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GS Paper: GS3

  • Sultanpur National Park Sees Surge in Migratory Birds

    Why in the News?

    Sultanpur National Park in Haryana has recorded a sharp rise in migratory bird arrivals, with numbers increasing from 10,000–15,000 in mid-November to an estimated 25,000–35,000 in early December. The rise is linked to falling temperatures, improved wetland conditions and enhanced conservation efforts.

    About Sultanpur National Park

    • Located in Gurugram district, Haryana.
    • Recognized as one of Asia’s major bird habitats.
    • Declared a Ramsar Site in 2021.
    • Ecosystem: freshwater wetland, surrounded by grassland and acacia woodland.
    • Major attraction during winter due to large flocks of migratory birds.

    Migration Patterns

    • Attracts species from: Siberia, Europe, Central Asia and Other northern regions.
    • Migration triggered by:
      • Decreasing temperatures in breeding grounds
      • Availability of food and safe wetland habitats in India.

    Species Currently Sighted

    • Greylag Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Shoveler (Northern Shoveler), Common Coot and Black-tailed Godwit (near-threatened).
    Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity? (2015)

    (a) Bhitarkanika National Park 

    (b) Keibul Lamjao National Park 

    (c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park 

    (d) Sultanpur National Park

  • Meghalaya’s New Spider Discoveries

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India have identified two new species of jumping spiders in Meghalaya, further highlighting the region’s status as a major biodiversity hotspot.

    The new species are:

    • Asemonea dentis
    • Colyttus nongwar

    Their formal descriptions have been published in Zootaxa, an international peer-reviewed journal.

    Location & Significance

    • Found in the forested landscapes of Meghalaya, part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
    • The Northeast is considered one of India’s least-explored yet ecologically rich regions.

    About the Species

    Asemonea dentis

    • Belongs to the genus Asemonea; this is only the third Indian species in this genus.
    • Named for a distinct tooth-like projection on the male palpal femur.
    • Male: greenish-brown body with pale-yellow V-shaped abdominal marking.
    • Female: creamy white body with fine black markings.
    • Genus characteristics: associated with shrubs and foliage; less studied in India.

    Colyttus nongwar

    • Only the second Indian species of the genus Colyttus.
    • Named after Nongwar village in the Khasi Hills.
    • Both sexes display:
      • Oval reddish-brown carapace
      • Light-brown abdomen
      • Creamy anterior band with five chevron-shaped patches
    • Genus: little-known Oriental group with limited representation in India.
    Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’? (2016)

    (a) Arunachal Pradesh 

    (b) Himachal Pradesh 

    (c) Karnataka 

    (d) Maharashtra

  • Gallbladder Cancer in the Gangetic Belt 

    Why in the News

    • New analysis calls gallbladder cancer (GBC) an “invisible epidemic” in India’s Gangetic belt, especially among women.
    • Despite high prevalence, GBC is not a national health priority, poorly monitored, and driven by environmental pollution.

    Key Highlights

    1. High-Burden Geography

    • India accounts for ~10% of global GBC cases.
    • Highest incidence in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam.

    2. Environmental Drivers

    • Arsenic, cadmium, lead contamination in groundwater.
    • Industrial effluent discharge into rivers.
    • Pesticide residues, adulterated oils, contaminated fish.
    • Chronic exposure through water, food, soil.

    3. Gendered Impact

    • ~70% of GBC patients are women.
    • Factors contributing:
      • Reuse of cooking oil
      • Consumption of unrefrigerated food
      • High exposure to contaminated water during domestic chores
    • 80%+ diagnosed at Stage III/IV, when surgery is not viable.

    4. Socio-Economic Burden

    • Treatment costs ₹8–12 lakh → debt, treatment abandonment.
    • Hotspots overlap with districts having high poverty and poor sanitation.

    5. Governance Failures

    • Cancer registries cover only 10% of the population → clusters remain invisible.
    • Weak enforcement of pollution laws.
    • No mandatory cancer reporting.
    Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? (2013)

    (1). Arsenic 

    (2). Sorbitol 

    (3). Fluoride 

    (4). Formaldehyde 

    (5). Uranium 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 

    (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 3 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • Aditya-L1 Reveals Why the 2024 Solar Storm Behaved Unusually

    Why in the news?

    • In May 2024, Earth experienced the strongest solar storm in over two decades, popularly known as Gannon’s Storm.
    • A collaborative study using Aditya-L1 and six NASA satellites has explained the unusual behaviour and enhanced intensity of this storm.

    What Are CMEs?

    • Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs): Massive bubbles of charged gas and magnetic energy expelled from the Sun.
    • When directed towards Earth, CMEs can:
      • Disturb the magnetosphere
      • Disrupt satellites, communication networks, GPS
      • Trigger geomagnetic storms affecting power grids

    Key Findings of the Study

    1. Collision of Two CMEs

    • Instead of a single CME rope, two CMEs collided in space.
    • This collision compressed and distorted their magnetic structures.

    2. Magnetic Reconnection Inside the CME

    • Magnetic fields inside one CME snapped and rejoined, creating new magnetic pathways. This internal breakup is called magnetic reconnection.
    • Consequences:
      • Sudden reversal and strengthening of magnetic fields
      • Enhanced geomagnetic impact on Earth
      • Acceleration of charged particles detected by satellites

    3. First Multi-Vantage Observation

    • Observations came from Aditya-L1 and six US satellites:
      • NASA Wind
      • ACE
      • THEMIS-C
      • STEREO-A
      • MMS
      • DSCOVR (NASA-NOAA)
    • Enabled simultaneous study of the storm from Earth, Moon, and L1 point.

    4. Discovery of a Giant Reconnection Region

    • Aditya-L1’s precise magnetic field measurements showed:
      • Reconnection region ≈ 1.3 million km across
      • Nearly 100 times Earth’s diameter
    • First recorded instance of such a giant internal magnetic breakup within a CME.
    If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth ? (2022)

    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail. 

    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. 

    3. Power grids could be damaged. 

    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 

    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 

    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. 

    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7

  • UNEA-7: Rift Over UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and Funding Crunch

    Why in the news?

    The seventh UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) begins in Nairobi amid deep divisions over the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2026–2030 and a significant decline in core funding. The MTS acts as UNEP’s operational mandate guiding global work on climate, biodiversity, pollution and land restoration.

    UPSC Prelims Pointers

    About UNEP

    • Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
    • Established: 1972 (Stockholm Conference outcome)
    • Governing body: UN Environment Assembly (UNEA)
    • Works on: climate, biodiversity, pollution, land, chemicals, resource efficiency, environmental governance.

    About UNEA

    • Meets biennially.
    • World’s highest-level decision-making body on environment.
    • Each member state of the UN has one vote.

    UNEP’s Environment Fund (EF)

    • Voluntary, but based on an indicative scale of contributions.
    • Provides core, unearmarked funding.
    • Decline in EF impacts UNEP’s operational independence.

    Medium-Term Strategy (MTS)

    • 5-year framework guiding programmatic priorities.
    • Needed for budget approval.
    • Current debate concerns the 2026–2030 MTS text.

    Triple Planetary Crisis

    • Climate change
    • Biodiversity loss
    • Pollution and waste

    Plastics Treaty Process

    • Negotiated under the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC).
    • UNEP serves as secretariat, but mandate expansion is contested.
    Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances? (2015)

    (a) Bretton Woods Conference 

    (b) Montreal Protocol 

    (c) Kyoto Protocol 

    (d) Nagoya Protocol

  • To fulfil STEM potential, India must cast a net wider, go to the roots

    Introduction

    India’s STEM ecosystem faces deep-rooted structural constraints even as the government seeks to reform doctoral guidelines and redirect research toward emerging national needs. The debate highlights persistent gaps in funding, fellowships, university governance, research priorities, and industry linkages. 

    Why in the news?

    The issue is significant because the government has asked ministries and departments to re-examine PhD guidelines and shift focus to topics of national relevance. This action comes at a time when existing systemic problems, like delayed fellowship payments, inadequate stipends, poor institutional support, and the absence of industry linkages, have reached a critical point. Several premier institutions have not paid PhD stipends for months, and research fellowships remain stagnant at ₹8,000 per month since 2012 for many categories, sharply contrasting with inflation and rising living costs. 

    Understanding the Roots of India’s STEM Challenges

    What structural issues limit India’s STEM potential?

    1. Weak Research Relevance: Research funded by government departments often lacks direct relevance to national technological needs, reducing innovation output and long-term applicability.
    2. Low Public Visibility: Communication gaps hinder public understanding of how government-funded research benefits society or advances national capability.
    3. Fragmented Institutional Support: Government departments and agencies lack coordinated mechanisms for selecting and nurturing PhD candidates working in critical areas like energy storage, sustainable agriculture, health tech, and battery technologies.

    Why is applied research struggling in India?

    1. Limited Industry Linkages: Applied science breakthroughs, though central to modern technological advances, receive inadequate industry support, reducing opportunities for scale-up.
    2. Insufficient Local Innovation Ecosystems: Historical examples like the laser or optical fibre show how long-lag research becomes transformative. India still lacks comparable mechanisms to nurture such deep-tech research.
    3. Weak Commercialisation Pathways: The absence of industry-academia collaboration limits the transition from early-stage research to viable technologies.

    How do fellowship and salary problems deepen the crisis?

    1. Delayed Payments: University-funded PhDs and major fellowships like non-NET scholarships frequently experience months-long delays, affecting basic sustenance and productivity.
    2. Inadequate Fellowship Amounts: The ₹8,000 monthly scholarship, unchanged since 2012, remains insufficient even for minimal living costs.
    3. Forced Supplementary Work: Students must take up temporary teaching assignments, reducing time available for research.
    4. Failed Direct Transfer Models: Attempts to transfer fellowship payments directly from banks collapsed due to payment delays and administrative complexities.

    Why is India’s research ecosystem unable to retain talent?

    1. Limited Faculty Positions: Funded PhDs are scarce; many bright students cannot find positions due to narrow intake. 
    2. Opaque Recruitment Processes: Ad-hoc contractual appointments reduce academic stability and deter long-term research commitment.
    3. Weak University Ecosystem: Few Indian universities maintain predictability and transparency in administrative and financial processes.

    What non-STEM burdens weaken STEM research?

    1. Non-scientific Teaching Loads: PhD programmes require students to teach subjects like psychology, sociology, history, diverting time and focus from scientific inquiry.
    2. Administrative Distractions: Non-STEM tasks increase the administrative burden on researchers, affecting scientific productivity.
    3. Cultural undervaluation of STEM: Specific social sciences are privileged in university structures, leading to skewed resource allocation.

    Conclusion

    India’s STEM potential depends on addressing foundational issues, predictable funding, research relevance, ecosystem stability, transparent administration, and meaningful industry linkages. Without systemic reform, higher fellowships alone cannot solve deeper governance failures. Strengthening these roots will determine whether India can build a globally competitive research ecosystem capable of supporting national development.

    UPSC Relevance

    [UPSC 2024] What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialised. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.

    Linkage: This theme links directly to GS-3: Science & Technology, IPR, innovation ecosystem, highlighting gaps between patent filings and commercialization. It is relevant for analysing India’s weak research-to-market pipeline, low industry linkages, funding delays, and systemic failure.

  • How can India benefit from neurotechnology

    Introduction

    Neurotechnology integrates neuroscience, AI, engineering, and computing to decode and influence neural activity. At the core of this revolution lies the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), a system that converts thoughts into actions using implanted or non-invasive devices. As global investment accelerates, India stands at a crucial juncture: it must leverage its scientific strengths while addressing regulatory and ethical gaps to become a competitive player in this emerging domain.

    Why in the news

    Neurotechnology has moved into a phase of rapid global advancement, with major breakthroughs such as in-human trials of Neuralink’s BCI receiving regulatory approval in 2024. Nations like the U.S., China, and Chile are accelerating R&D through large-scale missions. 

    Understanding Neurotechnology and BCIs

    1. Mechanical-neural integration: Neurotechnology uses devices that read, monitor, or influence brain activity, enabling control of cursors, robotic arms, wheelchairs, or prosthetics in real time.
    2. BCI systems: BCIs convert neural signals into digital commands, using implanted electrodes for precision or non-invasive systems such as EEG headsets.
    3. Therapeutic potential: Devices help diagnose brain disorders, stimulate brain regions for depression or Parkinson’s, or allow communication for patients with paralysis.
    4. Human-human interfaces: Research has even enabled brain-to-brain communication, transmitting simple information between individuals.

    India’s Need for Neurotechnology

    1. High neurological disease burden: India faces major disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and depression.
    2. Growing share of NCDs: Between 1990-2019, the share of non-communicable and injury-related neurological disorders rose steadily.
    3. Stroke as largest contributor: Stroke has become the top neurological contributor to India’s disease load.
    4. Rehabilitation benefits: BCIs offer possibilities for motor restoration, communication, and reducing long-term medication dependency.
    5. Mental health potential: With rising mental health challenges, neuromodulation and cognitive stimulation could offer new tools for treatment.

    India’s Current Standing

    1. Academic leadership: Institutes such as IIT Delhi, IISc, and AIIMS are active in BCI research, advancing sensor tech, signal processing, and neural implants.
    2. Neurorights and ethics research: Centres like IIT’s neurotechnology groups study data privacy, cognitive security, and the ethics of manipulating neural signals.
    3. Interdisciplinary progress: Neuroscience, AI, biomedical engineering, and biotech sectors are expanding, positioning India to scale domestic innovation.

    Global Progress and Lessons for India

    1. U.S. BRAIN Initiative: A major collaboration between federal agencies and private partners to accelerate innovative neurotechnologies.
    2. Neuralink trials: In 2024, Neuralink demonstrated that implanted BCIs restored motor functions in paralytic patients.
    3. China Brain Project (2016-2030): Focuses on cognition, brain-inspired AI, and neurological disorders.
    4. Chile & EU leadership: Pioneering frameworks for neuro-rights, ensuring cognitive liberty and mental privacy.
    5. Wide applications: Uses range from healthcare, gaming, rehabilitation, and security, making this not just a medical frontier but an economic one.

    Challenges for India

    1. Regulatory vacuum: Lack of clear national guidelines for invasive vs non-invasive BCIs, safety standards, and neural data protection.
    2. Ethical and privacy concerns: BCIs generate the most sensitive form of data-thought-level signals.
    3. Adoption and funding gaps: Without adequate funding and industry incentives, large-scale deployment will remain slow.
    4. Need for a national mission: A coordinated strategy is required to tap into India’s biotech capacity.

    Conclusion

    Neurotechnology represents a strategic frontier combining biotech, AI, and healthcare. For India, the potential spans medical rehabilitation, national innovation capacity, and future economic growth. However, its successful adoption requires a strong regulatory framework, ethical safeguards, and a dedicated national strategy that aligns technological advancement with patient safety and cognitive rights.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2020] What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? 

    Linkage: This PYQ falls under GS-3 Science & Technology, where UPSC tests new and frontier technologies shaping future healthcare. Nanotechnology is directly linked to neurotechnology and BCIs, forming the base for next-generation medical diagnostics, making it highly relevant for UPSC.

  • NATGRID  

    Why in the News?

    • NATGRID is now receiving around 45,000 data-access requests per month, according to government officials.
    • At the 2024 DGP Conference (Nov 28–30, Raipur), chaired by the Prime Minister, all law-enforcement agencies were directed to scale up use of NATGRID in investigations.
    • States have been asked by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to use the platform extensively to access multiple government and private datasets.

    What is NATGRID?

    • National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is an integrated intelligence platform that provides secure, real-time access to various databases for police and investigative agencies.
    • Conceptualised in 2009 after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
    • Became operational in 2023 (last year).
    • It is accessible only to authorised security agencies.

    Institutional Developments

    • NATGRID gained momentum in 2019 under Home Minister Amit Shah, who resolved inter-agency differences and expanded access to States.
    • In 2020, NATGRID signed an MoU with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to access the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), which links ~14,000 police stations nationwide.

    Recent Challenges Reported

    • Slow or time-consuming login procedures
    • Delays in receiving information that is expected to be real-time

    UPSC Prelims Pointers

    • NATGRID conceptualised → 2009, after 26/11.
    • Operational → 2023.
    • Provides access to government + private datasets.
    • No FIR required to use the platform.
    • Integrated with CCTNS through an MoU with NCRB (2020).
    • Access allowed to SP-rank officers and central agencies.
    • Aim → real-time, secure, multi-source data access for intelligence and investigation.

  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

    Why in the news?

    An IMF report has recognized UPI as the worlds largest real time retail fast payment system by transaction volume. As per ACI Worldwide (Prime Time for Real Time 2024), UPI accounts for about 49 percent of global real time payment transactions.

    Note: UPI accounts for 85% of all digital payments within India.

    Key Facts

    • Global leadership
    • India: 129.3 billion transactions
    • 49 percent share of global real time payment volume
    • Followed by: Brazil 14 percent, Thailand 8 percent, China 6 percent and South Korea 3 percent
    • Developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
    • Regulatory oversight Reserve Bank of India and Ministry of Finance support policy push
    • Government support initiatives
      • Incentive scheme for low value BHIM UPI transactions
      • PIDF (Payments Infrastructure Development Fund) for merchant infrastructure in Tier 3 to 6 areas
      • Expansion of RuPay UPI acceptance across transport, ecommerce, and public services

    Infrastructure Growth: 5.45 crore digital touch points deployed through PIDF in Tier 3 to 6 centers (as of Oct 2025)

    • 56.86 crore QR codes deployed to approx 6.5 crore merchants (FY 2024-25)
    Which one of the following links all the ATMs in India? (2018)

    (a) Indian Banks’ Association 

    (b) National Securities Depository Limited 

    (c) National Payments Corporation of India 

    (d) Reserve Bank of India

  • Why the rupee has a capital account problem

    Why in the news

    The rupee’s recent fall is not driven by a widening current account deficit, as traditionally believed, but by an unprecedented decline in net foreign capital inflows, which have turned sharply negative for the first time in years. During April-September 2025, India saw a net outflow of $7.6 billion, a stark reversal from the $25.3 billion net inflow in the same period of 2024. This contrast signals a structural shift where India’s strong services surplus can no longer offset the sharp rise in the goods deficit alongside shrinking foreign investments, making this a serious macroeconomic turning point

    Introduction

    India’s external sector is undergoing a structural change where the merchandise trade deficit continues to expand, the invisibles surplus remains strong, but the capital account, especially foreign investment inflows, has weakened significantly. As a result, the rupee’s pressure today arises primarily from capital account weakness, not the current account alone, reshaping India’s macroeconomic stability narrative.

    Why is India’s current account under persistent pressure?

    1. Widening Merchandise Trade Deficit: India’s goods trade deficit more than doubled from $91.5 bn (2007-08) to $191 bn (2022-23) and is expected to cross $300 bn in 2024-25.
    2. Strong but Insufficient Invisibles Surplus: Remittances, software exports and professional services push invisibles surplus to record highs, yet not enough to neutralise the merchandise gap.
    3. Sticky Imports & Slow Exports: Energy, electronics, and gold imports remain elevated; global demand conditions weaken export earnings.

    How have invisibles cushioned the external sector so far?

    1. Record Remittances: Private transfers and remittances remain robust—India continues as a top global recipient.
    2. Soaring Software & IT Services Surplus: Services exports support the current account and contribute to India’s “invisible strength.”
    3. Investment Income Outflows: Rising payments on interest/dividends reduce the net benefit of the invisibles surplus.

    What explains India’s capital account problem today?

    1. Sharp Fall in Net Capital Inflows: April-September 2025 saw $7.6 bn net outflow vs $25.3 bn inflow in 2024, the biggest recent reversal.
    2. Weakening Foreign Investment: FDI inflows into new factories, infrastructure, and physical assets have dropped sharply.
      1. FDI: $43 bn (2020-21), $22 bn (2022-23),  $8 bn (2023-24) till December.
    3. Portfolio Flows Turning Volatile: FY23-24 saw equity outflows of $23 bn, reversing the earlier inflow phase.
    4. India’s Relative Growth Advantage Narrowing: High global interest rates and stronger USD attract capital away.

    Why does the rupee weaken despite manageable CAD?

    1. Capital Outflows Overpower CAD Position: Even a moderate CAD becomes hard to finance when capital inflows dry up.
    2. Pressure from USD Shift: Rupee slid from ₹83.47 to ₹89.39 per USD within the year as yen, won, and yuan also weakened.
    3. Financing Gap: CAD remains dependent on capital inflows, weak capital flows lead to excess demand for foreign currency.

    What are the macroeconomic consequences of the capital account strain?

    1. External Financing Stress: Lower FDI and portfolio inflows reduce India’s ability to fund domestic growth.
    2. Exchange Rate Volatility: Persistent rupee pressure increases import costs, especially energy and intermediate goods.
    3. Growth Impact: Rupee weakness raises inflationary pressures and complicates monetary policy management.
    4. Policy Trade-offs: RBI must balance FX stability, inflation control, and capital flow management.

    CONCLUSION

    India’s external account stresses now stem less from trade imbalances and more from capital inflow shortages. A resilient services surplus continues to stabilise the CAD, but declining foreign investments, both FDI and portfolio, expose the currency to sharper volatility. Addressing this requires strengthening domestic manufacturing competitiveness, improving investment climate, and ensuring predictable macroeconomic policies that reclaim India’s attractiveness for global capital.

    UPSC Relevance

    [UPSC 2021] Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer.

    Linkage: Capital account inflows, forex stability, and investment revival are key determinants of macroeconomic recovery. The article’s data on shrinking capital inflows and rupee pressures directly challenge the sustainability of a V-shaped path.