Andhra Pradesh has approved the second phase of Thalliki Vandanam for 3,29,201 more students. That is 58,601 more than first estimated and costs an extra ₹87.9 crore. This year’s total now stands at 68,05,791 beneficiaries and ₹10,208.69 crore, up from 67,47,190 and ₹10,120.78 crore. Phase 1 reached 64,76,590 beneficiaries. It left out students due to join Class 1 or first-year Intermediate and those with incomplete records.
School Education Department orders issued 10 October, with payments planned before Dasara.
Interconnected concept: Article 21A and the Right to Education Act, and direct benefit transfer.
The Supreme Court dismissed Andhra Pradesh’s appeal and upheld the High Court order that struck down 34% BC reservation in local bodies for breaching the 50% ceiling. Soon after, the AP Cabinet accepted the Rajeev Ranjan Mishra Dedicated Commission report, fixing BC reservation local body-wise, with an average of 28.18%.
Key points
Court rulings
AP High Court: struck down the orders that gave 34% to BCs in Panchayat Raj Institutions and 33.33% in urban local bodies. It directed the government and the State Election Commission to start the election process within six weeks.
Supreme Court: ruled that the High Court order was reasonable. The reservation went beyond the 50% limit set in Indra Sawhney (1992), and there was no empirical data to justify crossing it.
In a separate case, the Supreme Court ruled that the local body polls cannot be delayed because the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is under way.
AP Cabinet decision
Accepted the report of the Dedicated Commission headed by Rajeev Ranjan Mishra.
Purpose of the commission: to collect empirical data on the backwardness of BCs in each local body, as required by the Supreme Court’s triple test, so that BC reservation can be fixed local body-wise without crossing the 50% limit.
Total SC + ST + BC reservation will not exceed 50% in any local body.
Order of calculation: ST quota first, then SC (both on Census 2011), then the BC share within the remaining room.
Data used for BCs: Unified Family Survey, Ward and Village Secretariats data, NFHS, records of the Panchayat Raj and Municipal departments, and the Census.
BC quota by post (state government figures):
Post
BC quota
Gram panchayat ward members
26.73%
Sarpanches
27.95%
MPTC members
25.55%
Mandal Parishad presidents
24.60%
ZPTC members
24.60%
Zilla Parishad chairpersons
23.08%
Urban ward members
32.78%
Municipal chairpersons
33.02%
Mayors
35.29%
Overall average
28.18%
The government expects BCs to get more than 38,000 posts. The ruling coalition promised more than 34% of its party tickets to BCs where the legal quota is lower.
Background / static link
Article 243D: reservation in Panchayats for SCs and STs (by population) and women (at least one-third). Article 243D(6) lets states reserve seats for backward classes.
Article 243T: the same for Municipalities; 243T(6) covers backward classes.
K. Krishna Murthy v. Union of India (2010): the Supreme Court ruled that political backwardness differs from social and educational backwardness. Local body reservation for BCs is allowed but must be justified and must generally stay within 50%.
Vikas Kishanrao Gawali v. State of Maharashtra (2021) – the triple test:
Set up a dedicated commission to carry out a contemporaneous, rigorous empirical inquiry into backwardness for local bodies.
Specify the reservation local body-wise based on the commission’s findings.
Total SC + ST + OBC reservation must not exceed 50%.
Suresh Mahajan v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2022): elections cannot be held up indefinitely; without a completed triple test, the seats go to the general category.
AP history (as stated by the state government): 20% BC quota in local bodies in 1987, raised to 34% in 1995.
Significance
Rule of law: confirms that the 50% ceiling and triple test bind every state, whatever the political promise.
Data-based reservation: reservation is now fixed for each local body based on its own population data, not one flat figure for the state.
Timely elections: the HC’s six-week direction and the SC’s refusal to allow delays protect the constitutional duty to hold local polls on time (Article 243E and 243U set a five-year term).
Model for other states: shows a legally safe path for OBC quotas in local bodies.
Concerns / challenges
Lower share than promised: the average of 28.18% is below the 34% that BCs had earlier, which may cause dissatisfaction.
Old SC/ST data: SC and ST quotas still use Census 2011 because newer caste census data is not yet available.
Areas with high SC/ST share: in tribal areas, little or no room is left for BCs under the 50% cap.
Data quality: state survey data can be challenged in court, as happened with the 34% orders.
Telangana angle
Telangana faced the same issue. The Telangana High Court stayed the state’s order that raised BC reservation in local bodies to 42% (taking the total to 67%). The Supreme Court then dismissed the state’s plea against that stay. Both states show that the triple test and the 50% cap cannot be bypassed by executive orders.
Head of AP’s Dedicated BC Commission: Rajeev Ranjan Mishra.
Average BC quota approved by the AP Cabinet: 28.18%. Highest is for Mayors (35.29%).
BC reservation in Panchayats: Article 243D(6). In Municipalities: Article 243T(6).
Triple test case: Vikas Kishanrao Gawali (2021).
50% ceiling: Indra Sawhney (1992).
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT part of the Supreme Court’s “triple test” for OBC reservation in local bodies?
Setting up a dedicated commission for an empirical inquiry
Specifying the proportion of reservation local body-wise
Total SC, ST and OBC reservation not exceeding 50%
Excluding the creamy layer through an income limit of ₹8 lakh
Answer: (d). The triple test has only the first three conditions. The creamy layer rule applies to jobs and education, not this test.
Q2. Which constitutional provisions enable states to reserve seats for backward classes in Panchayats and Municipalities respectively?
Article 243D(6) and Article 243T(6)
Article 15(4) and Article 16(4)
Article 243K and Article 243ZA
Article 340 and Article 342A
Answer: (a). 243D(6) covers Panchayats and 243T(6) covers Municipalities. 243K and 243ZA deal with State Election Commissions.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the recent AP Cabinet decision on BC reservation in local bodies:
BC reservation was fixed at a uniform 34% across all local bodies.
SC and ST quotas were calculated first, based on Census 2011.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b). BC quotas vary by post (average 28.18%); ST and SC quotas were fixed first using Census 2011.
Mains practice question
“The triple test balances social justice with constitutional limits.” Discuss with reference to the recent BC reservation issues in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana local bodies. (250 words, 15 marks)
The Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’ (FSS-1), India’s first indigenously built ship of this class, has been launched by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). This note covers what a Fleet Support Ship does, the five-ship programme, HSL’s status, and the defence-shipbuilding traps that appear in prelims.
Why in News?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched FSS-1 ‘Surya’, the first indigenous Fleet Support Ship for the Indian Navy, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam.
At the same event he:
laid the keel of the fifth Fleet Support Ship (FSS-5)
inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4, which can build ships of up to 45,000 DWT
inaugurated a 300-tonne Goliath crane made under Make in India
Key Facts for Prelims: Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’
Type: An auxiliary (support) ship, not a frontline combat warship
Builder: Hindustan Shipyard Limited, a Defence PSU
Programme: Five Fleet Support Ships for the Indian Navy, under a contract signed in 2023 worth about ₹19,000 crore
Size: Displacement of over 40,000 tonnes
Cargo: Fuel, aviation turbine fuel, fresh water, ammunition and provisions
Onboard features: Maintenance workshops, a helicopter deck and self-defence systems
Status: Launched, not yet commissioned. Deliveries to the Navy are expected from 2027.
What Does a Fleet Support Ship Do?
A Fleet Support Ship is a floating logistics hub. It carries out Replenishment at Sea (RAS): it transfers fuel, water and stores to warships while both ships keep moving.
Endurance: Warships need not return to port to refuel, so they can stay deployed longer.
Reach: It extends the Navy’s operating range across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Blue-water capability: A carrier battle group cannot operate far from home without such tankers.
HADR: It can carry relief material during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions.
Static Link: Indian Shipyards and Maritime Vision
Hindustan Shipyard Limited: Started in 1941 as Scindia Shipyard. It has been under the Ministry of Defence since 2010 and received Miniratna Category-I status in 2025.
Other Defence PSU shipyards: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (Mumbai), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (Kolkata) and Goa Shipyard.
Cochin Shipyard, which built the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, comes under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, not the Ministry of Defence.
Existing fleet tankers: The Navy already operates replenishment tankers such as INS Deepak and INS Shakti, which were built abroad.
MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) succeeded SAGAR as India’s maritime vision. It was announced in Mauritius in 2025. Support ships help India act as a “first responder” in the IOR.
Ship Launch vs Commissioning
Stage
What Happens
Steel cutting
Construction formally begins
Keel laying
The first structural block is placed on the slipway
Launch
The hull is floated into water; fitting-out of machinery and systems continues
Sea trials
The ship’s systems are tested at sea
Commissioning
Formal induction into the Navy; the ship gets the prefix “INS”
Quick Revision Table: Fleet Support Ship
Parameter
Fact
Ship
FSS-1 ‘Surya’
Category
Fleet Support Ship (auxiliary / replenishment ship)
Builder
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (Defence PSU)
Administrative ministry of HSL
Ministry of Defence
Programme size
Five Fleet Support Ships
Contract value
About ₹19,000 crore
Displacement
Over 40,000 tonnes
Core role
Replenishment at Sea: fuel, water, ammunition, stores
Strategic gain
Longer endurance and reach of the Navy in the IOR
HSL status
Miniratna Category-I
Trap / Confusing Points
Common Confusion
Correct Position
Surya has been commissioned into the Navy
No. It has only been launched. Commissioning comes after fitting-out and sea trials.
It should be called “INS Surya” now
The prefix “INS” is used only after commissioning. Until then it is FSS-1 ‘Surya’.
Surya is the Navy’s first-ever replenishment ship
No. It is the first indigenous Fleet Support Ship. The Navy already runs foreign-built tankers such as INS Deepak and INS Shakti.
A Fleet Support Ship is a combat warship
No. It is an auxiliary ship with only self-defence systems.
All public sector shipyards are under the Ministry of Defence
No. Cochin Shipyard is under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Practice MCQs on Fleet Support Ship
1. The primary role of a Fleet Support Ship is: a. Anti-submarine warfare b. Replenishing warships at sea with fuel, water and stores c. Mine countermeasures d. Amphibious landing of troops Ans: B Explanation: A Fleet Support Ship is a floating logistics hub. It keeps warships supplied at sea and extends their endurance.
2. India’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’ was built by: a. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders b. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers c. Hindustan Shipyard Limited d. Cochin Shipyard Limited Ans: C Explanation: HSL, a Defence PSU, is the lead shipyard for the five-ship programme and launched FSS-1 ‘Surya’.
3. Hindustan Shipyard Limited functions under which ministry? a. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways b. Ministry of Heavy Industries c. Ministry of Defence d. Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ans: C Explanation: HSL was transferred to the Ministry of Defence in 2010. Cochin Shipyard is under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
4. In naval shipbuilding, the “launch” of a ship refers to: a. Formal induction into the Navy b. Floating the hull into water, after which fitting-out continues c. The first firing of its weapons d. Completion of sea trials Ans: B Explanation: Launch comes after keel laying and before sea trials and commissioning. “INS” is prefixed only at commissioning.
5. India’s maritime vision MAHASAGAR, which succeeded SAGAR, was announced during the Prime Minister’s visit to: a. Sri Lanka b. Maldives c. Mauritius d. Seychelles Ans: C Explanation: MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. It was announced in Mauritius in 2025.
Exam tip: For defence news, always note the stage (launch, delivery or commissioning), the builder and its ministry. The Fleet Support Ship programme is a likely source of prelims statements.
To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.
To know more about the launch of Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’, Click here.
Andhra Pradesh has started a pilot to build 3D printed houses for rural poor families. It is described as the country’s first pilot housing project using 3D concrete printing. The Centre has also sanctioned 3 lakh houses for the state under PMAY-G 2.0. This note covers the technology, the scheme’s key provisions and the traps aspirants should watch for.
Why in News?
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the foundation for the 3D printed houses pilot at Burripalem and Obulnayudupalem villages in Tenali mandal, Guntur district.
The Centre also sanctioned 3 lakh houses worth ₹3,600 crore for Andhra Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) 2.0. This was raised from the state’s initial proposal after a special request from the state.
Key Facts for Prelims: 3D Printed Houses
Technology:3D concrete printing. A computer-controlled robotic printer lays special concrete layer by layer.
Design input: Digital Building Information Modelling (BIM) designs guide the printer
Speed: 3D printed houses can be built in days instead of months
Benefits:
lower labour needs and less material waste
design flexibility, including curved walls
durability and better thermal comfort
Challenges: High cost of printers, need for special concrete mixes and skilled operators, and limited building codes for 3D printed structures
State goal: A pucca house for every homeless poor family in Andhra Pradesh
How 3D Printed Houses Are Built
Design: The house is modelled digitally using BIM software.
Slicing: Software converts the model into thin layers and printer paths.
Printing: A gantry or robotic-arm printer extrudes fast-setting concrete layer by layer to build the walls.
Finishing: The roof, doors, windows, plumbing and wiring are added in the conventional way.
Static Link: PMAY-G 2.0 Scheme
Ministry:Ministry of Rural Development
Origin: PMAY-G began on 1 April 2016 as a restructured version of the Indira Awaas Yojana (1985)
PMAY-G 2.0: Approved in 2024 to build 2 crore more rural houses from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29
Unit assistance:₹1.20 lakh in plain areas; ₹1.30 lakh in hilly states, North-Eastern states and difficult areas
Minimum house size: 25 sq m, including a hygienic cooking space
Convergence:
90 to 95 person-days of unskilled wages under MGNREGS
₹12,000 for a toilet under Swachh Bharat Mission–Gramin or MGNREGS
Payment: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the beneficiary’s bank account
Ownership: In the name of the woman, or jointly with her husband
Cost-sharing ratio under PMAY-G:
Category
Centre : State
Plain-area states
60 : 40
North-Eastern and Himalayan states, and UT of Jammu and Kashmir
90 : 10
Other Union Territories (including Ladakh)
100% Central funding
Quick Revision Table: 3D Printed Houses and PMAY-G 2.0
60:40; 90:10 for NE, Himalayan states and J&K; 100% for other UTs
Predecessor scheme
Indira Awaas Yojana
Trap / Confusing Points on 3D Printed Houses
Common Confusion
Correct Position
These are India’s first 3D printed houses
No. India has 3D printed buildings already, such as a 3D printed house built by an IIT Madras-incubated start-up in 2021 and a 3D printed post office in Bengaluru in 2023. This project is billed as the first pilot housing project using the technology.
PMAY-G is run by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
No. PMAY-G is under the Ministry of Rural Development. PMAY-Urban is under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
PMAY-G replaced Rajiv Awas Yojana
No. PMAY-G replaced the Indira Awaas Yojana. Rajiv Awas Yojana was an urban slum scheme.
All UTs get 90:10 funding
No. Only J&K gets 90:10. Other UTs, including Ladakh, get 100% Central funding.
BIM is a type of printing material
No. Building Information Modelling is a digital design and data model of the building.
Practice MCQs on 3D Printed Houses and PMAY-G
1. In 3D printed houses, the printer builds walls based on: a. Satellite imagery b. Digital Building Information Modelling (BIM) designs c. Cadastral survey maps d. GIS land records Ans: B Explanation: The printer follows BIM-based digital designs and lays concrete layer by layer.
2. The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin is implemented by: a. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs b. Ministry of Rural Development c. Ministry of Panchayati Raj d. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Ans: B Explanation: PMAY-G is under the Ministry of Rural Development. PMAY-Urban is under MoHUA.
3. The unit assistance for a house under PMAY-G in plain areas is: a. ₹1.00 lakh b. ₹1.20 lakh c. ₹1.30 lakh d. ₹2.50 lakh Ans: B Explanation: It is ₹1.20 lakh in plains and ₹1.30 lakh in hilly, North-Eastern and difficult areas.
4. What is the Centre-State funding ratio under PMAY-G for Himalayan states? a. 60:40 b. 75:25 c. 90:10 d. 100% Central Ans: C Explanation: North-Eastern and Himalayan states and J&K get 90:10. Plain states share 60:40, and other UTs are fully Centre-funded.
5. PMAY-G was launched by restructuring which earlier scheme? a. Rajiv Awas Yojana b. Indira Awaas Yojana c. Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana d. Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana Ans: B Explanation: Indira Awaas Yojana (1985) was restructured into PMAY-G from 1 April 2016.
Exam tip: For APPSC, link the 3D printed houses pilot with PMAY-G 2.0 provisions. Questions usually test the ministry, the funding ratio and the unit assistance.
To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.
To know more about Andhra Pradesh’s 3D printed houses pilot, Click here.
Etikoppaka toys – the GI-tagged lacquerware wooden toys of Andhra Pradesh – will get a dedicated theme park after the foundation stone was laid for the Rs 3 crore Etikoppaka Handicrafts Theme Park in Anakapalli district. This note lists the Etikoppaka toys facts and related AP GI crafts for prelims.
Why in News?
The foundation stone for the Etikoppaka Handicrafts Theme Park was laid in Etikoppaka village, Anakapalli district, to promote traditional lacquerware toys, support artisans and boost local tourism.
Etikoppaka toys: Key Facts for Prelims
Also called Etikoppaka Bommalu; made in Etikoppaka village on the banks of the Varaha River.
Material: soft wood of the Ankudu tree (Wrightia tinctoria) – lightweight and easy to shape.
Technique: lacquer-turning on a hand- or machine-operated lathe; colours from natural dyes (seeds, bark, roots, leaves) mixed with lac – hence child-safe.
GI tag in 2017 under the handicrafts category (Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999).
Selected as the One District One Product (ODOP) of Anakapalli district; craft is over 400 years old.
Andhra Pradesh GI-tagged crafts – quick list
Kondapalli toys (NTR district, Tella Poniki wood – often confused with Etikoppaka).
Tirupati laddu, Araku Valley coffee, Banganapalle mango, Uppada Jamdani, Dharmavaram silk, Venkatagiri sarees, Mangalagiri sarees, Budithi bell metal, Durgi stone carving, Leather puppetry (Tholu Bommalata), Bandar laddu.
GI tag – static points
Governed by the GI Act, 1999 (in force 2003); registry at Chennai under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (DPIIT).
Valid for 10 years, renewable; first GI in India – Darjeeling tea (2004); TRIPS Article 22–24 basis.
Quick Revision Table: Etikoppaka toys
Point
Detail
Craft
Etikoppaka lacquerware toys
Location
Etikoppaka, Anakapalli district (Varaha River)
Wood
Ankudu (Wrightia tinctoria)
Technique
Lacquer turning on lathe; natural dyes
GI tag
2017 (handicrafts)
Theme park cost
Rs 3 crore
ODOP
Anakapalli district
Trap / Confusing Points: Etikoppaka toys
Confusion
Correct Position
Etikoppaka toys are made from Tella Poniki wood
No – that is Kondapalli; Etikoppaka uses Ankudu wood
Etikoppaka is in Visakhapatnam district
Now in Anakapalli district (carved out in 2022)
Colours are synthetic paints
No – natural dyes mixed with lac
GI tag is granted by the state government
No – by the GI Registry, Chennai (central)
5 Practice MCQs on Etikoppaka toys
1. Etikoppaka toys are made from the wood of which tree?
a. Tella Poniki
b. Ankudu (Wrightia tinctoria)
c. Red sanders
d. Teak Ans: B Explanation: Ankudu is a soft, light wood ideal for lathe turning; Tella Poniki is used for Kondapalli toys.
2. Etikoppaka village lies on the banks of which river?
a. Sarada
b. Gosthani
c. Varaha
d. Nagavali Ans: C Explanation: Etikoppaka is on the Varaha River in Anakapalli district.
3. Etikoppaka toys received the GI tag in:
a. 2008
b. 2012
c. 2017
d. 2021 Ans: C Explanation: GI registration was granted in 2017 under handicrafts.
4. The Geographical Indications Registry of India is located at:
a. New Delhi
b. Mumbai
c. Chennai
d. Kolkata Ans: C Explanation: The GI Registry functions at Chennai under the CGPDTM.
5. Which of the following is NOT a GI-tagged product of Andhra Pradesh?
a. Bobbili Veena
b. Pochampally Ikat
c. Araku Valley coffee
d. Uppada Jamdani Ans: B Explanation: Pochampally Ikat belongs to Telangana.
Exam tip: Revise Etikoppaka toys together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.
To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.
To know more about the Etikoppaka theme park, Click here.
The Veligonda Project – officially the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project – has had its first phase inaugurated by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister at Gottipadiya. This note gives the Veligonda Project facts on tunnels, districts and capacities that APPSC papers test.
Why in News?
AP CM inaugurated Phase-I of the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project, completed at a cost of about Rs 7,983 crore out of a projected Rs 10,200 crore.
Phase-I diverts 10.70 TMC to Nallamala Sagar, providing irrigation to 1.19 lakh acres and drinking water to about 4 lakh people.
Veligonda Project: Key Facts for Prelims
Type: major irrigation-cum-drinking water scheme diverting Krishna floodwater from the foreshore of Srisailam Reservoir to Nallamala Sagar by gravity.
Twin tunnels of 18.8 km under the Nallamala Hills carry the water; Nallamala Sagar reservoir then feeds a canal network.
Beneficiary districts: Prakasam, Nellore (SPSR) and Kadapa (YSR) – the fluoride-affected, drought-prone western Prakasam belt.
Full project: irrigation to 4.47 lakh acres, drinking water to 23 lakh people across 30 mandals.
Purpose: fix recurring crop failure from erratic rainfall and replace fluoride-contaminated groundwater.
Named after Poola Subbaiah, a farmers’ leader who campaigned for the project; conceived in the 1990s (foundation 2004).
Srisailam Dam: on the Krishna in Nandyal district (AP)–Nagarkurnool (Telangana) border; second-largest working hydro station in India.
Other Srisailam-based schemes: Srisailam Right Bank Canal, Telugu Ganga, Galeru–Nagari (GNSS), Handri–Neeva (HNSS), and Telangana’s Kalwakurthy lift.
Nallamala Hills: part of the Eastern Ghats between the Krishna and Pennar; hold the Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve, India’s largest tiger reserve.
Krishna water sharing: Bachawat Tribunal (KWDT-I, 1976) and Brijesh Kumar Tribunal (KWDT-II); Krishna River Management Board under the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014.
Other major AP projects: Polavaram (Godavari, national project), Nagarjuna Sagar, Somasila (Pennar), Gundlakamma, Vamsadhara.
Quick Revision Table: Veligonda Project
Point
Detail
Official name
Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project
Water source
Srisailam Reservoir foreshore (Krishna)
Conveyance
Twin tunnels, 18.8 km, under Nallamala Hills
Storage
Nallamala Sagar
Districts
Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa
Phase-I benefit
10.70 TMC; 1.19 lakh acres; 4 lakh people
Full project
4.47 lakh acres; 23 lakh people; 30 mandals
Trap / Confusing Points: Veligonda Project
Confusion
Correct Position
Veligonda draws water from the Godavari
No – Krishna water via Srisailam
Water is pumped by lift
No – gravity flow through tunnels
Beneficiary districts include Guntur
No – Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa
Nallamala Hills are part of the Western Ghats
No – Eastern Ghats
5 Practice MCQs on Veligonda Project
1. The Veligonda Project diverts water from which reservoir?
a. Nagarjuna Sagar
b. Srisailam
c. Somasila
d. Pulichintala Ans: B Explanation: Floodwater is drawn from the foreshore of the Srisailam Reservoir on the Krishna.
2. The twin tunnels of the Veligonda Project pass under which hills?
a. Seshachalam
b. Nallamala
c. Erramala
d. Velikonda Ans: B Explanation: The 18.8 km twin tunnels run under the Nallamala Hills to Nallamala Sagar.
3. Which of the following districts is NOT a beneficiary of the Veligonda Project?
a. Prakasam
b. Nellore
c. Kadapa
d. Kurnool Ans: D Explanation: Beneficiaries are Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts.
4. Under Phase-I, the quantity of water diverted to Nallamala Sagar is:
a. 5.5 TMC
b. 10.70 TMC
c. 20 TMC
d. 43.5 TMC Ans: B Explanation: Phase-I diverts 10.70 TMC, irrigating 1.19 lakh acres.
5. India’s largest tiger reserve, located in the Nallamala Hills, is:
a. Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam
b. Papikonda
c. Kawal
d. Amrabad Ans: A Explanation: NSTR spans about 3,728 sq km across the Nallamala forests.
Exam tip: Revise Veligonda Project together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.
To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.
To know more about the Veligonda Phase-1 inauguration, Click here.
The Quantum and AI University Amaravati campus, described as India’s first dedicated campus for quantum technology and artificial intelligence, has been approved by the Andhra Pradesh government. This note covers the Quantum and AI University Amaravati facts and the state’s deep-tech ecosystem for APPSC and UPSC prelims.
Why in News?
The AP Cabinet approved a dedicated Quantum and AI university campus in Amaravati, to be set up by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
Quantum and AI University Amaravati: Key Facts for Prelims
Site: 8.5 acres in Amaravati; investment about Rs 730.7 crore over five years, fully funded through grant-in-aid from MeitY.
Scope: higher education, research, technology development, skilling, innovation and entrepreneurship in deep-tech areas – quantum, AI, semiconductors, cyber security.
First of its kind in India; NIELIT’s first campus in South India of this scale.
Complements the Amaravati Quantum Valley, where IBM’s Quantum System Two (156-qubit Heron processor) is being installed with TCS and L&T – India’s largest quantum computer.
Interconnected static points
NIELIT: autonomous scientific society under MeitY (formerly DOEACC Society), HQ New Delhi; runs O/A/B/C level IT courses.
National Quantum Mission (2023): Rs 6,003.65 crore for 2023–31; targets 50–1,000 qubit computers and four thematic hubs (T-Hubs) at IISc (computing), IIT Madras (communication), IIT Bombay (sensing) and IIT Delhi (materials).
IndiaAI Mission (2024): Rs 10,372 crore; compute capacity of 10,000+ GPUs; AI Kosh datasets platform.
AP tech initiatives: Amaravati Quantum Valley, Quantum Valley Declaration, IT & GCC Policy 4.0, Google AI data centre at Visakhapatnam.
Quick Revision Table: Quantum and AI University Amaravati
Point
Detail
Campus
Quantum and AI University, Amaravati
Set up by
NIELIT (MeitY)
Funding
Rs 730.7 crore grant-in-aid, 5 years
Land
8.5 acres
Distinction
India’s first dedicated quantum-AI campus
Related project
Amaravati Quantum Valley (IBM Quantum System Two)
National scheme
National Quantum Mission 2023–31
Trap / Confusing Points: Quantum and AI University Amaravati
Confusion
Correct Position
The campus is funded by the AP government
No – fully funded by MeitY grant-in-aid; AP provides land
NIELIT is under the Education Ministry
No – under MeitY
National Quantum Mission is under MeitY
No – Department of Science and Technology
IBM quantum computer in Amaravati is 1,000 qubits
No – 156-qubit Heron processor (Quantum System Two)
5 Practice MCQs on Quantum and AI University Amaravati
1. The Quantum and AI University campus in Amaravati will be set up by:
a. IIT Tirupati
b. NIELIT
c. C-DAC
d. IISc Ans: B Explanation: NIELIT under MeitY will establish the campus with full central grant-in-aid.
2. NIELIT functions under which ministry?
a. Ministry of Education
b. Ministry of Electronics and IT
c. Ministry of Science and Technology
d. Ministry of Skill Development Ans: B Explanation: NIELIT is an autonomous body under MeitY.
3. The National Quantum Mission’s thematic hub for quantum computing is at:
a. IIT Madras
b. IIT Bombay
c. IISc Bengaluru
d. IIT Delhi Ans: C Explanation: IISc hosts the computing hub; IIT Madras communication; IIT Bombay sensing; IIT Delhi materials.
4. The quantum computer being installed at Amaravati Quantum Valley is by:
a. Google
b. IBM
c. Microsoft
d. Intel Ans: B Explanation: IBM Quantum System Two with a 156-qubit Heron processor, with TCS and L&T.
5. Approximate outlay of the Amaravati Quantum and AI campus is:
a. Rs 130 crore
b. Rs 330 crore
c. Rs 730 crore
d. Rs 1,730 crore Ans: C Explanation: Rs 730.7 crore over five years.
Exam tip: Revise Quantum and AI University Amaravati together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.
To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.
To know more about the Amaravati quantum-AI campus, Click here.
INS Nipun, the Indian Navy’s second indigenous Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, has been commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This note gives the INS Nipun facts and the submarine-rescue background needed for prelims.
Why in News?
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, a Deep Sea Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at Mumbai.
It is the second ship of the Nistar-class, after INS Nistar (commissioned in 2025 at Visakhapatnam).
Role: acts as mother ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs) for rapid submarine rescue; also supports saturation diving up to about 300 m and salvage operations.
Around 80% indigenous content; equipped with a remotely operated vehicle, side-scan sonar and a helicopter deck.
Base: it will serve the Western Naval Command (Mumbai); INS Nistar serves the Eastern Naval Command (Visakhapatnam).
India acquired two DSRVs from the UK (James Fisher Defence) in 2018–19, making it one of the few navies with integral submarine rescue capability.
Interconnected static points
Hindustan Shipyard Limited: India’s oldest shipyard (founded 1941 as Scindia Shipyard); transferred to the Ministry of Defence in 2010.
Naval commands: Western (Mumbai), Eastern (Visakhapatnam), Southern (Kochi – training).
Navy Day: 4 December (Operation Trident, 1971). Recent inductions: INS Vikrant (indigenous carrier, 2022), INS Arighaat (SSBN, 2024), INS Tamal (last imported frigate, 2025).
Submarine rescue terminology: DSRV mates with a disabled submarine’s hatch; saturation diving lets divers work at depth for prolonged periods.
Quick Revision Table: INS Nipun
Point
Detail
Vessel
it
Class
Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel
Order in class
Second (after INS Nistar)
Builder
Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam
Commissioned at
Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
Key role
Mother ship for DSRV submarine rescue
Indigenous content
About 80%
Trap / Confusing Points: INS Nipun
Confusion
Correct Position
it was built at Mazagon Dock
No – Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam
INS Nipun is a submarine
No – a surface Diving Support Vessel supporting submarine rescue
Nistar and Nipun are aircraft carriers
No – DSVs; carriers are Vikrant and Vikramaditya
HSL is under the Shipping Ministry
No – under the Ministry of Defence since 2010
5 Practice MCQs on it
1. INS Nipun is the second ship of which class? a. Nilgiri-class b. Nistar-class c. Visakhapatnam-class d. Arnala-class Ans: B Explanation: Nistar-class Diving Support Vessels: INS Nistar (2025) and it.
2. INS Nipun was built by: a. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders b. Cochin Shipyard c. Hindustan Shipyard Limited d. Garden Reach Shipbuilders Ans: C Explanation: HSL, Visakhapatnam built both Nistar-class vessels.
3. A Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) is used for: a. Mine clearance b. Rescuing crew of a disabled submarine c. Anti-submarine warfare d. Oceanographic survey Ans: B Explanation: DSRVs mate with a stricken submarine to evacuate its crew.
4. Indian Navy Day is celebrated on 4 December to commemorate: a. Operation Vijay b. Operation Trident c. Operation Cactus d. Operation Pawan Ans: B Explanation: Operation Trident (1971) was the naval attack on Karachi harbour.
5. Hindustan Shipyard Limited is located in: a. Kochi b. Kolkata c. Visakhapatnam d. Goa Ans: C Explanation: HSL is India’s oldest shipyard, at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Exam tip: Revise it together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.
To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.
To know more about the commissioning of INS Nipun, Click here.
Madhya Pradesh has agreed to provide tigers and Indian bison (gaurs) to Andhra Pradesh. AP plans to reintroduce 25–30 gaurs into the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary in the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
Key Facts for Prelims
Madhya Pradesh & Tiger Census
MP had 785 tigers as per the 2022 All India Tiger Estimation — highest tiger population of any state
Gundla Brahmeswaram (GBM) Wildlife Sanctuary
Location:Nallamala Hills, Eastern Ghats — Kurnool and Prakasam districts, Andhra Pradesh
Hill Passes: Between Mantralamma Kanuma and Nandi Kanuma
River:Gundlakamma River — perennial water source
Endemic Species:Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat — found only in this region
Part of:Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
Quick Revision Table
Parameter
Detail
State with highest tigers (2022)
Madhya Pradesh (785 tigers)
Sanctuary
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Location
Nallamala Hills, Eastern Ghats (Kurnool & Prakasam, AP)
Tiger Reserve
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
River
Gundlakamma River
Endemic species
Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat
Animals to be reintroduced
25–30 gaurs (Indian bison)
Trap / Confusing Points
Confusion
Correct Fact
Gaur = American Bison
Gaur is the Indian Bison — different from American bison
GBM is in Telangana
GBM is in Andhra Pradesh (Kurnool and Prakasam districts)
NSTR is only in AP
NSTR spans both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
MP has 500 tigers (2022 census)
MP had 785 tigers in 2022 — highest in India
GBM is in Western Ghats
GBM is in the Eastern Ghats (Nallamala Hills)
Practice MCQs
1. As per 2022 tiger estimation, which state has the highest tiger population?
a. Uttarakhand b. Karnataka c. Madhya Pradesh d. Maharashtra
Ans: C Madhya Pradesh had 785 tigers in the 2022 census — highest for any state.
2. Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is part of which tiger reserve?
a. Amrabad Tiger Reserve b. Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve c. Satpura Tiger Reserve d. Simlipal Tiger Reserve
Ans: B GBM Wildlife Sanctuary lies within the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
3. GBM Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which hill range?
a. Shevaroy Hills b. Cardamom Hills c. Nallamala Hills d. Papi Hills
Ans: C GBM is in the Nallamallai Hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats in Kurnool and Prakasam districts of AP.
4. The endemic species uniquely found in GBM Wildlife Sanctuary?
a. Indian Star Tortoise b. Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat c. Slender Loris d. Indian Giant Squirrel
Ans: B The Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat is a rare mammal found only in the Gundla Brahmeswaram region.
5. Which river provides a perennial water source in GBM Wildlife Sanctuary?
a. Krishna River b. Tungabhadra River c. Gundlakamma River d. Penna River
Ans: C The Gundlakamma River is a perennial water source crisscrossing the sanctuary.
To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.
To know more about tiger conservation in India, Click here.
Gummadi Gopalakrishna has been officially selected for the prestigious Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in the Acting (Theatre) category — India’s highest national recognition in the performing arts, announced by the National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama.
Why in News?
The Sangeet Natak Akademi has selected veteran theatre artist Gummadi Gopalakrishna for the Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in recognition of his outstanding, lifelong contributions to Indian theatre — particularly to Telugu Padya Natakam (musical verse drama).
Who is Gummadi Gopalakrishna?
Celebrated master exponent of Telugu Padya Natakam — a classical form of musical verse drama in Telugu theatre tradition
Acclaimed for his portrayals of mythological and historical characters: Sri Krishna, Sri Rama, Harishchandra, and the legendary poet Srinatha
Currently serves as Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Nataka Academy
Actively works to revive traditional theatre using digital advancements
Key Facts for Prelims: Sangeet Natak Akademi
Full name: Sangeet Natak Akademi — National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama
Established: 1952 — India’s first national academy of arts, set up by the Government of India
Headquarters: New Delhi
Under: Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Status: Autonomous body (registered as a society)
Purpose: Promote and preserve the performing arts of India — music, dance, drama, and folk/traditional arts
Awards Given by Sangeet Natak Akademi
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi Puraskar): Highest national recognition in performing arts; given in music, dance, theatre, folk/tribal arts, puppetry
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna): The highest honour — limited to a maximum of 30 living fellows at any time; for lifelong outstanding contribution
Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar: For young artists below 40 years of age; encourages emerging talent
Static/Exam Links
Three National Akademis under Ministry of Culture:
Sangeet Natak Akademi (1952): Performing arts — Music, Dance, Drama
Sahitya Akademi (1954): Literature — recognises works in 24 languages
Lalit Kala Akademi (1954): Visual arts — Painting, Sculpture, Graphics
Telugu Padya Natakam: A classical form of Telugu theatre using musical verse (padya) to narrate mythological and historical stories. It is part of the rich Andhra theatre tradition and is considered endangered — revival efforts by artists like Gummadi Gopalakrishna are significant from a cultural heritage perspective.
Quick Revision Table
Parameter
Detail
Award
Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Category
Acting (Theatre)
Awardee
Gummadi Gopalakrishna
Art Form
Telugu Padya Natakam
Current Role
Chairman, AP Nataka Academy
Akademi Established
1952
Akademi Under
Ministry of Culture
Highest Akademi Honour
Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna)
Youth Award
Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
Trap / Confusing Points
❌ Common Trap
✅ Correct Fact
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is the highest Akademi honour
The Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) is the highest; the award is below it
Sangeet Natak Akademi was established in 1954
It was established in 1952 — the first national academy (Sahitya & Lalit Kala came in 1954)
Sangeet Natak Akademi is under Ministry of Education
It is under Ministry of Culture
Telugu Padya Natakam is a dance form
It is a musical verse drama — a theatre tradition, not a dance form
Ustad Bismillah Khan Puraskar is for senior artists
It is specifically for young artists below 40 years of age
5 Practice MCQs
1. Gummadi Gopalakrishna was selected for Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in which category? a. Music (Vocal) b. Classical Dance c. Acting (Theatre) d. Folk/Tribal Arts Ans: C He was recognised in the Acting (Theatre) category for his lifelong contributions to Telugu Padya Natakam.
2. In which year was the Sangeet Natak Akademi established? a. 1947 b. 1950 c. 1952 d. 1954 Ans: C Sangeet Natak Akademi was established in 1952 — India’s first national academy of arts, preceding Sahitya Akademi and Lalit Kala Akademi (both 1954).
3. What is the highest honour given by Sangeet Natak Akademi? a. Sangeet Natak Akademi Award b. Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) c. Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar d. Padma Bhushan Ans: B The Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) is the highest honour, limited to 30 living fellows at any time. The Akademi Puraskar is given more widely for outstanding contribution.
4. Sangeet Natak Akademi functions under which ministry? a. Ministry of Education b. Ministry of Tourism c. Ministry of Culture d. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Ans: C Sangeet Natak Akademi is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
5. Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is awarded to: a. Artists above 60 years for lifetime achievement b. Young artists below 40 years c. Classical musicians only d. International artists performing Indian music Ans: B The Yuva Puraskar is given to encourage emerging talent — specifically to young performing artists below 40 years of age.
To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here
To know more about Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, Click here
