Prelims + Mains Notes | UPSC CSE 2027 | GS-I, GS-II, GS-III, GS-IV
Compiled from today’s current affairs.
1. India–Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
GS Paper: II (International Relations)
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Indonesia, where both countries adopted a Joint Statement to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across defence, trade, maritime security, digital economy, education, and critical minerals.
Prelims Pointers
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2018
- Indonesia is India’s important ASEAN partner
- India supports development of Sabang Port
- Cooperation in:
- BrahMos missile
- Maritime Domain Awareness
- Critical minerals
- AI
- Space technology
- Green hydrogen
Mains Value Addition
Importance for India
- Indo-Pacific security
- Strait of Malacca connectivity
- Defence exports
- Critical minerals for EV sector
- Supply chain diversification
- Countering China’s influence
- Act East Policy
- ASEAN engagement
Challenges
- Indonesia’s balanced policy towards China
- Trade imbalance
- Infrastructure delays
- Defence technology transfer issues
UPSC Prelims Question
Q. Consider the following statements regarding India–Indonesia relations:
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was established in 2018.
- Sabang Port is strategically located near the Strait of Malacca.
- Indonesia supports India’s BRICS Chairship.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
UPSC Mains Question (10 Marks)
“India’s Act East Policy has increasingly acquired a strategic and maritime dimension.” Discuss with special reference to India’s partnership with Indonesia.
2. UDISE+ Report 2025–26
GS Paper: II (Education)
Why in News?
The Ministry of Education released the latest UDISE+ Report showing improvements in school enrolment, infrastructure and teacher availability.
Prelims Facts
UDISE+ stands for
Unified District Information System for Education Plus
It covers
- 14.8 lakh schools
- 26 crore students
- 1.02 crore teachers
Key Findings
✅ Dropout rate reduced
✅ Better internet connectivity
✅ More schools with electricity
✅ Improved student retention
Challenges
- Secondary education dropout
- One-teacher schools
- Accessibility for disabled students
- Lack of playgrounds
- Limited rainwater harvesting
Mains Value
Way Forward
- Strengthen secondary education
- Digital classrooms
- Inclusive education
- Multi-teacher schools
- Sustainable infrastructure
Prelims Question
UDISE+ is primarily associated with
A. Higher Education
B. School Education Database
C. Digital India
D. Skill India
Answer: B
Mains Question (15 Marks)
“Improving school infrastructure alone cannot guarantee quality education.” Examine in light of the UDISE+ Report 2025–26.
3. Mission Drishti
GS Paper: III (Science & Technology)
Why in News?
Communication with Mission Drishti, India’s first privately built OptoSAR Earth Observation Satellite, has reportedly been lost.
Prelims Facts
Developed by
- GalaxEye
Weight
- 190 kg
Launch Vehicle
- SpaceX Falcon-9
Technology
- Optical + SAR Imaging
Importance
- All-weather surveillance
- Night imaging
- Border monitoring
- Agriculture
- Disaster management
- Defence
Prelims Question
Mission Drishti combines
A. Optical + Radar imaging
B. Infrared + GPS
C. Thermal + LIDAR
D. Weather radar only
Answer: A
Mains Question
Discuss the significance of private sector participation in India’s space programme with reference to Mission Drishti.
4. BrahMos Missile Export
GS Paper: III (Internal Security)
Why in News?
Indonesia signed an MoU for phased procurement of BrahMos coastal missile batteries.
Prelims Facts
- Joint venture of DRDO and Russia
- World’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missile
- Speed: Mach 2.8
- Fire and Forget
- Multi-platform launch
- Exported to:
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
Importance
- Defence exports
- Make in India
- Maritime security
- Strategic diplomacy
Prelims Question
Which of the following countries has signed agreements to procure BrahMos missiles from India?
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
Select the correct answer.
Answer: All three
Mains Question
Defence exports are becoming an important instrument of India’s foreign policy. Discuss.
5. Prambanan Temple
GS Paper: I (Art & Culture)
Why in News?
India will assist in the restoration of Indonesia’s UNESCO World Heritage Prambanan Temple.
Prelims Facts
- Largest Hindu temple in Indonesia
- Located in Java
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dedicated to Trimurti
- Shiva temple tallest
- Ramayana sculptures
UPSC Favourite Area
- Indian cultural influence in Southeast Asia
- Hindu-Buddhist architecture
Prelims Question
Prambanan Temple is located in
A. Cambodia
B. Thailand
C. Indonesia
D. Malaysia
Answer: C
6. Himalayan Yak
GS Paper: III (Environment)
Why in News?
Scientists developed IoT smart collars for Himalayan Yaks.
Prelims Facts
Scientific Name
Bos grunniens
Status
Vulnerable (IUCN)
Habitat
- Ladakh
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Sikkim
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
Importance
- Transport
- Milk
- Meat
- Wool
- Himalayan livelihood
Prelims Question
The Himalayan Yak is listed under which IUCN category?
A. Endangered
B. Vulnerable
C. Near Threatened
D. Least Concern
Answer: B
7. Durand Cup
GS Paper: Prelims Miscellaneous
Facts
- Asia’s oldest football tournament
- Started in 1888
- Founded by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand
- Managed by Indian Armed Forces
- Three trophies awarded
Prelims Question
Durand Cup is associated with
A. Hockey
B. Football
C. Polo
D. Cricket
Answer: B
8. Narmada River
GS Paper: I (Geography)
Why in News?
Four states signed an agreement resolving issues related to the Sardar Sarovar Project.
Prelims Facts
Origin
- Amarkantak
Flows
- Westwards
Empties into
- Arabian Sea
Largest Tributary
- Tawa
Flows through
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
Important Feature
Flows through a rift valley between
- Vindhya
- Satpura
Prelims Question
Which among the following rivers flows through a rift valley?
A. Godavari
B. Krishna
C. Narmada
D. Mahanadi
Answer: C
9. Personality for Ethics (GS-IV)
Girish Bharadwaj — “Bridge Man of India”
Why Important?
Built over 140 low-cost suspension bridges connecting remote villages and improving access to schools, hospitals, and markets. Awarded the Padma Shri (2017).
Ethics Keywords
- Compassion
- Innovation
- Public Service
- Inclusive Development
- Empathy
- Leadership
- Social Responsibility
Ethics Example: Use Girish Bharadwaj as an illustration of applying engineering and innovation for the welfare of marginalized communities.
UPSC Prelims MCQs (Practice)
Q1. UDISE+ primarily deals with:
- A. Higher Education
- B. School Education Database
- C. Digital Payments
- D. Skill Development
Answer: B
Q2. Mission Drishti combines:
- A. Optical + SAR Imaging
- B. Optical + Thermal
- C. Infrared + GPS
- D. Weather Radar
Answer: A
Q3. BrahMos missile is:
- A. Ballistic Missile
- B. Cruise Missile
- C. Anti-tank Missile
- D. Surface-to-Air Missile
Answer: B
Q4. Prambanan Temple is dedicated mainly to:
- A. Buddha
- B. Trimurti
- C. Jain Tirthankaras
- D. Sikh Gurus
Answer: B
Q5. Which river forms a rift valley?
- A. Krishna
- B. Godavari
- C. Narmada
- D. Mahanadi
Answer: C
UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- India’s engagement with Indonesia has evolved beyond maritime cooperation into a multidimensional strategic partnership. Discuss. (GS-II, 10 Marks)
- Critically examine the major findings of the UDISE+ Report 2025–26 and suggest measures to improve school education in India. (GS-II, 15 Marks)
- Private sector participation is transforming India’s space sector. Evaluate with reference to Mission Drishti. (GS-III, 10 Marks)
- How can defence exports strengthen India’s strategic autonomy and geopolitical influence? Discuss with suitable examples. (GS-III, 15 Marks)
- “Innovation driven by compassion can transform rural development.” Discuss using the life and work of Girish Bharadwaj. (GS-IV, 10 Marks)
