Daily Current Affairs 2025  

20/12/2025

WhatsApp Email Facebook Share

CA-20/12/2025

 
Contents
1. Compliance audit report on the Railways in Parliament
2. Sessions Courts cannot impose life imprisonment “till natural life” or deny remission
3. Lokpal and CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation)
4. The 2030 Literacy Goal
5. SabhaSaar Initiative
6. Development Communication and Information Dissemination (DCID) Scheme
7. Freshwater sponges
8. National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)
9. Gelechia bilobuncusa, Gelechia adi, and Istrianis ladakhensis
10. Coastlines of Hormuz Island turned striking blood-red color
11. White Spot Disease (WSD)

 

 
Why in news?
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has recently released several significant audit reports and updates. On December 18, 2025, the CAG presented its compliance audit report on the Railways in Parliament, highlighting various findings related to financial and operational performance. 
 
Key Recent CAG Findings

• The CAG flagged serious financial irregularities and delays in flagship power schemes like SAUBHAGYA and DDUGJY, including early payments to contractors, unapproved project reports, and double payments, resulting in losses amounting to crores of rupees.​
• In the GST audit, the CAG highlighted a significant manpower crunch in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), with 38% of audit positions vacant as of July 2024, leading to gaps in audit coverage and recovery rates.​
• The CAG also reported that only 122 MW of solar capacity had been installed by Coal India by December 2024, far short of the 3,000 MW target, indicating major delays in renewable energy rollout.​

SAUBHAGYA (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana)

• Launch Year: 2017
• Objective: Universal household electrification across rural & urban India.
• Key Features:
  • Free electricity connections to poor households (identified via SECC 2011).
  • Last-mile connectivity through extension of wires, meters, LED bulb, mobile charging point.
  • Provision for solar power packs in remote areas.
• Achievement: Over 2.82 crore households electrified till March 2021.
• Nodal Agency: Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).

DDUGJY (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana)

• Launch Year: 2014
• Objective: Strengthen rural power supply & infrastructure.
• Key Components:
  • Feeder separation (agriculture vs. non-agriculture).
  • Strengthening sub-transmission & distribution networks.
  • Metering at distribution transformers & feeders.
  • Completion of unfinished works under RGGVY (Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana).
• Outlay: ₹75,893 crore (with ₹63,027 crore central support).
• Nodal Agency: REC.

Key Facts about CAG of India

• Constitutional Authority: Established under Article 148 of the Constitution of India.
• Role: Head of the Indian Audit & Accounts Department and the guardian of the public purse.
• Reports To: Directly to the President of India, ensuring independence from the executive.
• Appointment: Nominated by the Prime Minister and formally appointed by the President of India.
• Tenure: 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
• Mandate:
  • Audits Union and State government accounts.
  • Ensures Parliamentary control over public expenditure.
  • Audits government-owned corporations and bodies substantially financed by government funds.

• Accountability Function: Provides reports to Parliament and State Legislatures, making the executive accountable to the people.
• Famous Quote: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described the CAG as “probably the most important officer in the Constitution of India”

 
 
   
Why in news?
In Kiran v. State of Karnataka (decided December 18, 2025), the Supreme Court held that Sessions Courts cannot impose life imprisonment “till natural life” or deny remission. Only constitutional courts—the Supreme Court and High Courts—can issue such directions, while remission powers remain with the executive under Articles 72 and 161.
 
Why This Matters?

Aspect	Sessions Court	Supreme Court / High Court	Executive (Articles 72 & 161)
Conviction Authority	Can convict and sentence under IPC/CrPC	Can convict and sentence	Not applicable
Life Imprisonment	Can impose, but subject to remission	Can impose and restrict remission (e.g., “till natural life”)	Can grant remission/commutation
Remission Powers	Cannot curtail statutory remission	May restrict remission in rare cases	Holds constitutional power to remit/commute sentences

 
Implications for Criminal Justice

• Checks and Balances: Prevents trial courts from encroaching on executive powers.
• Uniformity in Sentencing: Ensures that remission remains a statutory right unless curtailed by higher courts.
• Safeguard for Convicts: Protects against disproportionate sentencing at the trial level.
• Judicial Discipline: Reinforces that sentencing innovations must come from constitutional courts, not Sessions Courts.

This ruling is a landmark clarification in sentencing law. It balances judicial authority with executive clemency, ensuring that life imprisonment remains subject to remission unless higher courts explicitly rule otherwise.
 
Article 72 and Article 161
Article 72 of the Indian Constitution grants the President pardoning powers, while Article 161 provides similar powers to the Governor of a state. These provisions serve as a merciful check on judicial decisions, allowing clemency in specific cases.​

Key Differences

Aspect	Article 72 (President)	Article 161 (Governor)
Scope	Union laws, court-martial, death penalty	State laws only
Death Sentence Pardon	Full pardon allowed	No full pardon; only commute/remit
Court-Martial Cases	Applicable	Not applicable

 
 
 
   
Why in news?
The Delhi High Court recently set aside the Lokpal's order granting sanction to the CBI for filing a chargesheet against a MP in the cash-for-query case.
 
Lokpal

• Meaning: Derived from Sanskrit Lokpāla (“Defender of People”).
• Established: Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013; operational since 2019.
• Nature: Independent statutory body functioning as an ombudsman.
• Jurisdiction:
  • Prime Minister (with safeguards), Union Ministers, MPs.
  • Officials of Union government (Groups A–D).
• Functions:
  • Enquires into allegations of corruption against public servants.
  • Refers cases to investigative agencies like the CBI.
  • Ensures accountability and transparency in governance.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• Established: 1963 (via Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946).
• Nature: Premier investigative police agency of India.
• Parent Agency: Department of Personnel & Training, under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
• Jurisdiction: Entire India, but requires state consent for investigations in states (except when directed by courts).
• Functions:
  • Investigates corruption, economic offenses, serious crimes.
  • Assists Lokpal and Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
  • Coordinates with Interpol for international investigations.
• Conviction Rate: Around 65–70%, among the highest globally.

Key Insights & Challenges

• Overlap: Lokpal depends on CBI for investigation, but CBI itself is under government control, raising concerns about independence.
• State Consent Issue: CBI cannot freely investigate in states without permission, limiting its reach.
• Effectiveness: Lokpal is relatively new and still evolving, while CBI has decades of experience but faces criticism of political influence.

 
 
   
Why in news?
India aims for 100% literacy by 2030 through the ULLAS scheme, aligned with NEP 2020 and UN SDG 4.6, but faces challenges like Bihar's non-participation. Recent progress includes several states declaring full literacy under the program.​
 
Background: The 2030 Literacy Goal

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) both emphasize universal literacy and numeracy by 2030.
• India launched ULLAS – Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society in 2022 to achieve this target.
• The program identifies illiterate adults (15+) through surveys, provides basic literacy/numeracy training equivalent to Class 3 level, and certifies them after a test.

Current Progress

• States fully literate so far: Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Ladakh.
• Bihar challenge: Bihar, one of the least literate states, has refused to participate in ULLAS, creating a major obstacle.
• Expanded definition of literacy: The government now includes digital literacy and life skills alongside reading and numeracy.

Key Challenges

• Regional disparities: Literacy rates vary widely; states like Kerala are near universal literacy, while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lag far behind.
• Adult literacy focus: Millions of adults remain outside formal education, requiring large-scale mobilization.
• Implementation gaps: Door-to-door surveys and training demand resources, coordination, and political will.
• Digital divide: Expanding literacy to include digital skills risks leaving rural and marginalized communities behind.

Strategic Steps Needed

Priority Area	Why It Matters	Example Action
State Participation	Without Bihar and other lagging states, national targets are impossible	Incentivize states with funding, partnerships
Community Mobilization	Literacy must be socially valued	Local volunteers, NGOs, self-help groups
Technology Integration	Digital literacy is now part of the definition	Mobile apps, low-cost tablets, regional language content
Monitoring & Certification	Ensures credibility of literacy claims	Standardized national tests, transparent reporting

 
 
 
   
Why in news?
Recent updates highlight the rapid adoption of SabhaSaar across states, with the Union Minister sharing progress in Rajya Sabha. Over 92,000 Gram Panchayats have used it by December 2025.​
 
About SabhaSaar

• Launched by: Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Government of India
• Purpose: To transform how Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings are documented by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP).
• Functionality:
  • Converts voice-to-text from meeting recordings.
  • Identifies key decisions, resolutions, and action points.
  • Produces structured, multilingual summaries accessible to stakeholders.
• Coverage: Available across 30 States, supporting Gram Panchayats, Block Panchayats, and Zilla Panchayats.

Key Features

• AI-enabled transcription: Converts speech into text from formats like MP4, WAV, MP3, M4A.
• Multilingual support: Uses Bhashini for translation, ensuring inclusivity across India’s diverse languages.
• Cloud infrastructure: Operates via the India AI Compute Portal under the India AI Mission (MeitY).
• Structured MoM: Automatically highlights decisions, discussions, and follow-up actions.
• Accessibility: Panchayat officials can log in using e-GramSwaraj ADM credentials.

Significance

• Transparency: Ensures accurate, unbiased documentation of grassroots governance.
• Efficiency: Saves time by eliminating manual note-taking and transcription.
• Inclusivity: Multilingual summaries make governance accessible to diverse communities.
• Accountability: Provides clear records of decisions, aiding monitoring and evaluation.
• Scalability: Can be adopted across all Panchayats, strengthening decentralized governance.

Challenges & Risks

• Digital literacy gap: Panchayat staff may need training to use AI tools effectively.
• Infrastructure dependency: Requires reliable internet and cloud access.
• AI limitations: Risk of misinterpretation in dialect-heavy or noisy recordings.
• Data privacy: Sensitive governance discussions must be securely handled.

 
 
   
Why in news?
The government has recently adopted a modern, multi-platform communication strategy for the DCID Scheme, emphasizing digital and local outreach to maximize effectiveness.​
 
Key Features of the New Communication Strategy

• Multi-platform approach: Leveraging traditional media (radio, print, outdoor campaigns) alongside digital platforms (social media, websites, mobile apps).
• Localized outreach: Special focus on rural, tribal, and remote regions, including states like Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir.
• Digital-first emphasis: Greater use of interactive content, infographics, videos, and regional language messaging to ensure inclusivity.
• Community engagement: Organizing on-ground events, awareness drives, and collaborations with local influencers to build trust and relatability.
• Synergetic campaigns: Coordinated efforts across multiple media units to avoid duplication and maximize impact.

About
The Development Communication and Information Dissemination (DCID) Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that aims to spread awareness about government programmes and initiatives through coordinated publicity campaigns.
It is implemented via media units like the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Press Information Bureau (PIB), and New Media Wing (NMW).

Key Features of the DCID Scheme

• Umbrella Scheme: Covers publicity needs of multiple government programmes under one framework.
• Objective: To ensure citizens are informed about welfare schemes, reforms, and initiatives in a clear and accessible manner.
• Target Audience: Rural, tribal, remote, and urban populations across India, ensuring inclusivity.
• Implementation Agencies:
  • CBC – conducts multimedia campaigns (print, radio, TV, outdoor, digital).
  • PIB – provides press releases, media briefings, and official communication.
  • NMW – focuses on digital and social media outreach.

Components of the Scheme
 

Component	Focus Area	Example Activities
Mass Media Campaigns	National awareness	TV ads, radio jingles, newspaper ads
Field Outreach	Local engagement	Exhibitions, cultural programs, street plays
Digital Outreach	Online platforms	Social media campaigns, infographics, videos
Press & Media Relations	Credible information	PIB releases, journalist workshops

 
Significance

• Bridges the gap between government policy and citizen awareness.
• Supports welfare delivery by ensuring people know how to access schemes.
• Counters misinformation by providing authentic, government-backed communication.
• Strengthens democracy through transparency and citizen engagement.

Challenges & Considerations

• Effectiveness in remote areas depends on infrastructure (internet, electricity).
• Trust factor: Citizens may perceive campaigns as propaganda unless balanced with transparency.
• Language diversity: India’s multilingual population requires tailored communication strategies.
• Digital divide: Reliance on online platforms risks excluding those without access.

 
 
   
Why in news?
Recent research highlights freshwater sponges from India's Sundarban delta as potential bioindicators and natural filters for toxic heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Scientists at Bose Institute found these sponges accumulate high levels of pollutants while their associated bacteria aid detoxification.​
 
Key Study Findings

• The study, published in Microbiology Spectrum, shows sponge bacterial communities differ from surrounding water and are enriched with genes for metal resistance and transport.
• These microbes actively help detoxify polluted waters in metal-contaminated habitats like the Gangetic plain.
• Sponges filter large water volumes daily, positioning them as tools for bioremediation and ecosystem health monitoring.​

About Freshwater sponges
Freshwater sponges are among the earliest multicellular organisms, living in clean streams, lakes, and rivers, where they filter water, support ecosystems, and even help remove toxic pollutants.

• Classification: Belong to phylum Porifera, class Demospongiae, order Spongillida.
• Examples: Spongilla lacustris is a well-known species found in lakes and rivers.
• Structure: They have a leuconoid body form with siliceous spicules (tiny skeletal elements).
• Lifestyle: Sessile (fixed in place), attaching to rocks, logs, or submerged objects.

Habitat

• Found in clean streams, lakes, rivers, and estuarine systems.
• Prefer sturdy submerged surfaces like stones, logs, or aquatic vegetation.
• Often appear green due to symbiotic algae living inside their tissues.

Ecological Role

• Filter feeders: Pump large volumes of water through their bodies, capturing protozoans, bacteria, and organic particles.
• Symbiosis: Host algae and diverse microbial communities that contribute to nutrient cycling.
• Bioindicators: Sensitive to pollution, making them useful for monitoring water quality.

 
 
   
Why in news?
NCSM won two PRSI National Awards 2025 at the 47th All India Public Relations Conference in Dehradun from December 13-15. The awards recognized the "Har Ghar Museum" campaign for best use of social media, which garnered over 10 million views and 1 million engagements by crowdsourcing household heritage stories.
 
About NCSM

• India’s largest network of science centres and museums

• Formation: April 4, 1978
• Type: Autonomous society under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India
• Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
• Director General: A. D. Choudhury
• Purpose: Science communication, education, and popularization through interactive museums and centres

Network of Science Centres
NCSM manages 26 science centres/museums across India, divided into zones (North, South, East, North-East, and West). Among them, 7 are National Level Centres.
 
Activities & Contributions

• Science Communication: Interactive exhibits, planetariums, and science shows.
• Education: Workshops, training, and outreach programs for students and teachers.
• Innovation: Hosts events like the World Robot Olympiad and science fairs.
• Research & Training: Operates a Central Research & Training Laboratory (CRTL) in Kolkata.
• Recognition: Recently won two PRSI National Awards 2025 for excellence in public relations.

PRSI National Awards

• PRSI National Awards recognize excellence in public relations and communication efforts across India.
• These awards are presented annually by the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) to honor organizations and professionals for innovative campaigns, transparency, and outreach.
• Categories cover diverse areas like house journals, social media campaigns, RTI implementation, annual reports, CSR projects, and special publications.​
  They emphasize commitment to transparency, innovation, and national goals such as sustainability and digital engagement.​
• The 2025 event theme, “Empowering Growth, Preserving Roots – The PR Vision for 2047,”

 
   
Why in news?
Three new moth species—Gelechia bilobuncusa, Gelechia adi, and Istrianis ladakhensis—were recently discovered in the high-altitude regions of the Indian Himalayas, specifically in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh.
 
Discovery Highlights

• Researchers: ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
• Regions: Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh.
• Method: Night surveys using mercury-vapour lamps to attract moths, followed by DNA barcoding and detailed morphological analysis.
• Significance: These findings underscore the rich but under-documented biodiversity of India’s northern mountain ranges.

The Three Species
 

Species Name	Location Found	Key Features
Gelechia bilobuncusa	Himachal Pradesh	Named for the bilobed shape of its uncus (male genital structure). Pale brown wings with scattered black scales.
Gelechia adi	Arunachal Pradesh	Honors the Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. Distinct wing patterns and subtle coloration.
Istrianis ladakhensis	Ladakh	Recognized by unique genitalia structures and wing morphology. Adapted to Ladakh’s high-altitude environment.

 
Significance

• Biodiversity Documentation: Many Himalayan species remain unknown; discoveries like these help catalog life forms before they vanish.
• Conservation: High-altitude ecosystems are fragile; identifying species is the first step toward protecting them.
• Scientific Value: Adds to the Gelechiidae family, a group of micro-moths important for ecological balance and sometimes agriculture.

Challenges & Risks

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures threaten high-altitude species with habitat loss.
• Human Activity: Expanding tourism and infrastructure in Himalayan regions may disturb delicate ecosystems.
• Knowledge Gap: Without proper documentation, many species risk extinction before they’re even identified.

 
   
Why in news?
Recent heavy rainfall has turned the coastlines of Iran's Hormuz Island a striking blood-red color, captivating global attention.​

Cause

• Rainwater seeps through the island's iron oxide-rich soil, particularly hematite, dissolving particles that flow into the Persian Gulf and stain the beaches and shallow waters crimson.
• This natural, harmless phenomenon occurs during rare winter rains on the arid island, known as the "Rainbow Island" for its colorful geology.​​

Key Facts about Hormuz Island

• Location: Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, ~8 km off the Iranian coast.
• Province: Hormozgān, Iran.
• Nickname: Rainbow Island due to its vividly colored soil and landscapes.

• Geology: Covered with sedimentary rock and volcanic ash, creating red, yellow, and orange hues across its terrain.
• Red Soil: Locally called Gelak, used in art and even cooking.

• Strait of Hormuz: A critical maritime chokepoint through which ~20% of global oil passes.

• Geopolitical Sensitivity: Its location in the Strait of Hormuz makes it a focal point in global energy security debates.

 

   
White Spot Disease (WSD), has recently affected shrimp farms in Andhra Pradesh, with outbreaks detected through ongoing surveillance programs. 
 
About White Spot Disease
White Spot Disease (WSD) is a highly contagious viral infection affecting shrimp and other crustaceans, caused by the White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). It is one of the most devastating diseases in aquaculture, often leading to mass mortality within days.
 
Key Facts

• Causative Agent: White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the genus Whispovirus and family Nimaviridae.
• Hosts: Primarily farmed shrimp (e.g., Penaeus monodon, Litopenaeus vannamei), but also crabs and other crustaceans.
• Symptoms:
  • Circular white spots on the carapace and exoskeleton.
  • Anorexia (loss of appetite) and lethargy.
  • Reddish discoloration of the body.
  • Rapid mortality (up to 80–90% within 5–7 days of onset).
• Transmission: Extremely fast spread via water, contaminated equipment, infected broodstock, and carriers like crabs.

Impact

• First major outbreak reported in Taiwan in 1992, later spreading across Asia, Latin America, and other shrimp-farming regions.
• Causes massive economic losses in aquaculture due to sudden crop failure.

Prevention & Control
There is no effective treatment once WSD appears, so prevention is critical:

• Biosecurity measures:
  • Use pathogen-free broodstock and larvae.
  • Disinfect ponds, equipment, and water sources.
  • Prevent entry of carriers (wild crabs, insects).
• Monitoring: Regular PCR testing for WSSV in hatcheries and farms.
• Best practices: Maintain optimal water quality, avoid stress in shrimp, and follow strict quarantine protocols.

Risks & Challenges

• Rapid spread: Entire ponds can collapse in just a few days.
• Hidden infections: In some species (e.g., L. vannamei), white spots may not be visible, making detection harder.
• Global threat: WSD remains one of the most serious constraints to sustainable shrimp farming.

 
 
 

Question & Answer
 
 
Question 1. The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) was recently recognized for its public relations campaign which utilized digital engagement to connect heritage with science popularization. What mechanism did this campaign primarily employ to gather content?
 
Select your answer:
A) Commissioning professional historians to create digital narratives about historical artifacts.
B) Crowdsourcing household heritage stories through social media platforms.
C) Partnering exclusively with major film production houses for documentary creation.
D) Organizing mandatory heritage essay competitions in national schools.
 
Explanation: (B)
The recognized campaign, 'Har Ghar Museum,' succeeded by crowdsourcing household heritage stories via social media, demonstrating effective digital engagement for cultural outreach managed by NCSM (an autonomous society under the Ministry of Culture).
 
 
Question 2. Recent studies on freshwater sponges in the Sundarbans highlight their ecological significance. What unique role are these organisms identified as potentially serving in polluted aquatic environments?
 
Select your answer:
A) As primary producers of oxygen in deep, anoxic zones of rivers.
B) As active agents for sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide into their siliceous skeletons.
C) As bioindicators and natural filters capable of accumulating toxic heavy metals like arsenic and lead.
D) As keystone predators that regulate the population of invasive aquatic flora.
 
Explanation: (C)
Research indicates that freshwater sponges, due to their filtering nature and associated bacterial communities, are effective at accumulating toxic heavy metals (like arsenic, lead, cadmium) and serve as important bioindicators for monitoring water quality.
 
 
Question 3. The temporary crimson coloring observed along the coastlines near the Strait of Hormuz is a natural geological phenomenon caused by the leaching of iron-rich soil minerals into the sea following rainfall. This event draws attention to which critical element of global energy security?
 
Select your answer:
A) The deep-sea hydrothermal vents that sustain unique marine ecosystems in the Persian Gulf.
B) The Strait of Hormuz, functioning as a vital maritime chokepoint for global oil trade.
C) The shifting tectonic plates responsible for iron ore deposits in the Arabian Peninsula.
D) The seasonal variations in salinity that affect mineral solubility in arid coastal regions.
 
Explanation: (B)
The mention of Hormuz Island naturally links to its location in the Strait of Hormuz, which is internationally recognized as a critical geopolitical chokepoint through which a significant percentage (around 20%) of the world's seaborne oil supply passes.
 
 
Question 4. The recent discovery of new moth species in the high-altitude Himalayas, such as Istrianis ladakhensis, is ecologically significant primarily because it underscores which aspect of Indian geography?
 
Select your answer:
A) The potential for the region to harbor undocumented biodiversity rich in medicinal plants.
B) The unique adaptations required for survival in temperate montane forest ecosystems.
C) The fragility and under-documentation of life forms in high-altitude, climate-sensitive zones.
D) The widespread dispersal mechanism of the Gelechiidae family across the Indo-Gangetic plain.
 
Explanation: (C)
The discovery of new micro-moth species in the Himalayas emphasizes that these high-altitude ecosystems, which are highly vulnerable to climate change and human activity, still contain vast amounts of undocumented biodiversity that requires urgent cataloging and conservation efforts.
 
 
Question 5. The Lokpal and the CBI operate within the framework of corruption investigation. Which of the following statements accurately describes a key aspect of the CBI's functioning that often influences its independence?
 
Select your answer:
A) It is statutorily established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to ensure its autonomy.
B) It requires state government consent for initiating investigations within state jurisdiction, except when mandated by a Constitutional Court.
C) It functions under the direct administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
D) Its conviction rate must meet minimum standards set by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) annually.
 
Explanation: (B)
The CBI derives its powers from the DSPE Act, 1946, and generally requires consent from the concerned State government to investigate crimes within that state, limiting its independent reach without court intervention. It operates under the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), not the MHA (a, c). Its structure is not directly tied to the Lokpal Act (a).
 
 
Question 6. Outbreaks of White Spot Disease (WSD) in Indian shrimp farms necessitate strict biosecurity protocols. WSD is caused by a virus that is noted for which specific characteristic in aquaculture settings?
 
Select your answer:
A) It primarily affects older, fully mature shrimp stocks, sparing larvae.
B) It is treatable effectively using broad-spectrum antibiotics introduced via feed.
C) It causes rapid, mass mortality within days, often leaving white spots on the exoskeleton.
D) It is primarily transmitted through contamination of feed ingredients rather than water.
 
Explanation: (C)
White Spot Disease (WSD), caused by WSSV, is notorious in aquaculture for its high virulence, leading to rapid mass mortality (up to 80-90% in 5-7 days) in shrimp populations, often accompanied by visible white spots on the carapace.
 
 
Question 7. In the context of sentencing in criminal law, the Supreme Court recently clarified the distinct powers concerning life imprisonment and remission. Which constitutional authority holds the power to grant pardon or reprieve regarding sentences under State laws?
 
Select your answer:
A) The High Court having jurisdiction over the trial court.
B) The Executive wing headed by the respective State Chief Minister.
C) The Governor of the State under Article 161.
D) The President of India under Article 72, as clemency overrides state jurisdiction.
 
Explanation: (C)
Article 161 grants the Governor of a state the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against a State law. Article 72 applies to the President for Union laws and Court Martials.
 
 
Question 8. With reference to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, which of the following statements is correct regarding its constitutional mandate and role, as often highlighted in reports presented to Parliament?
 
Select your answer:
A) The CAG directly investigates financial fraud based on irregularities flagged in its compliance audit reports.
B) The CAG is appointed by the Prime Minister, but reports directly to the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for operational oversight.
C) The CAG’s reports primarily ensure that public expenditure aligns with established policy norms, acting as the guardian of the public purse.
D) The CAG has the constitutional power to impose penalties on government officials found guilty of mismanagement flagged in audit reports.
 
Explanation: (C)
The CAG’s primary role, established under Article 148, is to audit the accounts of the Union and State governments to ensure accountability and that expenditures align with legislative authorizations (guardian of the public purse). It reports to the President/Parliament, not directly to the PAC for operational oversight (a, b). It does not have punitive powers; it reports findings (d).
 
 
Question 9. The SabhaSaar initiative aims to enhance transparency in grassroots governance using advanced technology. What primary technological function does SabhaSaar perform for Gram Sabha meetings?
 
Select your answer:
A) Automated digital voting and instant result tallying for local resolutions.
B) AI-enabled voice-to-text transcription and structured summary generation from meeting audio.
C) Real-time geospatial tracking of all development works approved in the meeting.
D) Providing a secure blockchain ledger for recording all financial transactions of the Panchayat.
 
Explanation: (B)
SabhaSaar, launched by MoPR, uses AI and NLP to convert voice recordings from Gram Sabha meetings into text, identify key decisions, and generate structured summaries, thereby improving documentation efficiency and transparency.
 
 
Question 10. The Development Communication and Information Dissemination (DCID) Scheme is an umbrella initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Its recently revamped strategy emphasizes a shift towards maximizing citizen awareness by:
 
Select your answer:
A) Solely relying on government-owned Doordarshan and All India Radio networks.
B) Adopting a multi-platform, digital-first approach with localized, inclusive messaging.
C) Limiting outreach to only national daily newspapers to ensure consistency.
D) Delegating all fieldwork exclusively to NGOs without direct government agency involvement.
 
Explanation: (B)
The new DCID communication strategy emphasizes a multi-platform approach, blending traditional media with digital tools (social media, apps), focusing on localized outreach, and using interactive, regional language content to ensure maximum and inclusive awareness about government programs.
 
 
Question 11. The ULLAS scheme is central to India's goal of achieving universal literacy by 2030. Which component reflects the expanded scope of literacy mandated by contemporary national education goals?
 
Select your answer:
A) Focus solely on achieving functional reading and writing skills equivalent to Class 5 standard.
B) Inclusion of digital literacy and practical life skills alongside basic numeracy.
C) Mandatory inclusion of vocational training certification for all participants.
D) Targeting only households identified through the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC).
 
Explanation: (B)
The current definition of literacy under ULLAS, aligned with NEP 2020 and SDG 4.6, expands beyond traditional reading and numeracy to explicitly include digital literacy and life skills, reflecting a modern approach to adult education.
 
 
 
 

Download Pdf