The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) GlowCas9 Category: Science and Technology Context: GlowCas9 protein could help scientists observe the molecular scissors called Cas9 enzyme as it enables gene editing for treating genetic diseases including cancer. About GlowCas9: Nature: It is a CRISPR protein that lights up while performing gene editing. It is a bioluminescent version of Cas9 that glows inside cells. Creation: It is created by scientists at the Bose Institute in Kolkata. Structure: It is created by fusing Cas9 with a split nano-luciferase enzyme derived from deep-sea shrimp proteins. Properties: The GlowCas9 is very stable and maintains its structure and activity at higher temperatures compared to the conventional enzyme. It glows inside cells, allowing for real-time monitoring of CRISPR operations. Working mechanism: The split nano-luciferase enzyme pieces reconnect when Cas9 folds correctly, producing light. This glowing activity allows scientists to monitor CRISPR operations in living cells, tissues, and even plant leaves, without harming them. Advantages: It provides a way to observe gene editing in real-time without harming cells. The bioluminescence allows tracking of the gene-editing process in living cells, tissues, and even plant leaves. It is more stable than conventional Cas9 and can maintain its structure and activity at higher temperatures. This increased stability is important for gene therapy, ensuring effective delivery of the Cas9 protein for treatment. Applications: Gene Therapy Implications: GlowCas9 can aid in gene therapy by improving the precision of homology-directed repair (HDR), which is essential for fixing hereditary mutations linked to diseases like sickle cell anaemia and muscular dystrophy. Theratracking: It also pioneers the emerging field of theratracking (visualizing molecular gene therapy in motion), which could greatly enhance the success rate of treatments for diseases like sickle cell anaemia and muscular dystrophy. Applications in Crop Improvement: The technology is also applicable to plant systems, suggesting potential non-transgenic applications in crop improvement. Source: PIB   Buxa Tiger Reserve Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, the year’s largest wildlife survey began across the Buxa Tiger Reserve, with an extensive four-month monitoring survey. About Buxa Tiger Reserve: Location: It is located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal. Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan. Area: Buxa Tiger Reserve and National Park covers about 760 square kilometers. Landscape: The fragile “Terai Eco-System” constitutes a part of this reserve. Important for elephant migration: It serves as an international corridor for elephant migration between India and Bhutan. Connectivity: The reserve has corridor connectivity across the border with the forests of Bhutan in the North, on the East it has linkages with the Kochugaon forests, Manas Tiger Reserve and on the West with the Jaldapara National Park. Rivers: The rivers Sankosh, Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Turturi, Phashkhawa, Dima, and Nonani flow through Buxa National Park. Vegetation: The forests of the reserve can be broadly classified as the ‘Moist Tropical Forest’. Flora: Prominent tree species include Sal, Champ, Gamar, Simul, and Chikrasi, contributing to the reserve’s diverse and vibrant ecosystem. Fauna: The primary wildlife species include the Asian Elephant, Tiger, gaur (Indian bison), Wild boar, Sambar, and Wild dog (Dhole). Endangered species in Buxa Tiger Reserve encompass the Leopard cat, Bengal florican, Regal python, Chinese Pangolin, Hispid hare, and Hog deer.  Conservation Initiatives: Introduction of chitals (spotted deer) to enhance the tiger’s prey base, fostering favorable conditions for their return, and showcasing successful conservation efforts. Proactive measures have been taken to expand the grassland, creating an ideal habitat for tigers and other wildlife. Tiger Augmentation Project was launched in 2018, this collaborative project involves the state forest department, the Wildlife Institute of India, and the NTCA, focusing on monitoring and enhancing the tiger population. Source: Millennium Post   PM Vishwakarma Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, National Steering Committee (NSC) for PM Vishwakarma scheme approved several proposals and policy measures to improve loan sanctions and disbursements. About PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Launch: It was launched in September 2023 to provide holistic, end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople (Vishwakarmas). Nodal ministry: It is a central sector scheme launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Objective: It aims to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara, or family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools.  Services offered: It offers services like market linkage support, skill training, and incentives for digital transactions to artisans and craftspeople engaged in specified trades. Time period: It is fully funded by the central government with an outlay of ₹13,000 crore for five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28). Coverage: About five lakh families were covered in the first year and about 30 lakh families will be covered over five years. Key Features of the Scheme: Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card. Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day; Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of upto Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training. Credit Support: Collateral free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of upto Rs. 3 lakhs in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%. Eligibility: It is available for rural and urban artisans and craftsmen across India. It covers 18 traditional crafts such as Boat Maker; Armourer; Blacksmith; Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; etc. Aged 18+, engaged in traditional trade, no similar loans in the past 5 years. Only one member per family is eligible for registration and benefits. Source: PIB United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Category: International Organisations Context: India’s election to the UNHRC reflects the global confidence in democratic institutions, a senior official at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said recently. About United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): Nature: The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. Formation: The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2006. It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. Significance: The UNGA takes into account the candidate States’ contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments in this regard. Election: It is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) through secret ballot. Term: Members of the Council serve for a period of three years and are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving 2 consecutive terms. Equitable distribution of seats: The Council’s Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. Seats are distributed as follows: African States: 13 seats Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats Western European and other States: 7 seats Eastern European States: 6 seats Working mechanism: Universal Periodic Review: UPR serves to assess the human rights situations in all United Nations Member States. Advisory Committee: It serves as the Council’s “think tank” providing it with expertise and advice on thematic human rights issues. Complaint Procedure: It allows individuals and organizations to bring human rights violations to the attention of the Council. UN Special Procedures: These are made up of special rapporteurs, special representatives, independent experts and working groups that monitor, examine, advise and publicly report on thematic issues or human rights situations in specific countries. Source: The Week   Champions of the Earth Award Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, ACS Ms Supriya Sahu of Tamil Nadu won the UN Environment Programme’s 2025 Champions of the Earth Award. About Champions of the Earth Award: Establishment: It was established in 2005 and awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Objective: The award honours individuals and organizations for their innovative and sustainable efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Uniqueness: It is the UN’s highest environmental honour, recognises trailblazers at the forefront of efforts to protect people and the planet. Significance: Every year, UNEP honours individuals and organizations working on innovative and sustainable solutions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Four Categories: Champions of the Earth are Celebrated in 4 categories: Policy leadership: Public sector officials leading global or national action for the environment. They shape dialogue, lead commitments and act for the good of the planet. Inspiration and action: Leaders taking bold steps to inspire positive change to protect our world. They lead by example, challenge behavior and inspire millions. Entrepreneurial vision: Visionaries challenging the status quo to build a cleaner future. They build systems, create new technology and spearhead a groundbreaking vision.  Science and innovation: Trailblazers pushing the boundaries of technology for profound environmental benefit. Notable Indian Winners: Notable Indian honourees include Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2018), Madhav Gadgil (2024) and Purnima Devi Barman (2022). Source: News on AIR   (MAINS Focus) Freeing Indian Entrepreneurs: The Promise of the Jan Vishwas Siddhant (UPSC GS Paper III – Indian Economy: Ease of Doing Business, Regulatory Reforms, MSMEs, Employment Generation)   Context (Introduction) India’s regulatory environment remains heavy with compliances, permissions, and criminal penalties inherited from the Licence Raj. The proposed Jan Vishwas Siddhant seeks to transform this landscape by shifting from permission-driven governance to self-registration, rationalised compliances, and transparent regulatory processes—crucial for unlocking entrepreneurial growth and non-farm job creation.   Main Arguments: What Holds Back Indian Entrepreneurs?   Regulatory Over-Criminalisation: Thousands of business activities—many minor procedural lapses—carry criminal penalties. Jail provisions rarely lead to successful prosecution but are routinely used for harassment, clogging courts (e.g., 43 lakh cheque bouncing cases forming 10% of pendency). Instrument Proliferation: Instead of the constitutional hierarchy of Acts + Rules, India has created 12,000+ non-law instruments (notifications, circulars, FAQs, SOPs, orders). Entrepreneurs must comply with this vast, unclear ecosystem, breeding confusion and corruption. Compliance Blind Spot:  India began 2025 with 69,000+ compliances. Policymakers focus on legislation but forget cumulative compliance burdens. Regulations micro-specify processes rather than target outcomes, ignoring global best practices in smart regulation. Enforcing the Unenforceable: One inspector monitoring 3.3 lakh weighing instruments, or numerous field requirements that cannot be realistically enforced, convert noble intentions into corruption and inefficiency. This weakens rule of law and creates a culture of discretion. Process as Punishment: Entrepreneurs face disproportionate penalties, long delays, and microspecification-heavy rules. The combination of low prosecution probability and high harassment potential produces a system where the innocent suffer and risk-taking is discouraged. Lack of a Single Source of Truth: Regulatory obligations remain scattered across outdated databases. Entrepreneurs often cannot verify whether a compliance requirement was legally issued, enabling rent-seeking and discretion.   What the Jan Vishwas Siddhant Proposes? Perpetual Self-Registration: All licences outside national security, public safety, human health, and environment will be replaced with self-registration. Everything is permitted unless explicitly prohibited. Risk-Based, Randomised Inspections: Inspections will shift from inspector raj to third-party, algorithm-based, and risk-weighted checks. Decriminalisation of Business Laws: DPIIT’s decriminalisation guidelines will apply across ministries; punishments will be proportionate and non-custodial for economic offences. Regulatory Discipline: No new regulatory obligations without consultation; all transitions implemented on a fixed date annually (e.g., January 1). Only Acts and Rules may carry penal provisions—ending proliferation of informal instruments. Digital Governance & IndiaCode Modernisation: A live, comprehensive, gazette-integrated digital repository (IndiaCode) will be the single source of truth for all regulations, eliminating ambiguity and corruption. Annual Regulatory Impact Assessment: All ministries will assess compliance burdens and publish annual reports on enforcement, making regulation transparent and outcomes-driven.   Why These Reforms Matter for India’s Growth Model? Unlocking Entrepreneurship: India has 6.3 crore enterprises, yet only 30,000 companies have paid-up capital above ₹10 crore. Over-regulation creates “dwarfs, not babies”—firms that stay small due to compliance fear, not lack of ambition. Boosting Non-Farm Job Creation: Entrepreneurship is key to India’s employment challenge. Freeing MSMEs from the “ijaazat raj” enables innovation, formalisation, and productivity growth—critical for labour absorption. Transforming Governance: Moves from permission-based rule to trust-based governance—turning praja into nagrik, and ruling into governing.   Conclusion The Jan Vishwas Siddhant is a foundational shift in India’s regulatory philosophy—prioritising trust, proportionality, transparency, and ease of compliance. By dismantling regulatory cholesterol and unleashing entrepreneurial energy, India can accelerate non-farm job creation and build a governance model where entrepreneurship is iterative experimentation, not a battle against bureaucracy.   Mains Question  “India’s regulatory environment is a bigger barrier to entrepreneurship than access to finance or markets.” Discuss how reforms such as the Jan Vishwas Siddhant can transform the ease of doing business and support inclusive economic growth. (250 words, 15 marks)   Source: Indian Express The Indian Ocean as the Cradle of a New Blue Economy (UPSC GS Paper II & III – “International Relations; Blue Economy; Maritime Security; Climate Change; Sustainable Development”)   Context (Introduction) As climate pressures mount on the Indian Ocean—one of the world’s most vulnerable basins—India is positioned to reshape regional ocean governance. The article argues that India can lead a new Blue Economy model rooted in sustainability, resilience, and equitable growth.   Main Arguments:  Historical Maritime Leadership: India has a legacy of advocating global ocean justice, from supporting “common heritage of mankind” during UNCLOS to Nehru’s early recognition of oceans as vital to India’s prosperity. This credibility uniquely positions India to lead again. Rising Oceanic Threats: Climate change has intensified ocean warming, acidification, sea-level rise, and IUU (Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated) fishing. The Indian Ocean basin—home to one-third of humanity—is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. Blue Economy Opportunity: A modern Blue Economy must integrate stewardship, resilience, and inclusive growth. India can shape sustainable fisheries, ecosystem restoration, green shipping, marine biotechnology, and offshore renewable energy. Emerging Global Finance Momentum: New commitments—€25 billion existing pipelines, €8.7 billion new at BEFF 2025; $7.5 billion annually from the Finance in Common Ocean Coalition; Brazil’s $20 billion One Ocean Partnership—signal unprecedented ocean-focused funding. Security Through Sustainability: Ecosystem collapse, not naval rivalry alone, is the deeper source of insecurity. India’s SAGAR doctrine aligns security with stewardship, enabling integrated maritime domain awareness, climate preparedness, and disaster response.   Challenges / Criticisms  Fragmented Regional Governance: Indian Ocean governance remains scattered across multiple forums; unlike the Pacific, there is no unified ocean strategy guiding littoral cooperation. Climate Vulnerability: Sea-level rise, storm surges, coral bleaching, and fisheries depletion threaten economies from East Africa to Southeast Asia—creating regional instability and migration pressures. Finance–Implementation Gap: Despite growing global pledges, most Indian Ocean states lack institutional mechanisms to absorb and deploy Blue Economy investments effectively. Capacity Deficits in Small States: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) struggle with scientific capacity, monitoring, early warning systems, and access to marine technology—limiting regional collective action. Geopolitical Overhang: Indo-Pacific security narratives often overshadow environmental priorities, reducing room for cooperation as military competition intensifies.   Way Forward:  Stewardship of the Global Commons: Champion biodiversity protection, sustainable fisheries, deep-sea governance, and ecosystem restoration—mirroring India’s earlier UNCLOS role as a fairness-driven leader. Regional Ocean Resilience Hub: Create an Indian Ocean Resilience & Innovation Centre to support SIDS and African states with ocean observation, early warning systems, climate modelling, and technology transfer—similar to IOC-UNESCO frameworks. Indian Ocean Blue Fund: Establish a multilateral financing mechanism seeded by India and open to development banks, philanthropy, and private capital—turning global pledges into actionable regional projects. Sustainable Blue Growth Sectors: Promote green shipping corridors, offshore wind and wave energy, sustainable aquaculture, marine biotech, and ocean-based carbon removal—aligned with BBNJ and UNOC3 pathways. Security–Environment Integration: Through SAGAR, align naval and coast guard cooperation with environmental monitoring, IUU fishing control, and climate-driven disaster management—mirroring Australia’s and Japan’s integrated maritime models. BBNJ Ratification & Norm Leadership: Ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty early to signal India’s readiness to shape global norms on deep-sea mining, marine genetic resources, and equitable benefit-sharing.   Conclusion The Indian Ocean, once central to early global civilisation, can now anchor a new global Blue Economy where prosperity and sustainability are inseparable. India—drawing on historic moral leadership, strategic geography, and scientific capability—can redefine ocean governance through stewardship, regional cooperation, and inclusive development. Leading with the principle “From the Indian Ocean, for the World” would allow India to turn a climate-risked ocean into a model of resilience and shared prosperity.   Mains Question  Why is the Indian Ocean central to India’s Blue Economy strategy, and what key challenges must India overcome to lead a sustainable and cooperative ocean governance framework in the region? (250 words, 15 marks)   Source: The Hindu  

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) CITES Convention Category: Environment and Ecology Context: The 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to CITES has concluded in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking the 50th anniversary of the Convention. About CITES Convention: Full Form: CITES stands for ‘Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.’ Nature: It is an international agreement to which States and regional economic integration organizations adhere voluntarily. Adoption: It was adopted in 1973 and entered into force in 1975. Objective: It aims to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Membership: Presently, there are 185 member parties, and trade is regulated in more than 38,000 species. Legally binding: Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties (they have to implement the Convention), it does not take the place of national laws. Secretariat: The CITES Secretariat is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is located in Geneva, Switzerland.  Governance: The Conference of the Parties to CITES, is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention and comprises all its Parties. Meeting: Representatives of CITES nations meet every two to three years at a Conference of the Parties (or COP) to review progress and adjust the lists of protected species, which are grouped into three categories with different levels of protection: Collaboration: CITES brings together law enforcement officers from wildlife authorities, national parks, customs, and police agencies to collaborate on efforts to combat wildlife crime targeted at animals such as elephants and rhinos. 3 Appendices: Appendix I: It includes species threatened with extinction and provides the greatest level of protection, including a prohibition on commercial trade. Appendix II: It includes species that are not currently threatened with extinction but may become so without trade controls. Regulated trade is allowed if the exporting country issues a permit based on findings that the specimens were legally acquired and the trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Appendix III: It includes species for which a country has asked other CITES parties to help control international trade. Trade in Appendix III species is regulated using CITES export permits (issued by the country that listed the species in Appendix III) and certificates of origin (issued by all other countries). Source: Down to Earth Majuli Island Category: Geography Context: In an effort to revive the nearly defunct Royal Bird Sanctuary at Majuli island, the Charaichung Festival has been organised in the island district for the second time. About Majuli Island: Location: It is the world’s largest river island located in Assam. Formation: The island is formed by the Brahmaputra River in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, a branch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River in the north. Landscape: The island’s landscape is characterised by lush greenery, water bodies, and paddy fields. Uniqueness: It became India’s first river island district in 2016. Livelihood: Rice cultivation is the primary livelihood for the residents of Majuli, with several unique varieties of rice, such as Komal Saul and Bao Dhan, grown in the region. Tribes: Most of the islanders belong to three tribes-Mishing, Deori, and Sonowal Kachari, with the non-tribal Assamese comprising the rest. Historical significance: It is often called the soul of Assam. It has been recognized as the cultural capital of Assam since the 16th century. Associated with neo-Vaishnavite culture: The island has been the hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, initiated around the 16th century by the great Assamese saint-reformer Srimanta Sankerdeva and his disciple Madhavdeva. Cultural richness: They initiated the tradition of Satras (monastic institutions), and these Satras have preserved Sattriya dance, literature, bhaona (theatre), dance forms, mask making, and boat-making. Apart from Satras or Vaishnavite monasteries, Majuli is famous for mask-making and has a tradition of pottery making. About Charaichung Festival: Legacy: The festival commemorates the 392-year-old legacy of Asia’s first protected Royal Bird Sanctuary, ‘Charaichung’, established in 1633 AD by Ahom king Swargadeu Pratap Singha. Objective: The four-day festival, being held from December 7 to 10, has been organised under the initiative of Majuli Sahitya and locals, with the aim of placing Charaichung on the global map and rejuvenating its bird habitat. Exhibition: The festival also features a special exhibition highlighting forest conservation efforts. The display sheds light on ongoing initiatives to protect Majuli’s biodiversity and reflects the collective commitment to safeguarding the island’s natural heritage. Source: DD News SAMPANN Portal Category: Government Schemes Context: Controller General of Communication Accounts recently inaugurated the onboarding of all MTNL employees retiring in November 2025 onto the SAMPANN portal at Delhi. About SAMPANN Portal: Nature: SAMPANN stands for “System for Accounting and Management of Pension,” and it is a Comprehensive Pension Management System (CPMS). Nodal ministry: It is an initiative undertaken by the Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA), Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.  Launch: It was launched on 29th December, 2018. Objective: It aims to bring the pension processing, sanctioning, authorisation, and payment units under a common platform. It also provides direct credit of pension into the bank accounts of pensioners. Significance: The system has helped the Department in faster settlement of pension cases, improved reconciliation, and ease of accounting. It also provides online grievance management for the pensioners and faster processing of arrears and revision of pension. Use of DBT: Pensions are disbursed directly into the bank accounts of pensioners, ensuring timely and secure payments. Single-Window System: It serves as a unified platform for all aspects of the pension process, including online grievance management and tracking of pension status. Enhanced transparency: Pensioners can track their pension status from home and access key information like payment history and e-PPOs (electronic Pension Payment Orders) through a personalized dashboard. Source: PIB UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List Category: History and Culture Context: Recently, Deepavali, the festival of lights, was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. About UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List: Definition: Intangible heritage refers to “living heritage” passed across generations. It includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge/practices concerning nature, and traditional craftsmanship. Objective: The list aims to ensure the safeguarding, promotion, and transmission of these traditions for future generations, raise global awareness of their importance, and foster cultural diversity and international cooperation. Administration: The list is managed under the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Intergovernmental Committee makes decisions on inscriptions based on nominations submitted by member states. 5 Domains: The UNESCO’s 2003 proposes five broad ‘domains’ in which intangible cultural heritage is manifested: Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage; Performing arts; Social practices, rituals and festive events; Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; Traditional craftsmanship. List of 16 elements on the List (after inclusion of Deepavali): Tradition of Vedic chanting – 2008 Kutiyattam (Sanskrit theatre) – 2008 Ramlila (traditional performance of the Ramayana) – 2008 Ramman (festival & ritual theatre of Garhwal Himalayas) – 2009 Mudiyettu (ritual dance drama of Kerala) – 2010 Kalbelia folk songs & dances of Rajasthan – 2010 Chhau dance – 2010 Buddhist chanting of Ladakh – 2012 Sankirtana (ritual singing & drumming of Manipur) – 2013 Traditional brass & copper craft of Thatheras, Punjab – 2014 Yoga – 2016 Kumbh Mela – 2017 Durga Puja of Kolkata – 2021 Garba of Gujarat – 2023 Navroz/Nowruz – 2024 Deepavali (Diwali) – 2025 Source: PIB   NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) Category: Science and Technology Context: Recently, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) signed 70 Technology Transfer Agreements to transfer technologies developed at ISRO to Industry. About NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): Establishment: NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) was incorporated on 6 March 2019 under the Companies Act, 2013. Administrative control: It is a wholly owned Government of India company, under the administrative control of Department of Space (DOS). Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Bengaluru. Association with ISRO: It is the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Difference from Antrix Corporation: NSIL is India’s second commercial space entity after Antrix Corporation, established in 1992. While Antrix primarily handled exports and marketing to international customers, NSIL focuses on capacity building within the domestic industry and commercializing technologies. Relationship with IN-SPACe: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), established in 2020, is an independent nodal agency that promotes and authorizes private non-governmental entities in space activities, acting as an interface with ISRO. Significance: NSIL (along with IN-SPACe) is part of broader reforms under the Indian Space Policy 2023 aimed at increasing private sector participation and India’s share in the global space economy.  Primary responsibilities: Enabling Indian industries to take up high technology space related activities. Promotion and commercial exploitation of the products and services emanating from the Indian space programme.  Major business areas: Production of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) through industry. Building of Satellites (both Communication and Earth Observation) as per user requirements. Transfer of technology developed by ISRO centres/units and constituent institutions of the Dept. of Space. Marketing spinoff technologies and products/services emanating out of ISRO activities. Consultancy services. Source: PIB   (MAINS Focus) The Stark Reality of Educational Costs in India (UPSC GS Paper II – Education Policy, Social Justice, Welfare Schemes, Inequality)   Context (Introduction) Despite Article 21A guaranteeing free and compulsory education and NEP 2020 expanding universalisation up to Class 12, NSS 80th Round (2025) reveals rising reliance on private schools and coaching, escalating household expenditure and deepening inequality in basic schooling.   Main Arguments: What the NSS 80th Round Reveals About Schooling Costs in India ? Rising Private School Enrolment: Private schools now account for 31.9% of national enrolment, with urban enrolment at 51.4%—double that of rural areas. Since the 75th NSS Round (2017–18), private enrolment has risen across all levels, especially primary and middle schooling, signalling declining confidence in government schools. High Fee Burden Across School Types: Even in government schools, 25–35% of students report paying course fees. Annual government school fees range from ₹823–7,704, while private school fees rise steeply from ₹17,988–49,075. Monthly private schooling costs in urban India (₹2,182–4,089) are comparable to monthly income of the bottom 5–10% households, making schooling a major financial strain. Private Tuition as a Parallel System: Private coaching has become widespread: 25.5% of rural children and 30.7% of urban children take private tuition. The incidence rises sharply at secondary and higher secondary levels. Tuition costs range from ₹3,980 to ₹22,394 per year, with urban families bearing double the rural expenditure. Socio-Economic Drivers of Coaching Dependence: Higher household income, better parental education, and private school enrolment correlate positively with tuition demand. Despite high fees, many private schools employ underpaid and underqualified teachers, pushing children toward coaching to compensate for poor school quality. Contradiction with Constitutional Promise: NEP 2020 and Article 21A envision free, equitable schooling, yet India’s education landscape has shifted toward privatised access. This creates a financial contradiction where families pay for what the State is mandated to provide.   Challenges / Criticisms Unaffordable Schooling for Lower-Income Families: Private school fees for pre-primary and primary levels are equivalent to the MPCE (Monthly Per Capita Expenditure) of the poorest 5–10% of households—pushing basic education beyond reach. Deepening Learning Inequalities: High-income households use tuition to supplement learning, while poor students rely solely on school quality. This widens learning gaps, undermining the goal of equitable education. Segmentation of Schooling by Class: Government schools now cater predominantly to the poorest households. Middle-class flight toward private schools strips public schools of social capital, accountability, and community engagement. Tuition Culture Undermining School Quality: Studies (Agrawal, Gupta & Mondal, 2024) show that higher private tuition correlates with poorer school quality indicators, implying systemic underperformance of both government and low-fee private schools. Urban–Rural Divide in Spending and Access: Urban households spend significantly more on both schooling and tuition, reinforcing structural advantages in college admissions, competitive exams, and long-term opportunities.   Way Forward Strengthening Government Schools: Improve teacher training, infrastructure, learning assessments, and governance. Kerala and Himachal Pradesh show that high-quality public schools can reduce private school dependence. Regulating Private Schools and Tuition Markets: Introduce transparent fee regulation, mandatory disclosure norms, and stronger enforcement of the Clinical Establishments Act-style frameworks adapted for education governance. Revisiting NEP 2020 Implementation: Focus on foundational learning, teacher availability, school consolidation strategy, and reducing administrative burden. Ensure government schools do not become residual options for the poor. Reducing Dependence on Private Tuition: Adopt models like Finland and Estonia, where strong in-school learning eliminates tuition culture through personalised attention and continuous assessment. Targeted Subsidies for Low-Income Students: Introduce vouchers or DBT-based support for schooling-related expenses, as used in Chile and Brazil, ensuring the poorest are not excluded. Community and Local Government Engagement: School Management Committees (SMCs), panchayats, and urban local bodies must be empowered to monitor performance, ensure accountability, and reflect ground realities.   Conclusion NSS 80th Round data exposes the contradiction between constitutional guarantees and lived realities. As private schooling and coaching costs surge, education risks becoming a commodity rather than a right. Strengthening public schools, regulating private providers, and reducing tuition dependence are essential to ensure equitable, inclusive, and financially accessible education for all.   Mains Question Rising private schooling and coaching dependence in India indicate deep structural inequities in the education system. In this context, suggest reforms for ensuring universal and equitable school education (250 words, 15 marks)   Source: The Hindu Shifting Savings and India’s Capital Markets: Stability with New Risks (UPSC GS Paper III – Indian Economy: Mobilisation of Resources, Capital Market, Inclusive Growth, Financial Stability)   Context (Introduction) India’s capital markets are undergoing a structural shift as domestic household savings increasingly replace Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). While this boosts market stability and reduces external vulnerability, it poses new risks involving participation inequality, investor protection gaps, and rising exposure to high-risk assets.   Main Arguments: What Is Driving the Shift Toward Domestic Savings? Rise of Domestic Market Power: NSE Market Pulse shows FPI ownership down to 16.9%, while domestic mutual funds and direct investors now own nearly 19%, the highest in two decades. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have become the market’s anchor. Reduced External Vulnerability: Domestic inflows help buffer volatility, allowing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) greater policy space. With CPI inflation at 0.3% (Oct 2025) and strong GST/direct tax receipts, macroeconomic stability has improved. Booming Primary Markets: FY25 saw 71 IPOs raising ₹1 lakh crore, backed by investment announcements exceeding ₹32 lakh crore. Private sector participation in new investments has risen to ~70%, signalling renewed domestic confidence. Shift in Monetary Policy Space: With declining dependence on volatile foreign capital, the RBI can prioritise credit growth, rather than defend the rupee. This aligns with India’s long-term growth goals. Household Savings as New Market Drivers: India’s financialisation of savings—through MFs, SIPs, online brokers, and UPI-enabled platforms—is reshaping retail participation, marking a deeper integration of households into capital markets.   Challenges / Criticisms Uneven Participation and Wealth Concentration: Equity ownership is concentrated in higher-income, financially literate urban groups. Retail losses—such as the recent ₹2.6 lakh crore wealth erosion—hit vulnerable investors disproportionately. Performance Problem in Active Funds: Only a small share of active fund managers beat the market after accounting for risk and fees. With active funds holding 9% and passive funds only 1%, retail investors are often exposed to high costs and low returns. IPO Overvaluation Risks: High-profile IPOs (Lenskart, Mamaearth, Nykaa) reveal stretched valuations, raising concerns that retail investors are being pulled into exuberant, high-risk segments without adequate safeguards. Access Asymmetry: Large sections—women, rural households, informal workers—lack financial literacy and advisory support. Market deepening without parallel investor capacity building risks long-term exclusion. Corporate Governance Concerns: Promoter holdings in NIFTY 50 have fallen to a 23-year low of 40%, raising questions about whether dilution is driven by capital-raising or opportunistic disinvestment.   Way Forward Correcting Access Asymmetry: Shift from mere disclosures to proactive investor protection, risk warnings, suitability norms, and easily understandable product classification (EU-style traffic-light model). Promoting Low-Cost Passive Investing: Global evidence (U.S., U.K., Japan) shows passive index funds deliver higher long-term returns for retail investors. India must expand ETF penetration, reduce costs, and incentivise index investing. Improving Market Governance: Strengthen SEBI oversight on IPO pricing, related-party transactions, and promoter dilution. Adopt stricter stewardship codes similar to the U.K. and Australia. Financial Literacy at Scale: Leverage post office networks, digital literacy missions, and women’s SHGs to democratise financial capability—similar to Brazil’s Bolsa Família-linked financial education model. Data-Driven Inclusion: Use gender, geography, and income-based data to tailor interventions—modelled on Canada’s Financial Consumer Agency approach. Strengthening Advisory Standards: Create a clear distinction between agents and fiduciary advisors (U.S. SEC model). Require lower-cost advisory channels for small investors.   Conclusion India’s shift from foreign-driven to domestically anchored capital markets marks a major structural strengthening. Yet stability built on unequal participation, low financial literacy, and overexposure to high-risk products can create long-term vulnerabilities. For markets to genuinely support inclusive growth and “Viksit Bharat 2047,” India must address access asymmetry, strengthen investor protection, expand passive low-cost products, and deepen market governance.   Mains Question  India’s capital markets are increasingly driven by domestic household savings. Discuss how this shift enhances stability but also creates new vulnerabilities. (250 words, 15 marks)   Source: The Hindu