National Waterways (Construction of Jetties / Terminals) Regulations, 2025
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has introduced a new set of regulations, formulated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), aimed at streamlining the development and operation of India’s inland waterways network.
Key Highlights of the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025
These regulations are designed to enhance private sector participation in the development of inland waterway terminals.
Any entity, including private players, seeking to develop or operate an inland waterway terminal must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from IWAI.
The regulations apply to both new and existing terminals, covering both permanent and temporary installations.
Permanent terminals can be operated for their entire lifetime by the developer.
Temporary terminals will be granted an initial five-year operational term, with an option for extensions.
Developers and operators bear full responsibility for technical design, construction, and ensuring adequate access to the terminal, aligning with their business objectives.
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): A Brief Overview
Established: 1986 under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985.
Primary Role: Development, maintenance, and regulation of National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Significance of Inland Waterways
- Reducing Logistics Costs
India’s logistics costs account for 14% of GDP, significantly higher than the global average of 8-10%.
Enhancing waterway infrastructure will help bring these costs down, making trade more competitive.
- Decongestion of Transport Networks
Shifting cargo movement to inland waterways will ease congestion on road and rail networks, reducing traffic bottlenecks.
- Eco-Friendly Mode of Transport
Lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions make inland waterways a more sustainable transport solution.
This aligns with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate action commitments.
- Economic Growth & Trade Expansion
The volume of cargo transported via National Waterways has increased from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.
Improved inland waterway infrastructure will boost trade, especially in regions near National Waterways.
Government Initiatives for Inland Waterways Development
- Jalvahak Scheme
Provides direct incentives to cargo owners using inland waterways for distances exceeding 300 km.
Offers reimbursement of up to 35% of total operating costs incurred during cargo transportation.
- Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP)
Aims to develop National Waterway-1 (NW-1) with modern infrastructure and terminals.
- Sagarmala Project
Focuses on the integration of inland waterways with coastal shipping and major ports.
- Freight Village Development
Establishes logistics hubs near key waterways to enhance multimodal transport connectivity.
Conclusion
The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 represent a significant policy shift aimed at boosting private sector participation, reducing logistics costs, and promoting eco-friendly cargo transport. With the rapid digitization of waterway operations and strong government policy support, these reforms will play a crucial role in making India’s inland waterways a viable and competitive transport network.
Consider the following statements regarding the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025:
Private players are required to obtain a license from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to develop inland waterway terminals.
Permanent terminals are granted operational rights for a maximum of 20 years.
Temporary terminals are granted an initial operational period of five years, with a possibility of extension.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 3 only
(D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (C) 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Private players need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from IWAI, not a license from MoPSW.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Permanent terminals can be operated for their entire lifetime without a fixed limit like 20 years.
Statement 3 is correct: Temporary terminals are granted an initial five-year term with an option for extension.
Challenges Ahead of Women Panchayat Members in India
Syllabus: GS2/Social Issues; Issues Related to Women; Governance
Introduction
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has recently identified key reasons why male relatives of elected women representatives (EWRs) often act as proxies, undermining their autonomy in governance. Despite constitutional provisions for women’s representation, several socio-political and structural challenges persist.
Women’s Participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, marked a watershed moment in India’s governance by mandating one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Over time, several states extended this reservation to 50%, leading to the election of over 1.45 million women representatives at the grassroots level.
Key Challenges Faced by Women Panchayat Members
- Patriarchal Mindset and ‘Sarpanch Pati Syndrome’
Many male family members (husbands, fathers, brothers) act as de facto decision-makers, reducing elected women to mere figureheads.
This practice, known as ‘Sarpanch Pati Syndrome’, is particularly prevalent in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
- Lack of Political Training and Awareness
Many EWRs lack knowledge of governance structures, policy-making, and financial planning.
This makes them dependent on male counterparts or bureaucrats for decision-making.
- Resistance from Bureaucracy and Male Counterparts
Bureaucratic bias often results in officials not taking women leaders seriously.
Delays in fund allocation and policy implementation weaken women-led governance.
- Financial Dependence and Economic Disempowerment
Economic dependence on male family members restricts women’s ability to act independently in politics.
Limited access to financial resources and micro-credit schemes further constrains their decision-making power.
- Gender-Based Violence and Intimidation
Women leaders face harassment, verbal abuse, and physical threats from opposing male politicians or dominant caste groups.
In extreme cases, women are coerced into resigning due to social pressure or violence.
- Dual Burden of Work and Household Responsibilities
Women leaders struggle to balance political responsibilities with domestic duties such as childcare and agricultural work.
Societal norms prioritize household responsibilities, limiting women’s engagement in governance.
- Social and Caste-Based Discrimination
Women from marginalized communities (Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs) face intersectional discrimination in political spaces.
This is particularly severe in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana.
Benefits of Strengthening Women’s Leadership in PRIs
- Improved Governance and Policy Implementation
Example: In Kudumbashree (Kerala), empowered women leaders played a critical role in poverty alleviation and welfare schemes.
- Gender-Responsive Policies and Better Representation
Example: In Nagaland, women-led Panchayats focused on reducing gender-based violence and improving maternal health services.
- Economic Empowerment and Financial Independence
Example: In Bihar, EWRs successfully implemented micro-loan schemes, boosting rural women’s entrepreneurship.
- Reduction in ‘Sarpanch Pati Syndrome’
Example: In Rajasthan, capacity-building programs helped reduce male dominance in Panchayat decision-making.
Key Government Initiatives for Women in PRIs
- National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) – SHG Linkages
Promotes financial independence and leadership among rural women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Mahila Sabhas (Women’s Gram Sabha Meetings)
Held before general Gram Sabha meetings to prioritize women’s issues related to health, education, and safety.
- Panchayat Mahila Evam Yuva Shakti Abhiyan (PMEYSA)
Focuses on capacity-building for elected women representatives, enhancing decision-making and leadership skills.
- Mission Shakti (2022)
Comprises Sambal (safety & security) and Samarthya (economic empowerment) schemes to strengthen women’s participation in governance.
- Women’s Leadership Development Programs
Government and NGOs conduct training and mentorship programs to empower women in governance.
Way Forward: Strengthening Women’s Political Participation
- Capacity-Building and Leadership Training
Expanding Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) to ensure every EWR receives governance training.
- Strict Implementation of Laws Against Proxy Representation
Enforcing legal provisions to prevent male relatives from controlling elected women.
Conducting awareness campaigns to educate women about their rights.
- Financial Empowerment and Direct Access to Resources
Women leaders should have direct control over Panchayat funds without bureaucratic hurdles.
Expanding microfinance and economic initiatives to enhance women’s independence.
- Extending Women’s Reservation Beyond PRIs
While PRIs have 33-50% reservation, similar provisions should be implemented at legislative levels.
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which mandates one-third reservation in Lok Sabha & State Assemblies, must be implemented effectively post-delimitation.
- Strengthening Women’s Support Networks
Expanding the National Federation of Elected Women Representatives (NFEWR) across all states.
- Ensuring Safety and Protection for Women Leaders
Strict legal measures against harassment, violence, and political intimidation.
Establishing fast-track courts for cases related to violence against women in politics.
Conclusion
Despite remarkable progress in women’s political participation, systemic barriers continue to limit their effectiveness in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-dimensional strategy involving legal enforcement, capacity-building, financial empowerment, and social transformation.
By empowering elected women representatives and ensuring their full participation in governance, India can move toward gender equality and inclusive development.
With reference to the ‘Sarpanch Pati Syndrome’ in India, consider the following statements:
It refers to the practice where male relatives exercise de facto control over elected women representatives in PRIs.
The phenomenon is legally prohibited under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
This practice is most commonly observed in urban municipal corporations rather than rural governance structures.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. ‘Sarpanch Pati Syndrome’ is a well-documented issue where male relatives, especially husbands, exercise real power while women hold the official position.
Statement 2 is correct. While the 73rd Amendment mandates one-third (now 50% in many states) reservation for women, it does not explicitly mention this issue. However, proxy representation violates constitutional principles of effective representation.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The issue is primarily seen in rural Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs), not urban local bodies.
PM2.5 Pollution Sources in Northern India
Syllabus: Environment
Recent studies have highlighted severe air quality problems in Northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Research published in Nature Communications examines the sources and health impacts of PM2.5, a harmful particulate matter, emphasizing the need to understand local emission sources and their effects on public health.
PM2.5 Composition Analysis
The study analysed PM2.5 samples from five locations, including both urban and rural areas, identifying key components like ammonium chloride and organic aerosols. In Delhi, vehicular emissions and residential heating are major contributors. In contrast, areas outside Delhi show higher levels of ammonium sulfate and biomass-burning aerosols.
Health Risks of PM2.5
PM2.5 poses significant health risks, particularly due to its oxidative potential, which measures its ability to cause harm. This oxidative potential is mainly driven by organic aerosols, which primarily come from incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels. Traffic and residential sources are key contributors to these health risks.
Seasonal Variations in Aerosol Concentration
The study also observed seasonal variations in aerosol concentration. Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols remain consistently high throughout the year, but primary organic aerosols increase significantly during the winter months. This seasonal spike is due to the use of cow dung for heating and cooking, with concentrations rising up to ten times higher in colder weather compared to warmer months.
Impact of Traffic Emissions
Traffic emissions are a major source of PM2.5 pollution, especially in urban areas. Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols from vehicles contribute significantly to overall aerosol mass, making up as much as 40% in some urban regions. These emissions are especially prominent during the warmer months.
Comparative Global Analysis
The oxidative potential of PM2.5 in Indian cities is alarmingly high, surpassing levels recorded in cities in China and Europe by up to five times. This comparison underscores the urgent need for action to address air quality issues in India.
With reference to PM2.5 pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, consider the following statements:
PM2.5 levels in Delhi are primarily influenced by ammonium sulfate emissions from industrial sources.
Biomass-burning aerosols are a major contributor to PM2.5 in non-Delhi regions of Northern India.
Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOAs) show significant seasonal variation, peaking in monsoon months.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: PM2.5 in Delhi is mainly driven by vehicular emissions and residential heating, not ammonium sulfate (which is more dominant in non-Delhi regions due to agricultural burning).
Statement 2 is correct: Non-Delhi areas exhibit higher levels of biomass-burning aerosols, especially from stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
Statement 3 is incorrect: HOAs remain consistently high throughout the year rather than showing monsoonal spikes.
Impact of GeM on India’s Economy
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has transformed public procurement in India, benefiting both government buyers and small businesses.
What is GeM?
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online platform established for public procurement in India. Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, its goal is to improve transparency, efficiency, and speed in government procurement processes.
Objective
GeM’s primary objective is to create an open and transparent procurement platform for government buyers.
Core Principles of GeM
The platform is based on several key principles, ensuring streamlined, fair, and effective procurement.
Key Features of GeM
- SWAYATT: This initiative aims to enhance ease of doing business by providing direct market linkages for startups, women entrepreneurs, Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), and youth to participate in public procurement.
- Startup Runway 2.0: This feature offers startups a chance to showcase their innovative products and services to government buyers, facilitating their engagement in public procurement.
- Dedicated Marketplace for Startups: GeM has created a specific marketplace category for startups, allowing them to list products and services, regardless of their DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) certification.
- Womaniya: This initiative highlights products made by women entrepreneurs and women self-help groups (WSHGs), empowering women-led businesses in the procurement process.
- Collaboration with MSMEs: GeM works closely with stakeholders from the MSME sector, with a particular focus on promoting entrepreneurs from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
- SARAS Collection: The SARAS Collection showcases a curated range of handcrafted goods, including handicrafts, handloom textiles, office décor, and personal care products, all sourced from SHGs across India.
Impact of GeM
- Cost Savings: By promoting competitive pricing, GeM has contributed to significant reductions in procurement costs for the government.
- Wider Market Access: The platform has opened up opportunities for vendors from all corners of the country, including rural areas, to participate in government procurement.
- Boost to MSMEs & Startups: Around 50% of GeM orders come from MSMEs, supporting the growth of small businesses and fostering a more inclusive economy.
Conclusion
GeM’s strategic initiatives have greatly contributed to improving the ease of doing business and boosting participation in government procurement. As it continues to evolve, GeM remains dedicated to its vision of creating a sustainable, transparent, and competitive marketplace, advancing India’s progress toward inclusive and effective public procurement practices.
The Womaniya initiative on Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is primarily aimed at:
- A) Enabling direct procurement of goods and services exclusively from women entrepreneurs without competitive bidding.
- B) Establishing a dedicated procurement quota for women-led enterprises across all government departments.
C) Facilitating the showcasing and procurement of products crafted by women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to enhance their market access.
D) Offering subsidized loans and financial incentives to women entrepreneurs participating in public procurement.
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Womaniya initiative under the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is designed to promote the participation of women entrepreneurs and women-led SHGs by facilitating the listing and procurement of their products and services on the platform.
This initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in public procurement but does not involve exclusive tenders, mandatory procurement quotas, or financial grants. The focus is on market linkage and visibility rather than providing direct financial support or bypassing competitive processes.
This question tests the aspirant’s ability to grasp the nuanced objectives of government initiatives and distinguish between affirmative action policies and preferential financial assistance—a common area of confusion in public policy.
President Murmu visits Dholavira
Syllabus: GS1/Indian Ancient History; Art & Culture
The President of India recently visited Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Gujarat.
About Dholavira
Dholavira was discovered in 1968 by renowned archaeologist Jagat Pati Josh,
Historical Significance:
Dholavira is the sixth-largest Harappan site, flourishing between 3000 and 1500 BCE. It was inscribed as India’s 40th UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
Dholavira’s Architectural Brilliance
The site’s urban planning is remarkable, with a walled city divided into several key areas:
Fortified Castle: Houses the Bailey and Ceremonial Ground.
Middle and Lower Towns: Both are fortified as well, demonstrating advanced architectural techniques.
Water Management: The city had a series of reservoirs to the east and south of the Citadel.
StoneUsage:
Unlike other Harappan sites, Dholavira extensively utilized stone in its architecture, setting it apart from other locations that predominantly used brick.
Economic Significance
- Trading Hub: Dholavira was an important trade center, dealing in copper, shells, semi-precious stones, and timber.
- Trade Routes: It had trade links to Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), Magan (Oman), and other Harappan cities.
- Exports: The city exported finished goods like beads, metals, and pottery.
- Decline of Dholavira
- Climate Change and Aridity: The drying up of the Saraswati River contributed to the site’s decline.
- Trade Disruptions: The collapse of the Mesopotamian Civilization impacted Dholavira’s trade networks.
- Desertification: The once-navigable Rann of Kutch eventually turned into a mudflat, further contributing to the city’s decline.
Which of the following statements best describes the geographical location of Dholavira?
A) It is located on the banks of the Saraswati River in Rajasthan.
B) It is situated on the arid island of Khadir in the Kachchh district of Gujarat, on the Tropic of Cancer.
C) It lies in the northernmost part of the Harappan Civilization, in Punjab.
D) Dholavira is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea in Maharashtra.
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Dholavira is located on the island of Khadir in the Kachchh district of Gujarat. It lies on the Tropic of Cancer, a significant feature of its geographical location.
Article 136 of the Constitution
Syllabus: GS 2/Governance
Vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar, speaking at a conference on arbitration, raised concerns about the misuse of Article 136 of the Constitution. Article 136 grants the Supreme Court the discretionary power to grant special leave to appeal against any judgment, decree, or order issued by any court or tribunal in India. This provision enables the Supreme Court to hear appeals even when no other legal provision guarantees an automatic right of appeal. It applies to both civil and criminal cases, but the Supreme Court is not obligated to accept every appeal filed under this article.
Consider the following statements regarding Article 136:
It allows the Supreme Court to grant special leave to appeal against decisions of any court or tribunal in India.
It applies exclusively to constitutional and civil cases.
The Supreme Court is obligated to entertain every petition filed under Article 136.
It serves as an extraordinary jurisdiction rather than a regular appellate mechanism.
Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 4 only
Answer:(b)
Explanation: Article 136 grants the Supreme Court discretionary power to hear appeals from any court or tribunal. However, it applies to both civil and criminal matters (not just constitutional and civil cases), and the Supreme Court is not obligated to accept all petitions under this provision. It functions as an extraordinary power rather than a routine appellate mechanism.
Link of High levels of Selenium in Wheat to Hair Loss
Syllabus: GS 2/Health
A joint investigation by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) identified elevated selenium levels in the blood and hair of affected individuals.
The contamination was traced to wheat supplied through Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets.
Selenium: An Essential Yet Potentially Toxic Element
Nature & Occurrence:
Selenium is an essential trace mineral found in various foods and dietary supplements.
It does not occur in pure elemental form but is a byproduct of metal sulfide ore refining.
Exists in soil and groundwater in inorganic forms, which plants absorb and convert into organic compounds like selenocysteine and selenium methionine.
- Biological Role:
- Selenium is crucial for human health, being a key component of 25 selenoproteins, including:
- Thioredoxin reductases (involved in cell growth and DNA repair).
- Glutathione peroxidases (protects against oxidative damage).
- It plays a vital role in thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, reproduction, and immune defense.
- Industrial Applications of Selenium
- Glassmaking: Used to remove color from glass and create red-colored glass and enamels.
- Electronics: Previously used in photocells, light meters, and solar cells (now largely replaced by silicon-based devices).
- Pigments: Adds a red hue to ceramics, paints, and plastics.
- Rubber Industry: Enhances rubber’s durability and resistance through vulcanization.
- Selenium Toxicity (Selenosis): A Growing Concern
Causes:
Excessive selenium intake via diet, supplements, or environmental exposure.
Contaminated food or water sources can lead to high selenium levels in the body.
Symptoms:
Hair loss, a key symptom of selenium toxicity, was observed in individuals from Shegaon Taluka, where foodborne exposure is suspected as the primary cause.
The findings underscore the need for strict quality monitoring in PDS supplies to prevent toxic exposure and safeguard public health.
Consider the following statements regarding selenium:
It is primarily found in its pure elemental form in nature.
It is an essential trace mineral required for human biological functions.
Selenium compounds play a role in thyroid hormone metabolism and oxidative stress regulation.
The human body can synthesize selenium independently without dietary intake.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) 2, 3, and 4 only
Answer:(b)
Explanation: Selenium is not found in pure elemental form in nature but as a byproduct of metal sulfide ore refining. It is essential for human health, contributing to thyroid hormone metabolism and oxidative stress regulation. However, the body cannot synthesize selenium independently and must obtain it through diet.
Gene Therapy for Maple Syrup Urine Disease
Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology
Understanding Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) MSUD is a rare genetic metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency in the Branched-Chain Alpha-Keto Acid Dehydrogenase (BCKDH) enzyme complex.
This enzyme complex is essential for the breakdown of three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs):
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Valine
A malfunction or absence of the BCKDH complex results in the accumulation of toxic metabolites, leading to severe neurological impairment and, in extreme cases, death.
Key Features of MSUD:
- Distinctive Odor: The disorder is named after the characteristic sweet, maple syrup-like smell in the urine of affected individuals.
- Current Treatment Options:
- Strict Dietary Management (low BCAA intake).
- Liver Transplantation, which provides a permanent enzymatic source for BCAA metabolism.
- Breakthrough in Gene Therapy
- Scientists have developed a gene replacement therapy to target two forms of classic MSUD using an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector. This technique delivers functional copies of the BCKDHA and BCKDHB genes to correct the enzyme deficiency.
Key Outcomes of the Therapy:
Successfully restored metabolic function in knockout cell models.
Offers a potential curative approach, reducing dependency on strict dietary restrictions and liver transplants.
Which of the following statements correctly describes Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)?
It is a metabolic disorder caused by an enzyme deficiency in the breakdown of branched-chain amino acids.
It results in a characteristic sweet odor in urine due to toxic metabolite accumulation.
The condition can be completely cured through strict dietary management alone.
It primarily affects the metabolism of essential fatty acids.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only
Answer:(a)
Explanation: MSUD is a disorder of branched-chain amino acid metabolism, not essential fatty acids. While dietary management helps control the condition, it does not cure MSUD—severe cases may require liver transplantation or gene therapy.
Exercise Desert Hunt 2025
Syllabus: GS3/ Defence
Overview
The Indian Air Force conducted Exercise Desert Hunt 2025, a Tri-Service Special Forces exercise, at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- Participating Special Forces Units
- Para (Special Forces) – Indian Army
- Marine Commandos (MARCOS) – Indian Navy
- Garud (Special Forces) – Indian Air Force
Objective & Strategic Importance: The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability, coordination, and synergy among the three elite forces, ensuring swift and effective responses to emerging security threats. It focused on joint operational preparedness, fostering seamless collaboration in multi-domain warfare scenarios.
Key Operations & Tactical Drills
The participating forces engaged in high-intensity combat drills, including:
- Airborne insertion behind enemy lines for rapid force deployment.
- Precision strikes on high-value targets.
- Hostage rescue operations under simulated conflict conditions.
- Counter-terrorism operations in complex terrains.
- Combat free falls demonstrating stealth and infiltration capabilities.
- Urban warfare scenarios replicating real-time threats in built-up areas.
The exercise rigorously tested the combat readiness of the Special Forces under realistic battlefield conditions, reinforcing their ability to operate in hostile environments.
Consider the following statements regarding Exercise Desert Hunt 2025:
It was conducted as a bilateral military exercise between India and France.
It focused on enhancing joint operational capability among Special Forces of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The exercise involved counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and precision strike operations.
It was hosted at the Indian Air Force’s frontline base in Rajasthan.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer:(b)
Explanation: Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was a domestic tri-service exercise and not a bilateral military drill (eliminating Statement 1). The exercise focused on joint operations among Indian Special Forces and was conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
