Daily Current Affairs Archives | Page 7 of 37

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: June 17

Why in News?

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed globally on June 17 every year. The day commemorates the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Key Facts for Prelims: UNCCD

Origin: Conceived at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit (UNCED)
Formally Adopted: 1994 in Paris
Came into Force: 1996
Significance: The only legally binding international agreement linking environmental conservation directly to sustainable land management
Focus: Addresses desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD)
India’s Target: Restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 — Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)

The Three Rio Conventions (1992)

Convention	Focus	Adopted	In Force
UNCCD	Desertification, Land Degradation, Drought	1994	1996
UNFCCC	Climate Change	1992	1994
CBD	Biodiversity Conservation	1992	1993

Trap / Confusing Points

Confusion	Correct Fact
UNCCD was adopted at Rio 1992	UNCCD was conceived at Rio 1992 but formally adopted in 1994 in Paris
Desertification Day is June 5	June 5 = World Environment Day; June 17 = Desertification and Drought Day
UNCCD focuses on climate change	UNCCD focuses on desertification, land degradation, drought; UNFCCC handles climate change
India targets 30 million ha restoration	India’s target is 26 million hectares by 2030

Practice MCQs

1. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed on which date?

a. June 5
b. June 8
c. June 17
d. June 21

Ans: C
June 17 commemorates the adoption of UNCCD.

2. UNCCD was formally adopted in which year and city?

a. 1992, Rio de Janeiro
b. 1994, Paris
c. 1996, New York
d. 2000, Bonn

Ans: B
UNCCD was formally adopted in 1994 in Paris.

3. UNCCD is the only legally binding agreement linking environmental conservation to?

a. Renewable energy targets
b. Sustainable land management
c. Marine biodiversity protection
d. Climate financing

Ans: B
UNCCD uniquely links environmental conservation to sustainable land management.

4. India’s target for restoration of degraded land under LDN?

a. 15 million hectares
b. 20 million hectares
c. 26 million hectares
d. 30 million hectares

Ans: C
India committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

5. Which Rio Convention focuses on desertification and land degradation?

a. UNFCCC
b. CBD
c. UNCCD
d. Ramsar Convention

Ans: C
UNCCD specifically addresses desertification, land degradation, and drought.

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World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: June 17 Read More »

PSS Procurement of Pulses and Oilseeds in 4 States: PM-AASHA | UPSC Notes

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Indian Economy Current Affairs, National Current Affairs / PSCchronicles team

Why in News?

The Centre approved large-scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds at MSP under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) in four states: Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Key Facts for Prelims: MSP & PM-AASHA

Minimum Support Price (MSP)

MSP is the guaranteed rate at which the government buys crops from farmers
Recommending body: Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) under Ministry of Agriculture
Approving body: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM
MSP is announced for 22 mandated crops (14 Kharif + 6 Rabi + 2 commercial) + FRP for sugarcane

PM-AASHA

Type: Central Sector Umbrella Scheme
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

PM-AASHA’s Three Components

Component	Mechanism	Crops
Price Support Scheme (PSS)	Physical procurement at MSP	Pulses, Oilseeds, Copra
Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)	DBT cash transfer of MSP-market price gap	Oilseeds
Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS)	Private stockists procure oilseeds at MSP — pilot basis	Oilseeds (selected districts)

Trap / Confusing Points

Confusion	Correct Fact
CACP approves MSP	CACP only recommends; CCEA approves
MSP covers all crops	MSP for 22 mandated crops + FRP for sugarcane only
PM-AASHA is under Ministry of Finance	PM-AASHA is under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
PDPS is physical procurement	PDPS is a cash transfer (DBT) — no physical procurement
PSS covers all crops	PSS covers only pulses, oilseeds, and copra

Practice MCQs

1. Which body recommends MSP for crops?

a. CCEA
b. NITI Aayog
c. Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)
d. FCI

Ans: C
CACP recommends MSP; CCEA chaired by PM gives final approval.

2. MSP is announced for how many mandated crops?

a. 14
b. 18
c. 22
d. 26

Ans: C
MSP is announced for 22 mandated crops (14 Kharif + 6 Rabi + 2 commercial) plus FRP for sugarcane.

3. Which PM-AASHA component involves direct cash transfer to farmers?

a. PSS
b. PDPS
c. PPSS
d. Market Intervention Scheme

Ans: B
PDPS covers the deficit between MSP and market price via DBT.

4. PSS procurement was recently approved for which four states?

a. TN, Gujarat, UP, Haryana
b. MP, Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharashtra
c. Bihar, Odisha, Karnataka, AP
d. Telangana, WB, Kerala, Assam

Ans: A
PSS procurement approved in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

5. PM-AASHA is classified as which type of scheme?

a. Centrally Sponsored Scheme
b. State Sector Scheme
c. Central Sector Umbrella Scheme
d. PPP Scheme

Ans: C
PM-AASHA is a Central Sector Umbrella Scheme under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

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PSS Procurement of Pulses and Oilseeds in 4 States: PM-AASHA | UPSC Notes Read More »

Cabinet Approves ₹37,500 Crore Coal/Lignite Gasification Scheme | UPSC Notes

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Why in News?

The Union Cabinet approved a Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects with a financial outlay of ₹37,500 crore. The scheme targets gasification of 100 Million Tonnes (MT) of coal by 2030.

Key Facts for Prelims

Financial Outlay: ₹37,500 crore
National Target: Gasify 100 MT of coal by 2030
Product: Syngas (synthesis gas) — versatile feedstock for fuels and chemicals
India’s Coal Reserves: ~401 billion tonnes (one of world’s largest)
India’s Lignite Reserves: ~47 billion tonnes
Coal’s share in India’s energy mix: Over 55%

Why Coal Gasification? Import Substitution

Product	Current Import Dependence
LNG	More than 50% imported
Urea	~20% imported
Ammonia	~100% imported
Methanol	~80–90% imported

Trap / Confusing Points

Confusion	Correct Fact
Gasification = combustion of coal	Gasification converts coal to syngas — a chemical process, not direct combustion
Target is 100 MT by 2025	Target is 100 MT by 2030
Coal’s share in energy is 30%	Coal accounts for over 55% of India’s energy mix
India has limited coal reserves	India has ~401 billion tonnes — one of the world’s largest

Practice MCQs

1. Financial outlay of the Coal/Lignite Gasification Promotion Scheme?

a. ₹15,000 crore
b. ₹25,000 crore
c. ₹37,500 crore
d. ₹50,000 crore

Ans: C
The Cabinet approved the scheme with a financial outlay of ₹37,500 crore.

2. Coal gasification primarily produces?

a. CNG
b. Synthesis gas (Syngas)
c. LPG
d. Coal Tar

Ans: B
Gasification converts coal/lignite into syngas — a versatile feedstock for fuels and chemicals.

3. India’s national target for coal gasification by 2030?

a. 50 MT
b. 75 MT
c. 100 MT
d. 150 MT

Ans: C
India’s target is gasifying 100 MT of coal by 2030.

4. Coal’s share in India’s energy mix?

a. Over 30%
b. Over 40%
c. Over 55%
d. Over 70%

Ans: C
Coal accounts for over 55% of India’s energy mix.

5. Which import product is currently ~100% imported and can be substituted by coal gasification?

a. LNG
b. Methanol
c. Ammonia
d. Urea

Ans: C
India imports ~100% of its ammonia. Domestic syngas production can address this dependency.

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Cabinet Approves ₹37,500 Crore Coal/Lignite Gasification Scheme | UPSC Notes Read More »

Bimal N. Patel Elected ITLOS Judge: India at UNCLOS Tribunal | UPSC Notes

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Why in News?

India’s Professor Bimal N. Patel has been elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term. His election took place during the 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS at the UN Headquarters, New York.

Key Facts for Prelims: ITLOS & UNCLOS

UNCLOS: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea — adopted in 1982
UNCLOS establishes the comprehensive legal framework for all marine and maritime activities
ITLOS: Dispute-settlement body established under UNCLOS for resolving maritime disputes
The 36th Meeting was held at UN Headquarters, New York

UNCLOS Maritime Zones: Quick Revision Table

Maritime Zone	Extent from Baseline	Coastal State Rights
Internal Waters	Landward side of baseline	Full sovereignty
Territorial Sea	Up to 12 NM	Full sovereignty; innocent passage allowed
Contiguous Zone	12–24 NM	Enforcement of customs, immigration, fiscal, sanitary laws
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)	Up to 200 NM	Sovereign rights over resources
Continental Shelf	Up to 200 NM (extendable to 350 NM)	Rights over seabed and subsoil resources
High Seas	Beyond national jurisdiction	Freedom of navigation for all states

Trap / Confusing Points

Confusion	Correct Fact
UNCLOS was adopted in 1972	UNCLOS was adopted in 1982
EEZ extends to 350 NM	EEZ = 200 NM; Continental Shelf can extend to 350 NM
Contiguous Zone = 12 NM	Contiguous Zone is from 12 to 24 NM
Innocent passage is in EEZ	Innocent passage applies in Territorial Sea (12 NM)

Practice MCQs

1. UNCLOS was adopted in which year?

a. 1972
b. 1982
c. 1992
d. 2002

Ans: B
UNCLOS was adopted in 1982 and came into force in 1994.

2. EEZ under UNCLOS extends up to how many nautical miles?

a. 12 NM
b. 24 NM
c. 200 NM
d. 350 NM

Ans: C
The EEZ extends up to 200 NM with sovereign rights over natural resources.

3. Bimal N. Patel was elected to ITLOS during the meeting of which body?

a. UN Security Council
b. 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS
c. International Court of Justice
d. G20 Legal Forum

Ans: B
His election occurred at the 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS, UN Headquarters, New York.

4. In which maritime zone can a coastal state enforce customs and immigration laws?

a. Internal Waters
b. Territorial Sea
c. Contiguous Zone
d. EEZ

Ans: C
The Contiguous Zone (12–24 NM) allows enforcement of customs, immigration, fiscal, and sanitary laws.

5. Continental Shelf under UNCLOS can be extended up to how many nautical miles?

a. 200 NM
b. 250 NM
c. 350 NM
d. 400 NM

Ans: C
Continental Shelf can be extended to 350 NM in certain geological conditions.

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Bimal N. Patel Elected ITLOS Judge: India at UNCLOS Tribunal | UPSC Notes Read More »

Ladakh to Get Article 371-Like Constitutional Safeguards | UPSC Notes

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Why in News?

Leaders of Ladakh and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reached an in-principle agreement on providing constitutional safeguards on the lines of Articles 371A, 371F, and 371G to the Union Territory of Ladakh — similar to protections for Nagaland, Sikkim, and Mizoram.

Key Facts for Prelims

Articles 371 to 371J are in Part XXI of the Indian Constitution
Part XXI is titled: “Temporary, Transitional, and Special Provisions”
These provisions apply to 12 specific states
Ladakh seeks safeguards on lines of: 371A (Nagaland), 371F (Sikkim), 371G (Mizoram)

Quick Revision Table: Articles 371 to 371J

Article	State	Key Provision
371	Maharashtra & Gujarat	Development boards for backward regions (Vidarbha, Marathwada, Saurashtra, Kutch)
371A	Nagaland	Parliament cannot legislate on Naga customary laws, land rights without State Assembly approval
371B	Assam	Special committee for Tribal Area members in State Assembly
371C	Manipur	Hill Areas Committee; Governor’s special responsibility for hill areas
371D	Andhra Pradesh & Telangana	Equitable public employment and education; local cadre reservations
371E	Andhra Pradesh	Central University establishment
371F	Sikkim	Protection of existing laws and rights after integration with India
371G	Mizoram	Parliament cannot legislate on Mizo customary laws/land without State Assembly approval
371H	Arunachal Pradesh	Governor’s special responsibility for law and order
371I	Goa	Legislature not less than 30 members
371J	Karnataka	Special provisions for Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka) region

Trap / Confusing Points

Confusion	Correct Fact
Article 371A applies to Mizoram	371A → Nagaland; 371G → Mizoram
Part XXI is permanent provisions	Part XXI = “Temporary, Transitional, and Special Provisions”
371J is for Assam	371J is for Karnataka (Kalyana Karnataka)
371B is for Manipur	371B → Assam; 371C → Manipur
371D applies to AP only	371D covers both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Practice MCQs

1. Articles 371 to 371J are in which Part of the Constitution?

a. Part XVIII
b. Part XIX
c. Part XX
d. Part XXI

Ans: D
Articles 371–371J are in Part XXI: “Temporary, Transitional, and Special Provisions.”

2. Under which article is Parliament restricted from legislating on Naga customary laws?

a. Article 371
b. Article 371A
c. Article 371G
d. Article 371H

Ans: B
Article 371A provides special protections to Nagaland regarding customary law and land rights.

3. Ladakh seeks safeguards like Articles 371A, 371F, and 371G applicable to which states respectively?

a. Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland
b. Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram
c. Manipur, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh
d. Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram

Ans: B
371A → Nagaland, 371F → Sikkim, 371G → Mizoram.

4. Article 371J provides special provisions for which region of Karnataka?

a. Kodagu region
b. Coastal Karnataka
c. Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad-Karnataka)
d. Malnad region

Ans: C
Article 371J covers the Kalyana Karnataka (formerly Hyderabad-Karnataka) region.

5. Which article provides for a special committee of the Assam Legislative Assembly for tribal area members?

a. Article 371A
b. Article 371B
c. Article 371C
d. Article 371D

Ans: B
Article 371B provides a special committee in the Assam Legislative Assembly for tribal area members.

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Ladakh to Get Article 371-Like Constitutional Safeguards | UPSC Notes Read More »

Tushar Mehta Reappointed Solicitor General of India for 3 Years | UPSC Notes

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Why in News?

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the reappointment of Tushar Mehta as Solicitor General of India (SGI) for a further term of three years from July 1.

Key Facts for Prelims: Solicitor General of India

Position: Second-highest law officer of India (after Attorney General)
Constitutional Status: NOT mentioned in the Constitution (unlike AG under Article 76)
Governed by: Law Officers (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1987
Appointed by: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
Tenure: Fixed three years, renewable
Parliamentary Rights: SGI does NOT have the right to participate in parliamentary proceedings

Attorney General vs Solicitor General

Feature	Attorney General (AGI)	Solicitor General (SGI)
Constitutional Status	Created under Article 76	Not in Constitution — statutory post
Parliamentary Rights	Can speak in both Houses (Article 88), no vote	No parliamentary rights
Tenure	At President’s pleasure — no fixed term	Fixed 3-year term
Removal	By President at any time	Under statutory executive rules
Rank	Highest law officer	Second-highest law officer

Trap / Confusing Points

Confusion	Correct Fact
SGI is a constitutional post	SGI is statutory — NOT in the Constitution
SGI can address Parliament	Only Attorney General has parliamentary rights (Article 88)
AGI has a fixed 3-year term	AGI serves at President’s pleasure; SGI has fixed 3-year term
ACC is chaired by Home Minister	ACC is chaired by the Prime Minister

Practice MCQs

1. The Solicitor General of India is the _____ highest law officer.

a. First
b. Second
c. Third
d. Fourth

Ans: B
SGI is the second-highest law officer, directly subordinate to the Attorney General.

2. The SGI post is governed by which rules?

a. Article 76
b. Article 88
c. Law Officers (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1987
d. Supreme Court Rules, 2013

Ans: C
SGI is governed by Law Officers (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1987.

3. Which body approved Tushar Mehta’s reappointment?

a. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
b. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
c. Supreme Court Collegium
d. UPSC

Ans: B
ACC approved the reappointment for a further three-year term.

4. AG’s right to participate in Parliament is under which article?

a. Article 76
b. Article 79
c. Article 88
d. Article 124

Ans: C
Article 88 grants the AG right to speak in both Houses (without voting rights).

5. Standard tenure of the Solicitor General?

a. At President’s pleasure
b. Five years
c. Three years
d. Two years

Ans: C
SGI is appointed for a fixed 3-year term by ACC.

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Tushar Mehta Reappointed Solicitor General of India for 3 Years | UPSC Notes Read More »

Kudankulam Nuclear Plant: Reactor Pressure Vessel Installed in Unit-5 | UPSC Notes

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Why in News?

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) achieved a major milestone at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) with the successful installation of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) in Unit-5.

Key Facts for Prelims

Location: Tamil Nadu — India’s largest nuclear power station
Developed by: NPCIL + Atomstroyexport (engineering wing of Russia’s Rosatom)
Total Capacity: 6,000 MWe (6 units × 1,000 MWe)
Reactor Type: Russian VVER-1000 (Pressurized Water Reactor)
Fuel: Enriched uranium (unlike India’s PHWRs which use natural uranium)
Coolant/Moderator: Light water

KKNPP vs India’s Indigenous Nuclear Fleet

Feature	KKNPP (Russian)	India’s Indigenous Fleet
Reactor Type	VVER-1000 (PWR)	Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)
Fuel	Enriched Uranium	Natural Uranium
Coolant/Moderator	Light Water	Heavy Water (D₂O)
Partner	Rosatom (Russia)	Indigenous (NPCIL)

Trap / Confusing Points

Confusion	Correct Fact
KKNPP uses natural uranium	KKNPP uses enriched uranium
KKNPP is in Andhra Pradesh	KKNPP is in Tamil Nadu
Rosatom directly operates KKNPP	NPCIL operates; Rosatom/Atomstroyexport is partner/builder
KKNPP has 4 units	Designed for 6 units (6,000 MWe total)

Practice MCQs

1. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project is in which state?

a. Andhra Pradesh
b. Karnataka
c. Tamil Nadu
d. Kerala

Ans: C
KKNPP is in Tamil Nadu — India’s largest nuclear power station.

2. KKNPP uses which reactor technology?

a. PHWR
b. VVER-1000 (PWR)
c. BWR
d. Fast Breeder Reactor

Ans: B
KKNPP uses Russian VVER-1000 with light water as coolant and moderator.

3. KKNPP is partnered with which Russian organization?

a. Roscosmos
b. Rosoboronexport
c. Atomstroyexport (Rosatom)
d. Gazprom

Ans: C
Jointly developed by NPCIL and Atomstroyexport, the engineering wing of Rosatom.

4. Total planned capacity of KKNPP?

a. 2,000 MWe
b. 4,000 MWe
c. 5,000 MWe
d. 6,000 MWe

Ans: D
6,000 MWe across 6 units of 1,000 MWe each.

5. Recent milestone at Kudankulam Unit-5 was installation of?

a. Steam Generator
b. Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV)
c. Turbine Hall
d. Containment Dome

Ans: B
NPCIL successfully installed the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) in Unit-5.

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Kudankulam Nuclear Plant: Reactor Pressure Vessel Installed in Unit-5 | UPSC Notes Read More »

PM-KISAN 23rd Instalment: ₹18,880 Crore Released to 9.44 Crore Farmers | UPSC Notes

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Why in News?

The Prime Minister released over ₹18,880 crore as the 23rd instalment of PM-KISAN, benefiting over 9.44 crore farmers. Notably, 2.18 crore are women farmers.

Key Facts for Prelims: PM-KISAN

Full Name: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Launch Date: February 24, 2019
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Annual Benefit: ₹6,000 per eligible farmer family per year in 3 instalments of ₹2,000 via DBT into Aadhaar-seeded accounts
Expanded (May 2019): Covers all landholding farmer families regardless of land size
Cumulative Disbursement: Over ₹4.46 lakh crore across 23 instalments

Quick Revision Table

Parameter	Detail
Scheme Type	Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Launch	Feb 24, 2019
Ministry	Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Annual Assistance	₹6,000 (3 × ₹2,000)
Delivery Mode	DBT to Aadhaar-seeded accounts
Current Beneficiaries	9.44 crore (23rd instalment)
Total Disbursed	₹4.46 lakh crore

Trap / Confusing Points

Confusion	Correct Fact
PM-KISAN only for SMFs	Since May 2019, covers all landholding farmer families
₹6,000 given in one shot	Paid in three instalments of ₹2,000 each
Central Sector Scheme	PM-KISAN is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme

Practice MCQs

1. PM-KISAN was launched on which date?

a. January 26, 2019
b. February 24, 2019
c. March 1, 2019
d. April 1, 2019

Ans: B
PM-KISAN was launched on February 24, 2019.

2. Annual financial assistance per farmer family under PM-KISAN?

a. ₹3,000
b. ₹5,000
c. ₹6,000
d. ₹10,000

Ans: C
₹6,000 per year in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each.

3. PM-KISAN disbursements are made through which mechanism?

a. Post office money orders
b. Bank cheques
c. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
d. State government transfers

Ans: C
Funds transferred via DBT into Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts.

4. Initial land-holding criterion for PM-KISAN?

a. Up to 1 hectare
b. Up to 2 hectares
c. Up to 5 hectares
d. No land limit

Ans: B
Initially targeted SMFs with up to 2 hectares; expanded to all in May 2019.

5. Nodal ministry for PM-KISAN?

a. Ministry of Rural Development
b. Ministry of Finance
c. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
d. Ministry of Labour

Ans: C
PM-KISAN is administered by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

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PM-KISAN 23rd Instalment: ₹18,880 Crore Released to 9.44 Crore Farmers | UPSC Notes Read More »

INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, INS Agray Commissioned by PM | UPSC Notes

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Why in News?

The Prime Minister commissioned three indigenously designed and built naval ships at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata — INS Dunagiri (stealth frigate), INS Sanshodhak (survey vessel), and INS Agray (anti-submarine warfare craft). All three were designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

Key Facts for Prelims

INS Dunagiri

Type: Stealth Guided-Missile Frigate
Project: Project 17A (Nilgiri-class); Fifth ship under Project 17A

INS Sanshodhak

Type: Hydrographic Survey Vessel (Large) — SVL; Sandhayak-class; Fourth and final; Pennant J24
Name Meaning: “Researcher”

INS Agray

Type: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC)

Quick Revision Table

Ship	Type	Class/Project
INS Dunagiri	Stealth Guided-Missile Frigate	Project 17A (Nilgiri-class), 5th ship
INS Sanshodhak	Hydrographic Survey Vessel (Large)	Sandhayak-class SVL, 4th & final
INS Agray	Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft	ASW SWC

Trap / Confusing Points

Confusion	Correct Fact
INS Dunagiri is the first Project 17A ship	It is the fifth ship under Project 17A
INS Sanshodhak is a combat vessel	It is a survey/oceanographic vessel
These ships are imported	All three indigenously designed by Warship Design Bureau and built by GRSE
GRSE is under Ministry of Shipping	GRSE is a DPSU under Ministry of Defence
Commissioned at Mumbai	Commissioned at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata

Practice MCQs

1. INS Dunagiri belongs to which project?

a. Project 15B
b. Project 17A
c. Project 75
d. Project 28

Ans: B
INS Dunagiri is the fifth ship under Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) stealth frigates.

2. INS Sanshodhak is the fourth and final vessel of which class?

a. Shivalik-class
b. Nilgiri-class
c. Sandhayak-class
d. Vikrant-class

Ans: C
INS Sanshodhak (J24) is the fourth and final Sandhayak-class SVL.

3. All three naval ships were built by which company?

a. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
b. Hindustan Shipyard
c. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
d. Cochin Shipyard

Ans: C
GRSE, Kolkata built all three vessels.

4. INS Agray is primarily designed for which role?

a. Aircraft carrier operations
b. Deep-sea survey
c. Anti-Submarine Warfare in shallow waters
d. Amphibious landing

Ans: C
INS Agray is an ASW Shallow Water Craft for anti-submarine warfare.

5. Where were the three ships commissioned?

a. Visakhapatnam Port
b. Mumbai Port
c. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata
d. Jawaharlal Nehru Port

Ans: C
Commissioned at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.

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INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, INS Agray Commissioned by PM | UPSC Notes Read More »

Vivek Aggarwal Appointed FATF Vice President: India’s First | UPSC Notes

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Why in News?

India has been accorded the Vice Presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time. Vivek Aggarwal, India’s nominee, has been appointed as the FATF Vice President — a landmark in India’s growing role in global financial governance.

Key Facts for Prelims: FATF

Established: 1989 at the G7 Summit in Paris
Nature: Independent, inter-governmental policy-making body (not a UN agency, not an enforcement body)
Secretariat: Housed at OECD Headquarters, Paris
Membership: 40 members — 38 jurisdictions + 2 regional organizations (European Commission + Gulf Cooperation Council)
Decision-making: Via FATF Plenary, meets thrice a year (February, June, October) — decisions by consensus

Mandate Evolution (Critical for Prelims)

1989: Anti-Money Laundering (AML) only
2001: Expanded to Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT)
2012: Expanded to Counter Proliferation Financing (CPF) — related to WMDs

Quick Revision Table: FATF Grey List vs Black List

Aspect	Grey List	Black List
FATF Term	Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring	High-Risk Jurisdictions Subject to Call for Action
Meaning	Strategic AML/CFT deficiencies but working with FATF	Serious deficiencies, significant risk to global finance
FATF Approach	Monitoring and assistance	Strong countermeasures encouraged
Economic Impact	Higher transaction costs, reduced investor confidence	Severe restrictions on international trade and finance
Finance Access	Available with enhanced due diligence	Highly restricted; banks may avoid altogether

Trap / Confusing Points

Confusion	Correct Fact
FATF is a UN body	FATF is independent, not a UN agency (Secretariat is at OECD, Paris)
FATF Plenary meets monthly	Meets thrice a year — Feb, Jun, Oct
Grey List = punishment like Black List	Grey list = country is cooperating; Black list = non-cooperative with severe risks
FATF mandate since inception includes terrorism	Terrorism financing added only in 2001
FATF Membership = 40 countries	40 members = 38 jurisdictions + 2 regional orgs

Practice MCQs

1. FATF was established during which summit?

a. G20 Summit
b. G7 Summit
c. ASEAN Summit
d. NAM Summit

Ans: B
FATF was established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris.

2. FATF Plenary meets how many times per year?

a. Once
b. Twice
c. Thrice
d. Four times

Ans: C
FATF Plenary meets thrice a year — February, June, and October.

3. When did FATF expand its mandate to include Counter Proliferation Financing?

a. 1989
b. 2001
c. 2008
d. 2012

Ans: D
FATF expanded to CPF (WMD proliferation financing) in 2012.

4. Where is the FATF Secretariat located?

a. UN Headquarters, New York
b. IMF Headquarters, Washington D.C.
c. OECD Headquarters, Paris
d. World Bank, Washington D.C.

Ans: C
FATF Secretariat is housed at the OECD Headquarters in Paris.

5. Which two regional organizations are FATF members?

a. ASEAN and African Union
b. European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council
c. SAARC and European Union
d. BRICS and SCO

Ans: B
FATF’s 40 members include 38 jurisdictions + European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council.

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