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Type: Prelims Only

  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    FASTag Annual Pass Scheme

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    Union Transport Minister announced a new FASTag-based Annual Pass system for private non-commercial vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans) to ensure smoother travel across National Highways.

    What are FASTags?

    • FASTag is a contactless toll payment system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable automatic toll collection at National Highway toll plazas.
    • Managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), it was launched in 2014 and became mandatory in 2021 for all four-wheeled vehicles.
    • It is a sticker affixed on a vehicle’s windshield, linked to a prepaid wallet or savings account. Toll charges are automatically deducted when the vehicle passes through an electronic toll gate.
    • It enhances convenience, reduces traffic congestion, and promotes digital payments across India’s highway network.
    • As per the Motor Vehicles Rules, FASTags are mandatory for all new four-wheelers and necessary for renewal of fitness certificates and national permits.

    About the FASTag Annual Pass Scheme:

    • Overview: It is a new initiative announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to provide cost-effective and hassle-free travel for private non-commercial vehicles.
    • Implementation: The pass will be effective from August 15, 2025, and is optional, intended for cars, jeeps, and vans (not for commercial vehicles).
    • Objectives: The scheme is designed to reduce per-trip costs (as low as ₹15/toll) and provide savings of up to ₹7,000 annually for frequent travelers.
    • Benefits: It allows unlimited passage at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) toll plazas for either:
      • One year, or
      • 200 toll crossings, whichever is earlier.

    Key Features:

    • Eligibility: Applicable only for non-commercial private vehicles with a valid, active FASTag linked to a registered vehicle number.
    • Activation: Can be activated via the Rajmargyatra mobile app or NHAI website with a one-time payment of ₹3,000 for FY 2025–26.
    • Validity: Covers 200 trips or one year and then reverts to regular FASTag mode unless renewed.
    • Trip Count:
      • Point-based plazas: Each pass counts as one trip per crossing.
      • Closed toll systems: Entry and exit combined count as one trip.
    • Transfer Restrictions: The pass is non-transferable and valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is registered.
    • Coverage: Valid only at NH and NE toll plazas managed by the Centre. It does not apply to state highway or local toll plazas.
    • Fee Revision: The base fee may be revised annually starting April 1 every year.
    • Existing Users: No need for a new FASTag if one is already affixed and active. The pass can be added on top of the existing tag after eligibility verification.
    [UPSC 2023] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements:

    1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.

    2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.

    3. Bangladesh-China -India -Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China. How many of the above statements are correct? Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None*

     

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    Navy inducts INS Arnala

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the News?

    INS Arnala, the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was officially commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

    About INS Arnala:

    • What is it: INS Arnala is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command on June 18, 2025, at Visakhapatnam.
    • Behind the name: It is named after the historic Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra.
    • Development: The vessel was designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and built in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
    • Project: It marks the beginning of the induction of 16 ASW-SWC class ships, aimed at enhancing India’s shallow water anti-submarine capabilities.

    Key Features:

    • Propulsion: 77.6 metres long; first Indian Navy warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.
    • Indigenous Content: Over 80% indigenous systems, with contributions from BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, and over 55 MSMEs.
    • Arsenal: Equipped with a single centreline rocket launcher, lightweight torpedoes, anti-torpedo decoys, and mine-laying systems.
    • Sensor Suite: Incorporates Hull-Mounted Sonar (Abhay), Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS), and Underwater Acoustic Communication System (UWACS).
    • Multi-role Capability: Designed for ASW operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), low-intensity maritime operations, and subsurface surveillance in shallow coastal waters.

    Significance:

    • Strategic Defence Upgrade: Replaces ageing Abhay-class corvettes and significantly strengthens India’s anti-submarine warfare posture.
    • Enhanced Coastal Security: Ideal for detecting midget submarines and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) in waters less than 30 metres deep, where larger warships struggle to operate.
    • Make-in-India Milestone: Demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and contributes to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
    [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

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  • Start-up Ecosystem In India

    What is Reverse-Flipping?

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the News?

    SEBI has introduced key regulatory relaxations to ease IPO norms and incentivize startups to shift their legal base back to India through reverse-flipping.

    About Reverse-Flipping:

    • Reverse-flipping refers to the process by which Indian startups that were earlier incorporated abroad shift their domicile back to India, making India their legal and operational headquarters.
    • It allows Indian companies to access domestic capital markets, reduce compliance complexity, and align with the evolving global tax and regulatory environment.
    • This shift helps startups tap Indian stock exchanges, reduce reliance on foreign jurisdictions, and benefit from a favorable Indian regulatory ecosystem.

    Types of Reverse-Flipping

    1. Share Swap Arrangement:
      • In this structure, shareholders of the foreign parent company exchange their shares for shares in the Indian subsidiary.
      • This process may trigger capital gains tax under the Income Tax Act, 1961, especially for Indian shareholders.
    1. Inbound Merger (Cross-Border Merger):
      • The foreign parent company merges with its Indian subsidiary, with the Indian entity becoming the surviving legal structure.
      • If all conditions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), the Companies Act, 2013, and National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) are met, this merger route can be tax-neutral.

    Key Features:

    • Domestic Listing Access: Startups gain access to Indian IPO markets and valuations.
    • Simplified Compliance: Reduced legal and regulatory complications from operating across jurisdictions.
    • Investor Incentives: SEBI now allows foreign venture funds and AIFs to be counted towards minimum promoter contribution in public issues.
    • ESOP Relaxation: SEBI has allowed promoters/founders to retain Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) granted one year prior to the filing of the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP).
    • Capital Market Boost: The move supports India’s goal to become a global startup and financial hub by encouraging reverse-flipping.
    • Tax & Legal Alignment: Shifting domicile can help startups comply better with Indian tax and business laws.

    Note:

    Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) are structured benefit schemes that grant employees the right to purchase shares of their company at a predetermined price—known as the exercise price—after completing a specific period.

     

    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    Statement I: As regards returns from an investment in a company, generally, bondholders are considered to be relatively at lower risk than stockholders.

    Statement II: Bondholders are lenders to a company whereas stockholders are its owners.

    Statement III: For repayment purpose, bondholders are prioritized over stockholders by a company.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I *

    (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement I explains Statement II

    (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

    (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

     

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Legal mandate for One Nation, One Time 

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India has mandated the use of Indian Standard Time (IST) across all legal, commercial, digital, and administrative sectors.

    About Indian Standard Time (IST):

    • It is the official time zone of India, set at Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) +5:30 and based on the 82.5° E longitude passing through Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.
      • Neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka also use the same UTC+5:30 offset.
    • IST meridian passes through 5 Indian states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
    • It was established in 1906, replacing older regional time zones like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras Time.
    • It is maintained by the National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) using ultra-precise atomic clocks, which lose only one second in millions of years.
    • India does NOT observe daylight saving time; IST remains constant throughout the year.

    Back2Basics:

    Greenwich Mean Time (GMT):

    • GMT is the mean solar time at the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) located at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.
    • It was established in 1884 during the International Meridian Conference as the world’s time standard.
    • It is based on astronomical observations, specifically the mean position of the Sun over time.
    • It does not change with the seasons and does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).
    • Although now largely replaced by UTC in scientific and civil contexts, GMT is still used in some regions (e.g., the UK during winter months).

    Coordinated Universal Time (UTC):

    • UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time.
    • It was established in 1960 and is maintained by a network of high-precision atomic clocks worldwide.
    • UTC is adjusted periodically by leap seconds to compensate for the Earth’s irregular rotation speed.
    • It is used in aviation, computing, space science, and by international organisations like the UN and ITU.
    • Unlike GMT, which is purely solar-based, UTC combines atomic time (TAI) with occasional corrections for Earth’s rotation.

    IST in Context:

    • IST = GMT + 5:30
    • IST = UTC + 5:30

     

    Steps to Implement One Nation, One Time:

    [1] Time Dissemination Project:

    • It is a government initiative to ensure accurate, synchronised, and secure timekeeping across India.
    • It is led by the Department of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with CSIR-NPL and ISRO.
    • Five Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs) are being established in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Faridabad, and Guwahati.
    • These labs use atomic clocks and protocols like Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP) to maintain accuracy within microseconds.

    [2] Legal Metrology (IST) Rules, 2025: Key Provisions

    • Mandatory Use of IST: IST, as maintained by CSIR-NPL, becomes the sole legally recognized time standard in India.
    • Prohibition of Foreign Time Sources: Use of foreign systems like GPS time will be banned unless specifically approved by the government.
    • Sync Requirements: All government bodies, financial institutions, power grids, and telecom operators must synchronize their systems with IST.
    • Audit and Compliance: The system will be monitored through periodic audits and penalties will be imposed for violations.
    • Special Exemptions: Activities such as scientific research, astronomy, and national security operations may use alternative time sources after government approval.

     

    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following countries:

    I. United Kingdom II. Denmark III. New Zealand IV. Australia V. Brazil How many of the above countries have more than four time zones?

    (a) All the five (b) Only four * (c) Only three (d) Only two

     

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  • Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

    Magna Carta: The ‘blueprint for democracy’

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the News?

    On June 15, 1215, King John of England agreed to a seminal document called the Magna Carta, laying down principles that would help establish the foundations of modern democracies.

    About Magna Carta:

    • Overview: The Magna Carta, meaning “Great Charter” in Latin, was signed on June 15, 1215, at Runnymede near London by King John of England under pressure from rebel barons.
    • Content: The charter originally had 63 clauses, with two of the most important being:
      • Clause 39: Protection against arbitrary arrest and imprisonment.
      • Clause 40: Guarantee of justice without delay or denial.
    • Context: It was created in response to military defeats and excessive taxation, particularly following England’s loss at the Battle of Bouvines (1214).
    • Initial Setback: Though annulled by Pope Innocent III, it was reissued multiple times, especially under King Henry III, and became part of English statutory law.
    • How it dealt with the masses: Magna Carta was initially meant to protect free men—mainly land-owning nobles and barons, excluding women, serfs, and commoners.
    • Radical Impact: Despite its narrow scope, historians regard it as Europe’s most radical early check on monarchical authority.
    • Legal Influence: The charter influenced future legal systems, including the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and principles like habeas corpus.
    • Modern Relevance: Clauses 39 and 40 remain part of UK law today.
    • Significance: It is considered one of the earliest documents to limit royal power and lay the foundation for the rule of law and constitutional governance.

    Magna Carta of the Indian Constitution: Part III (Fundamental Rights)

    • Part III (Articles 12 to 35) of the Indian Constitution is often called the “Magna Carta of India”.
    • It guarantees justiciable Fundamental Rights, protecting citizens against arbitrary state action and forming the core of Indian democracy.
    • Why it’s called India’s Magna Carta?
      • Historical Parallel: Like the 1215 charter, Part III limits government power and guarantees individual freedoms.
      • Inspired by the U.S. Bill of Rights, it offers one of the most comprehensive rights charters in the world.
      • Legal enforceability empowers courts to uphold citizens’ rights and strike down unconstitutional laws.
    • Six Categories of Fundamental Rights:
      1. Right to Equality (Articles 14–18): Equality before law and prohibition of discrimination.
      2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22): Freedom of speech, movement, assembly, etc.
      3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24): Ban on forced labour and child labour.
      4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28): Freedom to practice and propagate religion.
      5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30): Rights of minorities to preserve culture and run institutions.
      6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of rights.
    [UPSC 2010] The ‘Instrument of Instructions’ contained in the Government of India Act 1935 have been incorporated in the Constitution of India in the year 1950 as:

    Options: (a) Fundamental rights (b) Directive Principles of State Policy* (c) Extent of executive power of State (d) Conduct of business of the Government of India

     

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  • [pib] Ancient Assam Fossils Link to Western Ghats Biodiversity 

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Why in the News?

    In Assam’s Makum Coalfield, BSIP scientists found 24–23 million-year-old fossil leaves resembling today’s Nothopegia, now limited to the Western Ghats.

    [pib] Ancient Assam Fossils Link to Western Ghats Biodiversity 

    About the Nothopegia Fossil Discovery

    • Overview: Palaeo-scientists from Lucknow discovered fossil leaves in the Makum Coalfield of Assam. It dates back 24–23 million years to the late Oligocene epoch.
    • Oldest Known Record: These are the oldest known fossils of the Nothopegia genus, a tropical plant now endemic to the Western Ghats, not found in Northeast India today.
    • Identification Methods: Researchers used morphological analysis, herbarium comparisons, and cluster analysis to identify the fossil leaves.
    • Tropical Legacy: Nothopegia belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and reflects ancient tropical ecosystems that once existed in Northeast India.
    • Climate Reconstruction: Using the Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program (CLAMP), scientists confirmed that the region once had a warm and humid climate, similar to the present-day Western Ghats.

    Why did Nothopegia disappear from the Northeast?

    • Tectonic Disruption: The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates led to the rise of the Himalayas, drastically altering climate, rainfall, and wind patterns in Northeast India.
    • Habitat Loss: These shifts caused the region to cool and dry, rendering it unsuitable for tropical flora like Nothopegia.
    • Southward Migration: Over time, the plant spread to the Western Ghats, which offered a climatically stable refuge and allowed its survival.

    Significance of the Study:

    • Climate Lessons: The extinction and migration pattern of Nothopegia illustrates a deep-time example of species response to long-term climate change.
    • Scientific Value: Understanding ancient plant resilience aids in predicting survival pathways under current global warming scenarios.
    • Refuge Significance: The study highlights how climate refuges like the Western Ghats help preserve ancient lineages during major environmental changes.
    [UPSC 2025] Which of the following are the evidence of the phenomenon of continental drift?

    I. The belt of ancient rocks from the Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa. II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side. III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) I and III only (b) I and II only (c) I, II and III *(d) II and III only

     

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  • Make in India: Challenges & Prospects

    What is Project Vishnu? 

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

    Why in the News?

    India is set to test the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM), an advanced hypersonic missile developed by DRDO under the secretive Project Vishnu.

    What is Project Vishnu?

    • Overview: Project Vishnu is a top-secret initiative by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop hypersonic missile technologies.
    • Strategic Purpose: The project aims to enhance India’s strategic deterrence by delivering high-speed missiles capable of both conventional and nuclear roles.
    • Focus: It is specifically designed to counter threats from China and Pakistan, reinforcing regional strike capability.
    • Platform Flexibility: A core feature is multi-platform deployment, allowing the missile to be launched from land, air, and naval systems.
    • Integrated Technologies: It brings together scramjet propulsion, materials science, and precision guidance into a single hypersonic weapons system.
    • Doctrinal Alignment: It reflects India’s shift toward technology-driven warfare and supports its credible minimum deterrence doctrine.

    About the ET-LDHC Hypersonic Missile:

    • Overview: It is the flagship missile system under Project Vishnu.
    • Speed and Range: It reaches Mach 8 (~11,000 km/h) and has a strike range of 1,500 km, making it nearly impossible to intercept with current defence systems.
    • Payload Versatility: It can carry 1,000–2,000 kg of conventional or nuclear warheads, allowing mission-specific configurations.
    • Propulsion: Powered by an indigenously developed scramjet engine, it uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, improving fuel efficiency and endurance.
    • Strike Capabilities: With evasive manoeuvrability and a flat trajectory, the missile is ideal for deep-penetration and precision attacks.
    • Next-Gen Materials: It is built from materials that withstand 2,000°C+ temperatures, ensuring oxidation resistance and structural integrity.
    • Launch Platforms: The missile is compatible with land systems, fighter jets, and naval vessels, offering operational flexibility.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.

    2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 *

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    First Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held on June 16, 2025, in New Delhi, with the Union Environment Minister presiding over the session.

    About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    • Overview: It is a multi-country, multi-agency alliance of 95 countries, both range and non-range, dedicated to the conservation of big cats and their habitats.
    • Launch: Proposed by PM Modi in 2019, the alliance was officially launched in April 2023 to mark Project Tiger’s 50th anniversary.
    • Conservation Focus: IBCA seeks to protect and restore populations of 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
    • Core Functions: The alliance works through advocacy, knowledge exchange, promotion of eco-tourism, and resource mobilisation.
    • Conflict Resolution: It aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict and restore degraded habitats critical to big cat survival.
    • Global Participation: IBCA brings together 95 range countries from:
      • Asia: India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran
      • Africa: Kenya, Congo, Ghana
      • Americas: Brazil, Ecuador, United States
      • Europe/Central Asia: Russia, Kazakhstan
    • Members: Bhutan, Eswatini, Cambodia, Guinea, India, Liberia, Nicaragua, Somalia and Suriname have deposited an instrument of ratification.
    • Institutional Structure: It is governed by a General Assembly, an elected Council, and a secretariat led by a Secretary-General.
    • Permanent Base: The ratification of the headquarters agreement has enabled IBCA to set up its permanent headquarters in India.

    India’s Role:

    • Species Richness: India is home to 5 of the 7 big cats—the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah—and holds 70% of the world’s tiger population.
    • Funding Commitment: The Indian government has committed ₹150 crore (2023–2028) and is attracting additional global contributions to support the alliance’s goals.
    • Conservation Leadership: India plays a leading global role in big cat protection, setting benchmarks in wildlife conservation and ecological stewardship.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.

    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 2

     

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  • Urban Transformation – Smart Cities, AMRUT, etc.

    Key Highlights of the Global Liveability Index, 2025

    IOCRPrelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released its Global Liveability Index 2025, evaluating 173 cities worldwide on their quality of life.

    About the Global Liveability Index:

    • Publisher: It is released annually by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
    • Purpose: It measures the quality of life in 173 cities worldwide, assessing how challenging or comfortable it is to live in each location.
    • Usage: The index informs decisions by corporations, governments, and development agencies, particularly for policy planning and expatriate relocation.
    • Five Assessment Categories:
      1. Stability (25%): Considers levels of crime, civil unrest, and terrorism threats.
      2. Healthcare (20%): Evaluates the quality, accessibility, and availability of medical services.
      3. Culture & Environment (25%): Includes climate, cultural offerings, and environmental conditions.
      4. Education (10%): Measures access to public and private education and overall quality.
      5. Infrastructure (20%): Covers transport, roads, housing, and utility services.
    • Scoring: Cities are rated from 1 (intolerable) to 100 (ideal) using 30+ qualitative and quantitative indicators.

    Key Global Rankings (2025):

    • Top Cities:
      • Copenhagen (Denmark) ranked 1st, scoring 98/100 with perfect marks in stability, education, and infrastructure.
      • Vienna and Zurich tied for 2nd, followed by Melbourne (4th) and Geneva (5th).
    • Regional Trends: Western European cities dominated the top 10, thanks to strong healthcare, education, and public transport systems.
    • Asia-Pacific Performers: Melbourne, Sydney, Osaka, Auckland, and Adelaide made the top 10, showing continued high liveability.
    • Improvements: Al Khobar (Saudi Arabia) jumped 13 spots due to gains in education and healthcare.
    • Lowest Ranked: Damascus (Syria) remains the least liveable, followed by Tripoli (Libya) and Dhaka (Bangladesh).
    • India’s Position: Both Delhi and Mumbai ranked 141st out of 173 cities, reflecting persistent issues in healthcare, infrastructure, air quality, and public safety.
    [UPSC 2017] With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, consider the following statements:

    1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.

    2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.

    3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    In news: Servants of India Society

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Why in the News?

    Pune’s Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) has recently called for a neutral takeover of its parent body, the Servants of India Society (SIS), following allegations of financial irregularities.

    In news: Servants of India Society

    About Servants of India Society:

    • Founding: It was founded on June 12, 1905, in Pune by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, along with N.A. Dravid, G.K. Devadhar, and A.V. Patwardhan.
    • Mission: The Society aimed to train Indians for selfless national service, promote education, and work for social and political reform through constitutional means.
    • Core Values: Members took vows of simple living, secularism, and equality across caste and religion.
    • Non-political Nature: Though non-political and non-sectarian, many SIS members contributed significantly to the freedom movement.
    • Prominent Members: Influential members included V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, Hriday Nath Kunzru, and A.V. Thakkar.
    • Major Activities: SIS established schools, ran night classes, supported healthcare, and published The Hitavada since 1911.
    • Welfare Work: It actively engaged in disaster relief, women’s and child welfare, and rural development.
    • Secular Legacy: It was India’s first secular social reform organisation, focusing on nation-building through service.
    • Current Status: Headquartered in Pune, it continues to operate today, though with limited membership, preserving its foundational values.

    Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866-1915):

    • Early Life: He was a liberal nationalist, senior Indian National Congress leader, and social reformer.
    • Political Journey: He joined the Indian National Congress in 1889 under Justice M.G. Ranade and became Congress President in 1905.
    • Institution Building: In 1905, Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society to train dedicated public servants.
    • Legislative Work: He served in the Bombay Legislative Council (1899) and the Imperial Legislative Council as a non-official member.
    • Reform Advocacy: Gokhale played a major role in securing the Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) and presented India’s economic conditions to the Welby Commission.
    • Mentor to Gandhi: Gokhale was a political mentor to Mahatma Gandhi and supported his early work, including funding the Sabarmati Ashram.
    • Education and Journalism: He established the Ranade Institute of Economics and launched The Hitavada newspaper (published from Nagpur).
    • Philosophy: Gokhale believed in constitutional reform, education, and social justice as the path to Indian self-rule, bridging social reform and political activism.

     

    [UPSC 2009] Who among the following rejected the title of knighthood and refused to accept a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India?

    Options: (a) Motilal Nehru (b) M.G. Ranade* (c) G.K. Gokhale (d) B.G. Tilak

     

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