SBI Clerk Mains GA Capsule 2025: Latest Updates & Important Topics PDF

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SBI Clerk Mains GA Capsule 2025: Latest Updates & Important Topics PDF

The SBI Clerk Mains Exam 2025 is expected to be conducted in April 2025, and the General Awareness (GA) section plays a crucial role in determining candidates’ overall performance. This section covers current affairs, banking awareness, and static GK, making it an essential part of the exam preparation.

To help candidates maximize their scores, we have compiled a comprehensive GA Capsule PDF covering all major topics required for the SBI Clerk Mains 2025.

Why is the GA Capsule Important for SBI Clerk Mains 2025?

The General Awareness section is one of the most scoring parts of the SBI Clerk Mains Exam. Unlike quantitative aptitude or reasoning, this section does not require calculations, allowing aspirants to answer questions quickly and accurately. A well-prepared candidate can boost their overall score significantly with proper GA preparation.

SBI Clerk Mains GA Capsule 2025 – Download PDF

To assist candidates in their SBI Clerk Mains 2025 preparation, we are providing a free downloadable PDF covering all the important General Awareness topics.

Download SBI Clerk General Awareness PDF (Part-1 and 2): Click Here

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Topics Covered in the SBI Clerk Mains GA Capsule 2025

UNION BUDGET 2025-26
Economic Survey 2024-25
Padma Awards
Republic Day Parade 2025
RBI Monetary Policy- February 2025
Golden Globe Awards
8th Pay Commission

How to Use the GA Capsule Effectively?

Revise Regularly: Read the PDF daily to stay updated with important events.
Make Notes: Write down key points for quick revision before the exam.
Attempt Quizzes: Solve daily quizzes on current affairs to strengthen your knowledge.
Focus on Banking & Economy: Since SBI Clerk is a banking exam, prioritize banking and financial awareness.

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States and Capitals – How Many States in India?

India, a vast South Asian nation and the world’s seventh-largest by land area, is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own capital. These states and territories are further segmented into districts. New Delhi, situated in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, serves as India’s administrative, political, and cultural hub.

The states and capitals of India weave a rich and diverse tapestry, reflecting the country’s deep cultural heritage, traditions, and innovations. Exploring these regions offers a fascinating journey through time, blending ancient legacies with modern advancements, tradition with contemporary influence, and showcasing India’s remarkable unity in diversity.

States and Capitals

In 1956, India reorganized its states according to linguistic demographics. Today, the country consists of 28 states and 8 Union Territories, home to nearly 400 cities. Among these, eight major metropolitan cities—Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Pune—are prominent. The Prime Minister has introduced a plan to develop 100 smart cities across the nation, with Indore being recognized as the Smart City for four consecutive years. Discover India’s dynamic urban landscape and its focus on modernization.

How many states in India?

India is the 7th largest country in the world by land area and the 2nd most populated. The country is divided into states and union territories so that the government can function properly. Below is a list of all 28 states, their capitals and the year they were formed.

S.NO	State	Capital	CM	Governor
1	Andhra Pradesh	Amaravati	Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu	S. Abdul Nazer
2	Arunachal Pradesh	Itanagar	Pema Khandu	Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
3	Assam	Dispur	Himanta Biswa Sarma	Lakshman Prasad Acharya
4	Bihar	Patna	Nitish Kumar	Arif Mohammed Khan
5	Chhattisgarh	Raipur	Vishnu Deo Sai	Ramen Deka
6	Goa	Panaji	Pramod Sawant	P.S. Sreedharan Pillai
7	Gujarat	Gandhinagar	Bhupendra Patel	Acharya Dev Vrat
8	Haryana	Chandigarh	Nayab Singh Saini	Bandaru Dattatraya
9	Himachal Pradesh	Shimla	Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu	Shiv Pratap Shukla
10	Jharkhand	Ranchi	Hemant Soren	Santosh Kumar Gangwar
11	Karnataka	Bengaluru	Siddaramaiah	Thaawarchand Gehlot
12	Kerala	Thiruvananthapuram	Pinarayi Vijayan	Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
13	Madhya Pradesh	Bhopal	Mohan Yadav	Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
14	Maharashtra	Mumbai	Devendra Fadnavis	C.P. Radhakrishnan
15	Manipur	Imphal	N. Biren Singh	Ajay Kumar Bhalla
16	Meghalaya	Shillong	Conrad Kongkal Sangma	C H Vijayashankar
17	Mizoram	Aizawl	Lalduhoma	General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd.)
18	Nagaland	Kohima	Neiphiu Rio	La. Ganesan
19	Odisha	Bhubaneswar	Mohan Charan Majhi	Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati
20	Punjab	Chandigarh	Bhagwant Singh Mann	Gulab Chand Kataria
21	Rajasthan	Jaipur	Bhajan Lal Sharma	Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
22	Sikkim	Gangtok	PS Golay	Om Prakash Mathur
23	Tamil Nadu	Chennai	M. K. Stalin	R. N. Ravi
24	Telangana	Hyderabad	Anumula Revanth Reddy	Jishnu Dev Varma
25	Tripura	Agartala	Dr. Manik Saha	Indra Sena Reddy Nallu
26	Uttar Pradesh	Lucknow	Yogi Aditya Nath	Anandiben Patel
27	Uttarakhand	Dehradun	Pushkar Singh Dhami	Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
28	West Bengal	Kolkata	Mamata Banerjee	Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose

Union Territories of India and Their Capitals

India has 8 union territories that are managed by the central government. Some of them have their own legislative assemblies. Below is the of these union territories and their capitals:

S.NO	Union Territories	Capital	CM	Lt. Governor
1	Andaman and Nicobar Island	Port Blair	NA	D K Joshi
2	Chandigarh	Chandigarh	NA	Banwarilal Purohit
3	Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	Daman	NA	Praful Patel
4	Delhi	Delhi	Rekha Gupta	Vinai Kumar Saxena
5	Ladakh	NA	NA	B. D. Mishra
6	Lakshadweep	Kavaratti	NA	Praful Patel
7	Jammu and Kashmir	NA	Omar Abdullah	Manoj Sinha
8	Puducherry	Pondicherry	N. Rangaswamy	C. P. Radhakrishnan

Difference Between States and Union Territories

India is divided into states and Union Territories for administrative purposes. They are in different in how they are governed.

Basis of Difference	States	Union Territories
Head of Administration	Governor	Administrator or Lieutenant Governor
Government Type	Elected by the People	Managed by the central government
Powers	Shares power with the central government.	Controlled directly by the central government.

Indian States and their Languages

India is a country with a rich and diverse linguistic heritage. There are over 121 languages spoken in India, and each state has its unique linguistic landscape. The Indian Constitution recognizes 22 languages as “scheduled languages,” which are given special status in government and education.

S. No.	States	Language
1	Andhra Pradesh	Telugu and Urdu
2	Arunachal Pradesh	Miji, Apotanji, Merdukpen, Tagin, Adi, Honpa, Banging-Nishi
3	Assam	Assamese
4	Bihar	Hindi
5	Chhattisgarh	Hindi
6	Goa	Marathi Konkani
7	Gujarat	Gujarati
8	Haryana	Hindi
9	Himachal Pradesh	Hindi and Pahari
10	Jharkhand	Hindi
11	Karnataka	Kannada
12	Kerala	Malayalam
13	Madhya Pradesh	Hindi
14	Maharashtra	Marathi
15	Manipur	Manipuri
16	Meghalaya	Khashi, Jaintia, And Garo
17	Mizoram	Mizo and English
18	Nagaland	Ao, Konyak, Angami, Sema, and Lotha
19	Odisha	Oriya
20	Punjab	Punjabi
21	Rajasthan	Rajasthani and Hindi
22	Sikkim	Bhutia, Hindi, Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu
23	Tamil Nadu	Tamil
24	Telangana	Telugu
25	Tripura	Bengali, Tripuri, Manipuri, Kakborak
26	Uttar Pradesh	Hindi
27	Uttarakhand	Hindi
28	West Bengal	Bengali

Some Key Facts About Indian States

Each state in India is unique and has something special. Here are some interesting facts about a few states:

Andhra Pradesh: Famous for spicy food and historical sites like Charminar.
Assam: Know for tea gardens and Kaziranga National Park, home to the one-horned rhinoceros.
Bihar: A place with a rich history, home to Bodh Gaya and the ancient city of Pataliputra.
Goa: Popular for beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife.
Kerala: Famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda treatments and lush green nature.
Maharashtra: Mumbai, the financial capital, is also home to Bollywood.
Himachal Pradesh: Known for stunning hill stations and adventure sports.
Tamil Nadu: Famous for classical dance forms and grand temples.

BIFR Full Form, Know Its Meaning, History, Goals, Structure and Achievements

The Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) was an organization of the Indian Government. It was created to help industries that were in financial trouble. BIFR tried to save and bring back sick companies or help close them down in a proper way. Let’s understand its history, goals and achievements.

Full Form of BIFR

The full form of BIFR is Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction. It was an organization set up by the Indian government in 1987 to help sick companies recover from financial problems. BIFR aimed to either revive struggling industries or help close them down in a proper way. It was closed in December 2016, and its functions were transferred to NCLT and NCLAT.

Historical Background of BIFR

BIFR officially started working on 15 May 1987. In 1991, a new industrial policy was introduced to support business growth and new technologies. That year, the SICA law was changed to include public sector companies as well.

In 2002, a new law called the SARFAESI Act took away some powers from BIFR. This act allowed banks to recover loans without going through BIFR. It helped banks deal with bad loans more effectively.

Main Goals of BIFR

The main aim of BIFR was to:

Help sick companies recover and become profitable again.
Close down companies that could not be saved.
Stop new sick companies from coming up in the future.

BIFR looked after only large or medium-sized companies where a lot of money was lost.

Functions of the BIFR

The Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) is an important organization that helps struggling companies in India. It works towards saving companies that are not able to pay off their debts and need financial help. Below are its main functions:

Declaring a company as sick
Giving directions to manage a sick company
Helping with financial and operational changes
Passing orders on company matters
Monitoring the orders
Providing guidance
Coordinating with other organizations
Giving information to the government

Members of the Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction

BIFR is made up of a group of experts from different areas. These experts are appointed by the Government of India. The main members include:

A chairman, appointed by the Government of India.
Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Law and Justice and Ministry of Industry.
A member from the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
Representatives from public sector banks and financial institutions.
Members from public and private sector organizations.

The members are appointed for three years and can be reappointed after their term.

Achievements of the BIFR

BIFR has played a significant role in helping sick companies get back on their feet. Here are some of its achievements:

BIFR has successfully helped many companies through financial restructuring, allowing them to recover and continue their business.
It has worked to protect workers’ interests by resolving disputes between company management and employees.
BIFR has coordinated with banks and other institutions to provide financial support for company rehabilitation.
By helping companies recover, BIFR has contributed to the country’s economy by keeping industries alive and contributing to growth.

Benefits of the BIFR

The work of BIFR provides several benefits to companies and the economy as a whole:

BIFR helps sick companies restructure their finances and operations, making it possible for them to recover and continue business.
BIFR helps resolve disputes and ensures that the rights of workers and other stakeholders are protected during the rehabilitation process.
By helping sick companies recover, BIFR ensures the growth and stability of industries in the country.
When BIFR helps companies recover, it directly benefits the national economy by keeping industries functioning and providing jobs.
BIFR ensures that the assets of sick companies are used in the best way possible to maximize value and help the company recover.
BIFR gives companies the guidance they need to create and implement a rehabilitation plan, helping them to overcome financial challenges.
BIFR works with various agencies, like banks, to make sure companies get the resources they need for their recovery.

Limitations of the BIFR

While BIFR has been helpful in many cases, it also has some limitations:

BIFR only deals with companies that are “sick,” meaning they cannot pay their debts and have negative net worth. It cannot help healthy companies or those that are struggling but not officially sick.
BIEF relies on banks, financial institutions and other agencies for the success of its orders. If these organizations don’t cooperate, BIFR’s efforts may not be fully effective.
BIFR has limited power to force companies to follow its orders. It can take action against companies that don’t comply, but it cannot impose penalties or fines.
BIFR has limited staff and resources, which can affect its ability to handle a large number of sick companies effectively.
Despite its efforts, many companies that BIFR declares sick eventually close down or are liquidated, showing that the success rate of its recovery plans is not always high.

What is the Difference Between Fertilizers and Manure?

Plants need food to grow healthy, just like people do. Farmers give this food to plants using fertilizers and manure. These two things add important nutrients to the soil, which helps crops grow better. Even though both help plants, they are different in many ways. This article will explain the meaning of fertilizers and manure and how they are different from each other.

What is Manure?

Manure is a natural substance made from the waste of animals, humans and plants. It is made by the natural breakdown of these wastes over time. Manure adds organic matter (called humans) to the soil. It helps improve the soil’s texture, water holding ability and air flow.

Manure is used in organic farming, which avoids the use of harmful chemicals.

What is Fertilizer?

Fertilizers are chemical products made in factories. They are rich in important nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. These nutrients help plants grow faster and increase crop production.

However, using fertilizers in the wrong way or too often can harm the soil, pollute water and even cause diseases.

Problems with Overusing Fertilizers

Reduces soil fertility in the long run
Pollutes rivers and lakes
Can affect the health of humans and animals
Harms useful soil organisms

Because of these reasons, farmers are advised to use fertilizers carefully and prefer natural methods like manure when possible.

Difference Between Fertilizers and Manure

Fertilizers and manure are two ways to add nutrients to the soil. They help crops grow better, but they are different in many ways. Let’s understand how fertilizers and manure are different from each other.

Basis of Feature	Fertilizers	Manure
Source	Made in factories (chemical)	Natural (animal and plant waste)
Safety	Can be harmful if overused	Safe and eco-friendly
Nutrient Content	High in nutrients	Lower nutrients
Humus	Does not add humus	Adds humus to soil
Speed of Action	Works quickly	Works slowly
Cost	Expensive	Cheaper
Effect on soil	May damage soil and water	Improves soil quality
Use in farming	Used in chemical farming	Used in organic farming

In Which State is Pin Valley National Park Located?

Pin Valley National Park is a beautiful and peaceful wildlife are located in the northern part of India. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, it is known for its cold weather, rare animals and rich plant life. This park is also a great place for adventure lovers, nature photographers and people who enjoy trekking. It offers a unique experience with its natural beauty and calm environment.

Location of Pin Valley National Park

Pin Valley National Park is a beautiful and peaceful national park located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It lies in the far northern part of the country, mainly in the Spiti Valley of Lahaul and Spiti district and also touches the Bhaba Valley of Kinnaur district. The park is part of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, which means it is a dry, cold region with unique plants and animals.

History of the Pin Valley National Park

Pin Valley is influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture. People here follow Buddhist traditions, and you can see monasteries and stupas in the region. The national park was officially established by the Indian government in 1987, and it covers an area of 675 square kilometers.

Geography of the Park

The park lies in the Himalayas. It stretches from Dhankar Gompa near the Tibetan border to the Bhaba Valley. The height of the park ranges from 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) to over 6,000 meters (20,000 feet). Because of this, the weather is very cold and dry, which is why it is called a cold desert.

Animals in the Park

The park is home to many rare and endangered animals. Some of the animals found here are:

Snow leopard
Siberian lbex
Bharal
Red Fox
Weasel, Marten and Pika

These animals live in the high snowy mountains and rocky areas of the park.

Flora of the Pin Valley National Park

Because of the high altitude and very cold weather, there are not many trees in the park. However, you can still find alpine trees and Himalayan cedar trees (Cedrus deodara). During summer, many birds visit the park, such as:

Himalayan Snowcock
Chukar Partridge
Snow Partridge
Finches
Yellow-billed Chough

Medicinal Plants in the Park

Pin Valley is also important because it has rare medicinal plants. About 22 endangered medicinal plants species have been found in this area. These plants grow in 10 different types of habitats within a park. Some of the important medicinal plants include:

Aconitum rotundifolium
Arnebia euchroma
Ephedra gerardiana
Ferula jaeschkeana
Hyoscyamus niger

These plants are used in traditional medicine and are very valuable.

SC Issued Guidelines to Child Trafficking

In a landmark judgment dated April 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a stern warning to parents, emphasizing the need for extreme vigilance against the growing menace of child trafficking. The court highlighted the grave threats children face from trafficking gangs who exploit them for sexual exploitation, forced labour, child marriage, and illegal adoptions. The judgment reflects the apex court’s deep concern over the increasing use of technology by trafficking networks and the inadequacies of institutional responses.

Key Highlights of the Judgment

Parents’ Vigilance Urged

The Supreme Court cautioned parents to be extremely careful as even a moment’s negligence could lead to severe consequences.

Nature of Crimes

Children are trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, begging, petty crimes, child marriage, and illegal adoptions disguised as inter-country adoptions.

Use of Technology by Traffickers

Well-networked child trafficking gangs use digital tools to share victim data, locations, and coordinate finances.

Pain of Untraceable Children

The court noted that losing a child to trafficking causes lifelong trauma, unlike the grief from death which may have closure.

Hospitals Held Accountable

Hospitals may face license suspension and legal action if newborns go missing from their premises.
Emphasis on hospital responsibility in protecting newborns.

Loopholes in Juvenile Justice System

Criminals exploit protections under the Juvenile Justice Act to recruit children into criminal acts with reduced legal consequences.

Illegal Adoption Rackets

High adoption wait times have encouraged criminal groups to traffic children for illegal adoptions.

Bail Cancellation and Trial Orders

Supreme Court cancelled bail for 13 accused granted by the Allahabad HC.
Ordered completion of trial within six months.
Directed police to trace absconding accused within two months.

Special Prosecutors & Victim Protection

Ordered appointment of three Special Public Prosecutors.
Directed witness protection for victim families.

Rebuke to State Government

Criticized Uttar Pradesh for lack of seriousness in appealing against HC’s decision.

Directive to High Courts

All High Courts ordered to ensure trial completion of pending child trafficking cases within six months.

Non-compliance Consequences

Authorities showing negligence or disobeying the order may face contempt of court proceedings.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	SC Issued Guidelines to Child Trafficking
SC Bench Justices	J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan
Key Directive to Parents	Remain extremely vigilant; child traffickers operate in organized networks
Crimes Involved	Sexual exploitation, child labour, begging, adoption fraud, child marriage
Tech Use by	Traffickers Sharing photos, locations, monetary transfers
Hospital Accountability	Licence suspension/legal action if newborns go missing
Adoption Loopholes	Long wait periods encourage illegal child sales
Juvenile Justice Loophole	Used by gangs to engage minors in crime safely
Bail Status	Bail of 13 accused cancelled
Trial Deadline	Must be completed in 6 months
Police Deadline	Trace absconding accused within 2 months

UAE Assumes Chair of INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance

In a significant development for international policing and law enforcement diplomacy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been elected as the Chair of the INTERPOL Committee on Governance, marking a pivotal moment in its rise as a global security leader. The election, held at INTERPOL’s headquarters in Lyon, France on April 11, 2025, saw Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi secure 67% of the votes from INTERPOL’s member states. This achievement reflects growing trust in the UAE’s commitment to transparent, inclusive governance and international law enforcement cooperation.

Key Highlights

Chair Appointment

UAE elected as Chair of INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance.
Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Bureau at UAE Ministry of Interior, appointed Chair.
Received 67% support from INTERPOL member states.

Significance

A first-time victory for the UAE on such a key INTERPOL platform.
Reflects UAE’s global credibility in policing, security, and international cooperation.
Enhances UAE’s diplomatic presence and strategic influence in law enforcement policymaking.

Leadership Reactions

HH Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed (Deputy PM & Minister of Interior): Celebrated the victory as a milestone in global trust and leadership.
Lt. Col. Dana: Committed to ensuring fair, inclusive, and transparent governance within INTERPOL.

Role of the Committee on Governance

Reviews and enhances INTERPOL’s internal processes, constitution, and legislative frameworks.
Advises the General Assembly on rule amendments and interpretations.
Established as a permanent standing committee in late 2024 by INTERPOL’s 92nd General Assembly.
Composed of high-level governance and international law experts.

Mandate & Responsibilities of UAE as Chair

Chair term: Two years.

UAE will,

Lead committee meetings and decision-making processes.
Represent the committee to the General Assembly and Executive Committee.
Coordinate among INTERPOL’s member states for successful implementation of policies.

Strategic Outcomes

Strengthens UAE’s soft power in international organizations.
Positions the UAE as a leading nation in global law enforcement reforms.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	UAE Assumes Chair of INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance
Elected Country	United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Chairperson	Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi
Position Director	General, International Affairs Bureau, UAE Ministry of Interior
Place of Election	INTERPOL HQ, Lyon, France
Winning Vote Share	67% of INTERPOL member state votes
Committee Name	INTERPOL Committee on Governance
Committee Established	Late 2024 (by 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly)
Tenure as Chair	2 years

Gujarat Police’s GP-DRASTI Drone Program: Enhancing Public Safety

The GP-DRASTI (Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions) program, introduced by the Gujarat police, marks a significant leap in modernizing law enforcement in the state. This initiative involves using quadcopters for enhanced crime monitoring, quicker response times, and better crime scene documentation. The program is designed to be a quick reaction force multiplier and evidence gatherer, particularly in the urban areas of Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara, which have witnessed a surge in gang-related violence. Drones, which have been used for various policing tasks, are now being integrated at the police station level, allowing for real-time surveillance and faster deployment to crime scenes.

Key Features of the GP-DRASTI Drone Program

Objective and Purpose

Quick Response: The program aims to improve response time for police forces in areas where incidents such as gang violence, stabbings, and rioting are frequent.
Evidence Gathering: Drones are equipped to capture high-definition footage, which can be used for investigation and prosecution.
Crime Prevention: It seeks to prevent incidents like street violence, mob lynchings, and showings of weapons by monitoring vulnerable areas proactively.

How It Works

Integration with Police Control: Upon receiving a call, the control room coordinates both the drone and ground teams, enabling simultaneous deployment to the scene. Drones reach the location much quicker than traditional PCR vans.
Real-Time Video Streaming: Drones provide live footage to police stations, allowing officers to assess situations in real-time and decide whether to send more personnel.
Targeted Flight Paths: The drone can be set to fly directly to landmarks, after which it can be maneuvered to specific locations based on the situation’s urgency.

Operational Scope

Crime Hotspots: The drones will primarily cover 33 police stations across the four cities known for a high number of bodily harm-related crimes like assault, rioting, and unlawful assemblies. These areas were identified through the SHASTRA program, launched earlier in 2025.

Drone Specifications

Flight Ceiling: Drones operate at 120 meters, with a range of 4 kilometers and flight time of 45 minutes.
Camera Capabilities: Equipped with high-definition cameras capable of zooming up to 1 km and night vision. These features ensure detailed surveillance day and night, even in low-visibility conditions.
Target Following: The drones can lock onto and track fixed targets, useful in both surveillance and criminal intercept situations.

Technology and Training

Drone Base Stations: The drones will be operated from centralized base stations, ensuring they remain within the effective range of 4 kilometers.
Staff Training: The program will initially train 16 staff members in handling the drones, and additional training will be provided as more drones are procured.
Aerial ID System: The drones are capable of capturing facial features, aiding in crowd identification during criminal activities.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Gujarat Police’s GP-DRASTI Drone Program: Enhancing Public Safety
Program Name	GP-DRASTI (Gujarat Police – Drone Response and Aerial Surveillance Tactical Interventions)
Primary Objective	Quick reaction force, evidence gathering, and enhanced response time to crimes
Coverage Area	Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara; focus on 33 police stations
Drone Specifications	– Flight Ceiling: 120 meters – Flight Time: 45 minutes – Range: 4 km
Camera Capabilities	Zoom up to 1 km, HD quality, Night Vision
Training	16 initial staff members to be trained in drone handling
Target Identification	Facial recognition, capturing ID in large crowds

Military Leader Wins Presidential Election in Gabon

General Brice Oligui Nguema won Gabon’s presidential election, securing over 90% of the vote, and reaffirming his control over the Central African nation. This victory follows a military coup in 2023, which saw Nguema overthrow the long-standing Bongo dynasty that had ruled Gabon for decades. Despite his promise to relinquish power after the coup, Nguema ran in the election under a new electoral code that allowed military officers to contest, eventually winning the presidency. Gabon, an oil-rich country with significant mineral resources, remains plagued by inequality and high corruption, which Nguema must now address during his seven-year term.

Key Points

Background of Brice Oligui Nguema

Military Coup (2023): Nguema deposed Ali Bongo Ondimba, who had been in power for 14 years, and ended the Bongo family rule that lasted for over 40 years.
Previous Role: Before the coup, Nguema was the head of the Republican Guard, serving as an aide to Omar Bongo and later his son, Ali Bongo.

Presidential Election

Provisional Results: General Nguema secured over 90% of the vote, according to the Interior Ministry.
Main Opponent: Former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze conceded defeat on April 14, 2025.
Election Process: The election was largely peaceful, with no major disruptions observed by election monitors.

Return of Military Leadership in Africa

Trend of Military Coups: Nguema’s election highlights the increased return of military leaders to power in West and Central Africa, with several countries experiencing military takeovers in recent years.
For example, Mahamat Déby, the leader of Chad, also won a presidential election in 2024 after taking power by force in 2021.

Economic and Social Challenges

Oil Dependency: Gabon’s economy is heavily reliant on oil, contributing to 38% of its GDP, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices.
Youth Unemployment: Over 40% of young people in Gabon face unemployment, indicating significant economic disparity despite the country’s wealth.
Corruption: Gabon remains one of the most corrupt countries in the world, with its political system long criticized for lack of transparency and accountability.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Military Leader Wins Presidential Election in Gabon
Winner	General Brice Oligui Nguema
Election Outcome	Nguema won with over 90% of the votes (provisional results).
Main Opponent	Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze
Election Process	Peaceful election, no major disruptions.
Military Coup Background	Nguema staged a coup in 2023, overthrowing the long-standing Bongo family rule.
Economic Overview	Oil-rich country with high dependency on oil (38% of GDP) and significant youth unemployment (over 40%).

CPCB Revises Classification of Industries Introduced New Category

In an effort to streamline pollution control and provide incentives for industries crucial to environmental services, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has introduced a new classification for industries. This revised categorization includes the creation of a Blue Category for “Essential Environmental Services” (EES). Industries falling under this category include those involved in waste-to-energy plants, biomining, and compressed biogas plants that help manage environmental concerns. These industries will benefit from extended consent validity as a reward for their role in managing pollution. This initiative aims to ensure better regulation and incentivization of industries providing critical environmental services, thereby encouraging sustainable practices.

Key Highlights

Introduction of the Blue Category

Blue Category: New classification for industries providing essential environmental services such as,

Waste to energy plants
Compressed biogas plants (CBG) based on municipal solid waste, agro-residue, energy crops, and weeds.
Biomining operations.
Utilities that help manage environmental concerns (e.g., landfill maintenance).

Incentives for Blue Category

Consent Validity

Industries in the Blue Category will receive an additional two years of consent validity compared to others, offering a total of seven years for consent to operate.
Rationale for Incentive: The extended validity recognizes the essential role these industries play in managing pollution and providing services like waste management and clean energy.

Pollution Index (PI) Classification Methodology

Pollution Index (PI) Categories

Red: PI > 80 (High pollution potential)
Orange: 55 ≤ PI < 80 (Moderate pollution)
Green: PI ≤ 25 (Low pollution)
Blue: A new category for essential environmental services.
Waste to Energy Plants: Though classified under the Red Category based on a PI of 97.6, they are moved to the Blue Category because of the service they provide in waste management.

Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants

Plants using agro-residue, municipal solid waste, or energy crops fall under the Blue Category due to their low environmental impact.
CBG plants based on industrial or process waste remain in the Red Category.

Verification and Incentives

Verification of Environmental Measures

Industries that successfully implement environmental management measures, verified by a committee, are eligible for incentives.
Incentives include increased validity of permits for meeting environmental norms.

Changes to Environmental Clearance (EC) Process

Dual Compliance Removed
Industries with an environmental clearance (EC) will no longer need to obtain consent to establish (CTE), streamlining the approval process.
White Category Industries: Exempt from both CTE and consent to operate (CTO).

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	CPCB Revises Classification of Industries
New Category	Blue Category for Essential Environmental Services (EES)
Included Industries	– Waste-to-Energy plants – Compressed Biogas Plants (CBG) – Biomining
Incentives for Blue Category	– Extended consent validity (additional 2 years) – Seven years of consent validity for Blue Category industries
Pollution Index (PI)	– Red (PI > 80) – High pollution potential – Orange (55 ≤ PI < 80) – Moderate pollution – Green (PI ≤ 25) – Low pollution – Blue – Essential environmental services with low pollution impact
Key Changes	– CBG plants using agro-residue, energy crops moved to Blue Category – Waste-to-energy plants moved to Blue despite high PI

Tanzania Records Hottest Year Ever in 2024 Amid Surging Nighttime Temperatures

In 2024, Tanzania witnessed its hottest year since records began in 1970, driven largely by surging nighttime minimum temperatures. The national average temperature for the year reached 24.3°C, which is 0.7°C above normal, breaking the previous record set in 2023. The average minimum temperature hit 19.3°C, 1.1°C higher than the long-term average, indicating a stronger rise during nighttime than daytime. The year also became the fourth wettest in history, intensifying climate stress, especially for a country where 80% of the population depends on agriculture.

Key Highlights of Tanzania’s 2024 Climate Report

General Climate Overview

Record Year: 2024 was Tanzania’s hottest year ever since 1970.
Average Temperature (2024): 24.3°C — 0.7°C above normal
Previous Record: Set in 2023
Nighttime Focus: Minimum temperatures rose 1.1°C above average (stronger than daytime increases)

Nighttime Temperature Trends

Minimum Temperature (Avg 2024): 19.3°C
Maximum Temperature (Avg 2024): 28.8°C (only 0.4°C above normal)
February: Highest anomaly at +1.5°C
March–May: Minimum temps exceeded +1°C anomalies

Rainfall and Wet Conditions

Total Rainfall in 2024: 1,307.6 mm — 28% above average
Rank: 4th wettest year since 1970
Wettest Year in Last 20 Years
November 2023–April 2024: Wettest rainy season since 1970
Rainfall: 1,354.6 mm (172% of long-term avg)

Climate Drivers

Extreme Rainfall Influenced By,

El Niño
Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
Stations like Dar es Salaam, Kibaha, Morogoro, Zanzibar, and Tanga recorded rainfall 3 to 6 times higher than normal.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Tanzania Records Hottest Year Ever in 2024 Amid Surging Nighttime Temperatures
National Avg Temperature	24.3°C (0.7°C above normal)
Min Temp (Night)	19.3°C (1.1°C above average)
Max Temp (Day)	28.8°C (0.4°C above average)
Hottest Regions	Lake Victoria Basin, NE Highlands, Coastal belts, Islands
Most Anomalous	Month February (+1.5°C), July (+1.1°C), March–May (1°C+ anomalies)
Wettest Months	Jan (wettest ever), April (5th), Nov-April season (wettest since 1970)
Total Rainfall (2024)	1,307.6 mm (28% above average)
Climate Factors	El Niño, Positive IOD

India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI Begins at Aundh, Pune

The 6th edition of Exercise DUSTLIK, a bilateral joint military drill between India and Uzbekistan, commenced on April 16, 2025, at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune. The exercise, which will run until April 28, 2025, aims to strengthen bilateral military cooperation, develop joint tactical interoperability, and enhance coordination between the armed forces of both nations. DUSTLIK is held alternately in India and Uzbekistan, with the previous edition hosted in Termez District, Uzbekistan, in April 2024.

Key Highlights of Exercise DUSTLIK-VI (2025)

Basic Details

Name of Exercise: DUSTLIK-VI (6th edition)
Location: Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Dates: April 16–28, 2025
Participating Countries: India and Uzbekistan
Frequency: Annual; alternates between both countries

Participating Units

Indian Contingent: 60 personnel, primarily from the JAT Regiment and Indian Air Force
Uzbekistan Contingent: Troops from the Uzbekistan Army

Exercise Theme & Objectives

Main Theme: Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Operations in Semi-Urban Scenario
Scenario: Terrorist attack involving seizure of a defined territory

Objectives

Enhance interoperability in sub-conventional warfare
Conduct counter-terrorist operations (CT Ops)
Establishment of a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at the battalion level
Execution of raids, search-and-destroy missions, and population control measures
Use of air power, including helicopters and drones
Secure and use a helipad for operations
Conduct Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO) and Small Team Insertion & Extraction (STIE)
Implement Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) measures
Ensure Air Force logistical support in hostile zones

Use of Technology & Assets

Drones: For surveillance and situational awareness
Helicopters: Reconnaissance, insertion/extraction, fire support
Counter-UAS Tech: To neutralize enemy drone threats

Significance

Exchange of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)
Promote joint operational capabilities
Strengthen bilateral defence cooperation
Develop trust and camaraderie between both forces

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI Begins at Aundh, Pune
Exercise Name	DUSTLIK-VI (6th edition)
Location (2025)	Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra
Indian Participation	60 personnel from JAT Regiment & Indian Air Force
Uzbekistan Participation	Personnel from Uzbekistan Army
Previous Edition	Termez District, Uzbekistan (April 2024)
Exercise Theme	Joint Multi-Domain Sub-Conventional Ops in Semi-Urban Areas
Main Focus Areas	CT ops, population control, raids, SHBO, STIE, drone ops