💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Distribution: weekly

  • [pib] Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) 

    Why in the News?

    The Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva.

    About Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM):

    • GFTM is an informal platform launched by India in May 2023 under the WHO to promote cooperation on traditional medicine.
    • It is coordinated via India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva; it hosts regular meetings to explore integration of traditional systems into health strategies.
    • It supports global efforts like the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, fostering knowledge exchange and research collaboration.
    • It focuses on policy development, capacity building, and scientific validation of traditional practices.
    • It builds momentum for global events such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit and World Health Assembly sessions.

    India’s Key Initiatives in Traditional Medicine:

    The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) promotes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy through dedicated facilities and education. Key efforts include:

    • Establishment of Ayush Arogya Mandirs (wellness centres) for integrated care.
    • Expansion of insurance coverage for AYUSH treatments.
    • Promotion of collaborative research with DBT, DST, ICMR, and CSIR.
    • Use of AI, genomics, and bioinformatics to bolster scientific credibility.
    • Strengthening of global outreach via bilateral agreements, international events, and multilateral platforms.
    [UPSC 2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?

     

  • Asteroid YR4 might miss the Earth

    Why in the News?

    Asteroid YR4, discovered in December 2024 via Chile’s ATLAS telescope, was first thought to threaten Earth but was later ruled out. Scientists now focus on its potential Moon impact in 2032.

    Asteroid YR4 might miss the Earth

    About Asteroid 2024 YR4:

    • Asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered in December 2024 by the ATLAS telescope located in Chile.
    • It is a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) whose orbit brings it within 1.3 AU (Earth-Sun distances) of Earth.
    • It is estimated to be 65 metres wide, roughly the size of a 10-storey building.
    • Initially, it was suspected to have a 3.1% chance of impacting Earth in 2032, triggering NASA’s highest-ever asteroid impact alert.
    • Subsequent tracking ruled out an Earth impact but indicated a 3.8% chance of hitting the Moon on December 22, 2032.
    • A Moon impact would create a 500 to 2,000-metre-wide crater and release energy 340 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.
    • Despite being smaller than the 140m threshold for “potentially hazardous asteroids,” its unusual trajectory drew global scientific attention.
    • Scientists continue to observe YR4, including during a close approach in 2028, to refine its orbital predictions.

    Back2Basics: ATLAS Telescope

    • ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) is a NASA-funded early warning project for detecting small near-Earth objects (NEOs).
    • It is developed and operated by the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy.
    • As of 2025, ATLAS operates five telescopes in Hawaii, South Africa, Chile, and the Canary Islands.
    • Each telescope has a 0.5-meter Wright-Schmidt design, a 1-meter focal length, and a 110 MP CCD detector with a 7.4° field of view.
    • The system scans 20,000 square degrees of sky three times per night and provides 1–3 week warnings for asteroids 45–120 meters wide.
    • In addition to asteroids, ATLAS also discovers supernovae, comets, dwarf planets, and variable stars.

     

    [UPSC 2011] Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options:  (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 1 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • IAF spokesperson quotes Ramcharitmanas

    Why in the News?

    India’s briefing on Operation Sindoor was opened with lines from poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and concluded with a reference to the Ramcharitmanas (by Tulsidas) by the IAF spokesperson.

    About Tulsidas:

    • Tulsidas, born as Ram Bola Dubey, was a Brahmin poet-saint believed to have been born in Rajapur (present-day Banda district, Uttar Pradesh).
    • He composed the Ramcharitmanas on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi.
    • Writing began on Ram Navami in 1574, and the composition was completed over the following years.
    • Tulsidas lived during the time of Emperor Akbar, and some sources suggest he had contact with Abdurrahim Khan-e-Khanan, son of Akbar’s general Bairam Khan.

    About the Ramcharitmanas:

    • Ramcharitmanas was written in the 16th century in the Awadhi dialect and is spoken across Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya regions.
    • It is a retelling of Valmiki’s Ramayana in a vernacular language accessible to the common people.
    • It is divided into seven chapters (Kand), covering Lord Ram’s life from birth to his coronation.
    • It is referred to simply as “Ramayan” across the Hindi heartland.
    • It is regarded as the holiest text in the Indo-Gangetic region.
    • Geeta Press (Gorakhpur) has reportedly sold nearly 7 crore copies.
    [UPSC 2002] Who among the following was the first Bhakti saint to use Hindi for the propagation of his message?

    Options: (a) Dadu (b) Kabir (c) Ramananda* (d) Tulsidas

     

  • Self-Defence Clause in Global Law

    Why in the News?

    India and Pakistan agreed to cease all firing and military actions following precision strikes by India under Operation Sindoor as a Self-Defence against the Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 civilians.

    About Right to Self-Defence under UN Charter:

    • The United Nations Charter generally prohibits the use of force under Article 2(4).
    • Article 51 provides an exception, permitting the use of force in self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member State.
    • The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Nicaragua v. U.S. (1986) interpreted “armed attack” as the gravest form of the use of force.
    • The right of self-defence is subject to two key conditions:
      1. Necessity: The force must be essential to respond to an armed attack.
      2. Proportionality: The response must not exceed what is required to repel the attack.
    • Under Article 51, states must immediately notify the UN Security Council (UNSC) of any action taken in self-defence.
    • In India’s case, the May 7, 2025 missile strikes were described as a “measured response” to the Pahalgam massacre, implying invocation of Article 51, though not explicitly stated.
    • India’s May 8 briefing to 13 of 15 UNSC members was likely in fulfilment of this reporting obligation.

    ‘Unwilling or Unable’ Doctrine:

    • This is an emerging principle in international law, particularly after 9/11.
    • It allows a state to use self-defensive force against non-state actors operating from another state’s territory if that state is:
      • Unwilling or
      • Unable to stop the threat.
    • It was prominently invoked by the US:
      • In 2011 (killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan).
      • In 2014 (airstrikes on ISIS in Syria).
    • However, it is criticised by countries like Russia, China, and Mexico for undermining state sovereignty and the UN system.

    India’s Stance:

    • India’s position is unclear but evolving. At a UNSC Arria Formula meeting in Feb 2021, India listed 3 conditions:
    1. The non-state actor has repeatedly attacked the state.
    2. The host state is unwilling to neutralize the threat.
    3. The host state actively supports or sponsors the non-state actor.
    • Legal scholars note it is uncertain if these conditions are cumulative or independent.
    • In response to the Pahalgam attack, India accused Pakistan of inaction and labelled it a safe haven for terrorists.
    • This suggests implicit reliance on the “unwilling or unable” doctrine, though it is not codified in customary international law.
    [UPSC 2005] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Charter of the United Nations Organization was adopted at Geneva, Switzerland in June, 1945;

    2. India was admitted to the United Nations Organization in the year 1945;

    3. The Trusteeship Council of the United Nations Organization was established to manage the affairs of territories detached from Japan and Italy after WWII.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 only* (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

     

  • Kerala, MH, TN attain SDGs in MMR, U5MR, NMR

    Why in the News?

    According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have successfully achieved the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR).

    About SDGs (related to MMR, U5MR, NMR):

    • Under SDG 3, the goals focus on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
    • Target 3.1 aims to reduce MMR to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, with no country exceeding 140.
    • Target 3.2 sets the goal to reduce U5MR to 25 or fewer per 1,000 live births and NMR to 12 or fewer per 1,000 live births.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • States meeting MMR target (≤70):
      • Kerala (20), Maharashtra (38), Tamil Nadu (49), plus Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
    • States/UTs meeting U5MR target (≤25):
      • Includes Kerala (8), Tamil Nadu (14), Delhi, Maharashtra, J&K, West Bengal, Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
    • States/UTs meeting NMR target (≤12):
      • Includes Kerala (4), Tamil Nadu (9), Delhi, Maharashtra, J&K, and Himachal Pradesh.
    • National improvements:
      • MMR dropped from 130 (2014–16) to 93 (2019–21).
      • U5MR declined from 45 (2014) to 31 (2021).
      • NMR dropped from 26 (2014) to 19 (2021).
      • IMR declined from 39 (2014) to 27 (2021).
      • Sex Ratio at Birth improved from 899 to 913 (2014–2021).
      • Total Fertility Rate reached replacement level of 2.0 in 2021.
    • Compared globally (1990–2023), India achieved an 86% reduction in MMR (vs 48% globally), 78% in U5MR (vs 61%), 70% in NMR (vs 54%), and 71% in IMR (vs 58%).
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna:

    1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.

    2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.

    3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.

    4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four

     

  • Gold’s Cosmic Origins from Magnetar Flares

    Why in the News?

    A new study by Columbia University, suggests that the universe may have an alternate mechanism for producing gold — not just in neutron star collisions, as previously believed, but also in magnetar flares.

    Gold's Cosmic Origins from Magnetar Flares

    What are Magnetars?

    • Magnetars are a rare type of neutron star with immensely strong magnetic fields, among the most powerful in the universe.
    • They are formed when a massive star collapses during a supernova, leaving a highly dense stellar core.
    • Due to magnetic instability, magnetars sometimes release intense flares of X-rays and gamma rays.
    • These flares can be millions of times stronger than typical solar flares.
    • A magnetar’s magnetic field is estimated to be about a thousand times stronger than that of ordinary neutron stars.

    r-Process in a Magnetar Flare:

    • The r-process (rapid neutron-capture process) forms heavy elements like gold, platinum, and uranium by rapidly attaching neutrons to atomic nuclei.
    • It was earlier believed to occur mainly in neutron star mergers.
    • In a 2024 study, scientists analysed a 2004 magnetar flare followed by delayed gamma-ray emissions, recorded by NASA’s Compton Gamma Ray Observatory.
    • The radiation patterns matched those of radioactive decay from r-process elements, suggesting neutron-rich nuclei were produced.
    • Around 1.9 septillion kilograms of matter was ejected at near-light speeds, marking the first direct evidence of r-process nucleosynthesis in a magnetar flare.

    Implications for Gold Formation:

    • The study shows that magnetar flares may also produce gold and other heavy elements, not just neutron star collisions.
    • This implies such elements could have formed earlier in the universe than previously believed.
    • The findings broaden our understanding of the origins of chemical elements in space.
    • It confirms that multiple astrophysical events contribute to the formation of heavy elements.
    • It also offers a new perspective on cosmic gamma-ray bursts and ancient stellar compositions.
    [UPSC 2012] Consider the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of the universe?

    1. Detection of microwaves in space

    2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space

    3. Movement of asteroids in space

    4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Scientists create first ‘Pangenome’ of Asian Rice

    Why in the News?

    Chinese researchers has developed a first-of-its-kind rice pangenome by integrating genetic data from 144 wild and cultivated rice varieties from Asia (similar to the Human Genome Project).

    About the Rice Pangenome:

    • A pangenome includes both the core genes shared by all members of a species and the unique genes found in specific varieties, offering a complete view of genetic diversity.
    • The rice pangenome was built using data from 144 wild and cultivated rice varieties across Asia, making it the first comprehensive genomic resource for rice.
    • Researchers led the project from the Chinese Academy of Sciences to explore rice evolution and domestication.
    • Researchers used PacBio HiFi sequencing and advanced computational tools to detect variations, uncovering 3.87 billion base pairs of genetic material previously missing from the standard rice genome.

    Key Findings:

    • The study identified 69,531 genes, including 28,907 core genes common to all varieties and 13,728 genes unique to wild rice.
    • About 20% of all genes were exclusive to wild rice, offering potential for trait improvement in cultivated varieties.
    • The study confirmed that all Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) originated from Or-IIIa, a subgroup of Oryza rufipogon.
    • Japonica rice was first domesticated in China, while indica rice arose later via hybridization as japonica spread across Asia.
    • Wild-specific genes were linked to environmental adaptation, phenotypic flexibility, and regenerative traits, offering insights for future crop resilience.
    • Bridging the genetic gap between wild and cultivated rice could lead to climate-resilient and high-yield varieties.

    India’s Contribution:

    • Rice is India’s staple food and the main monsoon crop, grown from June to September.
    • In 2024–25, India produced a record 220 million tonnes of rice over 51,000 hectares, with an average yield of 4.2 tonnes per hectare.
    • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed two genome-edited rice varieties — Samba Mahsuri and MTU 1010 — known for higher yields and drought resistance; these are currently under testing.
    [UPSC 2001] Assertion (A): Scientists can cut apart and paste together DNA molecules at will, regardless of the source of the molecules. Reason (R): DNA fragments can be manipulated using restriction endonucleases and DNA ligases.

    Options: (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A * (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A (c) A is true but R is false (d) A is fasle but R is true

     

  • Delhi Morphological Ridge

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court notified civic officials of allegedly violating its 1996 directive in the M.C. Mehta vs Union of India case (1996) by approving a private housing project in Delhi’s ecologically sensitive Morphological Ridge area.

    Delhi Morphological Ridge

    About Delhi Morphological Ridge:

    • The Delhi Ridge is the northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range, stretching approximately 35 km from Tughlaqabad to Wazirabad, along the Yamuna River.
    • It is composed mainly of quartzite rock, is over 1.5 billion years old, and significantly older than the Himalayas.
    • It functions as Delhi’s green lungs, aiding in carbon sequestration, temperature regulation, and air pollution reduction.
    • It acts as a natural barrier against desert winds from Rajasthan and supports rich biodiversity, making Delhi one of the world’s most bird-rich capitals.
    • It is divided into four zones: Northern Ridge, Central Ridge, South-Central Ridge, and Southern Ridge.
    • Key conservation areas include the Northern Ridge Biodiversity Park and the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Land Use Regulation in the Ridge:

    • Although the area shares ecological features with the Delhi Ridge, it is NOT officially notified as forest land, but it enjoys judicial protection.
    • A 1966 directive prohibits any NON-forest use or encroachment without court approval.
    • Any change in land use must be cleared by the Ridge Management Board (RMB) and the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
    • The area is mapped using data from the Delhi Forest Department and the 2006 Seismic Zonation Map.
    • Formal notification as a Reserved Forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, is pending due to the absence of ground-truthing.
    • In revenue records, it is often marked as “gair mumkin pahad”, meaning uncultivable rocky hill.
    • The terrain is ecologically fragile, with shallow soil and rocky outcrops, making it unsuitable for construction.
    [UPSC 2001] The approximate age of the Aravalli range is-

    Options: (a) 370 million years (b) 470 million years (c) 570 million years (d) 670 million years

     

  • BrahMos: the ‘Fire and Forget’ Stealthy Cruise Missile 

    brahmos

    Why in the News?

    The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has garnered global attention as it was reportedly used for the first time in a combat scenario during Operation Sindoor.

    About the BrahMos Missile:

    • BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia through BrahMos Aerospace.
    • The name is derived from the Brahmaputra River (India) and the Moskva River (Russia).
    • It is one of the world’s fastest cruise missiles, reaching speeds up to Mach 3.
    • It was first successfully tested on June 12, 2001, from Chandipur, Odisha.
    • It is a ‘fire and forget’ missile, requiring no further guidance after launch.
    • It can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarine platforms.
    • It has been inducted into the Indian Navy (2005), Army (2007), and Air Force (2017).
    • Key Features:
      • Classified as a stand-off weapon, it can be launched from a safe distance, avoiding enemy defences.
      • The original range was 290 km, now extended to 350–400 km, with future variants targeting 800 km and hypersonic speeds (Mach 5).
      • It offers high accuracy, extended seeker range, and 9 times more kinetic energy than subsonic missiles.
      • It operates in all weather conditions, day or night, and strikes both land and sea targets with precision.

    Anatomy of the BrahMos Missile:

    • BrahMos is a two-stage missile with advanced propulsion and stealth capabilities.
    • The first stage is a solid-propellant booster that accelerates the missile to supersonic speed.
    • The second stage uses a liquid-fuelled ramjet engine to sustain high-speed cruise up to Mach 3.
    • The ramjet is an air-breathing engine that combines liquid fuel with incoming air for efficient thrust.
    • It features stealth technologies, such as low radar cross-section and special materials.
    • The missile can cruise at up to 15 km altitude and descend to 10 metres in the terminal phase for pinpoint accuracy.
    • It supports multiple launch platforms, including mobile launchers, naval ships, Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft, and submarines.

    Key Weapons and Systems used by India in Operation SINDOOR:

    Type Name Features & Role in Operation SINDOOR
    Air-Launched Missile SCALP (Storm Shadow) Long-range missile launched from Rafale jets; used for deep strikes on terror camps with minimal collateral damage.
    Precision-Guided Bomb HAMMER Modular weapon with 15–70 km range; delivered from aircraft to hit mid-range targets with high accuracy.
    Surface-to-Air Missile Akash Indigenous system that can engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously; intercepted enemy drones and missiles.
    Air Defence System SAMAR Rapid-response missile system for low-flying threats like UAVs and drones; bolstered India’s layered air defence.
    Anti-Drone System D-4 (Detect, Deter, Destroy) Uses radar, jammers, and laser weapons to disable or destroy hostile drones and UCAVs.
    Loitering Munition SkyStriker Kamikaze drone that hovers over targets before striking; used for precision attacks on enemy assets.
    Satellite Systems Cartosat, RISAT, EOS Series Provided real-time surveillance and intelligence for target tracking and mission planning.
    Navigation System NavIC India’s satellite-based navigation system; enabled sub-metre precision for missile and drone targeting.
    Anti-Aircraft Gun Upgraded L-70 (Bofors) Equipped with radar and auto-tracking; used to shoot down low-flying drones in conflict zones.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.

    2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • World’s Longest Banana Infructescence Found in Andaman

    World’s Longest Banana Infructescence Found in Andaman

    Why in the News?

    A species of wild banana, Musa indandamanensis, endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has set a world record with an infructescence (fruit bunch axis) measuring 4.2 metres — the longest ever recorded among banana species globally.

    About the Musa indandamanensis:

    • Musa indandamanensis is a wild banana species that is endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
    • It was first discovered in 2012 near the Krishna Nala reserve forest in Little Andaman and officially described in 2014.
    • The species was later rediscovered in Campbell Bay, located in the Nicobar Islands.
    • The discovery was led by Dr. Lal Ji Singh, Head of the Botanical Survey of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre.
    • Due to its limited natural range and habitat vulnerability, it is listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN.

    Notable Features:

    • The species holds the world record for the longest banana infructescence, measuring 4.2 metres.
    • The plant typically reaches a height of about 11 metres, with stem girth varying by location: under 100 cm in Little Andaman and around 110 cm in Campbell Bay.
    • It bears golden yellow to orange fruits, which ripen into a golden-orange pulp containing many irregular-shaped seeds.
    • The plant thrives in moist tropical forests, typically near waterfalls and streams.
    • It is considered a valuable genetic resource for developing drought-resistant, disease-tolerant, and high-yielding banana varieties.
    • Specimens are showcased in botanical institutions such as the Indian Museum in Kolkata and the Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre.
    • For ex-situ conservation, saplings have been planted in botanical gardens in Howrah, Prayagraj, and Port Blair.
    [UPSC 2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?

    Options: (a) Andaman Islands* (b) Anaimalai Forests (c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast