duration space missions.
launched in 2008 and was
• The setup involves growing eight seeds in a controlled,
India’s first lunar mission. It
closed-box environment with active thermal management.
made India the fifth country to
reach the Moon. • The experiment is fully automated and designed to last
 The mission’s most significant discovery was the between five to seven days, focusing on demonstrating
presence of water molecules on the lunar surface, seed germination and sustaining growth until the two-leaf
a finding confirmed by NASA. stage.
• Chandrayaan-2: It was launched in 2019 with an orbiter, • This achievement occurred shortly after the PSLV-C60
a lander (Vikram), and a rover (Pragyan).
SpaDeX mission, which launched on December 30,
 The mission aimed to achieve a soft landing on the
2024, carrying 24 payloads, including the innovative PS4-
lunar surface, but ISRO lost contact with the lander
Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4).
just before touchdown, resulting in a crash landing.
 Despite this setback, the orbiter continued
functioning and provided crucial data on the About POEM
Moon’s surface and atmosphere.
• The PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) serves
• Chandrayaan-3: A follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2,
successfully achieved a soft landing on the Moon’s as a stabilised platform for conducting various
south pole in 2023. experiments in space.
 Lander payloads: Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical • It is equipped with solar panels and a Li-Ion battery,
Experiment (ChaSTE) to measure the thermal enabling it to power multiple payloads.
conductivity and temperature; Instrument for Lunar
• POEM’s advanced navigation system includes sun
Seismic Activity (ILSA) for measuring the seismicity
sensors, gyros, and a magnetometer, ensuring
around the landing site etc.
precise attitude control.
 Rover payloads: Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer
(APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown • This stabilised platform represents upgrade over
Spectroscope (LIBS) for deriving the elemental previous orbital platforms, enhancing the scientific
composition in the vicinity of landing site. capabilities of the experiments onboard.

ISRO successfully sprouts cowpea seeds in Aditya-L1

Space The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released
The Indian images of the Sun, captured by the Aditya L1 satellite during
Space Research a major geomagnetic storm.
Organisation
(ISRO)
announced
the successful
sprouting of
cowpea seeds in
space, marking a major milestone in agricultural research
beyond Earth.
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in News

Key Facts • Significance of PHTA: Essential for the development of

• The two remote sensing payloads, namely the Solar ISRO’s semi-cryogenic engine.
Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) and the Visible
Cryogenic Stage in Launch Vehicles
Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), along with other
• A cryogenic engine/cryogenic stage is the last stage of
payloads, captured images from the Lagrange point in
space. space launch vehicles which makes use of cryogenics to
store its fuel and oxidiser as liquids instead of gas.
• The images clearly show magnetically active regions with
large solar flares on the Sun’s surface • In space, there is a lack of air, including oxygen, which
means it is impossible to burn anything.
• The solar emissions depict the relative brightness of
sunspots, umbra, penumbra, and plages. • To fix this, rockets carry their own oxygen, known as an
oxidiser, mixed with fuel to burn it in space.
Lagrangian Points
• These are specific locations in space where the About Cryogenics
gravitational forces of two large bodies, such as the • Cryogenics is the study of materials and processes at
Earth and the Moon or the Earth and the Sun, balance the extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C.
centrifugal force experienced by a smaller object, such • It primarily involves the use of cryogenic fluids such as
as a satellite. liquid nitrogen (LN2), liquid oxygen (LOX), and liquid
• There are five Lagrangian points, labelled L1 through L5, hydrogen (LH2).

in the three-dimensional space surrounding two large • Applications in Various Fields: Space, Medical, Food
bodies in orbit around each other. Preservation, Industrial gases, Superconductivity etc.

• L1, L2, and L3 are located on a line that connects the

two large bodies and are unstable equilibrium points, CE20 Cryogenic Engine
meaning an object placed there will not stay in that
The Indian Space
position without continuous propulsion.
Research Organisation
• L4 and L5, on the other hand, are located at the third
(ISRO) successfully
corners of a tetrahedron formed by the two large bodies
conducted an ignition trial
and their barycenter, and are stable equilibrium points,
meaning an object placed there will remain in that position of the CE20 cryogenic

without propulsion. engine.

Key Highlights
Power Head Test Article (PHTA) This engine powers the
The Indian Space Research upper stage of the Launch
Organisation (ISRO) recently Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).
successfully conducted the The test took place at the
Power Head Test Article High-Altitude Test Facility
(PHTA) on a semi-cryogenic in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
engine (SE2000).
Significance of the CE20 Engine
Key points: • The CE20 engine is essential for the Gaganyaan mission.
• Purpose of PHTA: Validates
• It is designed to operate under vacuum conditions and
the integrated performance of
can generate thrust levels between 19 tonnes to 22
critical subsystems, including:
Gas generator, Turbo pumps, Pre- tonnes.
burner, Control components. • The engine’s successful ignition is milestone in India’s
space exploration efforts.
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Gaganyaan Mission
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and European Space Agency (ESA) signed a Technical Implementing Plan (TIP) for
ground tracking support for India’s Gaganyaan mission.

Key Facts  Shared use of resources like the ISS fosters

• The TIP enables ESA to provide ground station support, ensuring cost-effective research and development.
continuous data flow and communication with the Orbital Module • Technological Exchange:
for monitoring and orbital operations during the Gaganyaan  Mutual benefits in technology demonstration
mission. and physiological studies.
 Opportunities to advance biomedical research
Gaganyaan Mission critical for long-duration space missions.
• Key Objectives: Demonstrate human spaceflight capability to a 400 • Future-Ready Collaboration:
km orbit for a 3-day mission and safely return them to Earth.
 Joint efforts on BAS could position both agencies
 Conduct scientific experiments in microgravity. as leaders in space station interoperability.
• Timeline:  Educational and outreach programs enhance
 Uncrewed Flights: 2024-2025. global interest and participation in space
 Crewed Mission: Targeted for 2025. exploration.
• Components:
 GSLV Mk III (LVM3): Modified as a Human-Rated Launch
Vehicle.
 Crew Module (CM): Houses astronauts with life-support The ISRO-ESA agreement
systems. is a landmark step in fostering
 Service Module (SM): Provides propulsion and power.
international collaboration in human
 Crew Escape System (CES): Ensures astronaut safety during
spaceflight and research.
emergencies.
• Technological Innovations: With shared missions like Axiom-4
 Life-support systems and India’s ambitious Bharatiya
 Radiation protection Antariksh Station, the partnership is
 Parachute-assisted Sea recovery set to accelerate advancements in
space exploration while inspiring
Strategic Implications
future generations of scientists and
• Advancing Human Spaceflight:
astronauts.
 Cooperation strengthens both ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission
and ESA’s human spaceflight initiatives.
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NEWS
SIPRI Report : 2020-24
According to the Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute (SIPRI), Ukraine became the world’s largest importer of major arms in the
period 2020–24.

Key Highlights
• Top five arms importers: Ukraine, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
 These five countries accounted for 35 percent of global arms imports.
• Top five arms exporters: The USA, France, Russia, China and Germany.
 These exporters contributed 72 percent of total global arms exports.
• The US increased its share of global arms exports to 43 percent, whereas Russia’s arms exports declined by 64 percent.
• China accounted for 5.9 percent of global arms exports in 2020–24, a slight decline from its share in 2015–19.

India’s Initiatives to Reduce Arms Imports

• Budget: Rs 6.21 lakh crore allocated for defence in Budget 2024-25, with 75% of capital procurement reserved for domestic
manufacturers.
 Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN) portal launched to facilitate procurement from Indian vendors.
• Production: India’s defence production reached a record value of Rs 1. 27 lakh crore in 2023-24, a 174% rise from 2014-15.
 The top three destinations for India's defence exports in 2023-24 were the US, France, and Armenia.
• Positive Indigenization Lists: Five ‘Positive Indigenization Lists’ comprising defence items have been released. These lists place
an embargo on the import of these items, ensuring they are produced within India.
• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Prioritizes domestic procurement over foreign purchases.
 Introduced categories like "Buy (Indian-IDDM)" (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured).
 Promotes Make-I and Make-II projects to encourage private-sector participation in defence manufacturing.
• Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs): Two corridors established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to boost defence manufacturing.
• Private Sector & FDI Participation: 74% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) via the Automatic Route and 100% via the Government
Route in defence manufacturing.
 21% of India's total defence production now comes from the private sector.
• Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs): India has 16 DPSUs, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Ltd
(BEL), and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.
 Major indigenization projects led by DPSUs include INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier), LCA Tejas (advanced
fighter jet developed by HAL).
• R&D & Innovation: iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) initiative promotes startups and MSMEs in developing cutting-edge
military technology.
• Future Goals: India is aiming for Rs 1.75 lakh crore worth of defence production in 2025, with a target of Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029.
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Fort William renamed as Vijay Durg strategic objectives in space and integrate India’s space
capability in military operations.
• Space assets are essential in modern defense but
increasingly vulnerable to threats like anti-satellite weapons,
cyber-attacks, and space debris.
• As space is becoming increasingly congested, contested,
and competitive, the space exercise intends to identify
vulnerabilities in conduct of operations in the event of denial
or disruptions of space-based services.

Mission Shakti
• On March 27, 2019, the Defence Research
Fort William in Kolkata, the headquarters of the Eastern Army and Development Organisation
Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg. (DRDO) from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
Island in Odisha, successfully
Key points: neutralised a satellite in space with
• The first Fort William was constructed by the British East India its anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test
Company in 1696 along the eastern banks of the Hooghly
‘Mission Shakti’, a part of the Indian
River. It was named after King William III of England.
Ballistic Missile Defence Programme.
• The fort is known for its irregular octagonal structure and
• Test objective: Mission Shakti aimed to demonstrate India's
arched windows.
ASAT capabilities by destroying a defunct Indian satellite
 There are six gates: Chowringhee, Plassey, Calcutta,
in a low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately
Water Gate, St Georges and the Treasury Gate. The
283 kilometres. The entire effort was indigenous, which
Maidan, the largest park in India, is located in front of the
demonstrated the Nation’s capability to develop such
fort.
complex and critical missions.
• In 1756, Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah of Bengal attacked and
• The weapon used: The Prithvi Delivery Vehicle Mark-II (PDV
captured the fort, leading to the infamous ‘Black Hole of
Calcutta’ incident. MK-II), developed by India's DRDO, collided with and
destroyed an Indian Microsat-R satellite in flight. It was the
• After the British regained control following the Battle of
country's first ASAT missile test.
Plassey (1757), a new and more fortified structure was built
between 1758 and 1781 under the command of Robert Clive. • With this test, India joined an exclusive group of space faring
nations consisting of the USA, Russia and China.

Antariksha Abhyas: First-ever space exercise Defence Space Agency (DSA)

conducted • The Defence Space Agency (DSA)
is a specialized agency of the
Government of India responsible
for enhancing the country’s
capabilities in space and ensuring
the security of India’s space
assets.
• DSA plays a crucial role in
safeguarding national security, supporting
defense operations, and promoting India’s interests in outer
space.
The first-ever space exercise, ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024,’ was
hosted by the Defence Space Agency (DSA), in New Delhi. • Created in 2018, it is an integrated tri-services agency of
the Indian Armed Forces headquartered in Bengaluru,
Key Facts Karnataka.
• Exercise Antariksha Abhyas is a first of its kind exercise • It is tasked with operating the space-warfare and Satellite
being conducted and is expected to help secure national Intelligence assets of India.
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Indian Army unveiled Eklavya Digital Platform

The Indian Army’s Eklavya platform is a significant step towards
modernizing military education and training.

Key Facts
• Eklavya platform aligns perfectly with the Indian Army’s
“Decade of Transformation” initiative and Indian Army’s theme
for 2024 as the “Year of Technology Absorption.”
• It has been developed by Bhaskaracharya National Institute of
Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N).
• Key Features of Eklavya:
 The platform is accessible to Army officers across the country, eliminating the need for physical attendance at training
institutions.
 Officers can access a wide range of courses and resources tailored to their specific needs and career goals.
 The platform promotes continuous learning by providing regular updates on the latest military doctrines, technologies, and
best practices.
 Eklavya fosters collaboration among officers through discussion forums, webinars, and other interactive features.

2025: Year of Defence Reforms

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the “Year of Defense Reforms,” signifying a commitment to modernizing
and strengthening its armed forces.

Key Facts
• A strong and modern military is essential to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and strategic interests.
• It ensures readiness to address multi-domain conflicts, including cyber, space, and traditional warfare.
• It will enhance tri-services synergy by integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force under unified commands.
 Each command will address specific geographical challenges using shared resources.
 Optimizes resource utilization and ensures joint operations across domains.
• Technological Advancements: Emphasis on cybersecurity, space operations, and emerging technologies like:
 Artificial Intelligence (AI)  Machine Learning (ML)
 Hypersonic systems  Robotics
 Focus on multi-domain integrated operations.
• Streamlined Procurement: Simplification of acquisition processes for faster capability development.
 Promotion of indigenous manufacturing and global competitiveness.
 Collaboration and Integration: Breaking silos across defense stakeholders.
 Encouraging public-private partnerships and technology transfers.
 Collaboration between defense and civil industries.
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Defence Exercises in News

Defence Exercises Descriptions

Winged Raider • The Indian Army recently completed training exercise named Ex Winged Raider. Exercise
Winged Raider focused on special airborne operations and brought into light the importance
of inter-service collaboration.
• Conducted in the Eastern Theatre, the exercise showcased the Indian Army’s and Indian
Air Force’s (IAF) commitment to enhancing their operational readiness and synergy.
• Airborne operations play a vital role in modern military strategy. They enable swift and
decisive action, essential for responding to evolving security challenges.
• The exercise allowed troops to refine their skills, ensuring they are prepared for any
contingency. Ex Winged Raider aimed to improve the capabilities of both the Indian Army
and the IAF.
• It involved rehearsing various airborne insertion techniques using both fixed-wing and
rotary-wing aircraft. This training is crucial for ensuring troops can be rapidly deployed in
diverse operational environments.

Komodo • The Indian Navy, represented by INS Shardul and P8I Long Range Maritime Surveillance
aircraft, participated in Exercise Komodo 2025.
• First launched in 2014, it is a non-combat military exercise aimed at fostering maritime
cooperation among friendly nations.
• It is a multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indonesian Navy in Bali, Indonesia.
• This aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision,
strengthening maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
• It enhanced interoperability with ASEAN Navies and QUAD partners.

Sanyukt Vimochan • The Indian Army successfully conducted the Sanyukt Vimochan 2024 in Gujarat. It is a
Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise.
• It showcased India’s disaster response readiness and involved various Indian armed
forces, disaster management agencies, and foreign delegations.
• The exercise began with a Table Top Exercise (TTX), simulating a cyclone scenario in
Gujarat’s coastal region.
• The second day featured a Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration at Porbandar’s
Chowpatty Beach, where coordinated logistics, rapid response, and disaster management
operations were practiced by the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and other
agencies.
• The demonstration included rescue operations, casualty evacuation, and the rehabilitation
of affected citizens.

Surya Kiran • The 18th edition of Exercise SURYA KIRAN took place in Saljhandi, Nepal from 31st
December 2024 to 13th January 2025.
• It is an annual joint military exercise conducted alternately between India and Nepal.
• It aims to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations, and
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) under the United Nations Charter.
• It focuses on operational preparedness, aviation aspects, medical training, and environment
conservation.
• It aims to improve combat skills, coordination, and operational capabilities of troops to
function effectively in challenging situations.
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Defence Exercises Descriptions

Desert Knight • India, France, and the UAE have conducted “Desert Knight, defence exercise.
• Nations Involved: India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Location: Conducted over the Arabian Sea, approximately 350-400 km southwest of
Karachi.
• Objectives: Strengthen trilateral defence cooperation and enhance combat skills and
interoperability among the air forces of the three nations.
• Desert Knight aligns with India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which emphasizes
cooperation with like-minded nations to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific
region.

Agni Warrior • The Indian Army and the Singapore Army concluded the 13th edition of Exercise Agni
Warrior (XAW), in Maharashtra.
• Held in India since 2004, XAW is conducted under the ambit of the Army Bilateral
Agreement, and highlights the warm and long-standing defence relationship between
Singapore and India.
• The aim of XAW-2024 was to maximise mutual understanding of drills and procedures to
achieve jointness as a multinational force under the United Nations Charter.

CINBAX • The 1st edition of joint table top exercise CINBAX, between the Indian Army and the
Cambodian Army held at Foreign Training Node, Pune (India).
• Exercise CINBAX is a planning exercise designed to simulate joint Counter Terrorism (CT)
operations conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• The exercise will be carried out in three phases and will include discussions on information
operations, cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, logistics and casualty management, HADR
(Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) operations etc.

Harimau Shakti • The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI, held
recently at Bentong Camp, Pahang district, Malaysia.

• This exercise, held till December 15, 2024, is an annual event designed to enhance the
military cooperation between the two nations.

• It aims to improve joint military capabilities in conducting counterinsurgency operations in

jungle terrain and to enhance defense cooperation between India and Malaysia, thereby
fostering stronger bilateral relations.

• It also improves the bilateral military relations between India and Malaysia.

• This is the 4th edition of the joint exercise, with the previous edition conducted in November
2023 at Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya, India.

Garud Shakti • The 9th edition of India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI held
at Jakarta, Indonesia.
• The first edition was conducted in the year 2012 in India.
• Aim: To acquaint both the sides with each other’s operating procedures, enhance
mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of
both armies.
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Defence Exercises Descriptions

Austrahind • The 3rd edition of joint military Exercise AUSTRAHIND held at Foreign Training Node,
Maharashtra (India).
• Started in 2022, is an annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Australia.
• Aim of Exercise AUSTRAHIND is to promote military cooperation between India and Australia
through enhancement of interoperability in conduct of joint sub conventional operations in
semi-urban environments in semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the UN mandate.

VINBAX • The 5th Edition of Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise “VINBAX-2024” commenced at
Ambala, India.
• Instituted in 2018, exercise VINBAX is an annual training event conducted alternatively in
India and Vietnam.
• Aim of the exercise is to foster collaborative partnership, promote inter-operability and
share best practices between the two sides under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter on
Peace Keeping Operations.
• This edition marks a significant increase in the scope with Bi Service level participation for
the first time by personnel of Army and Air Force from both the countries.

Poorvi Prahar • The Indian Army conducted a high-intensity tri-services exercise Poorvi Prahar in the
forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
• To hone the combat effectiveness of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in executing
Integrated Joint Operations in the challenging mountainous terrain of the region.
• It aims to utilization of advanced fighter aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, helicopters,
and M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers and employment of innovative technologies like Swarm
Drones and Loitering Munitions.

Vajra Prahar • The 15th edition of India-US joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar held at Orchard
Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA.
• Initiated in 2010, the exercise will enhance combined capabilities in executing joint Special
Forces Operations in desert/ semi desert environment.
• Aim of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is to promote military cooperation between India and the
US through enhancement of interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special
operations tactics.
• Bilateral Military Exercises: Yudh Abhyas (Army), Cope India (Air Force), Tiger Triumph (Tri-
Service) and Sangam (Naval Special Forces).
• Multilateral Military Exercises: Malabar (Navy), Rim-of-the-Pacific (RIMPAC, Navy), Milan
(Navy), La Perouse (Navy), Pitch Black (Air Force), and Red Flag (Air Force).

SIMBEX • The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) held in the
Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam.
• SIMBEX, which began as ‘Exercise Lion King’ in 1994, holds the distinction of being the
longest continuous naval exercise that the Indian Navy has with any other country.
• SIMBEX 2024 will be conducted in two phases – the Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam and
the Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal.
• This year’s edition aims to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and
Singapore by enhancing interoperability, improving maritime domain awareness, and
fostering cooperation to address common maritime challenges.
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Naseem-Al-Bahr • The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman recently concluded a bilateral naval exercise,
‘Naseem-Al-Bahr’ off the coast of Goa.
• Initiated in 1993, the exercise was conducted in two phases: the harbour phase and the
sea phase.
• The exercise reaffirms India’s commitment to constructive collaboration and mutual growth
with like-minded nations in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Oman is a crucial pillar of India’s West Asia Policy and its oldest regional strategic partner.
• Also, Oman is the first Gulf country with which all the three wings of India’s defense forces
hold joint exercises.
• The exercise Eastern Bridge is conducted between the Air Force of the two countries, while
the exercise Al–Najah is conducted between the Army of the two countries.

Malabar • The maritime exercise Malabar 2024, the most comprehensive version of all editions so far,
held at Visakhapatnam, India.
• The Malabar series of exercises began as an annual bilateral naval exercise between India
and the United States in 1992.
• However, it has evolved into a key multilateral event aimed at enhancing interoperability,
fostering mutual understanding, and addressing shared maritime challenges in the Indian
Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.
• Japan joined the naval exercises in 2015 and Australia rejoined the exercise in 2020 after
having last participated in 2007.

Vishanu Yudh Abhyas • The drill took place over five days in Ajmer district, Rajasthan. It is conducted under the
National One Health Mission (NOHM).
• It aims to assess pandemic preparedness and response to zoonotic disease outbreaks.
Zoonotic Diseases include infections spread between people and animals, such as avian
influenza, Nipah, and Zika, caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi.
• Outcome: The drill provided valuable insights to improve India’s preparedness and response
to zoonotic disease outbreaks and promoted a coordinated and efficient approach across
relevant

Eastern Bridge VII • The 7th edition of Exercise Eastern Bridge, between the Royal Oman Air Force and the
Indian Air Force, held at Air Force base Masirah, Oman.
• The 1st edition of bilateral exercise Eastern Bridge was also held at Oman in 2009.
• Exercise Eastern Bridge VII aims to improve tactical and operational skills, foster mutual
understanding and bolster the ability of both air forces to collaborate effectively in diverse
scenarios.
• The exercise included complex aerial maneuvering, air to air and air to ground operations,
and logistical coordination, reflecting the evolving defense needs and strategic interests
of both nations.

AL NAJAH • The 5th edition of India-Oman joint military Exercise AL NAJAH held in Salalah, Oman.
• Exercise AL NAJAH has been held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and
Oman. Last edition of the same exercise was conducted at Mahajan in Rajasthan.
• Aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake
counter terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• Exercise AL NAJAH allowed both sides to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques
and procedures for joint operations.
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Pitch Black • Exercise Pitch Black 2024 concluded in Darwin, Australia. It is a biennial, multi- national
exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
• The name ‘Pitch Black’ was derived from the emphasis on night time flying over large un-
populated areas.
• The 2024 edition is the largest in the 43-year long history of Ex Pitch Black, which includes
participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel of various
air forces. The Indian Air Force (IAF) also participated in the exercise.

Khaan Quest 2024 • Indian Army contingent participated in the Multinational Military Exercise ‘Khaan Quest’ at
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
• The exercise first started as a bilateral event between USA and Mongolian Armed Forces
in the year 2003.
• Subsequently, from the year 2006 onwards the exercise graduated to a Multinational
Peacekeeping Exercise with the current year being the 21st iteration.
• Exercise KHAAN QUEST enabled the participating countries to share their best practices
in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for conduct of joint operations.
• The exercise also facilitated developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie
between soldiers of the participating countries.

Tarang Shakti • Tarang Shakti is the IAF’s largest multilateral exercise. It aims to showcase India’s defence
capabilities and enhance cooperation among the participating militaries.
• In this exercise, 11 countries were participated. These countries include Australia, France,
Germany, Greece, Japan, Spain, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom,
the USA, and Singapore. Eighteen other countries were attended as observers.
• It featured flying and ground training, defence exhibitions, and cultural exchange programs.
Defence personnel from the participating countries will also visit Indian tech companies.
• India displayed its indigenous fighter aircraft and equipment, including the Tejas, Rafale,
Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MIG 29.

RIMPAC • Recently, the Indian Navy deployed the indigenous stealth frigate INS Shivalik for Ex
(Rim of the Pacific) RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) was held in Hawaii. Theme of RIMPAC 2024: ‘Partners:
Integrated and Prepared’.
• It is a biennial event, hosted by the United States, that brings together naval forces from
various countries to foster cooperative relationships and enhance maritime security in the
Indo-Pacific region. It is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.
• Approximately 29 nations, including the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and
India, 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more
than 25,000 personnel participated in the Ex RIMPAC.

JIMEX • The bilateral Japan – India Maritime Exercise 2024 (JIMEX 24) held at Yokosuka in Japan.
It is the eighth edition of JIMEX, since its inception in 2012.
• The Indian Navy (IN) was represented by INS Shivalik and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense
Force (JMSDF) was represented by the Guided Missile Destroyer JS Yugiri.
• It provides an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices and facilitates
operational interactions between India and Japan.
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HOPEX • The IAF Rafale fighter jets were in Egypt for Ex- HOPEX. Earlier, IAF concluded the ‘Red
Flag’ exercise ay Alaska.
• Exercise HOPEX is a joint military exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Egyptian
Air Force.
• The aim of this exercise is to promote bilateral and regional cooperation, which is a symbol
of the long-standing relations between the two countries.
• The C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 tankers were participated in the exercise. .

DUSTLIK Military • The 5th edition of India- Uzbekistan joint military Exercise Dustlik was held
recently. Exercise DUSTLIK is a yearly event conducted alternatively in India
and Uzbekistan.
• The Exercise was conducted from 15th to 28th April 2024 at Termez, the Republic
of Uzbekistan. The last edition was conducted at Pithoragarh (India) in February
2023.
• The aim of Exercise Dustlik is to foster military cooperation and enhance combined
capabilities to execute joint operations in mountainous as well as semi-urban terrain.

SHAKTI • The 7th edition of India- France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI held at Umroi, in
Meghalaya. Exercise “Shakti” is a biennial event conducted alternatively in India and
France.

• The last edition took place in France in 2021.

• The joint exercise focuses on operations in the semi-urban and mountainous terrain.

Gagan Shakti • Indian Air Force’s (IAF) MiG-21 fighter planes took part in pan-India exercise, Gagan
Shakti-2024.
• It was last held in 2018, during which the IAF completed over 11,000 sorties during the
two-phase air manoeuvres. It seeks to showcase IAF’s capability to carry out high-tempo
operations and involves all air bases and assets scattered across the country,
• Gagan Shakti-2024 was conducted at various locations across the country, including the
Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer.
• The Indian Army provided logistics support for the mega exercise, facilitating a
comprehensive pan-India movement of IAF personnel and ammunition in order to validate
the Operational Rail Mobilisation Plan (ORMP) aspects of the IAF.

AUSTRAHIND-23 • The Indian Armed Forces contingent took part in the second edition of Joint Military
Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23 held in Perth, Australia.

• It is a joint military exercise between India and Australia.

• The exercise promoted exchange of ideas and jointly rehearse tactics, technique and
procedures for conducting tactical operations.

• It aimed to foster collaborative partnership and share best practices between the two
sides

• Other Exercises between India and Australia: Exercise AUSINDEX, Exercise Pitch
Black.
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Exercise VARUNA 2025 • The 23rd edition of the annual naval ‘Exercise VARUNA’ between India and France has
been concluded in the Arabian Sea.
• It was started in 2001 to enhance interoperability and operational synergy between India
and France.
• VARUNA 2025 features a series of drills and manoeuvres involving underwater, surface,
and air operations.
• Other India-France Exercises : Exercise Shakti: Indian and French Armies; Exercise Garuda:
Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air and Space Force (FASF).

BONGOSAGAR • The 4th edition of Exercise BONGOSAGAR was conducted between India and
Bangladesh navies in the Northern Bay of Bengal.
• It aims to develop a high degree of interoperability and joint operational skills through
the conduct of a wide spectrum of maritime exercises and operations between the two
navies.
• Indian Navy Ships Kuthar, Kiltan and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Dornier participated
in the exercise.

SAMPRITI • India and Bangladesh conducted the 11th edition of annual joint military exercise
SAMPRITI in Umroi, Meghalaya.

• This exercise, which alternates between the two nations, highlights the strong bilateral
defense cooperation between them. SAMPRITI, initiated in 2009, aims to boost
interoperability, share tactical expertise, and promote best practices between the Indian
and Bangladeshi armies.

• The exercise focuses on enhancing cooperation and interoperability while conducting

Sub-Conventional Operations as per Chapter VII of the UN mandate.

MILAN–24 • The Mid Planning Conference (MPC) of MILAN 24 (Multilateral Naval Exercise – 2024)
was hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.
• MILAN is Biennial multilateral naval exercise. It was started by Indian Navy in 1995.
• The exercise began with the participation of just four countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, and Thailand.
• Over the years, it has grown in terms of both the number of participants and the complexity
of exercises. In 2022, 39 countries participated in Milan exercise.
• The exercise originally aligned with India’s ‘Look East Policy’. It later expanded to include
more countries as part of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and the Security and Growth for All in
the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
• This expansion involved nations from both the western Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and
the countries along the IOR coast.

KAZIND-2023 • Indian Army and Indian Air Force contingent took part in 7th edition of Joint Military
‘Exercise KAZIND-2023’ held in Kazakhstan.

• The Joint Exercise between India and Kazakhstan was instituted as ‘Exercise PRABAL
DOSTYK’ in 2016. After the second edition, the Exercise was upgraded to a company-
level exercise and renamed as ‘Exercise KAZIND’.

• The Exercise has been further upgraded as a Bi-service Exercise this year by including
the Air Force component.
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Exercise Prachand Prahar • The Indian Armed Forces recently conducted a high-level tri-service integrated multi-
domain exercise, Prachand Prahar, in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The exercise showcased the seamless integration of advanced surveillance, strike
capabilities, and multi-domain operational planning.
• Cutting-edge platforms such as long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, armed
helicopters, UAVs, loitering munitions, and space-based assets were employed to
achieve total situational awareness and rapid target engagement.
• Prachand Prahar follows Exercise Poorvi Prahar, conducted in November 2024, which
focused on the integrated application of aviation assets.

Air Defender-23 • The multinational exercise, Air Defender-23 made history as the largest air force
deployment exercise conducted by NATO.
• This joint endeavor involved 25 nations coming together to train in the airspace above
Europe in a display of transatlantic solidarity.
• Air Defender 23 witnessed the participation of approximately 10,000 servicemen and
women from 25 nations.
• Participating Nations: A total of 25 nations actively participated in Air Defender 23. These
include Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

India-France-UAE Partnership • The first-ever India-France-UAE Maritime Partnership Exercise recently took place in the
Gulf of Oman.
• This exercise marked a significant milestone in strengthening trilateral cooperation
among the navies of India, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• With the objective of improving joint strategies and ensuring maritime security, the
exercise witnessed the participation of several naval assets and the execution of various
operations.
• The exercise unfolded in the Gulf of Oman, a strategic maritime region known for its
crucial trade routes and geopolitical significance.

Jal Rahat • The Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps, in collaboration with various disaster management
groups, recently conducted a joint flood relief drill called ‘Exercise Jal Rahat’ in Assam.

• The drill took place at Hagrama Bridge on the Manas River in Assam, aiming to enhance
flood relief preparedness ahead of the monsoon season.

• The exercise emphasized coordination among multiple agencies and focused on efficient
rescue operations and the utilization of innovative strategies.

• Exercise Jal Rahat aimed to strengthen the preparedness of flood relief efforts.

Samudra Shakti • India and Indonesia recently conducted bilateral naval exercise Samudra Shakti-23.
• The primary purpose of the Samudra Shakti exercise is to enhance interoperability and
mutual cooperation between the naval forces of India and Indonesia.
• By conducting joint exercises and sharing best practices, the navies aim to strengthen
their operational capabilities and foster regional peace and stability.
• The indigenously built anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kavaratti, Dornier Maritime
Patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopter took part in this exercise from Indian side.
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35th CORPAT • The 35th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the
Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy was conducted.
• The 35th Indo-Thai CORPAT is another step towards enhancing Indian Navy’s efforts
to consolidate inter-operability and forge strong bonds of friendship between India and
Thailand.
• Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari, an indigenously built LST (L) and His Thai Majesty’s Ship
(HTMS) Saiburi, a Chao Phraya Class Frigate, along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from
both navies participated in the CORPAT along the International Maritime Boundary Line
(IMBL) in the Andaman Sea.

ASEAN-India Maritime (AIME) • Two Indian Naval Ship (INS) Satpura and Delhi participated in the inaugural ASEAN-India
Maritime Exercise (AIME) in Singapore.
• AIME is a maritime exercise between India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
• Its aim is to provide an opportunity for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work closely and
conduct seamless operations in the maritime domain.
• The exercise was held in two phases: ‘Harbour Phase’ of the exercise is scheduled to be
held at Changi Naval Base and ‘Sea Phase’ in the South China Sea.

SLINEX-2023 • The 10th annual SLINEX-2023 bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka
held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• The exercise was divided into two phases, the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase, each
lasting three days.
• The Indian Navy was represented by INS Kiltan and INS Savitri, while the Sri Lanka Navy
was represented by SLNS Vijayabahu and SLNS Samudura.
• In addition, the exercise also included participation from the Indian Navy’s Chetak
helicopter and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, as well as Sri Lanka Air Force’s Dornier
and BEL 412 helicopters. The exercise also featured the Special Forces of both navies
working together.

Sea Dragon • Exercise Sea Dragon 23 is the third edition of the coordinated multi-lateral ASW exercise
for Long Range MR ASW aircraft, conducted by the US Navy.
• The Exercise aims to achieve high levels of synergy and coordination between the
friendly navies, which is based on their shared values and commitment to an open,
inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• The exercise, scheduled from March 15 to March 30, 2023, focused on coordinated ASW
tactics among the participating countries and will involve advanced ASW drills.
• Exercise Sea Dragon 23 tested the capabilities of participating aircraft in tracking
simulated and live underwater targets, whilst also sharing mutual expertise.

Dharma Guardian • The 4th edition of joint military exercise ‘DHARMA Guardian-2023’ was held between
India and Japan at Belgaum, Karnataka.
• The exercise was held to share experiences gained during operations, in order to
enhance interoperability in the planning and execution of various operations in jungle &
semi-urban/ urban terrain.
• The Year 2022 also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
• This joint exercise will enable the two armies to share best practices in tactics, techniques
and procedures of conducting tactical operations under a UN Mandate, It will also help
develop inter-operability, bonhomie, camaraderie and friendship between the two armies.
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Operation Bold Kurukshetra • Recently, Joint India- Singapore exercise ‘Bold Kurukshetra’ concluded at Jodhpur.
• The Singapore Army and Indian Army participated in the 13th edition of Exercise Bold
Kurukshetra, a bilateral armour exercise at Jodhpur Military Station, India.
• For the first time in the exercise series, both armies participated in a command post
Exercise, which involved Battalion and Brigade level planning elements and computer
wargaming.
• The ten-day long joint training fostered common understanding of mechanised warfare
in emerging threats and evolving technologies, developing inter-operability through a
computer simulation-based Wargame using joint operational and tactical procedures
controlled through a joint command post.

TROPEX-2025 • TROPEX 25 recently conducted over a period of three months from January to March 25.
• It is the largest biennial maritime exercise organized by the Indian Navy, featuring
substantial participation from Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Coast Guard assets.
• It is executed in multiple phases—both in Harbour and at Sea—integrating various facets
of combat operations, including cyber and electronic warfare, live weapon firings during
the Joint Work Up Phase, and the Amphibious Exercise (AMPHEX).

Exercise INDRA 2025 • The 14th edition of the India-Russia bilateral naval exercise, INDRA 2025, was recently
concluded.
• The exercise included a wide range of activities and structured drills designed to enhance
interoperability towards countering common maritime threats.
• The INDRA series of exercises have been a cornerstone of India-Russia Defence
relations since its inception in 2003 and both countries recognise the importance of
maritime security and the need for a collaborative approach to counter common threats
and concerns.

Defence Equipment in News

Defence Equipment Descriptions

Sanjay - Battlefield Surveillance • BSS has been indigenously & jointly developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics
System (BSS) Limited (BEL).
• These systems will be inducted to the Indian Army in three phases in 2025. Year 2025 has
been declared as the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• SANJAY is an automated system which integrates the inputs from all ground and aerial
battlefield sensors. The BSS is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and cutting-edge
analytics.
• It will monitor the vast land borders, prevent intrusions, assess situations with unparalleled
accuracy and prove to be a force multiplier in Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance.
It will enhance battlefield transparency and transform the future battlefield through a
Centralised Web Application.
• It will provide inputs to Command & Army Headquarters, and the Indian Army Decision
Support System.
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Bhargavastra • India has successfully tested the Bhargavastra, its first micro-missile system designed to
counter swarm drones.
• The Bhargavastra system successfully hit designated virtual targets over 2.5 kilometres
away, demonstrating high precision and effectiveness.
• It can detect medium to large UAVs up to 10 kilometres and small drones up to 6 kilometres
away, making it effective against a wide range of aerial threats.
• Bhargavastra can be mounted on mobile platforms, enabling rapid deployment and
adaptability to diverse operational terrains, including high-altitude regions.

Nag Mark 2 Missile • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently conducted
successful field evaluation trials of the Nag Mark 2 missile.

• This third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile was tested at the Pokhran field
range in Rajasthan. The trials demonstrated exceptional precision and reliability, effectively
destroying all designated targets.

• The Defence Ministry confirmed that the trials validated the missile’s firing range capabilities.

• Nag Mark 2 is a third-generation anti-tank guided missile developed in India. It features

fire-and-forget technology, allowing operators to lock onto targets before launch.

• This technology ensures precision strikes without requiring further guidance after launch.

• The missile is designed to neutralise modern armoured threats, making it a vital addition to
India’s defence arsenal.

Nirdeshak • The Indian Navy is set to commission the latest survey ship, Nirdeshak, at Naval Dockyard,
Visakhapatnam.
• Nirdeshak is the second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) Project and is built at GRSE
Kolkata.
• It is designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, aid in navigation, and support maritime
operations.
• This 110-meter-long vessel, with a displacement of approximately 3800 tons, is
powered by two diesel engines and is equipped with state-of-the-art Hydrographic and
Oceanographic Survey Equipment.
• The ship has an endurance of over 25 days at sea and a top speed exceeding 18
knots.

K-4 Ballistic Missile • The Indian Navy successfully tested the K-4 ballistic missile from the INS Arighat
submarine, enhancing India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

• K-4 or Kalam-4, code-named after former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, is a solid-fuelled
nuclear capable ballistic missile developed by DRDO.

• Its range is extended to 3,500 km.

• K-4 will strengthen India’s weakest leg of the nuclear triad. The land and air vectors, with
the Agni ballistic missiles and fighter jets with nuclear gravity bombs, are relatively more
robust.
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Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket • France is considering India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) system for its
Launch (MBRL) System
requirements and is soon going to carry out a detailed evaluation of the system.
• The Pinaka MBRL system was developed by the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO). The system is named after “Pinaka,” a mythical weapon used by
Lord Shiva.
• It has the capability to hit targets at 75 kilometers and beyond. The Pinaka MBRL is capable
of launching a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, which makes it an effective weapon for
quickly overwhelming enemy defenses.
• Armenia became the first export customer for the indigenously developed Pinaka with
interest expressed by several countries in the system.

INS Samarthak • The Indian Navy celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of Samarthak.
• It is designed for various roles, including towing, launching and recovering targets,
operating unmanned vehicles, and testing indigenous weapons.
• It is the first vessel under the Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) project at L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli.
• The launch, aligned with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India
initiatives. This launch underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing indigenous
shipbuilding capabilities and self-reliance in maritime defense.

Very Short-Range Air Defence • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted
System (VSHORADS) three flight tests of the 4th Generation Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
• It is an indigenously developed Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD).
• VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System developed by the Research Centre
Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.
• It aimed at high-speed targets, demonstrated critical capabilities in maximum range and
altitude interception.

Akashteer Systems • In response to escalating global security concerns, the Indian Army has significantly boosted
its air defence capabilities by acquiring 100 Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting
Systems (ADCRS).
• Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• These systems will play a vital role in protecting India from aerial threats, including missile and
rocket attacks.
• Akashteer integrates radars, sensors, and communication technologies to provide a real-time
battlefield view, allowing the military to swiftly detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats.

INS Arighaat • It features several technological upgrades compared to its predecessor, INS Arihant.
• Both submarines share the same reactor and dimensions but Arighaat incorporates
advanced design and manufacturing technology.
• The submarine involved advanced technology, special materials, and skilled workmanship.
It includes indigenous systems and equipment developed by Indian scientists and industry.
• INS Arighaat enhances India’s nuclear triad, which includes land-based missiles, aircraft,
and nuclear-powered submarines (SSBNs) with ballistic missiles. It strengthens India’s
nuclear deterrence and contributes to maintaining regional strategic balance.
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Rudram-1 • India successfully test-fires new generation anti-radiation missile ‘Rudram-1’

• Rudram-1 allows the IAF to conduct Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) operations
deep within enemy territory, neutralizing critical air defense installations and paving the
way for other aircraft to operate safely.
• The missile acts as a force multiplier by enhancing the survivability and effectiveness of
air operations.

Zorawar • India has successfully conducted the field firing trials of its new indigenous light tank
‘Zorawar‘, a highly versatile platform capable of deployment in high-altitude areas.
• Zorawar has been developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development
Establishment (CVRDE), a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO), in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd.
• It is named after the 19th century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, who led military expeditions
to Ladakh and Western Tibet.
• The tank will be able to navigate steep mountains and cross water bodies like rivers far
more easily than its forerunners such as the heavy-weight T-72 and T-90 tanks.

Gaurav • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight
Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) test of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), named GAURAV.
• The test was carried out from a Su-30 MK-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of
Odisha.
• GAURAV is a 1,000 kg class air-launched glide bomb. It is designed for long-distance targeting.
• It uses a hybrid navigation system combining Inertial Navigation System (INS) and GPS for
accurate targeting.

Agni-Prime Ballistic Missile • Recently, the new generation ballistic missile Agni-Prime was successfully flight-tested by the
Strategic Forces Command (SFC) along with the DRDO from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island
off the coast of Odisha.
• It is a two-stage, surface-to-surface, canister-launched, road-mobile, and solid-fueled medium-
range ballistic missile.
• The Agni-Prime is equipped with a dual redundant navigation and guidance system. It has a
range between 1000 to 2000 km. The missile is lighter than all the earlier Agni series of missiles.
• It features significant upgrades to the composite motor casing, a Manoeuvrable Reentry Vehicle
(MaRV), along with improved propellants, navigation, and guidance systems.

RudraM-II Missile • RudraM-II missile was successfully tested from a Su-30 fighter jet off the coast of Odisha.
The test, which was run by the Indian Air Force (IAF) with help from the Defence Research
and Development Organization (DRDO), met all of its goals and confirmed the accuracy of
the missile’s control, tracking, and propulsion systems. Along the flying path, instruments
like radar, telemetry, and electro-optical systems checked the data.
• Rudram is the first anti-radiation weapon. It uses passive homing head technology to
destroy enemy radar and communication systems. It does a good job of locking on to
targets even if the source of radiation stops working during the attack phase.
• The RudraM-II is part of a line that includes the RudraM-1, which is mostly used for
Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), and the RudraM-3, which will have a longer
range. These developments are the result of work done together by DRDO, IAF, and
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
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Defence Equipment Descriptions

Rampage Missile • Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy have inducted a new weapon into their arsenal -
the Rampage missile. It is a long-range, supersonic, air-to-ground missile capable of hitting
targets up to 250 kilometres away.
• Known as the High-Speed Low Drag-Mark 2 Missile in the Indian Air Force, it was extensively
used by the Israeli Air Force in recent operations against Iranian targets.
• The Rampage missile has been integrated into the Russianorigin aircraft fleet of the Indian
Air Force, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar fighters.
• The Indian Navy has inducted the missile into its MiG-29K naval fighter jets.

Mahendragiri • India’s latest warship, Mahendragiri launched at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in
Mumbai.
• Mahendragiri is the seventh and last stealth frigate of Project 17A.
• Mahendragiri is named after a mountain peak in Eastern Ghats located in the state of
Odisha.
• It was developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
• It has been incorporated with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors
and platform management systems.

C-295 Tactical Transport Aircraft

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) proudly inducted its first C-295 medium tactical transport
aircraft

• The C-295, hailing from the Airbus family, represents the latest generation of highly
versatile tactical transport aircraft.

• It is purpose-built to handle a wide spectrum of missions, ranging from troop and

cargo transport to maritime patrol, signals intelligence, and medical evacuation.

• One of the standout features of the C-295 aircraft is its remarkable payload
capacity. Capable of carrying up to nine tonnes of cargo or accommodating as
many as 71 troops, this aircraft is engineered to excel in a variety of operational
scenarios. It boasts a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots, ensuring swift and
efficient transportation.

INS Mormugao
• The Indian Navy recently achieved a significant milestone as the guided missile
destroyer INS Mormugao successfully conducted its maiden firing of a Brahmos
Supersonic cruise missile.

• The successful Brahmos firing marked a significant achievement for INS Mormugao.
The destroyer, equipped with advanced weaponry and sensors, demonstrated its
capability to engage targets with precision and effectiveness.

• The successful Brahmos firing by INS Mormugao holds a special place in the Indian
Navy’s pursuit of self-reliance.

• It represents the country’s commitment to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities

and reduce dependency on external sources.
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Defence Equipment Descriptions

INS Vaghsheer
• Indian Navy has commenced sea trials for INS Vaghsheer, the sixth Scorpene
Submarine, developed under Project-75.

• Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine of the Kalvari class under Project-75, initiated its sea
trialsi.e. a crucial step brings the submarine closer to its delivery to the Indian Navy

• The sea trials are a comprehensive assessment of the submarine’s systems, including
propulsion, weapons, and sensors, ensuring their functionality and effectiveness.

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has been playing a significant role in the
nation’s submarine-building program, and the launch of Vaghsheer marks another
successful achievement for them.

Sukhoi 30 MKI
• The President of India Droupadi Murmu took a historic sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter
aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam.

• The President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, flew for
approximately 30 minutes covering Brahmaputra and Tezpur valley with a view of
Himalayas before returning to the Air Force Station.

• The aircraft was flown by Group Captain Naveen Kumar, Commanding Officer of the
106 Squadron. President Murmu is the third President and second woman President to
undertake such a sortie.

Agni-I Ballistic Missile • The Strategic Forces Command recently launched Agni-I missile from the APJ Abdul
Kalam Island in Odisha.
• The launch verified and confirmed the operational and technical aspects of the missile.
• With the ability to strike targets with a remarkable degree of precision, the Agni-I missile
showcased its effectiveness and showcased India’s dedication to enhancing its strategic
deterrent capability.
• The medium-range Agni-I ballistic missile has a strike range from 700-1200 kilometres
and weighs around 12,000 kilograms.
• It is also capable of carrying a payload of up to 1,000 kg.
• Agni-I was first tested in 1989 at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur, but they were
Short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM). Agni-I is used by the Strategic Force Command
(SFC) of the Indian Army.

MH60R • The Indian Navy recently achieved a significant milestone with its newest helicopter, the
MH-60R, also known as Romeo, successfully carried out its maiden landing and take-off
from INS Kolkata, an indigenously designed and constructed destroyer.
• The acquisition of the MH-60R helicopters is part of the Indian Navy’s strategy to
modernize its ageing naval helicopter fleet.
• The MH-60R helicopters offer advanced features and cutting-edge technologies that will
enhance the navy’s effectiveness in maritime operations.
• These helicopters significantly enhance the navy’s ability to counter underwater threats,
monitor maritime activities, and conduct surveillance operations.
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Defence Equipment Descriptions

Pralay Missile • The Indian armed forces are prepared to place orders for two more Pralay ballistic
missiles, at a cost of more than Rs 7,500 crore.
• Pralay is a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile.
• The missile has been developed to defeat interceptor missiles as it has the ability to
change its path midair.
• The missile is designed to destroy enemy radar, communication installations, command
centres and airfields.
• It is developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
• The Indian Air Force would be the first to receive the missile, and then the Indian Army.
• Its features are that it can hit targets 150-500 kms away.
• The missile guidance system has integrated avionics and cutting-edge navigation.
• The missile is powered by a solid propellant rocket motor. The composite propellant is
highly efficient and generates more energy compared to the propellant used in Agni
missile series.

INS Vagir • INS Vagir, the fifth submarine of the Kalvari Class submarines, was commissioned into
the Indian Navy.
• Indian Navy’s fifth stealth Scorpene class Submarine INS Vagir was commissioned into
the Indian Navy.
• The Navy has commissioned four Scorpenes, INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj and
INS Vela, till now. INS Vagir is the fifth one.
• Six Scorpene Class submarines are being built in India by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France.

LIST OF DEFENCE EXERCISES

Name of Exercise Type of Exercise Participating Country / Countries

KAZIND Military India and Kazakhstan

Malabar Exercise Navy Japan, US and India

Tiger Triumph Exercise Tri-services India and United States

Nomadic Elephant Military India and Mongolia

Him Vijay Exercise Military India

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LIST OF DEFENCE EXERCISES

Name of Exercise Type of Exercise Participating Country / Countries

Dharma Guardian Military India and Japan

Vajra Prahar Military India and US

Shinyuu Maitri Military India and Japan

Ex-Eastern Bridge-V Air Force India and Oman

DANX Exercise Tri-services Indian Army, Coastal Guard, Air force, Indian Navy

Sary-Arka-Antiterror Military Shanghai Cooperation Organization Members

Ausindex Navy India and Australia

Mitra Shakti VI Military India and Sri Lanka

Sampriti Military India and Bangladesh

Exercise Topchi Military India

IND-INDO-CORPAT Navy India and Indonesia

Operation Sunrise Military India and Myanmar

AFINDEX Military Africa and India

Mainamati Maitree Exercise Military India and Bangladesh

Exercise Vayu Shakti Air Force India

Cobra Gold Military Multi-national

IMBEX Military India and Myanmar

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LIST OF DEFENCE EXERCISES

Name of Exercise Type of Exercise Participating Country / Countries

Sea-Vigil Navy India

Operation Sankalp Navy India

Operation Sunrise-2 Military India and Myanmar

Kharga Prahar Military India

IMCOR Navy India and Myanmar

Varuna Navy India and France

SIMBEX Navy India and Singapore

ADMM-PLUS Navy Singapore and South Korea

Bold Kurukshetra Navy India and Singapore

Group Sail Exercise Navy US, India, Japan and Philippines

Maitree Military India and Thailand

SLINEX Navy India and Sri Lanka

Samudra Lakshmana Navy India and Malaysia

Yudh Abhyas Military India and US

Indo-Thai CORPAT Navy India and Thailand

AMUX Navy ASEAN Countries and US

Hand in Hand Military India and China

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National Sports Awards, 2024 • Major Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement:
 Instituted in 2002 for lifetime contributions to sports.
The President of India recently presented the National Sports
 First Recipients:
Awards 2024, honoring exceptional contributions to sports and
 Shahuraj Birajdar (Boxing)
adventure in India.
 Ashok Diwan (Hockey).
Award Categories
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy:
• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
 The oldest National Sports Award,
India’s highest sporting honor, established

instituted in 1956–57.
in 1991-92. It was earlier known as Rajiv
 Named in honor of Shri Abul Kalam
Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Azad, India’s first Education
 Recognizes outstanding performance
Minister and a freedom fighter.
over a period of four years.
 First Recipient: Bombay University.
 Named After: Major Dhyan Chand
• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar:
(1905–79), an iconic hockey legend
 Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar
who led India to three consecutive
introduced by the government in 2009 is
Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, and 1936).
given to corporate entities (both private
 First Recipient : Vishwanathan Anand (Chess)
and public sector), Sports Control Boards,
 2024 Awardees:
NGOs, including sports bodies at the State
 Gukesh D (Chess)
and National level, who have played a visible
 Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
role in the area of sports promotion and
 Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
development.
 Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
• Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award:
• Arjuna Award:
 It has been presented since 1993-1994
 Instituted in 1961, it was India’s highest
and is named after Tenzing Norgay, one of
sporting honor before the Khel Ratna
the first two individuals to reach the summit
came into being. Named after the
of Mount Everest along with Edmund Hillary
Mahabharata character Arjuna.
in 1953.
 Awarded for consistent good
performance over 4 years.  The recipients are honored for their
 Winners receive a statuette of Arjuna, "outstanding achievement in the field
a certificate, and a cash prize. of adventure activities on land, sea and
 Named After: Arjuna, the legendary air" over the last three years.
warrior from the Indian epic Mahabharata.
 First Recipient: P.K. Banerjee (Football).
Booker Prize, 2024
• Dronacharya Award: England's novelist Samantha Harvey has won
 Instituted in 1985, this is India’s highest the prestigious Booker Prize 2024 for her novel
honor for coaches. “Orbital”.
 Awarded for producing medal winners
Key Highlights:
at prestigious international events.
• Harvey’s book is a unique exploration of
 Named After: Dronacharya, the guru of
life aboard the International Space Station.
Arjuna in Mahabharata.
It reflects on human connections and the
 First Female Recipient: Renu Kohli
beauty of Earth.
(Athletics).
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• The novel was inspired by the isolation experienced during • Best Actress: Nithya Menen (Thiruchitrambalam) and Manasi
the COVID-19 pandemic. Parekh (Kutch Express)
• “Orbital” is described as a space pastoral. It features six • Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty was honored with the
astronauts orbiting Earth. The narrative unfolds over 16 Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2022.
sunrises and sunsets. The confined setting amplifies the
characters’ interactions. Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, 2024
• Harvey’s writing captures the fragile beauty of the planet. Former President of Chile, Veronica
Michelle Bachelet Jeria was awarded
About Booker Prize the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,
Disarmament and Development 2024.
• The Booker Prize carries a £50,000 award.
• It is open to English-language novels published in the Key Highlights:
UK or Ireland. • Instituted in 1986, the award is
• Winning the prize often transforms an author’s career. given annually by the Indira Gandhi
Memorial Trust and consists of a
• This year’s prize was important for various reasons. It
monetary award of Rs 25 lakh along with a citation.
marked the first Booker win for a British author since 2020.
• The award is named after Indira Gandhi, the first and only
woman Prime Minister of independent India.
70th National Film Awards • It aims to honor women, men and institutions that have done
exemplary work in the service of humanity and the planet Earth.
President Droupadi Murmu gave away the
70th National Film Awards to the winners • Recipients are chosen from a pool of national and international
in various categories. nominees.
• In 2023, it was presented to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad.
Key Facts
• National Film Awards are the most
prestigious awards, which are
Dadasaheb Phalke Award, 2022
announced annually to honor the best Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty has
filmmaking talent across the country. been honored with the Dadasaheb
• It aims at encouraging the production Phalke Award, which is the highest
of films of aesthetic and technical recognition in Indian cinema. This
excellence and social relevance. prestigious award celebrates a
person’s lifetime contribution to the film
• The awards are given in three sections – Features, Non-
industry.
Features and Best Writing on Cinema.
The announcement was made by
About National Film Awards Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and
the award was officially presented on
• The awards were first presented in 1954 and were
October 8, 2024, at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony. This
known as the ‘State Awards’. At the time, only best films
comes soon after Chakraborty received another major honor, the
in different regional languages were recognised and
Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards He is the
awarded.
54th recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
• Separate awards for artists and technicians were
instituted in 1968 for the films of 1967. Mithun Chakraborty:
• Nargis Dutt and Uttam Kumar being the first actress and • Mithun Chakraborty, born in Kolkata,
actor to get the Best Actress and Best Actor Awards started his acting career in 1977. He made
respectively. a strong debut with the movie ‘Mrigayaa’,
which earned him a National Award.
Key Recipient of the National Film Awards, 2024
• His popularity skyrocketed in 1982 with
• Best Feature Film: Aattam (The Play)
the film ‘Disco Dancer’, a huge success
• Best Non-feature film: Ayena (Mirror)
that made him a household name across
• Best Actor: Rishab Shetty (Kantara)
India.
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Dadasaheb Phalke Award: About International Booker Prize:

• It is the country’s highest film honour introduced in 1969, • The International Booker Prize is a
conferred for “Outstanding contribution for the growth and prestigious literary award that recognizes
development of Indian cinema”. the best translated work of fiction from around
• It was awarded for the first time to Devika Rani, “the first lady the world. It was established in 2005.
of Indian cinema”. • The prize aims to encourage more publishing
• This award includes a 'Swarna Kamal,' a cash prize of and reading of quality fiction from all over the
`15 lakh, a certificate, a silk roll, and a shawl. It is presented globe, and to promote the work of translators
by the President of India. who bring these stories to an English-speaking
audience.
Ramon Magsaysay Award, 2024 • Books eligible for the International Booker
Recently, the 66th Ramon Magsaysay Prize must be translated into English and
Award 2024 was awarded to four published in the UK or Ireland.
individuals and an organisation. • Both the author and the translator share the prize money
equally, highlighting the essential role of translation in bringing
Ramon Magsaysay Awardees 2024 diverse voices to the English-speaking world.
• Karma Phuntsho (Bhutan) is being • In 2022, Geetanjali Shree for her Hindi novel 'Tomb of Sand'
honoured for bridging Bhutan’s rich heritage with modern received the prize.
challenges, inspiring young Bhutanese to embrace their
past while confidently moving forward.
• Miyazaki Hayao (Japan), co-founder of Studio Ghibli, is Jnanpith Award, 2024
being honoured for using animation to illustrate the human • Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla
condition, especially inspiring children as torchbearers of has been selected for the 59th
imagination. Jnanpith Award, India's highest
• Rural Doctors Movement (Thailand) is being recognized for literary honor.
improving public health and empowering rural citizens, • Established in 1961, the Jnanpith
ensuring no one is left behind in the country’s progress. Award recognizes exceptional
• Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong (Vietnam) is being honoured for contributions to Indian literature.
her research on Agent Orange’s/Dioxin’s impact and her • Shukla becomes the 12th Hindi writer to receive this
dedication to supporting its victims, highlighting the long- prestigious accolade, joining the ranks of literary giants like
term consequences of war. Mahadevi Verma and Kunwar Narayan.
• Farwiza Farhan (Indonesia) is being recognized for her • Vinod Kumar Shukla is renowned for transforming everyday
emergent leadership in protecting endangered natural moments into extraordinary tales. Among his most celebrated
resources, promoting social justice, and advocating for works are Naukar Ki Kameez and Deewar Mein Ek Khidki
responsible stewardship of nature. Rehti Thi. These novels exemplify his unique ability to find
profound meaning in simple, mundane experiences.
About Ramon Magsaysay Award
• The award, also known as the Nobel Prize of Asia, was
Mitra Vibhushana Award
established in 1958 by the trustees of the Rockefeller
• Recently, Prime Minister of India Narendra
Brothers Fund based in New York City.
Modi received this award during his state
• It is Asia’s premier prize and highest honour. It recognizes
visit to Sri Lanka.
the greatness of spirit shown in selfless service to the
• The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana is the
peoples of Asia.
highest civilian honour awarded by Sri
Lanka. It recognises foreign leaders who
International Booker Prize 2024 have encouraged strong ties with the
The Booker Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the nation.
literary world, has recently come under fire for the historical links • The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana was established in 2008 by
to slavery of its original sponsor, Booker Group. “Kairos” written then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
by Jenny Erpenbeck (translated by Michael Hofmann) has won • It aims to honour Heads of State and government officials
the 2024 International Booker Prize. who have shown solidarity with Sri Lanka.
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• The award is considered more prestigious than other national UN Champions of the Earth Award, 2024
honours in Sri Lanka.
The United Nations recognised ecologist
• It signifies the importance of international relationships in the Madhav Gadgil with the annual Champions
context of Sri Lankan diplomacy. of the Earth award for his seminal work in the
Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Key Facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was • UN Champions of the Earth Award was
awarded Kuwait’s highest honour launched in 2005 by the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP).
‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’.
• The award recognizes outstanding figures from the public
Key Highlights and private sector as well as civil society, whose actions
• It is the 20th international award have brought about a positive impact and a transformation
on the environment.
bestowed upon him by a country.
• The award is presented – Lifetime Achievement, Policy
• ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’
Leadership, Action and Inspiration, Entrepreneurial Vision
or the Order of Mubarak the Great,
and Science & Innovation categories.
is a knighthood order of Kuwait.
• Madhav Gadgil has been honoured in the “lifetime
• The award was instituted in 1974, achievement” category.
in the memory of Mubarak Al • Past Indian recipients: Narendra Modi (2018), Cochin
Sabah — also known as Mubarak al-Kabeer or Mubarak the International Airport (2018) and Afroz Shah (2016).
Great — who ruled Kuwait from 1896 to 1915. Under his
reign, Kuwait got more autonomy from the Ottoman Empire. OPCW-The Hague Award 2024
• It is awarded to Heads of State and foreign Sovereigns and
Indian Chemical Council (ICC) has won the 2024
members of foreign royal families in sign of friendship.
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical
• It has been previously awarded to foreign leaders like Bill Weapons (OPCW) The Hague Award.
Clinton, Prince Charles and George Bush.
Key Facts
• This is the first time the award has been given to
Olympic Order a chemical industry body.
• In 2013, OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its
Abhinav Bindra has been honoured with
extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
the Olympic Order for his outstanding
• To preserve the legacy of this achievement, the OPCW
contributions to the Olympic movement. He
established the ‘OPCW-The Hague Award’ in collaboration
is the first Indian to receive this prestigious
with the Municipality of The Hague in 2014.
award.
• The Award recognizes individuals and organizations that
Key points: play a significant role in advancing the goals of the Chemical
Weapons Convention.
• It is the highest award presented by the International Olympic
Committee (IOC). Abel Prize
• Established in 1975, it is awarded to individuals who have
Japanese mathematician Masaki Kashiwara was
rendered distinguished service to the Olympic Movement.
awarded this year’s Abel Prize. He was honored
• It can be bestowed upon IOC members, athletes, and other with the Abel Prize for his groundbreaking work
individuals who have made significant contributions to the in algebraic analysis, representation theory, the
development and promotion of the Olympic Games and its ideals. development of D-modules, and the discovery of
• The award comes in three grades: gold, silver, and bronze, crystal bases.
with the gold medal being the most prestigious. • Named after legendary Norwegian
• The recipients of the Olympic Order are chosen by the IOC’s mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802–
Executive Board. 1829), the prize was established by the Norwegian Parliament
• The award symbolizes the recipient’s dedication to the in 2002 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abel’s birth.
Olympic spirit and their contributions to promoting the values • First awarded in 2003, the Abel Prize is often regarded as the
of excellence, friendship, and respect in sports. Nobel Prize equivalent in mathematics.
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Nobel Prize in Physics, 2024

John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics
for their foundational contributions to machine learning using artificial neural networks
(ANNs). Artificial neural networks (ANNs), which process data through interconnected
nodes, have become well-known due to the popularity of AI apps like ChatGPT.
John Hopfield, a Geoffrey Hinton,
professor at Princeton a professor at the
University, developed University of Toronto,
Alfred Bernhard Nobel the Hopfield network, adapted the Boltzmann
a type of recurrent machine for cognitive
On 27 November 1895, Alfred neural network that tasks and created the
processes information restricted Boltzmann
Nobel signed his last will and
based on Hebbian machine (RBM).
testament, giving the largest John Hopfield Geoffrey Hinton
learning. It enables the It uses statistical
share of his fortune to a series storage and reconstruction of images physics to recognize features in data
of prizes in physics, chemistry, and patterns. and learns by recognizing patterns and
physiology or medicine, The Hopfield network is inspired by the generating new examples of the data on
literature and peace the physics of magnetic atoms, with neurons which it was trained, playing a significant
mimicking atoms’ energy-minimizing role in machine learning’s current growth
Nobel Prizes. In 1968, Sveriges
behavior to complete patterns or His work led to the development of deep
Riksbank (Sweden’s central denoise images. His 1982 paper laid the learning ANNs, with layers of neurons
bank) established The Sveriges foundation for using statistical physics in capable of complex tasks.
Riksbank Prize in Economic modeling neural circuits.
Sciences in Memory of Alfred
Nobel. Alfred Bernhard Nobel,
died on December 10, 1896. Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2024
The Nobel Prize for 2024 in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker “for computational
protein design” along with Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper “for protein structure
prediction”. Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the
body. They are made up of smaller units called amino acids, which are linked together
in long chains. There are 20 different types of amino acids, and the specific sequence
in which they are arranged determines the protein’s structure and function.

In 2003, In 2020, Demis Hassabis and

NOBEL PRIZE 2024
David Baker, John Jumper developed an
a professor at AI model called AlphaFold2,
the University as part of Google’s DeepMind
Physics of Washington, project, that was able to
succeeded predict the structure of
Chemistry in using virtually all the 200 million
Physiology these blocks proteins that researchers
David Baker Demis Hassabis
to design a have identified. It allows us
Literature new protein that was unlike any to better understand how
other protein. Since then, his life functions, including why
Peace
research group has produced some diseases develop, how
Economics one imaginative protein creation antibiotic resistance occurs
after another. or why some microbes can
decompose plastic.

John Jumper
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Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2024

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2024 was awarded jointly to Victor Ambros
and Gary Ruvkun "for the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene
regulation".
• Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun discovered microRNA, a new class of tiny RNA
molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation. Their groundbreaking discovery
revealed a completely new principle of gene regulation that turned out to be essential
for multicellular organisms, including humans. Victor Ambros Gary Ruvkun
• MicroRNAs are proving to be fundamentally important for how organisms develop and
function.

• The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is awarded by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Nobel Prize in Literature, 2024 Nobel Prize in Peace, 2024

The Nobel Prize in Literature 2024 is awarded The 2024 Nobel Prize for Peace has been awarded to Nihon
to the South Korean author Han Kang, “for her Hidankyo, a Japanese organisation of survivors of the
intense poetic prose that confronts historical Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings for its “efforts to
traumas and exposes the fragility of human achieve a world free of nuclear
life.” weapons”.
• It was announced by the Swedish • Founded on 10th August 1956,
Academy in Stockholm, Sweden. Han Kang it is composed of survivors from the

• She is the first South Korean and the first atomic bombings in Hiroshima and

Asian female Nobel laureate in literature. Nagasaki conducted by the United States in 1945.

• In 2016, Han Kang’s The Vegetarian became the first • The survivors, referred to as “Hibakusha” or “bomb-affected

Korean language novel to win the Man Booker International people,” played a pivotal role in leading the global movement

Prize. aimed at abolishing nuclear weapons.

Nobel Prize in Economics, 2024

The Nobel Memorial Prize in economics was awarded to Daron
Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A Robinson for their research
into differences in prosperity between nations.
• The three awardees “have demonstrated the importance of societal
institutions for a country’s prosperity”, the Nobel committee of the
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said, adding, “Societies with
a poor rule of law and institutions that exploit the population do not Daron Acemoglu Simon Johnson James A Robinson
generate growth or change for the better. The laureates’ research
helps us understand why.”

• Formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, the economics prize was
established by the central bank in 1968 as a memorial to the 19th-century Swedish businessman and chemist who invented
dynamite.

• He had established five Nobel Prizes — medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and peace.
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Gyanesh Kumar • The RBI Governor is appointed under the provisions of the
Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• Former IAS officer Gyanesh Kumar
• The Governor shall hold office for such term not exceeding
has been appointed as the Chief
five years as the Central Government may fix when appointing
Election Commissioner (CEC) of India,
them, and shall be eligible for re-appointment.
succeeding Rajiv Kumar.
• The RBI Act, of 1934 does not mention any specific
• The appointment was made by a
qualification for the governor and people with different
Selection Committee comprising
educational backgrounds were selected to head the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home
institution.
Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
• Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): It is headed by the
• The process has sparked controversy due to opposition
RBI governor, and is entrusted with the task of fixing the
objections and pending Supreme Court cases.
benchmark policy interest rate (Repo Rate) to contain
• Previous system of appointment:
inflation within the specified target level.
 The Election Commission of India (ECI) comprises a CEC
and two Election Commissioners (ECs).
 Earlier, there was no law passed by Parliament for K. Sanjay Murthy
the appointment of the CEC and ECs. The President
The President of India appointed K Sanjay
appointed the CEC on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Murthy as the new Comptroller and Auditor
 Traditionally, the senior-most Election Commissioner was
General (CAG) of India.
elevated to CEC.
 Seniority was determined based on the order of Key facts
appointment notification. • A 1989-batch IAS officer of the
• The new appointment process: Himachal Pradesh cadre, Murthy
The Chief Election Commissioner And Other Election
 succeeded Girish Chandra Murmu.
Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service And • He last served as the Secretary of the Department of Higher
Term of Office) Act, 2023 governs appointments now. Education.
 The process involves two stages:
 The Search Committee (headed by the Law Minister) Key highlights
shortlists five names. • CAG is an independent authority under the Constitution of
 The Selection Committee (PM, Leader of the India.
Opposition [LoP], and a Union Minister) chooses the • He is the head of the Indian audit & account department and
final candidate. chief Guardian of public purse.
 The President officially appoints the CEC based on this
• It is the institution through which the accountability of the
recommendation.
government and other public authorities (all those who
spend public funds) to Parliament and State Legislatures
Sanjay Malhotra and through them to the people is ensured.
• Constitutional Provisions
IAS officer Sanjay Malhotra has been
 Article 148 broadly deals with the CAG appointment,
appointment as the new Governor of the
oath and conditions of service.
Reserve Bank of India.
 Article 149 deals with Duties and Powers of the
Key Facts Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
• Sanjay Malhotra succeeded  Article 150 says that the accounts of the Union and of the
Shaktikanta Das as the 26th Governor States shall be kept in such form as the President may,
of the Reserve Bank of India. on the advice of the CAG, prescribe.
Miscellaneous
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 Article 151 says that the reports of the Comptroller  Held several important positions including Secretary in
and Auditor-General of India relating to the accounts the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Chairman of the Planning
of the Union shall be submitted to the president, who Commission, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India,
shall cause them to be laid before each House of Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Chairman of the
Parliament. University Grants Commission.
• Economic Reforms: As Finance Minister in the 1990s,
CJI Sanjiv Khanna played a key role in liberalizing India’s economy,
reducing trade barriers, privatizing state-owned
Supreme Court (SC) judge Justice Sanjiv
enterprises, and implementing reforms that fostered
Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief
rapid growth.
Justice of India (CJI), and his term will
last until May 13, 2025. He succeeded CJI • India’s GDP Growth: India experienced robust economic
D.Y. Chandrachud. growth, with the economy expanding at an average rate
of 7-8% per year during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Key Facts • Fiscal and Banking Reforms: He contributed to
• The Constitution of India does not mention any procedure for strengthening India’s banking sector and addressing
appointment of the CJI. inflation, while maintaining fiscal discipline.
• Article 124 (1) of the Constitution merely says, “there shall • Nuclear Deal (2008): He was instrumental in the landmark
be a Supreme Court of India consisting of a Chief Justice of U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, which strengthened
India.” India’s global standing and secured access to nuclear
• Clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution says that every technology and fuel.
Judge of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the • Social Welfare Programs: His government introduced key
President. Thus, in the absence of a constitutional provision, social welfare programs, including the National Rural
the procedure to appoint CJI relies on convention. Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to
Information Act (RTI).
Landmark Judgements by CJI Sanjiv Khanna
• Literary Work: He also authored the book “India’s Export
Justice Khanna has been part of several landmark Supreme
Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth”
Court judgements such as upholding the sanctity of Electronic
(1964), critiquing India’s inward-oriented trade policy.
Voting Machines (EVMs), scrapping the electoral bonds scheme,
upholding the abrogation of Article 370 and the granting of • Awards and Honors: Received the Padma Vibhushan

interim bail to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. (1987), India’s second-highest civilian honor.
 Awarded the Asia Money Award and Euro Money
Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993, 1994).
Dr. Manmohan Singh  Honored with the Adam Smith Prize (1956) and Wright’s
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Prize (1955).
Singh passed away recently at the age of
92.
Shaktikanta Das
Key Facts
• Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Born on September 26, 1932, in
Governor Shaktikanta Das was
undivided Punjab, India.
appointed the Principal Secretary to
• He served as Prime Minister of the country for two consecutive
the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
terms 2004-09 and 2009-14.
• He is only the second RBI Governor
His Major Contributions to have a six-year tenure, apart from
• Government Service: Joined the Government of India in 1971 Bimal Jalan (1997-2003).
as Economic Advisor in the Commerce Ministry. • The Principal Secretary is the administrative head of the
 Appointed Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and is considered the most
Finance in 1972. important aide to the PM.
144
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

• He is tasked with preparing notes on matters to be Solid Propulsion Systems for the Augmented Satellite Launch
discussed between the PM and foreign dignitaries, ensuring Vehicle (ASLV) and the Rohini Sounding Rockets early in his
coordination among various ministries and departments, ISRO career.
sharing important orders before the PM, and so on. • Additionally, Dr. Narayanan was the Project Director for the
• The PMO also includes the National Security Advisor, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV
Advisor to PM, Additional Secretaries, Joint Secretaries and Mk III) C25 Cryogenic Project. He oversaw the group that
other senior bureaucrats. created the C25 Cryogenic Stage, which uses liquid oxygen
and liquid hydrogen to power a 20-ton thrust engine. The
GSLV Mk III vehicle was successfully launched on this stage
Bibek Debroy for the first time.
Economist and Chairman of Prime
Minister’s Economic Advisory Council
Bibek Debroy has passed away. V. Ramasubramanian
The President of India appointed
Key Facts
retired Supreme Court Justice V.
• Bibek Debroy was a full-time Member
Ramasubramanian as the Chairperson of
of NITI Aayog from its constitution in
the National Human Rights Commission
2015 until June 2019.
(NHRC).
• He was also a Sanskrit scholar who had translated
the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas, the Ramayana and the Key facts
Mahabharata into English.
• It was established on 12 October 1993 under the Protection
• Bibek Debroy Committee: Chaired by Debroy from 2014 of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. The Act was amended
to 2015, this committee was tasked with restructuring by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act,
the Railway Ministry and Railway Board, and mobilizing 2006.
resources for major railway projects.
• NHRC is in conformity with the Paris Principles, which were
• He was the Chairman of the Finance Ministry’s ‘Expert adopted at the first international workshop on national human
Committee for Infrastructure Classification and Financing rights institutions in Paris in October 1991, and endorsed
Framework for Amrit Kaal. by the UN General Assembly in Regulation 48/134 of 20
• Debroy was awarded a Padma Shri in 2015 and the Lifetime December 1993.
Achievement Award by the US-India Business Summit in • The Commission consists of a Chairperson, five full-time
2016. Members and seven deemed Members.
• The Chairperson and Members of the National Human
Rights Commission (NHRC) are appointed by the President
V. Narayanan
of India based on recommendations from a Committee. This
• Renowned Indian rocket propulsion
Committee includes the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the
expert and aerospace engineer Dr.
Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Home Minister, the leaders of
V. Narayanan has been appointed
the opposition in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and the
the next chairman of the Indian Space
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Research Organization (ISRO).
• NHRC is responsible for promoting human rights awareness
• Dr. Narayanan holds experience in
at both national and international levels, encouraging
cryogenic propulsion systems and is mostly recognised for
his noteworthy contributions to Indian space missions. stakeholders in human rights literacy.

• He will be succeeding the current ISRO Chairman S.

Somanath. This change in leadership comes at an important T.V. Somanathan
time as ISRO continues to ramp up its efforts in satellite
• Recently, Dr. T.V. Somanathan
technology development, advanced space exploration
assumed as the Cabinet Secretary
missions, and global collaborations.
after the superannuation of his
• In January 2018, he was appointed Director of the Liquid predecessor, Rajiv Gauba.
Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). He helped create the
Miscellaneous
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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

About the Cabinet Secretary Manoj Kumar

• He is the administrative head of the Cabinet Secretariat who • Veteran actor and director Manoj
is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board, Kumar passed away in Mumbai at the
and serves as the head of the Indian Administrative Service age of 87.
(IAS).
• Widely known as ‘Bharat Kumar’
• He plays a critical role in coordinating policy implementation, for his iconic patriotic roles, he was
inter-ministerial communication, and administrative matters honored with the Padma Shri and
at the highest level. the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his
significant contributions to Indian cinema.
Roles and Functions
• Born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami, he redefined patriotism
• Coordinating Cabinet Meetings: It ensures smooth functioning
in Bollywood through classics like Upkar (1967), Purab Aur
of Cabinet meetings, where crucial decisions are made.
Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981).
These meetings involve discussions on policy matters,
legislative proposals, and administrative issues. • His powerful screen presence and memorable performances
• Inter-Ministerial Coordination: It acts as a bridge between various made him a legend. Other popular films include Patthar Ke
ministries and departments by facilitating communication, Sanam, Shor, Sanyasi, and Roti Kapda Aur Makan.
resolves conflicts, and ensures effective implementation of
government policies.
Jimmy Carter
• Advising the Prime Minister: It provides expert advice to the
Prime Minister on administrative matters, policy formulation, • Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of
and governance. Its insights are invaluable in shaping the the United States, served from 20
country’s direction. January 1977 to 20 January 1981,
• Administrative Leadership: As the senior-most civil servant, passed away.
the Cabinet Secretary leads the bureaucracy. His decisions • Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains,
impact the functioning of the entire administrative machinery. Georgia, Carter grew up on a peanut
farm. He graduated from the U.S.
Naval Academy and later managed his family’s farm.
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig • He served as the Governor of Georgia before winning the
21-year-old Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark won the Miss Democratic nomination for president in 1976.
Universe 2024 crown. • Carter’s presidency began with a commitment to honesty
and ethical leadership. His administration was marked by
Key Highlights
high inflation and energy crises.
• This is the first time a Danish contestant has become Miss
• The Iran hostage crisis, which lasted 444 days, impacted
Universe.
his presidency.
• In 2022, Kjær Theilvig represented Denmark at Miss
• He successfully brokered the Camp David Accords,
Grand International in Indonesia, placing in the top twenty
leading to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in
contestants. 1979.
• Kjær Theilvig is only the second Danish • After leaving office, Carter continued to promote peace
woman to win a title in the Big Four and humanitarian causes. He founded the Carter Center,
international beauty pageants, which monitors elections and advocates for human
following Catharina rights globally. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace
Svensson's Miss Earth 2001 Prize in 2002 for his lifelong commitment to peace and
victory. humanitarian work.
• India’s Rhea Singha could
not make it to the top 12. Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
• The last time an Indian won Recently, the Financial Services
Miss Universe was in 2021, Institution Bureau (FSIB) has selected
when Harnaaz Sandhu Challa Sreenivasulu Setty as the next
clinched the crown. chairman of State Bank of India (SBI).
146
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

• It is an autonomous body of Government of India for Kaamya Karthikeyan

developing and implementing appropriate methodologies
for making recommendations for appointments, extension Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old
and termination of members of the Boards in the institutions student from Mumbai, has made history
specified in the Government of India gazette notification. by becoming the youngest female in the
• It was established to replace the Banks Board Bureau (BBB).
world to conquer highest peaks of all
• Its primary mandate is to recommend candidates for
seven continent.
appointment as whole-time directors and non-executive
chairpersons on the boards of financial services institutions. Climbed Peaks
• Additionally, the FSIB aims to advise on personnel
• Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
management matters within these institutions.
• Europe: Mount Elbrus (Russia)
Satish Kumar • Australia: Mount Kosciuszko (Australia)
• The Appointments Committee of
• South America: Mount Aconcagua (Argentina)
the Cabinet (ACC) approved the
appointment of Satish Kumar as the • North America: Mount Denali (USA)
Chairman and CEO of Railway Board. • Asia: Mount Everest (Nepal)
• The Appointments Committee of
• Antarctica: Mount Vinson (Antarctica)
the Cabinet (ACC) is a high-level
committee headed by the PM
responsible for appointing senior officials to key positions in Purnima Devi Barman
the central government and public sector undertakings.
• A biologist from Assam, Purnima Devi
• The Railway Board was established in 1905 as a part of the
Barman, was featured on the Time’s
British Indian government’s efforts to better manage the
expanding railway network. Women of The Year 2025 list.

• It serves as the apex body responsible for the administration, • Purnima Devi Barman is the only
operation, and policy formulation of Indian Railways. Indian woman on Time’s 2025 Women
of the Year list.
Upendra Dwivedi  The list includes notable women such as actress Nicole
• Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi has been Kidman and Gisele Pelicot, a survivor of sexual violence
appointed as the new Chief of the who became an advocate for the cause.
Army Staff by the President of India.
• In 2007, Barman’s intervened to save a tree home to greater
• He succeeded Gen. Manoj Pande,
adjutant storks in Assam, inspired by the birds’ vulnerability.
General Pande was given an extra
 She found the Hargila Army, a group of 20,000 women
month to leave before his original
planned date. who protect the storks’ nests and educate about their
conservation.
 The population of greater adjutant storks in Assam grew
Mark Rutte
from 450 in 2007 to over 1,800 in 2023, with the bird’s
• The NATO appointed former Dutch
conservation status improved from “endangered” to
Prime Minister Mark Rutte as its new
Secretary-General. This comes as “near threatened.”
the conflict in Ukraine continues and • Time’s Women of the Year is an annual recognition by Time
the US’s future relationship with the magazine that highlights women making significant changes
alliance is being talked about.
in the face of challenges like gender violence, climate issues,
• Rutte took over the job from Jens and women’s rights.
Stoltenberg of Norway.
Miscellaneous
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India ended a 12-year wait to clinch a record-extending third Champions Trophy title, beating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the
Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

ICC Champions Trophy

• The ICC Champions Trophy is a premier One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament featuring the world's top eight teams.
• The tournament was originally called the ICC Knockout when it began in 1998 in Dhaka (Bangladesh). It was renamed the ICC
Champions Trophy in 2002. It was held every two years until 2009. After that, the event transitioned to a four-year cycle.
• Tournament Format:
 The format of the competition has endured since 2006. The eight teams are divided into two groups of four teams each.
 Each team plays once against every other team in the group.
 And then, the top-two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, determining the two that feature in the summit clash.
 Previously the top-eight ranked ODI sides would feature in the Champions Trophy. But for the 2025 edition, the qualification
used the results of the 2023 edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
 The teams that occupied the top-eight spots in the 10-team points table, including the hosts Pakistan,
sealed their place for the Champions Trophy.
• Teams in 2025: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand were in Group A while the remaining four
teams — Australia, Afghanistan, England, South Africa — were in group B.

International Cricket Council (ICC)

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body for cricket. Representing
108 members, the ICC governs and administrates the game and works with our members to
grow the sport.
• The ICC is also responsible for the staging of all ICC Events. The ICC presides over the
ICC Code of Conduct, playing conditions, the Decision Review System and other ICC
regulations.
148
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T20 Cricket World Cup, 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess
Recently, India secured their first ICC title Championship 2024
since the 2013 Champions Trophy by winning Koneru Humpy has recently
the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup in Barbados. claimed her second women’s
India defeated South Africa in the final. title at the World Rapid and
Blitz Championship held
Key Highlights
• Player of the Match in Final: Virat Kohli in New York, marking a
• Player of the Tournament: Jasprit Bumrah milestone in her chess career,
• Most Runs in Tournament: Rahmanullah showcasing her exceptional
Gurbaz (281, Afganistan) talent and determination.
• Most wickets: Arshdeep Singh (17),
Fazalhaq Farooqi (17, Afghanistan) Key Facts
• Lowest Economy Rate: Jasprit Bumrah (4.17) • Humpy scored an impressive 8.5 points over 11 rounds,
• India became the first team to win a T20 World Cup by defeating Indonesia’s Irene Sukander in the final match.
being unbeaten through the tournament.
• At 37 years old, she stands as the top-ranked Indian player
• Post World Cup win, three Indian players namely, Virat
and is only the second woman to achieve this title more than
Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja have announced
once.
their retirement from T20 internationals.
• BCCI, the cricket governing body of India has announced • Humpy’s win is historic as it establishes her as a leading
Rs 125 crore prize money for Team India after the T20 figure in women’s chess.
World Cup win. • She previously won the championship in 2019 in Georgia,
making her a two-time champion.
T20 Cricket World Cup
• The T20 World Cup, first played in 2007, is an international
cricket championship, usually held once every two years. Scotland to host 2026 Commonwealth Games
• While the T20 World Cup began as a 12-team competition • Scotland will host the Commonwealth Games in 2026 after
Victoria, Australia, withdrew due to rising costs. Glasgow,
in 2007, it was expanded to 16 teams from the 2014 edition.
which hosted the Games in 2014, will once again welcome
The 2024 edition had 20 sides competing in four groups.
athletes from around the world, but the event will be on a
• India won the first men’s Twenty20 World Cup in South smaller scale this time.
Africa, defeating Pakistan in the final led by MS Dhoni. • Victoria, Australia, decided not to host the 2026 Games
because the costs were becoming too high. A later
investigation found that their cost predictions had been
Gukesh won World Chess Championship 2024
overstated, leading to their decision to withdraw.
India’s D. Gukesh achieved a • The Commonwealth Games, established in 1930, bring
historic milestone by winning the together athletes from 72 member nations. The Games
2024 World Chess Championship originally started as the British Empire Games and focused
by defeating China’s Ding Liren, on promoting friendship and peace.
becoming the youngest World
Chess Champion at just 18 years Paris Olympics 2024
old. The final match was intense, showcasing both players’
The Paris Olympics 2024 was
strategic prowess.
concluded with India finishing 71st
Earlier in 2024, Gukesh earned his place in the World in the medal tally, a decline from its
Championship by triumphing in the Candidates tournament. 48th place in Tokyo 2020. Despite
This tournament serves as the qualification stage for aspiring winning six medals, including
one silver and five bronze, the nation experienced several
champions. Gukesh’s performance throughout the Candidates
near misses and disheartening outcomes that have sparked
tournament brought into light his exceptional talent and
discussions about the future of Indian sports.
determination.
Miscellaneous
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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Paris Olympics 2024 : Indian Medallist

Neeraj Chopra • Earlier, Sarabjot Singh won India’s first medal at the ISSF
Neeraj Chopra, India's renowned javelin World Cup in Munich, Germany, held from May 31 to June
thrower, secured a silver medal at the 8, 2024. He scored 242.7 points to win gold in the men’s
Paris Olympics 2024. 10-meter air pistol event.

Key Points Swapnil Kusale

• Neeraj's throw of 89.45m placed • Swapnil Kusale won a bronze medal in
him second on the podium. While the men’s 50m rifle 3 Positions event.
he couldn’t match his gold-medal • This is India's third Olympic medal
performance from the Tokyo 2020 in rifle shooting, following Abhinav
Games, winning silver solidified his position as one of the Bindra's gold in 2008 and Gagan
top javelin throwers globally Narang's bronze in 2012. Liu Yukun of
• Gold medal was claimed by Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem with China won gold, and Ukraine’s Serhiy
a throw of 92.97m, setting a new Olympic record. Kulish took silver.
• Neeraj became only the third Indian athlete, and the first • The competition was held at the National Shooting Center in
in track and field, to win consecutive individual Olympic
Châteauroux, Paris.
medals.
Aman Sehrawat
Manu Bhaker
• Aman Sehrawat won a bronze
Recently, Manu Bhaker won a bronze medal in the men's 57kg wrestling
medal in the women’s 10 m air pistol event category, marking a proud moment
at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She is the first in India's wrestling history.
Indian woman shooter to win this medal. • Born in Haryana on July 16, 2003,
Sehrawat is known for his freestyle
Key Points technique. He defeated Puerto
• Youngest ISSF World Cup Gold Medallist: Rico’s Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 in the
She became the youngest Indian to win bronze medal match.
a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup. • Aman first gained attention by winning a silver at the 2021
• Commonwealth Games Success: At just 16, she won gold at World Wrestling U23 Championships and gold at the
her maiden Commonwealth Games in the women’s 10m air 2022 Asian U23 Championships. His journey from local
pistol event in 2018. competitions to the Olympic podium highlights his dedication
and talent.
• Asian Games Victory: In 2022, she partnered with Esha Singh
and Rhythm Sangwan to win gold at the Asian Games. Men’s Hockey Team
• India’s men’s
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh
hockey team
• Recently, Manu Bhaker and
won the bronze
Sarabjot Singh wins bronze in
medal at the
the 10 m air pistol mixed team
Paris 2024
event, Manu Bhaker becomes
Olympics with a
the first multiple medallist at an
2-1 victory over
Olympic Games. For Sarabjot
Spain.
Singh, this bronze marks his
first Olympic medal, a significant milestone in his shooting • This is a significant achievement because it marks India’s

career. first time winning consecutive Olympic medals in hockey

since the 1972 Munich Games.
150
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Paris Paralympics Games 2024

The largest ever international multi-sport parasports event known as the Paralympics Games 2024 held in Paris.
The 2024 Summer Paralympics took place from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Paralympics Games are a the
celebration of the talents and determination of athletes with disabilities.

S.No. Indian Medallist Event Medal

1 Avani Lekhara Women’s 10 m Air rifle Gold

2 Nitish Kumar Men’s singles Badminton Gold

3 Sumit Antil Men's Javelin throw Gold

4 Dharambir Men’s Club throw Gold

5 Praveen Kumar Men’s High jump Gold

6 Navdeep Singh Men’s Javelin throw Gold

7 Harvinder Singh Men’s Individual recurve open, Archer Gold

8 Manish Narwal Men’s 10 m air pistol Silver

9 Nishad Kumar Men’s high jump Silver

10 Yogesh Kathuniya Men’s discus throw Silver

11 Sharad Kumar Men’s high jump Silver

12 Ajeet Singh Men’s javelin throw Silver

13 Sachin Khilari Men’s shot put Silver

14 Parnav Soorma Men’s club throw Silver

15 Thulasimathi Murugesan Women’s singles Badminton Silver

16 Suhas Yathiraj Men’s singles Badminton Silver

17 Kapil Parmar Men’s 60kg Judo Bronze

18 Mona Agarwal Women’s 10m air rifle standing Bronze

19 Preethi Pal Women’s 100m Race Bronze

20 Rubina Francis Women’s 10m Air Pistol Bronze

21 Preethi Pal Women’s 200m Race Bronze

22 Deepthi Jeevanji Women’s 400m Race Bronze

23 Mariyappan Thangavelu Men’s high jump Bronze

24 Sundar Singh Gurjar Men’s javelin throw Bronze

25 Hokato Hotozhe Sema Men’s shot put Bronze

26 Simran Women’s 200m Race Bronze

27 Nithya Sre Sivan Women’s singles Badminton Bronze

28 & 29 Rakesh Kumar / Sheetal Devi Mixed team compound open Bronze
Miscellaneous
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ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

Name of the Book Name of the Author

Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partners Prof. Sreeram Chaulia

Because of This: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971 Air Marshal Vikram Singh (Retd)

Valour and Honour Major General Ian Cardozo & Major General Jagatbir Singh

Silent Weapons, Deadly Secrets Dr. Mrinmayee Bhushan

Maa-Mother Dr. Davendra Kumar Dhodawat

MODIALOGUE: Conversations for a Viksit Bharat Dr. Ashwin Fernandes

Why Bharat Matters Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

Why the Heck Not? Kushal Pal Singh and Aparna Jain

War Bob Woodward

LARA: The England Chronicles Brian Lara

Khaki Mein Sthitapragya Anil Raturi

From Oil to Lithium: Navigating the Future of Energy Kuldeep Gupta

Breaking Rocks and Barriers Sudipta Sengupta

Jamsetji Tata: Powerful Learnings for Corporate Success R Gopalakrishnan and Harish Bhat

The Prisoner of Bhopal Tim Walker

Manoj Bajpayee: The Definitive Biography Piyush Pandey

The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women Kalpana Sankar

SAVE AMERICA Donald J. Trump

75 Great Revolutionaries of India Bhim Singh

India@100: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Powerhouse Prof. K V Subramanian

Power Within Dr. R Balasubramaniam

The Prisoner of Bhopal Tim Walker

Manoj Bajpayee: The Definitive Biography Piyush Pandey

Venkaiah Naidu - Life in Service S. Nagesh Kumar

Ed Finds a Home Alia Bhatt

I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story Ravichandran Ashwin

A Fly on the RBI Wall Alpana Killawala

Source Code: My Beginnings Bill Gates

The Winner’s Mindset Shane Watson

India's Nuclear Titans Soumya Awasthi and Shrabana Barua

Heavenly Islands of Goa P.S. Sreedharan Pillai

India - The Road to Renaissance: A Vision and an Agenda Bhimeswara Chall

 ESE 2024
Rohit Dhondge 2. To identify silly mistakes and improve them. height and ask to compare and tell. Then, I got
Civil Engineering 3. To know the weak areas or the type of it correct.
questions you skip. From this I want to tell that the panel there is for
selecting you and not rejecting. So maintaining
AIR-1 : CE 4. To help you improve speed and accuracy.
calmness and a little smile will always add extra
Que.: How did you prepare for general studies points.
subjects?
Father’s Name Subhash Dhondge Que.: As we know that last year also you have
Rohit Dhondge : For general studies:
Department Central Engineering given interview of ESE but couldn't clear and this
1. Mathematics, I practiced repeatedly
Preferred Service (Roads) year in 2024 got 1st Rank. What different thing
from MADE EASY notes and workbook,
College (B. Tech) IIT Hyderabad you have done this time?
then solving ESE mathematics PYQs as
with address Rohit Dhondge : From December onwards, I
a part of revision
practiced full length test series of Last 3 years of
Subject Marks Obtained 2. For other subjects, I revised MADE EASY
MADE EASY and analysed them. Giving them in
class notes regularly and topics from
Prelims: Paper-I 82.16 (82) exam like environment and analysing deeply to
theory books as suggested by faculty.
Prelims: Paper-II 166.67 (167) improve helped score good.
3. Practiced questions for subjects like
Mains: Paper-I 181 Last time, I wasn't able to analyse mains test
Engineering Drawing, Standards &
series or wasn't able to solve unsolved questions.
Mains: Paper-II 240 Quality etc., to get better understanding.
This time I made it my first priority to analyse test
Interview 125 4. Solved the MADE EASY test series and
and include new questions of test series in notes.
Final Total Marks 795 highlighted and included new points there
I also restricted my material of preparation for
itself so I can revise them whenever required
subjects so I can revise it multiple times.
Que.: It is possible to prepare exam while Que.: What was your rank in GATE? How did it
Que.: What is the importance of previous year
working? help you in ESE preparation?
ESE Prelims and Mains papers?
Rohit Dhondge : I think it is possible only when you Rohit Dhondge : My rank was 4 in GATE 2024,
Rohit Dhondge : As everyone say, they are the
have a strong foundation, So that while working for me the main focus was ESE so this year I
Bible for exam., there are the similar questions
you can devote your time for practicing questions was dedicated for ESE, but the last year (2023)
which are going to appear in exam. They help
more as compare to building concepts. when I got 185th rank. I did practice GATE
you mould yourself as per exam requirement.
Que.: What are the challenges of civil in PYQs. They help you get better understanding
They should be solved multiple times as a part
engineering services? What should be the of a concept as whole as compare to ESE Pre
of revision.
approach regarding prelims and mains? questions and they will play foundation for
ESE mains questions. Que.: What are the important qualities ESE
Rohit Dhondge : Civil engineering is really vast and
So I always suggest, GATE is a part of ESE aspirants should possess?
diverse, the challenge is to how you plan revision.
journey and not to consider it as a separate. Rohit Dhondge : I believe Discipline is the must
Approach for prelims, like 2 months before there
quality along with patience and hardwork. Smart
should be daily revision of short notes, PYQs Que.: How ESE preparation can help student
work is also required but that will come gradually
practice, full length test papers, dedicated time for in other exams?
as you do hardwork. Smart work without hardwork
GS (2 hrs daily) and 1hr for maths. Rohit Dhondge : ESE is nearly a complete
will have very little meaning.
For mains practice, class notes once after class, preparation of civil engineering. Once you
PYQ practice in time bound manner, test series have prepared for ESE Pre and ESE Mains Que.: What are your suggestions for the
analysis and solving unsolved questions and exam, it will be easy for you to score decent students?
preparing notes for theory topics. While you marks in GATE, BARC state objective Rohit Dhondge : When you start your preparation,
practice, everytime you revise numericals try it exams,and have decent scores in interviews. it's the initial year of preparation that will build you.
by solving and not reading. Don't get distract in your first year of preparation
Que.: How was your experience in UPSC ESE
For Mains, speed, accuracy, choice of question, and give your best ,you might not get selected
interview?
handwriting and space utilisation are important. in the same year but surely you will end up in
Rohit Dhondge : It was a memorable
good institution (PSU, SSC JE etc) and may get
Que.: What is the role of test series in ESE experience for me. Fortunately, I was able to
selected in ESE with continued efforts.
preparation? give it 2 times. This time the questions to me
Rohit Dhondge : Test series are really very were more practical field based rather than Que.: Do you have plans for civil services also?
important. From my personal experience test theory from which I was able to answer few Rohit Dhondge : Civil services examination is the
series and their analysis played a important role and in others the panel guided me. prestigious examination which I planned to gave
in getting rank from not getting selected in ESE E.g. I was asked the height of the room, which before but decided to go for ESE. Currently, I
23. They help you: I answered incorrectly then they ask me my don't have plans but I look forward to it.
1. To know different strategies to solve paper.
 ESE 2024
Munish Kumar
Mechanical plays an important role in succeeding of Mechanical Engineering so student
Engineering this exam. can appearing in similar Exams like

AIR-1 : ME Que.: How did you prepare for general

UPSC CSE (Mechanical Optional) and

UPSC IFoS (Mechanical Optional).

studies subjects?
Father’s Name Satpal
Munish Kumar : As of Now I never Que.: How was your experience in UPSC
Department
Preferred prepared for UPSC ESE GS Paper-1, ESE interview?
College (B. Tech) NIT, Kurukshetra that you can see from my marks in UPSC Munish Kumar : UPSC Interview is one of
with address (Haryana)
ESE 2021 (GS Paper-1 marks 77/200) the best interview that I have faced in
Subject Marks Obtained
and in UPSC ESE 2024 (GS Paper-1 my entire period of struggle, As of now
Prelims: Paper-I 54.55 (55)
Marks 54/200) But I recommend student I have appeared in 2 ESE interviews
Prelims: Paper-II 200.68 (201)
Mains: Paper-I 233 to Prepare for GS Paper-1 because it and those are my best interviews along

Mains: Paper-II 255 plays an important role in such a difficult the score was almost 55% of maximum
Interview 114 competition. There is lot of strategy to marks. Interview panel was very
Final Total Marks 857 prepare for GS as shared by many other supportive.

toppers and faculties of MADE EASY,

Que.: What is the importance of previous
so student can refer their approach and
Que.: It is possible to prepare exam while
year ESE Mains papers?
suggestions for GS paper.
working?
Munish Kumar : It is very important to
Munish Kumar : Yes, it is possible to Que.: What was your rank in GATE? How prepare at least previous 20-25 Years
Prepare for UPSC ESE or GATE Exam did it help you in ESE preparation? of UPSC ESE, CSE, IFoS because for
along with Job. I have Secured AIR 1
Munish Kumar : Initially I started to UPSC ESE 2024, I just practiced these
in ESE 2024, AIR 15 in ESE 2021, AIR
prepare for GATE exam only and after PYQ and got 488/600 in Final Exam. So
3 in GATE 2021 and AIR 9 in GATE
Appearing in GATE 2021, I got an you can see the importance of PYQ for
2024 all this result was while working in
interest in ESE 2021 Exams and I only Mains Exam.
Private, PSU and Central Government
revised my GATE notes and got 180/300
Departments. Que.: What are the important qualities
in ESE Prelims Mechanical Paper-2.
ESE aspirants should possess?
Que.: What is the role of test series in ESE This shows that GATE preparation helps
Munish Kumar : If you want to achieve an
preparation? a lot in UPSC ESE , there are topics
decent rank in ESE exam, You should
which are extra as compare to GATE
Munish Kumar : Test series is very
study on daily basis and try to add
exam, student can cover that portion in
important for any exam but when it
something new on everyday basis and
just 1 or 1.5 month only.
comes to UPSC ESE, it is even more
lot of practice.
important because with Test series one
Que.: How ESE preparation can help
will get the idea of their preparation Que.: Do you have plans for civil services
student in other exams?
level and their speed because ESE also?
Munish Kumar : UPSC ESE Exam cover
mains exam is very lengthy and speed Munish Kumar : As of now, I have NO
almost all the basic and advance topic
plans for Civil Services Exams.
 ESE 2024
Rajan Kumar I managed 2–4 hours of self-study for for prelims, but yes, preparation can go
Electrical revision and practice. After coaching hand-in-hand with some adjustments.
Engineering
ended, my daily study went up to 6–7
Que.: Why did you choose offline
AIR-1 : EE focused hours, which I believe is more
coaching despite being an IIT graduate?
than sufficient.
Father’s Name Sudama Singh Rajan Kumar : I prefer classroom

Department Central Power Que.: What was your study strategy? learning for better discipline and doubt
Preferred Engineering Service
Rajan Kumar : I followed a revise– resolution. MADE EASY Saket Centre
College (B. Tech) IIT, Roorkee
with address (Uttarakhand) practice–repeat cycle. I ensured timely offered a great learning environment,
revision of class notes and practiced experienced faculty, and well-structured
Subject Marks Obtained
extensively, especially through classes.
Prelims: Paper-I 90.24 (90)
previous year questions (PYQs), which
Prelims: Paper-II 227.90 (228) Que.: Was staying in Delhi challenging?
I consider extremely relevant for both
Mains: Paper-I 170
prelims and mains. Rajan Kumar : Yes, Delhi has its issues
Mains: Paper-II 187
like cost of living and pollution, but I
Interview 120
Que.: How did you tackle General accepted those as part of the journey.
Final Total Marks 795
Studies (GS)? Many aspirants thrive here, and so can
Rajan Kumar : Many engineers find GS anyone with the right mindset.
Que.: When did you start preparing for tricky. I focused on areas of strength
the ESE exam? Que.: Did you expect Rank 1?
like Maths, Aptitude, and Current
Rajan Kumar : I started my ESE and GATE Affairs. I relied solely on MADE EASY Rajan Kumar : Not at all. I was genuinely

preparation in 2022 after graduating from notes and scored 90+ marks in GS shocked and pleasantly surprised when

IIT Roorkee in 2021. I cleared GATE in without referring to additional books. I saw my name at the top of the PDF.

my first attempt but failed to qualify ESE

Que.: Which technical subjects Que.: Any regrets about Railways not
prelims. That made me realize the need
are most scoring in Electrical being in this year’s ESE vacancies?
for proper guidance, so I joined MADE
Engineering? Rajan Kumar : Yes, had Railways
EASY.
Rajan Kumar : Machines, Power been there, I could have joined it. But

Que.: What courses did you take at MADE Systems, and Power Electronics are I’m hopeful for future aspirants, as

EASY? high-yield areas. Questions from these vacancies have now returned under the

Rajan Kumar : I enrolled in the ESE + subjects are direct and manageable Indian Railway Management Service

GATE classroom course in 2022, followed with good concept clarity. But it’s (IRMS).

by the Mains batch and then the Interview better to study all subjects to avoid risk
Que.: What is your final advice to
Guidance Program and Test Series. So, in the exam.
aspirants?
I almost did all key courses provided by
Que.: Did you prepare for both GATE Rajan Kumar : Be consistent, stay calm,
MADE EASY.
and ESE simultaneously? focus on PYQs, revise regularly, and

Que.: How many hours did you study Rajan Kumar : While the syllabus most importantly — practice more than

daily? overlaps, ESE requires extra focus you read. Every stage—Prelims, Mains,

Rajan Kumar : During classroom coaching, on theory and non-technical subjects. Interview—requires solid practice and

One must adapt their strategy slightly not just passive study.
 ESE 2024
Himanshu
Thapliyal subjects from the textbook. Finally, greatly assist you during this time.
Electronic &
Telecommunication I would have discussions on various
Engineering Que.: What is the importance of
topics with my mentors, which greatly

AIR-1 : E&T enhanced my understanding of the

previous year ESE Prelims and Mains

papers?
Shambhoo Prasad subject.
Father’s Name
Thapliyal
Himanshu Thapliyal : I believe that
Department Indian Telecommunication Que.: What was your rank in GATE?
Preferred Service working on previous year questions
How did it help you in ESE preparation?
College (B. Tech) SIT, Pithoragarh
is crucial for both Prelims and Mains.
with address (Uttarakhand) Himanshu Thapliyal : I achieved an
In my view, 40-50% of the questions
Subject Marks Obtained All India Rank of 640 in the GATE
Prelims: Paper-I 71.37 (71) tend to repeat each year.
examination. The common subjects
Prelims: Paper-II 130.83 (131)
are fundamental topics, and I began
Mains: Paper-I 173 Que.: What are the important qualities
my preparation with GATE itself,
Mains: Paper-II 151 ESE aspirants should possess?
which enhanced my understanding of
Interview 136
these core subjects and significantly Himanshu Thapliyal : I encourage
Final Total Marks 662
increased my confidence. you to maintain perseverance and

patience, as this process may take

Que.: It is possible to prepare exam while Que.: How ESE preparation can help
some time before getting good
working? student in other exams?
results.
Himanshu Thapliyal : Yes, it is possible Himanshu Thapliyal : Nearly all

technical subjects are thoroughly Que.: What are your suggestions for
but do not expect immediate outcomes.
covered in ESE preparation, and
In that case target atleast two attempts. the students?
the difficulty of the questions is
Himanshu Thapliyal : Continuously
Que.: What is the role of test series in ESE comparable to that of PSU exams.
assess your performance and seek
preparation? So, if you're getting ready for the

ESE, you'll pretty much cover all the guidance from someone experienced.
Himanshu Thapliyal : The test series
papers; just tweak your strategies to Regularly consult your mentor for
provided me with insights into my
fit what the organization needs. suggestions on improvement and
progress, particularly MADE EASY

the full-length tests were helpful in diligently work on them.

Que.: How was your experience in
identifying my weaker subjects.
UPSC ESE interview? Que.: Do you have plans for civil

Que.: How did you prepare for general Himanshu Thapliyal : From my services also?

studies subjects? interview experience, I learned that

Himanshu Thapliyal : No, I have
honesty is crucial, and it's acceptable
Himanshu Thapliyal : Initially, I finished always had the aspiration to join the
not to answer every question.
the MADE EASY lectures for each telecom services, and this rank will
Remaining calm and composed will
subject, followed by studying the allow me to do so.
156
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam
Recent

Current Affairs Questions

1. What type of naval vessel is “INS (a) Ajit Krishnan (a) Ministry of Rural Development
Tarkash” that was recently seen in (b) Shubhanshu Shukla (b) Ministry of Agriculture
news? (c) Angad Pratap (c) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
(a) Aircraft Carrier (d) Balakrishnan Nair (d) Ministry of Home Affairs
(b) Submarine
6. Shanan Hydropower Project, which 10. What is the purpose of the
(c) Frigate
was seen in the news, is located in
(d) Assault Ship “International Medical Device
which state?
Regulators Forum (IMDRF)”,
2. Vibrant Villages Programme is (a) Maharashtra
recently joined by India?
implemented by which ministry? (b) Uttarakhand
(a) Promote medical tourism
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(a) Ministry of Home Affairs
(d) Uttar Pradesh (b) Harmonize medical device
(b) Ministry of Rural Development
regulations
(c) Ministry of Defence 7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was (c) Manufacture medical devices
(d) Ministry of Tourism honored with the Dr. Martin Luther (d) None of the Above
King Jr. Global Peace Award
3. Which airport became the India’s
for Minority Upliftment in which 11. Which organization released the
first zero-waste airport?
country? South Asian Development Update
(a) Dabolim Airport, Goa
(a) United States of America report?
(b) Chaudhary Charan Singh
(b) France (a) World Bank
International Airport, Lucknow (c) United Kingom
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, (d) Russia
Indore (c) United Nations Development
(d) Kempegowda International 8. Which institution has developed Programme
Airport, Bangalore STRONG (STring Representation (d) United Nations Environment
Of Nanopore Geometry), a novel Programme
4. What is the primary objective of language for nanopore research?
NASA’s TESS mission? (a) Indian Institute of Science (IISc), 12. Which organization recently
(a) To study the moons of Jupiter Bengaluru released a report titled “Agriculture
(b) To explore the asteroid belt (b) Indian Institute of Technology, and Conservation”?
(c) To detect gravitational waves Delhi (a) United Nations Development
(d) To discover exoplanets around (c) Banaras Hindu University Programme (UNDP)
the brightest dwarf stars (d) Indian Institute of Technology, (b) United Nations Environment
Bombay Programme (UNEP)
5. Which Indian astronaut has been
(c) International Union for
selected for the Axiom-4 mission 9. Which ministry recently launched
the People’s Plan Campaign (Jan Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
to the International Space Station
Yojana Abhiyan)? (d) World Bank
(ISS)?

ANSWERS

1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (a) 9. (c)

10. (b) 11. (a) 12. (c)
Recent Current Affairs Questions
157
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

13. Who has become the first Indian to (c) To provide financial assistance (d) To facilitate export activities for
receive the Fred Darrington Sand to women laborers
Master Award? (d) To raise awareness about
women's rights 22. Where was India's first demonstration
(a) Ankon Mitra
facility for biopolymers inaugurated?
(b) Mrinalini Mukherjee
18. What is the primary objective of the (a) Pune (Maharashtra)
(c) Sudarsan Pattnaik
European Space Agency’s Biomass (b) New Delhi
(d) Ashwini Bhat
satellite mission? (c) Bengaluru (Karnataka)
(a) To monitor ocean currents (d) Hyderabad (Telangana)
14. According to Trends in Maternal
(b) To study air pollution in urban
Mortality 2000–2023 report, what 23. What was the significant outcome
areas
was India’s global position in of the Syrian Rebels' assault on
(c) To map global forests and
maternal deaths in 2023? Damascus?
measure carbon levels
(a) First (a) The creation of a new Syrian
(d) To track animal migration
(b) Second patterns government
(c) Third (b) The end of Bashar al-Assad's
(d) Fifth 19. Which state is the host of National regime
Tribal Youth Festival 2025? (c) The establishment of peace
15. What is the primary objective of the (a) Assam negotiations
One Nation, One Election initiative? (b) Manipur (d) The withdrawal of Syrian forces
(a) To reduce the cost of holding (c) Mizoram from the Levant region
separate elections for Lok Sabha (d) Nagaland
and State Assemblies 24. What is the role of the UN
20. What is one of the key provisions of Peacebuilding Commission (PBC),
(b) To allow political parties to
the Telecommunications (Telecom of which India has been re-elected
campaign for both national and
Cyber Security) Rules, 2024? for 2025–2026?
state elections together
(a) Telecom companies must (a) To facilitate trade agreements
(c) To hold elections only for the Lok reduce subscription charges
between member countries
Sabha (b) Telecom companies must report
(b) To support peace efforts and
(d) To make elections non-bailable cybersecurity incidents within six
advise on post-conflict recovery
hours
16. Which committee was formed and reconstruction
(c) Telecom companies are
to explore the feasibility of (c) To provide humanitarian aid to
required to provide free internet
simultaneous elections? refugee camps
services
(a) NITI Aayog Committee (d) To oversee elections in conflict
(d) Telecom companies can use
(b) Ram Nath Kovind Committee zones
foreign security experts without
(c) High-Level Political Committee restrictions 25. What is the primary focus of Gelephu
(d) Parliamentary Committee Mindfulness City (GMC) in Bhutan?
21. What is the purpose of the eShram-
(a) Rapid industrialization and
17. What is the main objective of One Stop Solution launched by the
urbanization
the SHe-Box Portal launched by Union Government?
(b) Blending economic growth with
the Ministry of Women and Child (a) To provide job opportunities for
educated workers mindfulness, holistic living, and
Development?
(b) To help unorganized workers sustainability
(a) To help women find job
access government schemes (c) Promoting religious tourism and
opportunities
and programs historical preservation
(b) To track complaints related to (d) Establishing a military base to
(c) To create a database of all
sexual harassment at workplaces enhance regional security
organized labor unions in India

ANSWERS

13. (c) 14. (b) 15. (a) 16. (b) 17. (b) 18. (c) 19. (c) 20. (b) 21. (b)
22. (a) 23. (b) 24. (b) 25. (b)
158
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

26. Akash air defence missile (a) Ministry of Finance (a) Coal
system was developed by which (b) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (b) Steel
organization? (c) Securities and Exchange Board (c) Crude oil and petroleum products
(a) Defence Research and of India (SEBI) (d) Fertilizers
Development Organisation (d) NITI Aayog
(DRDO) 37. Recently, the Supreme Court of India
(b) Indian Space Research 32. The Rome Declaration on Water has ordered how much duration for
Organisation (ISRO) Scarcity in Agriculture was President of India to decide on Bills
(c) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited launched to address water scarcity referred to her by Governor of a
(HAL) in agriculture exacerbated by which state?
(d) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) global issue? (a) 14 days (b) 1 month
(a) Population growth (c) 3 months (d) 6 months
27. Which country did not participate in (b) Urbanization
38. Which of the following countries did
the Malabar 2024 exercise, which (c) Climate crisis
not participate in the Desert Knight
commenced at Visakhapatnam, (d) Global trade disruptions
defence exercise conducted over
India?
33. What is the primary aim of the the Arabian Sea?
(a) India (b) United States
European Sky Shield Initiative (a) India
(c) Japan (d) Russia
(ESSI)? (b) France
28. Who won the Nobel Prize in (a) To establish a unified air and (c) United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Literature 2024 for her intense missile defense system across (d) United States
poetic prose? Europe
39. The Harimau Shakti 2024 exercise,
(a) Haruki Murakami (b) To promote European space
which focuses on counterinsurgency
(b) Kazuo Ishiguro exploration
operations in jungle terrain, is
(c) Han Kang (c) To create a common European
conducted between India and
(d) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie army
which country?
(d) To establish a financial
29. The Nobel Peace Prize 2024 was (a) Malaysia
cooperation network
awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, an (b) Singapore
organization of survivors of which (c) Thailand
34. Which country recently deployed a
historical event? (d) Bangladesh
powerful Large Phased Array Radar
(a) The Korean War (LPAR) near the Myanmar border? 40. The United Nations has declared
(b) The Hiroshima-Nagasaki (a) China which day as the World Day for
bombings (b) India Glaciers?
(c) The Vietnam War (c) Thailand (a) March 21
(d) The Chernobyl disaster (d) Bangladesh (b) March 22
(c) March 23
30. Which state/UT has hosted the 35. Which country has recently
(d) March 24
Apricot Blossom Festival 2025 to discovered a massive 46-million-ton
boost ecotourism? white hydrogen reserve? 41. Which country is India’s oldest
(a) Ladakh (a) India regional strategic partner in the Gulf
(b) Uttarakhand (b) France region, with which it conducts joint
(c) Meghalaya (c) Germany exercises, including the Naseem-
(d) Lakshadweep (d) China Al-Bahr naval exercise?
(a) Saudi Arabia
31. Which institution has released the 36. The Union government abolished
(b) United Arab Emirates
Financial Stability Report (FSR) the windfall tax on which of the
(c) Oman
2024? following items?
(d) Qatar

ANSWERS

26. (a) 27. (d) 28. (c) 29. (b) 30. (a) 31. (b) 32. (c) 33. (a) 34. (a)
35. (b) 36. (c) 37. (c) 38. (d) 39. (a) 40. (a) 41. (c)
Recent Current Affairs Questions
159
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

42. What is the theme of World 48. ‘PM-KUSUM Scheme’, recently (a) Gujarat
Meteorological Day 2025? seen in news, comes under which (b) Jharkhand
(a) At the Frontline of Climate Action ministry? (c) Karnataka
(b) Closing the early warning gap (a) Ministry of Urban Development (d) Mizoram
together (b) Ministry of Agriculture
(c) Early Warning and Early Action (c) Ministry of New and Renewable 55. What is the primary objective of the
(d) Climate and Water Energy Saubhagya Scheme, recently seen
(d) Ministry of Finance in news?
43. The Malabar exercise began as a (a) Providing free healthcare to rural
bilateral naval exercise between 49. Which organization has launched households
India and which country in 1992? BHIM (BHarat Interface for Money) (b) Achieving universal household
(a) Japan 3.0? electrification
(b) United States (a) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (c) Promoting agriculture in remote
(c) Australia (b) National Payments Corporation areas
(d) France of India (NPCI) (d) Enhancing educational facilities
(c) NITI Aayog in urban areas
44. Which ministry has launched a (d) Ministry of Finance
revamped e-auction portal named 56. The Future Circular Collider (FCC)
‘BAANKNET’ to streamline the 50. What is ‘Captagon’, recently seen in is a proposed $30 billion project by
auction of banks assets? news? which organization?
(a) Ministry of Commerce and (a) A synthetic drug (a) European Organization for
Industry (b) A dengue vaccine Nuclear Research (CERN)
(b) Ministry of Home Affairs (c) A traditional irrigation method (b) Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency (JAXA)
(c) Ministry of Finance (d) None of the Above
(c) China National Space
(d) Ministry of Defence
51. Hakki Pikki Tribe, recently seen in Administration (CNSA)
45. New Zealand’s South Island, which the news, is a major tribal community (d) Indian Space Research
was seen in news, is separated from of which state? Organisation (ISRO)
North Island by which strait? (a) Odisha (b) Bihar
57. Which institution has launched
(a) Cook Strait (c) Karnataka (d) Jharkhand
India’s largest metal 3D printing
(b) Torres Strait
52. Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman machine for rocket components?
(c) Foveaux Strait
Yojana is launched by which state (a) IIT Madras
(d) Tamaki Strait
government? (b) IIT Delhi
46. Kasturirangan Committee Report, (a) Bihar (c) IIT Kanpur
recently in the news, concerns (b) Odisha (d) IIT Hyderabad
environmental protection in which (c) Haryana
58. Which organization has developed
region of India? (d) Jharkhand
the Search and Rescue Aid Tool
(a) Himalayas
53. What is the rank of Uttar Pradesh (SARAT)?
(b) Thar Desert
in the Startup Ecosystem Report (a) Indian Space Research
(c) Western Ghats
2025? Organisation (ISRO)
(d) Sundarbans
(a) First (b) Defence Research and
47. Recently, which country has become (b) Second Development Organisation
India’s second-largest Liquefied (c) Third (DRDO)
Natural Gas (LNG) supplier? (d) Fifth (c) Indian National Centre for Ocean
(a) Iraq (b) Iran Information Services (INCOIS)
(c) Australia (d) United States 54. The Sarhul Festival is mainly (d) National Institute of
celebrated in which state? Oceanography (NIO)

ANSWERS

42. (b) 43. (b) 44. (c) 45. (a) 46. (c) 47. (d) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (a)
51. (c) 52. (d) 53. (c) 54. (b) 55. (b) 56. (a) 57. (d) 58. (c)
160
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

59. Recently, which shipyard has 65. Who has been appointed as the 71. What is the primary focus of ‘Glide
launched the first indigenously-built new Cabinet Secretary for the Phase Interceptor (GPI) Project’,
Talwar class frigate, ‘Triput’? Government of India? recently in news?
(a) Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) (a) Alok Banerjee (a) Missile interception
(b) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (b) T.V. Somanathan (b) Ocean exploration
Limited (MDL) (c) S.C. Majumdar (c) Mineral exploration
(c) Hindustan Shipyard Limited (d) Rinku Dugga (d) Space exploration
(d) Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
66. Digital Bus initiative, recently seen 72. Which company has recently
60. Which institution has launched in news, is launched by which two unveiled ‘Sesame’, India’s first
a policy report titled Expanding organizations? Large Language Model (LLM)?
Quality Higher Education through (a) National Digital India Mission (a) Setu
States and State Public Universities? (b) RazorPay
and NIIT Foundation
(a) Ministry of Education (c) Instamojo
(b) Ministry of Education and Infosys
(b) Reserve Bank of India (d) MobiKwik
Foundation
(c) NITI Aayog
(c) NITI Aayog and Department of IT 73. Which ministry recently launched
(d) IIT Kanpur
(d) Digital India Mission and Tata the ‘Capacity Building on Design
61. C-DOT recently signed an Consultancy Services and Entrepreneurship (CBDE)
agreement with which institutions program?
67. Recently, the oldest Jurassic bird (a) Ministry of Education
for “Development of ‘Cell-Free’
fossil has been found in which (b) Ministry of Finance
6G Access Points” to enhance
country? (c) Ministry of Defence
connectivity?
(a) India (d) Ministry of Home Affairs
(a) IIT Madras and IIT Kharagpur
(b) IIT Ahmedabad and IIT Delhi (b) China
(c) Japan 74. Darfur region, recently seen in news
(c) IIT Bombay and Kanpur
(d) Vietnam due to hunger crisis, is located in
(d) IIT Roorkee and IIT Mandi
which country?
62. Where was the Asia’s first hyper- 68. NEOWISE Telescope, recently seen (a) Algeria (b) Sudan
realistic life-sized animatronic in the news, was launched by which (c) Libya (d) Egypt
elephant named Ellie unveiled? space agency?
75. Which institute recently introduced
(a) Bengaluru (a) ISRO (b) CNSA
a new high-yielding wheat seed
(b) Kolkata (c) JAXA (d) NASA
variety, HD 3386?
(c) Bhopal
69. Which country is the host of 4th (a) Indian Agricultural Research
(d) Chennai
No Money for Terror (NMFT) Institute
(b) National sugar Research Institute
63. Which institution has introduced a Conference 2025?
(c) Tata Institute of Fundamental
new digital platform called MITRA? (a) Germany
Research
(a) NITI Aayog (b) Australia
(d) Central Scientific Industrial
(b) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (c) France
Organisation
(c) State Bank of India (SBI) (d) Russia
(d) Securities and Exchange Board 76. Which two countries launched the
of India (SEBI) 70. What is ‘Silicosis’, recently seen in
TRUST initiative to boost cooperation
news? in critical minerals 2025?
64. ‘Ceres’ is recently classified as what (a) A cardiovascular disease (a) India and Russia
type of celestial body? (b) A respiratory disease (b) India and United States
(a) Dwarf planet (b) Asteroid (c) A neurological disorder (c) Russia and China
(c) Comet (d) Moon (d) A digestive disorder (d) India and Japan

ANSWERS

59. (d) 60. (c) 61. (d) 62. (a) 63. (d) 64. (a) 65. (b) 66. (a) 67. (b)
68. (d) 69. (a) 70. (b) 71. (a) 72. (a) 73. (a) 74. (b) 75. (a) 76. (b)
Recent Current Affairs Questions
161
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

77. Manika Batra, recently seen in the (c) Nandankanan Zoological Park (a) To establish a military base in
news, is associated with which (d) Nehru Zoological Park Ladakh
sports? (b) To capture strategic heights in
(a) Table Tennis (b) Badminton 83. Juno probe, recently seen in the Himalayas
(c) Football (d) Chess the news, is a NASA spacecraft (c) To engage in a peacekeeping
designed to orbit which planet? mission
78. Truenat platform, recently seen (a) Jupiter (b) Mars (d) To secure the Siachen Glacier
in news, is associated with which (c) Saturn (d) Venus
disease? 90. Which state recently launched ‘Pirul
(a) Dengue (b) Cancer 84. Which state in India has recorded Lao-Paise Pao’ campaign to prevent
(c) TB (d) Malaria the highest number of vultures in the forest fires in state?
recent census? (a) Himachal Pradesh
79. Where was the 8th edition of (a) Madhya Pradesh (b) Uttarakhand
Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) (b) Uttar Pradesh (c) Haryana
organized? (c) Odisha (d) Punjab
(a) Muscat, Oman (d) Bihar
91. According to a recent report, which
(b) Tamil Nadu, India
85. Recently, for the first time, the country is the most targeted nation
(c) Perth, Australia
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for mobile malware attacks?
(d) Jakarta, Indonesia
(a) Canada
announced its ‘Vision for Regional
(b) The Netherlands
80. What is the aim of the National Security’ in which city of Saudi
(c) South Africa
Forensic Infrastructure Arabia?
(d) India
Enhancement Scheme (NFIES), (a) Riyadh (b) Jeddah
recently approved by government (c) Medina (d) Dammam 92. Which organization recently
of India? launched the Business for Land
(a) To improve healthcare 86. Recently, a fresh batch of Igla-S air
(B4L) Initiative?
infrastructure defence system has arrived India
(a) World Health Organization (WHO)
(b) To strengthen the criminal from which country? (b) International Labour
forensic infrastructure (a) France (b) China Organization (ILO)
(c) To enhance educational facilities (c) USA (d) Russia (c) United Nations Convention to
(d) To develop transportation Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
87. Which institution has developed a
systems (d) International Monetary Fund
Quality of Public Expenditure (QPE)
(IMF)
Index?
81. Which organization has released
(a) NITI Aayog 93. Which institute has developed an
the 2025 edition of the International
(b) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) open-source tool called “IMPART”
Classification of Diseases (ICD)?
(c) Securities and Exchange Board to monitor lake water surface
(a) World Health Organization of India (SEBI) temperatures?
(b) International Red Cross (d) Ministry of Finance (a) IIT Kanpur (b) IIT Madras
(c) United Nations (c) IIT Kanpur (d) IIT Bombay
88. The first Adolescent Girls Club
(d) United Nations Development
under Mission Shakti was launched 94. Rural Technology Action Group
Programme (RuTAG) is an initiative of which
in which state?
(a) Manipur (b) Nagaland institution?
82. Which zoological park is home to
(c) Assam (d) Mizoram (a) Office of the Principal Scientific
India’s first ‘bio bank’?
Adviser (PSA)
(a) Padmaja Naidu Himalayan
89. What was the primary objective (b) NITI Aayog
Zoological Park
of ‘Operation Meghdoot’, recently (c) All India Radio
(b) National Zoological Park
mentioned in news? (d) Central Vigilance Commission

ANSWERS

77. (a) 78. (c) 79. (a) 80. (b) 81. (a) 82. (a) 83. (a) 84. (a) 85. (a)
86. (d) 87. (b) 88. (b) 89. (d) 90. (b) 91. (d) 92. (c) 93. (d) 94. (a)
162
ESE 2025 : Preliminary Exam

95. What is the name of the Earth (a) Russia 106. Kavach 4.0, which was seen in
observation satellite developed by (b) Moldova the news, is an automatic train
NASA and ISRO? (c) Ukraine protection system introduced by
(a) ADEOS (d) Kenya which organization?
(b) NISAR
(a) Defence Research and
(c) CLOUDSAT 101. Which state has topped in installing
Development Organisation
(d) GALILIEO rooftop solar energy as of December
(DRDO)
2024?
96. Which is the nodal ministry for the (b) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
(a) Maharashtra
IndiaAI Mission? (BHEL)
(a) Ministry of Finance (b) Bihar
(c) Research Design and Standards
(b) Ministry of Science and (c) Gujarat
Organization (RDSO)
Technology (d) Odisha
(d) Ministry of Transport
(c) Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology 102. Sagar Island, which was seen in
107. Which ministry is responsible for
(d) Ministry of Defence the news, is located in which State/
conducting the census in India?
UT?
(a) Ministry of Health and Family
97. What is the name of the distant (a) Tamil Nadu
Welfare
galaxy discovered by NASA’s (b) West Bengal
James Webb Space Telescope? (b) Ministry of Tourism
(c) Lakshadweep
(a) Firefly Sparkle (c) Ministry of Defence
(d) Goa
(b) Cosmic Glimmer (d) Ministry of Home Affairs
(c) Starburst Jewel 103. Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a),
(d) None of the Above 108. Which tribe primarily inhabits Meluri,
that was recently seen in news,
newly declared district of Nagaland?
98. Which organization released the occurred during which period?
(a) Angami Naga
“Global Status of Salt-Affected (a) Jurassic
(b) Pochury Naga
Soils” report? (b) Triassic
(c) Sumi Naga
(a) Food and Agriculture (c) Permian
(d) Lotha Naga
Organization (FAO) (d) Cretaceous
(b) United Nations Environment 109. Which state has become the first
Programme (UNEP) 104. According to recent study, state in India to adopt an airshed-
(c) World Bank which state reported the arsenic based approach for clean air
(d) World Health Organization (WHO) contamination in staple foods? project?
(a) Jharkhand (a) Bihar
99. Science and Heritage Research
Initiative (SHRI) is associated with (b) Bihar (b) Jharkhand
which ministry? (c) Odisha (c) Haryana
(a) Ministry of Science and (d) Uttar Pradesh (d) Uttar Pradesh
Technolgy
(b) Ministry of Culture 105. Recently, who becomes the 110. Which city is proposed for the
(c) Ministry of Tourism youngest female to climb highest world’s first high-altitude para sports
(d) Ministry of Finance peaks in all 7 continents? centre?
(a) Pragati Bisht (a) Leh
100. Which country has joined the
(b) Kaamya Karthikeyan (b) Darjeeling
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
(c) Sanaya Gupta (c) Mussoorie
by signing the ISA Framework
Agreement in December 2024? (d) Kirti Rawat (d) Dehradun

ANSWERS

95. (b) 96. (c) 97. (a) 98. (a) 99. (a) 100. (b) 101. (c) 102. (b) 103. (d)
104. (b) 105. (b) 106. (c) 107. (d) 108. (b) 109. (d) 110. (a)
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