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CII appoints Gaurav Banerjee as chairman of National Media & Entertainment Council Syllabus:Governance The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has appointed Gaurav Banerjee, the Managing Director and CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), as the Chairman of its National Council on Media & Entertainment (M&E) for the 2025–26 term. Banerjee, who also serves as the Chairman of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, brings over 20 years of experience to this role. Under his leadership, the council will focus on four key areas: Policy and Regulatory Reform: The council will work with government stakeholders to streamline existing regulations, address issues like piracy, and ensure fair competition. Skilling and Job Creation: It will support upskilling programs in collaboration with institutions like the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies to prepare the workforce for roles in animation, VFX, and immersive technologies like AR and VR. Technology and Creativity: The focus will be on encouraging the use of AI and other emerging tools to enhance content development and production while maintaining cultural relevance and ethical standards. Promoting Indian Content Globally: The council aims to leverage co-productions and strategic partnerships to showcase Indian stories and narratives to a global audience. With reference to the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) National Media & Entertainment (M&E) Council for 2025–26, consider the following statements: Gaurav Banerjee, appointed as Chairman of the M&E Council, concurrently holds the position of Chairman at the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India. One of the council’s strategic focuses under his leadership is to work with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to combat digital piracy through blockchain-based content authentication. Skilling initiatives of the council involve partnerships with institutions such as the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, specifically targeting domains like animation, VFX, and immersive technologies. The council’s global promotion strategy for Indian content includes the use of international co-productions and strategic collaborations. Options:A. 1, 2 and 3 onlyB. 1, 3 and 4 onlyC. 2, 3 and 4 onlyD. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 – Correct: Gaurav Banerjee is both the Chairman of the CII National M&E Council (2025–26) and the Chairman of BARC India. Statement 2 – Incorrect: The provided information mentions combating piracy, but does not specify blockchain-based authentication or direct collaboration with MeitY. This is an extrapolation beyond the source. Statement 3 – Correct: The council’s skilling initiatives indeed involve partnerships with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, focusing on animation, VFX, AR, and VR. Statement 4 – Correct: Promotion of Indian content globally through co-productions and strategic partnerships is explicitly stated as part of the council’s vision. PAHAL (Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG) Scheme Syllabus:Governance The Indian government has deactivated over 4 crore duplicate or inactive LPG connections under its PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh) direct benefit transfer scheme.   About the PAHAL Scheme What it is: A direct benefit transfer (DBT) system for LPG subsidies launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. How it works: Instead of receiving a subsidized cylinder, the consumer pays the full market price, and the government directly transfers the subsidy amount to their registered bank account. Scale: It is the world’s largest cash transfer program, covering over 17 crore LPG consumers nationwide. Objective: The primary goal is to prevent the diversion of subsidized LPG cylinders for commercial use and to ensure that the subsidy reaches only genuine consumers.     Eligibility Criteria The applicant must be a domestic LPG user. The combined taxable income of the applicant and their spouse must not exceed ₹10 lakh in the previous financial year, as per the Income Tax Act, 1961. Under the PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh) scheme, which of the following statements is/are correct? It was launched with the primary objective of reducing the fiscal deficit through direct subsidy elimination. The scheme requires beneficiaries to purchase LPG cylinders at the market price before receiving subsidy. Households with a combined taxable income exceeding ₹10 lakh are ineligible for subsidy under the scheme. Select the correct answer using the code given below:a) 1 and 2 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 3 onlyd) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: b) 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect — The primary objective is not fiscal deficit reduction directly, but to curb diversion of subsidized LPG for commercial use and ensure subsidy reaches genuine consumers. Statement 2 is correct — Under PAHAL, consumers pay full price first, then subsidy is transferred. Statement 3 is correct — Income eligibility ceiling is ₹10 lakh taxable income combined for applicant and spouse. District Flood Severity Index Syllabus:Indices Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have developed a new flood management tool called the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI). Unlike previous indices that focused mainly on the number of flood events, the DFSI provides a more comprehensive picture by also considering the human impact and geographical spread of floods.   How the DFSI is Calculated The DFSI uses a multi-faceted approach to assess flood severity, taking into account several key parameters: Duration: The mean number of days for all flooding events in a district. Extent: The percentage of the district’s area that has been historically flooded. Human Impact: The total number of deaths and injuries from flooding events. Population: The total population of the district. The index gives a high weighting to human fatalities and population exposure, providing a more human-centric view of flood risk.   Key Findings The index has produced some notable and surprising results: Patna, Bihar, is ranked number one on the index. This is due to the high population density in the area, which leads to a greater number of affected people and casualties, even if the number of flood events is not the highest. Districts in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Assam also have high rankings. This is likely because these regions are home to major river basins (Ganga and Brahmaputra) and are densely populated, making them highly vulnerable to severe flooding. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, despite having

NIT-C becomes India’s first I-STEM catalyst centre Syllabus:Science With reference to the I-STEM Catalyst Centre recently established at the National Institute of Technology, Calicut, consider the following statements: The I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering Facilities Map) initiative is an effort to create a national web portal for sharing R&D facilities in the country. The Catalyst Centre aims to act as a regional hub providing access to advanced scientific equipment for academia, industry, startups, and research institutions. I-STEM is an initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology and is implemented under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. NIT Calicut is the first institution in India to be designated as an I-STEM Catalyst Centre. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 1, 2 and 4 only(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4(d) 2, 3 and 4 only  Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation: Statement 1: Correct — I-STEM is a national web portal mapping and enabling sharing of R&D facilities across India. Statement 2: Correct — The Catalyst Centre concept focuses on equitable access to advanced scientific instruments for multiple stakeholders. Statement 3: Correct — I-STEM is coordinated by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India under the Ministry of Science & Technology. Statement 4: Correct — NIT Calicut is indeed India’s first I-STEM Catalyst Centre. PM Modi inaugurates Kartavya Bhavan Syllabus:Governance   Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan, the first of ten upcoming Common Central Secretariat This ambitious project, part of the Central Vista redevelopment plan, aims to bring various Ministries and Departments under a single roof to enhance efficiency. Many key ministries currently operate from aging, “structurally outdated and inefficient” buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1970s. The Union Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA) Ministry plans to replace these with ten new buildings. The government’s Central Vista project has already seen the completion of a new Parliament building, the Vice President Enclave, and the redevelopment of the Kartavya Path. With reference to the Central Vista redevelopment project and the recently inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan, consider the following statements: Kartavya Bhavan is the first building completed under the Common Central Secretariat plan and is intended to house multiple Union Ministries and Departments under one roof. The Central Vista redevelopment project is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and includes, among other works, construction of a new Parliament building, redevelopment of Kartavya Path, and construction of the Vice President Enclave. All the existing Central Secretariat buildings that were constructed between the 1950s and 1970s will be demolished and replaced under the Central Vista project. The Kartavya Path connects Vijay Chowk to the India Gate and was earlier known as Rajpath. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 4 only(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 2 and 4 only  Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only Explanation: Statement 1: Correct — Kartavya Bhavan is indeed the first of ten planned Common Central Secretariat buildings meant to consolidate ministries for greater efficiency. Statement 2: Correct — The Central Vista redevelopment is under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and its scope covers the new Parliament building, Kartavya Path redevelopment, Vice President Enclave, and Common Secretariat buildings. Statement 3: Incorrect — Not all existing secretariat buildings will be demolished; some will be repurposed or integrated depending on structural assessments. UPSC may test such absolutes (“all”) for traps. Statement 4: Correct — Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) indeed links Vijay Chowk to the India Gate. India–Philippines Strategic Partnership Syllabus:IR During his state visit to India in August 2025, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and India signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership. The key highlights of this visit were:   Key Highlights Strategic Partnership: The declaration focuses on cooperation in defense, maritime security, and space technology. Diplomatic Ties: The two nations celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, having established ties shortly after India’s independence in 1949.   Bilateral Cooperation Defence: The BrahMos missile system was delivered to the Philippines in 2024, making it the first foreign recipient of the system. Space & Technology: There will be collaboration with ISRO on satellite launches, capacity building, and monitoring for weather and agriculture. Health: The Philippines was the first ASEAN country to approve India’s COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin.   Trade & Connectivity Trade: Formal negotiations have begun for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Connectivity: Direct flights between the two countries are scheduled to begin by the end of 2025, and a free e-Tourist Visa has been offered to Filipino citizens from August 2025 to July 2026. This enhanced cooperation is significant as it deepens India’s Act East Policy and strengthens its strategic engagement with the ASEAN region With reference to India–Philippines relations and the recent developments during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State Visit to India in August 2025, consider the following statements: The Philippines became the first foreign country to receive the BrahMos missile system from India. India and the Philippines have launched formal negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) during the visit. Under the new connectivity measures, a Free e-Tourist Visa scheme for Filipino citizens will be available indefinitely from August 2025 onwards. The Philippines was the first ASEAN country to approve Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for emergency use. The recent agreements include cooperation in Defence, Maritime Security, and Cybersecurity under the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 4 only(b) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only(c) 1, 3 and 5 only(d) 2 and 4 only  Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only Explanation: Statement 1: Correct — In 2024, the Philippines became the first foreign recipient of the BrahMos missile system. Statement 2: Correct — Formal PTA negotiations were indeed launched during the August 2025 visit. Statement 3: Incorrect — The Free e-Tourist Visa scheme for Filipinos is

Promotion of GI-Tagged Indian Textiles: Safeguarding Heritage and Empowering Artisans Syllabus:Culture Geographical Indications (GI) protect handloom and handicraft products that are specific to a particular region. These are registered under the GI Act, 1999, to prevent counterfeiting and misuse. As of the provided information, there are a total of 106 registered handloom products and 227 registered handicraft products.     Government Support and Promotion The government provides various support measures to empower artisans and preserve heritage. Under the NHDP and HMA schemes, ₹1.5 lakh is provided for GI registration and another ₹1.5 lakh for GI enforcement training. Funds are also allocated for seminars and workshops to raise awareness among artisans. Promotion and Market Outreach The government promotes GI-tagged products on both domestic and global platforms through initiatives like exhibitions, Dilli Haat, and Craft Melas. Seminars like “GI & Beyond: Virasat se Vikas Tak” are also held. These efforts are designed to connect artisans directly with buyers. There is a special focus on the silk sector through the Silk Samagra-2 scheme run by the Central Silk Board. This scheme provides GI recognition for silks such as Banarasi, Kanchipuram, and Muga to boost silk production and protect regional identity.   Legal Protection and Enforcement GI holders are granted exclusive rights to their products. They can receive ₹1.5 lakh in legal aid for fighting counterfeits, with enforcement handled by State Handloom and Textile Departments. Which of the following are supported under government schemes for GI product promotion and protection? ₹1.5 lakh for GI registration ₹1.5 lakh for enforcement training Legal aid up to ₹1.5 lakh for counterfeiting cases Export subsidies on GI products A. 1, 2, and 3 onlyB. 1 and 4 onlyC. 2, 3, and 4 onlyD. All of the above Correct Answer: A. 1, 2, and 3 only Explanation: ₹1.5 lakh each is provided for registration and training, and legal aid is also offered. Export subsidies are not specifically mentioned in the scheme; promotion is via platforms like exhibitions and craft melas. India’s First ‘Make in India’ Hydrogen Plant Sets a New Benchmark In This State Syllabus Science and Technology Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat, has commissioned India’s first green hydrogen project at an Indian port. This project is a significant step towards maritime decarbonization and a model for sustainable port operations across the country.     Project Details The project was inaugurated by Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. It has an initial capacity of 1 MW, which is the first phase of a larger 10 MW project. The electrolyzer technology used is fully “Made in India”. The first phase of the project was completed in four months.   Applications and Expansion Initially, the green hydrogen will be used to power 11 buses and streetlights within the port. Future plans include using the hydrogen for vehicles, tugs, vessels, and the full port operations. The DPA plans to add 5 MW to the project by the end of fiscal year 2025-26 and aims to reach the full 10 MW capacity by mid-fiscal year 2026-27. The expected output of the full project is approximately 140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen per year.   Broader Impact This project will help reduce the port’s carbon footprint and strengthen India’s green credentials. It also supports the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative and the country’s energy transition goals   With reference to India’s first port-based green hydrogen initiative, consider the following statements: The electrolyzer technology used in the project is fully imported from a European green-tech partner. The first phase of the project at Deendayal Port has a production capacity of 1 MW and powers internal port operations. The project has been implemented under the National Green Hydrogen Mission in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 2 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1 and 3 only Correct Answer: A. 2 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: The electrolyzer is fully Made in India, not imported. Statement 2 is correct: The 1 MW phase powers 11 buses and streetlights inside the port. Statement 3 is incorrect: The National Green Hydrogen Mission is not explicitly mentioned; the project is commissioned by the Deendayal Port Authority, under the Ministry of Ports, but not directly under the NGHM framework. SAP and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Partner to Skill India’s Logistics and Transport Workforce Syllabus:Governance   MoU Objectives The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to achieve three main goals: Digital Skilling: To digitally train professionals in the logistics and transport sectors. Curriculum Integration: To embed SAP tools into the curriculum to prepare students for real-world scenarios. Skill Gap Bridging: To close the skill gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements.   Key Focus Areas and Strategic Impact The key focus areas of the MoU include enabling employment, enhancing curriculum, and building capacity for research and development. This initiative is expected to strengthen India’s logistics ecosystem, foster collaboration between industry and academia, and support the Make-in-India and Digital India initiatives. It will also equip young people for a future-ready supply chain sector.   SAP Labs India recently inaugurated its second campus in Bengaluru, which reinforces SAP’s commitment to India as a technology and innovation hub and aligns with India’s rise to become a top three global economy. With reference to the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed to enhance digital skilling in India’s logistics sector, consider the following statements: The MoU primarily targets digital upskilling for students pursuing arts and humanities disciplines. It includes integration of SAP’s enterprise tools into academic curricula. One of its strategic goals is to support both the Digital India and Make-in-India missions. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 3 onlyD. 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: B. 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: The MoU targets professionals in logistics and transport, not specifically arts/humanities students. Statement 2 is correct: SAP tools will be embedded into