National News 🇮🇳
- Revised SHAKTI Policy 2025 Announced ⚡
- The government introduced an updated SHAKTI Policy to enhance coal distribution efficiency and support power generation.
- Relevance: Strengthens India’s energy security and promotes sustainable coal usage.
- UPSC Link: GS Paper 3 (Energy and Infrastructure).
- Ayurvedic Manuscripts Digitization Project Launched 📜
- The Ministry of AYUSH initiated a nationwide project to digitize ancient Ayurvedic manuscripts for preservation and research.
- Relevance: Supports traditional medicine and cultural heritage conservation.
- UPSC Link: GS Paper 1 (Art and Culture).
International News 🌍
- IMO’s Draft Net-Zero Framework Approved 🚢
- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) finalized a global framework to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Relevance: A major step in global climate action and maritime sustainability.
- UPSC Link: GS Paper 2 (International Relations).
- Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) Strengthened 🌏
- India expanded its participation in the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) to improve regional trade and security cooperation.
- Relevance: Strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- UPSC Link: GS Paper 2 (International Relations).
Defence & Security News 🛡️
- Operation Sindoor Conducted 🎯
- The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a precision strike targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- Relevance: Demonstrates India’s counter-terrorism strategy and defense preparedness.
- UPSC Link: GS Paper 3 (Internal Security).
Miscellaneous Updates 📚
- Lancet Report on Sexual Violence Against Children Released 🏥
- A new Lancet Report highlighted global concerns regarding child protection and recommended policy interventions.
- Relevance: Raises awareness on child rights and social justice.
- UPSC Link: GS Paper 2 (Social Issues).
- Biju Patnaik & Battle of Stalingrad Commemoration 🏛️
- A special event was held to honor Biju Patnaik’s contributions during the Battle of Stalingrad, recognizing his role in global history.
- Relevance: Highlights India’s historical contributions in international conflicts.
- UPSC Link: GS Paper 1 (Modern History).
How to Use These for UPSC
- Static Integration: Relate these updates to topics like governance, environment, and international relations.
- Essay Practice: Use these events in essays on energy security, maritime sustainability, or counter-terrorism strategies.
- Mock Answers:
- “Discuss the significance of India’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network for regional security.”
- “Examine the impact of the revised SHAKTI Policy on India’s energy sector.”
1. The Ayurvedic Manuscripts Digitization Project aims to preserve ancient texts. Which of the following benefits can arise from this initiative? 📜
(1) Strengthening India’s traditional medicine system.
(2) Supporting modern pharmaceutical research.
(3) Reducing dependence on synthetic drugs.
(4) Enhancing Ayurveda’s global outreach.
- (A) 1 and 3 only
- (B) 2 and 4 only
- (C) 1, 2, and 4 only
- (D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
✅ Correct Answer: (D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
🔹 Explanation: The project helps preserve traditional knowledge, supports modern medicine, provides alternatives to synthetic drugs, and promotes Ayurveda globally.
2. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) proposed a Net-Zero Framework for shipping emissions. Which measures align with this plan? 🚢
(1) Phasing out heavy-fuel oil usage.
(2) Implementing carbon taxes for major shipping companies.
(3) Immediate ban on all fossil fuel-powered vessels.
(4) Encouraging the adoption of hydrogen-based marine fuels.
- (A) 1 and 4 only
- (B) 2 and 3 only
- (C) 1, 2, and 4 only
- (D) 1, 3, and 4 only
✅ Correct Answer: (C) 1, 2, and 4 only
🔹 Explanation: The IMO framework targets fuel transition and taxation but does not mandate an immediate fossil fuel ban.
3. India’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) helps strengthen regional trade and security. Which of the following are true regarding IPLN? 🌏
(1) Facilitates logistics sharing among Indo-Pacific nations.
(2) Exclusively reserved for QUAD countries.
(3) Supports disaster relief and humanitarian missions.
(4) Counteracts China’s increasing influence in the region.
- (A) 1 and 3 only
- (B) 1, 3, and 4 only
- (C) 2 and 4 only
- (D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
✅ Correct Answer: (B) 1, 3, and 4 only
🔹 Explanation: IPLN is not restricted to QUAD nations, but supports logistics, security cooperation, and disaster relief.
4. What are the key implications of India conducting Operation Sindoor in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)? 🎯
(1) Strengthens India’s strategic deterrence.
(2) Increases diplomatic tensions with Pakistan.
(3) Violates international law on sovereignty.
(4) Reinforces India’s counter-terrorism strategy.
- (A) 1 and 4 only
- (B) 2 and 3 only
- (C) 1, 2, and 4 only
- (D) 1, 3, and 4 only
✅ Correct Answer: (C) 1, 2, and 4 only
🔹 Explanation: While strengthening deterrence and counter-terrorism efforts, such operations can escalate diplomatic tensions but do not necessarily violate sovereignty laws under self-defense doctrines.
5. A new Lancet report highlighted concerns on sexual violence against children globally. What measures could effectively address this issue? 🏥
(1) Strengthening national child protection laws.
(2) Expanding public awareness and education programs.
(3) Increasing criminal penalties without rehabilitation programs.
(4) Implementing cross-border cooperation for victim support.
- (A) 1 and 2 only
- (B) 1, 2, and 4 only
- (C) 3 and 4 only
- (D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
✅ Correct Answer: (B) 1, 2, and 4 only
🔹 Explanation: A balanced approach requires legal reforms, awareness efforts, and global coordination, rather than only punitive measures without rehabilitation.