Current Affairs

24 May 2025's MCQs

20 questions · one per article

  • 9 linked PYQs · Can you solve them?
    EconomyGS3
    High Priority

    RBI Approves Record Surplus Transfer Dividend to Central Government

    Why It Matters

    The RBI's surplus transfer is a pivotal source of non-tax revenue for the Central Government. Aspirants must understand the Economic Capital Framework, the purpose of the Contingent Risk Buffer, and how such massive dividends influence macroeconomic stability, the revenue budget, and fiscal deficit targeting.

  • 6 revision-ready facts
    EconomyGS3
    High Priority

    Economic Capital Framework and Mechanics of RBI Surplus Transfers

    Why It Matters

    The transfer of RBI's surplus is a major component of the government's non-tax revenue. Understanding the mechanics of the Economic Capital Framework and the statutory backing (Section 47 of the RBI Act) is essential for evaluating fiscal deficit management and the central bank's balance sheet resilience.

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    Trilateral engagement and tech restrictions shape regional geopolitics

    Why It Matters

    The China-Pakistan-Afghanistan nexus poses direct strategic and security challenges for India, particularly regarding CPEC's passage through PoK and regional stability. Additionally, the US-China tech war over semiconductors and AI has profound implications for global supply chains, presenting structural shifts that India must navigate as it seeks to build its own semiconductor ecosystem.

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    Supreme Court Invokes Article 142 in POCSO Case for Rehabilitation

    Why It Matters

    It provides a critical case study on the application of Article 142 to balance strict statutory frameworks (POCSO) with restorative justice. It also starkly highlights the grassroots implementation failures of child protection schemes, serving as excellent fodder for GS-2 answers on welfare policies, social justice, and judicial interventions.

  • 9 linked PYQs · Can you solve them?
    Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    JK Govt Seeks Centre Relief for Cross Border Shelling Victims

    Why It Matters

    The article highlights multiple UPSC-relevant dimensions: the human cost and rehabilitation needs arising from cross-border tensions (Border Area Management under GS3 Security), and the role of anti-graft bodies like the CBI investigating high-level corruption involving constitutional posts like Governors (GS2 Governance/Polity).

  • 6 revision-ready facts
    Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    India Extends Airspace Ban for Pakistani Carriers Amid Tensions

    Why It Matters

    Highlights extreme diplomatic measures (such as airspace bans and the suspension of the historic Indus Waters Treaty) taken in response to cross-border terrorism, showcasing the geopolitical constraints on connectivity and infrastructure.

  • EconomyGS3
    High Priority

    India Considers Opening Public Procurement Market to Foreign Firms

    Why It Matters

    Public procurement forms a massive part of India's GDP and has traditionally been used as a tool for domestic industry promotion. Opening this sector marks a major shift in India's trade negotiation strategy, directly impacting the MSME sector, bilateral relations (U.S., U.K.), and India's stance on WTO multilateral agreements.

  • Science and TechnologyGS3
    High Priority

    ChipIN Centre EDA Tools Drive Semiconductor Training in Universities

    Why It Matters

    Provides a clear, successful example of government intervention (ChipIN, DLI scheme) bridging the gap between academic training and industry requirements, crucial for discussions on India's semiconductor mission and high-tech self-reliance.

  • 12 linked PYQs · Can you solve them?
    GeographyGS3
    High Priority

    Assam temple emerges as sanctuary for freshwater turtles

    Why It Matters

    Highlights an innovative and successful model of community-based conservation that utilizes religious institutions (sacred ponds) to protect highly endangered freshwater turtle species, relevant to UPSC questions on biodiversity strategies and Schedule I species protection.

  • 6 revision-ready facts
    Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    FATF Grey List Criteria and Economic Implications for Nations

    Why It Matters

    Understanding the FATF's mechanisms is essential for UPSC GS3 (Security) regarding efforts to curb terror funding and money laundering, and for GS2 (International Relations) as an instrument of India's diplomatic strategy against state-sponsored terrorism.

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2
    High Priority

    Justice Abhay Oka Legacy as Defender of Civil Liberties and Bail

    Why It Matters

    The article provides vital commentary on the judiciary's role in interpreting Article 21, the evolution of bail jurisprudence, and the checks on state power—all core themes in GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance). Understanding judicial perspectives on balancing national security laws (like UAPA) with individual liberty is crucial for Mains answers and Prelims constitutional questions.

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2

    India Stance on Global Counter Terrorism and State Sponsored Terror

    Why It Matters

    India's diplomatic push against state-sponsored terrorism is a core pillar of its foreign policy. This statement is highly relevant for GS-2 (International Relations and global groupings) and GS-3 (Internal Security). Understanding this narrative is crucial for writing nuanced answers on the challenges India faces in achieving a global consensus against terrorism, the stalling of the CCIT, and counter-measures against cross-border threats.

  • 6 linked PYQs · Can you solve them?
    Science and TechnologyGS3

    Near earth asteroid tracking vital for planetary defense

    Why It Matters

    Tracking Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) is a key aspect of Space Technology under GS3. It highlights the importance of planetary defence initiatives and advanced space observation infrastructure to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.

  • 6 revision-ready facts
    Science and TechnologyGS3

    Andaman Sea Airspace Closure Indicates Strategic Missile Testing

    Why It Matters

    For UPSC aspirants, this event connects to GS3 (Science & Technology and Security) by demonstrating India's progress in missile technology and strategic deterrence. It also ties into GS1/GS2 Geography and Geopolitics by emphasizing the strategic depth provided by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for military testing and maritime security.

  • Science and TechnologyGS3

    Army Personnel Killed During Anti Terror Operation in Kishtwar

    Why It Matters

    The ongoing encounters in regions like Kishtwar highlight the complex internal security landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. For civil service aspirants, understanding the dynamics of state-sponsored terrorism, counter-insurgency measures, and the human cost of securing borders is essential for GS Paper 3 (Internal Security).

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2

    Russian Troop Buildup at Finnish Border Escalates European Security

    Why It Matters

    Understanding the 'security dilemma' is crucial for the International Relations syllabus. NATO's expansion and the resulting Russia-West polarization directly impact global stability, supply chains, and India's strategic balancing act between Western partners and its historical ties with Russia.

  • 21 linked PYQs · Can you solve them?
    Science and TechnologyGS3

    Regulatory body expands hazard zones for upcoming rocket test flights

    Why It Matters

    The article highlights the growing complexities of commercial space exploration, specifically the development of heavy-lift Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs). It bridges Science & Technology (GS3) with international regulatory challenges and liability regarding space debris falling on foreign sovereign territories (relevant to Outer Space Treaty principles in GS2), alongside map-based geography of the Caribbean region (GS1).

  • 6 revision-ready facts
    Polity and GovernanceGS2

    Soft Power Relevance Amid US Isolationism and Global Conflicts

    Why It Matters

    Understanding the shifting balance between hard and soft power is crucial for analyzing contemporary global geopolitics, the impact of waning globalization, and the strategic recalibrations required in India's foreign policy to navigate a multipolar, conflict-prone world.

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2

    US Reality TV Diplomacy and Erosion of International Norms

    Why It Matters

    It highlights a critical shift in global diplomatic engagements where domestic populist posturing outweighs constructive diplomacy, serving as a vital case study for analyzing contemporary international relations, global alliances, and the ethical conduct of state leadership.

  • Polity and GovernanceGS2

    Russia and Ukraine Begin Major Prisoner Exchange Following Talks

    Why It Matters

    The article highlights the complexities of wartime diplomacy, the role of third-party mediation (Turkiye, US), and the dual reality of humanitarian swaps occurring alongside continued military aggression, which are crucial themes for understanding current global geopolitics.