Dec 24, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 24th December 2025

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

Dec 24, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 24th December

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Anjadip Ship Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently, ‘Anjadip’, the third of eight ASW SWC (Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft), was delivered to the Indian Navy at Chennai. About Anjadip Ship: Nature: It is the third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft. Construction: It is indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in collaboration with L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Nomenclature: The ship derives its name from Anjadip Island located off the coast of Karwar, Karnataka. Legacy: The ship is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Anjadip, a Petya class Corvette decommissioned in 2003. Role: It is primarily designed for sub-surface surveillance in coastal waters, anti-submarine operations, mine-laying, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). Capacity: It has displacement capacity of 900 tons with a maximum speed of 25 knots and an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles. Uniqueness: It is the largest Indian Naval Warship propelled by Waterjets, which are equipped with state-of-the-art Lightweight Torpedoes, indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Rockets and shallow water SONAR. Indigenisation: The ship stands as a testament to the growing domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. It boasts over 80% indigenous content, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Significance: The ship will strengthen Navy’s Anti-Submarine, coastal surveillance and mine laying capabilities. Source: PIB Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System Category: Economy Context: Recently, soil tests in Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala revealed dangerously high aluminium concentrations in paddy fields, posing a serious threat to crop health. About Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System: Geography: It is located in the Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala. Part of Ramsar site: It is part of the Vembanad-Kol wetland system, a designated Ramsar Site since 2002. Uniqueness: It is unique and the only system in India that favours rice cultivation below sea level. The cultivation takes place 1 to 2 meters below mean sea level. Complex system: Farmers reclaim land by draining delta swamps and building a complex network of polders (Padasekharams) and bunds to manage water and salinity. Concerns: The system faces severe threats from rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and chemical pollution from both agriculture and tourism. Further, frequent flood-drought cycles are threatening the Puncha (summer) rice season, the primary cultivation period. Structure: It is a mosaic of three distinct agricultural landscapes: Paddy Wetlands: Used for rice cultivation (locally called Puncha Vayals) and seasonal fish catching. Garden Lands: Used for planting coconut, tubers, and food crops. Water Bodies: Used for inland fishing and shell harvesting Global and National Recognition: GIAHS Status: It is recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2013 as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). Rice Bowl of Kerala: It contributes significantly to Kerala’s rice production, often referred to by this sobriquet. Kuttanad Package: It is a major revival program recommended by the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) to address ecological and agrarian distress in the region. Source: The Hindu Southern Ocean Category: Geography Context: Recently, scientists found that the Southern Ocean mitigates global surface warming by taking up a large portion of the carbon released by human activities.        About Southern Ocean: Size: The Southern Ocean is the world’s fourth-largest (or second-smallest) ocean. Depth: Its deepest point is the Factorian Deep (approx. 7,434m) in the South Sandwich Trench. Location: The International Hydrographic Organization describes the Southern Ocean as the World Ocean’s southernmost portion. It is located on the lower end of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean, and includes the tributary seas around the Antarctic region. Recognition: On World Ocean Day (June 8, 2021), National Geographic recognized the Southern Ocean as the 5th ocean. Formation: It was formed around 34 million years ago when Antarctica and South America drifted apart, creating the Drake Passage. Distinctive features: It is known for its strong winds, intense storms, dramatic seasonal changes and cold temperatures. Uniqueness: It is dominated by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) which is the longest, strongest, deepest-reaching current on earth.  Biodiversity: Powerful currents, cold temperatures and nutrient and oxygen-rich waters make the Southern Ocean one of the most productive marine ecosystems on Earth. Significance: It plays an important role in the circulation of water around the globe. It also plays a key role in regulating the earth’s climate through its currents, seasonal sea ice and by absorbing heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Source: The Hindu MAVEN Spacecraft Category: Science and Technology Context: Recently, NASA lost contact with its MAVEN spacecraft that has worked for more than a decade to study how the planet’s atmosphere is escaping into space. About MAVEN Spacecraft: Nature: It is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, an unprecedented, multi-decade campaign to comprehensively understand Mars and its suitability to host past or present life.  Objective: It aims to understand the role that loss of atmospheric gas to space played in changing the Martian climate over time.  Launch: It was launched in November 2013 and arrived at Mars in September 2014. Launch vehicle: It was launched using Atlas V. Uniqueness: It is the first spacecraft mission dedicated to surveying the upper atmosphere of Mars. Orbit: It orbits Mars every 3.5 hours and gets as close as 150 km to its surface. Payloads: It carries three main instrument packages: Solar Wind Package: It studies solar wind and its impact on the ionosphere. Ultraviolet Spectrometer: It observes the upper atmosphere. Mass Spectrometer: It analyses the composition of the upper atmosphere. Recent discoveries: Loss of atmosphere: MAVEN confirmed that Mars lost about two-thirds of its early atmosphere primarily due to solar wind stripping, which transformed it from a warm, wet planet into a cold desert. Plasma Waves: Scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism used MAVEN data to identify high-frequency plasma waves in the Martian atmosphere, aiding our understanding of how electrons behave in the absence of a magnetic field. Auroras: MAVEN detected planet-wide “patchy” auroras caused by solar wind penetrating deeply into the atmosphere, unlike Earth’s localized polar auroras Source: The Hindu IUCN Species Survival Commission Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, Vivek Menon became the first Asian chairman of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. About IUCN Species Survival Commission: Nature: It is a science-based global network of over 10,000 volunteer experts (biologists, conservationists, etc.) providing technical advice on species conservation. Objective: Its primary role is to provide scientific data for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the global gold standard for extinction risk assessment. Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Gland, Switzerland. Structure: It functions as one of the six expert Commissions of IUCN. It works closely with the IUCN Secretariat and national governments, NGOs, and research institutions. Mechanism: It operates through more than 160 Specialist Groups (e.g., Cat Specialist Group, Asian Elephant Specialist Group), Task Forces, and Red List Authorities. Focus areas: To prevent species extinctions and support recovery of threatened species. To ensure that use of biodiversity is equitable and sustainable. To integrate science, policy, and on-ground action for global conservation. Significance: It forms the scientific backbone of global biodiversity governance. It guides national laws, protected area policies, and international conventions such as CBD and CITES. It serves as the global gold standard for extinction risk assessment. Source: Mongabay (MAINS Focus) India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement: A New Template for India’s Trade Diplomacy (UPSC GS Paper II – International Relations: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings; GS Paper III – Indian Economy: External Sector)   Context (Introduction) India’s recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand signals a calibrated shift in India’s trade strategy—prioritising sectoral safeguards, mobility, services and investment over headline tariff liberalisation.   Features Fast-Tracked but Cautious FTA: Negotiations launched in March 2025 were concluded by December 2025, making it one of India’s fastest FTAs. Total bilateral trade stood at just over USD 2 billion (FY 2024-25), but both sides aim to double it within five years. Comprehensive Market Access: New Zealand has agreed to zero-duty access on 100% of Indian exports (8,284 tariff lines) from entry into force. Average applied tariffs of ~2.2% on Indian goods will fall to zero, benefiting textiles, leather, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, plastics and processed foods. Strategic Tariff Exclusions: India protected ~30% of tariff lines, notably dairy, sensitive agricultural products, sugar and select metals—addressing concerns that drove India’s exit from RCEP in 2019. Investment and Services Focus: New Zealand committed USD 20 billion investment over 15 years, moving the FTA beyond goods trade. It offers commitments across 118 services sectors, with MFN treatment in 139 sectors. Mobility and Education Breakthrough: A standout feature is a mobility pathway for 5,000 skilled Indian professionals at any given time (three-year visas) in IT, healthcare, education, construction and iconic occupations (AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, chefs). New Zealand also allows uncapped Indian student entry, 20-hour weekly work rights, and extended post-study visas—far exceeding precedents like Australia-India ECTA’s limited working-holiday quotas.   Why This FTA Matters: Key Gains People-Centric Trade Architecture: By combining mobility, education, and services with trade, the FTA creates a deeper socio-economic bridge, leveraging a 300,000-strong Indian diaspora (~5% of New Zealand’s population). Agriculture with Protection: Action Plans for apples, kiwifruit and honey pair tariff-rate quotas with technology transfer, Centres of Excellence and capacity-building—balancing farmer protection with productivity gains. MSME and Employment Boost: Zero-duty access for labour-intensive sectors (textiles, leather, footwear, gems & jewellery) strengthens India’s export competitiveness and job creation. Rules-Based Facilitation: Commitments on customs clearance (48 hours; 24 hours for perishables), electronic documentation, robust rules of origin, and expedited pharma regulatory pathways reduce non-tariff frictions.   Issues and Challenges Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): Recognition of Indian qualifications, quality standards, and conformity assessments will determine real gains—often the Achilles’ heel of FTAs. Awareness and Utilisation: Past FTAs show low utilisation due to lack of awareness among MSMEs; proactive outreach is essential. Implementation Capacity: Delivering agriculture Action Plans, TRQ monitoring, and services mobility requires sustained inter-ministerial coordination. Modest Trade Base: With low starting trade volumes, headline gains may appear limited unless firms actively integrate into Oceania supply chains.   Way Forward Make It a Template, Not an Exception: Replicate the NZ model—selective tariff liberalisation, strong services and mobility clauses, investment commitments, and sectoral safeguards—in future FTAs. Aggressive NTB Resolution: Set up joint working groups for standards, mutual recognition and rules-of-origin compliance. Sector-Focused Promotion: Target MSMEs, education providers, healthcare firms and IT services to fully leverage preferences. Leverage for Pacific Outreach: Use New Zealand as a gateway to Oceania and Pacific Island markets, aligning with India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.   Conclusion The India–New Zealand FTA reflects a mature, interest-driven trade diplomacy—balancing openness with protection, and goods with people-centric mobility. Its success will hinge on implementation and NTB removal, determining whether it becomes a durable template for India’s future FTAs.   Mains Question India’s Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand marks a shift in India’s trade strategy. Examine its key features and assess how it can serve as a template for India’s future trade agreements.(250 words, 15 marks)   Source: The Hindu Women, Time Poverty and the AI Upskilling Gap in India (UPSC GS Paper I – Society: Women, Work & Demography; GS Paper III – Indian Economy: Employment, Skill Development, Technology)   Context (Introduction) Recent Time Use Survey data reveal that Indian women face severe time poverty due to unpaid care work, limiting their ability to upskill—an inequality that risks deepening women’s exclusion from quality employment in an AI-driven economy.   Current Status: Women’s Labour Force Participation and Time Use Low and Uneven Workforce Participation: India’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) stands at around 40% (Time Use Survey, 2024; PLFS trends)—significantly below global averages. Importantly, much of this rise is driven by unpaid family work and low-paid self-employment, not secure wage employment. Double Burden of Work: According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Time Use Survey (2024), working women spend ~9.6 hours per day on combined paid and unpaid work, compared to ~8.6 hours for men. Women’s total work exceeds 70 hours per week during prime working ages (25–39 years). Men’s work hours remain largely within 54–60 hours per week, with over 80% devoted to paid work. Unpaid Care as the Core Constraint: Women spend significantly more time on childcare, eldercare, cooking, cleaning, and household management, while men’s unpaid work remains low and stable across life stages. Severe Time Deficit for Skill Development: Women spend 10 hours less per week than men on self-development, including education, skill enhancement, and well-being. The gap widens to 11–12 hours during prime career years—precisely when upskilling is most critical.   Why Women’s Low LFPR Persists: Structural Reasons Household Responsibilities as Primary Barrier: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) consistently shows that ~40% of women outside the labour force cite domestic duties as the main reason for non-participation. Lack of Care Infrastructure: Limited access to affordable childcare, elderly care, piped water, clean cooking fuel, and safe transport increases unpaid work burdens. Informality and Job Quality: Women are overrepresented in informal, low-productivity, and insecure jobs, offering limited returns to skill investment. Social Norms and Gender Roles: Care work remains feminised, regardless of income, education, or urbanisation, reinforcing unequal time allocation.   How AI and Automation Exacerbate the Situation Higher Automation Risk: Women are disproportionately employed in routine, low-skill tasks—clerical work, basic services, and informal activities—that are more susceptible to AI-led automation. Upskilling Requires Time—Women Lack It: AI transitions demand continuous learning. However, women’s time poverty directly restricts access to reskilling, locking them into low-value work. Algorithmic Bias Against Caregivers: AI-driven productivity metrics often ignore unpaid care responsibilities, potentially penalising women for career breaks, flexible hours, or lower availability. GDP Underestimation of Women’s Work: Women contribute only ~17% to India’s GDP, not due to low effort, but because unpaid labour—central to social reproduction—is excluded from national accounts.   Policy Tools and Government Initiatives Gender Budgeting: India’s gender budget remains below 1% of GDP, limiting its transformative potential. Time-use data is not systematically integrated into budget design. Skill and AI Missions: Initiatives such as India AI Mission and AI Careers for Women aim to expand women’s participation in emerging tech, but scale and accessibility remain limited. Care Economy Programmes: Schemes like Anganwadi services exist, but coverage, quality, and urban applicability remain inadequate for working women.   Way Forward Recognise Time Poverty as an Economic Constraint: Explicitly integrate Time Use Survey data into labour, skill, and industrial policies. Invest in Time-Saving Infrastructure: Expand affordable childcare, elderly care, piped water, clean energy, and safe public transport—shown globally to raise women’s labour participation. Flexible and Lifelong Upskilling Models: Design modular, local, digital, and flexible training programmes aligned with women’s time and mobility constraints. Outcome-Based Work Cultures: Encourage employers to move from hours-based to outcome-based evaluation, supported by the right to disconnect and flexible work norms. Revalue Care Work: Progressively account for unpaid care in economic planning and explore compensation, social security, or service substitution models.   Conclusion India’s low female labour force participation is not a supply problem but a time poverty problem. In the AI era, where skills determine survival, women’s unpaid labour and lack of time risk becoming the biggest structural barrier to inclusive growth. Unless women’s time is freed, valued, and mainstreamed into policy, India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision will remain fundamentally constrained.   Mains Question Time poverty is a major but under-recognised factor behind India’s low female labour force participation. Examine how unpaid care work limits women’s upskilling and employment prospects. Suggest policy measures to address this challenge.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu   Export Concentration and the Limits of Export-Led Growth in India (UPSC GS Paper III – Indian Economy: Growth, Industrialisation, Employment, Regional Development)   Context (Introduction) Recent export data show strong national performance, but a disaggregated analysis reveals rising regional concentration and weak employment outcomes, questioning the long-held assumption that export growth automatically drives broad-based industrialisation and labour absorption.   Current Status: Exports Concentrated in a Few States High Regional Concentration: Data from the Reserve Bank of India Handbook of Statistics on Indian States (2024–25) show that five States — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh — account for nearly 70% of India’s total exports, up from about 65% five years ago. Core–Periphery Export Geography: India’s export engine is increasingly concentrated in the western and southern coastal belt, while large parts of northern and eastern India remain weakly integrated into global trade. Rising Concentration Index: The rising Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) of export geography indicates agglomeration rather than diffusion of export capacity. Misleading National Averages: Aggregate export growth masks deepening inter-State divergence, giving an impression of broad-based success while lagging regions decouple from trade-led growth.   Reasons for Export Concentration Across States Agglomeration and Supply-Chain Clustering: Firms gravitate towards States with established ports, logistics, supplier networks and skilled labour pools, reinforcing first-mover advantages. Financial Asymmetry: RBI Credit–Deposit (CD) ratios exceed 90% in export hubs like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, indicating strong recycling of local savings into local industry. In contrast, States like Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh remain below 50%, reflecting capital flight from hinterland to coastal cores. Human Capital and State Capacity Gaps: Low-export States face persistent deficits in education, health, skills, logistics and industrial governance, constraining their entry into high-value export ecosystems. Global Capital Preferences: In today’s trade environment, capital seeks economic complexity and ecosystem depth, not merely low-cost labour — advantages concentrated in already industrialised States.   Why the Export-Led Model Is Losing Its Transformative Power Slowing Global Trade Volumes: According to the World Trade Organization, global merchandise trade growth has structurally slowed to 0.5–3%, narrowing space for late industrialisers. Global Export Concentration: The UN Trade and Development (2023) reports that the top 10 exporters control about 55% of global merchandise trade, raising entry barriers. Capital-Intensive Export Growth: Data from the Annual Survey of Industries (2022–23) show fixed capital growing faster (10.6%) than employment (7.4%), with capital per worker rising to ₹23.6 lakh, indicating automation and capital deepening. Stagnant Manufacturing Employment: The Periodic Labour Force Survey shows manufacturing employment stuck at ~11.6–12% of total workforce, despite record export values. Collapse of Employment Elasticity: Exports are increasingly generating value without volume of jobs, bypassing the labour-intensive industrialisation phase that underpinned East Asian growth. Exports as Outcome, Not Driver: States export not because exports create development, but because they already possess industrial depth — reversing the classic development sequence.   Way Forward: Rethinking Exports and Industrial Strategy Move Beyond Export Value Metrics: Track employment elasticity, wage share, regional diffusion and economic complexity, not just export volumes. Target Hinterland State Capacity: Invest in logistics, industrial infrastructure, skills, urban clusters and governance capabilities in low-export States. Correct Financial Imbalances: Improve CD ratios in hinterland States so local savings finance local productive investment. Labour-Absorbing Industrial Policy: Prioritise sectors with high employment multipliers alongside capital-intensive champions. Complexity-Building Approach: Enable gradual entry of lagging regions into dense “product spaces” through supplier development, technology diffusion and MSME upgrading.   Conclusion India’s export growth increasingly reflects accumulated industrial advantage rather than serving as a pathway to inclusive development. Without reorienting export and industrial policy toward employment generation and regional convergence, exports risk deepening inequality instead of delivering structural transformation.   Mains Question India’s exports are increasingly concentrated in a few States, while their capacity to generate labour-intensive growth has weakened. Analyse the reasons for this trend and examine why the traditional export-led development model is losing relevance. Suggest a way forward.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu  

Dec 23, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 23rd December 2025

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

Dec 23, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd December

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Category: International Organisations Context: For the third consecutive year, India has topped the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) global list of offenders, with 260 positive cases in 2024. About World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): Nature: It is an international non-governmental organization initiated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Establishment: It was established in 1999 1999, following the “Lausanne Declaration” to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport. Objective: It aims to develop, harmonize and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries. Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Montreal, Canada. Funding: It is composed and funded equally by the Olympic Movement (IOC) and governments worldwide. Focus areas: Its activities include scientific and social science research; education; intelligence & investigations; development of anti-doping capacity; and monitoring of compliance with the World Anti-Doping Program. Governance Structure: Foundation Board: It consists of 42-members and is the agency’s highest policy-making body. It is composed of representatives of the Olympic Movement (IOC, National Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations, and athletes) and representatives of governments from all 5 continents. Executive Committee: It consists of 16-member to which the Board delegates the management and running of the agency, including the performance of all its activities and the administration of its assets. Key Instruments: World Anti-Doping Code: The core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations across all sports and countries. Prohibited List: An international standard identifying substances and methods banned in sport, updated annually. ADAMS: The Anti-Doping Administration and Management System, a central clearinghouse for coordinating global anti-doping activities. Athlete Biological Passport (ABP): A tool used to monitor an athlete’s biological markers over time to detect doping indirectly. India and WADA: Compliance: India is a signatory to the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport (2005), which provides the legal framework for the WADA Code. Institutional Framework: National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) was established in 2005 (as a society) and it was given statutory status under the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022. National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL): The WADA-accredited facility in New Delhi responsible for sample analysis. Source: The Indian Express Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) Category: Economy Context: Recently, IMF approved funding of USD 206 million under its Rapid Financing Instrument to help Sri Lanka address urgent needs arising from the Cyclone Ditwah. About Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI): Nature: It is an IMF emergency lending facility that provides quick, low-access financial assistance to member countries facing urgent balance-of-payments needs, especially during crises such as natural disasters, external shocks, or domestic instability. Organisation: It is given by International Monetary Fund (IMF). Eligibility: It is available to all IMF member countries. For low-income countries (LICs), a similar concessional facility called the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) is available under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT). Conditionality: Support is provided with limited or no ex-post conditionality (policy commitments or reviews after the loan is approved), though prior actions might be required. The borrowing country is still expected to pursue policies to address the underlying BoP problem. Disbursement of funds: It involves a single, rapid disbursement of funds. Repayment is expected within 3¼ to 5 years, with interest rates similar to the IMF’s standard non-concessional facilities. Windows: The RFI has two main windows: a regular window and a large natural disaster window (for disasters where damage is 20% of GDP or more). Focus areas: To provide immediate liquidity to countries facing sudden balance-of-payments (BoP) pressures. To prevent severe economic disruption when full-fledged IMF programmes are unnecessary or not feasible. To support macroeconomic stability during short-term crises. Source: The Telegraph Chillai-Kalan Category: Geography Context: Recently, the higher reaches of Kashmir witnessed snowfall as ‘Chillai-Kalan’ brought much-needed respite for the people of the Valley after a prolonged dry spell. About Chillai-Kalan: Nature: It is the 40-day period of the harshest winter cold in Kashmir region. Nomenclature: Chillai Kalan is a Persian term which means “Major Cold.” Timeline: The Chillai Kalan (big cold) usually begins on December 21 and ends on January 30. The start of Chillai-Kalan coincides with the Winter Solstice, celebrated as the longest night of the year in Persian tradition. Uniqueness: During this time Kashmir Valley faces its harshest phase of the winter season, including widespread snowfall, sub-zero temperatures and intense cold waves. Chronology: Chillai Kalan is followed by ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold)– a 20-day period of moderate winter from January 31 to February 19, and the 10-day ‘Chillai-Bacha’ (baby cold), towards the fag end of the winter season from February 20 to March 2. Cultural significance: According to Persian tradition, the night of 21st December is celebrated as Shab-e Yalda-“Night of Birth”, or Shab-e Chelleh. – “Night of Forty”.  Attire: People use the Pheran (a long woollen cloak) and Kangri (a traditional earthenware fire-pot filled with hot embers) to stay warm. Cuisine: Traditional winter foods include Harissa (a slow-cooked mutton dish) and sun-dried vegetables (Hoke-Gaard and Wogij-Haak) to cope with supply shortages. Impacts: Traditionally, heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan replenishes water reservoirs sustaining rivers, streams and lakes during the summer months. However, water bodies like the Dal Lake often freeze due to sub-zero temperatures. Source: The Hindu Autophagy Category: Science and Technology Context: Recently, researchers uncovered a surprising player in autophagy that can pave the way for developing therapies for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer. About Autophagy: Nature: Autophagy is the body’s cellular recycling system. It is a key biological process where cells clear out damaged and unwanted materials. Trigger factors: It is triggered by stress (fasting, starvation, hypoxia, or infection), a cup-shaped double membrane called a phagophore begins to form. Major functions: It recycles damaged cell parts into fully functioning cell parts. It gets rid of nonfunctional cell parts that take up space and destroys pathogens in a cell that can damage it, like viruses and bacteria. Types: Macroautophagy: The most common form, involving the formation of autophagosomes to transport large cargo to lysosomes. Microautophagy: The lysosome directly “swallows” cytoplasmic material by folding its own membrane inward. Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy (CMA): Specific proteins are identified by “chaperone” molecules and transported directly across the lysosomal membrane without forming a separate vesicle. Significance: Anti-Aging: By clearing out damaged proteins that cause cellular “clutter,” autophagy slows aging and promotes longevity. Neuroprotection: It removes toxic protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. Immunity: In a process called xenophagy, cells use autophagy to identify and destroy invading viruses and bacteria. The Cancer Paradox: It initially prevents cancer but later supports tumour growth and acts as a tumour suppressor by maintaining genome integrity and cellular homeostasis. In certain types of cancer, cells hijack autophagy for their own survival and propagation. Nobel connection: Yoshinori Ohsumi won the 2016 Nobel Prize for discovering the genes (ATG genes) that regulate this process. Relationship with Apoptosis: While autophagy is “self-eating” for survival, apoptosis is “programmed cell death” for the benefit of the organism. They are distinct but highly interconnected processes. Source: DD News Bharat Taxi Initiative Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, the government launched Bharat Taxi for customers which is a cooperative-based mobility initiative aimed at providing an alternative in India’s ride-hailing sector. About Bharat Taxi Initiative: Nature: It is a first-of-its-kind cooperative-driven, citizen-first national ride-hailing initiative. Nodal ministry: It is a government-supported initiative developed under the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD). Uniqueness: It is India’s first cooperative taxi network, allowing drivers to become shareholders and co-owners. Operator: It is managed by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, a multi-state cooperative society registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Promoters: It is being jointly promoted by leading cooperative and financial institutions including NCDC, IFFCO, AMUL, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDDBand NCEL. Driver-Owned Fleet: Drivers can purchase shares and become cooperative members, giving them transparency and decision-making power. Zero Commission: Unlike private cab aggregators that take a large cut, Bharat Taxi transfers the full fare to the driver. Fares will remain predictable, with no surge charges. Platform Integration: Services will connect with government platforms such as DigiLocker and UMANG. Further, integration of the Bharat Taxi platform with national digital platforms such as DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu to enable seamless identity verification and service delivery. Security: Ensuring adherence to Government of India’s data protection norms and cybersecurity standards and advising on robust technical infrastructure. Source: News on AIR (MAINS Focus) Right to Disconnect in India: Regulating Digital Work and Labour Rights (UPSC GS Paper II – Governance: Labour Laws, Judiciary, Fundamental Rights; GS Paper I – Society: Work Culture)   Context (Introduction) The introduction of the Right to Disconnect Bill as a Private Member’s Bill reflects growing concern over digital overreach at workplaces, where technology has blurred boundaries between work and personal life despite India’s consolidated labour law framework.   Current Context and Rationale Digitalisation of Work: With smartphones, emails, and messaging platforms, work increasingly extends beyond physical offices and prescribed hours, intensifying stress, burnout, and work–life imbalance. Existing Labour Law Framework: India recently consolidated 29 labour laws into four labour codes, including the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, which regulates working hours and overtime but is largely premised on physical workplaces. Purpose of the Bill: The Right to Disconnect Bill seeks to protect employees from after-hours work-related communication by granting them the right to not respond to calls, messages, or emails beyond prescribed working hours.   Key Issues and Limitations of the Bill Undefined Concept of ‘Work’: The Bill regulates after-hours communication but does not clarify whether such digital engagement constitutes “work” under existing labour codes. This creates a conceptual gap where communication is regulated without being legally recognised as labour. Disconnect from Working Time Regulations: While the OSH Code governs working hours and overtime, the Bill does not integrate digital availability into this framework, weakening enforceability and reducing the right to a behavioural guideline rather than a labour standard. Ambiguity in Legal Nature: The Bill does not specify whether the right to disconnect is a mandatory labour standard or a contractual right that can be modified through employer policies or employment contracts. Absence of Constitutional Anchoring: Although the right has a clear linkage with Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty)—particularly dignity, privacy, and autonomy—the Bill does not acknowledge or articulate this constitutional basis.   Comparative Perspective: Lessons from Other Jurisdictions European Union Approach: EU jurisprudence treats employer control as a key determinant of working time. Periods of on-call duty or availability, even without active work, are often recognised as working time. France: Labour law distinguishes clearly between working time and rest time. Digital communication is regulated through collective bargaining, ensuring enforceability without redefining “work”. Germany: Strict working-time and rest-period regulations limit employer intrusion into personal time, supported by strong enforcement mechanisms. Key Insight: In effective models, the right to disconnect works because digital availability is legally integrated into working-time regulation.   Governance and Social Implications Work–Life Balance: Unregulated digital work erodes rest time, affecting mental health, productivity, and family life. Labour Rights in the Gig and Platform Economy: Ambiguity over what constitutes work disproportionately affects white-collar employees, gig workers, and remote workers. Legal Uncertainty: Without clarity, courts may deliver divergent interpretations, leading to inconsistent labour jurisprudence.   Way Forward Define ‘Digital Work’: Explicitly recognise after-hours digital communication under labour law when it involves employer control. Integrate with Labour Codes: Align the Right to Disconnect with working-hour and overtime provisions under the OSH Code to ensure enforceability. Clarify Mandatory Nature: Specify whether the right is non-derogable or subject to collective bargaining and contractual modification. Constitutional Anchoring: Explicitly link the right to dignity, privacy, and autonomy under Article 21 to strengthen judicial interpretation. Encourage Collective Bargaining: Allow sector-specific solutions through negotiated agreements, especially in IT and services sectors.   Conclusion The Right to Disconnect Bill acknowledges that digital technologies have transformed work, but it remains conceptually incomplete. By failing to define digital labour and integrate it with existing labour laws, it risks becoming symbolic. The Bill should be seen as a starting point for a broader rethinking of labour jurisprudence in the digital economy.   Mains Question The Right to Disconnect reflects changing nature of work in the digital economy. Critically examine the ned for such a legislation in digital economy (250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu CSR as an Enforceable Environmental Obligation: Issues and Way Forward (UPSC GS Paper II – Governance: Judiciary, Corporate Accountability; GS Paper III – Environment, Conservation)   Context (Introduction) A recent Supreme Court of India judgment has reinterpreted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under company law as an enforceable obligation, bringing environmental and wildlife protection—especially conservation of the Great Indian Bustard—within its legal and constitutional ambit.   CSR in India: Concept and Evolution Statutory Framework: CSR in India is governed by the Companies Act, 2013, mandating eligible companies to spend 2% of average net profits on specified social activities. Initially framed as a compliance-based social spending requirement, CSR was often treated as discretionary philanthropy. Judicial Reframing: The Supreme Court has now read CSR as a legal duty, not charity, placing it within the constitutional framework of Article 51A(g) (duty to protect the environment). Corporations, as legal persons, are seen as sharing constitutional environmental obligations.   Significance of the Judgment for CSR and Environment From Discretion to Obligation: By holding that CSR spending on environmental protection discharges a constitutional duty, the Court strengthens the enforceability of CSR, especially where corporate activity contributes to ecological harm. Environmental and Wildlife Protection within CSR: The judgment explicitly includes wildlife conservation and habitat restoration within CSR’s scope, enabling conservationists to seek corporate funding for long-term ecological recovery. Operationalising Conservation Finance: In the context of the Great Indian Bustard, CSR funds can support recurring costs such as grassland restoration, breeding programmes, and maintenance—areas often underfunded by public budgets. Balancing Development and Ecology: By revising priority conservation areas and operationalising expert committee recommendations, the Court seeks to reduce conflict with renewable energy expansion while retaining corporate accountability.   Key Issues and Limitations of CSR-Centric Conservation Lack of Specificity: The judgment does not clarify which companies must contribute, how much, by when, and for which projects, leaving implementation dependent on executive action and existing CSR compliance mechanisms. Weak Accountability and Audit Trails: CSR enforcement still relies on disclosure and penalties under company law, which may be insufficient to ensure outcome-based environmental results. Risk of Uneven Burden: Without clear project-linked liability, CSR obligations may fall disproportionately on some firms, while others contributing indirectly to environmental damage escape responsibility. Implementation Capacity Constraints: Grassland restoration, undergrounding of power lines, and rerouting infrastructure require technical capacity, inter-agency coordination, and timely execution—beyond mere funding availability. Dynamic Ecology Challenge: Species like the Great Indian Bustard are migratory; infrastructure risks extend beyond mapped priority zones, complicating targeted CSR deployment.   Governance Implications of Making CSR Enforceable Prevention and ‘Polluter Pays’ Principle: The ruling nudges CSR closer to environmental liability principles, where corporate funding supports prevention and recovery from ecological harm. Corporate Accountability Beyond Profit: It reinforces the idea that corporations are social actors with responsibilities extending beyond shareholders to ecosystems and future generations. Judicialisation of CSR: While strengthening environmental protection, increased judicial interpretation risks uncertainty unless backed by clear executive guidelines.   Way Forward Clear CSR–Environment Guidelines: Issue sector-specific rules linking CSR obligations to environmental externalities, with defined contribution norms and timelines. Outcome-Based CSR Monitoring: Shift from expenditure-focused reporting to ecological outcome indicators, with independent audits. Project-Linked Corporate Responsibility: Align CSR spending with location-specific environmental impacts, especially for infrastructure and energy projects. Institutional Coordination: Strengthen coordination among environment ministries, State governments, regulators and utilities to translate funding into timely action. Complement, Not Substitute, Public Funding: CSR should supplement, not replace, State responsibility for conservation and ecological restoration.   Conclusion By embedding environmental protection within the legal meaning of CSR, the Supreme Court has strengthened corporate accountability. However, the effectiveness of this shift will depend not on doctrine alone, but on clear rules, robust enforcement, and the State’s capacity to convert corporate funding into measurable ecological outcomes.   Mains Question The recent Supreme Court judgment has redefined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an enforceable environmental obligation. Examine the significance of this interpretation and discuss the challenges in using CSR as a tool for ecological conservation in India.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu  

Dec 22, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 22nd December 2025

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

Dec 22, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd December

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Competition Commission of India (CCI) Category: Polity and Governance Context: Recently, CCI took cognizance of information filed against IndiGo in the context of the recent flight disruptions witnessed in the aviation sector, across various routes. About Competition Commission of India (CCI): Nature: The Competition Commission of India (CCI), constituted under the Competition Act, 2002 serves as India’s principal competition regulator. Establishment: It was officially formed on October 14, 2003, and it is operational since May 2009. Nodal ministry: It functions as a statutory body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in New Delhi. Objective: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) was established in response to the economic liberalization of 1991, with a mandate to enforce competition laws, foster a competitive market, and prevent anti-competitive practices. Significance: Replacing the outdated MRTP Act of 1969, the CCI aligns India’s competition laws with global standards, following recommendations from the Raghavan Committee.  Major focus area: It works for preventing anti-competitive agreements, curbing abuse of dominance, promoting healthy competition, safeguarding consumer interests, and ensuring freedom of trade. Composition: It comprises a Chairperson and six members appointed by the Central Government, ensuring diverse expertise essential for regulating market competition. Term: All members are appointed by the Central Government for a five-year term. Eligibility: Members must have at least 15 years of professional experience in areas like law, economics, or international trade.  Recent Amendments: The Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 introduced critical changes to address modern digital markets:  Deal Value Threshold: Mandatory CCI approval for mergers with a transaction value exceeding ₹2,000 crore, specifically targeting “killer acquisitions” in tech. Global Turnover Penalties: Penalties for anti-competitive behavior can now be based on a company’s global turnover from all products/services, rather than just relevant domestic turnover. Settlement & Commitment: Allows companies under investigation to offer “settlements” or “commitments” to resolve cases faster without prolonged litigation. Leniency Plus: Encourages companies already disclosing one cartel to reveal another in exchange for additional penalty reductions. Source: News on AIR Artemisinin Category: Science and Technology Context: A new study warns that heavy artemisinin use may trigger resistance hotspots, with resistance markers gradually increasing in parts of Africa. About Artemisinin: Source: It is an antimalarial drug derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua. The process involves drying the leaves and using a solvent to extract the active ingredient.  Discovery: It was discovered in the 1970s by Tu Youyou (China) as part of “Project 523.” She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine (2015) for this discovery. Significance: It offered a new option when the malaria parasite was becoming resistant to older drugs like chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. It is effective against all the malaria-causing protozoal organisms in the genus Plasmodium.  Mechanism: It mainly targets the malaria parasite during the blood stage, disrupting the parasite’s ability to replicate within red blood cells. It helps significantly reduce the parasites but doesn’t stay in the body for a long time, being eliminated within hours. Derivatives: Its common derivatives include Artesunate (injectable for severe malaria), Artemether, and Dihydroartemisinin. Used as a combination drug: It is usually partnered with another drug that eliminates the remaining parasites over a longer period of time. Recommended by WHO: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the go-to treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Source: The Hindu ICG Ship Amulya Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently. Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship ‘Amulya’, the third in the series of eight new-generation Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels, was commissioned in Goa. About ICG Ship Amulya: Nature: It is the third in the series of eight new-generation Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels. Construction: It is designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Indigenization: It features more than 60% indigenous content, aligning with the “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions. Location: It will be based at Paradip, Odisha, operating under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East). Design: It integrates modern design philosophy focused on efficiency, endurance, and rapid response capability. Functions: It will undertake functions like surveillance, interdiction, Search & Rescue, anti-smuggling operations, and pollution response. Propulsion: It is powered by two 3000 KW advanced diesel engines. Speed: The ship delivers a top speed of 27 knots and an operational endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. Armaments: It is fitted with indigenous state-of-the-art weapons/systems, offering superior manoeuvrability, operational flexibility and enhanced performance at sea. Source: PIB Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, a team of government officials visited the encroached areas of land earmarked for compensatory afforestation at Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary. About Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: It is located on the southern bank of the river Brahmaputra in the Sonitpur district, Assam.  Area: It covers an area of approximately 44 sq. km. Establishment: It was declared a Reserved Forest in 1974, upgraded to a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1995. Boundaries: It is located on the north side of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary and shares an integral transboundary landscape of the Laokhowa-Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary ecosystem. Connectivity: It acts as a wildlife corridor connecting Kaziranga and Orang National Parks. Buffer Zone: It was notified as a buffer zone of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in 2007, which helps in reducing human-wildlife conflict and supporting landscape-level conservation efforts. Flooding: Most of the low-lying areas of the sanctuary are vulnerable to flooding during summer.  Significance: The sanctuary’s unique grassland habitat is vital for grassland-dependent species, especially the Bengal florican, whose global population is critically endangered. Flora: It is enveloped and adorned by wet alluvial grasslands, riparian, and semi-evergreen forests. Most of the plant species found here are of great commercial and medical value. Fauna: It is a habitat of a wide range of wild animals, including tigers, elephants, wild buffalos, one-horned rhinoceros, hog deer, and wild boar. The avian inhabitants feature species like the Bengal florican, black-necked stork, open-billed stork, white-eyed pochard, mallard, spotbill, large whistling teal, and numerous others. Source: The Sentinel Jiyo Parsi Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: According to a report by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Jiyo Parsi Scheme has been largely successful in reaching its intended population. About Jiyo Parsi Scheme: Nodal Ministry: It is a unique Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs for arresting the population decline of the Parsi Community.  Launch: The scheme was launched in 2013-14.  Objective: The objective of the scheme is to reverse the declining trend of the Parsi population by adopting a scientific protocol and structured interventions, stabilize their population, and to increase the population of Parsis in India. Eligibility: Assistance is tiered based on income. Medical aid is available for couples with an annual income of up to ₹30 lakh, while “Health of Community” benefits apply to those earning up to ₹15 lakh. Implementation: The Scheme will be implemented through the State Governments with the assistance of respective Parsi Institutions.  Use of technology: Eligible Parsi couples would be provided financial assistance under the various components of the schemes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. The State Governments would get the necessary verification, including biometric authentication of all beneficiaries done. Components: Medical Component: to provide financial assistance for medical treatment under standard medical protocol. Health of the Community: To motivate Parsi Couples to have more children, financial assistance would be available to couples to take care of their dependent elderly family members and children. Advocacy: Enhancing support for Parsi couples with infertility and family-related concerns involves counselling sessions and outreach programmes i.e., seminars, medical camps, publicity brochures, advocacy films, etc.  Source: PIB (MAINS Focus) Speedy Justice in Consumer Courts: Structural Deficits and Reform Imperatives (UPSC GS Paper II – Governance: Judiciary, Statutory bodies) Context (Introduction) Recent reportage on mounting delays in consumer courts, despite statutory timelines under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, exposes deep structural and capacity constraints, raising concerns about access to justice for ordinary consumers. Scale and Evidence of the Problem  High and Rising Pendency: As per data tabled by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in Parliament, 5.43 lakh cases were pending before district, State and national consumer commissions as of January 30, 2024. In 2024, commissions received 1.73 lakh new cases but disposed of only 1.58 lakh, leading to a net addition of nearly 14,900 cases. The trend continued in 2025, with 78,031 fresh filings against 65,537 disposals till July. Statutory Timelines Routinely Breached: Section 38(7) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 mandates disposal within 3 months (no testing) and 5 months (with testing). Parliamentary answers and Law Commission observations indicate that a large proportion of cases exceed these limits, often stretching into multiple years. Human Cost of Delay: Empirical accounts from across States show elderly consumers, small entrepreneurs and rural litigants undertaking repeated long-distance travel to State and National Commissions, often without their matters being heard—transforming low-cost forums into endurance trials.   Structural and Administrative Causes  Severe Vacancies in Consumer Commissions: As of August 19, 2025, official data shows 18 President posts and 62 Member posts vacant in State Commissions, and 218 Presidents and 518 Members vacant at the district level. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs has repeatedly flagged vacancies as the single largest contributor to pendency. Infrastructure and Capacity Constraints: CAG audits and departmental reviews have noted limited courtrooms, inadequate registry staff, and uneven implementation of digital case-management systems across States, restricting daily hearings and effective scheduling. Procedural Delays Despite Legal Bar: Although the Act discourages adjournments, non-service of notices, delayed affidavits, and repeated requests for additional evidence are routinely allowed. The Department of Consumer Affairs has acknowledged that procedural laxity accounts for a significant share of adjournments. Complexity of Modern Consumer Disputes: Insurance claims, medical negligence, financial services and e-commerce disputes require technical expertise. Studies by consumer rights groups highlight that absence of subject-matter specialists forces commissions to seek expert reports, prolonging adjudication. Appeal-Driven Backlog: The three-tier structure (District–State–National) allows easy escalation. NCDRC annual reports show a substantial proportion of cases are appeals rather than original complaints, compounding pendency at higher forums.   Governance and Economic Implications Erosion of Consumer Confidence: OECD and World Bank consumer policy studies underline that delayed redress weakens market discipline and incentivises unfair trade practices. Access to Justice Deficit: Delays disproportionately affect the elderly, informal workers and small entrepreneurs, undermining substantive equality and Article 21’s guarantee of timely justice. Impact on Ease of Doing Business: Effective consumer dispute resolution is a key component of contract enforcement and market trust. Chronic delays raise transaction costs and legal uncertainty.   Existing Measures and Their Limits E-Daakhil Portal and Virtual Hearings: While digital filing has expanded access, government reviews note uneven digital literacy, infrastructure gaps and hybrid hearing delays limiting impact. Legal Provisions Without Enforcement: Statutory timelines and adjournment restrictions exist, but lack of monitoring and accountability mechanisms weakens compliance.   Way Forward  Time-Bound Filling of Vacancies: Adopt a statutory appointment calendar with central monitoring, as recommended by Parliamentary Committees. Capacity and Infrastructure Augmentation: Increase number of benches, registry staff and full-scale digital case-flow management systems, drawing from e-Courts Phase III experience. Specialisation and Expert Panels: Create domain-specific benches or accredited expert panels to fast-track technically complex disputes. Adjournment Accountability: Mandate written reasons and introduce cost penalties for unwarranted delays, strictly enforcing Section 38 of the Act. Appeal Rationalisation: Introduce leave-to-appeal or higher monetary thresholds to reduce frivolous escalation. Regional Benches of National Commission: Decentralise the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to reduce litigant travel costs and pendency.   Conclusion Despite a progressive legal framework, consumer courts are constrained by vacancies, infrastructure deficits and procedural laxity. Data-driven reforms focused on capacity, accountability and specialisation are essential to restore the promise of speedy, affordable consumer justice.   Mains Question Despite statutory timelines under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, consumer courts in India suffer from chronic delays. Analyse the causes of pendency and suggest reforms to ensure speedy consumer justice.(250 words, 15 marks)   Source: The Hindu Why Private Investment Remains Subdued Despite Rapid GDP Growth (UPSC GS Paper III – Indian Economy: Growth, Investment, Capital Formation)   Context (Introduction) Despite India recording GDP growth of over 8%, private corporate investment has remained stagnant for more than a decade. Recent analyses highlight that firms are deleveraging and holding financial assets rather than expanding production capacity.   Current Status of Private Investment in India Persistent Stagnation in Private Capex: Private corporate investment has hovered around 12% of GDP since 2011–12, according to JP Morgan estimates, showing little responsiveness even during high-growth phases. Declining Share in Total Investment: Private sector’s share in Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) declined to 34.4% in 2023–24, the lowest since 2011–12, even as overall GFCF recovered to 33.7% of GDP in 2024–25. Mixed Signals from Alternative Indicators: CareEdge Ratings reports that capex of nearly 2,000 listed non-financial firms rose 11% in 2024–25 to ₹9.4 trillion. However, the Statistics Ministry’s private capex survey shows investment intentions for 2025–26 falling 26%, reflecting weak forward confidence. Capacity Underutilisation: The Reserve Bank of India reports manufacturing capacity utilisation struggling to cross 75%, the level considered necessary for fresh investment. Since 2012–13, this threshold was exceeded in only 10 of 53 quarters.   Reasons for Subdued Private Investment Excess Capacity and Demand Uncertainty: With existing facilities underutilised, firms see little rationale for expansion. Consumption growth remains uneven, while exports face global slowdown and trade uncertainties. Financialisation of Corporate Balance Sheets: A National Institute of Public Finance and Policy study shows that for BSE 500 companies, financial investments accounted for nearly 25% of total assets by 2025, indicating preference for cash and financial assets over physical capex. Deleveraging and Risk Aversion: According to Bank of Baroda, the interest coverage ratio of over 3,000 non-financial firms rose from 2.6 in 2020–21 to 5.97 in H1 2025–26, signalling stronger balance sheets but also heightened caution. Cost and Regulatory Constraints: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry cites high land prices, raw material costs, lengthy approvals, non-tariff barriers, and access constraints to advanced machinery as key deterrents. Policy and Global Uncertainty: Geopolitical tensions, supply-chain reconfiguration, and shifting trade policies increase uncertainty for long-gestation private investments.   Government Measures to Attract Private Investment Corporate Tax Reforms: Reduction of corporate tax to 22% (15% for new manufacturing units) to improve post-tax returns on investment. Public Capital Expenditure Push: Central government capex has more than tripled since 2019, aimed at crowding in private investment through infrastructure creation. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: Covering 14 sectors, PLI aims to reduce risk and improve scale economies, particularly in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and renewables. Ease of Doing Business and Financial Reforms: GST implementation, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, digitised approvals, and bank recapitalisation to improve credit flow. Trade and Manufacturing Support: Logistics reforms, industrial corridor development, and targeted trade agreements to support export-oriented private investment.   Way Forward Boost Demand and Capacity Utilisation: Sustain consumption growth through employment generation, rural income support, and urban wage growth. Enhance Policy Certainty: Stable tax regimes, predictable regulation, and faster dispute resolution to reduce investor uncertainty. Factor Market Reforms: Easier land access, labour flexibility, and time-bound environmental clearances. Deepen Global Value Chain Integration: Trade facilitation and export competitiveness to create assured demand for private manufacturers. Risk-Sharing and MSME Support: Expand credit guarantees, blended finance, and development finance institutions to de-risk private investment.   Conclusion India’s growth momentum cannot be sustained without a revival in private investment. Strong corporate balance sheets must translate into capacity expansion, driven by demand revival, policy certainty and structural reforms.   Mains Question Despite high GDP growth, private investment in India remains subdued. Analyse its current status, underlying causes, and evaluate government measures to revive private capex. Suggest a way forward.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: Indian Express  

Dec 21, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 20th December 2025

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

Dec 20, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th December

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Annatto Category: Science and Technology Context: The CSIR–CFTRI, Mysuru is participating in a project which envisages the development of Vitamin-E enriched annatto oil for use in food and cosmetic applications. About Annatto: Nature: It is a natural food colouring and flavoring agent. Scientific name: Its scientific name is Bixa Orellana. Native: It is obtained from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to the tropical regions of the Americas. Cultivation in India: It is grown primarily in tropical states like Andhra Pradesh (cultivated by tribal communities in areas like Rampachodavaram). Chemical constituents: It contains carotenoids, primarily Bixin (oil-soluble) and Norbixin (water-soluble). It is also a rich source of Tocotrienols (a form of Vitamin E).  Significance: About 70% of natural food colours come from annatto.  Colouring: It adds a yellow-orange colour to foods like cheese, butter, yogurt, sausage, smoked fish, ice cream, and baked goods. The bold colour comes from carotenoids, which are plant pigments that are found in the coating of the seed. Usage: It is most often ground up into a powder or paste form for use.  Flavour: It has a mild, peppery flavour when used in large amounts as well as a nutty and floral scent. Safety: It is safe for most people when used in normal food amounts. However, it might cause allergic reactions in some sensitive people. Improved health: It has been linked to various benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved eye and heart health, and anticancer properties. It is rich in antimicrobial compounds, which can limit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Rich in antioxidants: It is rich in antioxidants that help neutralize the effects of harmful free radicals that can cause damage to cells. It is also high in tocotrienol, a form of vitamin E that some studies show could help with keeping bones strong and healthy. Applications: It is used in lipsticks, soaps, and hair oils due to its safe, non-toxic nature. Traditionally, it is also used as a fabric dye. Source: PIB Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) Category: Economy Context: Recently, the Finance Ministry unveiled a new logo for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to signify a single and unified brand identity. About Regional Rural Banks (RRBs): Establishment: RRBs were established under the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, on the recommendation of the Narasimham Committee on Rural Credit (1975).  Objective: Their mission is to fulfil the credit needs of the relatively unserved sections in rural areas: small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, and socio-economically weaker sections. Collaboration: They are formed in collaboration by the Central Government, State Governments, and Sponsoring Commercial Banks to give loans to rural areas. Regulation: Regional Rural Banks are regulated by the RBI and supervised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). First RRB: Rathama Grameen Bank was the first RRB bank and was established on 2nd October 1975. Configuration: RRBs were configured as hybrid micro-banking institutions, combining the local orientation and small-scale lending culture of the cooperatives with the business culture of commercial banks. PSL target: The RBI has set a Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target of 75% of total outstanding advances for RRBs as against 40% for Scheduled Commercial Banks.  Ownership: Sponsored by the Commercial Banks, the equity of RRBs is held by the central government, concerned state government, and the sponsor bank in the proportion of 50:15:35.  Area of operation: The area of operation of RRBs is limited to the area as notified by the Government of India, covering one or more districts in the State.  Sources of Funds: It comprises owned funds, deposits, borrowings from NABARD, sponsor banks and other sources, including SIDBI and the National Housing Bank. Management: The Board of Directors manages these banks, overall affairs, which consists of one Chairman, three Directors as nominated by the Central Government, a maximum of two Directors as nominated by the concerned State Government, and a maximum of three Directors as nominated by the sponsor bank. Network size: At present, 28 RRBs operate across the country with a vast network of over 22 thousand branches in more than 700 districts. Source: The Hindu INS Hansa Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently, INAS 335, the ‘Ospreys’, the second Indian Naval Air Squadron to operate MH-60R helicopters, was commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa. About INS Hansa: Location: INS Hansa is an Indian Naval Air Station located near Dabolim, Goa. Establishment: The station was originally commissioned on 5 September 1961 at Sulur near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and was initially co-located with the Indian Air Force’s Sulur Air Force Station. Relocation: The base includes a civil enclave, which functions as Dabolim Airport, handling domestic and international flights round-the-clock. Following the liberation of Goa, the Navy took over Dabolim airfield in April 1962, and INS Hansa was relocated to Dabolim in June 1964. Uniqueness: It is the largest naval airbase in India and houses some of the Indian Navy’s premier air squadrons. Significance: It houses various aircraft, including Kamov Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopters and MiG-29K fighters. The Navy is also progressing the acquisition of 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft. Strategic Role: It is the hub for the Indian Navy’s western air operations, supporting maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and combat missions in the Arabian Sea. Source: The Hindu SabhaSaar Initiative Category: Government Schemes Context: SabhaSaar has been made available to all States/UTs, and Gram Panchayats are progressively adopting it for routine Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings. About SabhaSaar Initiative: Nature: It is an AI-enabled voice-to-text meeting summarisation tool. Nodal ministry: It is launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Objective: It aims to streamline documentation and empower stakeholders with instant access to meeting insights in panchayats, administrative bodies, and rural development projects. Adoption: It has been made available to all States/UTs, and Gram Panchayats are progressively adopting it for routine Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings. Significance: It will bring uniformity in minutes of the gram sabha meetings across the country. Panchayat officials can use their e-GramSwaraj login credentials to upload video/audio recordings on ‘SabhaSaar’. Use of AI: It leverages the power of AI to generate structured minutes of meetings from gram sabha videos and audio recordings. The AI model used in SabhaSaar operates on AI and cloud infrastructure provisioned through the India AI Compute Portal under the India AI Mission of MeitY. Built on Bhashini: It is built on Bhashini, an AI-powered language translation platform launched by the government to bridge literacy, language, and digital divides. The tool generates transcription from a video or audio, translates it into a chosen output language and prepares a summary. Transcription in major Indian languages: It enables transcription in all major Indian languages like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Gujarati, in addition to English. Source: PIB BRICS Category: International Organisations Context: As Brazil passed the presidency of BRICS to India recently, it handed over a gavel made of recycled wood from the Amazon rainforest. About BRICS: Nomenclature: The acronym ‘BRIC’ was coined by British economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to represent the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.  Establishment: BRIC began functioning as a formal group during the G-8 Outreach Summit in 2006, held its first summit in Russia in 2009, and became BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.  Members: The initial five BRICS members were Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In 2024, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Ethiopia joined the group while Indonesia joined in 2025. Saudi Arabia has not yet formalised its BRICS membership, while Argentina, initially expected to join in 2024, later opted out.   Key initiatives: It includes New Development Bank (2014), Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), BRICS Grain Exchange, BRICS Rapid Information Security Channel, STI Framework Programme (2015) etc.   Significance: BRICS accounts for 45% of the world’s population and 37.3% of global GDP, surpassing the EU’s 14.5% and the G7’s 29.3%.  Energy security: With Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joining, BRICS now accounts for around 44% of global crude oil production positioning it as a key player in ensuring energy security and influencing oil prices and supply chains.  Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) Significance of a Strong Defence Industrial Base for India (UPSC GS Paper III – Defence, Indigenisation of Technology, Industrial Growth; GS Paper II – Strategic Capability & Governance)   Context (Introduction) India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 is inseparable from strategic self-reliance. A strong defence industrial base is central to national security, economic resilience, technological advancement, and India’s emergence as a credible global power.   Main Arguments: Why a Robust Defence Industrial Base Matters Correcting Historical Vulnerabilities: For decades, India followed a paradoxical approach—excluding domestic private industry while relying heavily on foreign private suppliers. This led to excessive import dependence, constrained innovation, and strategic vulnerability during crises or supply-chain disruptions. Reform-Driven Ecosystem Maturation: Recent reforms—private sector entry, liberalised FDI, corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, expanded ‘Make’ procurement categories, and innovation promotion—have transformed the ecosystem. Defence production has increased, and exports now reach over 80 countries, signalling ecosystem maturity. Strategic Autonomy and Resilience: Global conflicts in Europe, West Asia, and Asia have highlighted the fragility of international supply chains. Countries with strong domestic defence industries have demonstrated greater resilience. For India, facing persistent land and maritime security challenges, defence self-reliance is indispensable. Economic and Geopolitical Leverage: Defence manufacturing generates high-skilled employment, stimulates advanced manufacturing, and integrates India into global supply chains. Defence exports also enhance geopolitical influence by positioning India as a reliable security partner. Emerging Global Opportunities: Rising defence spending in Europe, saturation of traditional suppliers, and demand for cost-effective platforms create export opportunities. India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region and expanding diplomatic footprint strengthen its prospects as a defence supplier.   Challenges and Criticisms Regulatory and Procedural Bottlenecks: Complex export licensing, slow approvals for joint ventures and technology transfers, and fragmented institutional coordination continue to deter private investment, especially for MSMEs and startups. Uncertain Demand Signals: Absence of long-term demand projections reduces investor confidence for capital-intensive defence manufacturing. DRDO’s Evolving Role: While Defence Research and Development Organisation has built strategic capabilities, overlapping roles in research, development, and production dilute efficiency and delay commercialisation. Financial and Testing Constraints: Manufacturers face high-cost credit, stringent domestic standards, limited testing facilities, and prolonged trials, reducing competitiveness against established global players. Fragmented Export Facilitation: Multiple ministries and agencies handle defence exports, creating coordination gaps and slowing market outreach.   Reforms and Way Forward Simplify and Stabilise Regulations: Streamline export licensing, technology-transfer approvals, and joint venture clearances, ensuring policy continuity to meet the target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. Reorient DRDO–Industry Roles: DRDO should focus on frontier research, while production, scaling, and commercialisation shift decisively to public and private industry, aligning with global best practices. Create Dedicated Export Facilitation Agency: A professionally staffed, single-window defence export agency can coordinate outreach, financing, certifications, and government-to-government engagements. Strengthen Financial and Testing Ecosystems: Introduce specialised export financing instruments, expand integrated testing facilities, adopt international certification norms, and ensure time-bound trials. Leverage Strategic Instruments: Use lines of credit, government-to-government agreements, and long-term service commitments to enhance India’s credibility as a defence supplier.   Conclusion A strong defence industrial base is not merely about reducing imports; it underpins national security, economic growth, technological leadership, and diplomatic influence. Deepening reforms and sustaining policy momentum will define India’s transition into a confident and influential global power by 2047.   Mains Question Why is a strong defence industrial base critical for India’s national security and economic aspirations? Examine the reforms required to make India a competitive defence manufacturing and export hub.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu Child Trafficking in India: Causes, State Response and the Way Forward (UPSC GS Paper I – Society: Vulnerable Sections; GS Paper II – Governance, Judiciary & Social Justice)   Context (Introduction) A recent Supreme Court of India judgment describing child trafficking as a “deeply disturbing reality” brings renewed focus on India’s persistent trafficking networks, despite constitutional safeguards, special laws, and multiple government schemes aimed at child protection.   Scale and Nature of Child Trafficking in India Magnitude of the Problem: As per NCRB Crime in India data, over 2,200 children were trafficked in 2022, with girls constituting a majority. States such as West Bengal, Telangana, Bihar, Maharashtra and Assam consistently report high numbers due to poverty, migration corridors and porous borders. Organised Crime Networks: Trafficking operates through decentralised yet interconnected verticals—recruitment, transportation, harbouring and exploitation—often spread across States, complicating detection and prosecution, as noted by the Supreme Court. Forms of Exploitation: Children are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic work, begging, and increasingly for online sexual abuse material, reflecting adaptation to digital platforms.   Reasons for Persistence of Child Trafficking Socio-Economic Drivers: Poverty, seasonal migration, debt bondage, lack of schooling, family disintegration and disasters push children into vulnerability. UNICEF notes that children from migrant and informal labour households face disproportionately higher trafficking risks. Demand-Side Factors: Urban informal economies, tourism hubs, construction sites and domestic work markets sustain demand. NCRB data shows trafficking hotspots align with major urban and industrial centres. Weak Preventive Governance: Limited surveillance in source areas, understaffed Child Welfare Committees, and poor inter-State coordination weaken early detection. Parliamentary Standing Committee reports have flagged capacity gaps in child protection institutions. Low Conviction Rates: Conviction rates under trafficking-related provisions remain low (often below 30%), reflecting poor investigation quality, victim intimidation, and insensitive evidentiary standards—issues directly addressed by the recent Supreme Court judgment.   Legal and Policy Framework Constitutional Mandate: Articles 23 and 24 prohibit trafficking and child labour; Articles 15(3), 21 and 39(f) mandate special protection for children’s dignity and development. Statutory Architecture: The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO Act and IPC Sections 370/370A collectively criminalise trafficking, exploitation and abuse. Judicial Reinforcement: The Supreme Court has clarified that trafficked children are injured witnesses, whose testimony cannot be discarded due to minor inconsistencies, aligning with trauma-informed justice principles.   Government Schemes and Institutional Response Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): Established in many districts to focus on detection, rescue and investigation, supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs, though uneven operational capacity persists. Ujjawala Scheme: Targets prevention, rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of women and child victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation; however, CAG audits have pointed to gaps in coverage and monitoring. Mission Vatsalya (Child Protection Services): Supports Child Welfare Committees, shelter homes, counselling and education, forming the backbone of post-rescue care. Operation Smile / Muskaan: Police-led initiatives that have traced thousands of missing children annually, reducing trafficking risks through coordinated rescue operations. TrackChild Portal: A national digital platform integrating police and child welfare data to track missing and found children, improving inter-State coordination.   Gaps and Criticisms Implementation Deficit: Reports by NCPCR and CAG highlight overcrowded shelters, staff shortages, and inadequate psychosocial care, increasing risks of re-trafficking. Reactive Policy Bias: Most interventions focus on rescue after exploitation, while preventive measures such as livelihood security, schooling and social protection in source areas remain weak. Fragmented Governance: Multiple ministries—Home, Women & Child Development, Labour—operate in silos, diluting accountability and follow-up. Reintegration Challenges: Without sustained education, skill training and income support, rescued children often return to vulnerable environments.   Way Forward Shift to Prevention-Centric Strategy: Strengthen social protection, universal schooling, nutrition, and livelihood programmes in trafficking-prone districts, in line with SDG 8.7 (ending child trafficking). Trauma-Informed Justice System: Mandatory training for police, prosecutors and judges on child psychology and victim-sensitive evidence handling, institutionalising Supreme Court guidelines. Unified Anti-Trafficking Framework: Operationalise a national anti-trafficking authority to coordinate intelligence, rescue, rehabilitation and prosecution across States. Strengthen Rehabilitation and Aftercare: Improve quality of shelters, long-term education, skill development and family reintegration to prevent re-trafficking. Data-Driven Monitoring: Enhance NCRB data granularity, map trafficking corridors, and track repeat offenders to improve deterrence and accountability.   Conclusion Child trafficking in India reflects deep socio-economic inequalities and governance gaps. While judicial interventions have strengthened victim-centric justice, eliminating trafficking requires a preventive, welfare-oriented and institutionally coordinated approach that protects children before exploitation occurs.   Mains Question Analyse the socio-economic causes of child trafficking and critically evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes in addressing the problem. Suggest a way forward.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu  

Dec 19, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 19th December 2025

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

Dec 19, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th December

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Channa Bhoi Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, scientists identified a new species of snakehead fish, Channa bhoi, in Meghalaya highlighting the state’s importance as a hub of freshwater biodiversity. About Channa Bhoi: Nature: It is a new species of snakehead fish.  Taxonomy: It belongs to the Channidae family and the Gachua group. Phylogenetic analysis identified it as a sister species to Channa bipuli, another snakehead found in Northeast India. Discovery: It was discovered from a small mountain stream near Iewmawlong village in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. Nomenclature: It has been named Channa bhoi, after the indigenous Bhoi people of the Khasi tribe who inhabit the Ri-Bhoi region. Significance: The discovery brings the total number of Channa species recorded from India to 26. Uniqueness: It is characterised by a bluish-grey body marked with minute black spots on each scale, forming eight to nine horizontal rows of broken lines along the sides. It can be distinguished from its close relatives by a unique colour pattern. Physical Characteristics: It has a bluish-grey body with black spots forming broken lines and distinctive banding on its pectoral fins. Biodiversity Indicator: Their presence suggests healthy stream ecosystems. Concern: It faces threats from rat-hole coal mining runoff and the illegal international aquarium trade. Source: Northeast News DHRUV64 Category: Science and Technology Context: India has achieved a significant milestone in its semiconductor journey with the launch of DHRUV64, which is a fully indigenous microprocessor developed by C-DAC. About DHRUV64: Nature: DHRUV64 is a fully indigenously developed microprocessor of India. Development: It is developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP). Uniqueness: It is India’s first homegrown 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. Speed: It is a 64-bit dual-core processor running at 1.0 GHz, giving it the ability to handle multiple tasks smoothly. ​Execution technique: It uses superscalar execution, which allows the processor to start more than one instruction in the same moment for better speed. ​Packaging: It includes built-in communication and control functions inside an advanced FCBGA package, making the chip compact and ready for use in many systems. Indigenisation: It provides homegrown microprocessor technology designed for startups, academia, and industry to build, test, and scale indigenous computing products without relying on foreign processors. Improved efficiency: It supports out-of-order processing, meaning it can complete instructions that are ready first, improving overall efficiency. Significance: Following earlier processors like SHAKTI (IIT Madras) and AJIT (IIT Bombay), it paves the way for the upcoming Dhanush and Dhanush+ processors. Applications: It is capable of supporting strategic and commercial applications. It is suitable for sectors such as 5G infrastructure, automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial automation and the Internet of Things (IoT). It supports prototype development for new system architectures at lower cost. Source: PIB Exercise Desert Cyclone II Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently, an Indian Army contingent departed for the United Arab Emirates to participate in the second edition of the Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II. About Exercise Desert Cyclone II: Countries involved: Desert Cyclone II is the second edition of the India–U.A.E. Joint Military Exercise. Origin: The Exercise was first held in 2024 between the Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces. Objective: The core objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces. Indian representation: The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily drawn from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion of the Indian Army. Follows UN mandate: The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations in urban environments under a United Nations mandate, preparing forces for peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations. Focus areas: Joint training includes fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations, and detailed joint mission planning. A key feature is the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques for conducting urban military operations. It reflects deepening military diplomacy, shared strategic interests, and growing operational synergy between India and the U.A.E. Source: The Hindu Param Vir Chakra (PVC) Category: Miscellaneous Context: Portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees are now on display at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing the previously displayed portraits of 96 British Aide-de-Camps. About Param Vir Chakra (PVC): Establishment: It was introduced on January 26, 1950, on the first Republic Day with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947. Nomenclature: Literally, Param Vir Chakra means ‘Wheel (or Cross) of the Ultimate Brave’. Uniqueness: It is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying the most exceptional acts of valour, courage, and self-sacrifice during war. Order of Precedence: It is followed by the Ashoka Chakra (peacetime), Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. Eligibility: It can be awarded to officers, men, and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force; of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army Militia; and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces. It can be, and often has been, awarded posthumously.  Similarity: It is similar to the British Victoria Cross, the US Medal of Honor, the French Legion of Honor, or the Russian Cross of St. George. Design: The medal was designed by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar. Structure: The medal is cast in bronze and circular in shape. In the centre, on a raised circle, is the state emblem, surrounded by four replicas of Indra’s Vajra, flanked by the sword of Shivaji. First winner: Major Somnath Sharma, from the Kumaon regiment was the first recipient of the award for his actions in the 1947 Indo-Pak War. Recipients: Till now, only 21 people had been given the Param Vir Chakra award, of which 14 are posthumous. Source: The Hindu Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II Category: History and Culture Context: Recently, Vice President of India released a commemorative postal stamp in honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II. About Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II: Dynasty: Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar belonged to the Mutharaiyar dynasty, which ruled central Tamil Nadu from 705 AD-745 AD. Other names: He was also known as ‘Suvaran Maran’ and ‘Shatrubhayankar.’ Capital: He ruled primarily from Tiruchirappalli. Great administrator: He is believed to have fought bravely in several battles alongside the Pallava king Nandivarman, and is remembered as a great administrator. Patronage: He seems to have patronised Shaivya and other scholars, as a Jain monk Vimalachandra is mentioned as visiting his court to debate them. Political Status: Initially, the Mutharaiyars were powerful feudatories of the Pallavas. As Pallava central authority weakened, Perumbidugu II emerged as an influential regional power. Territorial extent: The Mutharaiyars held sway over areas including Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, and others near the Cauvery river. Cultural significance: As the feudatories of the Pallavas, the Mutharaiyars were great temple builders. Muttarayars were also engaged in cave temple enterprises up to the opening decades of the ninth century. Legacy: They acted as a bridge between Pallava and Chola traditions, especially in temple architecture and governance. Decline: The Mutharaiyar rule declined in the mid-9th century after Vijayalaya Chola captured Thanjavur, marking the rise of the Imperial Cholas. Source: PM India (MAINS Focus) DHRUV64 Microprocessor and India’s Indigenous Processor Ecosystem (UPSC GS Paper III – Science & Technology: Indigenisation of Technology; Electronics and IT)   Context (Introduction) India’s launch of the DHRUV64 microprocessor marks a significant step in reducing dependence on imported semiconductor designs, strengthening strategic autonomy, supply-chain resilience, and long-term technological self-reliance in the electronics and industrial automation sectors.   Progress and Rationale Behind DHRUV64 Indigenous Development Milestone: DHRUV64 is a fully indigenous 64-bit, dual-core microprocessor developed by C-DAC under MeitY’s Microprocessor Development Programme, reflecting sustained public investment in core computing technologies. Strategic Imperative: India is a major global consumer of chips but lacks control over processor IP, toolchains, and update pathways. Indigenous processors enhance security against export controls and geopolitical supply shocks. Targeted Use-Cases: With a 1 GHz clock speed, DHRUV64 is designed for telecom base stations, industrial controllers, routers, and automotive modules, where reliability and integration matter more than peak consumer performance. Ecosystem-Oriented Approach: MeitY positions DHRUV64 as a platform for startups, academia, and industry to prototype systems without reliance on foreign processors, recognising that processors succeed only with strong software–hardware ecosystems. Alignment with Open Standards: The chip is tied to the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme, leveraging open instruction sets to avoid licence dependencies and encourage modular, customisable designs.   India’s Broader Processor Ecosystem SHAKTI (IIT Madras): RISC-V–based processors focused on academic research, secure computing, and commercial deployment; supported under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems. AJIT (IIT Bombay): Designed primarily for strategic and defence applications, emphasising reliability and deterministic performance. VIKRAM (ISRO–SCL): Radiation-hardened processors for spaceflight systems, underscoring India’s niche strengths in mission-critical electronics. THEJAS32/64 (C-DAC): Earlier DIR-V chips, with THEJAS64 fabricated at SCL Mohali, demonstrating incremental progress in domestic fabrication capabilities. Ecosystem Logic: Together, these processors cater to diverse needs—space, defence, industrial control, and embedded systems—indicating a portfolio-based strategy rather than a single “flagship” chip.   Key Information Gaps and Criticisms Lack of Performance Transparency: MeitY has not released benchmarks, cache architecture, memory controller details, I/O capabilities, or performance-per-watt metrics—critical for industrial and OEM adoption. Unclear Fabrication Details: The foundry, process node, yields, packaging, and reliability standards have not been disclosed, raising questions for telecom and automotive lifecycle requirements. Ambiguity of ‘Fully Indigenous’: It is unclear whether indigeneity refers only to instruction set usage or extends to microarchitecture, system-on-chip integration, toolchains, fabrication, and ownership of critical IP blocks. OEM Adoption Uncertainty: There is no clarity on developer boards, supported operating systems, security audits, or government-led anchor procurement to de-risk early adoption. Roadmap Risks: While DHANUSH (1.2 GHz, quad-core, ~28 nm) and DHANUSH+ (2 GHz, quad-core, ~14–16 nm) are announced, timelines and manufacturing readiness remain uncertain.   Government Schemes Supporting Indigenous Semiconductor Progress Chips to Startup Programme: ₹250 crore over five years to build skilled manpower and startup participation in chip design. Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: Financial incentives for domestic semiconductor design companies to reduce entry barriers and encourage innovation. INUP-i2i Initiative: Provides academic and startup access to national nanofabrication and characterisation facilities. India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): As of 2025, approved 10 projects across six States with investments of about ₹1.6 lakh crore, focusing on fabs, ATMP units, and ecosystem development. Strategic Focus Shift: From isolated chip launches towards system-on-chip families, reference designs, and integrated manufacturing–testing capacity.   Conclusion DHRUV64 represents incremental but meaningful progress in India’s semiconductor journey. However, sustained success depends on transparency, ecosystem maturity, anchor demand, and scalable manufacturing—transforming indigenous processors from symbolic achievements into commercially and strategically viable technologies.   Mains Question Assess the significance of the DHRUV64 microprocessor in advancing India’s indigenous semiconductor ecosystem. What challenges must India overcome to translate such initiatives into sustainable technological self-reliance?(250 words, 15 marks) Source : The Hindu India–Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) Agreement (UPSC GS Paper II – International Relations: Bilateral Relations; GS Paper III – Internal Security & Defence Cooperation)   Context (Introduction) The ratification of the India–Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement institutionalises military logistics cooperation, expanding India’s operational reach from the Indo-Pacific to the Arctic while reinforcing its strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.   Main Arguments: Significance of RELOS for India–Russia Relations Institutionalising Defence Logistics Cooperation: RELOS establishes a formal framework for reciprocal access to military bases, ports, and airfields, governing refuelling, repairs, maintenance, and movement of troops, warships, and aircraft during exercises, training, and other mutually agreed operations. Enhancing India’s Strategic Reach: For India, access to Russian facilities—from Vladivostok in the Pacific to Murmansk in the Arctic—extends the Indian Navy’s and Air Force’s operational endurance during long-range deployments, particularly for Russian-origin platforms that dominate India’s defence inventory (nearly 60% by some estimates). Arctic and Indo-Pacific Convergence: RELOS aligns with India’s Arctic Policy (2022) by enabling logistical access near the Northern Sea Route, critical amid climate-induced opening of Arctic shipping lanes. Simultaneously, it complements India’s Indo-Pacific strategy by leveraging Russia’s vast Eurasian footprint without aligning with any single bloc. Support for Multipolarity: For Russia, reciprocal access to Indian ports and airfields strengthens its operational presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), reinforcing Moscow’s vision of a multipolar order amid Western sanctions and strategic isolation. Operational Flexibility Beyond Combat: The agreement explicitly covers humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), joint exercises, and training, reflecting India’s preference for flexible, non-alliance-based security cooperation rather than treaty-bound military alliances.   Comparison with India’s Logistics Pacts with the U.S. Functional Similarity with Strategic Distinction: RELOS is comparable to LEMOA (2016) with the U.S., which enables reciprocal logistics support. However, unlike COMCASA (2018) and BECA (2020), RELOS does not involve encrypted communications or geospatial intelligence sharing, preserving India’s strategic autonomy. Balanced Hedging Strategy: While U.S. foundational agreements enhance interoperability within the QUAD framework to counterbalance China in the Indo-Pacific, RELOS demonstrates India’s parallel commitment to long-standing defence ties with Russia, avoiding exclusive alignment. Tailored to Bilateral Context: RELOS is customised to India–Russia defence cooperation, particularly relevant for sustaining Russian-origin equipment, unlike U.S. pacts which are oriented towards interoperability with American platforms and systems.   Criticisms and Strategic Concerns Geopolitical Signalling Risks: At a time of heightened Russia–West tensions, deeper military cooperation with Russia could invite diplomatic pressure on India from Western partners, especially amid sanctions regimes. Limited Interoperability Gains: Unlike COMCASA or BECA, RELOS does not significantly enhance network-centric warfare capabilities or intelligence integration, limiting its transformative impact on military modernisation. Dependence on Legacy Platforms: By facilitating sustainment of Russian-origin equipment, RELOS may indirectly slow India’s diversification of defence imports and indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Arctic Militarisation Concerns: Increased military logistics access in the Arctic could entangle India, even indirectly, in great power rivalries in a region India officially approaches through scientific, environmental, and commercial lenses. Operational Utilisation Uncertainty: The agreement’s real value depends on frequency of use and political will; without regular exercises or deployments, RELOS risks remaining largely symbolic.   Way Forward Strategic Transparency: India should clearly communicate that RELOS is a logistics-enabling arrangement, not a military alliance, reinforcing its doctrine of strategic autonomy. Balanced Defence Diversification: Use RELOS pragmatically for sustainment while continuing diversification of defence procurement and indigenisation under Make in India–Defence. Arctic Engagement with Restraint: Leverage Arctic access primarily for scientific research, commercial shipping insights, and climate cooperation, avoiding overt militarisation. Synergy with Multilateral Engagements: Position RELOS as complementary to, not contradictory with, India’s engagements with QUAD, ASEAN, and SCO frameworks. Operationalisation through Exercises: Conduct regular joint exercises and HADR drills to translate the agreement into functional military and diplomatic capital.   Conclusion RELOS reflects India’s calibrated foreign policy—deepening defence cooperation with Russia while maintaining diversified strategic partnerships. Its success will lie in judicious operational use that enhances reach without compromising India’s autonomy or diplomatic balance.   Mains Question The India–Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement reflects India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in a multipolar world. Examine its significance and potential challenges for India’s foreign and security policy.(250 words, 15 marks)   Source: Indian Express