UPSC ENGLISH QUIZ 13.08.2025

Explanation

• In the recently released Global AI City Index 2025, several Indian cities have made remarkable progress. The index evaluates major global cities based on AI research, innovation, startup ecosystems, government policies, and AI talent availability.
• This year, Bengaluru proved its dominance in India’s AI sector by entering the global top 10 for the first time.
• This achievement has been driven by its thriving startup culture, decades of IT expertise, and strong international investments.
• Hyderabad has also seen a sharp rise in rankings due to its advancements in health-tech and AI-powered public services. Meanwhile, Delhi NCR has strengthened its AI ecosystem through collaborative policy efforts by central and state governments and increased investments from global corporations.
• Cities like Pune and Chennai have gained recognition for integrating AI in manufacturing and automation, proving that AI in India is not confined to IT hubs but is spreading across various industries.

Explanation

• In 2025, NITI Aayog launched the first edition of the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI).Its objective is to track and benchmark the progress made by Indian States and Union Territories (UTs) in achieving their electric mobility targets.

India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI)

• The IEMI is a first-of-its-kind tool developed to comprehensively track and benchmark the progress of States and Union Territories (UTs) in achieving their Electric Mobility goals.
• The index provides a comparative analysis between Indian states and enables states to benchmark their efforts, identify gaps, and learn from each other’s successes.
• The index aims to inform decision-making, foster healthy competition among states, and promote sharing of best practices.
• The India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) tracks, evaluates and scores all Indian States and UTs on a scale of 100 across 16 indicators under three core themes.
• Transport Electrification Progress: To capture demand-side adoption.
• Chandigarh, Delhi and Maharashtra are the frontrunners under this theme.

Explanation

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is aiming for a 2027 launch for its first Launch Vehicle Mk III (LVM3) launch vehicle equipped with a semi-cryogenic propulsion stage.
• The LVM3 will swap its core stage for one that runs on refined kerosene and liquid oxygen, a first for ISRO.
• This switch boosts its payload from 4,200kg to 5,200kg for high orbits while cutting costs by about 25%.
• The new SE2000 engine behind this push packs a whopping 200 tons of thrust and marks a big step forward for India’s space ambitions.

Launch Vehicle Mk III (LVM3)

• Launch Vehicle Mk III, was formerly known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark -III.

LVM3 is configured as a three-stage vehicle with

• Solid Boosters: The S200 solid motor is among the largest solid boosters in the world, with 204 tonnes of solid propellant.
• Liquid Motor: The liquid L110 stage uses a twin liquid engine configuration with 115 tonnes of liquid propellant.
• Cryogenic Upper Stage: It is configured with the fully indigenous high thrust cryogenic engine (CE20) with a propellant loading of 28 tons.

Explanation

• India Post Payments Bank has launched its Aadhaar-based face authentication facility for customer transactions, which is expected to make digital banking more secure and convenient.

Aadhaar-based Face Authentication facility

• This Facility enables customers to perform banking transactions using facial recognition, eliminating the need for physical biometric inputs like fingerprints or OTPs.
• The face authentication feature was developed under the framework of UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India).

Key Benefits of IPPB’s Face Authentication Feature

• Inclusive Banking for the elderly, differently-abled, and individuals with worn fingerprints.
• Secure Aadhaar Authentication without dependency on OTP or fingerprint sensors.
• Fast & Contactless Transactions for a smoother customer experience.
• Safe Banking During Health Emergencies, where physical contact may be risky.

Explanation

• On 9 August, the Election Commission of India delisted 334 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) for failing to meet eligibility criteria.
• These parties had neither contested a single election in the last six years nor maintained valid registered addresses.
• The action reduced the total number of RUPPs in India from 2,854 to 2,520.
• The delisted parties will no longer be eligible for benefits under Section 29B and Section 29C of the RP Act, 1951.
• They will also lose provisions granted under the Income Tax Act and the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
• The ECI clarified that aggrieved parties can file an appeal within 30 days of the order.
• This action is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to cleanse the electoral system of inactive entities.
• The process began in June 2025 with verification by Chief Electoral Officers across states and union territories.
• At present, six national parties, 67 state-level parties, and 2,854 RUPPs are registered with the ECI.
• Since 2022, the Election Commission has delisted 284 defaulting and non-compliant RUPPs and declared 253 RUPPs defunct, part of its efforts to clean up the political space occupied by non-functional parties.
• According to EC guidelines, any party that fails to contest elections continuously for six years is subject to removal from the registered list.