Ananya Sadhana: KPSC Exam Guide
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What began in June 2013 as a small Daily Answer Writing
Challenge soon grew into the Secure Initiative — connecting
aspirants worldwide to learn and improve together. Over
time, Insights IAS has become a trusted friend and guide for
lakhs of UPSC aspirants, helping thousands achieve success.
Your feedback, support, and trust have shaped our journey.
As we continue to evolve, our goal remains the same — to
simplify your preparation, remove distractions, and help you
give your best effort with confidence and clarity.
That’s what matters most to us — your growth and
satisfaction.
Best Regards,
Vinay Kumar GB
To the future administrators of Karnataka,
Success in KPSC and other state exams demands more than
facts—it requires a Karnataka-centric mindset:
understanding how state schemes shape districts, how
budgets affect people, and how heritage connects to
progress.
Ananya Sadhana is your focused companion in this journey—
delivering analytical, state-specific content to strengthen
your preparation for Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Your goal isn’t just to clear an exam, but to help build
Karnataka’s future.
Let’s shape a prosperous Karnataka, together.
Best,
Sharath Kumar S
Managing Director, Insights IAS | Insta IAS
Sources
About the Magazine
The magazine is a must-read for competitive exam aspirants of KAS, FDA/SDA, PSI/PC,
Group C, PDO, Teacher Recruitment & Asst Prof Exams. It provides a 360-degree
overview, covering both the current and the static part of the topics.
This magazine has been divided into two main parts. The first part consists of the
analysis of the current affairs topics and associated information. The topics have been
divided into different sections like Polity and Governance, Economy, Science and
Technology etc for focussed approach.
The second part consists of fact oriented current affairs which is useful for all exams.
This will act as a ready reckoner for most important facts.
The USP of the book is presentation of information in crisp format. Efforts have been
made by the team to provide information in a very precise way.
The Team
Nandan R(Faculty for Current affairs and Environment)
Dinesh(Mentor)
Vishwaprasanna (Content contributor)
1. NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL 4. Coconut Development Board
5. Recommendations of the 56th Meeting of the
Polity & Governance 8 GST Council
6. Stablecoins
1. Population Census-2027
7. India to Start Pilot Projects in Venezuela
2. Beta Version of “Adi Vaani”
8. India-ILO MoU on Occupational Classification
3. DIGIPIN Initiative
to Boost Global Job Opportunities
4. Buildings To be Geo-tagged in Census 2027
9. Third Anniversary of the National Logistics
5. Rajasthan Proposes New Anti-Conversion Bill
Policy (NLP)
6. Himachal Pradesh Becomes Fully Literate State
10. Pink Tax
7. C.P. Radhakrishnan Elected as the 15th Vice-
11. International Seabed Authority (ISA)
President of India
12. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
8. National Annual Report & Index on Women’s
13. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Safety (NARI) 2025
14. Blue Ports
9. National Scheduled Tribe Finance and
Development Corporation (NSTFDC) 15. Prime Minister Pushes for Local Production
10. SPREE-2025 and AMNESTY Scheme 16. Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010
11. PM Vishwakarma Scheme 17. Unified Payments Interface
12. Visakhapatnam Declaration on E-Governance 18. Finance Minister Launches GST Appellate
Tribunal
13. Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025
19. Huge Scope for Indian Tea Sector
14. National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG)
2025. 20. Maitri 2.0 Cross-Incubation Programme
15. Samagra Shiksha scheme 21. India-ADB Sign $125 million Loan to Assam
16. National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes 22. Excess Rainfall Threatens Karnataka’s Coffee
(NFST) Plantations
17. Angikaar 2025 23. Nilgiris Tea
18. National Institutional Ranking Framework 24. National Makhana Board
(NIRF) 2025 25. 99th Meeting of Network Planning Group
19. Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 under PM GatiShakti
26. Oju Hydroelectric Project
Economy 14
Health & Society 23
1. PM Urges Indians to Embrace ‘Vocal for Local’
Mantra 1. Acanthamoeba
2. APEDA Launches BHARATI Initiative to Boost 2. Clinical trial for Envafolimab
Agri-food Exports 3. National Health Mission (NHM)
3. Agreement on Marine Biodiversity Beyond 4. Maternal Mortality in India 2021-23
National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) 5. AI-Based Mental Health Program ‘Never Alone’
Launched at AIIMS Delhi Science & Technology 38
6. Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan
1. Gujarat’s Kutch Village Yields Rare Jarosite
7. Autism Myths Around Tylenol
Discovery
8. Seven Years of Ayushman Bharat
2. Exercise Yudh Kaushal 3.0
Geography & Environment 27 3. Exercise MAITREE
4. Exercise Yudh Abhyas
1. Earthquake in Afghanistan
5. Blood Moon
2. Ethiopia Opens Africa’s Largest Dam Across
6. Ghost Bat Drone
Nile
7. EnteroMix – mRNA Cancer Vaccine
3. Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal)
8. EXERCISE ZAPAD 2025
4. Typhoon Ragasa
9. ISRO Inks Agreement with HAL for Transfer of
5. Changes in Green Credit Programme Norms
SSLV Technology
6. Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2025
10. Melioidosis
7. Senna spectabilis
11. AdFalciVax
8. India’s First Vulture Conservation Portal
12. Samudra Pradakshina
9. Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis Nigriceps)
13. MNRE Unveiled India’s First National Policy on
10. Vembanad Lake
Geothermal Energy
11. Sariska Tiger Reserve
14. Indian Navy’s ‘Androth’
12. Ozone Hole Growth
15. India-AI Impact Summit 2026
13. Light Pollution Impacting Biodiversity
16. Exercise Pacific Reach
14. First bamboo-based Bio-refinery
17. Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025
15. Kerala Approves Draft Wildlife Protection
18. Agni-Prime Missile
(Amendment) Bill, 2025
19. Tejas Mark-1A
16. Yellow-crested Cockatoos
20. Astronomers Detect Quasi-Moon Near Earth
17. India to Submit Updated Carbon-reduction
21. 25 Lakh Additional LPG Connections Under
Targets by the Beginning of COP30
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
18. Mission Mausam
22. SPARSH
19. Production Gap Report 2025
20. 51st Foundation Day of Central Pollution History and Culture 45
Control Board
1. 200th Birth Anniversary of Dadabhai Naoroji
21. Orcas
2. Nalanda University
22. Pallas’s Cat
3. SAMHiTA Conference on South Asian
23. Australia Approves First Vaccine to save Koalas
Manuscripts and Mathematics
from Chlamydia
4. GI Tag Push in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR)
24. India’s First Dugong Reserve
5. Langkhon Festival
25. State Of The Rhino Report
6. Acharya Vinoba Bhave
7. Sarnath 2. National Teachers Awards
8. Kolhan’s Manki-Munda system 3. 99th birth anniversary of Bhupen Hazarika
9. Seven Natural Heritage Sites Added to UNESCO 4. International Day of Sign Languages
Tentative List 5. Seychelles
10. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya 6. Baltic Sea
11. Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl 7. Papua New Guinea
12. Adi Sanskriti
Personalities 60
Internal Security 50 1. Sree Narayana Guru
1. Kuki-Zo Groups 2. Sir M Visvesvaraya
2. 1st Interpol Silver Notices
2. KARNATAKA DARSHANA
3. Directorate of Enforcement (ED)
4. National Investigation Agency (NIA)
5. Indian Coast Guard State Issues 62
International Relations 52 1. Samruddhi Gram Panchayat Project (SGPP)
2. Siddi community
1. China and India Pledge to be ‘partners not
3. Kali tiger reserve
rivals’: SCO Summit
4. New high-yielding and climate-resilient millet
2. India–Singapore 2025 Summit
varieties.
3. BRICS Virtual Summit
5. Raste Gundi Gamana app & E Aasthi digital
4. Political Crisis in Nepal and Its Implications for
platforms
India
6. Infant mortality rate of Karnataka
5. East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)
7. Upper Krishna project
6. First India-Iran-Uzbekistan Trilateral Meeting
8. Quantum city
7. India Condemn the Doha Strike
9. Kagzi lemon
8. International Criminal Court
10. E-Swathu
9. India-Russia Discuss BRICS Grain Exchange Plan
11. Cantonment new Railway Colony area-
10. FIPIC
Biodiversity heritage site
11. K Visa
12. Project Khushi
12. India and Morocco Sign Defence Cooperation
13. Chief Minister’s Adivasi Gruha Bhagya scheme
13. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
14. ASTraM app
Summit 2025, Tianjin
15. Sharavati pumped storage
14. Universal Postal Union (UPU)
16. New State textile policy of Karnataka - 2025-
Miscellaneous 57 2030
17. Bengaluru Water Resilience Project
1. Ramon Magsaysay Award
18. ELEVATE 2025, ELEVATE Unnati 2025, and
ELEVATE Minorities 2025. 1. Navy’s latest base INS Aravali commissioned in
19. The Karnataka Tank Conservation and Gurugram
Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2. IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into sunset
2025, after six decades of service
20. KMF launches Nandini products in US at World
Important days 78
Kannada Summit
21. Deepika Student Scholarship 1. World Alzheimer’s Day
22. N. V. Prasad Committee 2. National Teachers day
23. Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act 3. Hindi Diwas (India)
(K-ESMA), 2013. 4. Engineers’ Day (India)
24. Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP) 5. Hyderabad Liberation Day (India)
25. NIMHANS launches AYUSH-MANN 6. International Day of Peace
26. State Skill Development Policy 2025–32 7. World Ozone Day
27. State records highest maternal mortality in 8. World Pharmacists Day
2023; 9. World Tourism Day
3. MISCELLANEOUS 10. India’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
11. 8th India International Tea Convention (IITC)
2025
1. Committees
AWARDS 75
4. PRACTISE QUESTIONS
1. National Teachers Award 2025.
2. Anuparna Roy wins best director award at 1. September month MCQs
Venice festival 2. Karnataka Issues MCQ’S
3. Award in B. Saroja Devi’s name
4. Karnataka ratna award
5. Mohanlal to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award
6. BBMP’s e-Khata wins National Award 2025
7. 71st National Film Awards
Sports 78
1. India won the Asia Cup 2025 in men’s hockey
and Archery
2. Indian men shoot gold in the compound event
Defence 78
KPSC Current Affairs
Adi Vaani supports: Santali (Odisha), Bhili
1. NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
(Madhya Pradesh), Mundari (Jharkhand),
Gondi (Chhattisgarh)
Importance
India has 461 tribal languages, with 81
vulnerable and 42 critically endangered due
POLITY & GOVERNANCE to limited documentation and transmission.
Adi Vaani uses AI to digitize, preserve, and
revitalize these tribal languages.
1. Population Census-2027
Context 3. DIGIPIN Initiative
The Registrar General of India (RGI) has sought
a Rs 14,618.95-crore budget to conduct the In News
Census 2027, which will be the first “Digital The Department of Posts has signed a
Census” and collect data on caste. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
ESRI India to Strengthen the DIGIPIN Initiative.
Census in India
Definition - A census is a survey of the DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number)
population of an area that includes collecting It is an open-source, interoperable, geo-coded,
details of a country’s demographics including grid-based digital address system developed by
age, sex and occupation. the Department of Posts in collaboration with
History: Under W.C. Plowden, the Census IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO.
Commissioner of India, first census was It divides India into approximately 4m x 4m grids
conducted in 1881. and assigns each grid a unique 10-character
Independent India’s first census was held in alphanumeric code based on latitude and
1951 and since then it has happened in the first longitude coordinates.
year of every decade. It is a cornerstone of the Department of Posts’
The Constitution mandates that enumeration vision to offer Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) — an
is carried out but the Census of India Act of array of services associated with address data
1948 does not specify its timing or periodicity. management to support secure and efficient
Census is conducted by - Registrar General interactions between users, government
and Census Commissioner of India which entities, and private sector organisations.
functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Importance
It simplifies addressing for public and private
2. Beta Version of “Adi Vaani” services, improving logistics efficiency and
emergency response capabilities.
In News
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the
beta version of “Adi Vaani,” app. 4. Buildings To be Geo-tagged in Census
2027
About Adi Vaani
Purpose- It is an AI-powered translation tool In News
designed to support a future language model The 2027 Census will mark India’s first fully
for tribal languages. digital enumeration, featuring the geo-
Significance - It combines advanced technology tagging of over 33 crore buildings—residential
with community efforts to protect and revive and non-residential—using Digital Layout
tribal languages and cultures in India. Mapping (DLM) and GIS coordinates during the
Uniqueness - It is India’s first AI-powered Houselisting Operations.
translator for tribal languages which was
developed under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh. Geo-tagging of buildings in Census 2027
8 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
This initiative replaces earlier hand-drawn Definition of literacy
sketches and aims to improve workload According to the 2011 Census, literacy is
management and data accuracy.
defined as the ability to both read and write
Enumerators will classify buildings by usage and
collect data on housing conditions, amenities, with understanding in any language for
and assets. individuals aged seven and above.
Merely being able to read does not qualify as
literacy. The 2011 data shows a notable rise in
5. Rajasthan Proposes New Anti-
literacy levels across India.
Conversion Bill
Context Additional Information - International Literacy
Day (ILD)
The Rajasthan government has announced
stringent provisions under its proposed It is observed annually on September 8
Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion Observed by - UNESCO.
of Religion Bill, 2025. 2025 theme - Promoting Literacy in the
Digital Era.
Key Provisions of the New Bill
India’s progress in literacy
General offences: Unlawful conversions will
India has made significant progress in literacy,
invite imprisonment of seven to fourteen with Himachal Pradesh becoming the fourth
years and a minimum fine of ₹5 lakh. (Earlier: state—after Tripura, Mizoram, and Goa—to
one to five years and ₹15,000 fine). achieve full functional literacy.
Vulnerable groups: If the converted person is a Ladakh is the first fully literate Union Territory.
minor, woman, differently abled, or from SC/ The national literacy rate rose from 74% in 2011
ST communities, the punishment will be ten to 80.9% in 2023–24.
to twenty years of imprisonment and a fine The ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram
of ₹10 lakh. enrolled over 3 crore learners with a 90%
success rate.
Mass conversions: In cases of mass conversions,
guilty parties face twenty years to life
imprisonment along with a minimum fine of 7. C.P. Radhakrishnan Elected as the 15th
₹25 lakh. Vice-President of India
NOTE - Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees
In News
freedom of conscience and the right to freely
C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice-
profess, practice, and propagate religion, but President of India.
courts have held this does not include a right
to convert another person by force, fraud, or About the Office of the Vice President
allurement under the guise of “propagation”. The Vice-President of India is the second-
highest constitutional office in the country.
The Constitution does not specify who
6. Himachal Pradesh Becomes Fully performs the Vice President’s duties when
Literate State the office falls vacant.
Article 63: India shall have a Vice-President.
In News Article 64: The Vice-President shall be the
On International Literacy Day, Himachal Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Pradesh Chief Minister declared the state Article 65: The Vice-President acts as
fully literate, achieving a 99.30% literacy rate President, during casual vacancy in the office
of the President.
which is higher than the national benchmark
of 95%. Election Procedure of the Vice President
Nomination: Requires 20 proposers and 20
[Link] 9
KPSC Current Affairs
seconders with ₹15,000 deposit and certified Safety (NARI) 2025, released by the National
copy of the entry showing his name in the Commission for Women (NCW), provides a city-
current electoral roll. wise ranking of women’s safety in India.
Voting: By an Electoral College, which consists
of the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Key highlights from NARI 2025
Sabha (both elected and nominated members) Safest cities: Kohima, Visakhapatnam,
Voting is with the system of proportional Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar,
representation by means of the single Mumbai.
transferable vote, and the voting at such an Least safe cities: Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad,
election shall be by secret ballot. (Article 66). Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar, Ranchi.
No Whip: provisions of the Anti-Defection Law
The national safety score was pegged at 65 per
are not applicable.
cent, serving as the benchmark for assessing
Eligibility for Vice-President (article 66) city performance.
Is a citizen of India;
Government Initiatives for Women Safety
Has completed the age of 35 years,
Nirbhaya Fund: Ministry of Women and Child
Is qualified for election as a member of the
Development has established the fund for
Council of States (Rajya Sabha)
financing safety projects across the country.
Must not hold any office of profit under the
SHe-Box Portal: Launched by the Ministry
Government of India or the Government of
of Women and Child Development, Sexual
any State or under any local or other authority.
Harassment Electronic Box (SHe-Box) is an
No. Vice President Tenure initiative to provide a single-window platform
for women to register workplace sexual
1 Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan 1952–1962 harassment complaints.
2 Zakir Husain 1962–1967 Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act,
3 V. V. Giri 1967–1969 2013, applies to all women, regardless of age,
4 Gopal Swarup Pathak 1969–1974 job type, or work sector.
It mandates employers to create an Internal
5 B. D. Jatti 1974–1979 Committee (IC) in workplaces with over 10
6 Mohammad Hidayatullah 1979–1984 employees, while the Appropriate Government
sets up Local Committees (LCs) for smaller
7 R. Venkataraman 1984–1987 organizations or cases against employers.
8 Shankar Dayal Sharma 1987–1992
9 K. R. Narayanan 1992–1997 9. National Scheduled Tribe Finance and
10 Krishan Kant 1997–2002 Development Corporation (NSTFDC)
11 Bhairon Singh Shekhawat 2002–2007 In News
Coal India Limited (CIL) and the National
12 Mohammad Hamid Ansari 2007–2017
Scheduled Tribe Finance and Development
13 M. Venkaiah Naidu 2017–2022 Corporation (NSTFDC) have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed
14 Jagdeep Dhankhar 2022–2025
at empowering tribal students enrolled in
15 C. P. Radhakrishnan 2025–present Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
National Scheduled Tribe Finance and
Development Corporation (NSTFDC)
8. National Annual Report & Index on
Established: NSTFDC was set up in 2001
Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025 under the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs,
Context Government of India.
The National Annual Report & Index on Women’s Objective: socio-economic and educational
10 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
upliftment of Scheduled Tribes (STs) Administered by: The Ministry of Skill
by providing better self-employment Development and Entrepreneurship.
opportunities to help them become Around 18 trades and crafts are included
economically independent and self-reliant. under the scheme:
Significance - It also provides grants for These include carpenter, boat-maker, ar-
conducting skill development and training mourer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit
programs aimed specifically at tribal youth. maker, locksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculp-
tor, cobbler, mason, basket-maker, doll and
toy-maker, barber, garland maker, washer-
10. SPREE-2025 and AMNESTY Scheme
man, tailor, and fishing net-maker.
In News Financial Assistance: It also offers financial
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation assistance and creates avenues of “market
(ESIC) has launched two key initiatives — linkage”.
SPREE-2025 and the AMNESTY Scheme-2025 A stipend of ₹500 per day is provided
— to expand social security coverage and ease during the training.
compliance for industries. Only after the training they will receive a
tool kit incentive of ₹15,000, to purchase
SPREE-2025 modern tools specific to their trade.
Abbreviation - Scheme for Promoting They will also receive collateral-free loans at
Registration of Employers and Employees. lower interest rates of nearly 8% up to ₹1
Significance - It allows unregistered industries lakh and an additional ₹2 lakh for setting
and employees to enroll with ESIC via the ESI up their business.
Portal, Shram Suvidha Portal, or Company
Affairs Portal without paying past dues.
Registered employers will be covered from their
12. Visakhapatnam Declaration on
chosen date, and employees will receive ESIC E-Governance
benefits from the registration date. Context
The scheme promotes voluntary compliance
The Visakhapatnam Declaration on
over punishment, aiming to reduce litigation
E-Governance, adopted at the 28th National
and build trust between employers and
Conference on e-Governance held in
employees.
Visakhapatnam.
AMNESTY Scheme-2025
Key Highlights
It is a one-time dispute resolution initiative
Co-hosted By: Department of Administrative
by ESIC, effective from 1st October 2025 to
Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the
30th September 2026.
Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), and the
It aims to reduce the backlog of court cases
Government of Andhra Pradesh.
and promote compliance under the ESI Act
Theme: “Viksit Bharat: Civil Service and Digital
by allowing employers to settle legal disputes
Transformation” with a vision of “Minimum
with ESIC through out-of-court settlements.
Government, Maximum Governance.”
Digital Inclusion: Focus on extending digital
11. PM Vishwakarma Scheme governance to underserved and connectivity-
challenged regions such as the North-East
Context and Ladakh through expanding mandatory
On 17 September 2025, the PM Vishwakarma e-services under the NeSDA (National
Scheme completed two years. e-Governance Services Delivery Assessment)
framework.
PM Vishwakarma Scheme AI Platforms: Scaling AI-driven initiatives
Aim: To support and provide skill-upgradation such as Digital India BHASHINI (multilingual
training to artisans and craftspeople amid a communications), Digi Yatra (airport check-
changing economic landscape. ins), and NADRES V2 (agricultural disaster risk
[Link] 11
KPSC Current Affairs
reduction), with a focus on ethical, transparent Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025
AI use. Ita nationwide virtual innovation contest for
school students, with a prize pool of ₹1 crore
Connect with the basics -E Governance Participants: Open to students from Classes
Definition - Use of Information and Commu- 6 to 12 across six lakh government and private
nication Technology (ICT) by the government schools.
to deliver services, exchange information, Objective: Encourage students to develop
and interact with citizens. innovative ideas and products focusing on
self-reliance, indigenous knowledge, and
What is e-Governance?
sustainability, contributing to India’s vision of
Benefits Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Efficiency: Faster, cheaper, paperless Organisers: Department of School Education
transactions. & Literacy, in collaboration with Atal Innovation
Transparency & Accountability: Reduced Mission (NITI Aayog) and AICTE.
corruption, direct monitoring.
Inclusivity: Services to rural/remote areas via
Common Services Centres (CSCs). 14. National Awards for e-Governance
Citizen Empowerment: 24×7 access, (NAeG) 2025.
participatory governance. Context
Economic Growth: Boosts startups, IT industry, Gram Panchayats were conferred with the
and digital economy. National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025.
Key Initiatives National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2025.
Connectivity and Infrastructure: Over the NAeG are under a newly instituted category
years, Digital India has built strong digital dedicated to grassroots-level initiatives in
infrastructure across the country. digital service delivery.
Aadhaar & DBT: Aadhaar-enabled e-KYC Each award includes a trophy, certificate,
simplified verification, reduced paperwork, and and financial incentives of Rs.10 lakh (Gold)
enhanced transparency. DBT ensured direct and Rs.5 lakh (Silver), to be reinvested in
transfer of welfare benefits, curbing leakages. strengthening citizen-centric initiatives.
Karmayogi Bharat: Initiative aims to nurture a Ministry: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances
future-ready civil service by equipping officials and Pensions (MoPPGP) in collaboration with
with the right Attitude, Skills, and Knowledge the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).
(ASK) to deliver efficient and citizen-centric This first-of-its-kind recognition highlights the
governance. Government’s vision that Good Governance is
DigiLocker: Aims at ‘Digital Empowerment’ of best delivered through Digital Governance.
citizens by providing access to authentic digital Rohini Gram Panchayat, Maharashtra has
documents in the citizens’ digital document become the first Gram Panchayat in the State
wallet. to adopt a fully paperless e-Office system.
UMANG: Provides a single platform for all
Indian Citizens to access pan-India e-Gov 15. Samagra Shiksha scheme
services ranging from Central to Local
Government bodies. Context
The Supreme Court has issued notice to
the Centre after Tamil Nadu alleged that
13. Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 Samagra Shiksha funds were delinked from
reimbursements under the Right to Education
Context
(RTE) Act, 2009.
The Union Education Ministry has launched the
Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025. Samagra Shiksha Scheme
Launched in - Union Budget 2018-19,
12 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
Mandate - to provide school education Context
covering complete pre-primary to senior The Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs,
secondary (up to class 12th). launched “Angikaar 2025”, under Pradhan
Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0),
(partnership with States& UT). in New Delhi.
Significance - : To implement SDG 4, Right to
Education and New Education Policy. Angikaar 2025
Coverage: 1.16 million schools, over 156 million It is an outreach campaign to accelerate the
students and 5.7 million Teachers of Govt. and implementation of PMAY-U 2.0 by creating
Aided schools. widespread awareness about the scheme
across the country.
Subsumed erstwhile Centrally Sponsored
Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) 2.0)
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) Launched in - August 2024
and Objective - to provide financial assistance for
Teacher Education (TE) housing to one crore urban poor and middle-
class families over the next five years.
Significance - to ensure every citizen has access
16. National Fellowship for Scheduled to a ‘pucca’ (permanent) house.
Tribes (NFST)
Context 18. National Institutional Ranking
Research scholars from Scheduled Tribe Framework (NIRF) 2025
communities across the country have reported
months-long delays and irregularities in the Context
disbursement of funds under the National The National Institutional Ranking Framework
Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes (NFST). (NIRF) 2025 rankings were announced by the
Ministry of Education.
National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribes
(NFST). National Institutional Ranking Framework
Implementation - It is a scholarship (NIRF)
programme by the Union Ministry of Tribal Launched on - 29 September 2015.
Affairs. Mandate- It is a government-approved
Financing - It is a Central Sector Scheme. methodology for ranking institutions of
Objective - to encourage the Scheduled Tribe higher education across India.
(ST) students to acquire higher education by Released by: Ministry of Education
providing financial assistance in the form of Parameters - Teaching, Learning and Resources;
fellowships. Research and Professional Practices; Graduation
Targeted beneficiary - The candidate must be Outcomes; Outreach and Inclusivity; and
registered for regular and full time [Link]./ Perception.
Ph.D courses in recognized University/
Institute/ Colleges by UGC. Key Highlights of NIRF 2025
IIT Madras ranked first overall for the
seventh year in a row and remained the best
17. Angikaar 2025 engineering college for the tenth straight
year.
IISc Bengaluru topped the universities
category for the tenth consecutive year and
led the research institutions category for the
fifth consecutive year.
IIM Ahmedabad ranked first in management
[Link] 13
KPSC Current Affairs
for the sixth consecutive year. Key Examples of ‘Vocal for Local’
AIIMS New Delhi led medical institutions for Khadi & Village Industries: Khadi became a
the eighth consecutive year and topped the symbol of national pride and emerged as a
dental category for the first time. symbol of self-reliance.
GI-Tagged Products: From Pochampally Ikat,
19. Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 Pashmina, Darjeeling tea to Madhubani
paintings, traditional crafts are gaining global
Context recognition.
The Union Education Ministry has launched the Handloom & Handicrafts – Schemes such as
Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025. One District One Product (ODOP) and PM
Vishwakarma Yojana encourage artisans and
Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 craftsmen.
Ita nationwide virtual innovation contest for Digital India Products: UPI, RuPay, and Indian-
school students, with a prize pool of ₹1 crore made fintech apps are now widely adopted.
Participants: Open to students from Classes
Startups and MSMEs: Government schemes
6 to 12 across six lakh government and private
like Startup India and Make in India have
schools.
helped thousands of local entrepreneurs scale
Objective: Encourage students to develop
up.
innovative ideas and products focusing on
self-reliance, indigenous knowledge, and Festival Campaigns – Citizens are urged
sustainability, contributing to India’s vision of during Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, and Holi to
Viksit Bharat by 2047. purchase locally produced diyas, sweets, and
Organisers: Department of School Education handicrafts.
& Literacy, in collaboration with Atal Innovation
Mission (NITI Aayog) and AICTE. 2. APEDA Launches BHARATI Initiative to
Boost Agri-food Exports
ECONOMY In News
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products
Export Development Authority (APEDA)
1. PM Urges Indians to Embrace ‘Vocal for launched its new initiative ‘BHARATI’.
Local’ Mantra
BHARATI
Context Abbreviation - Bharat’s Hub for Agritech,
Recently, in his latest Mann Ki Baat address, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for
the Prime Minister of India renewed his call Export Enablement
for citizens to adopt the mantra of ‘Vocal Mandate - It envisions making India a hub for
agri-food startups and innovation.
for Local’, emphasizing the importance of
supporting indigenous products to build a Significance
self-reliant India. Boost to Agricultural Exports: Will help India
diversify agri-exports and capture global niche
‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative markets (organic, GI-tagged, AYUSH products).
Launched by- It was launched by NITI Aayog Startup Support: Fills critical gaps in incubation
under its Aspirational Blocks Programme in and scale-up for agri-tech and food processing
2024. startups.
It emphasizes supporting locally made Innovation Promotion: Fosters R&D in
products, artisans, and industries to boost packaging, traceability and cold-chain logistics
– sectors vital for reducing perishability and
India’s economy and reduce dependency on
wastage in Indian agriculture.
imports.
14 [Link]
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Agricultural and Processed Food Products World Coconut Day
Export Development Authority (APEDA) Observed on - September 2nd
Founded: 1986, Observed by - International Coconut
Functions under - Ministry of Commerce and Community (ICC), an intergovernmental
Industry. organization for coconut-growing nations
Objective: Development and promotion of the under the United Nations Economic and
export of scheduled products, including fruits, Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
vegetables, cereals, animal products, and (UNESCAP).
processed foods. 2025 theme - “Uncovering Coconut’s Power,
Inspiring Global Action”.
3. Agreement on Marine Biodiversity Additional Information- Coconut Development
Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Board (CDB)
It is a statutory body under the Ministry of
Context Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government
Countries are advancing towards implementing of India, established on 12th January 1981.
the High Seas Treaty, known as the Agreement Its mandate is the integrated development of
on Marine Biodiversity Beyond National coconut cultivation and industry in India, with
Jurisdiction (BBNJ). a focus on increasing productivity and product
diversification.
BBNJ Treaty (High Seas Treaty)
Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala
Mandate - It is the first treaty to address
the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity in the high seas. 5. Recommendations of the 56th
Significance - It is meant to ensure that Meeting of the GST Council
resources in international waters are treated
as the “common heritage of humankind” and In News
that benefits are shared fairly, especially with The 56th GST Council meeting recommended
developing countries. changes in GST tax rates aimed at benefiting
The treaty was agreed upon in 2023 after years individuals, the common man, and the
of negotiations and opened for countries to aspirational middle class.
sign in 2024.
It is a legally binding treaty. India signed the Goods and Service Tax (GST)
BBNJ Agreement in 2024. Goods and Services Tax is an indirect tax used
in India on the supply of goods and services.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the It is a value-added tax levied on most goods
Sea (UNCLOS) and services sold for domestic consumption.
It was adopted in 1982 and came into force in It was launched in India in 2017 as a
1994. comprehensive indirect tax for the entire
Mandate - It lays down a comprehensive regime country.
of law and order in the world’s oceans and seas.
Note- establishes the International Seabed It is of three types i.e.
Authority to regulate mining. 1. CGST to be levied by the Centre,
2. SGST to be levied by the States and
3. IGST a tax levied on all Inter-State supplies of
4. Coconut Development Board goods and/or services.
In News
GST Council
The Coconut Development Board (CDB)
celebrated World Coconut Day in Kerala, by Legal status - It is a Constitutional body under
launching revised schemes and presenting Article 279A, introduced by the Constitution
Export Excellence Awards. (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act,
2016.
[Link] 15
KPSC Current Affairs
Mandate - It is empowered to modify, reconcile Venezuela
or to procure any law or regulation based on Location - Venezuela, is located at the northern
the context of GST in India. end of South America.
Federal body - It is also considered as a federal Neighbourhood- Venezuela is bounded by the
body where both the centre and the states Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the
north, Guyana to the east, Brazil to the south,
get due representation.
and Colombia to the southwest and west.
Functions: It makes recommendations to Orinoco Belt: This is a vast region in Venezuela
the Union and State Government on issues rich in heavy crude oil, making up a large part
related to GST. of the country’s total reserves.
Composition Lake Maracaibo of Venezuela is the largest
Chairperson: Union Finance Minister. lake in Latin America and one of the oldest
Members: Union State Minister of Reve- water bodies on the planet.
nue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Angel Falls, located in Venezuela’s Canaima
National Park, is the world’s highest
Finance or Taxation of all the States.
uninterrupted waterfall.
6. Stablecoins
Context
Stablecoins have grown rapidly, with their
market capitalization more than doubling in the
past 18 months to nearly $280 billion.
Stablecoins
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to
maintain price stability
Connect with the basics
Cryptocurrency - It is a virtual currency used
for financial transactions. It uses blockchain
technology for various transactions.
Blockchain - The blockchain is an incorruptible
digital ledger of transactions that can be
programmed to record virtually everything
of value. Each list of records in a blockchain is
called a block.
Bitcoin - It is a type of Cryptocurrency that 8. India-ILO MoU on Occupational
enables instant payments to anyone. Classification to Boost Global Job
Opportunities
7. India to Start Pilot Projects in Context
Venezuela The Union government has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with the International Labour Organisation
Context (ILO) to advance the International Reference
India and Venezuela have agreed to collaborate Classification of Occupations (IRCO).
on pilot projects in priority sectors such as
agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and digital public International Labour Organisation (ILO)
infrastructure. It is an United Nations Agency established in
1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles.
16 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
It became the first specialized agency of the Pink Tax
UN in 1946. Pink tax is neither a real tax, nor is it a
India’s membership - India became a founding government-imposed fee.
member of the ILO in 1919, even before It’s just a pricing phenomenon wherein women
gaining independence. pay more for buying a product exclusively
Member countries - It has 187 Member states. made for them or enjoying a service tailor-
Mandate - It sets labour standards, develops made for them.
policies and devises programmes promoting Pink toys, haircuts, drycleaning, razors,
decent work for all women and men. shampoos, body lotions, deodorants, facial
Uniqueness - It is the only tripartite U.N. care, skincare items, beauty care, clothing,
agency that brings together governments, T-shirts, jeans, salon services etc. suffer the
employers and workers. tax.
Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland. The term “Pink Tax” is believed to have
originated in the U.S. in California in 1994.
9. Third Anniversary of the National
Logistics Policy (NLP)
Context
The Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT) commemorates the third
anniversary of the National Logistics Policy
(NLP), launched in 2022.
Objectives -
to reduce logistics costs to global benchmarks
and to bring it below 10% of GDP,
To improve India’s ranking in the Logistics
Performance Index (LPI) to the top 25 by 2030,
to establish a robust, data-driven decision
support system to ensure an efficient and
integrated logistics ecosystem. Regulation in India
Government Initiatives in Logistics While there are no specific laws in India to
PM GatiShakti Master Plan: It was launched in address the issue of Pink Tax,
2021 to integrate different modes of transport The National Consumer Disputes Redressal
into a coordinated network. Commission ruled that companies must follow
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: It aims to fair pricing policies and avoid gender-based
boost coastal tourism, strengthen maritime price discrimination.
skill development, and position India as a global In July 2018, the Union Government exempted
hub for shipbuilding and repair.
sanitary napkins and tampons from the
Goods and Services Tax (GST). Prior to this
10. Pink Tax rule, these hygiene items were levied 12% GST.
Context
As per International Finance Students 11. International Seabed Authority (ISA)
Association’s (IFSA) research ‘The Gender Tax: In News
Assessing the Economic Toll on Women,’ almost India has secured its first-ever global exploration
67% of Indian individuals have never heard of contract from the International Seabed
the Pink Tax. Authority (ISA) to explore polymetallic sulphide
nodules in the Carlsberg Ridge.
[Link] 17
KPSC Current Affairs
Do you know? 12. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
India had applied in January 2024 for exploration
rights in two Indian Ocean regions— Context
Carlsberg Ridge, which has now been granted, In the past three years, the Bureau of Indian
and the Afanasy-Nikitin Sea (ANS) mount, still Standards (BIS) has issued 84 Quality Control
pending approval. Orders (QCOs) covering 343 products,
accounting for nearly 45 per cent of all 187
Carlsberg Ridge QCOs notified so far.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Established under - It is the National
Standards Body of India under the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution,
Government of India.
Legal status - It is established by the Bureau
of Indian Standards Act, 2016 which came into
effect on 12 October 2017.
Headquarters: New Delhi.
Functions:
It is a 3,00,000-sq km stretch that lies in the 1. Formulation of Indian Standards (IS) across
Indian Ocean, specifically in the Arabian Sea many sectors.
and northwest Indian Ocean. 2. Product Certification Schemes, both
It forms the boundary between the Indian voluntary and compulsory.
and Arabian tectonic plates. 3. Release of Quality Control Orders (QCOs):
Making compliance with certain Indian
Significance for India
Standards mandatory for some products.
Enhances India’s role in strategic deep-sea
mining and access to critical minerals. 4. The schemes operated by BIS are, Product
Strengthens India’s resource security in key Certification (ISI mark), Management
industrial metals like copper, zinc, gold, and Systems Certification, Hall Marking of
rare earths. Gold and Silver Jewellery/Artefacts and
Supports India’s “Deep Ocean Mission” and Laboratory Services for the benefit of the
transition to mineral self-reliance. industry and in turn aiming at consumer
protection.
International Seabed Authority
Established on - November 16, 1994,. 13. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Headquarters: Located in Kingston, Jamaica.
Members - 170 members (169 countries and In News
the European Union). Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a
Purpose: ISA is responsible for regulating Sex Sorted Semen facility under the Rashtriya
and controlling mineral-related activities in Gokul Mission in Purnea, Bihar.
the international seabed for the benefit of
humankind. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Significance - It ensures environmental It was launched in 2014
protection from deep-seabed mining
activities. Objectives
Jurisdiction: The ISA oversees the international Development and conservation of indigenous
seabed area beyond national boundaries, breeds
covering the seabed, ocean floor, and subsoil, Breed improvement programme for
which constitutes about 50% of the world’s indigenous cattle breeds to improve their
ocean area genetic makeup
18 [Link]
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Enhancement of milk production and post-harvest fisheries infrastructure, ensuring:
productivity 1. Safer and more hygienic handling of fish
Upgradation of nondescript cattle using elite catch.
indigenous 2. Cleaner and more efficient harbour
breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Deoni, operations.
Tharparkar, Red Sindhi. 3. Better services and livelihoods for fishing
Distribution of disease free high genetic merit communities.
bulls for natural service.
Gokul Grams: They will act as Centres for Additional information - Fisheries Sector of
development of Indigenous Breeds and a India
dependable source for supply of high genetic Producer - India is the 3rd largest fish
breeding stock to the farmers in the breeding
producing and 2nd largest aquaculture
tract
producing nation in the world.
India is the 4th largest exporter of fish and
fisheries.
In terms of employment, the sunrise sector
supports the
livelihood of over 30 M people in India.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY)- to bring about the Blue Revolution
through sustainable and responsible
development of the fisheries sector in India.
Government Initiatives for the Growth of the
Sector
National Fisheries Development Board
(NFDB): Established in 2006, NFDB serves as
the apex body for the planning and promotion
of fisheries development in India.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY): Launched in 2020, PMMSY is a flagship
scheme aimed at boosting fish production and
doubling farmers’ income.
Blue Revolution: Launched in 2015, the Blue
Revolution aims to promote sustainable
development and management of the fisheries
14. Blue Ports sector.
Context Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
The Department of Fisheries (DoF) has signed
It is a specialized agency of the United Nations
a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP)
agreement with the Food and Agriculture that leads international efforts to defeat
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to hunger and improve food security.
strengthen Blue Port infrastructure in India. It was founded on 16 October 1945.
Members: The FAO comprises 195 members,
Blue Ports framework including 194 countries and the European Union.
Implementing by - Department of Fisheries Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
(DoF)
Objective - These harbours aim to modernize
[Link] 19
KPSC Current Affairs
15. Prime Minister Pushes for Local with the State Bank of India in New Delhi to
Production receive foreign donations.
Context Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
PM Modi has urged Indians to buy made in Enacted in - It is an act of Parliament enacted
India products, to build a developed India by in 1976 and amended in 2010.
2047. Objective - To regulate foreign donations
The Prime Minister laid the foundation for the and to ensure that such contributions do not
country’s first PM Mega Integrated Textile adversely affect the internal security of the
Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) park in country.
Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. Applicability - The Act is applicable to all
The PM MITRA park in Dhar is one of seven associations, groups and non-governmental
such establishments approved by the Union organizations (NGOs) who intend to receive
Ministry of Textiles. foreign donations.
The other sites are Tamil Nadu’s Virudhnagar, Restrictions - The members of legislatures,
Telangana’s Warangal, Gujarat’s Navasari, political parties, government officials, judges
Karnataka’s Kalaburagi, Uttar Pradesh’s and media persons are prohibited from
Lucknow, and Maharashtra’s Amravati. receiving any foreign contributions.
Manufacturing Sector of India
India’s manufacturing sector is currently
17. Unified Payments Interface
contributing 17% to India’s GDP. In News
India has a goal to achieve the target of 25% NPCI International Payments Ltd, in partnership
GDP share for the manufacturing sector. with Qatar National Bank, has enabled the
India is focussing on 14 identified sunrise
acceptance of QR code-based Unified Payments
sectors like semiconductors, renewable
Interface (UPI) across Qatar.
energy components, medical devices,
batteries and labour intensive industries, Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
including leather and textile, to enhance the It is India’s real-time instant payment
share of manufacturing in GDP system, developed by the National Payments
Employment Generation: The manufacturing
Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016.
sector has also been a significant source of
Through this, users can link and manage several
employment, adding approximately 22 lakh
bank accounts within one UPI-enabled app
jobs in 2022-23.
(such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM).
Major states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil
UPI has become the world’s largest real-time
Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have
been leading contributors to the sector’s GVA payment system.
and employment. In 2024, UPI processed over 12 billion
transactions monthly, accounting for over
65% of retail digital payments in India.
16. Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, Accepted internationally in countries like UAE,
2010 Nepal, Bhutan, France, Singapore, Sri Lanka,
Mauritius, etc.
Context
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has
cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) 18. Finance Minister Launches GST
Act (FCRA) licence of the Students Educational Appellate Tribunal
and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL),
In News
founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate
FCRA Amendment Act, 2020 Affairs formally launched the Goods and
The amendment has made it compulsory for Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) in New
the NGOs to open an exclusive Bank account Delhi.
20 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
Do you know? for their quality.
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a single indirect
tax on the supply of goods and services Geographical Condition for Tea production
across India. The tea plant grows well in tropical and
It replaces multiple taxes like excise, VAT, and subtropical climates.
service tax, creating one unified market. Soil: It requires deep and fertile well-drained
soil, rich in humus and organic matter.
Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal
(GSTAT) Temperature: The average annual temperature
Legal status - It is a statutory appellate body for tea plants to grow well is in the range of 15-
established under the Goods and Services Tax 23°C.
laws. Precipitation: The rainfall needed is between
Mandate - It has been constituted to hear 150-200 cm.
appeals against orders passed by the GST Frequent showers evenly distributed over
Appellate Authorities and to provide taxpayers the year ensure continuous growth of tender
with an independent forum for justice. leaves.
Banches - It will function through a Principal
Major tea producing states are Assam, hills
Bench in New Delhi and 31 State Benches
across 45 locations in India. of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts in West
Composition - Each Bench of the GSTAT will Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
comprise two Judicial Members, one Technical Apart from these, Himachal Pradesh,
Member (Centre), and one Technical Member Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and
(State), ensuring a balanced composition of Tripura are also tea-producing states in the
judicial expertise and technical knowledge country.
from both Central and State administrations.
Asia Tea Alliance
Member countries - It is a coalition of tea
19. Huge Scope for Indian Tea Sector
associations from major tea-producing
Context countries in Asia like India, China, Sri Lanka,
The Executive Director of the International Tea Japan etc.
Committee has said that India can become the Objective - It aims to promote the collective
superpower of the tea industry. interests of member nations within the global
tea market.
Indian Tea Industry
India is the 2nd largest tea producer and Tea Board of India
largest black tea producer. It was set up as a statutory body in 1954 under
Export destinations - Iran, Iraq, Syria, Saudi the Tea Act, 1953.
Arabia, Russia etc. India is the 4th largest tea It was established for the purposes of
exporter in the World. regulating the Indian tea industry and
Employment - The Indian tea Industry is protecting the interests of tea producers in
employing 1.16 million workers directly. India.
Note - Assam grows about 55% of the teas Headquarters-Kolkata.
produced in India. India’s tea production has
increased by 39% in 2022 from 2008. 20. Maitri 2.0 Cross-Incubation
Prominent tea regions: Assam (Assam Valley, Programme
Cachar) and West Bengal (Dooars, Terai,
Darjeeling). In News
Global reputation: Indian teas, especially The Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri, are renowned (ICAR) launched the second edition of the
[Link] 21
KPSC Current Affairs
Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Types: Arabica and Robusta.
Agritech (Maitri 2.0) in New Delhi. Arabica has higher market value than Robus-
ta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavour.
Maitri 2.0 Robusta is the majorly manufactured coffee
It is a two-way learning platform for co-creation with a share of 72% of the total production.
between Indian and Brazilian innovators to
build a stronger, innovative, and inclusive agri- Agro-Climatic Conditions for Coffee Production
food ecosystem for global food security. in India
It aims to connect incubators, promote
Factors Arabica Robusta
co-incubation, and foster collaboration in
sustainable agriculture Soils Deep, fertile, rich Same as
Importance - Maitri 2.0 is a strategic in organic matter, Arabica
step aligned with both nations’ goals in well drained and
agriculture, technology, and food security.
slightly acidic
(Ph 6.0 – 6.5)
21. India-ADB Sign $125 million Loan to
Slopes Gentle to Gentle slopes
Assam
moderate slopes to fairly level
Context fields
The Government of India and the Asian Elevation 1000 – 1500 m 500 – 1000
Development Bank (ADB) signed a 125 million m
dollar loan agreement to enhance urban Temperature 15°C – 25°C ; cool, 20°C – 30°C;
livability and bolster climate resilience in six
equable hot, humid
district headquarters and Guwahati, in the
Relative 70-80% 80-90%
State of Assam.
Humidity
Asian Development Bank (ADB) A n n u a l 1600-2500 mm 1 0 0 0 -2 0 0 0
Established in - 1966 Rainfall mm
Mission: It supports inclusive, resilient, and
sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Major Producers: South Indian states like
Membership: 69 members. Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu contribute 80%
Headquarters: Manila, Philippines. of the country’s total coffee production.
Largest Shareholders (as of 31 December
2023): Japan and the USA (each 15.6%), China Coffee Board of India
It was established through Coffee Act VII of
(6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
1942.
Administrative Control: The Ministry of
22. Excess Rainfall Threatens Karnataka’s Commerce and Industry.
Coffee Plantations Headquarter: Bangalore, Karnataka
Role of the Board - enhancement of production,
Context productivity & quality;
India’s coffee heartland, Chikmagaluru, Coorg,
and Hassan districts of Karnataka, has been hit
by incessant rains, extreme cold, and lack of 23. Nilgiris Tea
sunlight. Context
Coffee Production in India The Nilgiris tea, famous for “champagne among
teas,” is facing prolonged crisis as small growers
Production: India is among the top 10 coffee-
face unstable green tea leaf prices, high
producing countries, with about 3% of the
production costs, and inadequate institutional
global output in 2020.
22 [Link]
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support. 25. 99th Meeting of Network Planning
Nilgiris Tea
Group under PM GatiShakti
Region - Grown mainly in the Nilgiris district, Context
Tamil Nadu (Western Ghats) at an altitude of The 99th meeting of the Network Planning
around 900–2,600 metres above sea level. Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti National
History: Introduced by the British in the Master Plan was held in New Delhi.
mid-19th century (first plantations around
Coonoor, 1850s). PM GatiShakti
Taste Profile: Fragrant, brisk, floral, citrus-like; It was launched in - 2021
suitable for iced tea. Objective - to enhance the country’s
Geographical Indication (GI): Granted GI tag infrastructure and promote seamless
in 2008. connectivity across various sectors.
Significance - It is a transformative approach for
24. National Makhana Board economic growth and sustainable development
which is driven by seven engines – railway,
roads, ports, waterways, airports, mass
transport and logistics infrastructure.
Implementation: PM Gati Shakti will
incorporate the infrastructure schemes of
various Ministries and State Governments like
Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways,
dry/land ports, UDAN etc.
[Link] Hydroelectric Project
Context
An expert panel of the Union Environment
Ministry has recommended environmental
clearance for the 2,220 MW Oju hydroelectric
project.
Context Oju Hydroelectric Project
PM Modi launched the National Makhana Board Location- It is proposed on the Subansiri river
in Purnea, Bihar, approving a development in Taksing near the China border in Arunachal
package of about ₹475 crore for the makhana Pradesh.
sector. This will be India’s third largest hydel project.
Energy capacity - 2,100 MW
Makhana (Euryale ferox)
It is a flowering plant classified in the water
lily family (Nymphaeaceae). HEALTH & SOCIETY
Climatic condition: Requires a temperature
range of 20-35°C, and annual rainfall between
100- 250 cm. 1. Acanthamoeba
It is a fully organic non-cereal food found
principally in India but also in Korea, Japan, as Context
well as parts of eastern Russia. The Kerala Health Department fears that
Bihar accounts for ~90% of India’s makhana Acanthamoeba could be much more widely
production. present in the State’s waterbodies than was
GI Tag: In 2022, ‘Mithila Makhana’ was thought before.
conferred a GI tag.
[Link] 23
KPSC Current Affairs
Acanthamoeba clinical trial for Envafolimab, targeting Stage III
Acanthamoeba are free-living protozoan non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
amoebae (single-celled organisms) found
widely in the environment (soil, air, dust, Envafolimab
freshwater, seawater, contact lens cases, It is a novel drug for third-stage non-small cell
swimming pools, hospital equipment). lung cancer.
They are not true parasites, because they can It has received approval from the Drugs
complete their life cycle without infecting Controller General of India to begin patient
humans or animals. enrolment and dosing in the country.
Pathogenic Infections caused by Acanthamoeba: Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts when
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK):
abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way
Eye infection, usually in contact lens users. in the lungs.
Symptoms: severe pain, redness, blurred Symptoms - A cough that does not go away,
vision, photophobia, corneal ulceration. chest pain and shortness of breath.
Risk factors: improper contact lens hy-
giene, exposure to contaminated water Additional Information - Central Drugs Standard
while wearing lenses. Control Organization (CDSCO)
Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE): Established under - It is the Central Drug
Rare but usually fatal brain infection. Authority and is responsible for carrying out
Occurs mainly in immunocompromised duties entrusted by the Drugs and Cosmetics
persons (HIV/AIDS, transplant, cancer pa- Act,1940.
tients). Responsibilities:
Symptoms: headache, fever, seizures, con- Adoption of drugs.
fusion, neurological deficits. clinical trials, please.
establishing the criteria for drugs.
Disseminated Acanthamoeba infection:
control over the country’s imported drugs’
Can spread to skin, lungs, sinuses in immuno- quality.
compromised patients. Coordination of state drug control organi-
Causes chronic ulcers, abscesses, or nodules. zations’ efforts.
Treatment remains difficult: Overall, thera-
peutic outcomes are mixed due to diagnostic Other Drug Regulatory Bodies in India
delays and underlying patient vulnerabilities. Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI): It
is in charge of approving licenses for specific
kinds of medications. He or she also serves as
2. Clinical trial for Envafolimab
the head of the CDSCO department of the
Indian government.
Drug Price Control Order (DPCO): To keep
certain necessary medications in India
accessible for the general people, the DPCO
controls their prices.
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940: This act
regulates domestic drug use.
3. National Health Mission (NHM)
Context
Over 14,000 contractual employees of the
In News National Health Mission (NHM) in Chhattisgarh
Glenmark has started a multi-country Phase 3 have resigned en masse.
24 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
National Health Mission (NHM) Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
Launched: 2013 (by subsuming the National (PMSMA): Launched in 2016, PMSMA provides
Rural Health Mission, 2005 and National pregnant women a fixed day, free of cost
Urban Health Mission, 2013). assured and quality Antenatal Care on the 9th
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family day of every month.
Welfare (MoHFW). LaQshya: Launched in 2017, aims to improve
Aim: To provide accessible, affordable, and the quality of care in labour room and
quality healthcare to the rural and urban maternity operation theatres to ensure the
population, especially the vulnerable groups. quality care during delivery and immediate
post-partum.
4. Maternal Mortality in India 2021-23 Innovations in Maternal Healthcare
Madhya Pradesh’s ‘Dastak Abhiyan’: A
Context
community-driven campaign that focuses on
The Government of India released the early detection of maternal health risks and
Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality in ensures timely medical intervention.
India 2021–23, prepared by the Office of the Tamil Nadu’s Emergency Obstetric Care
Registrar General of India (ORGI), Ministry of Model: A robust referral system that ensures
Home Affairs under the Sample Registration pregnant women receive timely emergency
System (SRS). care, reducing maternal complications.
The report shows a Stable Maternal Mortality
Ratio (MMR) of 88 per 1,00,000 live births for
the period 2021–23. 5. AI-Based Mental Health Program ‘Never
Alone’ Launched at AIIMS Delhi
Maternal Mortality in India
Maternal death is the death of a woman while Context
pregnant or within 42 days of termination of All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
pregnancy. launched an AI-based mental health and
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is the wellness program called “Never Alone” to
number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live tackle student suicides and improve mental
births. health awareness.
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
3.1 targets reducing the global maternal ‘Never Alone’ program
mortality ratio to less than 70 per 1,00,000 It was launched on World Suicide Prevention
live births by 2030. Day (10 September).
It offers 24/7 virtual and offline consultations
Government Initiatives to Reduce MMR with mental health experts through a web-
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Launched in based app accessible via WhatsApp.
2005 with the objective of reducing maternal The program aims to minimise stigma
and neonatal mortality, JSY promotes surrounding suicide and increase awareness
institutional delivery among pregnant among students.
women especially with weak socio-economic
status. Objectives and Need
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana The app provides personalised and secure
(PMMVY) - The maternity benefit, of Rs. 5000/- mental health screening for just 70 paise
, is available to a woman for the first living per student per day for institutions with 5
child of the family subject to fulfilment of thousand students.
conditionalities. As per the data of the National Crime Records
Further under ‘Mission Shakti’, the scheme Bureau (NCRB), in 2022, over 1.7 lakh people
(PMMVY 2.0) provides additional cash died by suicide in India, with young adults
incentive for the second child, if that is a girl aged 18-30 years accounting for 35 percent
child. of all suicides.
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6. Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan 8. Seven Years of Ayushman Bharat
Context Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Recently, the Ayushman Bharat, the world’s
Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan and largest government-funded health assurance
the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah Campaign in scheme, completed its seven years.
Madhya Pradesh.
Ayushman Bharat
Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan Launched in - It was launched in 2018
It marks the largest ever health outreach for Objective - To achieve universal health coverage.
women and children in India.
Led By: Jointly by the Ministry of Health & It has two key components
Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri- Jan Arogya Yojana
Women & Child Development (MoWCD). (AB PM-JAY)
Aim: To provide women-centric preventive,
promotive, and curative health services at Ayushman Arogya Mandir
the community level.
Implementation: It will involve organising Ayushman Arogya Mandir
more than 10 lakh health camps at Ayushman Launched in - The Government of India in 2018
Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres announced the creation of 1,50,000 Health
(CHCs), District Hospitals and other government and Wellness Centres (HWCs) by transforming
health facilities across the country. existing Sub Centres and Primary Health
Significance: It will strengthen screening, Centres.
early detection, and treatment linkages Functions - These centres would deliver
for non-communicable diseases, anaemia, Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC)
tuberculosis, and sickle cell disease, while also
bringing healthcare closer to the homes of
promoting maternal, child, and adolescent
health. people covering both maternal and child health
services and non-communicable diseases,
including free essential drugs and diagnostic
7. Autism Myths Around Tylenol services.
Context Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
US President Donald Trump recently claimed Objective - The world’s largest health
that Tylenol (paracetamol/ acetaminophen) insurance/assurance scheme fully financed by
use during pregnancy may cause autism and the government.
suggested limiting its use. Feature - It provides cover of Rs 5 lakhs per
family per year, for secondary and tertiary
Tylenol care hospitalization across public and private
It is a paracetamol, which is used as a pain empaneled hospitals in India.
reliever and a fever reducer. Coverage - Over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable
It is used to alleviate headaches, muscle entitled families (approximately 50 crore
aches, arthritis and used to manage symptoms beneficiaries) are eligible for these benefits.
of colds and flu. Implementation - The National Health
Authority (NHA) is the nodal agency responsible
Connect with the basics - Autism
for the nationwide roll-out and implementation
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong
of the AB-PMJAY scheme.
neurodevelopmental condition affecting how
Financing - This scheme is a Centrally sponsored
a person communicates, interacts socially,
scheme with some Central sector components.
and behaves.
Note - First Ayushman Arogya Mandir
Key Characteristics: Persistent difficulties in
inaugurated in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh.
social-communication and interaction, and
restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or
interests.
26 [Link]
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GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRON- Additional information
Recent earthquakes
MENT
Region Magnitude(s) Depth
range (km)
1. Earthquake in Afghanistan
Tibet Autonomous 7.1 10
Context Region, China
The recent earthquake in Afghanistan, with a
6.0 magnitude, resulted in over 800 deaths and Swan Islands 7.6 10
2,000 injuries due to shallow depth and poor region, offshore
building structures. Honduras
Reasons for Earthquake in Afghanistan Sagaing–Mandalay 7.7 10
region, Myanmar
The Himalaya and Hindu Kush mountains are
seismically active because of the ongoing Haʻapai region, 7.0 31
friction between the Eurasian and Indian Tonga (offshore)
tectonic plates.
Magallanes 7.4 10
Connect with the basics - Earthquakes offshore, Chile
Definition - An earthquake is the shaking or (Drake Passage)
trembling of the earth’s surface, caused by
the seismic waves or earthquake waves that Alaska offshore, 7.3 38
are generated due to a sudden movement United States
(sudden release of energy) in the earth’s crust. Kamchatka 7.4; 8.8; 7.4; 7.8 19.5–39.5
A seismograph, or seismometer, is an offshore, Russia
instrument used to detect and record
earthquakes. Macquarie Island 7.0 31
region, Australia
Focus and epicentre (offshore)
The point where the energy is released is called
the focus or the hypocentre of an earthquake.
The point on the surface directly above the
focus is called epicentre . 2. Ethiopia Opens Africa’s Largest Dam
Across Nile
Context
Ethiopia has inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian
Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest
hydro power project.
[Link] 27
KPSC Current Affairs
About the GERD 3. Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal)
Location: Guba, Ethiopia, on the Blue Nile (a
major tributary of the Nile).
Installed capacity: 6,450 MW, placing it among
the world’s top 20 hydroelectric dams.
Blue Nile
In News
The Philippines opposed China’s plan to establish
a nature reserve at the disputed Huangyan
Island (Scarborough Shoal) in the South China
Sea.
Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal)
Known as - Scarborough Shoal (English) and
Panatag Shoal (Philippines).
Origin - The Blue Nile originates in Lake Tana, It is a disputed coral atoll located in the South
located in the Ethiopian Highlands of eastern China Sea.
Africa. It is strategically significant for its rich
It joins the White Nile at Al-Muqrin in fisheries, potential hydrocarbon resources,
Khartoum (the capital of Sudan). and military importance.
From this confluence, the river flows north Location - 220 km west of Luzon, Philippines,
through Sudan and Egypt, eventually near the Manila Trench.
emptying into the Mediterranean Sea as the
Nile. South China Sea
Note - The Nile River is the longest river in A marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean,
the world, flowing through 11 countries: bounded by Taiwan (northeast), the Philippines
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, (east), Borneo and the Gulf of Thailand (south),
Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and the Asian mainland including Vietnam and
Rwanda, Tanzania, Sudan and Egypt. China (west/north).
28 [Link]
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4. Typhoon Ragasa Green Credit Programme (GCP)
Launched in - 2023
In News Mandate - It is an innovative market-based
Super Typhoon Ragasa has caused widespread mechanism to incentivize voluntary
devastation across East Asia. environmental actions across diverse sectors.
Stakeholders: Individuals, communities,
Typhoon Ragasa private sector industries, and companies.
Speed - A super typhoon is a very violent Indian Council of Forestry Research and
storm, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, Education (ICFRE) is the Administrator,
packing winds of 253km/h (157 mph). responsible for the implementation,
management and monitoring.
Tropical Cyclones (Connect with the basics -
Cyclone)
They are violent storms that originate over 6. Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2025
oceans in tropical areas and move over to
the coastal areas bringing about large-scale In News
destruction caused by violent winds, very heavy According to the Air Quality Life Index, India is
rainfall and storm surges. the second most polluted country in the world.
Wind Direction - The winds blow Air Quality Life Index (AQLI)
counterclockwise in the Northern Developed by - Professor Michael Greenstone
Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern and the Energy Policy Institute at the
Hemisphere. University of Chicago (EPIC).
Different Names - Tropical Cyclones are known Mandate- It translates air pollution levels into
by different names in different regions their impact on life expectancy.
Cyclones in the Indian Ocean
Hurricanes in Atlantic Key Findings of recent report
Typhoons in the Western Pacific & South Chi- Most polluted region - South Asia (Bangladesh,
na Sea India, Nepal, and Pakistan, remains the most
Willy-Willies in Western Australia. polluted region).
Bangladesh is the worst globally, with air 12
Conditions - The conditions favorable for
times dirtier than WHO limits.
the formation and intensification of tropical
cyclones are: Status In India
Large sea surface with a temperature higher Air pollution is India’s most severe health threat,
than 27°C. reducing average life expectancy by 3.5 years
Presence of Coriolis force. — nearly twice the impact of malnutrition
Small variations in the vertical wind speed. and over five times that of unsafe water and
A pre-existing weak-low-pressure area or sanitation.
low-level-cyclonic circulation.
Upper divergence above the sea level sys-
7. Senna spectabilis
tem.
5. Changes in Green Credit Programme
Norms
Context
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and
Climate Change has issued a new notification
regarding the methodology for calculating
Green Credits.
[Link] 29
KPSC Current Affairs
Context Status in india
Kerala has carried out India’s first science- Among 23 species India has nine species of vultures
based, community-led eradication of Senna
in the wild
spectabilis in Wayanad, clearing 383 acres of
infested forest. The Oriental White-backed Vulture (Gyps
bengalensis) : Critically Endangered
Senna spectabilis Slender billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) :
Senna spectabilis was introduced in the 1980s Critically Endangered
in Kerala. Indian Vulture or Long billed Vulture (Gyps
It has spread across the Nilgiri Biosphere indicus) : Critically Endangered
Reserve, choking native plants and food sources Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) :
for wildlife. Endangered
Native range: Tropical Areas of South America Red Headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) :
(Brazil, Peru, etc.) Critically Endangered
Ornamental use: Commonly planted for its Indian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus): Least
striking yellow flowers (avenue and garden Concern.
tree). Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis): Near
Threatened
Connect with the basics - Invasive species Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) : Near
Definition - Invasive species are non-native Threatened
organisms (animals, plants, fungi, microbes) Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier (Gypaetus
that establish self-sustaining populations and barbatus): Near Threatened
cause harm to the environment, economy, or
human health. Threats
Impacts - They contribute to biodiversity loss, Vultures are crucial for ecosystem health,
ecological disruption, and can lead to significant but face severe decline due to diclofenac
economic losses in agriculture, forestry, and poisoning, habitat loss, and human
fisheries. disturbances.
Causes - Globalization (increased trade and
Recent Conservation efforts
travel), human activities, and climate change
facilitate their spread and establishment. India’s first vulture conservation portal aims to
Indian Context - India has several widespread create a nationwide network to support vulture
invasive species, including plants like Lantana protection.
camara and Water Hyacinth, and animals such It focuses on spreading awareness in local
as the African Catfish and Nile Tilapia. languages like Assamese to engage grassroots
communities.
8. India’s First Vulture Conservation Portal
9. Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis
In News Nigriceps)
We Foundation India, in collaboration with
Gauhati University’s Department of Zoology,
has launched India’s first vulture conservation
portal to build a network for protecting these
vital scavenger birds.
Vultures
They are large, social raptors that live on every
continent except Antarctica and Australia.
The 23 species are divided into New World
vultures from the Americas and Old World
vultures from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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Context 10. Vembanad Lake
The Union Environment Ministry’s Expert
Appraisal Committee has approved an In News
Environmental Impact Assessment study for Vembanad Lake of Kerala is facing a severe
ecological crisis.
the proposed 400-hectare Birmania Rock
Phosphate mine in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, which Vembanad Lake
falls within the potential habitat of Great Indian It is the longest lake in India and the largest
Bustard (GIB). in Kerala.
It is a Ramsar site and a wetland of
Great Indian Bustard international importance.
Scientific name - Ardeotis nigriceps It is fed by 10 rivers including Pamba,
Morphology - It is one of the heaviest flying birds Meenachil, Achankovil, Manimala, and Periyar
(weighing up to 15kgs). It can be distinguished and eventually opens into the Arabian Sea.
by its black crown on the forehead contrasting
with the pale neck and head. Note :
Habitat - It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent Chilika Lake (Odisha) is the largest coastal lagoon
and a Ramsar site, rich in biodiversity including
and is found in Rajasthan (Desert National
migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins.
park), Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh,
Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir) is the largest
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in India and freshwater lake, formed by tectonic activity.
parts of Pakistan. Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan) is the largest
saltwater lake known for salt production and
Conservation Status
migratory birds.
IUCN Red List - It is listed as ‘Critically Pangong Tso Lake (Ladakh) is a high-altitude
Endangered’. saline lake, famous for clear blue waters.
Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972 - It is listed under Lonar Lake (Maharashtra) is India’s only
‘Schedule I’ of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) meteorite crater lake.
Act, 1972.
CITES - It is listed under ‘Appendix I’ .
11. Sariska Tiger Reserve
Conservation Measures
Context
Project Great Indian Bustard The Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change (MoEFCC) has decided to invite
Launched in - It is a Rajasthan government
public objections before finalising Rajasthan’s
project launched in 2018.
proposal to alter the boundaries of the Critical
Objective - The main objective is to conserve
Tiger Habitat (CTH) in Sariska Tiger Reserve.
the remaining population of the critically
endangered Great Indian Bustard. Sariska Tiger Reserve (Sariska National Park)
Located in Alwar district, Rajasthan.
Bustard Recovery Programme One of the largest and most renowned tiger
Launched in - It was launched by the Union reserves in Northern India.
Environment Ministry in 2017.
Objective - To create awareness about the Historical timeline:
declining populations and highlighting the Pre-Independence: Hunting ground of the
importance of implementing a focused bustard princely state of Alwar.
1955: Notified as a Wildlife Reserve.
conservation programme at the national level.
1978: Declared the 11th Tiger Reserve in India.
WWF-India, is undertaking initiatives towards
1982: Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary redesignated
conservation of GIB in and around Desert as Sariska National Park.
National Park.
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KPSC Current Affairs
12. Ozone Hole Growth Montreal, Canada and entered into force in
1989.
In News Objective - To protect the Ozone layer by
The ozone hole over Antarctica has grown to reducing the production of substances that
20 million sq km—larger than average but still are supposed to be responsible for Ozone layer
within the decade’s normal range, according to depletion.
NASA.
Kigali Agreement -
Basics - Ozone Layer (O3) The protocol was further strengthened with
It is a highly reactive molecule containing the ratification of the legally binding Kigali
three oxygen atoms. Agreement in 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda.
Found in - It is present between 10 and 50 Significance - It seeks to phase out the
km above the earth’s surface, called the production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
stratosphere. that are potent greenhouse gases by the late
Function - This ozone layer serves as a natural 2040s.
filter for blocking deadly incoming UV
radiation from the sun.
Significance - This ozone shield is necessary 13. Light Pollution Impacting Biodiversity
for the survival of human life on the earth. In News
OZONE LAYER DEPLETION A recent global study has found that artificial
Definition - The decrease in ozone light at night is significantly altering bird
concentration in the middle layers of the behaviour, causing many species to stay active
atmosphere – mainly in the stratosphere for up to an hour longer after sunset.
is referred to as the depletion of the ozone Light Pollution
layer.
Definition - It refers to the excessive or
Caused by - It is caused by emissions of
inappropriate use of artificial outdoor lighting,
anthropogenic halogenated hydrocarbons such
which disrupts natural darkness.
as CFCs, HCFCs, Halons, Carbon tetrachloride
It disrupts ecosystems, obscures the night sky,
and Methyl bromide.
and affects human health and energy efficiency.
Why is ozone depletion more in Antarctica than
Causes
the equator?
Urbanisation: Expansion of cities leads to
The severe depletion of the Antarctic ozone
more streetlights, billboards, and building
layer known as the “ozone hole” occurs because
illumination.
of the special weather conditions that exist
Over use: Use of artificial lighting beyond what
there and nowhere else on the globe.
is necessary, especially in commercial zones and
The very low temperatures of the Antarctic residential areas.
stratosphere create ice clouds called polar Increase in commercial Activity: Bright
stratospheric clouds (PSCs). signage and lighting in malls, petrol stations,
and industrial zones contribute significantly.
Measures to Prevent Ozone Layer Depletion
Unregulated Use of LEDs: While energy-
Vienna Convention efficient, high-intensity LEDs often emit blue
Objective - To protect human health and the light, which scatters more in the atmosphere.
environment from any harmful effects of the
depletion of the ozone layer. Impacts
Held in - Vienna , Austria Environmental and Ecological: Nocturnal
Adopted in - 1985. animals, migratory birds, and insects rely on
Came into force - 1988. natural light cycles.
Human Health: Exposure to artificial light at
Montreal Protocol
night suppresses melatonin production, leading
Enforcement - It was agreed upon in 1987 in to insomnia and other health issues.
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Chronic exposure to light pollution has been human-wildlife conflict.
linked to increased stress and reduced cognitive
performance. Key Provisions of the Draft Bill
Astronomy and Scientific Research: Empowerment for Immediate Action: The
Brightening of the night sky hampers Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW) will be authorized
astronomical observations, especially near to order the immediate killing of any wild animal
urban centers. that attacks or injures a person in residential
Energy Waste: Billions of units of electricity are areas, bypassing the lengthy procedures
wasted annually due to poorly directed lighting, required by the central Wildlife Protection Act,
increasing carbon emissions. 1972.
Decentralized Authority: District Collectors
or Chief Conservators of Forests can report
14. First bamboo-based Bio-refinery incidents directly to the CWW, who can act
without waiting for central government
Context
approval.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated India’s first
bamboo-based bio-refinery at Golaghat district Additional Information- Wild Life (Protection)
in Assam. Act, 1972
It provides the legal framework for the
About
protection of various species of wild animals,
Five lakh tonnes of green bamboo would be
management of their habitat.
sourced annually from four northeastern
States to produce ethanol. Objectives
The bioethanol plant is expected to give a Prohibition of hunting of wild animals;
₹200-crore boost to Assam’s rural economy. Protection and management of wildlife areas
and the animals, birds and plants in these areas;
Biorefinery
Establishing new protected areas such as
Definition - A biorefinery is an industrial
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries;
facility that converts biomass (plant material,
Control of illegal wildlife trade.
agricultural residues, forestry waste, algae,
organic waste, etc.) into a wide range of Key Changes in the Wildlife (Protection)
value-added products such as: Amendment Act 2022
Biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel, biogas, biohy- Changes in the Preamble: The phrase
drogen); ‘protection of wild animals, birds and plants’ is
Biochemicals (organic acids, solvents, bio- substituted with the ‘conservation, protection
plastics, enzymes); and management of wildlife’.
Biomaterials (fibers, biocomposites, biode-
gradable plastics); Reduction of Schedules from six to four
Bioenergy (electricity, heat, syngas). 1. Schedule I: Animal species that will enjoy the
Significance - A biorefinery is like a green highest level of protection including those
alternative to an oil refinery, converting renewable which are critically endangered.
biomass into fuels, energy, and chemicals in an 2. Schedule II: Animal species that will be
efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly way.
subject to a lesser degree of protection.
3. Schedule III: Protected Plant species
15. Kerala Approves Draft Wildlife
Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2025 4. Schedule IV: Specimens listed in the
Appendices under CITES (scheduled
In News
specimens)
The Kerala Cabinet has approved the draft
Implementation of CITES: The Union
Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a
Government shall form a Managing Authority
landmark proposal aimed at tackling growing
[Link] 33
KPSC Current Affairs
and a Scientific Authority to regulate import adoption goals set by a country as part of
export of specimens of species. being a signatory to the Paris Agreement.
Management of Wildlife Sanctuaries: State Countries are required to update their NDCs
governments have power to form an Advisory every five years.
Committee consisting of Chief Wildlife Warden,
members of legislature, wildlife NGOs and India last updated its NDCs in 2022:
Panchayat Raj to manage wildlife sanctuaries. 1. It committed to reduce the emissions
intensity of its GDP by 45% of 2005 levels;
16. Yellow-crested Cockatoos 2. source half of its electric power capacity
from non-fossil fuel sources;
3. and create a carbon sink of at least two
billion tonnes — all three by 2030.
UN Climate Change Conference
The United Nations Climate Change
Conferences, often referred to as COP
(Conference of the Parties), are international
gatherings where countries come together to
discuss and negotiate global efforts to address
climate change.
In News These conferences are organized under the
United Nations Framework Convention on
Recently, yellow-crested cockatoos have found
Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international
an unexpected refuge in Hong Kong’s urban
treaty that came into force in 1994 with
parks, where they represent about 10% of the
the objective of stabilizing greenhouse gas
global wild population of around 2,000 mature
concentrations in the atmosphere.
birds.
The COP meetings are held annually. The
Yellow-crested cockatoos(Cacatua sulphurea) conferences provide a platform for countries to
It lives in various forest types, scrub, and assess progress in dealing with climate change.
agricultural areas .
It prefers open habitats like forest savanna 18. Mission Mausam
rather than primary forests.
Native to Indonesia and East Timor. In News
Its diet includes fruits, flowers, and leaves The National Centre for Medium Range
from multiple plant species. Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) and New
IUCN Red Status : Critically Endangered Space India Limited (NSIL) signed an MoU to
set up two Direct Broadcast Network (DBNet)
stations in Delhi/NCR and Chennai under the
17. India to Submit Updated Carbon- Mission Mausam project.
reduction Targets by the Beginning of
COP30 Direct Broadcast Network (DBNet)
It is a global operational framework designed
Context for the real-time acquisition of satellite data
India will submit its updated Nationally from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
Determined Contributions (NDCs) around It plays a critical role in Weather Prediction
the commencement of U.N. Climate Change (NWP) and supports a wide range of
Conference COP 30 in Brazil in November. applications, including weather forecasting,
cyclone monitoring, and climate research.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
It aims to improve the accuracy and timeliness
Definition - The NDCs are renewable-energy of weather forecasts and related services.
34 [Link]
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Mission Mausam Headquarters - New Delhi, regularly measuring
Launched in - It was approved by the Union pollutants
Cabinet in September 2024.
Implementation -It is a ₹2,000 crore initiative
by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to make India
21. Orcas
“Weather Ready” and “Climate Smart.”
Significance - It is aimed at enhancing weather
and climate forecasting, especially for sectors
like agriculture and disaster management.
19. Production Gap Report 2025
Context
The 2025 Production Gap Report, presents a
stark picture of the growing disconnect between Context
climate commitments and governments’ fossil Researchers have recently found that many
fuel production plans. orcas share freshly killed prey with humans.
Production Gap Report 2025 Orcas
Published by - Stockholm Environment Institute They are also known as killer whales.
(SEI), Climate Analytics, and the International Scientific Name: Orcinus orca
Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). Family: Delphinidae (they are the largest
members of the dolphin family).
Key Findings Distribution: Found in all oceans — from Arctic
Alarming Production Gaps: Planned fossil and Antarctic regions to tropical seas.
fuel production in 2030 is projected to exceed Characteristics:Distinctive black-and-white
1.5°C-aligned levels by 120% and 2°C levels by coloration with a white patch near each eye.
77%. Highly intelligent and social animals, living
Countries Driving Expansion: Major producers in groups called pods (can range from 5–40,
ramping up extraction include China, the United sometimes hundreds).
States, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Nigeria. Apex predators (no natural predators) – they
hunt fish, seals, dolphins, sharks, and even large
whales.
20. 51st Foundation Day of Central Echolocation: Use sound waves to navigate and
Pollution Control Board hunt.
Cooperative Hunting: Pods work together like
In News
wolf packs. Hunting strategies vary by pod and
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
region.
celebrated its 51st Foundation Day.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 22. Pallas’s Cat
It is a statutory organization established in
September 1974
Established under - Water (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and later
empowered under the Air (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
It also supports the Ministry of Environment
under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Objective - to promote the cleanliness of water
bodies and improving air quality by preventing
and controlling pollution.
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KPSC Current Affairs
Context Context
A wildlife survey conducted in Arunachal Australia has approved the first vaccine to
Pradesh has brought out first-ever photographic protect its shrinking koala population against
evidence of the elusive Pallas’s cat in the state. chlamydia.
Pallas’s Cat Chlamydia:
Scientific name - (Otocolobus manul). Pathogen - It is a sexually transmitted
It is one of the most elusive and rarely infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia
photographed wild cats, and remains one of pecorum that can cause infertility and
the least studied feline species. blindness.
Appearance: Its coat is usually gray or light In koalas, chlamydia is a threat to survival and a
tan, but it can change color with the seasons key conservation issue.
to better blend into the local landscape. Transmission - It is also found in humans
Distribution: Its documented in Arunachal caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, in humans,
Pradesh extends the known distribution of chlamydia is a major sexually transmitted
the species in the eastern Himalaya, adding infection (STI) but treatable.
to earlier confirmed records from Sikkim,
Bhutan, and eastern Nepal. Additional Information - Koala
They are found in Turkmenistan, Iran, Scientific name - Phascolarctos cinereus
Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Distribution - It is a tree-dwelling marsupial
Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Mongolia, and native to Australia.
Russia. Often mistakenly called the “koala bear,” it
It is nocturnal, and an ambush predator, is not a bear but a marsupial (a mammal that
meaning it waits at the exits of rodent burrows carries its young in a pouch).
until its prey appears. Physical Characteristics: Thick, soft, grey
IUCN Status: Least Concern. or brown with lighter underside – provides
insulation.
Habitat & Distribution: Found mainly in eastern
23. Australia Approves First Vaccine to save and southeastern Australia (Queensland, New
Koalas from Chlamydia South Wales, Victoria, South Australia).
Diet: Herbivores – almost entirely eat
eucalyptus leaves.
Behavior: Mostly nocturnal and sedentary.
Threats: Along with habitat loss, climate
change and bushfires, a major reason for
koalas’ vulnerability is chlamydia.
IUCN Status – Vulnerable.
24. India’s First Dugong Reserve
36 [Link]
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In News In News
India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Rhino populations have stabilised at around
Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, has received international 27,000 globally, down from 500,000 a century
recognition from IUCN. ago, according to the latest State of the Rhino
report by the International Rhino Foundation.
Dugong Conservation Reserve Scientific name - Rhinocerotidae
Established in - It was established in 2022 Habitats - Rhinos’ habitats include tropical
by the Tamil Nadu government under the and subtropical grasslands, savannas and
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. shrublands, tropical moist forests, deserts
It is home to 12,250 hectares of seagrass and shrublands.
meadows, crucial feeding grounds for In India, it is found in Assam – Kaziranga
dugongs. National Park, Manas National Park, Pobitora
Significance - Seagrasses support carbon Reserve Forest, Orang National Park, and
sequestration, prevent coastal erosion, and Laokhowa Reserve Forest.
provide habitat for fish, turtles, and other Three species of rhino - There are three species
marine fauna. of rhino in Asia — Greater one-horned, Javan,
and Sumatran.
Dugong Rhino range countries - India, Nepal, Bhutan,
The dugong is a large, herbivorous marine Indonesia, and Malaysia. These countries are
mammal found throughout the Indo-Pacific also known as Asian Rhino Range Countries.
region, including the warm coastal waters of Great one-horned rhino - The Indian state of
the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Assam is home to the largest population of
Distribution - Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf greater-one horned rhinos, with more than
of Kachchh, and the Andaman and Nicobar 90% in Kaziranga National Park.
Islands. World Rhino Day - It is celebrated on September
Habitat - They are highly dependent on 22nd of every year.
seagrass meadows, both as habitat and
for food, and prefer warm, shallow bays or
mangrove channels. Conservation status
Threats - habitat degradation, destructive IUCN - Vulnerable
fishing practices, hunting, and climate Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 - Schedule I
change.
Conservation practices
Conservation status
IUCN Red List- Vulnerable NEW DELHI DECLARATION ON ASIAN RHINOS
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 - Schedule I 2019
It was signed by Asian Rhino Range Countries
(India, Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, Indonesia).
25. State Of The Rhino Report Objective - To increase the population of
three species of Asian rhinos, including the
Greater one-horned rhinoceros found in the
Indian subcontinent.
National Rhino Conservation Strategy
Launched in - 2019
Objective - To conserve the greater one-horned
rhinoceros.
INDIAN RHINO VISION 2020
Launched in - 2005
It is an ambitious effort to attain a wild
population of at least 3,000 greater one-
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KPSC Current Affairs
horned rhinos spread over seven protected Kaushal 3.0 in the high-altitude Kameng region,
areas in the Indian state of Assam by the year Arunachal Pradesh.
2020.
About the exercise
The exercise featured large-scale manoeuvres
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY with drone surveillance, precision strikes, real-
time target acquisition, air–littoral operations
and synchronized battlefield tactics.
1. Gujarat’s Kutch Village Yields Rare
A major highlight was the operational debut of
Jarosite Discovery
the newly raised ASHNI platoons, designed to
integrate advanced technology with traditional
combat skills for decisive battlefield advantage.
3. Exercise MAITREE
Context
The 14th edition of the India–Thailand joint
military exercise, MAITREE-XIV, commenced in
Meghalaya.
Exercise MAITREE
Training modules include tactical drills, joint
Context planning, weapons skills, physical endurance
Researchers confirm the presence of jarosite, in and raiding operations.
Matanomadh village of Kutch, Gujarat, similar Instituted in 2006, Exercise MAITREE remains a
to what was discovered on Mars a couple of key component of bilateral defence cooperation.
decades ago.
Jarosite 4. Exercise Yudh Abhyas
On Earth: Jarosite is a yellow mineral, formed
Context
when oxygen, iron, sulphur, and potassium-rich
minerals react with water, often under volcanic The 21st edition of the India–US Joint Military
conditions. Exercise Yudh Abhyas commenced in Alaska,
On Mars: First detected by NASA’s Opportunity USA.
rover in 2004, jarosite provided one of the
Exercise Yudh Abhyas
strongest pieces of evidence for the presence
of water in the planet’s past. Yudh Abhyas, meaning “Preparing for War” in
In India earlier it was found in Kerala’s Varkala Hindi, began in 2004
cliffs. It is a counterinsurgency training exchange
Globally deposits have been found in Mexico, between India and the USA.
Canada, Japan, Spain, and in Utah and California
in the US. Additional Information - Bilateral military
exercises by India
Joint Exercises by the Indian Army
2. Exercise Yudh Kaushal 3.0
Joint Exercises by the Indian Navy
Context Joint Exercises by the Indian Air Force
The Indian Army conducted Exercise Yudh
38 [Link]
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Exercise Details Unlike a solar eclipse, it is safe to watch with
the naked eye.
Ex Cope India Joint exercise of India with USAF
Why does the Moon appear Red (Blood Moon)
and Japan (observer)
During a total lunar eclipse, sunlight passing
through Earth’s atmosphere gets scattered.
Rayleigh Scattering: Blue light (shorter
Ex INIOCHOS First Air Exercise between India
wavelength) scatters away, while red/orange
and Greece
light (longer wavelength) bends towards the
Ex Desert Flag-8 First participation of Tejas in an Moon, making it glow red.
in UAE international air exercise
6. Ghost Bat Drone
Ex Cobra Warrior Multinational including India,
US, Finland, Sweden, South
Africa,UK etc.
Ex Veer Guardian First Air Exercise between India
and Japan
Ex Orion Multinational by France, First
overseas exercise for the IAF’s
Rafale.
In News
5. Blood Moon Australia is rapidly developing its defense
capabilities with the production of MQ-28A
Ghost Bat drones.
Ghost Bat Drone
They are 38-foot-long autonomous military
aircraft designed as “robot wingmen.”
They can be operated remotely and can fly
preprogrammed missions with human oversight
from afar.
They are named after a fierce native bat, they
have a range of ~2,300 miles, nearly spanning
Australia.
Context
A total lunar eclipse, popularly called a “Blood
7. EnteroMix – mRNA Cancer Vaccine
Moon”, was recently witnessed across the globe.
Context
Lunar Eclipse
Russia has unveiled EnteroMix, a new vaccine
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes reported to show 100% efficacy in early clinical
between the Sun and the Moon, blocking trials for cancer treatment.
sunlight from directly reaching the lunar
surface. EnteroMix – mRNA Cancer Vaccine
Depending on the alignment, it can be total As per the Russian Federal Medical and Biological
(Moon passes fully through Earth’s umbra) or Agency (FMBA), the Russian EnteroMix cancer
partial. vaccine is now ready for clinical use.
[Link] 39
KPSC Current Affairs
It is to shrink aggressive tumours, slow their (SSLV).
growth, and do so without the harsh side
effects of chemotherapy or radiation. Key Highlights of agreement
The vaccine will be tailored to each patient’s It marks a significant step in industry
RNA, making it a fully personalised therapy. participation in the space sector.
Uniqueness - EnteroMix uses a combination It is the 100th transfer of technology
of four harmless viruses to target and destroy agreement facilitated by the space sector
cancer cells while simultaneously activating promoter INSPACe.
the body’s immune defences. ISRO will complete the entire technology
transfer process within 24 months from the
Connect with the basics - mRNA Vaccines date of signing the agreement.
Traditional vaccines perform this task by
introducing a dead, inactive or modified Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
portion of a virus into our body so that our SSLV is the small satellite launch vehicle
immune system can learn to recognize and developed by ISRO to cater for the launch of
fight this foreign invader. small satellites weighing between 10 to 500kg
On the other hand, mRNA vaccines are a new into the Low Earth Orbit.
type of vaccine. They don’t use live viruses They are low on cost and intended satellite
to trigger an immune response. Instead, they insertion into orbits takes a shorter flight time.
supply mRNA that instructs our cells to make
a version of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
10. Melioidosis
that will trigger an immune response. Once
triggered, the body will make antibodies.
These antibodies will help to fight the infection
if the real virus enters the body in the future.
8. EXERCISE ZAPAD 2025
Context
An Indian Armed Forces contingent departed
for Russia to take part in the multilateral
joint military exercise ZAPAD 2025.
EXERCISE ZAPAD 2025 Context
More than 20 countries, including China, are Andhra Pradesh has reported its first confirmed
participating in the exercise. Notably, for the case of melioidosis in Turakapalem village,
first time since Operation Sindoor, the Indian linked to 23 unexplained deaths since July.
and Pakistani armies will take part in the same
Melioidosis
military drill.
Pathogen - Bacterial infection caused by
The exercise aimed at enhancing military
Burkholderia pseudomallei.
cooperation, improving and interoperability
Transmission & Reservoir - The bacteria live
among participating armies.
in soil and water, and can persist for years in
contaminated environments.
9. ISRO Inks Agreement with HAL for Person-to-person transmission is very rare;
Transfer of SSLV Technology animal-to-human or insect-to-human are not
documented.
Context Vulnerability-Severe in patients with diabetes,
The Indian Space Research Organisation chronic kidney/liver disease, alcohol
signed a formal agreement with Hindustan dependence, or cancer.
Aeronautics Ltd. for the transfer of technology Symptoms - Range from flu-like fever and
for production of small satellite launch vehicles headache to severe pneumonia, persistent
40 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
cough, chest pain, skin sores, or organ dark or bloody urine
abscesses. jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
Prevention & Management -Safe water, abnormal bleeding.
protective gear, and hygiene practices.
Treatment- At present, there is no vaccine Initiatives to Control Malaria by WHO
available for melioidosis. WHO’s Global technical strategy for malaria
2016–2030 - It aims to reduce malaria case
incidence and mortality rates by at least 40%
11. AdFalciVax by 2020, at least 75% by 2025 and at least
90% by 2030 against a 2015 baseline.
Context
‘E-2025 Initiative’: The WHO has identified 25
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
countries with the potential to eradicate
has granted non-exclusive rights for its multi-
malaria by 2025 under the initiative.
stage malaria vaccine, AdFalciVax, to five
High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) initiative:
pharmaceutical companies.
WHO has initiated the initiative in 11 high
AdFalciVax malaria burden countries, including India.
It is India’s first indigenous multi-stage Indian Government Initiatives to Control
malaria recombinant vaccine. Malaria
Developed by - Regional Medical Research
National target - The Government of India set
Centre (RMRC), under the ICMR.
a target to eliminate malaria in India by 2027.
Uniqueness - The vaccine is designed to
National Framework for Malaria Elimination
prevent Plasmodium falciparum infection in
(NFME) - It has been developed and launched in
individuals and reduce community transmission.
2016 aligned with the Global Technical Strategy
Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest malaria
(GTS) for malaria elimination 2016-2030.
parasite, difficult to control and responsible for
Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India
widespread devastation.
(MERA-India): It was established by the Indian
Additional Information - Malaria Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a
Responsible pathogen - Malaria is an acute conglomeration of partners working on malaria
febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites. control.
Vector - It spreads from people to people
through the bites of infected female Anopheles 12. Samudra Pradakshina
mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable.
Transmission - Malaria is not contagious and Context
cannot spread from one person to another; Defence virtually flagged off Samudra
the disease is transmitted through the bites of Pradakshina – a historic tri-service all-women
female Anopheles mosquitoes. circumnavigation sailing expedition.
Five species of parasites can cause malaria in
humans and 2 of these species – Plasmodium Samudra Pradakshina
falciparum and Plasmodium vivax – pose the The initiative is a first of its kind, a symbol of
greatest threat. nari shakti (women power), the jointness of the
armed forces, self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar
Symptoms Bharat) and India’s global vision.
Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant Over the next nine months, 10 women officers
women, travelers and people with HIV or from the Army, Navy and Air Force will sail
AIDS are at higher risk. Severe symptoms onboard the indigenously-built Indian Army
include: Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
extreme tiredness and fatigue They will follow an easterly route covering
impaired consciousness nearly 26,000 nautical miles, crossing the
multiple convulsions Equator twice and rounding the three great
difficulty breathing Capes — Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope.
[Link] 41
KPSC Current Affairs
During the expedition, the crew will also carry thorium and potassium.
out scientific research in collaboration with Global Geo-Thermal Capacity (15.4 GW):
the National Institute of Oceanography, United States, followed by Indonesia, the
which includes the study of micro-plastics, Philippines, Turkey, and New Zealand.
documentation of ocean life and raising
awareness about marine health. Geothermal Potential Sites in India
They will return to Mumbai in May 2026. The Geological Survey of India (GSI), since 1973,
has identified 381 hot springs with surface
temperatures ranging from 35°C to 89°C.
13. MNRE Unveiled India’s First National Geothermal Atlas of India, 2022’ estimated the
Policy on Geothermal Energy potential of about 10,600 MW of geothermal
power in India.
Context
Recently, the Union Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched its first 14. Indian Navy’s ‘Androth’
national policy on geothermal energy.
National Policy on Geothermal Energy
Vision & Goals: To establish geothermal energy
as a key pillar of India’s renewable energy
sector, enhancing energy security, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting
sustainable development.
Context
The Indian Navy has received ‘Androth’ an
indigenously built anti-submarine warfare
shallow water craft (ASW-SWC).
Indian Navy’s ‘Androth’
Named after - Androth island (the largest
island of the Lakshadweep archipelago),
Uniqueness - The warship is the second of eight
anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft.
Built by- Garden Reach Shipbuilders and
Engineers (GRSE).
15. India-AI Impact Summit 2026
Additional Information - Geothermal Energy In News
(Geo= Earth, Thermal= Heat) The Ministry of Electronics and Information
Source - It is the heat stored within the Earth’s Technology (MeitY) officially unveiled the logo
crust, and comes from the natural heat of the and key initiatives for the India-AI Impact
Earth. It is primarily due to the decay of the Summit 2026.
naturally radioactive isotopes of uranium,
42 [Link]
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India-AI Impact Summit 2026 year, followed by Sweden, the United States,
Mandate - It is a global platform bringing South Korea, and Singapore in the top five
together policymakers, innovators, researchers, ranks.
and industry leaders to demonstrate AI’s India: India has made a steady climb from 48
transformative potential for humanity and in 2020 to 38 in 2025.
the planet.
Significance - The first summit of its kind hosted Key Indian Initiatives for Innovation
by a Global South nation, positioning India as a Startup India (2016): Launched by DPIIT;
thought leader in responsible and equitable AI offers tax exemptions, Fund of Funds, credit
adoption. guarantee, and ease of compliance to nurture
startups.
Guiding Principles (Three Sutras) Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): NITI Aayog
People: AI for human dignity, cultural inclusion, initiative; promotes innovation through Atal
and equitable opportunities. Tinkering Labs (schools), Incubation Centres
Planet: Resource-efficient AI supporting (startups), and New India Challenges (solutions
sustainability and climate action. to national problems).
Progress: Democratizing AI resources and National Initiative for Developing and
distributing benefits equitably. Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI): DST
programme; supports innovators via PRAYAS
(idea to prototype), Entrepreneur-in-Residence
16. Exercise Pacific Reach (fellowships), and incubation support.
Context Additional Information - World Intellectual
Indian Navy’s latest indigenously designed Property Organization (WIPO)
INS Nistar is participating in the multinational It is a self-funding agency of the United
Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 in Singapore. Nations, that serves the world’s innovators
Exercise Pacific Reach and creators, ensuring that their ideas
travel safely to the market and improve lives
The 2025 edition (XPR-25) was hosted by the
everywhere.
Republic of Singapore Navy, with participation
History: WIPO was established in 1967 by the
or observation by more than 40 nations
WIPO Convention.
The exercise will mainly be conducted in two
Members: The organization has 193 member
phases viz. harbour and sea phase.
states including both developing and developed
Started in 1996, the biennial exercise is
nations like India, Italy, Israel, Austria, Bhutan,
hosted in rotation by participating nations
Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, Pakistan, the U.S. and
the U.K.
17. Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 India joined WIPO in 1975.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Context
The 18th edition of the Global Innovation Index
(GII) 2025, was released by the World Intellectual 18. Agni-Prime Missile
Property Organisation’s (WIPO).
Context
Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 India successfully tested the Intermediate
Established in - 2007. Range Agni-Prime Missile from a rail-based
It is published annually and provides mobile launcher system.
performance metrics and ranks around 140
Agni-Prime (Agni-P)
economies on their innovation ecosystems.
Developed by: Defence Research and
Major Finding Development Organisation (DRDO).
Top Nations: Switzerland remains the world’s Type: Two-stage, solid-fuel propelled ballistic
top innovation leader for the 15th consecutive missile.
[Link] 43
KPSC Current Affairs
Range: Up to 2000 km. lakh additional LPG connections under Pradhan
Payload: Can carry high explosive, thermobaric, Mantri Ujjwala Yojana during the current
or nuclear warheads. Financial Year.
Unique Feature: First Indian missile tested With this expansion, the total number of PMUY
from a rail-based mobile launcher. connections will rise to 10.58 crore.
Significance: Only Russia, US, China, and
possibly North Korea had such rail-based Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
launch capability before; India has now joined Launched on - 1st May 2016
this group. Implemented by - Ministry of Petroleum &
Natural Gas.
Objective - to replace harmful cooking fuels
19. Tejas Mark-1A such as coal and firewood with clean LPG to
protect women & children’s health by reducing
Context indoor smoke pollution.
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract The scheme provides a completely free LPG
to buy 97 light combat aircraft, of the Tejas connection, including the first refill and a
Mark-1A variant, for the Indian Air Force from stove.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The scheme also offers a targeted subsidy of
₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills
Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) per year (pro-rated for 5 kg connections) to all
Tejas is a 4.5 generation, all weather and multi- PMUY consumers.
role fighter aircraft. PMUY initially aimed to provide 8 crore free
LCA Mk1A is the most advanced version of LPG connections to poor households, achieving
the LCA Tejas. this target in September 2019.
To reach more families, PMUY 2.0 was launched
in August 2021, distributing an additional 1.6
20. Astronomers Detect Quasi-Moon crore connections by January 2022.
Near Earth
Context 22. SPARSH
Astronomers have recently identified 2025 PN7,
a tiny asteroid that is a “quasi-moon” of Earth Context
and has been following our planet for about 60 The System for Pension Administration – Raksha
years. (SPARSH) has resolved 5.60 lakh out of 6.43 lakh
legacy discrepancy cases (87%), safeguarding
2025 PN7 the entitlements of defence pensioners.
Observed by - The asteroid is approximately 62
feet in diameter and was observed by the Pan- System for Pension Administration – Raksha
STARRS observatory in Hawaii. (SPARSH)
It is the world’s largest pension system for
Quasi-Moons defence personnel.
A quasi-moon differs fundamentally from a Implemented by- Ministry of Defence.
natural satellite such as Earth’s Moon. Significance - It is aimed at providing a
Earth’s Moon is gravitationally bound to the comprehensive digital solution for the
planet and revolves directly around it, a quasi- administration of defence pensions.
moon is gravitationally bound to the Sun.
SPARSH Seva Kendras
The SPARSH Seva Kendras are points of contacts
21. 25 Lakh Additional LPG Connections for the pensioners to avail the services that are
Under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana available through the portal.
These centres will provide interface and
Context assistance to the Pensioner in the event of non-
The Government has decided to provide 25 availability to portal access.
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HISTORY AND CULTURE from across Asia.
It is located near the Rajgir hills and symbolizes
a unique blend of nature, spirituality, and
1. 200th Birth Anniversary of Dadabhai learning, drawing from its ancient heritage
Naoroji where great thinkers like Buddha, Mahavira,
Nagarjuna, and Aryabhatta once taught or
In News meditated.
The 200th birth anniversary of Dadabhai
Naoroji known as ‘The Grand Old Man of India Revival
‘was recently observed . The idea to revive Nalanda was proposed by
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2006, with support
Dadabhai Naoroji (1825–1917) from the East Asia Summit, the Singapore
Dadabhai Naoroji was born in Bombay on 4 government, and Indian leadership.
September 1825 in a priestly Parsi family. The Nalanda University Act was passed in
He was a pioneering figure in India’s freedom 2010, and the first students enrolled in 2014.
struggle. The revived Nalanda University aspires to be
He was the first Indian to be elected to the futuristic and global, rooted in ancient wisdom
House of Commons (1892). while addressing modern challenges, making it
a beacon of sustainable and inclusive education
Contributions: welcomed worldwide.
He formulated the famous drain-of-wealth
theory, which became India’s cornerstone
argument against British rule. 3. SAMHiTA Conference on South Asian
He was the first to give expression to the Manuscripts and Mathematics
demand for Swaraj from the platform of Indian
National Congress (1906). Context
Two young law students viz. W.C. Bonnerji The Minister of External Affairs of India
(1844-1906) and Pherozeshah M. Mehta (1845- inaugurated the SAMHiTA Conference on South
1915) became his disciples Asia’s Manuscript Traditions and Mathematical
Dadabhai Naoroji was appointed as Justice of Contributions in New Delhi.
the Peace in 1883, started a newspaper called
SAMHiTA (South Asian Manuscript Histories
‘Voice of India’.
and Textual Archive)
He twice served as the President of Indian
National Congress (1886 and 1893) besides It is an initiative to create a relational database
representing India at the International Congress and digital archive of Indian and broadly
of Social Democrats at Amsterdam in 1905. South Asian manuscripts.
Death and Legacy - He permanently returned Focus areas: Mathematics, astronomy,
to India from Britain in 1908 at the ripe age linguistics, philosophy, medicine, literature in
of 83. manuscripts.
Significance: Helps reclaim India’s intellectual
traditions, prevents cultural erasure, and
2. Nalanda University strengthens research in history of science.
In News Other Initiatives to safeguard the Manuscripts
Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay The Ministry of Culture established the National
recently visited Nalanda University. Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) in 2003 to
document, conserve, and promote access to
Nalanda University Indian manuscripts.
It was originally established in 427 CE by The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the
Emperor Kumaragupta Arts (IGNCA) is a premier Indian institution
It was the world’s first residential university, and autonomous trust under the Ministry of
hosting 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students Culture, functions as a vast repository for
for over 800 years, and attracting scholars
[Link] 45
KPSC Current Affairs
manuscripts and other cultural resources, 5. Langkhon Festival
and as a hub for academic research.
The National Digital Library of India (NDLI),
the Bharatavani Project, and the Indian
Culture Portal are all digital archives initiated
by the Government of India.
4. GI Tag Push in Bodoland Territorial
Region (BTR)
Context
The Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region
(BTR) government recently launched a special
drive to work towards GI tag registration
of cultural artefacts belonging to all 26
Context
communities of the region.
The Tiwa tribesmen celebrated the Langkhon
Connect with the basics - Geographical (Langkhun) Festival in Umsowai village of Karbi
Indication or GI Tag Anglong district, Assam.
Definition - It is a name or a sign given to certain About
products related to a specific geographical The festival involves the worship of bamboo
location or origins like a region, town, or symbolizing the close bond between nature
country. and human life.
A certification for unique products - GI Tag may It is primarily celebrated in the Karbi Anglong
district of Assam.
be regarded as a certification for a particular
product with certain specific qualities or has a
specific reputation because of its geographical 6. Acharya Vinoba Bhave
origin. In News
GI Tags can be issued for wine and spirit drinks, The Prime Minister paid homage to Acharya
foodstuffs, agricultural products, handicrafts, Vinoba Bhave on the occasion of his birth
and industrial products. anniversary.
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Acharya Vinoba Bhave
Rights (TRIPS) - At the International level, GI is He was born on September 11, 1895 and was a
governed by the World Trade Organisation’s renowned spiritual leader, freedom fighter,
(WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects and social reformer.
of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi
after reading about his speech in 1916 and
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration
abandoned formal education and joined
and Protection) Act - In India, Geographical Gandhi at the Kochrab Ashram.
Indications registration is administered by the He was often regarded as Gandhi’s spiritual
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration successor and the National Teacher of India.
and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force
Contributions
in September 2003.
He founded the Gramseva Mandal in 1934 to
Darjeeling tea - The first product in India to be organize village service activities.
accorded with the GI tag was Darjeeling tea in He is best known for leading the Bhoodan
2004-05. Movement (1951), a voluntary and non-violent
movement aimed at redistributing land to
46 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
landless peasants. In News
He became a key figure at Sabarmati Ashram, Adivasis from the Ho tribe protested in
contributing to Khadi, village industries, Nai Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum accusing the
Talim, and sanitation initiatives. Deputy Commissioner of interfering with
He also translated the Bhagavad Gita into their traditional Manki-Munda governance
Marathi, naming it Geetai. system.
Manki-Munda system
7. Sarnath The Ho tribe of Jharkhand’s Kolhan region
traditionally followed a decentralized,
Context
hereditary governance system led by village
India officially nominated Sarnath for the
heads called Mundas and regional leaders
UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2025-26
called Mankis.
cycle.
Mundas resolved local socio-political disputes,
Sarnath while unresolved cases were escalated to the
Location: It is situated near Varanasi, Uttar Manki, who oversaw a group of villages (pir).
Pradesh. This system resolved social and political issues,
One of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage not land or revenue matters.
sites (others: Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar). This self-contained system operated
Historical Importance: independently, without external authority or
attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Gautama taxation.
Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath The arrival of the East India Company
(around 528 BCE). disrupted this autonomy by introducing
This event is called taxes and external control.
“Dhammachakrapravartana” or “Turning of
the Wheel of Dharma”. 9. Seven Natural Heritage Sites Added to
It marked the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha
UNESCO Tentative List
(community of monks).
Context
Monuments & Structures:
Seven natural heritage sites from across India
Dhamek Stupa – built by Ashoka, commemorates have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List
the Buddha’s first sermon. of World Heritage Sites, increasing India’s count
Chaukhandi Stupa – marks the spot where on the Tentative List from 62 to 69 properties.
Buddha met his first disciples.
Ashokan Pillar – erected by Emperor Ashoka; its Newly Added Sites
lion capital is now the National Emblem of India. Deccan Traps at Panchgani and
Monasteries & remains – ruins of ancient Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra: The sites form
viharas, temples, and sculptures. part of the massive Deccan Traps and are
located within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary,
8. Kolhan’s Manki-Munda system already a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island Cluster, Andhra Pradesh: These visually striking
Karnataka: Known for its rare columnar basaltic red sand formations near Visakhapatnam
rock formations, this island cluster dates back showcase unique paleo-climatic and coastal
to the Late Cretaceous period, offering a geomorphological features that reveal Earth’s
geological snapshot from around 85 million climatic history and dynamic evolution.
years ago.
Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya:
Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills,
The stunning cave systems of Meghalaya,
Andhra Pradesh: Featuring the Eparchaean
particularly the Mawmluh Cave, serve as the
Unconformity and the Silathoranam (Natural
global reference point for the Meghalayan Age
Arch), this site represents over 1.5 billion
in the Holocene Epoch, reflecting significant
years of Earth’s history.
climate and geological transitions.
Varkala Cliffs, Kerala: The scenic cliffs along
Kerala’s coastline expose the Warkalli
Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland: A rare exposure Formation of the Mio-Pliocene age, along
of ophiolite rocks, these hills represent oceanic with natural springs and striking erosional
crust uplifted onto continental plates— landforms.
offering deep insights into tectonic processes
and mid-ocean ridge dynamics.
Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Hills),
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Do You Know? Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the It is a 4,500-year-old bronze statuette from
Nodal agency for UNESCO’s World Heritage the Indus Valley Civilization.
Convention in India. Discovery: Unearthed in 1926 at Mohenjo-
India hosted the 46th Session of the World daro (present-day Pakistan) by archaeologist
Heritage Committee in July 2024, New Delhi. Ernest Mackay.
Material and Technique: Made of bronze
using the lost-wax casting technique, the
10. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya statuette reflects the advanced metallurgical
knowledge of the Harappans.
The statue is around 10.5 centimetres tall and is
adorned with a necklace and a large number of
bangles stacked on her arms.
Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl
In News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich
tributes to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on his
birth anniversary, calling him a guiding force in
India’s journey toward a “Viksit Bharat.”
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916–1968)
He was a political thinker, economist, and
leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
He was an exceptional scholar and dedicated
nationalist.
Ideology - He was a visionary thinker, known for
his doctrine of Integral Humanism (Ekatma
Manav Darshan) which emphasized a balance
between spiritual and material development
and promoted decentralization and self- 12. Adi Sanskriti
reliant village-based economy.
Contributions- He contributed to ideological In News
journalism by starting ‘Rashtra Dharma’ The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the
(monthly), ‘Panchajanya’ (weekly), and Beta version of Adi Sanskriti at the National
‘Swadesh’ (daily). Conference on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan.
Adi Sanskriti
11. Mohenjodaro Dancing Girl Mandate - It is a digital learning platform
aimed at preserving tribal art forms,
promoting heritage, enabling livelihoods,
Context and connecting tribal communities globally.
A professor from Haryana, was booked for Uniqueness - It is envisioned as the world’s
allegedly stealing a replica of the Mohenjodaro first Digital University for preserving and
‘Dancing Girl’ bronze figurine from the National promoting tribal culture and traditional
Museum in Delhi. knowledge.
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KPSC Current Affairs
It includes three key components: 2. 1st Interpol Silver Notices
Adi Vishwavidyalaya – A Digital Tribal Art
Academy offering 45 courses on tribal dance,
painting, crafts, music, and folklore.
Adi Sampada – A socio-cultural repository
with over 5,000 curated documents on tribal
art, dance, textiles, artefacts, and livelihoods.
Adi Haat – An evolving online marketplace
(currently linked with TRIFED) to support
tribal artisans through direct consumer access
and sustainable livelihoods.
Relevance - Adi Sanskriti is a key initiative for
cultural preservation and tribal empowerment
under Viksit Bharat @2047.
Context
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has got its
INTERNAL SECURITY first Interpol silver notice issued, against the
recovery of around 82 kg of cocaine in Delhi.
1. Kuki-Zo Groups Interpol Silver Notice
A silver notice is issued by Interpol to identify,
locate, and trace assets acquired through
criminal proceeds by a fugitive.
Aim: Helping trace and recover criminal
assets for combating transnational organised
crime.
The Interpol launched ‘Silver Notice’, the
newest addition to the organisation’s list of
colour-coded notices
Interpol/International Criminal Police
Organisation
Context Founded in: 1923
The revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) Members: 196
agreement was signed between the Ministry Headquarters: Lyon, France.
of Home Affairs, Manipur government and 24 Role: Not a law enforcement agency itself;
Kuki-Zo insurgent groups which is valid for one it connects police forces worldwide and
year. provides support.
Functions
Kuki-Zo groups Facilitates international police cooperation
Found in - They are an ethnic community by:
spread across Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sharing information and criminal re-
Assam, and Myanmar. cords.
Insurgency- Since the 1980s–90s, various Issuing international arrest warrants
Kuki-Zo insurgent groups have taken up and alerts.
arms, mostly demanding: Coordinating cross-border investiga-
Greater autonomy/self-determination; tions.
Protection of tribal rights and land; Providing training and technical assis-
In some cases, separate statehood. tance.
Focuses on major areas of transnational
crime, including: Terrorism, Cybercrime, Or-
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ganized crime, Drug trafficking, Human traf- 4. National Investigation Agency (NIA)
ficking, Financial crime.
Context
INTERPOL Notices The Supreme Court criticized the Union
Red Notice: To seek the location and arrest of Government for not establishing exclusive
persons wanted for prosecution or to serve a National Investigation Agency (NIA) courts,
sentence. urging budget allocations to ensure timely trials
Yellow Notice: To help locate missing persons, and prevent bail for serious offenders.
often minors, or to help identify persons who National Investigation Agency (NIA)
are unable to identify themselves. Established under: NIA Act, 2008 after 26/11
Blue Notice: To collect additional information Mumbai attacks.
about a person’s identity, location or activities Function: Central counter-terrorism law
in relation to a criminal investigation. enforcement agency.
Black Notice: To seek information on Mandate: Investigates offences affecting India’s
unidentified bodies. sovereignty, security, international treaties, etc.
Green Notice: To provide warning about a NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019:
person’s criminal activities, where the person Jurisdiction extended: Can investigate
is considered to be a possible threat to public scheduled offences committed outside India
safety. involving Indian citizens/interests.
Orange Notice: To warn of an event, a person, Expanded mandate: Covers offences under
an object or a process representing a serious Explosive Substances Act, 1908 Human
and imminent threat to public safety. Trafficking, Cyber Terrorism Arms Act, 1959.
Purple Notice: To seek or provide information Headquarters: New Delhi
Special Courts: Total NIA Special Courts: 51
on modus operandi, objects, devices and
Exclusive NIA Courts: 2 (Ranchi & Jammu)
concealment methods used by criminals.
INTERPOL–United Nations Security Council
Special Notice: Issued for entities and 5. Indian Coast Guard
individuals who are the targets of UN Security In News
Council Sanctions Committees. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has reaffirmed
India’s commitment to global maritime
3. Directorate of Enforcement (ED) governance at the 4th Coast Guard Global
Summit, held in Rome.
In News
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has achieved Indian Coast Guard
a 94% conviction rate in PMLA cases. The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime law
enforcement and search and rescue agency
Enforcement Directorate
of India with jurisdiction over its territorial
Established in - On 1st May 1956, an ‘Enforcement
Unit’ was formed. In the year 1957, this Unit was waters including its contiguous zone and
renamed as ‘Enforcement Directorate’. exclusive economic zone.
Established under - It is a specialized financial It was established in 1977 by the Coast Guard
investigation agency under the Department Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India.
of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
Parent Agency: Ministry of Defence
Functions - ED enforces the following laws
Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 Headquarters: New Delhi
(FEMA) Head: Director General Indian Coast Guard
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (DGICG)
(PMLA)
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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. China and India Pledge to be ‘partners
not rivals’: SCO Summit
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): India has
expressed reservations about China’s Belt and
Road Initiative, especially regarding the China-
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which
passes through the territory of India.
2. India–Singapore 2025 Summit
Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese
President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of
the SCO summit in Tianjin.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Founded in - The SCO is an intergovernmental
organization founded in 2001 with six
members.
Objective: To enhance regional cooperation
for efforts to curb terrorism, separatism, and
extremism in the Central Asian region.
Members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran,
Belarus and the four Central Asian countries of
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. In News
Secretariat: Beijing Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted
Official languages: Russian and Chinese Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in
Observer status: Afghanistan, Belarus and New Delhi.
Mongolia
The SCO has been an observer in the UN General Key Outcomes of the Summit
Assembly since 2005. Maritime Security & Malacca Strait Patrol:
India expressed interest in patrolling the Malacca
Areas of Concern Strait, a strategic chokepoint connecting the
Ongoing Border Tensions - Incidents in Indian Ocean and the Pacific.
Doklam (2017), Galwan Valley (2020), and
northeastern states (Sikkim, Arunachal Strategic Importance of Malacca Strait
Pradesh). Global Trade Artery: Nearly 40% of India’s
trade and 80% of China’s oil imports pass
through it.
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Energy Security: Ensures uninterrupted oil 4. Political Crisis in Nepal and Its
and gas flows from the Middle East to East Implications for India
Asia.
Geostrategic Leverage: India’s Andaman & In News
Nicobar Command provides proximity to this Mass protests led by Nepal’s Generation Z
chokepoint, enhancing its role in Indo-Pacific erupted prompting widespread violence,
maritime security. including the burning of government buildings
and attacks on politicians.
3. BRICS Virtual Summit Reasons for Crisis in Nepal
Context Gen Z Discontent: Frustration over corruption,
the luxurious lifestyles of leaders, lack of
Recently, a virtual BRICS Summit was held
accountability, and youth unemployment
against the backdrop of increasing global
(above 20%) fueled mass discontent.
concerns over U.S tariff tussle.
Suppression of Dissent: The government
The summit was called by Brazil amid the
banned 26 major social media platforms,
50% tariffs imposed by the U.S on both India
citing regulatory reasons.
and Brazil.
Extreme State Response: Protesters faced
BRICS excessive force—police fired live rounds,
Founded in - 2009 rubber bullets, and enforced harsh curfews,
HeadQuarters - Shanghai resulting in over 20 deaths and hundreds
It is an acronym for the grouping of the wounded.
world’s leading emerging economies, namely
Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa 5. East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)
(included in 2010)
Origin - The term “BRIC” was coined by In News
the British Economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)
to describe the four emerging economies of faces strong opposition from environmental
Brazil, Russia, India, and China. activists.
Share of BRICS - BRICS brings together five of
the largest developing countries, representing East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project (EACOP)
41% of the global population, 24% of the Connectivity - It is a 1,443-km oil pipeline that
global GDP, and 16% of the global trade (By will transport oil produced from Uganda’s Lake
2028, BRICS is expected to make up 35 percent Albert oilfields to the port of Tanga in Tanzania.
of the global economy) Criticism -The pipeline cuts through 44
Chairmanship - The chairmanship of the forum protected areas and 7 key biodiversity zones,
is rotated annually among the members. South endangering species and local livelihoods.
Africa is the chair for 2023.
Initiatives of BRICS 6. First India-Iran-Uzbekistan Trilateral
New Development Bank (NDB) Meeting
Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)
BRICS Payment System
Customs Agreements
Constellation of Remote Sensing Satellites
New Initiative
BRICS is planning to launch its own “new
currency” system, a major step towards de-
dollarization (reducing dependence on the US
dollar for trade).
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In News Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) bombed a home
The first India-Iran-Uzbekistan trilateral in Doha, Qatar, where Hamas leaders were
meeting was held in Tehran focusing on reportedly meeting.
enhancing cooperation against extremism and India condemned the violation of the
terrorism and promoting the use of Chabahar sovereignty of Qatar.
Port by Uzbekistan for trade with India.
Reasons for India’s Stand
First India-Iran-Uzbekistan Trilateral Meeting Energy Security: Qatar is a crucial LNG
They also emphasized deeper connectivity supplier for India having long-term contracts.
via the International North-South Transit Large Diaspora: Over 8 lakh Indians live in
Corridor (INSTC). Qatar, contributing heavily in remittances.
India-Iran-Armenia also held a trilateral Strategic Balancing: India has strong defence
focusing on INSTC and Chabahar use and tech ties with Israel, but also deep
economic and cultural ties with Arab Gulf
International North-South Transport states.
Corridor(INSTC)
Proposed in - INSTC was first proposed in 2000 Qatar
Objective - It is a 7,200-km-long multi-modal
connectivity project to establish transport
connectivity between Russia, Central Asian
states and India.
Member countries - It includes 13 countries
namely India, Iran, Russia, Turkey, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz
Republic, Tajikistan, Oman, Syria, and Ukraine.
Significance - Potential project to Counter
China’s Belt and Road initiative.
Chabahar Port
Location: It is a seaport in Chabahar located in
southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.
It consists of two separate ports named
Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
It is only about 170 kilometers west of the
Pakistani port of Gwadar.
Strategic location: India needs access to iron
from Afghanistan’s Hajigak mine and other
natural resources from the Central Asian
countries of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and
Uzbekistan, which is made possible by the
Chabahar port.
INSTC: The port is also part of International
North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a
multimodal transport project to connect the
Indian Ocean to Northern Europe.
7. India Condemn the Doha Strike
Context
India has recently condemned Israel’s bombing
in Doha.
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Location - It is a country located in Western Difference between International Criminal
Asia. Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ)
It is located on the northeastern coast of the Features International International Court
Arabian Peninsula. Criminal Court (ICC) of Justice (ICJ)
It shares a sole land border with Saudi Arabia
to the south and is surrounded by the Persian Establishment 2002 (Rome Statute, 1945 (UN Charter)
Gulf on all other sides. 1998)
The Gulf of Bahrain separates Qatar from the
Location The Hague, The Hague,
Kingdom of Bahrain.
Netherlands Netherlands
Doha is its capital and largest city.
Languages: Arabic is the official and English is Jurisdiction Individuals accused Disputes between
the common language in the country. of serious crimes states
Official Currency: Riyal (QAR)
Crimes Covered Genocide, War Legal disputes
Crimes, Crimes (sovereignty, borders,
8. International Criminal Court Against Humanity, treaty violations) and
Crime of Aggression advisory opinions
In News
Binding Nature ICC rulings are legally ICJ rulings are binding
Qatar has met with the International Criminal
binding but rely on but can be ignored
Court (ICC) president to seek legal action
state cooperation for (enforcement
against Israel following an Israeli strike on its
territory targeting Hamas leaders. enforcement through UN Security
Council)
International Criminal Court – ICC Membership 125 States Parties All 193 UN Member
Founded by - The ICC was established by the (Rome Statute) States
Rome Statute.
Cases Heard Criminal cases Civil cases between
Founded in - It was founded in 1998 and it
against individuals states
began sittings on July 1, 2002, after 60 countries
had ratified the Rome Statute. Appeal Has an appeals No formal appeals
Headquarters - The Hague, Netherlands. mechanism process
Functions - The ICC is the first and only
permanent international court with jurisdiction
to prosecute individuals for the international
crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, 9. India-Russia Discuss BRICS Grain
war crimes and the crime of aggression. Exchange Plan
Principle of complementarity - It is intended to
complement existing national judicial systems Context
and it may therefore exercise its jurisdiction India-Russia discussed plans of creating a
only when national courts are unwilling or common agricultural food exchange that will
unable to prosecute criminals. help in boosting agriculture trade among the
BRICS member-countries.
Enforcement Challenges:
Lacks universal territorial jurisdiction - The BRICS Grain Exchange Plan
ICC may only investigate and prosecute crimes Proposed in - BRICS Summit in Kazan in 2024.
committed within member states. Mandate - establishing a fair and transparent
The ICC does not have its own police force agricultural trading system.
and relies on state cooperation for arrests and Enhance food security: Create a more resilient
extraditions.
and reliable supply chain for BRICS members
Non-member states have no obligation to
and other countries in the Global South.
cooperate (e.g., Israel, the US, Russia, China,
and India).
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KPSC Current Affairs
10. FIPIC professionals holding at least a bachelor’s
degree in STEM from recognised institutions in
China or abroad.
The K visa is being seen as an extension of
the R visa for high-level talent introduced by
China in 2013.
Significance - It reflects China’s broader
ambition to;
Reposition itself as a global hub for science
and technology.
Shift the balance of talent flows from the US to
China.
12. India and Morocco Sign Defence
Cooperation
About
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s
Defence Minister signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation.
In News
External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, hosted Morocco
a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Forum Morocco is a mountainous country of western
for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in North Africa that lies directly across the Strait
New York. of Gibraltar from Spain.
India and Morocco Sign Defence Cooperation
Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation
Morocco borders Algeria to the east and
(FIPIC)
southeast, Western Sahara to the south,
It is a multilateral grouping launched by India the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the
in 2014 Mediterranean Sea to the north.
Objective - to enhance cooperation between It is the only African country with coastal
India and 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs). exposure to both the Atlantic Ocean and the
Member countries - Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Mediterranean Sea.
Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau,
Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. 13. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Significance - It aims to strengthen cooperation (SCO) Summit 2025, Tianjin
in areas such as politics, economy, trade,
investment, culture, health, education, In News
infrastructure, and disaster management. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
held its annual Heads of State Summit in Tianjin,
China, in 2025.
11. K Visa
Key Highlights
Context
Regional Conflicts and Non-Proliferation:
China is going to introduce the K Visa program Rejected double standards in counterterrorism
to attract young science and technology and emphasized preventing cross-border
professionals from across the globe. movement of terrorists.
Key Features of the K Visa Condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam
(J&K).
Eligibility Criteria: Open to young foreign
Criticized military strikes by Israel and the
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U.S. on Iran Ramon Magsaysay
Endorsed India’s global vision of “One Earth, Established: 1958, in memory of Ramon
One Family, One Future” as a principle for Magsaysay, the 7th President of the
inclusive growth. Philippines, known for his integrity, courage,
Proposed the creation of an SCO Development and democratic leadership.
Bank to fund infrastructure and development Instituted by: The Rockefeller Brothers
projects. Fund (RBF), in partnership with the Philippine
government.
Administered by: The Ramon Magsaysay
14. Universal Postal Union (UPU) Award Foundation (RMAF), Manila.
In News Nature: Recognizes individuals or
The 28th Universal Postal Congress, the organizations in Asia who show selfless
supreme decision-making body of the Universal service and transformative leadership.
Postal Union (UPU), opened in Dubai. Prestige: Considered Asia’s highest honour,
equivalent in stature to the Nobel Prize in Asia.
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Established: 9 October 1874 (Treaty of Bern).
2. National Teachers Awards
UN Agency: Became a specialized UN agency in
1948.
Purpose:
Coordinates international postal policies and
operations.
Members: 192 member countries, making
it one of the oldest and largest global
organizations.
India joined UPU in 1876.
MISCELLANEOUS
Context
The President of India conferred National
1. Ramon Magsaysay Award
Awards on 81 teachers from across the country
at a function held in New Delhi on Teachers’ Day
(5th September).
National Teachers Awards
Organiser: Ministry of Education and It was
Instituted in 1958.
Award given by - President of India (or) The
Vice President of India on 5th September
(Teacher’s Day) every year
Purpose - to give public recognition to
meritorious teachers working in primary,
middle and secondary schools.
Context Occasion: Awards are conferred every year
on Teachers’ Day, observed on the birth
An Indian non-profit organisation, ‘Foundation
anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan,
to Educate Girls Globally’, dedicated to girls’
former President of India and a great
education, has been named a 2025 Ramon
philosopher-educationist.
Magsaysay Awardee.
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Do you know? Dr. Bhupen Hazarika received numerous
National Education Day is observed on 11th national and international honors:
November in honour of Maulana Abul Kalam Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1992);
Azad, India’s first Education Minister. National Film Award (1975) for Chameli
Memsahab;
Padma Shri (1977), Padma Bhushan (2001),
3. 99th birth anniversary of Bhupen Padma Vibhushan (2012, posthumous), Bharat
Hazarika Ratna (2019, posthumous);
Muktijoddha Padak (2011, Bangladesh,
Context
posthumous).
Recently, the Prime Minister of India penned
Note - He was honored with commemorative
a heartfelt tribute on the occasion of Bhupen
postal stamps and the naming of the Dr. Bhupen
Hazarika’s 99th birth anniversary.
Hazarika Setu, India’s longest river bridge.
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
Additional Information - Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
Early Life and Education: Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, Setu,
also known as the ‘Bard of Brahmaputra’ and
It is also known as the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge.
‘Sudhakantha’(the Nightingale), was born
It is India’s longest river bridge. Spanning 9.15
on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam, to
kilometers
NilAwards and Recognition
Constructed across - Lohit River, a major
Music and Cultural Contributions: His music
tributary of the Brahmaputra.
reflected nature, love, and fraternity, drawing
It connects the states of Assam and
richly from Assamese landscapes and tribal
Arunachal Pradesh in the northeastern part of
traditions.
the country.
Political and Social Engagement - He was elected
to the Assam Legislative Assembly in 1967 and
served as President of the Assam Sahitya Sabha 4. International Day of Sign Languages
in 1993.
Context
The International Day of Sign Languages is
observed on 23rd September every year
International Day of Sign Languages
Objective - to highlight the importance of
sign language in ensuring the human rights
of Deaf people worldwide.
Observed by - UN Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities. India ratified this
Convention in 2007.
The date also commemorates the establishment
of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in
1951.
2025 theme- No Human Rights Without Sign
Language Rights,”
Do you Know?
According to the WFD, there are over 70 million
Deaf people worldwide, and more than 80% of
them live in developing countries.
In India, the 2011 Census recorded about 50 lakh
Deaf persons.
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5. Seychelles 6. Baltic Sea
In News
Indian Navy ships INS Tir, INS Shardul, and Indian
Coast Guard ship ICGS Sarathi, comprising
the First Training Squadron (1TS), arrived in
Seychelles.
Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands.
It is located east of Kenya and northeast of
Madagascar. In News
The capital, Victoria, is situated on the island Sweden has accused Russia of being behind
of Mahé. a significant rise in instances of GPS signal
It holds strategic importance for India due to jamming recorded over the Baltic Sea, raising
its location along key maritime routes. concerns for aviation in the region.
Importance for India Baltic Sea
India and Seychelles share deep-rooted The Baltic Sea is one of the seas of the Atlantic
historical ties, with Indian settlers arriving as Ocean.
early as 1770. It is located in Northern Europe, enclosed by
Bilateral relations have grown steadily, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia,
encompassing defence, maritime security, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Sweden.
climate resilience, and cultural exchange. It is one of the planet’s largest bodies of
Recent engagements include joint projects brackish water, where salt water from the
under grant assistance and collaboration in North-East Atlantic blends with fresh water
the International Solar Alliance. from the surrounding rivers and streams.
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KPSC Current Affairs
7. Papua New Guinea Features - It is characterized by active
volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
Significance - It consists of 75% of Earth’s
volcanoes i.e. more than 450 volcanoes are
located along the Ring of Fire.
Reason for the occurrence - The abundance
of volcanoes and earthquakes along the Ring
of Fire is due to the frequent movement of
tectonic plates in this area.
Additional Information - Recently Erupted
Sangay Volcano: Ecuador
Taal Volcano: Philippines
Mt. Sinabung, Merapi volcano: Indonesia
Volcanoes in India
Barren Island, Andaman Islands (India’s only
active volcano)
Narcondam, Andaman Islands
Baratang, Andaman Islands
Deccan Traps, Maharashtra
Dhinodhar Hills, Gujarat
Dhosi Hill, Haryana
Context
Recently, the Indian Navy’s indigenously built
Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, INS Kadmatt, PERSONALITIES
led the Fleet Review during Papua New Guinea’s
50th Independence Day celebrations. 1. Sree Narayana Guru
Papua New Guinea
It is the largest Pacific Island nation.
The region falls under the seismic ‘Ring of Fire’.
Capital: Port Moresby
Official Languages: English, Tok Pisin (a creole),
and Hiri Motu.
Government: Parliamentary democracy, part
of the Commonwealth.
India & Papua New Guinea
India emphasized that INS Kadmatt’s
participation reflects its strategic outreach
under the Act East Policy, aimed at
strengthening ties with Pacific Island nations.
Additional Information - Ring of Fire
Known as - The Ring of Fire also referred to as
the Circum-Pacific Belt is present along the
land borders of the Pacific Ocean.
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In News 2. Sir M Visvesvaraya
Recently, the birth anniversary of Sree Narayana
Guru was observed.
Sree Narayana Guru(1856–1928)
He was born in 1856 in Kerala into the
Ezhava community, which faced severe caste
disabilities.
He was a saint, philosopher, and one of the
foremost social reformers in modern India who
challenged caste oppression and emphasized Context
spiritual reform as the path to social reform. PM Modi paid homage to Sir Mokshagundam
Sree Narayana Guru known for blending Advaita Visvesvaraya on his birth anniversary, observed
nationwide as Engineers’ Day.
Vedanta with a call for social justice.
Sir M Visvesvaraya
Key Contributions Born on - September 15, 1861.
Social Philosophy: Propagated the radical He is regarded as one of India’s greatest
engineers whose pioneering work
message: “One Caste, One Religion, One God revolutionised infrastructure development.
for Man”. He served as the Diwan of Mysore and
Rejected birth-based caste hierarchy and President of the All-India Manufacturers’
Organisation.
promoted dignity of labour. He was conferred with the Bharat Ratna in
Institution Building: Founded Sree Narayana 1955.
Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP, 1903) to
Contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya
advance education, social empowerment, Innovative Flood Management Systems: After
and reform. the 1908 Musi River floods, Sir [Link]
designed reservoirs like Osman Sagar and
Aruvipuram Movement (1888): Consecrated
Himayat Sagar and proposed systematic flood
a Shiva idol himself, breaking the Brahmin control solutions.
monopoly over temple rituals. Built temples, Pioneering Dam Construction and Irrigation:
As Chief Engineer of Mysore, Sir Visvesvaraya
schools, and ashrams for the common people
built the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam in
with egalitarian access. 1932, creating Asia’s largest reservoir.
Political & Social Movements: Extended His automatic sluice gates improved water
regulation at multiple dams.
moral and ideological support to the Vaikom
Literary Works: Reconstructing India (1920),
Satyagraha (1924–25) for temple entry rights Planned Economy for India (1936), and
of lower castes. Unemployment in India: Its Causes and Cure
(1932).
Educational Upliftment: Stressed education
Autobiography: Memoirs of my Working Life
as the foundation of empowerment and (1951)
upliftment.
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KPSC Current Affairs
Siddi community
2. KARNATAKA DARSHANA
Found in - The Siddi community in Karnataka
is a unique ethnic group of African descent,
primarily residing in the remote forest areas
of the Uttara Kannada and Belagavi districts.
Uniqueness- The Siddi people have preserved
a distinct identity that blends their African
STATE ISSUES ancestry with local Indian traditions.
1. Samruddhi Gram Panchayat Project
(SGPP)
News -
205 Gram Panchayats to get high-speed
broadband under Samruddhi Gram Panchayat
Project (SGPP).
Samruddhi Gram Panchayat Project (SGPP)
Launched in -September 2025 History and origin
Objective - to boost digital connectivity and Arrival in India: The Siddis, also known as
economic opportunities in rural areas. Habshis or Abyssinians, are the descendants
Features - It aims to provide high-speed of Bantu-speaking people from East and
internet to 205 selected gram panchayats Central Africa.
using BharatNet’s optical fiber cables They were brought to India by Arab,
Implementation - Rural Development and Portuguese, and British traders as slaves,
Panchayat Raj Department, soldiers, and laborers, beginning as early as
Significance- The goal is to provide high-speed the 7th century.
internet to rural areas using optical fibre cables Population: A significant portion of India’s Siddi
(OFCs). population, estimated to be around 50,000,
lives in Karnataka.
Additional information - BharatNet Religious diversity: The Siddis of Karnataka
The National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) follow a mix of religions, with a plurality
was launched in 2011 and later renamed the following Hinduism, followed by Islam and
BharatNet Project in 2015 Christianity. This diversity has been seamlessly
Implementation - Ministry of integrated into their communities.
Communications. Languages: While their ancestors spoke
Mandate - It aimed at providing high-speed African languages, modern Siddis in Karnataka
broadband connectivity to every Gram
are fluent in local languages like Kannada and
Panchayat (GP) across the country.
Konkani.
Uniqueness-It is one of the largest rural
telecom projects in the world
Significance - to offer affordable broadband 3. Kali tiger reserve
access and enable the delivery of e-health,
e-education, and e-governance services in News-
rural India. Centre seeks report on ‘irregularities’ in shifting
dwellers from Kali Tiger ReserveKali Tiger
Reserve.
2. Siddi community
Kali Tiger Reserve:
News -
Location - Kali Tiger Reserve, earlier known
The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA),
as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve is located in
Bengaluru, will be hosting an event showcasing
the rich cultural heritage of the Siddi community. Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka State.
62 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
This belt of Uttara Kannada district is a part 4. New high-yielding and climate-resilient
of the Western Ghats. millet varieties.
Protected areas - The Tiger Reserve comprises
of two important protected areas of the region
viz., Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi
National Park.
River: Kali River, which forms the major source
of water for Uttara Kannada, flows through the
tiger reserve and hence the name.
Vegetation: Forests are primarily moist
deciduous and semi-evergreen, with
excellent patches of evergreen forests in the
westernmost parts as well as in deep valleys.
Flora: Some common trees and plants here
include: bintangur, Calophyllum wightianum,
Malabar tamarind, Garcinia morella, Knema
attenuata, Hopea wightiana, Tetrameles News-
nudiflora etc. The University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS),
Fauna:It is known for housing many tigers, Dharwad has developed eight new high-yielding
black panthers and elephants. and climate-resilient millet varieties.
Other large mammals here are Indian bison, These new varieties are tolerant to both floods and
sloth bear, Indian wild boar, bonnet macaque, droughts.
northern plains gray langur, gray slender High yielding varieties
loris, several deer including: barking deer
1. Foxtail millet DFT-3
(muntjac), mouse deer (chevrotain), sambar
deer and spotted deer (chital or axis deer). 2. Little Millet - DLtM-5.
3. DBrM-5 Barnyard Millet.
Additional Information - Tiger Reserves of
Karnataka 4. DFM-3 Finger Millet.
Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve: A 5. DKM-1 Kodo Millet.
historically significant reserve, it was once a
6. DPrM-5 Proso Millet.
private hunting ground for the Maharaja of
Mysore. 7. DSM 4 Sesame.
Bhadra Tiger Reserve: Located in the Western 8. Hybrid sunflower.
Ghats and named after the Bhadra River, this
is another well-known reserve under Project Additional Information - Millet Production in
Tiger. India
Nagarahole National Park (Rajiv Gandhi National India is the largest producer of millet in the
Park): Situated in the Western Ghats foothills world.
and is an important wildlife area. It accounts for 20% of global production and
Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve (also known as Kali 80% of Asia’s production.
Tiger Reserve): Located in the Uttara Kannada Global Distribution:
district, it encompasses the Anshi and Dandeli India, Nigeria and China are the largest
Forests and is named after the Kali River. producers of millets in the world, accounting
Biligiri Ranganatha Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve: for more than 55% of the global production.
This reserve connects the hills of Biligiri
For many years, India was a major producer
Ranganatha and the Sagamangalam Forest and
of millets. However, in recent years, millet
is part of an elephant corridor.
production has increased dramatically in Africa.
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KPSC Current Affairs
About Millets the management of property records in
Cultivated in - Millets are that are grown as Bangalore.
grain crops, primarily on marginal land in dry Features- It maintains comprehensive,
areas of temperate, subtropical and tropical updated digital records of property
regions. ownership, including details such as photos
Major Millet crops grown in India - Pearl Millet of the owner and property, and a unique
(Bajra) (highest share), Jowar (Sorghum), and Property Identity Number (PID).
Finger Millet (Mandua/Ragi). Citizens can apply for property-related services
Major producing states - Rajasthan, Andhra online, including khata registrations, ownership
Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, transfers, mutations, and property tax
Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana. payments, without visiting government offices
Property owners can track the status of their
Initiatives taken for promotion of Millet applications and receive updates throughout
International Year of Millets - 2023 was the approval process, increasing transparency.
declared as the International Year of Millets
(IYOM) by UNGA on India’s proposal.
National Year of Millets celebrated in 2018. 6. Infant mortality rate of Karnataka
Millets are notified as nutri-cereals and included
under POSHAN Mission Abhiyan.
5. Raste Gundi Gamana app & E Aasthi
digital platforms
News-
The Greater Bengaluru Authority has
launched an interactive map service to help
citizens view ward boundaries and identify
their respective corporations.
‘E-services, including BBMP apps such as Gundi
Gamana, e-Aasthi, and the online grievance
portal, will remain centralised for the time
being
Raste Gundi Gamana
It is a public-focused mobile app launched by
the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike News-
(BBMP) The State’s infant mortality rate (IMR) fell from
Objective - to help citizens report potholes in 15 in 2022 to 14 in 2023, according to the Sample
the city. Registration Survey (SRS), 2023 released this
The GPS-enabled app, available in English and week by the office of the Registrar-General of
Kannada, India.
Significance - It allows users to upload
pictures of potholes and send reports to the Connect with the Basics
civic body to expedite repairs and increase Infant mortality rate - It is the number of
accountability deaths of infants under one year old per
1,000 live births.
E Aasthi It is a key indicator of a country’s health
E Aasthi is an online digital platform introduced status and is influenced by factors like access
by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to prenatal care, living conditions, and
(BBMP) socioeconomic status.
Objective - to digitize and streamline
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Observations - under the Companies Act 1956 and is wholly
A matter of concern is that rural areas continue owned by the Government of Karnataka.
to report a higher number of infant deaths
compared to urban regions. Also, the death Additional Information - Krishna river
rate is high among female babies Krishna River System is one of the significant
While 16 female infant deaths per thousand river basins in Peninsular India.
live births were reported in rural areas in With a total length of about 1,400 kilometres,
Karnataka in 2023, the rate is 14 in urban the Krishna is one of the longest rivers in India.
regions. The Krishna is the second-largest east-
Karnataka’s IMR is far better than the national flowing river in Peninsular India.
average that dropped to 25 in 2023 from 26 in Origin - Krishna River rises at Mahabaleshwar
2022. near the Jor village in Satara district.
Course - The Krishna River is bounded by the
Balaghat range on the north, by the Eastern
7. Upper Krishna project Ghats on the south and the east, and by the
Western Ghats on the west.
Right Bank Tributaries of the Krishna River are:
1. Venna,
2. Koyna,
3. Panchganga,
4. Dudhganga,
5. Ghataprabha,
6. Malaprabha and
7. Tungabhadra
Left-bank tributaries of the Krishna River are:
1. Bhima,
2. Dindi,
News- 3. Peddavagu,
Mr. Siddramaiah said under the third phase of
4. Halia,
Upper Krishna Project, the height of the Almatti
5. Musi,
dam will be increased from 519.6 m to 524.25 m
to store 130 tmc of water. 6. Paleru, and
7. Munneru
Upper Krishna project
It is a major multi-purpose irrigation project
across the Krishna River in Karnataka 8. Quantum city
Utility to provide irrigation to drought- News-
prone districts such as Vijayapura, Bagalkot, The government has allocated 6.17 acres at
Kalburgi, Yadgir, and Raichur. Hesaraghatta in northwestern Bengaluru for
Stage I aims to use 119 tmc of water to irrigate establishing a Quantum City (Q-City).
about 425,000 hectares on the left bank of
the Krishna River, with major constructions Quantum city at Hesaraghatta
like the Almatti and Narayanpur dams. It will have state-of-the-art labs, incubation
Stage II uses 54 tmc to irrigate approximately facilities for start-ups and infrastructure for
197,000 hectares on the right bank, involving academic-industry collaboration
lift irrigation schemes and canal extensions. Target - By 2035, Karnataka aims to build a
Implementing agency - Krishna Bhagya Jala $20 billion quantum economy through bold
Nigam Limited (KBJNL) is a government-owned initiatives in quantum computing.
company incorporated on 19th August 1994
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KPSC Current Affairs
Connect with the basics - Computing News -
Definition - A bit (binary digit) is the smallest The Karnataka State Lime Development Board
piece of information storage in computing. (KSLDB) plans to open outlets to popularise
Often, a large number of bits is required to lemon tea on the lines of Darjeeling and Assam
convey meaningful information. teas.
Quantum computing Kagzi Lemon (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)
Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary It is a Kaffir lime variety known for its high
field comprising aspects of computer science, vitamin C, medicinal uses, and culinary
physics, and mathematics that utilizes importance.
quantum mechanics to solve complex It is particularly known for its juice, which is a
problems faster than on classical computers. significant source of vitamin C, potassium,
Quantum mechanics - It is a science dealing and folate.
with the behavior of matter and light on the State Fruit of Assam: In February 2024, the
atomic and subatomic scale Assam government officially declared the
Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged ‘Kaji
Applications Nemu’ as the state fruit.
Drug discovery: Simulating complex molecules GI Tag: The Kaji Nemu was awarded a GI tag
to develop new drugs and materials, leading to in 2019.
accelerated medical innovation. Economic Significance: This move is aimed
Financial modeling: Optimizing financial at promoting the state’s agricultural sector,
portfolios and managing risk with unparalleled benefiting local farmers, and boosting
accuracy and speed. international exports.
Cryptography: Breaking existing encryption International Demand: The GI tag has increased
methods and developing new, quantum- the lemon’s demand from countries like the UK
resistant ones. and UAE.
Machine learning: Revolutionizing AI by training
algorithms on massive datasets much faster, Additional Information - GI Tagged products of
leading to breakthroughs in natural language Karnataka
processing, computer vision, and more. Karnataka holds one of the highest numbers of
Materials science: Designing novel materials Geographical Indication (GI) tags in India
with superior properties like high-temperature
superconductors or efficient solar cells. Handicrafts
1. Bidriware: A metal handicraft from Bidar
Initiatives by the Government of India featuring silver inlay work on a blackened
National Mission on Quantum Technologies alloy of zinc and copper.
and Applications (NM-QTA: 2. Channapatna Toys and Dolls: Colorful
Quantum Computing Applications Lab (QCAL) wooden toys made with non-toxic, vegetable-
based dyes, from the town of Channapatna,
also known as “Gombegala Ooru” or toy town.
9. Kagzi lemon
3. Ganjifa Cards of Mysore: An ancient Indian
card game featuring intricate, hand-painted
artwork, historically patronized by the Mysore
royalty.
4. Guledgudd Khana: Handloom fabric known
for its special patterns.
5. Ilkal Sarees: A traditional saree from North
Karnataka where the body and the pallu (the
outer end) are woven separately and then
joined.
6. Karnataka Bronzeware: Traditional bronze
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KPSC Current Affairs
crafts known for their distinct patterns and 6. Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee: Coffee from
designs. the Chikmagalur region, where cultivation
7. Kasuti Embroidery: A folk embroidery style first began in India.
from Karnataka known for its intricate, 7. Coorg Arabica Coffee: Arabica coffee variety
rangoli-inspired motifs. from the Kodagu (Coorg) region.
8. Kinhal Toys: A traditional wooden craft from 8. Coorg Green Cardamom: A variety of
the town of Kinhal in Koppal district, with cardamom known for its superior aroma and
themes primarily based on Hindu mythology. taste.
9. Kolhapuri Chappal: Handcrafted leather 9. Coorg Orange: A golden-tinged mandarin
sandals shared with the state of Maharashtra. orange variety from Kodagu.
10. Molakalmuru Sarees: Silk sarees from the 10. Devanahalli Pomello: A citrus fruit known for
Chitradurga district known for their nature- its sweet taste with a mild tartness.
inspired motifs. 11. Gulbarga Tur Dal: A pigeon pea variety
11. Mysore Rosewood Inlay: The art of inserting known for its distinctive taste, aroma, and
pieces of contrasting materials, such as ivory high milling qualities.
and mother-of-pearl, into rosewood objects. 12. Hadagali Malligae: A fragrant jasmine variety
12. Mysore Silk: Renowned for its high quality from the Hadagali region.
and luster, this silk and its sarees are produced 13. Indi Lime: A lime variety with specific
exclusively by the Karnataka Silk Industries geographical and chemical features.
Corporation Ltd (KSIC). 14. Kamalapur Red Banana: A special red banana
13. Mysore Traditional Paintings: An elegant grown exclusively in the Kamalapur village
school of classical South Indian painting, area, valued for its taste and high nutrient
known for its muted colors and intricate content.
details. 15. Kari Ishad Mango: A mango variety with a
14. Navalgund Durries: Hand-woven flat floor unique flavor and quality.
coverings featuring colorful designs, including 16. Malabar Pepper: Shared with Kerala, this
the motifs of peacocks. pepper variety is grown in the Monsooned
15. Sandur Lambani Embroidery: A unique Malabar region.
embroidery from the Lambani nomadic tribe 17. Monsooned Malabar Arabica and Robusta
that combines darning, cross-stitch, and Coffee: Coffee beans exposed to monsoon
mirror work. winds, which gives them a unique flavor and
16. Udupi Sarees: Handloom cotton sarees from aroma.
the coastal region of Udupi. 18. Mysore Betel Leaf: A heart-shaped betel leaf
known for its smooth texture and pungent
Agricultural products
taste.
1. Appemidi Mango: A tangy variety of mango
19. Mysore Malligae: The most popular of the
primarily used for pickles, known for its
three jasmine varieties native to Karnataka.
fragrance and long shelf life.
20. Nanjanagud Banana: A world-famous banana
2. Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee: Coffee
variety known for its sweet taste and aroma.
beans from Chikmagalur district, where
coffee cultivation in India reportedly began. 21. Sirsi Supari: Areca nut grown in the Sirsi region
of Uttara Kannada district, characterized by
3. Bangalore Blue Grapes: Soft-skinned, juicy
its unique shape, texture, and taste.
grapes with a “foxy” flavor.
22. Udupi Mattu Gulla Brinjal: A round, green-
4. Bangalore Rose Onion: A pungent, deep-pink
striped brinjal with thin skin and few seeds,
variety of onion cultivated in the districts
traditionally used in Udupi cuisine.
surrounding Bangalore.
23. Udupi Malligae: Another fragrant jasmine
5. Byadagi Chilli: A famous, deep-red and less-
variety native to the coastal region of Udupi.
spicy variety of chili grown in the Haveri
district. Manufactured products
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Current Affairs 30
1. Dharwad Pedha: A milk-based sweet with a unique history dating back to the early 19th century.
2. Mysore Agarbathi: Incense sticks made with indigenous ingredients like sandalwood and herbs.
3. Mysore Sandal Soap: The only soap in the world made with 100% pure sandalwood oil, produced by the
Government Soap Factory in Bangalore.
4. Mysore Sandalwood Oil: Perfume oil distilled from the sandalwood tree, with production dating back
to the early 20th century.
10. E-Swathu
News-
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) officials have been directed to publish the final
guidelines to implement E-Swathu in gram panchayat limits across the State.
E-Swathu
Launched in - E Swathu is an online portal launched by the Government of Karnataka in 2021.
Objective - It enables the citizens to get the ownership details of properties situated in rural areas
of Karnataka.
Managed by - the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.
Significance - It has helped reduce the forgeries related to land and property transactions. It also
regulates registrations of unauthorized plots
11. Cantonment new Railway Colony area- Biodiversity heritage site
News -
The Department of Forest has declared the 8.61-acre Cantonment Railway Colony area, containing 371
trees from 50 different species, as a Biodiversity Heritage Site.
Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS)
Definition - They are specific locations with rich, unique, and ecologically fragile ecosystems, including
terrestrial, coastal, inland, or marine areas.
Notified by - These are areas notified by state governments under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
India’s first BHS was Nallur Tamarind Grove in Karnataka in 2007.
Objective - It aims to improve local livelihoods and conserve biodiversity through community
participation via Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
68 [Link]
Current Affairs 30
Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) of Karnataka
B i o d i v e r s i t y Location Year Accorded Area/Details Significance
Heritage Site
Nallur Tamarind India’s first BHS; ancient tamarind
Bengaluru 2007 54 acres
Grove trees, rich flora and fauna
Part of shola
Hogrekan Shola Notified pre- Connects Kudremukha and Bhadra
Chikkamagaluru forests, wildlife
Forest 2020 Sanctuaries; diverse vegetation
corridor
University of
Notified pre- Large green Ecologically important urban
A g r i c u l t u r a l Bengaluru
2020 campus biodiversity hotspot
Sciences (GKVK)
Notified pre- Shola forest and Important for endemic species and
Ambaragudda Shivamogga
2020 grasslands conservation
Also called Shri Siddeshwara
Mamadapura Approximately
Vijayapura 2024 Swamiji BHS; deciduous forest with
Reserve Forest 1494 acres
diverse flora and fauna
12. Project Khushi
News -
The Bengaluru city police, in association with Happiest Health, launched ‘Project Khushi’.
Project Khushi
Mandate -It is a health and wellness programme designed to help police personnel prevent and manage
lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
13. Chief Minister’s Adivasi Gruha Bhagya scheme
News -
The Cabinet approved a ₹160 crore package for 11 tribal communities.
Soliga, Hasalaru, Gowdalu, Siddi, Kudiya, Malekudiya, Kadukuruba, Iruliga, Betta Kuruba, Yarava, Paniyan
and others, for a housing scheme to 6,856 households under the Chief Minister’s Adivasi Gruha Bhagya
scheme.
Chief Minister’s Adivasi Gruha Bhagya scheme
Launched in - It was started in 2023 as part of Karnataka’s focused efforts to improve tribal welfare
and housing.
Objective: To provide pucca houses with basic amenities to Scheduled Tribe (ST) families in Karnataka,
improving their living conditions and socioeconomic status by ensuring safe and dignified housing.
Eligibility:
Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Tribe community.
The family should be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
Should not already own a pucca house.
Priority is given to economically weaker tribal households without housing facilities.
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KPSC Current Affairs
Valid tribal certificate (ST certificate), 15. Sharavati pumped storage
proof of residence, and other govern-
ment-required documents are necessary.
Ministry: The scheme is administered under
the Department of Social Welfare and Tribal
Welfare, Government of Karnataka.
14. ASTraM app
News -
Work on Sharavati project will start soon, says
George
Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric
Project
Location - It is a pumped storage power
project on the Sharavathi River in Karnataka.
Total power generation capacity - 2000 MW
Uniqueness - It stands as the largest pumped
storage power generation unit in the country.
It will be built between two existing reservoirs.
The Talakalale dam, which stands at 62.48
meters tall, will be the upper reservoir.
This dam currently helps balance water for
the existing Sharavathy hydroelectric project.
The Gerusoppa dam will be the lower
News -
reservoir, and it is about 64 meters tall.
ASTraM app and the ‘Gundi Gamana’ to be Water will be pumped uphill during the off-
integrated to monitor potholes, flooding season using grid power and released downhill
during peak demand to generate electricity.
ASTraM app
Modelled on the lines of Telangana’s
Abbreviation - Actionable Intelligence for
Kaleshwaram project, it also aims to supply
Sustainable Traffic Management
drinking water to Bengaluru.
Launched by - Bengaluru Traffic Police in January Concerns - This project will destroy the ancient
2024 monuments of the 16th century that are the
legacy of Rani Chennabhairadevi.
Objectives
To equip Bengaluru Traffic Police with real- Rani Chennabhairadevi
time, data-driven situational awareness for She ruled from 1552 to 1606 from her capital
better traffic management. Gerusoppa.
To provide congestion alerts every 15 She is the longest reigning queen in Indian
minutes to traffic officials and stakeholders history.
for proactive traffic planning. She also fought the Portuguese who gave her
To enable citizens to actively participate by the title ‘Rainha de Pimenta’ that translates
reporting accidents, violations, and making into ‘The Queen of Pepper’ as her kingdom
online traffic fine payments. She was known for exporting spices to
European and Arab countries.
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Additional Information - Sharavathi River 17. Bengaluru Water Resilience Project
It is a west flowing river of Karnataka state.
News -
A large part of the river basin lies in the Western
Greater Bengaluru authority to undertake
Ghats.
Bengaluru Water Resilience Project. The World
Course - Rising in the Western Ghats, it flows Bank approved a loan of $426 million for this
in a northwesterly direction to the Arabian project.
Sea at Honavar in Uttara Kannada District.
Length - The length of the river is 128 km, and Bengaluru Water Resilience Project
the river basin covers 2,985 sq km. It is a World Bank-funded initiative
Waterfalls - On its way, the Sharavathi forms
Objectives -
the Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in 1. to enhance the city’s water security and
India, where the river falls from a height of 253 climate resilience.
m. 2. to mitigate urban flooding and address the
Major Tributaries: Nandihole, Haridravathi, long-term water stress faced by the city.
Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole, Hurlihole,
and Nagodihole. Features -
Strengthen infrastructure: The project aims to
improve stormwater drain (SWD) infrastructure
16. New State textile policy of Karnataka - to prevent flooding.
2025-2030 Improve water security: The initiative will
focus on rainwater harvesting and watershed
News -
development
Karnataka will soon formulate a Textile Policy
Revitalize lakes: The project will help clean up
2025-2030
and reintegrate Bengaluru’s lake system
State textile policy of Karnataka - 2025-2030 Modernize technology: It incorporates
Aim - to attract investments in the textile advanced technology for flood modeling,
and readymade garment sector and generate management of borewells, and monitoring
employment opportunities to about 2 lakh water quality.
persons, Key partners and stakeholders - The project
Note - The government had decided to involves a collaboration between several public and
merge Handloom Development Corporation private agencies:
and Karnataka State Textiles Infrastructure 1. Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA): The
Development Corporation
primary implementing body.
Key features include: 2. World Bank: Provides significant funding and
Technical textiles: The new policy will technical assistance.
emphasize the promotion of technical textiles. 3. Indian Institute of Science (IISc): Will update
Infrastructure development: The state is its Urban Flood model for Bengaluru and
planning new textile parks under a public- provide scientific expertise.
private partnership (PPP) model in the Kittur 4. Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Karnataka, Kalyana Karnataka (Raichur), and (IIT-M): Supports the project with advanced
Mysuru regions. technology for processing and visualization.
Mega textile park: A 1,000-acre mega textile
5. Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage
park is also being established in Kalaburagi,
Board (BWSSB): A key stakeholder involved in
with plans to generate significant employment.
Skill development: The state intends to water and sewerage management.
establish a textile research center in Belagavi 6. Karnataka State Natural Disaster
to foster innovation and talent. Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC): Offers science
and technology inputs and capacity-building
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KPSC Current Affairs
support. by the Karnataka jurisdiction.
7. WELL Labs and CSTEP: Contribute strategies Eligibility: Must meet the general eligibility
and ideas for enhancing the project’s design criteria, with the additional requirement that
and implementation. at least one director or partner belongs to a
minority community.
8. Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd.
(BSMILE): A special purpose vehicle for
managing the project’s implementation. 19. The Karnataka Tank Conservation and
Development Authority (Amendment) Bill,
18. ELEVATE 2025, ELEVATE Unnati 2025, 2025,
and ELEVATE Minorities 2025. News-
News - Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot
State govt. extends deadline for receiving has returned the Karnataka Tank Conservation
applications for start-up programmes and Development Authority (Amendment)
Bill, 2025, seeking clarification from the State
ELEVATE 2025, ELEVATE Unnati 2025, and government on its proposal to reduce the size
ELEVATE Minorities 2025. of buffer zones for smaller waterbodies.
It is an initiative by the Government of Karnataka
Objective - to support early-stage startups The Karnataka Tank Conservation and
through funding, mentorship, and investor Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025,
connections. Mandate-It was introduced to amend the
existing Act to define graded buffer zones
1. ELEVATE 2025 is the general program,
around tanks based on their size, from 0
2. ELEVATE Unnati 2025 is specifically for meters for the smallest tanks to 30 meters for
startups with SC/ST founders, those over 100 acres.
3. ELEVATE Minorities 2025 targets startups
led by minority communities in Karnataka. Key aspects of the Bill
Graded buffer zones: The Bill proposes buffer
ELEVATE 2025 zones that vary based on the size of the water
General Cohort: This is the standard program body.
for innovative startups that meet the eligibility Tanks up to 0.05 acres (5 guntas) would have a
criteria. 0-meter buffer zone.
Eligibility: Startups must be a private limited Tanks over 100 acres would have a 30-meter
company, partnership firm, or Limited Liability buffer zone.
Partnership (LLP) registered in Karnataka, under Intermediate buffer zones are defined for tanks
10 years old, with a turnover not exceeding ₹100 between these sizes.
Crores, and working on innovation. Purpose of reduced zones: The amendment
Support: Offers grant-in-aid up to ₹50 Lakhs, aimed to permit construction activities like
mentorship, and investor connections. roads, bridges, and utility lines within the buffer
zones of smaller tanks.
ELEVATE Unnati 2025
Target Audience: Specifically designed for
startups with founders from Scheduled Caste 20. KMF launches Nandini products in
(SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. US at World Kannada Summit
Eligibility: Shares the same general eligibility
criteria as the main ELEVATE program, with the News -
added requirement that at least one director or The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) launched
partner belongs to the SC/ST community. its signature products Nandini ghee and sweets
— in the United States at the eighth NAVIKA
ELEVATE Minorities 2025 World Kannada Summit 2025 in Lakeland,
Target Audience: Focused on startups led by Florida.
members of minority communities as defined
72 [Link]
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8th NAVIKA World Kannada Summit management, water supply, public health,
Venue - Lakeland, Florida. ambulance and crematorium services, among
Organized by - North America Vishwa others, under the Karnataka Essential Services
Kannada Association (NAVIKA), Maintenance Act (K-ESMA), 2013.
Objective - The event was designed to
celebrate and preserve Kannada culture and Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance Act
connect the global Kannadiga community (K-ESMA), 2013,
Mandate - It prohibits strikes and lockouts in
certain services to ensure their uninterrupted
21. Deepika Student Scholarship
delivery to the public.
News - The state government can invoke this law
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the during periods of disruption to maintain public
‘Deepika Student Scholarship’ programme safety and daily life.
of the Department of Higher Education, in
collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation. Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance
(Amendment) Act, 2025,
Deepika Student Scholarship
Objective - to support higher education of Key provisions
girl students. Prohibition of strikes
Features - The scholarship provides ₹30,000 The government can ban strikes in specific
per year to girl students who have completed essential services by issuing a general or special
SSLC and Pre-University Course (PUC) in order.
government schools and colleges and have
Any strike that begins, continues, or is declared
enrolled in any general degree, professional
in an essential service after this order is made
degree, or diploma course.
It will benefit over 37,000 students starting is illegal.
2025-26.
Services covered
If more than 37,000 eligible students enroll,
the government will provide scholarships to Initially, the law specifically covered:
all qualified applicants Water or electricity services (including
generation, supply, and distribution).
Motor vehicle transport services for passengers
22. N. V. Prasad Committee
and goods.
The government can also declare any other
News - It is a high-level committee formed by
service as “essential” if a work stoppage would
the Karnataka government to examine and
propose regulations for bike taxi services in the cause hardship to the public or disrupt public
state. utility services. Recently added services include
solid waste management, waste collection, and
N. V. Prasad Committee municipal waterworks.
The committee was established following a
Karnataka High Court order in April 2025, which Duration
mandated the suspension of bike taxi services An order prohibiting a strike is initially valid for
until clear rules were in place. one year.
The government can extend the prohibition for
23. Karnataka Essential Services an additional six months if deemed necessary in
Maintenance Act (K-ESMA), 2013. the public interest.
News - Penalties for violations
The State government has notified 12 functions Individuals who participate in or support illegal
in Bengaluru city, essentially solid waste strikes can face severe consequences, including:
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KPSC Current Affairs
Illegal strikers: Up to one year of imprisonment Alzheimer’s Day.
or a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both. The month of September is observed as World
Instigators: Instigating or inciting a strike can Alzheimer’s awareness month.
result in the same penalties of up to one year in
prison or a ₹5,000 fine, or both. 24. Local Economy Accelerator
Financial aid: Providing financial support for an
Programme (LEAP)
illegal strike is also punishable with a jail term of
up to one year or a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both. News -
Arrest without warrant: The police have The Department of Electronics, IT and BT
the power to arrest anyone suspected of unveiled a ₹1,000-crore Local Economy
committing an offense under the Act without Accelerator Programme (LEAP) to drive
innovation across the State.
a warrant.
Disciplinary action: Penalties under the Act Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP)
are in addition to any departmental disciplinary The programme is designed to catalyse
action that may be taken against the employee. innovation, create 5 lakh jobs, and build robust
start-up ecosystems
NIMHANS set to roll out two new initiatives for It also aims to build equitable economic growth
elderly mental healthcare across the State, beyond Bengaluru.
News - To bridge the widening treatment gap in LEAP is conceived as the primary engine to
geriatric mental health, NIMHANS is set to roll out unlock the untapped potential in clusters
two pioneering initiatives — like Mysuru-Chamarajanagar, Mangaluru-
Udupi, Hubballi-Belagavi-Dharwad, Tumakuru,
1. NIMHANS–Vayomanasa Sanjeevani (VMS) Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga,
Gruha, a community-based outreach
programme, and
2. Post-Diagnostic Dementia Care Centre
25. NIMHANS launches AYUSH-MANN
developed in collaboration with Dementia News -
India Alliance (DIA). The National Institute of Mental Health and
Neurosciences (NIMHANS), in collaboration
NIMHANS–VMS Gruha programme with the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of
Objective - It will take specialised psychiatric India, launched AYUSH-MANN.
services directly to the homes of elderly
citizens. NIMHANS launches AYUSH-MANN
Aim : enhance public awareness on the role
Additional Information - Karnataka State of integrative approaches in the treatment of
Dementia Action Plan mental health and neurological disorders
Launched by - The State Health Department,
in association with NIMHANS and Dementia [Link] Skill Development Policy 2025–32
India Alliance (DIA), is all set to launch a
News -
‘Karnataka State Dementia Action Plan’.
The Karnataka Cabinet approved the State Skill
Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing
Development Policy 2025–32 with a funding
diseases that affect memory, cognitive requirement of ₹4,432.5 crore over seven years.
abilities and behavior, hindering daily
activities. Key features of the policy
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common Strengthening institutional infrastructure
type of dementia. Modernization of ITIs: Upgrading Industrial
The action plan is likely to be launched on Training Institutes (ITIs) and expanding
September 21, which is observed as World Government Tool Room & Training Centres
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(GTTCs) and Karnataka German Technical
Training Institutes (KGTTIs).
Future-ready training: Introducing courses in
high-demand areas like automation, robotics, 3. MISCELLANEOUS
renewable energy, advanced manufacturing,
and cybersecurity.
Improved facilities: Building new infrastructure,
fully functional workshops, and specialized skill 1. Committees
labs in government ITIs. This addresses the
issue of 26 government ITIs that currently lack 1. P.N. Desai Committee - to probe alleged
their own buildings. irregularities in the allotment of sites by
Education and industry integration the Mysuru Urban Development Authority
(MUDA). .
The policy aims to integrate vocational
education into mainstream schooling and 2. M. Vijay Bhaskar - to recommend reforms in
enhance collaboration with the industry the state’s higher agricultural education. .
through apprenticeships and training. 3. Keshav Narayana Commission report - to
It also includes provisions for international investigate the alleged suicide of Deputy
workforce mobility through language training Superintendent of Police (DySP) M.K.
and global certifications. Ganapathy in 2016.
Leveraging technology 4. M Govinda Rao Committee - to assess the
A digital portal with AI-driven tools will be state’s regional inequalities and recommend
established for training, assessment, and career measures for more balanced development.
guidance. 5. B.K. Singh - To investigate allegations of “vote
Inclusivity and targeted support theft” or “voter fraud” in the Aland Assembly
constituency in Karnataka.
The policy focuses on gender-inclusive skill
development with targets for female enrollment
and fee waivers. Special interventions are also
planned for women, persons with disabilities, AWARDS
marginalized communities, the urban poor, and
informal sector workers.
1. National Teachers Award 2025.
27. State records highest maternal Awardee - K.S. Madhusudan is a teacher at
mortality in 2023; Government Higher Primary School, Hinakal,
Mysuru,
News - Achievement - He was honored by the President
of India for transforming his government school
According to the Sample Registration System
with technology-driven initiatives, especially
(SRS) 2023, released this month, Karnataka’s
the “M Lounge Studio” (Meet, Make, Marvel).
MMR has shot up to 68 deaths per one lakh live
births in 2021-23 from 58 in 2020-22. Additional Information - National Teachers’
Maternal mortality rate - It is defined as the Award
number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live It is an annual Indian award presented by the
births during a specific time period. President of India
World Health Organization (WHO) definition- Objective- to honor some of the country’s
It is the death of a woman during pregnancy or finest teachers.
within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy. The award ceremony is held on September
5th every year to commemorate the birth
anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan,
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KPSC Current Affairs
a renowned philosopher and India’s second
grams, a citation, a memento, and a shawl.
president With Vishnuvardhan and Saroja Devi being
conferred the Karnataka Ratna, the number of
2. Anuparna Roy wins best director award recipients of the award has risen to 11.
Kuvempu was the first Karnataka Ratna
at Venice festival
awardee
Award Name: Best Director Award (Orizzonti Karnataka Ratna awardees
section, 2025)
Awardee: Anuparna Roy Winner Field Year
Awarding Organisation: Venice Kuvempu Literature 1992
International Film Festival
Dr. Rajkumar Cinema 1992
Additional information :
She was the first Indian director to receive this S. Nijalingappa Politics 1999
award in this category.
The award was for her debut feature film, C. N. R. Rao Science 2000
“Songs of Forgotten Trees.”
Devi Shetty Medicine 2001
3. Award in B. Saroja Devi’s name Bhimsen Joshi Music 2005
News - The State government has instituted an Shivakumara Swami Social service 2007
award in the name of actor B. Saroja Devi.
Javare Gowda Education and 2008
About the new award - literature
The award titled “Abhinaya Saraswati” will be
Veerendra Heggade Social service 2009
given to women who have rendered a minimum
of 25 years of service in the Kannada cine world. Puneeth Rajkumar Cinema and 2022
The award will carry a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and social service
a silver plaque.
B. Saroja Devi Cinema 2025
4. Karnataka ratna award Dr. Vishnuvardhan Cinema 2025
Award Name: Karnataka Ratna Award
Awardee: B. Saroja Devi (posthumously) and Dr. 5. Mohanlal to receive Dadasaheb Phalke
Vishnuvardhan (posthumously) Award
Awarding Organisation: Government of
Karnataka Award Name: Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023
Awardee: Mohanlal
About Karnataka ratna award
Awarding Organisation: Ministry of Information
It is the highest civilian honour of the State of & Broadcasting, Government of India
Karnataka.
The award is given in recognition of a person’s Additional Information - Dadasaheb Phalke
extraordinary contribution in any field, such as award
literature, cinema, politics, science, medicine, The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest
music, social service, and education. award in cinema.
It was instituted in 1992 by the Government of It was started in 1969 by the Government of
Karnataka, during the tenure of Chief Minister India.
S. Bangarappa. The award honors Dhundiraj Govind Phalke,
The award comprises a gold medal weighing 50 known as the father of Indian cinema.
76 [Link]
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Phalke made India’s first full-length feature Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) through its
film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913. e-Aasthi digital property record management
The award is for lifetime outstanding system.
contribution to the growth and development
of Indian cinema.
It includes a Golden Lotus medallion (Swarna
Kamal), a shawl, a citation, and a cash prize 7. 71st National Film Awards
of ₹10 lakh.
News -
The first winner of the award in 1969 was
The 71st National Film Awards ceremony
actress Devika Rani.
was held on September 23, 2025, at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi.
6. BBMP’s e-Khata wins National Award The awards were presented by the President of
2025 India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in the presence
of eminent film personalities and industry
stalwarts.
Award Name: National eGovernance Award
2025 Acting Awards
Awardee: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Best Male Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan),
Palike’s (BBMP) e-Khata initiative Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
Awarding Organization: Department Best Female Actor: Rani Mukerji (Mrs.
of Administrative Reforms and Public Chatterjee vs Norway)
Grievances (DARPG), Government of India (at Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role:
the 28th National eGovernance Awards) Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam - Malayalam),
Additional Information: The award was Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking - Tamil)
presented at the 28th National Conference on Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role:
e-Governance held in Visakhapatnam. Urvashi (Ullozhukku - Malayalam), Janki Bodiwala
The award recognizes innovative digital (Vash - Gujarati)
governance initiatives that improve service Best Child Artistes:
delivery to citizens at the grassroots level.
Sukriti Veni Bandreddi (Gandhi Tatha Chettu
BBMP’s e-Khata wins National Award 2025 - Telugu)
Award Name: National eGovernance Award Kabir Khandare (Gypsy - Marathi)
2025 Treesha Thosar, Shrinivas Pokale, Bhargav
Awardee: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Jagtap (Naal 2 - Marathi)
Palike’s (BBMP) e-Khata initiative
Film Awards
Awarding Organization: Department
Best Feature Film: 12th Fail
of Administrative Reforms and Public
Best Direction: Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story
Grievances (DARPG), Government of India (at
- Hindi)
the 28th National eGovernance Awards)
Best Debut Film of a Director: Ashish Bende
E- KHATA (Aatmapamphlet - Marathi)
Objective: To digitize and provide an Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome
electronic version of property ownership Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem
records and tax details for properties under Kahaani (Directed by Karan Johar)
BBMP jurisdiction. Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social
Year Started:July 1, 2025. and Environmental Values: Sam Bahadur
Eligibility: Property owners within the (Directed by Meghna Gulzar)
jurisdiction of BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Best Children’s Film: Naal 2 (Marathi, directed
Mahanagara Palike) who wish to register, sell, by Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti)
transfer, or update property records must Best Film in Animation, VFX, Gaming and
obtain e-Khata. Comic: Hanu-Man (Telugu)
Implementing Agency: Bruhat Bengaluru
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KPSC Current Affairs
Technical Awards Sport - Men’s Compound Archery Team Event
Best Cinematography: Prasantanu Mohapatra Winner - India (Rishabh Yadav, Aman Saini,
(The Kerala Story - Hindi) Prathamesh Fuge)
Best Screenplay: Runner-up - France
Sai Rajesh Neelam (Baby - Telugu) India’s achievement - This was India’s first-
Parking (Tamil) ever gold medal in the men’s compound team
Chaleya (Song in Jawan - Hindi) event at the World Archery Championships.
Best Dialogue Writer: Deepak Kingrani (Sirf Ek
Bandaa Kaafi Hai - Hindi)
DEFENCE
Music Awards
Best Male Singer: P.V.N.S. Rohit (Premisthunna
in Baby - Telugu) 1. Navy’s latest base INS Aravali
Best Female Singer: Shilpa Rao (Premisthunna commissioned in Gurugram
in Baby - Telugu)
Best Music Direction: INS Aravali is the Indian Navy’s new land-based
G.V. Prakash Kumar (Vaathi - Tamil) information and communication centre, not
Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal - Hindi) a naval vessel.
Best Lyrics: Karsarla Shyam (Ooru Palleturu in It was commissioned in Gurugram, Haryana,
Balagam - Telugu) on September 12, 2025,
Objective - to strengthen India’s maritime
Best Regional Films domain awareness (MDA) capability
Assamese: Rongatapu 1982
Bengali: Deep Fridge
Tamil: Parking
Kannada: Kandeelu 2. IAF’s iconic MiG-21 fighter to fly into
Marathi: Shamchi Aai sunset after six decades of service
Odia: Puskara
Punjabi: Godday Godday Chaa Mig-21
Telugu: Bhagavanth Kesari
It is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft.
It was designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich
Design Bureau (OKB) of the erstwhile Soviet
SPORTS Union.
First inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF)
in 1963
1. India won the Asia Cup 2025 in men’s The MiG-21 participated in nearly every war or
hockey and Archery conflict India has faced since 1963, the 1965
and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, the 1999 Kargil
Sport - Men’s Field Hockey (Asia Cup) and War, the Balakot airstrikes in 2019, and most
Archery (Compound event) recently, Operation Sindoor
Winner - India
Runner-up - South Korea (men’s hockey);
IMPORTANT DAYS
2. Indian men shoot gold in the compound
event 1. World Alzheimer’s Day
News - India’s men’s compound archery team Observed day: September 21
won its maiden gold medal at the 2025 World Observed date: September 21, 2025
Archery Championships in Gwangju, South Observing organization: Alzheimer’s Disease
Korea.
78 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
International (ADI) and global Alzheimer’s Objective: To commemorate the liberation of
organizations, supported by the World Health Hyderabad from Nizam rule and its integration
Organization (WHO) into the Indian Union in 1948.
Objective: To create awareness about to honour the courage and sacrifices of those
Alzheimer’s disease, fight stigma, promote involved in Operation Polo and the anti-Nizam
early diagnosis, and support families affected movement.
by dementia 2025 theme: “Unity in Action, Dignity in
2025 theme: “Ask About Dementia” Freedom”
2. National Teachers day 6. International Day of Peace
Observed day: Teachers’ Day (India) Observed date: September 21
Observed date: September 5 Observing organization: United Nations
Observing organization: Government of India; Objective: To promote peace among nations
Ministry of Education and peoples around the world
Objective: To honor Dr. Sarvepalli 2025 theme: “Together for Peace: Respect,
Radhakrishnan’s birthday and recognize the Safety and Dignity for All”
contribution of teachers in nation-building
2025 theme: “Empowering Teachers for a
Resilient Future” 7. World Ozone Day
Observed date: September 16
3. Hindi Diwas (India) Observing organization: United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP)
Observed date: September 8 Objective: To promote actions to protect the
Observing organization: Government of India; ozone layer and increase awareness about
Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture ozone depletion
Objective: To celebrate the adoption of Hindi 2025 theme: “Ozone Layer Protection: A
as one of the official languages of India and Collective Responsibility”
promote the language nationwide
2025 theme: “Hindi: Bridging India’s Linguistic
Diversity” 8. World Pharmacists Day
Observed date: September 25
4. Engineers’ Day (India) Observing organization: International
Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Observed date: September 15 Objective: To recognize the role of pharmacists
Observing organization: Institution of in healthcare and promote pharmacy services
Engineers (India), Government of India globally
Objective: To honor the birth anniversary of Sir 2025 theme: “Pharmacists: Advancing Health
M. Visvesvaraya and celebrate the contribution Together”
of engineers to the country’s development
2025 theme: “Engineering Sustainable
Progress” 9. World Tourism Day
Observed date: September 27
5. Hyderabad Liberation Day (India) Observing organization: United Nations World
Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Observed date: September 17 Objective: To raise awareness on the
Observing organization: Ministry of Home importance of tourism and its social, cultural,
Affairs, Government of India political, and economic value
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KPSC Current Affairs
2025 theme: “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”
10. India’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
4. PRACTICE QUESTIONS
News -Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) started
commercial production of Sustainable 1. September month MCQs
Aviation Fuel at its refinery in Panipat,
Haryana.
1). Recently Shanghai Cooperation Organization
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
has included Sustainable Aviation Fuel in its (SCO) held at,
biofuels policy and encourages production and A). Shanghai
blending to reduce carbon emissions. B). Tianjin
C). Beijing
D). Chengdu
11. 8th India International Tea Convention
(IITC) 2025
2). Consider the following statements
a). Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Belarus, Uzbekistan
News - The 8th India International Tea
Convention (IITC) 2025 held from September 18 b). China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Japan
to 20, 2025, in Kochi, Kerala, c). China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India
d). USA, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
Additional Information - Indian Tea Industry Which of the above pairs is/are not the member
India is the 2nd largest tea producer and states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
largest black tea producer.
(SCO).
Export destinations - Iran, Iraq, Syria, Saudi
Arabia, Russia etc. India is the 4th largest tea A). only 1 statement
exporter in the World. B). only 2 statements
Employment - The Indian tea Industry is C). All of the above
employing 1.16 million workers directly. D). none of the above
Note - Assam grows about 55% of the teas
produced in India. India’s tea production has 3). The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
increased by 39% in 2022 from 2008. secretariat located at,
A). Shanghai
B). Chengdu
C). Beijing
D). Tianjin
4). Consider the following statements
a). SCO is an intergovernmental organization,
to promote regional cooperation to curb
terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the
central Asian region.
b). It is a permanent body in the UNO
Which of the above is/ are correct?
A). only a
B). only b
C). Both
D). none
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KPSC Current Affairs
5). “RATS” (Regional Anti- Terrorist Structure) 10). “Adi Vaani” is associated with which of the
is associated with which of the following following
organizations? A). India’s first AI powered translation tool for
A). UNO tribal languages.
B). BRICS B). India’s first nano robotic for multi purpose.
C). ASEAN C). India’s first AI powered communication
D). SCO
satellite.
D). India’s first AI powered telemedicine.
6). Doklam Plateau, Galwan Valley and Tawang
Valley are, 11). Consider the following statements
A). Territories in China, claimed by the India a). “Adi Vaani” supports Santali, Bhili, Mundari
B). Territories in India, claimed by the China and Gondi languages.
C). Territories in Pakistan, claimed by the India b). Adi Vaani uses AI to digitise, preserve and
D). Territories in India, claimed by the Pakistan revitalize these tribal languages.
Which of the above is/ are not correct?
7). The Registrar General of India and Census A). only a
Commissioner of India, who conducts the B). only b
“Population Census”, comes under which of C). a and b
the following ministries? D). None
A). Prime Minister
B). President of India
12). Consider the following statements
C). Ministry of Home Affairs
D). Ministry of Statistics and Program a). Green Credit Programme (GCP) is an
Implementation innovative market based mechanism to
incentivise voluntary environmental actions
8). Consider the following statements across diverse sectors.
a). Population census-2027, will be the first digital b). GCP is implemented by the Indian Council
census and collect data on caste. of Forestry Research and Education, which
b). Historically, India’s first census was Conducted comes under the Ministry of Education.
in 1871, under the Census Commissioner of Which of the above is/ are correct?
India W. C. Plowden. A). only a
c). Independent India’s first census was held in B). only b
1951 and since then it has conducted the first C). a and b
year of every decade.
D). None
Which of the above is /are not correct?
A). only a
13). Consider the following
B). only b
C). a and b It is one of the species belonging to the
D). a and c “Delphinidae” family having distinct black and
white coloration with a white patch near each
9). Consider the following statements eye, highly intelligent and social animal living
a). The Constitution of India does not mandate in groups called “Pods”, due to “cooperative
that Census enumeration is carried out. hunting” by using “echolocation”. It is an “apex
b). The Census of India Act, 1948 does specify its predator” found in all oceans from Arctic and
timing or periodicity. Antarctica regions to tropical seas.
Which of the above is /are correct? Which of the following is correct?
A). only a A). Whale
B). only b B). Dolphin
C). a and b
C). Orcas
D). None
D). Shark
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KPSC Current Affairs
14). Recently, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, 2025 19. Consider the following statements
is honoured to, a). The point inside the Earth where an earthquake
A). Foundation to Educate Girls Globally originates is called Epicentre.
B). Ajim Premji Foundation b). The point on the Earth’s surface directly above
C). Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) the earthquake’s focus is called Hypocentre.
D). Tata Trusts Which of the above is/ are correct?
A). only a
15). Consider the following statements B). only b
a). Ramon Magsaysay Award set up in 1958, in C). Both
memory of Philippines 7th President Ramon D). none
Magsaysay in Manila. 20. The instrument used to detect and record
b). It is considered as a Nobel Prize of Asia, earthquakes is known as:
administered by the Ramon Magsaysay Award A) Barometer
Foundation and instituted by the Rockefeller B) Seismograph
Brother Fund. C) Anemometer
Which of the above is/ are not correct? D) Hydrometer
A). only a
B). only b 21. Which Indian vision was endorsed by the SCO
C). a and b in 2025?
D). None A) Make in India
B) SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the
16). Which of the following states proposed Anti- Region)
conversion Bill C) One Earth, One Family, One Future
a). Himachal Pradesh D) Digital India
b). Uttarakhand
c). Karnataka 22. The SCO 2025 Summit proposed the creation
d). Rajasthan of:
e). Madhya Pradesh A) SCO Currency Union
f). Gujarat B) SCO Peacekeeping Force
Which of the above is/ are correct? C) SCO Development Bank
A). a, b, c, d D) SCO Climate Fund
B). c, d, e, f
C). All of the above 23. The ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative was launched in
D). None 2024 under:
A) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
17. The recent Afghanistan earthquake (6.0 B) NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme
magnitude) caused major damage mainly due C) Ministry of Rural Development
to: D) Ministry of MSME
A) High population density
B) Shallow depth of earthquake and poor building 24. Which of the following is a GI-tagged products
structures. a). Pashmina Shawl
C) Heavy rainfall during the quake b). Pochampally Ikat from Telangana
D) Volcanic eruption c). Channapattana Toys
d). Mysore sandal soap
18. The Himalayan and Hindu Kush mountains are e). Indi Lemon
prone to earthquakes because: Which of the above is/ are not correct?
A) They lie near the Pacific Ring of Fire A). a, b, c
B) They are formed due to volcanic activity B). b, c, d
C) There is ongoing collision between the Eurasian C). All
and Indian tectonic plates D). none
D) They are located on oceanic ridges
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25. Consider the following statements regarding 32. Consider the following statements regarding
Air Quality Life Index the Census, 2027:
a). It was developed by Energy Policy Institute, a). It will be India’s first fully digital enumeration
University of Chicago (EPIC)
b). India is most polluted country in the world, with geo-tagging and replace Hand-drawn
followed by Bangladesh. sketches of layouts.
Which of the above is/ are correct? b). Digital Layout Mapping (DLM) & GIS
A). Only a coordinates will be used for geo-tagging
B). Only b
buildings and classify primarily on the basis of
C). Both
D). none Usage (residential, non-residential, mixed)
Which of the above is/ are not correct?
26. According to the recent AQLI report, which A). Only a
region is the most polluted globally? B). Only b
A) East Asia
C). Both
B) South Asia
C) Sub-Saharan Africa D). none
D) Latin America
33. Consider the following statements
27. Recently, jarosite was discovered in India at:
a). CEREBO, Handheld and non-invasive radiation-
A) Varkala, Kerala
B) Matanomadh, Gujarat free device developed by ICMR, is used for the
C) Jharia, Jharkhand diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries.
D) Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu b). Detects intracranial bleeding and edema
within one minute. It addresses diagnostic
28. Jarosite is formed by the reaction of minerals
delays where CT/MRI are inaccessible or
rich in:
A) Oxygen, Nitrogen, Calcium, Sodium unaffordable
B) Oxygen, Iron, Sulphur, Potassium c). It take 2 days to train personnel to operate.
C) Silicon, Magnesium, Chlorine, Hydrogen Which of the above is/ are correct?
D) Carbon, Sodium, Iron, Phosphorus
A). Only a and b
29. The DIGIPIN initiative has been developed by B). Only b and c
the Department of Posts in collaborated with: C). Only a and c
A) IIT Delhi & DRDO D). All
B) IIT Hyderabad & NRSC, ISRO
C) IIT Kanpur & NIC
34. Consider the following statements regarding
D) IIT Bombay & NASSCOM
the PRATUSH Mission
30. What does DIGIPIN stand for? a). The credit-card sized computer developed to
A) Digital Public Infrastructure Number Catch extremely faint radio signals from the
B) Digital Postal Index Number universe’s earliest moments.
C) Distributed Postal Identification Number
b). It is planned to operate Far side of the Moon
D) Digital Population Identification Network
for Shielding from Earth’s radio interference
31. Which of the following is NOT an intended and ionospheric distortion.
benefit of DIGIPIN? Which of the above is/ are not correct?
A) Simplified addressing system A). Only a
B) Enhanced logistics efficiency B). Only b
C) Better emergency response
D) Monitoring citizens’ personal financial C). Both
transactions D). None
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35. The ASHNI platoons are designed to: 41). Consider the following statements
A) Conduct underwater sabotage missions a). The Samagra Shiksha Scheme is a central
B) Integrate advanced technology with traditional Sector Scheme, announced in the Union
combat skills Budget 2018–19.
C) Provide humanitarian relief during disasters b). Samagra Shiksha Scheme covers stages
D) Carry out long-range missile launches of education from Pre-primary to senior
secondary.
36. Which of the Following Indian Armed Forces c). Only SSA, RMSA, Teacher Education schemes
conducted Exercise Yudh Kaushal ?
were merged into Samagra Shiksha Scheme.
A) Indian Air Force
Which of the above is/ are correct?
B) Indian Navy
A) only a & b B) only b & c
C) Indian Army
D) Indian Coastal Gaurds C). Only a & c D). All
37. Consider the following statements regarding 42. Samagra Shiksha contributes directly to which
BHARATI initiative Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)?
a). It was launched by APEDA, to make India a hub A) SDG 3
for agri-food startups and innovation. B) SDG 4
b). The key focus area is R&D in packaging, C) SDG 5
traceability, and cold-chain logistics. D) SDG 8
Which of the above is/ are not correct?
A) only a B) only b
43. Consider the following statements
C). Both D). None
a). World Coconut Day is observed every year on
38. Consider the following statements September 2, the theme of World Coconut
a). APEDA functions under Ministry of Food Day 2025 is “uncovering Coconut’s Power,
Processing Industries Inspiring Global Action”.
b). APEDA promotes the products such as fruits b). The Coconut Development Board (CDB) is
and vegetables, cereals, animal products works under the Ministry of Commerce and
Which of the above is/ are correct? Industries and head quarter is located at
A) only a B) only b Kochi.
C). Both D). None Which of the above is/ are not correct?
A) only a B) only b
39. The BBNJ Treaty (High Seas Treaty) primarily C). All D). None
deals with:
A) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships 44. The International Coconut Community (ICC)
B) Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
functions under:
in areas beyond national jurisdiction
C) Control of piracy in international waters A) FAO
D) Limiting fishing rights of coastal nations B) UNEP
C) UNESCAP
40. Consider the following statements D) WTO
a). The High Seas Treaty considers resources in
international waters as free-for-all resources. [Link], Kerala has carried out India’s
b). UNCLOS administered the BBNJ Treaty (High first community-led eradication of Senna
Seas Treaty) and India signed this treaty in spectabilis is native to:
2024. A) Africa
Which of the above is/ are not correct? B) South America
A) only a B) only b
C) Southeast Asia
C). Both D). None
D) Australia
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46. What ecological threat does Senna spectabilis 53. Acanthamoeba are classified as:
pose in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve? A) True parasites
A) Increases soil fertility B) Free-living protozoan amoebae
B) Chokes native vegetation and reduces wildlife C) Helminths
food sources D) Bacteria
C) Provides food for elephants
D) Improves groundwater recharge
54. Which condition is most commonly caused by
Acanthamoeba in contact lens users?
47. Water Hyacinth, Lantana camara, Nile Tilapia
and African Catfish are: A) Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis
A). Invasive species B) Acanthamoeba keratitis
B). Flagship species C) Trachoma
C). Key stone species D) Fungal endophthalmitis
D). Top Predators
55. Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE) is
48. Which factor does NOT contribute to the more likely to occur in:
spread of invasive species? A) Healthy children
A) Globalization B) Pregnant women
B) Climate change C) Immunocompromised patients
C) Human activities D) Athletes
D) Natural selection of native species
56. Which of the following is NOT a common
49. The 14th edition of Exercise MAITREE was held
in: habitat of Acanthamoeba?
A) Thailand A) Soil
B) Meghalaya, India B) Dust
C) New Delhi, India C) Freshwater
D) Bangkok, Thailand D) Human intestine
50. Exercise MAITREE is a joint military exercise 57. Consider the following statements
between India and: a). Kerala is the largest producer of coffee in India
A) Myanmar and Robusta type of coffee accounts for the
B) Thailand major share of India’s production.
C) Indonesia b). The ideal temperature range for Arabica coffee
D) Vietnam
cultivation in India is 15°C – 25°C
c). The Coffee Board of India was established
51. Which Indian ships visited Seychelles as part of
under Coffee Act, 1932 and headquartered at
the First Training Squadron (1TS)?
Bangalore, works under Ministry of Commerce
A) INS Vikramaditya, INS Kolkata, INS Chennai
B) INS Tir, INS Shardul, ICGS Sarathi and Industries.
C) INS Satpura, INS Shivalik, INS Airavat Which of the above is/ are not correct?
D) INS Viraat, INS Sindhughosh, ICGS Vikram A) only a & b B) only b & c
C). Only a & c D). All
52. India and Seychelles collaborate in which global
initiative? 58. The main objective of PM GatiShakti is:
A) Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure A) To enhance agricultural production
B) International Solar Alliance B) To promote seamless connectivity &
C) Indian Ocean Naval Symposium infrastructure integration
D) Blue Economy Alliance C) To increase foreign investment in IT
D) To promote rural employment schemes
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59. Which of the following schemes is NOT covered 66. Exercise Yudh Abhyas is a bilateral military
under PM GatiShakti? exercise between
A) Bharatmala Pariyojana A). India andRussia
B) Sagarmala B). India and USA
C) UDAN C). India and France
D) Ayushman Bharat D). India and Japan
60. Consider the following statements
67. The Malacca Strait connects:
a). The GST Council was established under 101st
A) Indian Ocean & Atlantic Ocean
Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016
b). Article 279A of the Indian Constitution B) Pacific Ocean & Mediterranean Sea
provides for the GST Council, Chaired by the C) Indian Ocean & Pacific Ocean
RBI Governor. D) Arabian Sea & Black Sea
Which of the above is/ are correct?
A) only a B) only b 68. The Andaman & Nicobar Command is unique
C). Both D). None because it is:
A) India’s largest Air Force base
61. We Foundation India recently launched B) India’s only tri-services command
India’s first Vulture Conservation Portal in C) India’s first cyber command
collaboration with which university? D) India’s oldest naval command
A) Delhi University
B) Gauhati University
69. The Drain of Wealth Theory was propounded
C) Banaras Hindu University
by:
D) Kerala University
A) M.G. Ranade
62. Which drug is the primary cause of vulture B) R.C. Dutt
population decline in India? C) Dadabhai Naoroji
A) Ibuprofen D) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
B) Diclofenac poisoning (NSAID used in cattle)
C) Aspirin 70. Which newspaper was founded by Dadabhai
D) Paracetamol Naoroji?
A) Young India
63. Which of the following vultures is classified as B) Kesari
Endangered (EN)? C) Voice of India
A) Slender-billed Vulture D) The Hindu
B) Red-headed Vulture
C) Egyptian Vulture
71. Who established the ancient Nalanda
D) Himalayan Griffon
University?
64. The Oriental White-backed Vulture is listed as: A) Ashoka
A) Vulnerable B) Chandragupta Maurya
B) Endangered C) Kumaragupta I
C) Critically Endangered D) Harsha
D) Near Threatened
72. Which ruler destroyed Nalanda University in
65. The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas was the 12th century?
held in: A) Qutb al-Din Aibak
A) India (Rajasthan) B) Muhammad Ghori
B) Alaska, USA C) Bakhtiyar Khilji
C) Uttarakhand, India D) Alauddin Khilji
D) California, USA
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73. The SAMHiTA initiative primarily focuses on 79. The NIA was created in response to which
which of the following? major event?
A) Space technology A) Parliament Attack 2001
B) South Asian manuscripts B) 26/11 Mumbai Attacks under NIA Act, 2008
C) Modern digital libraries
C) Pulwama Attack 2019
D) Artificial intelligence research
D) Pathankot Airbase Attack
73. Which Ministry established the National
Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) in 2003? 80. Under the NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019, the
A) Ministry of HRD agency’s jurisdiction was expanded to:
B) Ministry of Culture A) Only Indian territory
C) Ministry of External Affairs B) Only Union Territories
D) Ministry of Education
C) Offences committed outside India involving
74. Which institution functions as a premier Indian citizens/interests
repository for manuscripts under the Ministry D) Only border states
of Culture?
A) Archaeological Survey of India 81. Which of the following countries does NOT
B) Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts border the Baltic Sea?
C) National Digital Library of India A) Sweden
D) National Archives of India
B) Finland
75. The NIRF rankings are released by which C) Norway
Ministry? D) Poland
A) Ministry of Science & Technology
B) Ministry of Education 82. The brackish nature of the Baltic Sea is due to
C) Ministry of HRD the mixing of:
D) Ministry of Skill Development A) Rainwater & seawater
B) Saltwater from North-East Atlantic &
76. Which institution has been ranked overall
number one in NIRF 2025? freshwater from rivers
A) IIT Delhi C) Glacial meltwater & seawater
B) IIT Bombay D) Underground springs & seawater
C) IIT Madras
D) IIT Kanpur 83. Envafolimab drug is targeted at treating:
a) Stage II breast cancer
77. IISc Bengaluru has topped the universities
b) Stage III non–small cell lung cancer
category for how many consecutive years as of
NIRF 2025? c) Stage IV pancreatic cancer
A) 5 d) Chronic kidney disease
B) 7
C) 10 84. Consider the following statements
D) 12 a). Indian Council of Medical Research approved
the enrolment and dosing of patients for
78. Which of the following is/ are parameter under
Envafolimab’s clinical trial.
NIRF rankings?
b). The Central Drugs Standard Control
a). Teaching, Learning & Resources
b). Research & Professional Practices Organization (CDSCO) functions to
c). Graduation Outcomes, Outreach and Inclusivity determining GST slabs on pharmaceuticals.
and Perception Which of the above is/are correct?
d). All of the Above A). Only a B). Only b
C). Both D). None
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KPSC Current Affairs
85. The Central Drugs Standard Control 91. Which two missions were subsumed under the
Organization (CDSCO) was established under National Health Mission?
which Act? a) NRHM and National Immunisation Mission
a) Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 b) NRHM and NUHM
b) Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 c) NUHM and National Nutrition Mission
c) Pharmacy Act, 1948 d) National AIDS Control Programme and NUHM
d) Clinical Establishments Act, 2010
92. “Angikaar 2025” has been launched under
86. The Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) mainly which scheme?
deals with: a) Smart Cities Mission
a) Approving licenses for new drugs b) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0
b) Controlling the prices of essential medicines c) AMRUT 2.0
c) Regulating import of vaccines d) National Urban Livelihood Mission
d) Framing rules for cosmetics
87. Consider the following statements 93. Consider the following statements
a). The National Teachers’ Awards were instituted a). The target of PMAY-U 2.0 is to provide housing
in 1962.
assistance to 1 crore urban poor & middle-
b). President or Vice President of India confers
class families.
the National Teachers’ Awards.
b). The ultimate goal of PMAY-U 2.0 is to ensure
c). National Education Day is observed on 11th
every citizen has access to a pucca house.
November to mark the birth anniversary of
c). PMAY-U is comes under Ministry of Tourism.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Which of the above is/are not correct?
Which of the above is/are not correct?
A). Only a & b B). Only b and c
A). Only a & b B). Only b and c
C). Only a & c D). Only c
C). Only a & c D). a, b, and c
88. The main objective of the National Teachers’ 94. Consider the following state೮ments
Awards is: a). Dr. Bhupen Hazarika is popularly known as
a) To promote digital literacy in schools Bard of Himalayas and he received the Bharat
b) To recognize meritorious teachers in schools Ratna in 2019.
c) To train teachers in new education policy b). The National Film Award (1975) won by Dr.
d) To provide financial assistance to teachers Bhupen Hazarika was for Chameli Memsahab
film.
89. The revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) Which of the above is/are not correct?
agreement was signed between MHA, Manipur A). Only a B). Only b
government, and ______. C). Both D). None
a) 12 Meitei insurgent groups
b) 24 Kuki-Zo insurgent groups 95. Consider the following statements regarding
c) 15 Naga groups Bhupen Hazarika Setu
d) 30 Bodo groups a). Bogibeel Bridge is India’s longest river bridge
named after Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
90. The Kuki-Zo ethnic community is found in all of b). It connects between Assam and Arunachal
the following states except: Pradesh.
a) Manipur Which of the above is/are correct?
b) Assam A). Only a B). Only b
c) Nagaland C). Both D). None
d) Kerala
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96. Which of the following messages is associated 101. Consider the following pairs about the Interpol
with Sree Narayana Guru? Notices
A) Truth Alone Triumphs Interpol Notices Issued for:
B) One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man
Silver Notice Identifying and tracing
C) Service to Man is Service to God criminal assets
D) Education is the Soul of Society
Red Notice Locating missing persons,
often minors
97. Which organization did Sree Narayana Guru
Yellow Notice To seek the location and
establish in 1903 for social reform? arrest of persons wanted
A) Arya Samaj for prosecution or to
serve a sentence
B) Theosophical Society
C) Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam Orange Notice Warns of an imminent
threat to public safety
(SNDP)
from events, persons, or
D) Brahmo Samaj objects
How many of the above pairs are correct?
98. Sree Narayana Guru extended support to A). Only One pair B). Only Two pairs
which famous movement in 1924–25? C). Only Three Pairs D Four Pairs
A) Salt Satyagraha
B) Quit India Movement 102. Where is the headquarters of Interpol located?
C) Vaikom Satyagraha A) Geneva, Switzerland
D) Champaran Satyagraha B) Paris, France
C) Lyon, France
D) Brussels, Belgium
99. What is the main difference between a solar
eclipse and a lunar eclipse?
103. The Interpol–United Nations Security Council
A) Solar eclipse is safe to watch with naked eye,
Special Notice is issued for:
lunar is not
A) Cybercrime offenders
B) Lunar eclipse is safe to watch with naked eye,
B) Persons under UN Security Council Sanctions
solar is not
C) Organised crime networks
C) Both are unsafe to watch directly
D) Drug trafficking
D) Both can be watched safely without protection
104. Consider the following statements
100. Why does the Moon appear red/ blood during a). Nilgiri tea is mainly grown in Kerala, at an
a total lunar eclipse? altitude between 900–2,600 metres.
A) Reflection of Earth’s oceans b). The Nilgiri tea received a Geographical
B) Absorption of sunlight by the Moon Indication (GI) tag in 2008.
C) Rayleigh scattering of sunlight through Earth’s Which of the above is/are correct?
atmosphere A). Only a B). Only b
D) Presence of iron on the Moon’s surface C). Both D). None
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105. Consider the following statements 111). According to SDG 3.1, the global target for
a). India is the world’s largest producer of Black Maternal Mortality Ratio by 2030 is:
tea and it is also the world’s 2nd largest tea A) Less than 50 per 1,00,000 live births
producer.
B) Less than 70 per 1,00,000 live births
b). Assam produces the highest share of tea in
C) Less than 80 per 1,00,000 live births
India (around 55%).
Which of the above is/are not correct? D) Less than 100 per 1,00,000 live births
A). Only a B). Only b
C). Both D). None 112. The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), launched in
2005, primarily focuses on:
106. INS Kadmatt is which type of warship? A) Nutrition for pregnant women
A) Destroyer B) Reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by
B) Aircraft Carrier
promoting institutional delivery
C) Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette
D) Frigate C) Providing financial incentives for girl child birth
D) Providing free ambulance services to rural
107. The occurrence of volcanoes and earthquakes women
along the Ring of Fire is primarily due to:
A) Ocean currents 113. LaQshya programme focuses on:
B) Wind patterns A) Early childhood vaccination
C) Movement of tectonic plates
B) Institutional deliveries in rural areas
D) Gravitational pull of the Moon
C) Improving quality of care in labour rooms and
108. Consider the following pairs about the maternity operation theatres
volcanoes D) Reducing neonatal deaths through nutrition
volcanoes Location
114. The ‘Dastak Abhiyan’, aimed at early detection
Sangay Volcano Ecuador of maternal health risks, is a community-driven
Taal Volcano Indonesia campaign of which state?
A) Tamil Nadu
Mt. Sinabung Philippines
B) Uttar Pradesh
Baratang India C) Madhya Pradesh
How many of the above pairs are correct? D) Rajasthan
A). Only One pair B). Only Two pairs
C). Only Three Pairs D). Four Pairs
115. At the international level, GI is governed under
109. “Contingent Reserve Arrangement” (CRA) is which agreement?
the initiative of A) GATT Agreement
A). BRICS B) TRIPS Agreement of WTO
B). World Bank C) NAFTA Agreement
C). IMF D) SAARC Trade Agreement
D). SCO
110). Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) refers to: 116. The first product in India to receive a GI tag
A) Number of neonatal deaths per 1,000 live was:
births A) Basmati Rice
B) Number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births B) Kanchipuram Silk Saree
C) Number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live C) Darjeeling Tea
births D) Mysore Sandal Soap
D) Number of stillbirths per 1,000 live births
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117. Consider the following statements 123. Which organization is working for GIB
a). The 28th Universal Postal Congress, the conservation in and around Desert National
supreme decision-making body of UPU, was Park?
recently held in Dubai. A) BNHS
b). The Universal Postal Union is a specialized B) WWF-India
agency of the United Nations. C) IUCN India Chapter
c). India is not a member of the Universal Postal D) WII (Wildlife Institute of India)
Union.
Which of the above is/are correct? 124. The Electoral College for electing the Vice-
A). Only a B). Only b President of India consists of:
C). Only a and b D). Only a and c A) Only elected members of Lok Sabha and Rajya
Sabha
118. The theme of International Literacy Day 2025 B) Elected members of Parliament and State
is: Legislative Assemblies
A) Literacy for All C) Both elected and nominated members of Lok
B) Bridging Gaps through Education Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
C) Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era D) Members of Parliament and State Legislatures
D) Literacy and Lifelong Learning including Governors
119. Himachal Pradesh became the fourth fully 125. The election of the Vice-President is conducted
literate state after: by which voting system?
A) Sikkim, Goa, Mizoram A) Simple majority
B) Tripura, Mizoram, Goa B) Two-thirds majority
C) Kerala, Goa, Tripura C) Proportional representation by means of single
D) Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura transferable vote
D) Open ballot by show of hands
120. The term MQ-28A is related to
A) AI technology being developed by USA. 126. Which of the following is NOT a qualification
B) Air gun being developed by UK. to become Vice-President of India?
C) Ghost Bat drone being developed by Australia. A) Must be a citizen of India
D) Submarine being developed by Canada. B) Must be at least 35 years of age
C) Must be qualified to be elected as a Rajya
121. The proposed Birmania Rock Phosstatements Sabha member
is located at: D) Must be a graduate from a recognized
A) Gujarat university.
B) Rajasthan
C) Madhya Pradesh 126. The nomination for Vice-President requires at
D) Chattisgarh least:
A) 10 proposers and 10 seconders
122. Consider the following statements regarding B) 20 proposers and 20 seconders
the Great Indian Bustard C) 50 proposers and 50 seconders
a). Desert National Park, in Rajasthan a key habitat D) No proposers required
of the Great Indian Bustard.
b). It is listed under Critically Endangered category 127. Why is Nepal’s instability a direct security
in the IUCN Red List and Schedule 1 of the WLP concern for India?
Act, 1972. A) Due to cultural similarities.
c). “Project Great Indian Bustard” was launched B) Because of the porous border enabling
by the Government of India. movement of radical groups.
Which of the above is/are not correct? C) Because India imports oil through Nepal.
A). Only a B). Only b D) Since India depends on Nepal for electricity.
C). Only c D). Only a and c
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128. The National Annual Report & Index on 135. Coal India Limited (CIL) signed an MoU with
Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025 was released by: which organization to empower tribal students
A) Ministry of Home Affairs of EMRSs?
B) NITI Aayog
C) National Commission for Women (NCW) A) TRIFED
D) Ministry of Women and Child Development B) Ministry of Skill Development
C) National Scheduled Tribe Finance and
129. The Nirbhaya Fund is primarily used for: Development Corporation (NSTFDC).
A) Scholarships for women D) NABARD
B) Financing safety projects for women across
the country
C) Providing microfinance to women 136. The SPREE and the AMNESTY Scheme
entrepreneurs initiatives are launched by,
D) Funding maternity benefits A). EPFO
B). IRDAI
130. The SHe-Box Portal is an initiative for:
A) Reporting domestic violence C). SEBI
B) Registering workplace sexual harassment D). ESIC
complaints
C) Accessing free legal aid for women 137. The key distinction between SPREE-2025 and
D) Enrolling in women skill development programs
the AMNESTY Scheme-2025 lies in:
131. Under the Sexual Harassment of Women at A) SPREE-2025 focuses on dispute resolution, while
workplace Act, 2013 employers with more than AMNESTY promotes voluntary registration.
10 employees must establish: B) SPREE-2025 waives past dues for new
A) Local Committee (LC) registrations, while AMNESTY facilitates
B) State Women’s Tribunal
settlement of existing disputes.
C) Internal Committee (IC)
D) National Grievance Redressal Cell C) Both schemes are one-time measures
applicable only till September 2026.
132. The new cancer vaccine EnteroMix has been D) SPREE-2025 applies only to registered
developed by: employers, while AMNESTY applies only to
A) World Health Organization (WHO)
employees.
B) Russian Federal Medical and Biological Agency
(FMBA)
C) European Medicines Agency (EMA) 138. Consider the following statements regarding
D) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) SPREE-2025:
1. Registration can be done through the ESI Portal,
133. mRNA vaccines differ from traditional vaccines
because they: Shram Suvidha Portal, and Company Affairs
A) Use live viruses to create stronger immunity Portal.
B) Supply mRNA instructions for our cells to 2. It promotes punishment over voluntary
produce viral proteins compliance.
C) Eliminate the need for antibodies 3. Past dues before registration are waived for
D) Work only for bacterial infection
employers.
134. The Langkhon (Langkhun) Festival is Which of the above are correct?
celebrated by which tribal community? A) 1 and 2 only
A) Bodos in Assam B) 1 and 3 only
B) Tiwa’s in Assam C) 2 and 3 only
C) Karbi’s in Manipur
D) 1, 2 and 3
D) Mising in Nagaland
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139. Which of the following statements about 143. Vembanad Lake’s ecological degradation is a
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is matter of concern because:
correct? 1. It supports one of the largest Ramsar wetlands
1. It is located on the White Nile in Ethiopia. in India.
2. Its installed capacity places it among the top 20 2. It sustains Kerala’s famous backwater tourism
hydroelectric dams globally.
and inland fisheries.
3. It is Africa’s largest hydropower project.
3. It regulates monsoon flooding in the Kuttanad
A) 1 and 2 only
region.
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only Which of the above are correct?
D) 1, 2, and 3 A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
140. The Nile River flows through 11 countries, C) 1 and 3 only
making it the longest river in the world. Which D) 1, 2 and 3
of the following is NOT part of the Nile Basin?
A) Tanzania 144. With reference to Exercise ZAPAD 2025,
B) Eritrea
consider the following statements:
C) Ethiopia
1. It is a multilateral joint military exercise hosted
D) Nigeria
by Russia.
141. Arrange the following in the correct south-to- 2. More than 20 countries, including China, are
north order along the Nile’s flow: participants.
1. Lake Victoria 3. It marks the first instance of Indian and Pakistani
2. Lake Tana armies participating in the same drill since
3. Khartoum Operation Sindoor.
4. Mediterranean Sea Which of the above statements is/are not correct?
A) 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 → 1 → 3 → 4 B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 → 3 → 2 → 4 C) None
D) 2 → 3 → 1 → 4
D) 1, 2 and 3
142. With reference to Indian lakes, consider the
145. Consider the following military exercises and
following pairs:
1. Vembanad Lake – Largest freshwater lake in their host countries:
India 1. ZAPAD – Russia
2. Wular Lake – Largest freshwater lake in India 2. Vostok – China
3. Chilika Lake – Largest brackish water lagoon in 3. Kavkaz – Russia
India 4. Indra – India-Russia bilateral
Which of the pairs given above are correctly Which of the pairs are correctly matched?
matched? A) 1, 3 and 4 only
A) 1 and 2 only B) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 2 and 3 only C) 2 and 4 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
D) 1, 2 and 3
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146. With reference to the National Fellowship for institutions.
Scheduled Tribes (NFST), consider the following Which of the above statements are correct?
statements: A) 1, 2 and 3 only
1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Social B) 2, 3 and 4 only
Justice and Empowerment. C) 1, 3 and 4 only
2. It is a Central Sector Scheme, with 100% D) 1, 2, 3, 4
funding from the Union Government.
3. Only candidates pursuing [Link]. and Ph.D. in 150. As per NCRB 2022 data, which of the following
UGC-recognized institutions are eligible. is correct regarding suicides in India?
Which of the statements given above is/are A) India recorded less than 1 lakh suicides, with
correct? young adults forming 20% of cases.
A) 1 and 2 only B) Over 1.7 lakh suicides occurred, with the 18–30
B) 2 and 3 only age group accounting for around one-third.
C) 1 and 3 only C) The majority of suicides were among senior
D) 1, 2 and 3 citizens aged above 60.
D) Suicides in India have no significant link to age
147. Which of the following is NOT a correct feature distribution.
of SSLV?
A) Designed for payloads between 10–500 kg. 151. Melioidosis, recently reported in Andhra
B) Cost-effective launch solution for small Pradesh, is caused by:
satellites. A) Burkholderia pseudomallei
C) Intended for rapid insertion into Low Earth B) Leptospira interrogans
Orbit. C) Vibrio cholerae
D) Primarily developed for interplanetary missions D) Coxiella burnetii
to Mars and Venus.
152. Which of the following statements about
148. Match the following launch vehicles with their melioidosis is/are correct?
payload capacity & orbit: 1. The bacteria can survive in soil and water for
1. SSLV – 10 to 500 kg, Low Earth Orbit several years.
2. PSLV – ~1,750 kg to Sun-synchronous Polar 2. Person-to-person transmission is the most
Orbit common mode of spread.
3. GSLV Mk-III (LVM-3) – ~4,000 kg to Geostationary 3. It is often more severe in individuals with
Transfer Orbit comorbidities like diabetes and cancer.
Correctly matched are: Options:
A) 1 and 2 only A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3
149. With reference to the ‘Never Alone’ program, 153. With reference to Stablecoins, consider the
consider the following statements: following statements:
1. It was launched by AIIMS Delhi on World Suicide 1. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to
Prevention Day. minimize price volatility.
2. The primary aim of the ‘Never Alone’ program 2. They can be backed by fiat currencies,
is to minimise stigma around suicide and commodities, or algorithms.
increase mental health awareness. 3. They are regulated as legal tender by the
3. It provides 24/7 consultations with mental Reserve Bank of India.
health experts through a WhatsApp-based Which of the statements given above is/are
platform. correct?
4. The per-student cost of screening under the A) 1 and 2 only
program is less than ₹1 per day for large B) 2 and 3 only
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C) 1 and 3 only 158. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Adi
D) 1, 2 and 3 Sampada under Adi Sanskriti?
A) Repository of curated documents on tribal art,
154. Which of the following differentiates dance, textiles, artefacts, and livelihoods.
Stablecoins from Bitcoin? B) Hosting over 5,000 documents for cultural
A) Stablecoins use blockchain, while Bitcoin does preservation.
not. C) Serving as a marketplace for tribal artisans to
B) Stablecoins are always issued by governments, directly sell their products.
while Bitcoin is decentralized. D) Acting as a socio-cultural knowledge hub for
C) Stablecoins attempt to maintain a fixed value tribal heritage.
by pegging, while Bitcoin is inherently volatile.
D) Stablecoins are physical assets, while Bitcoin is 159. Which of the following statements correctly
purely digital. distinguishes AdFalciVax from other malaria
vaccines?
155. Consider the following statements about
Blockchain: A) It is India’s first DNA-based malaria vaccine
1. Each block in a blockchain contains a targeting Plasmodium vivax.
cryptographic hash of the previous block. B) It is India’s first indigenous multi-stage
2. Blockchain can only be used for recombinant vaccine designed against
cryptocurrencies and cannot record other Plasmodium falciparum.
transactions of value. C) It is the world’s first monoclonal antibody-
3. It is decentralized and resistant to data based malaria vaccine licensed by WHO.
tampering. D) It is a live-attenuated vaccine developed
Which of the statements above is/are correct? through public-private partnership under
A) 1 and 3 only MERA-India.
B) 2 only
C) 1 and 2 only 160. Which of the following pairs is correctly
D) 1, 2 and 3 matched?
1. E-2025 Initiative – WHO initiative to eliminate
156. With reference to cryptocurrencies in India, dengue in 25 countries by 2025.
which of the following is correct? 2. HBHI Initiative – Targets 11 malaria burden
A) Cryptocurrencies are recognized as legal countries including India.
tender under the RBI Act, 1934. 3. NFME (2016) – India’s framework aligned with
B) India has banned all forms of blockchain- WHO Global Technical Strategy for malaria
based applications. elimination.
C) India has introduced taxation on crypto Options:
transactions but does not treat them as legal A) 1 and 2 only
tender. B) 2 and 3 only
D) RBI issues digital rupee as a form of stablecoin. C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
157. Which of the following best describes the
uniqueness of Adi Sanskriti launched by the 161. Which of the following is NOT true about
Ministry of Tribal Affairs? malaria transmission?
A) It is India’s first Tribal University established A) It spreads via the bites of infected female
under Article 371 of the Constitution. Anopheles mosquitoes.
B) It is the world’s first Digital University focused B) It cannot spread directly from one person to
on tribal culture and traditional knowledge. another.
C) It is the first Tribal Research Institute under C) It can be transmitted through casual contact
TRIFED. such as shaking hands.
D) It is the first global e-marketplace exclusively D) It is preventable and curable with timely
for tribal artisans. treatment.
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162. Under India’s malaria elimination roadmap: Which of the statements are not correct?
A) The target is to eliminate malaria by 2027, A) 1, 2 and 3 only
ahead of the global WHO target of 2030. B) 2, 3 and 4 only
B) MERA-India was launched by WHO in C) None of the above
collaboration with Indian states. D) All are correct
C) NFME (2016) aims to reduce malaria incidence
by 90% by 2020. 166. Consider the following statements regarding
D) India is not part of the HBHI initiative despite Acharya Vinoba Bhave:
being high-burden. 1. He is often regarded as Gandhi’s spiritual
successor and was called the National Teacher
163. Consider the following statements about of India.
Pallas’s cat: 2. He founded the Gramseva Mandal in 1934 to
1. Its coat color changes seasonally to blend with promote village service and rural upliftment.
the environment. 3. He was the initiator of the Bhoodan Movement
2. It is diurnal and hunts mainly in open grasslands. (1951), aimed at voluntary land redistribution.
3. It is an ambush predator, waiting at rodent 4. He authored Geetai, a Marathi translation of
burrows for prey. the Bhagavad Gita.
4. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red Which of the above statements are correct?
List. A) 1, 2 and 3 only
Which of the statements are correct? B) 2, 3 and 4 only
A) 1 and 3 only C) None are correct
B) 2 and 4 only D) All are correct
C) 1, 2, and 3 only
D) 1, 3, and 4 only 167. Match the following initiatives with their
founders:
164. Which of the following pairs is correctly
matched? Initiative / Work Founder
1. Gramseva a. Mahatma Gandhi
Species IUCN Red List Status
Mandal (1934)
1). Pallas’s Cat Least Concern
2. Bhoodan
Critically Endangered Movement (1951) b. Acharya Vinoba
2). Asiatic Lion Bhave
3). Snow Leopard Vulnerable 3. Nai Talim (Basic c. Rabindranath
Education) Tagore
4). Fishing Cat Near Threatened
Options: 4. Shantiniketan d. Vinoba Bhave
A) 1 and 2 only Options:
B) 1, 3, and 4 only A) 1–2, 2–4, 3–1, 4–3
C) 2 and 3 only B) 1–4, 2–2, 3–1, 4–3
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4 C) 1–4, 2–2, 3–3, 4–1
D) 1–d, 2–b, 3–a, 4–c
165. Consider the following statements about
Sariska Tiger Reserve: 168. Aedes aegypti is a vector of several viral
1. It is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. diseases. Which of the following is NOT
2. It was declared India’s 11th Tiger Reserve under transmitted by it?
Project Tiger in 1978. A) Yellow fever
3. It was redesignated as a National Park in 1982. B) Dengue
4. It is the only tiger reserve in India that is part of C) Chikungunya
the Aravalli hills. D) Japanese Encephalitis
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169. Which of the following statements about
174. Regarding ethanol blending in India, consider
Aedes aegypti is correct?
the following:
A) It is native to tropical Asia but now restricted
1. Ethanol blending refers to mixing ethanol with
to Southeast Asia.
gasoline.
B) It is native to North Africa and has spread to
2. Ethanol feedstocks include sugary raw
tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions
materials (sugarcane, molasses) and starchy
globally.
crops (corn, cassava).
C) It is native to South America and has not spread
3. The National Policy on Biofuels (2018) initially
outside the continent.
targeted 20% ethanol blending in petrol by
D) It is native to the Middle East and is found only
2030.
in desert regions.
4. The government has advanced this target to
2025–26, and the 20% blending mark has
170. Consider the following statements about the already been achieved.
Wolbachia method of mosquito control:
Which statements are not correct?
1. Wolbachia bacteria block virus proliferation
A) 1 and 2 only
inside mosquitoes but do not harm the
B) 1, 2, and 3 only
mosquitoes themselves.
C) None of the above
2. Releasing male Aedes aegypti with Wolbachia
D) All are Correct
ensures that their mating with wild females
leads to infertile eggs.
175. Which of the following is a key difference
3. The method completely eradicates Aedes
between ethanol and isobutanol as fuel
aegypti from the ecosystem.
additives?
Which of the statements are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only A) Ethanol is more flammable than isobutanol.
B) 2 and 3 only B) Isobutanol has better compatibility with diesel
C) 1 and 3 only engines than ethanol.
D) 1, 2 and 3 C) Ethanol cannot be produced from sugarcane
or corn.
D) Isobutanol cannot be used in industrial
171. The recently identified novel species belong to
applications other than fuel blending.
which group of Aspergillus?
A) Aspergillus section Flavi
176. The Samudra Pradakshina initiative is
B) Aspergillus section Nigri (Black Aspergilli)
significant because:
C) Aspergillus section Fumigati
D) Aspergillus section Nidulantes A) It is India’s first international maritime trade
mission led by women.
B) It is a tri-service, all-women circumnavigation
172. Black Aspergilli are industrially important
sailing expedition symbolizing nari shakti,
because they:
jointness of armed forces, and Aatmanirbhar
A) Produce antibiotics like penicillin in large
Bharat.
quantities
C) It is primarily a naval combat exercise along
B) Act as workhorses in citric acid production,
international waters.
food mycology, fermentation, and agriculture
D) It is a tourism initiative to promote maritime
C) Are primary pathogens in human respiratory
heritage.
infections
D) Serve as biofuel producers only
177. Which of the following statements correctly
describes Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG)?
173. The term “saprophyte” in the context of
A) They are full-time Army personnel recruited
Aspergillus refers to:
nationally.
A) Fungi that live parasitically inside humans
B) They are civilians from border areas, acting
B) Fungi that decompose dead organic matter
as auxiliaries to the Army and border forces
C) Fungi that photosynthesize for energy
during emergencies.
D) Fungi that produce antibiotics
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KPSC Current Affairs
C) They are paramilitary forces raised exclusively Department of Karnataka
for counter-terrorism operations. D) Ministry of Communications (GoI)
D) They are recruited only from urban centers for
strategic intelligence operations. 4. According to NFHS-5, what is the prevalence of
hypertension in Karnataka (age 15+)?
178. Which of the following states currently have A) 20% women, 23% men
Border Wing Home Guard battalions? B) 25% women, 26.9% men
A) Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Tripura, C) 27% women, 28.5% men
West Bengal D) 22% women, 21.9% men
B) Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal
Pradesh 5. Which of the following health outcomes are
C) Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala directly linked to unchecked hypertension, as
D) Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh per Karnataka’s Health Minister?
1. Stroke
2. Heart attacks
3. Kidney failure
2. Karnataka Issues MCQ’S
4. Premature deaths
Options:
A) 1, 2, and 3 only
1. Consider the following statements regarding B) 2 and 4 only
the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). C) 1, 3, and 4 only
a. GBA is divided into 5 Corporations, Each D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
corporation is headed by a Chief commissioner.
b. The revenue generated by each corporation 6. Which State Government has a plan to
will remain with that corporation. reintroduce ballot papers instead of EVMs in
c. Mayors will now have a fixed term of 5 years. local body polls?
d. The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is
A). Bihar
headed by the Chief Minister.
B). Haryana
Which of the above are correct?
C). Karnataka
A) 1, b, and d only
D). Maharashtra
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 4 only
7. The Election Commission of India collaborated
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
with which organisations to commission EVMs
in 1989?
2. Which of the following best captures the
A) DRDO and BEL
objective of the Samruddhi Gram Panchayat
B) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics
Project (SGPP)?
Corporation of India Limited (ECIL)
A) Providing high-speed broadband to selected
C) C-DOT and ECIL
Gram Panchayats using optical fibre cables
D) NIC and BEL
B) Electrification of all villages under Karnataka’s
Energy Department
8. The proposed Bidadi AI-powered township is
C) Establishment of data centres at Panchayat
significant because it will:
level for e-Governance
A) Be India’s first township developed under the
D) Training rural youth in digital literacy
Smart Cities Mission
programmes
B) Operate entirely on renewable energy sources
C) Be India’s first AI-powered “work-live-play”
3. The nodal implementing authority for
model township
Samruddhi Gram Panchayat Project (SGPP) is :
D) Replace Electronic City as Bengaluru’s primary
A) Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
IT hub
B) Department of Telecommunications
C) Rural Development and Panchayat Raj
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9. Both runways at Kempegowda International 13. The State Government of Karnataka plans to
Airport (KIA) are now Code F compliant. This amend laws to reintroduce ballot papers in
implies: local body polls. Which of the following Acts
A) They can now handle only narrow-bodied are to be amended?
aircraft like Boeing 737. 1. Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993
B) They can now accommodate the world’s largest 2. Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964
passenger aircraft, Airbus A380. 3. Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024
C) They are now reserved exclusively for cargo 4. Representation of People’s Act, 1951
operations. A) 1, 2, and 3 only
D) They can now be used interchangeably for B) 2 and 4 only
domestic and international flights. C) 1 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
10. How many airports in Karnataka have been
operationalised under the RCS–UDAN scheme? 14. Articles 243(K) and 243(ZA) of the Indian
A) 5 Constitution are relevant because they:
B) 7 A) Empower the Union Election Commission to
C) 8 supervise all elections in India
D) 9 B) Provide constitutional status to State Election
Commissions (SECs) for local body elections
11. Match the following Karnataka airports with C) Allow State Legislatures to bypass the Election
their year of establishment/ಇನಾಗೂರೇಷನ್ Commission’s guidelines
D) Enable Panchayats and Municipalities to
Airports Year of establishment/ conduct their own independent election.
inauguration
1. Bellary Airport a. 1932 15. The HUDCO has sanctioned a loan of ₹9,303.66
crore for Bengaluru’s Twin Tunnel Road to:
2. Kempegowda b. 2008 A). B-SMILE
International Airport B). Larsen and Toubro
C) Tata Constructions
3. Shivamogga c. 2023
D). Adani Group
Airport
4. Mangaluru Airport d. 1951 16. The newly launched “Track Duty” platform by
Select the correct option: BSWML is primarily designed to:
A) 1→d, 2→c, 3→b, 4→a A) Track waste collection vehicles in real time
B) 1→c, 2→d, 3→a, 4→b B) Monitor attendance and field visits of officials
C) 1→d, 2→a, 3→b, 4→c C) Digitally record citizen complaints about
D) 1→a, 2→b, 3→c, 4→d sanitation
D) Maintain financial transparency in SWM
12. The NGMA Bengaluru’s event “Damami – contracts
Dreams, Drums and Roots” is significant
because: 17. The upcoming caste census in Karnataka is
A) It showcases the heritage of Karnataka’s Conducted by:
pastoral communities A). Karnataka State Commission for Backward
B) It highlights the cultural heritage of the Siddi Classes.
community B). Registrar General of India
C) It is dedicated to tribal art from North-East C). Census Commissioner
India D). Directorate of Economics and Statistics
D) It celebrates the folk traditions of Vokkaliga
community 18. The Kali Tiger Reserve comprises which two
protected areas?
a) Bandipur & Nagarhole
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b) Anshi NP & Dandeli WLS C). BSWML
c) Bhadra WLS & Kudremukh NP D). GBA
d) BRT & Cauvery WLS
25. Which of the following correctly explains
19. Arrange the following Karnataka Tiger Reserves how the introduction of E-Aasthi can reduce
by year of establishment: discretionary power and corruption in
1. Bandipur Tiger Reserve municipal property management?
2. Bhadra Tiger Reserve A) By removing property tax as a revenue source
3. Dandeli–Anshi (Kali) Tiger Reserve for BBMP.
4. Nagarhole Tiger Reserve B) By mandating property disputes to be
A) 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 resolved only through online courts.
B) 1 → 2 → 4 → 3 C) By creating a tamper-proof digital record with
C) 2 → 1 → 3 → 4 unique Property Identity Number and status
D) 1 → 4 → 3 → 2 tracking of applications.
D) By restricting citizens’ access to property
20. The terms “DFT-3, DLtM-5, DBrM-5,DFM-3, records for privacy reasons.
DKM-1, DPrM-5” are:
A). Millet varieties developed by UAS Dharwad 26. In Karnataka, the IMR dropped from 15 (2022) to
B). Rice varieties developed by UAS Dharwad 14 (2023), while the national IMR dropped from
C). Millet varieties developed by UAS Bangalore 26 to 25 in the same period. Which inference is
D). Rice varieties developed by UAS Bangalore most accurate?
A) Karnataka’s rate of improvement is faster
21. The term “DSM-4” is: than the national average.
A). Sesame variety B) Karnataka’s performance is stagnant
B). Hybrid sunflower compared to the national trend.
C). Millet Variety C) Both Karnataka and India reduced IMR at the
D). Rice Varity same pace.
D) National reduction was more significant than
22. The term “RSFH-700” is: Karnataka’s.
A). Sesame variety
B). Hybrid sunflower 27. Despite the fall in IMR, rural Karnataka reports
C). Millet Variety higher female infant mortality than urban
D). Rice Variety areas. Which of the following is NOT a likely
explanatory factor?
23. Consider the following statements about NRI A) Limited access to neonatal intensive care in
quota seats in Karnataka medical colleges: rural hospitals.
a. They are introduced only in private medical B) Gender bias leading to neglect of girl children.
colleges. C) Higher fertility rates in urban areas compared
b. They account for 15% of seats in government to rural.
medical colleges. D) Poor maternal nutrition and delayed
c. Their introduction is linked to the recent healthcare access in rural regions.
sanction of additional medical seats by NMC.
Which are correct? 28. The Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Limited (KBJNL)
a) a and b only is unique among irrigation project agencies in
b) b and c only India because:
c) a and c only A) It is a joint venture company with World Bank
d) a, b, and c and Government of Karnataka.
B) It is a fully state-owned company incorporated
24. “Gundi Gamana” is the initiative of: under the Companies Act, 1956, not a statutory
A). BDA board.
B). BESCOM C) It functions directly under the Ministry of Jal
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Shakti, Government of India. 32. E-Swathu is implemented under the supervision
D) It was established by an Act of the Karnataka of:
Legislature with independent taxation A) Karnataka Revenue Department
powers. B) Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR)
Department
29. Consider the following statements regarding C) Karnataka Housing Board
Quantum City (Q-City) D) BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike)
a). The Government of Karnataka has a plan to set
up Q-City, at Hesaraghatta near Bengaluru. 33. According to the “Karnataka Mid-Market GCC
b). It is designed to be an R&D hub bridging Report 2025,” which of the following is true
quantum research, startups, and industry. about mid-market GCCs?
c). Karnataka has announced its aim of building a a). They are established by enterprises with global
$20 billion quantum economy by 2035. revenues between $100 million and $1 billion.
d). The establishment of Q-City in Karnataka can b). They mature at a slower pace than larger GCCs.
be seen as aligning with National Quantum c). Karnataka hosts more than 50% of all mid-
Mission, Digital India, Startup India initiatives. market GCCs in India.
Which of the above are NOT correct? Select the correct code:
A) a, b and d only A) 1 and 2 only
B) b and c only B) 1 and 3 only
C) None of the above C) 2 and 3 only
D) All are correct D) 1, 2, and 3
30. Which of the following statements about Kagzi 34. Which of the following policy incentives is
lemon is correct? incorrect under Karnataka’s 2024 GCC Policy?
a. It is grown mainly in Indi taluk of Vijayapura A) Five-year electricity duty exemption for GCCs
district. outside Bengaluru.
b. It has export demand in Australia and UAE. B) Internship stipend reimbursements of up to
c. It is known for its thick rind and low juice 50%.
content. C) Creation of global innovation districts in
d. It has received the GI tag. Mysuru, Belagavi, and Mangaluru.
Select the correct code: D) Target of generating 3.5 lakh jobs and $50
A) a, b and d only billion economic output by 2029.
B) b and c only
C) a and c only 35. Under which legal provision the Biodiversity
D) a, b and c Heritage site is declared?
A) Section 16 of the Forest Rights Act, 2006
31. The MoU between Karnataka Media Academy B) Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
and Infosys Springboard programme is C) Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act,
significant because: 1986
1. It is the first CSR-based digital education D) Section 5 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
training for journalists in India.
2. It directly fulfils the mandate under Section 135 36. Match the following Biodiversity Heritage Sites
of the Companies Act, 2013. of Karnataka with their locations:
3. It specifically targets journalists in Tier-2 and
Tier-3 cities. Biodiversity Location
Which of the above are not correct? Heritage Sites
A) 1 and 2 only
1. Nallur a. Chikkamagaluru
B) 2 and 3 only
Tamarind Grove
C) All are Correct
D) None are incorrect 2. Hogrekan Shola b. Bengaluru Rural
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3. Ambaragudda c. Vijayapura 40. Which two platforms are being integrated
to enable real-time monitoring of potholes
4. Mamadapura d. Shivamogga and flooding in Bengaluru under the Greater
Reserve Forest Bengaluru Authority?
Choose the correct code: A) ASTraM app and Prahari app
A) 1- b, 2- a, 3- d, 4- c B) ASTraM app and Gundi Gamana
B) 1- a, 2- b, 3- d, 4- c C) BBMP Sahaya and Gundi Gamana
C) 1- b, 2- a, 3- c, 4- d D) ASTraM app and Jana Spandana
D) 1- b, 2- d, 3- a, 4- c
41. The Sharavati Pumped Storage Project, is
37. If a new proposal comes to declare a implemented by:
Biodiversity Heritage Site which of the A). KPTCL
following authorities would play the most B). KPCL
direct role in its notification? C). KPWD
A) Central Zoo Authority D). KREDL
B) Karnataka State Biodiversity Board
C) National Green Tribunal 42. The upcoming Karnataka Textile Policy
D) Indian Council of Forestry Research and 2025–2030 aims to generate employment
Education opportunities for approximately:
A) 1 lakh persons
38. Which of the following best explains the B) 1.5 lakh persons
significance of Project Khushi launched by C) 2 lakh persons
Bengaluru City Police? D) 3 lakh persons
A. It aims to provide mental health counseling
to the general public in Bengaluru through 43. The Bengaluru Water Resilience Project
police health camps. (handling the storm-water drain), taken up
B. It is a wellness programme targeting lifestyle- by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA),
related diseases among police personnel in is primarily funded by which international
association with Happiest Health. institution?
C. It is a scheme for retired police officials to A) Asian Development Bank (ADB)
access post-retirement healthcare benefits. B) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
D. It is a CSR initiative of private hospitals for free C) World Bank
treatment of cardiac emergencies for police D) New Development Bank (NDB)
officers.
44. Why did the Portuguese refer to Rani
39. Consider the following statements about the Chennabhairadevi as “Rainha de Pimenta”
Chief Minister’s Adivasi Gruha Bhagya scheme: (Queen of Pepper)?
1. It was launched in 2023 as part of Karnataka’s A) She levied taxes on pepper trade routes
efforts for tribal welfare. B) Her kingdom was renowned for exporting
2. Only Soliga and Siddi tribal communities are spices, especially pepper
eligible for benefits under the scheme. C) She monopolized pepper cultivation in
3. It provides pucca houses with basic amenities southern India
to ST families lacking housing. D) She signed a pepper-trade treaty with the
4. It is implemented under the Department of Portuguese
Social Welfare & Tribal Welfare, Government
of Karnataka. 45.‘Operation Meri Saheli’, implemented by South
Which of the above are correct? Western Railway (SWR), primarily focuses on:
A. 1 and 2 only A) Ensuring timely train services for women
B. 2 and 3 only B) Providing safety and comfort to solo women
C. 1, 3 and 4 only travellers
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4D C) Offering employment to women in railway
102 [Link]
KPSC Current Affairs
stations 51. The Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana (ABVV)
D) Reducing ticket fares for women passengers scheme in Karnataka promises free medical
treatment to:
46. Which state government has commenced A) All below-poverty-line families.
India’s first official survey of Sexual Minorities B) Senior citizens aged 65 and above.
? C) All senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless
A) Karnataka of economic status.
B) Maharashtra D) Only senior citizens with chronic illnesses.
C) Tamilnadu
D) Kerala 52. Which organisation launched Nandini ghee and
sweets in the US during the 8th World Kannada
47. Consider the following statements regarding Summit 2025 in Florida?
“The ELEVATE Karnataka” : A) Amul Federation
a). It aims to boost Innovation and entrepreneurship B) Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF)
in Karnataka by supporting start-ups. C) National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
b). It comes under Ministry of MSME. D) Navika Foods International
Which of the above is/are NOT correct? 53. Consider the following statements regarding
A) Only a “Deepika Student Scholarship Programme “
B) Only b a). It is a Collaborative effort of the Department
C) Both of Higher Education and Azim Premji
D) None Foundation.
b). It provides ₹35,000 per year to eligible girl
48. The ELEVATE Unnati 2025 programme under students to pursue higher education.
the Elevate initiative is specifically designed to c). Those who have completed SSLC, PUC in
support: government schools and colleges and have
A) Women entrepreneurs enrolled in any degree or diploma cannot get
B) SC/ST entrepreneurs benefit.
C) Rural entrepreneurs d). 37,000 girl students are expected to benefit
D) Minority entrepreneur from 2025–26.
Which of the above is/are correct?
49). Consider the following statements regarding A) Only a & b
Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development B) Only b & c
Authority Bill, 2025 C) Only a & d
a). No buffer zone is required for tanks measuring D) Only a & c
less than 5 guntas.
b). 6 metres buffer zone is proposed for tanks 54. The N. V. Prasad Committee was constituted by
with an area between 1 acre and 10 acres. the Karnataka government to:
c). Tanks between 25 acres and 100 acres will have A) Review regional development policies
a buffer zone of 30 metres. B) Propose regulations for bike taxi services
Which of the above is/are correct? C) Reform state cooperative banking
A) Only a & b D) Oversee transport electrification projects
B) Only b & c
C) All 55. Recently, which institution developed “fruit fly
D) Only a & c trap”
A). University of Agricultural Scientists, Bengaluru
50. The M. Govinda Rao Committee, is related to: B). National Bureau of Agricultural Insects
A) Agricultural pricing reforms in Karnataka Resources, Bengaluru
B) Regional imbalances in Karnataka C). Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New
C) Industrial pollution hotspots Delhi
D) Panchayat-level financial decentralisation D). Karnataka Horticultural Department
[Link] 103
KPSC Current Affairs
Answer keys
1. C 31. D 61. B 91. B 121. B 151. A 1. C 31. C
2. C 32. D 62. B 92. B 122. C 152. C 2. C 32. B
3. C 33. A 63. C 93. D 123. B 153. A 3. C 33. B
4. A 34. D 64. C 94. A 124. C 154. C 4. B 34. C
5. D 35. B 65. B 95. B 125. C 155. A 5. D 35. B
6. B 36. C 66. B 96. B 126. D 156. C 6. C 36. A
7. C 37. D 67. C 97. C 127. B 157. B 7. B 37. B
8. B 38. B 68. B 98. C 128. C 158. C 8. C 38. B
9. D 39. B 69. C 99. B 129. B 159. B 9. B 39. C
10. A 40. A 70. C 100. C 130. B 160. B 10. B 40. B
11. D 41. B 71. C 101. B 131. C 161. C 11. D 41. B
12. A 42. B 72. C 102. C 132. B 162. A 12. B 42. C
13. C 43. B 73. B 103. B 133. B 163. A 13. A 43. C
14. A 44. C 74. B 104. B 134. B 164. B 14. B 44. B
15. D 45. B 75. B 105. D 135. C 165. D 15. A 45. B
16. C 46. B 76. C 106. C 136. D 166. D 16. B 46. B
17. B 47. A 77. C 107. C 137. B 167. D 17. A 47. A
18. C 48. D 78. D 108. B 138. B 168. D 18. B 48. B
19. D 49. B 79. B 109. A 139. B 169. B 19. A 49. A
20. B 50. B 80. C 110. C 140. D 170. A 20. A 50. B
21. C 51. B 81. C 111. B 141. A 171. B 21. A 51. C
22. C 52. B 82. B 112. B 142. B 172. B 22. B 52. B
23. B 53. B 83. B 113. C 143. D 173. B 23. B 53. C
24. D 54. B 84. D 114. C 144. C 174. D 24. D 54. B
25. A 55. C 85. B 115. B 145. A 175. B 25. C 55. B
26. B 56. D 86. B 116. C 146. B 176. B 26. C
27. B 57. C 87. C 117. C 147. B 177. B 27. C
28. B 58. B 88. B 118. C 148. D 178. A 28. B
29. B 59. D 89. B 119. B 149. D 29. D
30. B 60. A 90. D 120. C 150. B 30. A
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