Official Cut off - 71st BPSC Prelims 2025

🔆 16th Finance Commission Submits Report (2026–31)

📍 Introduction
The 16th Finance Commission (XVIFC), chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, submitted its report to the President of India for the award period 2026–27 to 2030–31.

📍 Key Highlights
✅ Constituted under Article 280(1) of the Constitution.
✅ Report covers the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Union & States.
✅ Includes recommendations on:
• Vertical & horizontal devolution
• Grants-in-aid to States
• Disaster management financing
• Local government finances

✅ XVIFC consulted:
• Union & State governments
• Local bodies
• Previous FC members
• Academic + multilateral institutions
• Advisory Council & domain experts

📍 Report Structure
• Volume I: Recommendations
• Volume II: Annexures & data
Report will be made public after being tabled in Parliament under Article 281.

📍 Conclusion
The submission marks a major step in shaping India’s fiscal federal framework for the next five years.

🔹 Mains Question
“Discuss the significance of the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendations in strengthening cooperative federalism in India.”

#polity

🔆 National Press Day 2025: Safeguarding Press Credibility in the AI Era

📍 Introduction
✅ At the National Press Day event in New Delhi, leaders emphasised the urgent need to protect press credibility amidst rising misinformation and rapid AI disruption.

📍 Key Highlights from the Event
✅ PCI Chairperson Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai:
• “AI can never replace the human mind.”
• Journalism must uphold judgement, conscience & responsibility.
• PCI uses fact-finding teams, committees, and internship programmes to promote ethical journalism.
• Stressed need for financial security for journalists.

✅ PTI CEO Vijay Joshi:
• “Let accuracy take precedence over speed and algorithm-driven engagement.”
• Warned against paid news, advertorials, yellow journalism eroding trust.
• Highlighted PTI’s legacy of truth, independence, fairness.
• Fact-Check initiatives now essential for countering misinformation.
• Journalism is a public service, not a tool to pollute the information ecosystem.

📍 Union Minister’s Address
✅ Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised strengthening public communication, credible reporting, and responsible use of digital tools.

📍 About the Press Council of India (PCI)
✅ A quasi-judicial authority set up in 1966 (re-established in 1979).
✅ Ensures press freedom and self-regulation in print media.
✅ Acts as an advisory body to governments on media standards.

📍 Why This Matters Today
✅ With AI accelerating misinformation, safeguarding press credibility is vital for:
• Democratic accountability
• Informed citizenship
• Protecting truth in a fragmented information age

📍 Conclusion
✅ Ethical journalism, rigorous fact-verification, and responsible use of technology are essential to preserve trust and freedom of the press.

🔹 UPSC Mains Question
“Discuss the challenges posed by AI-driven misinformation to press freedom and journalistic ethics in India. How can institutions like the Press Council of India strengthen credibility in the digital age?”

#ethics

BPSC prelims result

🔆 Why Rhesus Monkeys Need Legal Protection

📍 Introduction
Rhesus macaques are abundant and highly visible, yet recent scientific inputs show they still require legal protection under wildlife laws.

📍 Key Points
✅ Despite high numbers, conflict is rising as monkeys live close to people, leading to injuries, crop loss, and public health risks.
✅ Their removal from Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act (2022) weakened protection and reduced forest department intervention.
✅ Lack of protection increases risks of trafficking, cruelty, and unscientific conflict handling.
✅ Experts say conflicts can be managed through scientific measures like sterilisation, relocation, and better waste management.
✅ Ecologically, Rhesus monkeys play a major role in seed dispersal, forest regeneration, and the food web.

📍 Conclusion
Restoring protections ensures scientific conflict management, prevents illegal capture, and safeguards an ecologically important species.

🔹 Mains Question
“Discuss the need for reinstating legal protection for Rhesus macaques in India. How can scientific management reduce rising human-monkey conflicts?”

#environment

🔆 India–UK Joint Military Exercise: AJEYA WARRIOR-25

📍 Introduction
The 8th edition of the bilateral military exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25 between India and the UK began at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan.
Scheduled: 17–30 November 2025

📍 Key Highlights
✅ 240 personnel — equal representation from both armies
✅ India represented by Sikh Regiment
✅ Conducted under a United Nations mandate
✅ Focus: Counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain
✅ Includes:
• Brigade-level joint mission planning
• Tactical drills & simulations
• Company-level field exercises
• Real-life counter-terror scenario training

📍 Objectives
✅ Share best operational practices
✅ Enhance tactical proficiency
✅ Strengthen coordinated responses to complex threats
✅ Reinforce defence cooperation & regional stability

📍 Background
Held biennially since 2011, AJEYA WARRIOR is a key pillar of India-UK defence engagement.

📍 Conclusion
The 2025 edition deepens military interoperability and reflects shared commitment to professionalism and global peace.

🔹 Mains Question
“Discuss the strategic significance of bilateral military exercises like AJEYA WARRIOR for India’s defence preparedness and diplomatic relations.”

#Defence #security #prelims

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🔆 India’s Expanding Role in the Global Space Order

📍 Introduction
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that “Space” will secure India’s place as a frontline global nation, driven by fast-growing private sector engagement and innovation-led reforms.

📍 Key Highlights
✅ India is emerging as a preferred global destination for space partnerships and investment.
✅ Post-2019 reforms—opening the sector to private players, establishing IN-SPACe, and releasing the Space Policy 2023—have transformed the ecosystem.
✅ Massive rise in start-ups: 300+ space start-ups, foreign investments, rapid scaling.
✅ IISC 2025 theme: Innovation, Inclusion & Resilience in the New Space Age.

📍 India’s Space Achievements
✅ Chandrayaan soft landing, discovery of lunar water.
✅ Mangalyaan success.
✅ Launch of 104 satellites in one go.
✅ Growing satellite-enabled solutions for citizen welfare.

📍 Space Tech in Governance
Nearly 70% of India’s space applications now support:
• Gati Shakti planning
• Land mapping (SWAMITVA)
• Disaster management
• Telemedicine in remote regions
• Railway safety systems
• Weather forecasting & connectivity

📍 Regional & Global Outreach
India’s satellites now support Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, strengthening neighbourhood-first cooperation.

📍 Conclusion
With the space economy expected to grow fivefold, India is poised to strengthen its position in the global space architecture, driven by innovation, inclusive reforms, and private-sector dynamism.

🔹 UPSC Mains Question:
“Discuss how recent policy reforms and private sector participation are transforming India into a major global space power. Evaluate the implications for governance and international cooperation.”

#prelims #GS3
#science_and_technology
#science_technology

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🔥 Important Announcement for EPFO Aspirants! 🔥

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This is your last chance before the exam.

Don’t miss it.

🔆 NITI Aayog Releases Water Budgeting Report for Aspirational Blocks

📍 Introduction
NITI Aayog has released a report on “Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks” to strengthen local water security and support the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

📍 Key Highlights
✅ Assessment of 18 aspirational blocks across 11 States covering 8 agro-climatic zones.
✅ Water budgeting provides a structured method to estimate demand across human, livestock, agriculture & industry.
✅ Uses ‘Varuni’, a web-based platform, to enable block-level integrated water management.

📍 Why It Matters
✅ Helps identify water demand–supply gaps, challenges, and suitable interventions.
✅ Supports proactive water management using data-driven planning.
✅ Customised strategies recommended for each block due to varied water endowments.
✅ Enables localisation of water budgeting, hotspot identification, and efficient water use.

📍 Outcome & Broader Significance
✅ Strengthens community participation for improving water availability and health outcomes.
✅ Supports India’s transition toward climate resilience, digital water governance, and sustainable development.

📍 Conclusion
The report sets the foundation for equitable water distribution and long-term water security across diverse landscapes.

🔹 UPSC Mains Question:
“Discuss the significance of localised water budgeting in enhancing water security. How can tools like Varuni strengthen climate-resilient water governance in India?”

#goverment_schemes

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🔆 India’s Chance to Reshape Global Climate Finance

📍 Introduction
The PM highlighted Union Minister Bhupender Yadav’s article arguing that India now has a major opportunity to push for transparent, standardised, and accountable global climate finance.

📍 Key Points
✅ India’s draft Climate Finance Taxonomy offers clear rules on what qualifies as “green,” reducing ambiguity.
✅ Growing domestic green finance (renewables, green bonds, SDG-linked investments) shows India’s ability to lead by example.
✅ Current global climate finance suffers from unclear definitions, weak tracking, and lack of trust between developed and developing nations.

📍 Why India’s Leadership Matters
✅ India combines policy innovation + practical implementation (taxonomy + green investments).
✅ As a major emerging economy, India can push for common standards, better reporting, and fairness in climate finance flows.
✅ Aligns with India’s long-standing call: “Just as we track mitigation, we must also track finance.”

📍 Conclusion
India’s push for a clear climate finance framework can help build a credible and effective global architecture, ensuring climate commitments are matched with real money and real transparency.

🔹 UPSC Mains Question:
“Discuss how India’s emerging leadership in climate finance—through tools like the Climate Finance Taxonomy—can strengthen global transparency and equity in climate action.”

#GS3 #prelims #environment

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🔆 Rights of Transgender Persons in India — Key Highlights (2025 Update)
(Crisp, factual, UPSC-ready — with proper file citation)

📍 Introduction
India has strengthened protections for transgender persons through legal reforms, welfare schemes, and digital inclusion — reflecting a shift toward equality and dignity. 

📍 Legal Framework
✅ NALSA Judgment (2014): Recognised transgender persons as “third gender”; affirmed right to self-identification and equality under Articles 14, 15, 16, 19, 21.
✅ Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019:
• Prohibits discrimination (education, jobs, healthcare, housing).
• Ensures right to self-perceived gender identity.
• Provides ID certificates via District Magistrate.
• Mandates welfare schemes, inclusive education, healthcare, and protection. 
✅ Rules 2020:
• States must set up Transgender Protection Cells (20 established).
• Transgender Welfare Boards functioning in 25 States/UTs. 

📍 Institutional Mechanisms
✅ National Council for Transgender Persons (constituted 2020; reconstituted 2023):
Advises on policies, monitors schemes, coordinates across ministries, and handles grievances. 

📍 Major Government Initiatives
✅ National Portal for Transgender Persons (2020):
Online certificate & ID issuance; multilingual; end-to-end digital process. 
✅ SMILE Scheme (2022):
• Skill training & employability
• Scholarships to reduce drop-outs
• Ayushman Bharat TG Plus: ₹5 lakh annual coverage for gender-affirming care, surgeries, counselling
• Garima Greh: 21 shelter homes across 17 States + 3 new sanctioned (total 24). 

📍 Progress So Far (as shown in infographic on page 7)
• 725 trained in skill development; 500+ more planned.
• 1,800 trained under entrepreneurship programmes.
• 80 Ayushman TG health cards issued via NGOs.
• 296 Transgender SHGs formed; ₹3.12 crore loans disbursed.
• Aadhaar now accepts TG ID for updates.
• Toilets included for TG persons under Swachh Bharat policy. 

📍 Conclusion
India’s reforms — from NALSA to the 2019 Act, SMILE, Garima Greh, and digital certification — lay a strong foundation for dignity, autonomy, and social inclusion of transgender persons. Continued awareness, sensitisation, and institutional strengthening remain key.

🔹 UPSC Mains Question:
“Discuss how recent legal reforms and welfare schemes have strengthened the rights and dignity of transgender persons in India. What gaps remain in achieving full social inclusion?”

#SocialJustice #society

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🔆 100+ Years of Kodaikanal Solar Data Reveal New Clues to the Sun’s Future

📍 Introduction
Astronomers have reconstructed the Sun’s past polar magnetic fields using century-old images from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO), offering deeper insight into future solar activity.

📍 Key Findings
✅ Researchers used historical Ca II K images (since 1904) + modern AI algorithms to map the polar magnetic behaviour from 1904–2022.
✅ The method reconstructs polar fields for periods before direct measurements (1970s), filling a major knowledge gap.
✅ Identifying “polar networks” near the Sun’s poles provides a strong proxy for actual polar field strength.
✅ The new reconstruction helps estimate the strength of Solar Cycle 25.

📍 Why This Matters
✅ Solar magnetic behaviour affects sunspots, flares, and geomagnetic storms.
✅ Understanding polar fields helps predict solar storms, which can damage satellites, GPS, communication networks, and power grids.
✅ KoSO’s dataset—now digitised—is a powerful global resource for AI/ML applications in solar science.

📍 Institutions Involved
• ARIES (DST India)
• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
• Southwest Research Institute (USA)
• Max Planck Institute (Germany)
• INAF (Italy)

📍 Conclusion
KoSO’s century-long archive is now a big-data goldmine, offering the most reliable long-term reconstruction of solar magnetism to date—crucial for forecasting future solar behaviour.

🔹 UPSC Mains Question:
“Explain the significance of studying the Sun’s polar magnetic fields. How can long-term solar data improve forecasting of geomagnetic storms and their impact on Earth?”

#Science_technology

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🔆 GeM–UN Women MoU to Boost Participation of Women Entrepreneurs

📍 What Happened?
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) + UN Women signed an MoU to increase women entrepreneurs’ participation in public procurement, especially from the informal sector.

📍 Purpose of the MoU
✅ Promote gender-responsive procurement
✅ Expand market access under GeM’s Womaniya initiative
✅ Enable women-led businesses & SHGs to supply directly to government buyers

📍 Key Features
• GeM has created generic product categories for women-led enterprises — handicrafts, handloom, jute, bamboo, organic foods, home décor, office furnishings etc.
• UN Women will:
– design training modules
– share global best practices
– support validation criteria for women-led businesses
– promote Womaniya – #VocalForLocal
– support MSME Udyam registration
– mobilise women trainers & connect women entrepreneurs with advisers

📍 Capacity Building & Market Access
• GeM will run training programmes, onboarding workshops, vernacular materials
• Build partnerships for entrepreneurship & decent work opportunities
• Align women entrepreneurs with Government Labs / R&D institutes for product improvement

📍 Larger Goal
Strengthen hyper-local market linkages
Contribute to SDG 5 – Gender Equality & Empowerment of Women and Girl

🔹 UPSC Mains Question:
“Gender-responsive procurement is emerging as a powerful tool for women’s economic empowerment in India. Discuss the significance of initiatives such as GeM’s Womaniya and the GeM–UN Women MoU.”

#society


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🔆 Defence Atmanirbharta: Record Production & Exports

📍 Record Defence Production & Exports
✅ Highest-ever defence production: ₹1.54 lakh crore (FY 2024–25)
✅ Indigenous defence production: ₹1,27,434 crore (FY 2023–24)
➡️ 174% jump from 2014–15
✅ Defence exports: ₹23,622 crore (FY 2024–25) (from <₹1,000 crore in 2014)
➡️ Export basket now reaches 100+ countries

📍 Rise of Private Sector & MSMEs
✅ 16,000 MSMEs now part of defence ecosystem
✅ Private sector share: 23% (up from 21%)
✅ 788 industrial licences issued to 462 companies

📍 Policy Reforms Driving Growth
• DAP 2020: Indian-IDDM priority, faster approvals, tech-led procurement
• DPM 2025: Simplifies revenue procurement; digital, uniform, EoDB focus
• FDI liberalised to 74% automatic / 100% govt route
• Positive Indigenisation Lists
• ₹1 lakh crore R&D & Innovation Scheme

📍 Defence Industrial Corridors
• UP + Tamil Nadu corridors → ₹9,145 crore investment, 289 MoUs
→ Potential: ₹66,423 crore

📍 Record Defence Contracts
• FY 2024–25: 193 contracts worth ₹2,09,050 crore
→ 177 contracts to Indian industry (₹1,68,922 crore)

📍 Major DAC Approvals (2025)
• Indigenous T-90 engines, Varunastra torpedoes, AEW&C systems
• Armoured Recovery Vehicles, EW systems, Surface-to-Air Missiles
• MALE RPAs for tri-services
• Landing Platform Docks, Naval Guns, ALWT torpedoes

📍 Why It Matters (Exam Angle)
• Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Strategic autonomy
• Defence industrial base development
• Export-led foreign policy tool
• Procurement reforms (DAP/DPM)
• MSME-led manufacturing ecosystem

🔹 UPSC Mains Question:
“India’s defence production ecosystem is undergoing a structural transformation driven by procurement reforms and private sector participation. Discuss.”

#Defence

🔆 India Showcases Digital Inclusion Leadership at WTDC-25

📍 Key Highlights
✅ India presented its vision for a secure, inclusive global digital future at WTDC-25 (Baku).
✅ Emphasised global cooperation on cybersecurity and digital solidarity.
✅ Recalled India’s long partnership with ITU (since 1869).

📍 India’s Digital Strengths
✅ 1.2B telecom subscribers
✅ 1B internet users
✅ 1.4B digital identities
✅ 99% district 4G coverage
✅ Fastest 5G rollout globally
✅ Drives 46% of global digital transactions
✅ Lowest data tariffs worldwide

📍 Digital Safety Tools
✅ Sanchar Saathi + Fraud Risk Indicator:
— Blocked 30M fake mobile connections
— Prevented 6.6M fraud attempts

📍 India’s Message
➡️ Build a trusted, collaborative, inclusive global digital ecosystem.
➡️ Ensure no nation is left behind in digital growth.

📍 Mains Question
“Evaluate how India’s digital public infrastructure can shape global digital inclusion.”


#economy

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Government Makes the Four Labour Codes effective to Simplify and Streamline Labour Laws

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2192463

Labour codes

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