UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 May 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 May (2025)

• India’s E-Waste Landscape

India’s E-Waste Landscape

• India’s Changing Military Strategy

India’s Changing Military Strategy

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Zero-Emission Trucking

Zero-Emission Trucking

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Extended Fund Facility (EFF)

Extended Fund Facility (EFF)

• Territorial Army

Territorial Army

• Operation Keller

Operation Keller

• Jenu Kuruba Tribe

Jenu Kuruba Tribe

• Shakargarh Bulge

Shakargarh Bulge

• Jute Corporation of India (JCI)

Jute Corporation of India (JCI)

• Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)

Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)

Mapping:

• Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve

Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 May 2025

#### GS Paper 3 :

India’s E-Waste Landscape

Syllabus: Waste Management

Source: TH

Context: India’s e-waste surged by over 150% in six years, prompting experts like to advocate for a stable EPR floor price to formalise recycling and curb environmental and economic losses.

About India’s E-Waste Landscape:

Current Status:

• E-waste refers to discarded electronic products (mobiles, laptops, TVs, etc.) containing toxic and precious metals.

• India generated 17.78 lakh metric tonnes of e-waste in 2023–24, rising from 7.08 lakh metric tonnes in 2017–18 — a 151% increase in six years.

Global Position:

• India is one of the top five global e-waste producers, alongside China, USA, Japan, and Germany.

Key Initiatives for E-Waste Management:

• E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022: Mandates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for manufacturers to ensure safe disposal and recycling.

• EPR Certificate System: Producers must buy certificates from authorised recyclers to meet EPR targets.

• Digital E-Waste Tracking: Introduction of a centralised portal for traceability of e-waste movement and certification.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Emphasis on educating users and incentivising collection via e-stores, kiosks, and take-back policies.

EPR Floor Pricing:

• What Is It?

• Minimum guaranteed price set for EPR certificates to ensure recyclers receive fair compensation for their work.

• Key Features (as per E-Waste Rules 2022)

• Ensures price predictability for recyclers, encouraging formalisation. Prevents market collapse and promotes investment in eco-friendly technology. Aligns with global best practices (e.g., Europe’s high EPR fees for producers).

• Ensures price predictability for recyclers, encouraging formalisation.

• Prevents market collapse and promotes investment in eco-friendly technology.

• Aligns with global best practices (e.g., Europe’s high EPR fees for producers).

• Benefits:

• Formal sector gains ground over informal processing (which handles 95% of India’s e-waste). Reduces environmental hazards, encourages material recovery (e.g., gold, copper), and improves tax revenue. Helps meet circular economy goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Formal sector gains ground over informal processing (which handles 95% of India’s e-waste).

• Reduces environmental hazards, encourages material recovery (e.g., gold, copper), and improves tax revenue.

• Helps meet circular economy goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Challenges in E-Waste Collection:

• Informal Sector Dominance: 90% of e-waste handled by unregistered recyclers, lacking safety standards.

• Low Consumer Awareness: Lack of knowledge on safe disposal practices and take-back policies.

• Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Regulatory bodies struggle with monitoring informal and cash-based operations.

• Urban-Rural Divide: Recycling infrastructure is concentrated in urban centres, leaving tier-2 and rural areas uncovered.

• Design Complexity: Modern electronics are hard to disassemble, making safe recycling costly and complex.

Way Ahead:

• Implement Uniform Floor Pricing: Ensure consistent pricing to protect formal recyclers and prevent undercutting.

• Strengthen EPR Compliance: Strictly monitor producer responsibilities, especially for OEMs and importers.

• Incentivise Circular Product Design: Encourage industries to adopt recyclable, modular, and repairable products.

• Integrate Informal Sector: Train and incorporate informal workers into formal supply chains through SHGs and cooperatives.

• Boost Recycling Infrastructure: Set up state-level recycling hubs, particularly in e-waste-intensive regions.

Conclusion:

India’s growing e-waste mountain demands urgent and structured intervention. A stable EPR floor price is central to ensuring safe, profitable, and formal recycling that aligns with sustainability goals. Balancing environmental responsibility with economic opportunity is the cornerstone of Viksit Bharat.

• What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC-2018)

India’s Changing Military Strategy

Syllabus: National Security

Source: DH

Context: Prime Minister outlined a new military doctrine, signalling a shift in India’s strategic posture against cross-border terrorism and nuclear blackmail.

About India’s Changing Military Strategy:

Operation Sindoor: India’s Decisive Strike

• What it is: A calibrated, deep-strike air and drone offensive targeting terrorist infrastructure in PoJK and Pakistani Punjab.

• Conducted by: Joint operations by the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and intelligence agencies.

• Key Targets: Nine terror facilities including Jaish-e-Mohammed HQ in Bahawalpur and LeT base in Muridke.

• Precision Tools Used: SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER precision-guided bombs, kamikaze drones.

• Doctrine Highlight: The operation avoided ground invasion, used tech-based deterrence, and denied Pakistan plausible deniability.

Core Elements of New Military Strategy of India:

• Response on India’s Terms: Strikes at timing and targets of India’s choosing, without waiting for escalation.

• No Tolerance for Terror & Nuclear Blackmail: PM Modi stated Pakistan’s nuclear threats won’t deter India’s actions.

• No Distinction Between State & Non-State Actors: Terrorists, their handlers, and state sponsors treated alike.

How India’s Military Strategy Is Changing?

• Strategic Shifts:

• Tech-Driven Warfare: Post-Galwan, India has prioritised multi-domain capabilities – cyber, space, drones, satellites. Standoff Strike Capability: India’s use of air-launched precision weapons allows deep strikes with low risk. Escalation Control: Strategy is calibrated to avoid full-scale war while imposing costs on adversaries.

• Tech-Driven Warfare: Post-Galwan, India has prioritised multi-domain capabilities – cyber, space, drones, satellites.

• Standoff Strike Capability: India’s use of air-launched precision weapons allows deep strikes with low risk.

• Escalation Control: Strategy is calibrated to avoid full-scale war while imposing costs on adversaries.

• Defence Enhancements:

• Improved Air Defence: India intercepted Pakistani drones/missiles, showcasing superior air surveillance. Smart Deterrence: Combines kinetic power with psychological pressure, demonstrated by real-time response and damage control. Operational Readiness: India has moved closer to a Cold Start-like posture without officially adopting it.

• Improved Air Defence: India intercepted Pakistani drones/missiles, showcasing superior air surveillance.

• Smart Deterrence: Combines kinetic power with psychological pressure, demonstrated by real-time response and damage control.

• Operational Readiness: India has moved closer to a Cold Start-like posture without officially adopting it.

Implications for India’s Future Warfare:

• New Normal in Indo-Pak Relations: India may now strike first, strike deep if provoked—setting a stronger redline.

• Geopolitical Assertiveness: India now positions its counter-terror operations within the global war on terror narrative.

• Strengthened Strategic Credibility: India’s shift from reactive to proactive doctrine could deter proxy threats.

• Focus on PoJK: PM Modi clarified PoJK is the only agenda for future talks with Pakistan, not trade or diplomacy.

• Civil-Military Integration: Strong alignment between political will and military execution indicates a doctrinal shift.

Conclusion:

Operation Sindoor marks a pivotal shift in India’s counter-terror doctrine by fusing technology, precision, and assertiveness. India’s readiness to strike beyond borders—despite nuclear threats—reflects evolving strategic confidence. Future warfare will be shaped more by tech superiority and swift retaliation than traditional battlegrounds.

• Discuss the types of organized crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organized crime that exists at the national and transnational levels. (UPSC-2022)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Zero-Emission Trucking

Context: Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, released a report on India’s Priority Corridors for Zero-Emission Trucking.

About Zero-Emission Trucking:

• What is Zero-Emission Trucking (ZET)?

• Zero-Emission Trucking (ZET) refers to freight transportation using battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell trucks that emit no tailpipe emissions, unlike traditional diesel vehicles.

• Key Features:

• Powered by clean energy (electricity or hydrogen). Equipped with high-capacity batteries or fuel cells. Integrated with charging/refueling infrastructure and smart mobility systems. Enables lower maintenance costs and longer operational lifespans.

• Powered by clean energy (electricity or hydrogen).

• Equipped with high-capacity batteries or fuel cells.

• Integrated with charging/refueling infrastructure and smart mobility systems.

• Enables lower maintenance costs and longer operational lifespans.

• Significance:

• Environmental: Trucks account for ~40% of fuel consumption and transport emissions—ZETs drastically reduce this footprint. Health & Air Quality: Reduces PM2.5 and NOx pollution in urban-industrial corridors. Energy Security: Lowers dependence on diesel imports by transitioning to domestically sourced electricity/hydrogen. Economic Efficiency: Optimizes logistics, boosts industrial productivity, and enables future-ready infrastructure. Alignment with Schemes: Supports PM E-DRIVE (₹500 crore) and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives

• Environmental: Trucks account for ~40% of fuel consumption and transport emissions—ZETs drastically reduce this footprint.

• Health & Air Quality: Reduces PM2.5 and NOx pollution in urban-industrial corridors.

• Energy Security: Lowers dependence on diesel imports by transitioning to domestically sourced electricity/hydrogen.

• Economic Efficiency: Optimizes logistics, boosts industrial productivity, and enables future-ready infrastructure.

• Alignment with Schemes: Supports PM E-DRIVE (₹500 crore) and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives

Relevance in UPSC Exam

• GS Paper 3 – Environment & Infrastructure

• Sustainable transportation, clean energy technologies, electric mobility.

• GS Paper 3 – Economic Development

• Logistics modernization, reduction of fuel imports, promoting Make in India.

• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Policy Implementation

• Role of public-private partnerships, planning, and regulatory frameworks.

• Essay / Ethics / Case Studies

• Case study on green logistics for climate ethics, inclusive growth, and energy justice.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Extended Fund Facility (EFF)

Source: IE

Context: The IMF Executive Board approved an immediate disbursement of $1 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

About Extended Fund Facility (EFF):

• What is the Extended Fund Facility (EFF)? EFF is an IMF lending mechanism designed to help countries facing prolonged balance of payments problems due to deep structural economic weaknesses.

• EFF is an IMF lending mechanism designed to help countries facing prolonged balance of payments problems due to deep structural economic weaknesses.

• Key Features:

• Governed by: International Monetary Fund (IMF), part of Bretton Woods institutions. Loan Type: Repayable loan, not a grant or financial aid. Tenure: Extended period (3+ years), with longer repayment timelines than standard IMF loans. Purpose: Facilitates medium-term structural reforms — e.g., improving tax systems, reducing inflation, curbing unsustainable fiscal deficits. Disbursement: Tranches released based on periodic reviews of policy implementation by the borrowing country.

• Governed by: International Monetary Fund (IMF), part of Bretton Woods institutions.

• Loan Type: Repayable loan, not a grant or financial aid.

• Tenure: Extended period (3+ years), with longer repayment timelines than standard IMF loans.

• Purpose: Facilitates medium-term structural reforms — e.g., improving tax systems, reducing inflation, curbing unsustainable fiscal deficits.

• Disbursement: Tranches released based on periodic reviews of policy implementation by the borrowing country.

• Eligibility Criteria for EFF Loans:

• Persistent current account deficits or balance of payments stress. Deep-rooted issues in governance, investment, tax systems, or financial sectors. Willingness and ability to implement IMF-monitored structural reforms.

• Persistent current account deficits or balance of payments stress.

• Deep-rooted issues in governance, investment, tax systems, or financial sectors.

• Willingness and ability to implement IMF-monitored structural reforms.

• EFF Approval Process

• Country Request: Government approaches IMF, outlining economic needs and reform proposals. Staff-Level Agreement: IMF negotiates a program based on reform commitment. Executive Board Review: Approves loan after evaluating macroeconomic performance and fiscal roadmap. Tranche Disbursement: Funds are released in phases, conditional on reform compliance and progress.

• Country Request: Government approaches IMF, outlining economic needs and reform proposals.

• Staff-Level Agreement: IMF negotiates a program based on reform commitment.

• Executive Board Review: Approves loan after evaluating macroeconomic performance and fiscal roadmap.

• Tranche Disbursement: Funds are released in phases, conditional on reform compliance and progress.

Territorial Army

Source: TOI

Context: The Ministry of Defence has empowered the Army Chief under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Act, 1948, to fully mobilise the Territorial Army (TA) amid heightened tensions with Pakistan.

About Territorial Army:

• Established: Territorial Army Act, 1948; formally launched on October 9, 1949.

• Controlling Ministry: Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

• Legal Provision: Governed by Territorial Army Act, 1948 – Rule 33 permits full mobilisation during national exigencies.

• What is the Territorial Army?

• A volunteer reserve force comprising part-time “citizen soldiers” from civilian backgrounds (businessmen, professionals). Aims to relieve the regular Army from non-combat duties and augment its manpower during conflict or crisis.

• A volunteer reserve force comprising part-time “citizen soldiers” from civilian backgrounds (businessmen, professionals).

• Aims to relieve the regular Army from non-combat duties and augment its manpower during conflict or crisis.

• Historical Evolution:

• Colonial Legacy: Evolved from the Indian Territorial Force (1920), which saw action in global conflicts like WWI and the Boer War. Post-Independence Need: Established to serve as the second line of defence and engage citizens in nation-building through defence service.

• Colonial Legacy: Evolved from the Indian Territorial Force (1920), which saw action in global conflicts like WWI and the Boer War.

• Post-Independence Need: Established to serve as the second line of defence and engage citizens in nation-building through defence service.

• Objectives & Core Functions:

• National Security Augmentation: Support Army operations during war, terrorism, or border tension. Disaster Relief & Emergency Roles: Assist civil administration during floods, earthquakes, and pandemics. Essential Services Maintenance: Ensure continuity of key infrastructure like railways and telecom. Law & Order Support: Aid in counter-insurgency and stability operations in conflict-prone areas.

• National Security Augmentation: Support Army operations during war, terrorism, or border tension.

• Disaster Relief & Emergency Roles: Assist civil administration during floods, earthquakes, and pandemics.

• Essential Services Maintenance: Ensure continuity of key infrastructure like railways and telecom.

• Law & Order Support: Aid in counter-insurgency and stability operations in conflict-prone areas.

• Key Features:

• Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 18–42, medically fit, with civilian occupations. Training Model: Approximately 2 months of annual training; no full-time military obligation in peace times. Current Strength: Around 50,000 personnel, organised into 65 units across India.

• Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 18–42, medically fit, with civilian occupations.

• Training Model: Approximately 2 months of annual training; no full-time military obligation in peace times.

• Current Strength: Around 50,000 personnel, organised into 65 units across India.

• Operational Participation:

• 1947–48, 1962, 1965, 1971 Wars: Logistical support, rear area defence, and vital infrastructure protection. Operation Rakshak & Pawan: Counter-insurgency in Punjab, J&K, and Sri Lanka support. Kargil Conflict (1999): Guarded ammunition dumps, supply lines, and sensitive zones.

• 1947–48, 1962, 1965, 1971 Wars: Logistical support, rear area defence, and vital infrastructure protection.

• Operation Rakshak & Pawan: Counter-insurgency in Punjab, J&K, and Sri Lanka support.

• Kargil Conflict (1999): Guarded ammunition dumps, supply lines, and sensitive zones.

Operation Keller

Source: HT

Context: The Indian Army neutralised Shahid Kuttay, chief of The Resistance Front (TRF) and mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack, in Operation Keller in Shopian, Jammu & Kashmir.

About Operation Keller:

• What is Operation Keller?

• A search and destroy mission initiated on 13 May 2025 in Shoekal Keller, Shopian, based on intelligence from the Rashtriya Rifles.

• Conducted by: Indian Army, in coordination with J&K Police and CRPF.

• Objectives:

• Neutralise TRF terrorists responsible for Pahalgam attack (26 civilian deaths). Eliminate Shahid Kuttay, a top commander and proxy of Pakistan-backed LeT. Prevent retaliatory threats and secure volatile areas.

• Neutralise TRF terrorists responsible for Pahalgam attack (26 civilian deaths).

• Eliminate Shahid Kuttay, a top commander and proxy of Pakistan-backed LeT.

• Prevent retaliatory threats and secure volatile areas.

About Shopian District:

• Location & Geography

• Located in the southern part of Kashmir Valley, Jammu & Kashmir. Bordered by: Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pir Panjal mountains. Altitude: 2,146 metres above sea level; experiences sub-zero winters (as low as −7°C).

• Located in the southern part of Kashmir Valley, Jammu & Kashmir.

• Bordered by: Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pir Panjal mountains.

• Altitude: 2,146 metres above sea level; experiences sub-zero winters (as low as −7°C).

• Historical & Economic Importance:

• Granted district status in 2007 (formerly a tehsil of Pulwama). Ancient trade route: Part of the Mughal Road linking Lahore to Srinagar. Economy: Primarily driven by apple orchards and agriculture. Local etymology: Believed to derive from “Shah-payan” (royal stay) or “Shin-van” (snow forest).

• Granted district status in 2007 (formerly a tehsil of Pulwama).

• Ancient trade route: Part of the Mughal Road linking Lahore to Srinagar.

• Economy: Primarily driven by apple orchards and agriculture.

• Local etymology: Believed to derive from “Shah-payan” (royal stay) or “Shin-van” (snow forest).

Jenu Kuruba Tribe

Source: TH

Context: Tension erupted in Nagarhole Reserve, Karnataka, as 52 evicted Jenu Kuruba tribal families attempted to reclaim ancestral forest land under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

About Jenu Kuruba Tribe:

Origin:

• The Jenu Kuruba (meaning “honey collectors” in Kannada) are a forest-dwelling PVTG primarily in Kodagu and Mysuru districts of Karnataka.

• They are also known as Then Kurumba or Kattu Naikar, living in small forest hamlets called Hadi.

Habitat Status:

• Found across the forest belts of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

• Recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Features of the Jenu Kuruba Tribe:

• Livelihood:

• Traditional livelihood includes honey collection, tuber gathering, and minor forest produce harvesting. Post-eviction, many work as plantation labourers, often in coffee estates, facing deep poverty and poor access to services.

• Traditional livelihood includes honey collection, tuber gathering, and minor forest produce harvesting.

• Post-eviction, many work as plantation labourers, often in coffee estates, facing deep poverty and poor access to services.

• Social Life:

• Semi-nomadic with a decentralised community structure led by a headman (Yajamana) and ritual chief (Gudda). Their decision-making is localised, independent of external religious or political authorities.

• Semi-nomadic with a decentralised community structure led by a headman (Yajamana) and ritual chief (Gudda).

• Their decision-making is localised, independent of external religious or political authorities.

• Culture & Belief System:

• Rich oral traditions: songs, dances, and myths revolving around nature, marriage, and rituals. Deep reverence for sylvan deities, nature spirits, and ancestral forces—distinct from mainstream Hinduism. Religion includes practices rooted in animism with Hindu overlays in festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Navratri.

• Rich oral traditions: songs, dances, and myths revolving around nature, marriage, and rituals.

• Deep reverence for sylvan deities, nature spirits, and ancestral forces—distinct from mainstream Hinduism.

• Religion includes practices rooted in animism with Hindu overlays in festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Navratri.

Shakargarh Bulge

Source: BS

Context: Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has amassed troops, tanks, and artillery near the Shakargarh Bulge, triggering heightened military alertness along the western front.

About Shakargarh Bulge:

• What It Is? The Shakargarh Bulge is a protruding landmass in Pakistan’s Sialkot district, bordered by the Ravi and Chenab Rivers.

• Geographical Importance: This flat terrain with access to road and rail corridors offers strategic depth for offensive manoeuvres.

• Why It Mattered? For India: Protecting the Jammu–Pathankot axis was vital to maintain land connectivity with Jammu & Kashmir. For Pakistan: Capturing it could have cut off Indian forces from the Kashmir region, giving it leverages on the western front.

• For India: Protecting the Jammu–Pathankot axis was vital to maintain land connectivity with Jammu & Kashmir.

• For Pakistan: Capturing it could have cut off Indian forces from the Kashmir region, giving it leverages on the western front.

• Key Point: The region became the site of one of the largest post-WWII tank battles.

About Battle of Basantar:

• Year & Duration: Fought from December 4 to 16, 1971 during the Indo-Pak war.

• Involved Nations: India and Pakistan.

• Location: Around Basantar River, in the Shakargarh Bulge.

• Objective: Pre-empt a Pakistani offensive and protect Indian supply lines in the north.

• Features of the Battle: Major Units: 54 Infantry Division, 16 Independent Armoured Brigade, and 75 Medium Regiment. Indian tanks (Centurions and AMX-13) destroyed over 60 Pakistani Pattons. India used night operations, diversionary tactics, and air-land coordination. Boosted India’s negotiation leverage in the Shimla Conference Prevented Pakistani strategic thrust into Jammu and Kashmir

• Major Units: 54 Infantry Division, 16 Independent Armoured Brigade, and 75 Medium Regiment.

• Indian tanks (Centurions and AMX-13) destroyed over 60 Pakistani Pattons.

• India used night operations, diversionary tactics, and air-land coordination.

• Boosted India’s negotiation leverage in the Shimla Conference

• Prevented Pakistani strategic thrust into Jammu and Kashmir

Jute Corporation of India (JCI)

Source: TH

Context: The Jute Corporation of India (JCI) raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute from ₹5,335 to ₹5,650 per quintal for the 2025–26 crop year to curb distress selling by farmers.

About Jute Corporation of India (JCI):

• What it is: JCI is a government-owned price support agency tasked with procuring raw jute at MSP from farmers to ensure fair prices and prevent exploitation.

• Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.

• Established in: 1971 under Companies Act, 1956.

• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

• Organisational Structure: Operates through Departmental Purchase Centres (DPCs) and cooperatives.

• Key Functions and Initiatives

• MSP Procurement: Buys raw jute/mesta from farmers without quantitative limit at MSP fixed by GoI on CACP’s recommendation. Helps stabilize market prices and insulates farmers from middlemen. Price Stabilisation: Intervenes in the market via commercial and MSP operations to maintain optimal price range across the jute year. Sales and Linkages: Conducts sales through B-Twill linkage, e-auctions, and tenders for mills and industries. Jute I-CARE Project: Implements scientific retting, seed certification, and modern farming technologies across jute-growing regions. Partners with CRIJAF to promote enzyme-based retting and use of certified seeds. Farmers’ Outreach and Training: Organises Krishi Melas and DPC-level training on grading, yield enhancement, and government schemes (PMFBY, PMKSY). Promotes cashless payments, digital awareness, and inclusive farming practices. Diversified Products Promotion: Markets eco-friendly products like jute bags, stationery, upholstery, enhancing farmer income and sustainable consumption. Remote Sensing with ISRO: Uses space-based data to assess soil, moisture, and crop health for strategic MSP operations.

• Buys raw jute/mesta from farmers without quantitative limit at MSP fixed by GoI on CACP’s recommendation.

• Helps stabilize market prices and insulates farmers from middlemen.

• Price Stabilisation: Intervenes in the market via commercial and MSP operations to maintain optimal price range across the jute year.

• Sales and Linkages: Conducts sales through B-Twill linkage, e-auctions, and tenders for mills and industries.

• Jute I-CARE Project: Implements scientific retting, seed certification, and modern farming technologies across jute-growing regions. Partners with CRIJAF to promote enzyme-based retting and use of certified seeds.

• Implements scientific retting, seed certification, and modern farming technologies across jute-growing regions.

• Partners with CRIJAF to promote enzyme-based retting and use of certified seeds.

• Farmers’ Outreach and Training: Organises Krishi Melas and DPC-level training on grading, yield enhancement, and government schemes (PMFBY, PMKSY). Promotes cashless payments, digital awareness, and inclusive farming practices.

• Organises Krishi Melas and DPC-level training on grading, yield enhancement, and government schemes (PMFBY, PMKSY).

• Promotes cashless payments, digital awareness, and inclusive farming practices.

• Diversified Products Promotion: Markets eco-friendly products like jute bags, stationery, upholstery, enhancing farmer income and sustainable consumption.

• Remote Sensing with ISRO: Uses space-based data to assess soil, moisture, and crop health for strategic MSP operations.

Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)

Source: IE

Context: The Indian Air Force showcased the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) as the backbone of India’s aerial defence, effectively intercepting Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks.

About Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS):

• What it is: IACCS is an automated command and control network developed to integrate all air defence assets for a comprehensive and real-time air threat response.

• Developed by: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector defence electronics firm.

• Coverage Area: Covers all sensitive military bases, border regions, and air defence zones across India.

• Key Cities & Sectors Covered: Includes Delhi NCR, western command sectors (Rajasthan, Punjab, J&K), eastern borders, and southern commands.

• Key Features of IACCS

• Multi-Sensor Integration: Fuses inputs from ground radar, Airborne Warning and Control System, Airborne Early Warning and Control, civilian radar, and fighter jets into one cohesive command interface. Real-Time Threat Assessment: Enables rapid detection, target recognition, and interception of aircraft, drones, and missiles using consolidated data streams. Battlefield Visualization: Provides live digital map and 360° airspace view for military commanders to execute central control and decentralised action. Reduced Response Time: Minimises lag between detection and interception, allowing swift neutralisation of threats using fighter aircraft and missile systems. Layered Defence Integration: Integrates with Army’s Akashteer system, creating a seamless multi-layered air defence shield across services. Future-Ready Architecture: Ready for AI-based threat analytics, drone swarm handling, and integration with next-gen missile systems like LR-SAM and QR-SAM.

• Real-Time Threat Assessment: Enables rapid detection, target recognition, and interception of aircraft, drones, and missiles using consolidated data streams.

• Battlefield Visualization: Provides live digital map and 360° airspace view for military commanders to execute central control and decentralised action.

• Reduced Response Time: Minimises lag between detection and interception, allowing swift neutralisation of threats using fighter aircraft and missile systems.

• Layered Defence Integration: Integrates with Army’s Akashteer system, creating a seamless multi-layered air defence shield across services.

• Future-Ready Architecture: Ready for AI-based threat analytics, drone swarm handling, and integration with next-gen missile systems like LR-SAM and QR-SAM.

India’s Multilayered Air Defence Umbrella:

Layer | System Deployed

1st Layer | Counter-drone, MANPADS

2nd Layer | Point air defence systems

3rd Layer | Short and Medium-range SAMs

4th Layer | Long-range SAMs (e.g., S-400, Barak-8)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 May 2025 Mapping:

Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve

Source: DTE

Context: Himachal Pradesh notified Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve, India’s largest protected area (1,585 sq km), to safeguard high-altitude biodiversity, particularly snow leopards, and strengthen wildlife corridors.

About Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve:

• What is Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve?

• A protected area in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, notified under Section 36A (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Aims to conserve snow leopards, rare Himalayan fauna, and critical wildlife corridors.

• A protected area in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, notified under Section 36A (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• Aims to conserve snow leopards, rare Himalayan fauna, and critical wildlife corridors.

• Location & Significance:

• Area: 1,585 sq km (India’s largest conservation reserve). Borders: Ladakh (UT), Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabjima Nala, and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary. Connects Kibber & Chandratal sanctuaries, acting as a vital wildlife corridor.

• Area: 1,585 sq km (India’s largest conservation reserve).

• Borders: Ladakh (UT), Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabjima Nala, and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Connects Kibber & Chandratal sanctuaries, acting as a vital wildlife corridor.

• Key Flora & Fauna:

• Flagship Species: Snow leopard (“Ghost of the Mountains”). Other Wildlife: Tibetan wolf, bharal (blue sheep), Himalayan ibex, kiang (wild ass), Tibetan argali. Rare birds: Rose finch, Tibetan raven, yellow-billed chough. Ecosystem: High-altitude Trans-Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.

• Flagship Species: Snow leopard (“Ghost of the Mountains”).

• Other Wildlife: Tibetan wolf, bharal (blue sheep), Himalayan ibex, kiang (wild ass), Tibetan argali. Rare birds: Rose finch, Tibetan raven, yellow-billed chough.

• Tibetan wolf, bharal (blue sheep), Himalayan ibex, kiang (wild ass), Tibetan argali.

• Rare birds: Rose finch, Tibetan raven, yellow-billed chough.

• Ecosystem: High-altitude Trans-Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.

• Unique Features:

• Community Involvement: Managed by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee (includes local panchayats). Livelihood Boost: Promotes eco-tourism, trekking, wildlife research. Climate Resilience: Protects snow leopard habitats and alpine ecosystems.

• Community Involvement: Managed by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee (includes local panchayats).

• Livelihood Boost: Promotes eco-tourism, trekking, wildlife research.

• Climate Resilience: Protects snow leopard habitats and alpine ecosystems.

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 May (2025)

India’s E-Waste Landscape

India’s Changing Military Strategy

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Zero-Emission Trucking

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Extended Fund Facility (EFF)

Territorial Army

Operation Keller

Jenu Kuruba Tribe

Shakargarh Bulge

Jute Corporation of India (JCI)

Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)

Mapping:

Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 May 2025

India’s E-Waste Landscape

India’s Changing Military Strategy

Zero-Emission Trucking

Extended Fund Facility (EFF)

Territorial Army

Operation Keller

Jenu Kuruba Tribe

Shakargarh Bulge

Jute Corporation of India (JCI)

Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)

Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve