PM Vishwakarma is a Central Sector Scheme launched on 17 September 2023 to provide end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools.
The scheme covers 18 trades, including carpenter, boat maker, blacksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor, cobbler, mason, barber, tailor, washerman and fishing-net maker.
Important for UPSC:
PM Vishwakarma → Central Sector Scheme → Ministry of MSME → 18 traditional trades → Digital + Marketing support → Guru-Shishya tradition.
The scheme covers 18 trades, including carpenter, boat maker, blacksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor, cobbler, mason, barber, tailor, washerman and fishing-net maker.
Important for UPSC:
PM Vishwakarma → Central Sector Scheme → Ministry of MSME → 18 traditional trades → Digital + Marketing support → Guru-Shishya tradition.
Consider the following statements :
Statement-I : The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has the absolute authority to order permanent bans and cuts on films without any legal oversight or appeal mechanism.
Statement-II : The certification granted by the CBFC is legally binding across India for public exhibition under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
Statement-I : The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has the absolute authority to order permanent bans and cuts on films without any legal oversight or appeal mechanism.
Statement-II : The certification granted by the CBFC is legally binding across India for public exhibition under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
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Answer: (D)
Statement-I is incorrect because the CBFC does not possess arbitrary or unchecked absolute authority; its certification and modification decisions are subject to legal review, and filmmakers can challenge its rulings through higher judicial bodies or
appellate mechanisms.
Statement-II is correct because any film exhibited publicly in India must legally secure a valid certificate from the CBFC in accordance with the provisions mandated by the Cinematograph Act of 1952.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
Statement-I is incorrect because the CBFC does not possess arbitrary or unchecked absolute authority; its certification and modification decisions are subject to legal review, and filmmakers can challenge its rulings through higher judicial bodies or
appellate mechanisms.
Statement-II is correct because any film exhibited publicly in India must legally secure a valid certificate from the CBFC in accordance with the provisions mandated by the Cinematograph Act of 1952.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
On September 2026, India and MERCOSUR launched negotiations to expand their existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to deepen trade and create greater market-access opportunities.
India–MERCOSUR trade reached around US$20.84 billion in 2025. India sees scope for greater access for sectors such as pharmaceuticals, while MERCOSUR is important for India's broader engagement with Latin America.
Important for UPSC: India–MERCOSUR PTA → Preferential tariff concessions → Expansion talks in 2026 → e-Certificate of Origin → Latin America trade.
India–MERCOSUR trade reached around US$20.84 billion in 2025. India sees scope for greater access for sectors such as pharmaceuticals, while MERCOSUR is important for India's broader engagement with Latin America.
Important for UPSC: India–MERCOSUR PTA → Preferential tariff concessions → Expansion talks in 2026 → e-Certificate of Origin → Latin America trade.
India has developed an indigenous technology to produce bio-bitumen from agricultural residue, especially rice straw, using pyrolysis. The resulting bio-oil is upgraded and converted into a road-grade bio-binder.
The technology was jointly developed by CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi and CSIR-IIP, Dehradun. In January 2026, it was transferred to industries for commercial manufacturing and scale-up.
Important for UPSC: Agricultural residue → Pyrolysis → Bio-oil → Bio-binder → Stubble management + Circular Economy + Import reduction.
The technology was jointly developed by CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi and CSIR-IIP, Dehradun. In January 2026, it was transferred to industries for commercial manufacturing and scale-up.
Important for UPSC: Agricultural residue → Pyrolysis → Bio-oil → Bio-binder → Stubble management + Circular Economy + Import reduction.
Sri Venkateswara National Park forms part of the Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve, an important biodiversity region of the Eastern Ghats.
Important for UPSC: Environment & Ecology → Protected Areas → Eastern Ghats → Seshachalam Hills → Biodiversity → Red Sanders → Biosphere Reserves.
Important for UPSC: Environment & Ecology → Protected Areas → Eastern Ghats → Seshachalam Hills → Biodiversity → Red Sanders → Biosphere Reserves.