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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 8th April 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) BREAKTHROUGH PRIZE 2025 Category: INTERNATIONAL Context: The 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics was awarded to 13,508 physicists across four collaborative projects at CERN, the European particle physics laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland. Decoding the context: The award was announced on April 5th as part of the 11th annual Breakthrough Prizes. Six prizes worth $3 million each were announced in Life Sciences, Mathematics and Fundamental Physics. Learning Corner: The Breakthrough Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in science, often referred to as the “Oscars of Science”.  The awards were established in 2013 by Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, former Google chief Sergey Brin, genomics company 23&Me founder Anne Wojcicki, and tech investor couple Yuri and Julia Milner to recognize groundbreaking achievements in Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics, and Mathematics. Breakthrough Prize In Life Sciences – The award in this category was given to three groups of scientists: Weight-loss drugs : Five scientists — Daniel J. Drucker, Joel Habener, Jens Juul Holst, Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, and Svetlana Mojsov — were awarded a prize for discovering and characterizing the GLP-1 hormone, which led to the development of weight loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Multiple Sclerosis treatment : Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable chronic disease caused by the immune system attacking the protective sheath that covers nerve fibres of the central nervous system. Alberto Ascherio and Stephen L. Hauser were awarded the Prize for identifying the role of the B-cells of the immune system in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and devising treatments targeted at the same.  Gene-editing technologies : David R Liu was awarded the Prize for developing the base editing and prime editing technologies widely used to edit the DNA of living organisms. These are significant as they can edit the DNA without cutting its double helix, and rewrite entire stretches of defective DNA with a corrected version. Breakthrough Prize In Fundamental Physics The Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics was awarded to four collaborations at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in CERN – ALICE, ATLAS, CMS and LHCb. The LHC is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, causing protons to accelerate and collide, thus helping scientists study the properties of matter. The four collaborations studied the Higgs boson. The Higgs boson, also known as the ‘God Particle’, is known to impart mass to every other particle. Source : Indian Express CAPTCHA Category: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: In the ever-changing world of Internet technology, keeping users safe and verifying their identities is important. One of the most important security systems for this is CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) Decoding the context: CAPTCHA was introduced in the early 2000s when the internet was flooded with automated bots. Learning Corner: CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart. It is a security mechanism used on websites to differentiate between human users and automated bots. The test is designed to be easy for humans to solve but difficult for machines. Purpose of CAPTCHA Prevent spam (e.g., in comments or registrations) Block brute-force attacks Protect online polls from manipulation Limit abuse of online services (like ticket booking) Types of CAPTCHA Text-based CAPTCHA – Distorted letters/numbers that users must type in. Image-based CAPTCHA – Users select images matching a given prompt (e.g., “select all images with traffic lights”). Audio CAPTCHA – For visually impaired users; users type spoken words or numbers. ReCAPTCHA – Developed by Google. Includes: Checkbox (“I’m not a robot”) Invisible CAPTCHA (analyzes user behavior without requiring input). How CAPTCHA Works It presents a challenge that is easy for humans but difficult for bots. Bots struggle with image recognition, distorted text, and behavioral analysis. Advanced CAPTCHAs use AI-based detection to analyze user interactions. Turing Test The Turing Test was proposed by British mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing in 1950 as a way to assess a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from that of a human. How It Works In the test, a human judge communicates with both a human and a machine (AI) via text-based conversation. If the judge cannot reliably determine which one is the machine, the AI is said to have passed the Turing Test, demonstrating human-like intelligence. While early computers struggled with this challenge, modern AI systems have made significant progress, creating more natural, human-like conversations. Connection Between Turing Test & CAPTCHA – CAPTCHA is actually a reverse Turing Test—instead of a human testing a machine, CAPTCHA is designed so that a machine tests whether the user is human. Source : The Hindu SHYAMJI KRISHNA VERMA Category: HISTORY Context: Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to the great freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Verma on his death anniversary. Decoding the context: Shyamji Krishna Verma is remembered as a pioneer of the Indian revolutionary movement in Europe. Learning Corner: Shyamji Krishna Varma was a prominent freedom fighter, lawyer, scholar, and nationalist revolutionary during the Indian independence movement. He was a pioneer of Indian nationalism in Europe. Key Facts & Contributions Born: 4 October 1857, Mandvi, Gujarat (Kutch region) Education: Studied Sanskrit and law; later went to Oxford University in England. Profession: Barrister; also appointed Diwan of a princely state in India for a short period. Major Contributions: India House (1905, London): Founded India House, a hostel and hub for Indian students and revolutionaries in London. India House  Became a center of nationalist and revolutionary activity abroad. The Indian Sociologist (1905): Started this monthly journal to promote nationalist ideas and expose British colonial rule. The British government banned its publication for spreading seditious content. Support to Revolutionaries: Mentored and supported Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Lala Har Dayal, and Madam Cama. Advocated armed revolution against British rule. Exile: Faced persecution in Britain; moved to Paris and later Switzerland, continuing his work in exile. Died in Geneva, Switzerland in 1930. In 2003, his ashes were brought back to India by the Government of Gujarat and enshrined at Kranti Teerth, Mandvi (Kutch). Source : PIB INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) Category: INTERNATIONAL Context: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, during a series of bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent, highlighted the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan. Decoding the context: Birla is leading the Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) for the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Summit. Learning Corner: The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is a global organization that fosters cooperation among national parliaments to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development.  Established in 1889, it is the oldest international parliamentary organization and plays a crucial role in parliamentary diplomacy. Slogan is: For democracy. For everyone. Key Facts About IPU Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. Members: 180 national parliaments and 15 associate members. Motto: “For democracy. For everyone.” Core Objectives: Strengthening democratic governance and parliamentary institutions. Promoting gender equality and youth participation in politics. Defending human rights of parliamentarians worldwide. Supporting peace-building efforts through parliamentary dialogue. Structure of IPU IPU Assembly: The main decision-making forum where global political and social issues are discussed. Governing Council: Sets policies and elects the Executive Committee. Executive Committee: Oversees operations and administration. Standing Committees: Focus on key themes like peace, democracy, development, and cooperation Source : DD News CRISIS IN THE COTTON FIELDS Category: ECONOMY Context: India’s cotton economy isn’t in great shape. This, despite the advantage the country has as a producer of the natural fibre and its textile exports facing only 27% duty – as against China’s 54%, Vietnam’s 46%, Bangladesh’s 37%, Indonesia’s 32% and Sri Lanka’s 44% – under US President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” policy. Decoding the context: The pink bollworm has brought down India’s cotton production by a quarter in the last decade. While a few seed companies have developed new genetically modified hybrids resistant to the dreaded insect pest, regulatory barriers are coming in the way of their commercialisation. Learning Corner: India’s cotton output in the 2024-25 marketing year (October-September) is projected at just over 294 lakh bales (lb; 1 lb=170 kg), the lowest since the 290 lb of 2008-09. Production has been on a declining path since the peak of 398 lb in 2013-14. The cultivation of genetically modified (GM) cotton hybrids – incorporating alien genes isolated from a soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt – had led to not only a near-trebling of production (from 136 lb to 398 lb), but also a 139-fold jump in exports (from 0.8 lb to 117 lb), between 2002-03 and 2013-14. The above production slide, and India turning from a large cotton exporter to a net importer, is mainly courtesy of the pink bollworm (PBW). About pink bollworm (PBW) The pink bollworm (PBW), known among farmers as gulabi sundhi, damages the cotton crop by burrowing its larvae into the cotton bolls. This results in the lint being cut and stained, making it unfit for use. The GM cotton now grown in India have two Bt genes, ‘cry1Ac’ and ‘cry2Ab’, coding for proteins toxic to the American bollworm, spotted bollworm and cotton leafworm pests. The double-gene hybrids initially provided some protection against the PBW too, but that effectiveness has dissipated over time. The reason for it is that the PBW is a monophagous pest, which feeds exclusively on cotton. This is unlike the other three pests that are polyphagous and survive on multiple host crops. Being monophagous enabled the PBW larvae to gradually build resistance to the toxins from the existing Bt cotton hybrids. The PBW population that became resistant from continuously feeding on these plants eventually overtook and replaced the ones that were susceptible.  The pest’s short life cycle (25-35 days from egg laying to adult moth stage), allowing it to complete at least 3-4 generations in a single crop season of 180-270 days, further accelerated the resistance breakdown process. Source : Indian Express Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to Shyamji Krishna Varma, consider the following statements: He founded the India House in London to support Indian students and promote nationalist ideas. He started the journal The Indian Sociologist to propagate revolutionary thought against British rule. He was associated with the Swadeshi Movement led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in India. His ashes were brought back to India and enshrined at Kranti Teerth in Gujarat. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1, 2 and 3 only B. 1, 2 and 4 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 3 and 4 only   Q2.The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is best described as: (a) A UN agency for electoral reforms. (b) A global organization of national parliaments promoting democratic governance. (c) An EU body coordinating legislation among member states. (d) A financial institution supporting parliamentary infrastructure.   Q3.With reference to the recent crisis in India’s cotton economy, consider the following statements: The pink bollworm (PBW) is a polyphagous pest that feeds on multiple host crops, including cotton. Bt cotton hybrids contain genes from Bacillus thuringiensis that were initially effective against pink bollworm. The effectiveness of Bt cotton against PBW has reduced over time due to the pest developing resistance. India’s cotton production has remained stable over the last decade despite pest-related challenges. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1, 3 and 4 only D. 2, 3 and 4 only Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  7th April  – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – c Q.2) – a Q.3) – c

[DAY 26] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025 POLITY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2025 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2025. Click Here To Take The Test -> Click Here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 10th April 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

[DAY 25] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025 POLITY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2025 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2025. Click Here To Take The Test -> Click Here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 9th April 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

[DAY 24] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2025 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2025. Click Here To Take The Test -> Click Here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 8th April 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

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 7th April 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

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th April 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) PAMBAN RAIL BRIDGE Syllabus: Category: GEOGRAPHY Context: The vertical lift span of the new Pamban Rail Bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (April 6, 2025), caused concern among senior railway officials when the lifted centre span became stuck midway as it was being lowered. Decoding the context: For nearly a century, Pamban Rail Bridge remained the longest sea bridge in India until the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (Mumbai) came up. Learning Corner: The Pamban Rail Bridge is a historic and vital railway bridge in India, connecting Rameswaram Island (Pamban Island) to the mainland in Tamil Nadu, across the Palk Strait. It was India’s first sea bridge, originally opened in 1914 and and was the only link to Rameswaram until a road bridge was opened in 1988. Key Features Original Structure: The old Pamban Bridge was a bascule bridge, meaning it had a section that could be lifted to allow ships to pass. New Vertical Lift Bridge: Recently, a new Pamban Rail Bridge was inaugurated, featuring a vertical lift mechanism that allows ships to pass underneath more efficiently. Length: The bridge spans 2.07 kilometers across the Palk Strait. Engineering Marvel: The new bridge is designed to last 100 years, with stainless steel reinforcements and fully welded joints to withstand harsh marine conditions Source : The Hindu KHELO INDIA YOUTH GAMES Syllabus:  Category: NATIONAL Context: The seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games will be staged in five cities of Bihar from May 4 to 15. Decoding the context: This edition is expected to feature over 10,000 athletes competing in more than 25 sports disciplines. Learning Corner: The Khelo India Programme is a national initiative launched by the Government of India in 2018 to promote a robust sports culture at the grassroots level. Key Components of the Khelo India Programme: Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure: Developing and modernizing sports facilities across the country to provide athletes with world-class training environments. Sports Competitions and Talent Development: Organizing events like the Khelo India Youth Games to scout and nurture young athletes. Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports: Ensuring equal opportunities for women, differently-abled individuals, and other marginalized groups to participate in sports. Revival of Indigenous Games: Traditional Indian sports like Mallakhamba, Kalaripayattu, and Gatka are promoted. Major Initiatives Under Khelo India:  Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) – Annual multi-sport event for under-17 and under-21 athletes. Khelo India University Games (KIUG) – National-level competition for university students. Khelo India Winter Games – Held in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to promote winter sports. Khelo India Centres – Specialized training centers for different sports. Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG): The Khelo India Youth Games are an integral part of the Khelo India Programme, serving as a platform for young athletes under the age categories of 17 and 21 to showcase their talents.  The inaugural edition was held in 2018 in New Delhi, featuring 18 sports disciplines. 2024 (6th Edition): Held from January 19 to 31 across four cities in Tamil Nadu—Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore. The event featured 26 sports disciplines, including traditional games like Kalaripayattu and Mallakhamb. 2025 (Upcoming 7th Edition): Scheduled from May 4 to 15, 2025, with Bihar hosting events across five cities: Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai. Additionally, select disciplines such as shooting, gymnastics, and track cycling will be held in New Delhi. Source : The Hindu   VIBRANT VILLAGE PROGRAMME (VVP) Syllabus:     Category: GOVERNMENT SCHEMES Context:The Union Cabinet has approved phase two of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) for the comprehensive development of strategic villages along all international land borders, with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore. Decoding the context: While VVP-I was aimed at villages along the China border, the second phase of the programme will be implemented in select strategic villages in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, until the financial year 2028-29. Learning Corner: The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) phase 1 was a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2023 to develop border villages with sparse population, limited connectivity, and infrastructure. Vibrant Villages Programme -II (VVP-II) is a Central Sector Scheme (100% Centre funding), furthering its commitment for the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 for ‘Safe, Secured & Vibrant land borders’. The Programme would help in the comprehensive development of the villages located in the blocks abutting international land borders (ILBs), other than the Northern border already covered under VVP-I. The objective of the programme is to create better living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities to ensure prosperous and safe borders, control trans-border crime and assimilate the border population with the nation and inculcate them ‘as eyes and ears of the border guarding forces’, crucial for internal security. The interventions would be border-specific, state and village specific, based on Village Action Plans prepared in a collaborative approach. Key Components: Infrastructure Development: Roads, housing, water supply, electricity, internet, and mobile connectivity. Social Development: Healthcare, education, skill development, and livelihood opportunities. Tourism and Cultural Promotion: Promoting local culture, traditions, and eco-tourism. Security Dimension: Enhances eyes and ears on the border — discouraging migration and boosting strategic presence. Convergence Model: Coordination among multiple central and state schemes like PMGSY, Jal Jeevan Mission, PMAY-G. Source : The Hindu   PRESIDENT AND STATE BILLS Syllabus:        Category: POLITY Context: President Droupadi Murmu has withheld assent to Tamil Nadu’s Bill seeking exemption from the mandate of National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)-based admissions for undergraduate medical courses in government medical colleges. Decoding the context: The Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill was passed unanimously in the Assembly in September 2021. After the Bill was returned by the Governor, an all-party meeting was held in February 2022. The Bill was then re-adopted in the Assembly. Learning Corner: When a Bill is passed by the Legislature of a State, it is presented to the Governor for assent. In certain cases, the Governor may reserve the Bill for the consideration of the President. Step-by-Step Legislative Process and Presidential Role After a state legislature passes a Bill, the Governor has 4 options under Article 200: Give assent to the Bill — it becomes law. Withhold assent — the Bill fails. Return the Bill (if not a money bill) for reconsideration. If passed again, must give or reserve assent. Reserve the Bill for the President’s consideration. Some situations where the Governor must or may reserve a bill for the President’s consideration: Bills that curtail the powers of the High Court  (mandatory reservation). Bills Affecting Union-State Relations (Article 288 & 304) – If a state bill affects the powers of the Union Government (e.g., taxation, trade, or commerce under Article 288 or Article 304(b)), it requires Presidential assent. Bills on Concurrent List (Article 254(2)) – If a state bill contradicts an existing Central law on a Concurrent List (List III) subject, the President’s assent is needed to override the Central law. Bills Related to Certain Special Categories (Article 31A, 31C) – Bills involving compulsory acquisition of property (under Article 31A) or those implementing Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) overriding Fundamental Rights (Article 31C). President’s Powers over Reserved Bills (Article 201) – Once a Bill is reserved, the President can: Give assent — the Bill becomes law. Withhold assent — the Bill is dead. Return the Bill (if not a money bill) to the State Legislature with a message for reconsideration. If the Bill is passed again (with or without amendments), the President is not bound to give assent. Source : Indian Express Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1. Under which of the following circumstances is a State Bill required to be reserved for the consideration of the President of India? When the bill seeks to impose a tax on water or electricity consumed by the Union government. When the bill contradicts an existing Central law on a subject under the Concurrent List. When the bill aims to curtail the powers of the High Court.  When the bill is introduced during a session of the State Legislature following Governor’s address. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2, and 3 only (d) 1, 3, and 4 only Q2.Consider the following statements about the Vibrant Villages Programme: It is implemented by the Ministry of Defence. It aims to promote the development of border villages. The programme covers only villages along the western border. Which of the above statements are correct? 2 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 1, 2 and 3 D. 3 only Q3.Consider the following statements regarding the Khelo India Programme: It was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The 2024 Khelo India Youth Games was held in Bihar. It includes components such as talent search, sports infrastructure, and promotion of indigenous sports. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3   Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  5th April  – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – d Q.2) – b Q.3) – b

[DAY 23] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2025 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2025. Click Here To Take The Test -> Click Here