State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 18 Oct 2025

Senior Naxalite Bhupathi Surrenders

Why in News? 

In a remarkable move towards rehabilitation, Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL), a company based in Gadchiroli, has extended an offer to employ Bhupathi as its brand ambassador and to provide jobs to the 60 surrendered Maoists. 

Key Points 

• About: Bhupathi, who carried a bounty of Rs 6 crore, along with 60 cadres, surrendered with 54 weapons, including seven AK-47s and nine INSAS rifles. 
  • Bhupathi, one of the most influential strategists in the Maoist organization, had supervised platoon operations along the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. 
  • Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged the remaining Naxalites to surrender voluntarily or face police action, adding that Gadchiroli's efforts were setting a precedent for the rest of the country. 
• LMEL's Offer: The company plans to provide jobs to the surrendered individuals based on their skills and education, once they receive the necessary no-objection certificate (NOC) from the government.  
  • Specifically, Bhupathi is being considered to promote the message of development in the region. 
• Rehabilitation Process: The surrendered Maoists will undergo a rehabilitation process, including interrogation, training camps, and employment preparation. 
• Significance: This initiative represents a significant shift for Gadchiroli, which was previously known for its Maoist activity, signaling a move toward peaceful reintegration and socio-economic development in the region. 

UN Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave 2025

Why in News? 

The United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave 2025, hosted by the Indian Army from 14th to 16th October 2025, brought together senior military leaders from 32 nations that play a key role in global UN peacekeeping operations. 

Key Points 

• About: The conclave is attended by senior military officials from 32 nations, including Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, India, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Poland, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Uruguay, and Vietnam.  
  • The event also features defence exhibitions aimed at building shared capacities for peacekeeping missions. 
• Objectives: The UNTCC serves as a vital forum to address operational challenges, evolving threats, interoperability, inclusivity in decision-making, and the role of technology and training in strengthening UN peacekeeping.  
  • India, one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping, has convened this high-level forum to discuss best practices, share insights, and build mutual understanding for future peacekeeping. 
• Technology Demonstration: The chiefs witnessed a demonstration of integrated, new-age military technology by the Indian Army, showcasing various indigenous military equipment.  
• 4C Formula for UN Peacekeeping: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed a guiding principle of enhanced Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination, and Capacity Building (4C) to address emerging challenges in peacekeeping.  
  • He noted that the Centre for UN Peacekeeping in New Delhi has trained participants from over 90 countries, contributing significantly to the development of interoperability among peacekeepers.

United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) 

• The first UNPK mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), was established in May 1948 to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours with a small team of military observers.  
• They are deployed by the UN Security Council to support ceasefires and peace agreements and are called Blue Helmets due to the light blue colour symbolising peace on the UN flag.  
• Currently, over 61,000 military and police peacekeepers from 119 countries and more than 7,000 civilian personnel serve in 11 UN Peacekeeping Missions.