PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2023] Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard.
Linkage: The importance of the manufacturing sector for economic growth and asks about government policies concerning it, including MSMEs. This aligns perfectly with the theme of driving manufacturing growth as discussed in the article. |
Mentor’s Comment: Global manufacturing and trade are quickly changing, focusing more on products that use advanced technology and innovation. This shift is being powered by strong research and development (R&D), modern technology, skilled workers, and complex supply chains. Also, the high tariffs recently introduced by the United States are expected to further change how the manufacturing industry works.
Today’s editorial talks about how global manufacturing and trade are changing because of the use of advanced technology and innovation. This topic is useful for GS Paper II (International Relations and Policy Making) and GS Paper III (Manufacturing Sector).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
As global changes are set to reshape the manufacturing industry, it is important to focus on technical education, core engineering skills, and new ideas (innovation).
What challenges hinder India’s efforts to match global manufacturing standards?
- Low Manufacturing Productivity: India’s manufacturing sector is far less efficient compared to global benchmarks. Eg: In 2023, India’s productivity stood at $8.9K, while the global average was $32K, and the U.S. reached $159K.
- Limited R&D Investment: Innovation-driven manufacturing requires substantial R&D support, which remains inadequate in India. Eg: India spends just 0.65% of its GDP on R&D, while China spends 2.4% and South Korea 4.5%.
- Skills Mismatch and Weak Technical Education: The gap between academic training and industrial skill requirements slows the shift to high-tech manufacturing. Eg: Most engineering institutions focus on theory, grading, and rote learning, with less than 50% emphasis on practical training.
- Underdeveloped Industrial Infrastructure: India lacks world-class manufacturing ecosystems with integrated supply chains and R&D support. Eg: Unlike China’s fully equipped industrial parks, many Indian parks lack plug-and-play facilities, design labs, and testing centers.
- Low Per Capita Manufacturing Output: India’s contribution to manufacturing per individual is among the lowest in major economies. Eg: In 2023, India’s per capita value added was $0.32K, while the global average was $2K.
Why must India reform technical education for innovation-led manufacturing?
- Lack of Practical Skill Development: Engineering education in India emphasizes theoretical knowledge over hands-on experience. Eg: Less than 50% of curriculum time is dedicated to lab work or industry projects, reducing readiness for real-world manufacturing tasks.
- Weak Focus on Creativity and Problem-Solving: Entrance exams and academic culture focus on rote learning rather than fostering innovation. Eg: Students are trained to solve predefined problems, but lack the ability to tackle open-ended, real-world challenges in engineering and design.
- Outdated Laboratory and Workshop Infrastructure: Many technical institutions lack modern facilities to train students in advanced manufacturing techniques. Eg: Few colleges have tool rooms, CNC machines, or 3D printing labs, which are standard in global manufacturing training programs.
- Disconnect Between Industry Needs and Curriculum: The current syllabus often fails to align with rapidly evolving industrial technologies and skills. Eg: Courses in AI integration, robotics, and IoT in manufacturing are still missing or underdeveloped in most core engineering streams.
- Limited Industry-Academia Collaboration: Technical education lacks structured partnerships with manufacturing companies for internships, research, and product development. Eg: Unlike Germany’s dual education model, Indian students rarely work on live industry problems during their course of study.
How do state-specific manufacturing parks boost industrial ecosystems?
- Accelerate Industrial Setup with Plug-and-Play Infrastructure: Ready-to-use facilities reduce time and cost for new manufacturing units. Eg: Tamil Nadu’s SIPCOT parks offer land, power, and water connections upfront, attracting auto and electronics manufacturers quickly.
- Encourage Localized Skill Development and Employment: Parks drive local job creation and training programs aligned with industry needs. Eg: Gujarat’s Dholera SIR includes skill centers to train youth for electronics, EV, and robotics industries.
- Foster Innovation and Prototype Development: Dedicated facilities help companies develop, test, and refine products. Eg: Karnataka’s Aerospace SEZ near Bengaluru hosts R&D labs, testing units, and design centers supporting aerospace startups.
- Build Industry Clusters and Supply Chains: Concentration of allied industries creates efficient ecosystems with shared logistics and services. Eg: Andhra Pradesh’s Sri City SEZ houses over 180 companies across sectors like consumer goods and automotive, fostering collaboration.
- Attract Investment Through Tailored State Policies: State-specific incentives aligned with local strengths draw both domestic and foreign investors. Eg: Maharashtra’s Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) offers tax benefits and sector-specific infrastructure to attract high-tech industries.
Where does India lag in per capita manufacturing value and productivity?
- Low Per Capita Manufacturing Value: India’s per capita manufacturing value is significantly lower than global averages. Eg: In 2023, India’s per capita value added was $0.32K, compared to the global average of $2K and China’s $2.5K.
- Lower Manufacturing Productivity: India’s productivity is far behind that of developed economies, limiting its competitiveness. Eg: India’s productivity in manufacturing stood at $8.9K in 2023, while the U.S. reached $159K and Germany at $103K.
- Limited Technological Advancement and R&D: India lags in integrating advanced technologies and innovation into its manufacturing processes. Eg: The U.S. and Germany lead with high productivity linked to R&D investment, while India spends just 0.65% of GDP on R&D.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Launch of Flagship Programs: Initiatives have been introduced to strengthen domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness. Eg: Make in India (2014) aims to increase manufacturing’s share in GDP and promote job creation by encouraging both domestic and foreign investment.
- Sector-Specific Incentives: Targeted financial support and policy measures help key industries grow. Eg: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes provide incentives to sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and auto components to scale production and boost exports.
- Infrastructure and Industrial Park Development: Government is developing industrial zones and improving logistics. Eg: Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and state-specific plug-and-play parks aim to provide ready infrastructure and attract quick industrial setups.
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Way forward:
- Revamp Technical Education and Skilling: Align curricula with industry 4.0 needs, strengthen practical training, and build strong industry-academia partnerships to boost innovation-led manufacturing.
- Strengthen Industrial Ecosystems: Expand world-class infrastructure, ensure faster regulatory clearances, and scale up R&D investment to create globally competitive manufacturing hubs.
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Why in the News?
On May 6, India and the UK signed an important Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was called a historic achievement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The FTA creates new opportunities for the textile sector, which now needs to match global styles and standards
What are the key benefits of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?
| Benefit |
Description |
Eg |
| 1. Enhanced Market Access |
India gains zero-duty access to UK markets for industrial and agricultural goods; UK exporters get reduced tariffs in India. |
Indian processed foods earlier faced 10–12% tariffs — now duty-free in the UK. Tariffs on British whiskey reduced from 150% to 40% over 10 years. |
| 2. Boost to Key Domestic Sectors |
Labour-intensive Indian sectors like textiles, apparel, toys, and footwear benefit; UK gains in automobiles and spirits. |
Indian apparel now gets zero-tariff access to UK.
Tariffs on British cars slashed from 100% to 10%. |
| 3. Job Creation & Economic Growth |
Trade expansion leads to employment generation and investment in both countries. |
India’s textile sector, employing 45+ million people, can boost jobs through increased exports. |
| 4. Diversification of Trade Partners |
India reduces dependency on US/EU; UK diversifies beyond EU post-Brexit. |
India currently holds just 1.8% share in UK imports — FTA targets major increase. |
| 5. Foundation for Future FTAs |
Sets a model for India’s trade negotiations with other major economies like the EU and US. |
Learnings from tariff cuts and ESG compliance can aid future deals with EU/US. |
How can India improve its Textiles and Apparel sector to capitalize on the FTA with the UK?
- Strengthen the Value Chain and Infrastructure: India must address its fragmented and geographically dispersed T&A value chain. Fast-tracking the operationalization of PM MITRA parks can create integrated textile hubs, reduce logistics costs, and improve delivery timelines. Eg: Bangladesh delivers apparel orders in 50 days compared to India’s 63 days — a more integrated value chain can help India match or exceed this efficiency.
- Promote Manmade Fibre (MMF) Production: India needs to resolve the inverted GST structure and ease quality norms to boost MMF-based products, which dominate global demand for technical textiles, athleisure, and activewear. Eg: MMF garments are taxed higher at the input stage than at the finished product level, making Indian exports less competitive globally.
- Focus on Compliance, Design, and Market Relevance: Indian exporters must align with global fashion trends and strengthen ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance, especially in anticipation of EU and UK sustainability regulations. Eg: The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will require traceable, ethical supply chains by 2029 — Indian exporters must prepare accordingly.
Why is the operationalisation of PM MITRA parks important for India’s textile industry?
- Integrated Value Chain and Reduced Costs: PM MITRA parks aim to bring together the entire textile value chain — from spinning, weaving, processing to garmenting — in one location, reducing logistics costs, delays, and inefficiencies. Eg: Currently, cotton is grown in Gujarat, yarn spun in Tamil Nadu, and garments stitched elsewhere, leading to high costs and long lead times. An integrated park would streamline this process.
- Boost Export Competitiveness: These parks can help scale up production, attract investment, and improve quality standards for global markets like the UK, where India now enjoys zero-duty access under the FTA. Eg: By focusing PM MITRA parks in export-oriented regions like Navsari (Gujarat) and Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), India can cater more efficiently to UK and EU demand.
Where does India lag behind in terms of manmade fibre (MMF) production compared to global competitors?
- Inverted GST Duty Structure: The GST on raw materials (like MMF yarn at 12%) is higher than on finished products (5%), leading to increased production costs and reduced global competitiveness. Eg: Indian MMF garments are costlier compared to those from Vietnam or Bangladesh, where tax structures are more balanced.
- Restrictive Quality Norms and Compliance Issues: Outdated or complex quality standards limit innovation and access to high-performance MMF products demanded in global markets. Eg: Indian firms struggle to meet the quality requirements for technical textiles used in athleisure and activewear segments.
- Lack of Investment in High-End Functional Fabrics: India has limited capacity for producing value-added MMF fabrics such as moisture-wicking, stretchable or anti-bacterial textiles, unlike China or South Korea. Eg: While China leads in exporting performance-based textiles, India still focuses on basic polyester products.
Way forward:
- Reform Tax Structure & Boost Incentives: Rationalize the GST structure to eliminate the inverted duty issue and offer production-linked incentives (PLI) for MMF textiles to enhance global competitiveness.
- Invest in R&D and Modern Manufacturing: Encourage investment in high-performance MMF fabric production, innovation, and compliance infrastructure to meet international standards in technical textiles and sustainability.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2017] Account for the failure of the manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labor-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labor-intensive rather than capital – intensive exports.
Linkage: Textiles and Apparel (T&A) sector as a labour-intensive sector that employs over 45 million people and can benefit significantly from the FTA by gaining access to high-end markets. This question directly asks about promoting labour-intensive exports, aligning perfectly with the potential benefits highlighted for the T&A sector through the FTA.
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Why in the News?
On May 9, 2025, the Supreme Court of India canceled the Delhi High Court’s order that had asked the Wikimedia Foundation to remove a page from its Wikipedia website. This decision is important for several reasons.
What was the Supreme Court’s reason for overturning the High Court’s order on Wikipedia?
- Protection of Free Speech and Public Debate: The Supreme Court emphasized that important legal and public issues must be open to public discussion, even if they are under judicial consideration (sub judice). Eg: Wikipedia users commenting critically on a judge’s order were exercising free speech, not committing contempt — the Court said the High Court “overreacted” by viewing it as contempt.
- Right to Know is a Fundamental Right: The Court reaffirmed that the right to know is part of the fundamental rights under Articles 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty). Eg: Wikipedia entries serve public interest by disseminating information — taking down pages affects people’s access to knowledge.
- Wikimedia is a Neutral Intermediary: The Foundation does not create or control content but provides the platform, which is maintained by users under community guidelines.Eg: Since Wikimedia only hosts content and does not produce it, the responsibility lies with users — the High Court erred by targeting the platform instead of applying proper intermediary liability norms under the IT Act.
Why is the right to know protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 21?
- Linked to Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19(1)(a)): Freedom of speech includes both the right to express and the right to receive information. Without access to information, freedom of expression is incomplete. Eg: Journalists rely on access to court documents, government records, or public statements to report news and foster transparency.
- Essential for a Life with Dignity (Article 21): The right to life includes the right to live with dignity, which requires access to truthful and relevant information that affects one’s wellbeing and rights. Eg: A patient has the right to know about the risks of a medical procedure; a citizen has the right to know about environmental hazards in their locality.
How does Wikimedia qualify as an intermediary under IT law?
- Provides Platform Without Editing User Content: Wikimedia only offers the technical infrastructure for Wikipedia — it does not create or edit the content published by users. Eg: If a Wikipedia page contains inaccurate information, it is user-generated. Wikimedia itself does not write or verify the content.
- Acts Within Safe Harbour Protections (Section 79, IT Act): As an intermediary, Wikimedia is protected from liability for third-party content as long as it doesn’t initiate or modify the transmission and follows due diligence. Eg: If defamatory content appears on Wikipedia, Wikimedia is not legally responsible unless it fails to act on legitimate removal requests.
- Operates Under Community Guidelines, Not Control: Wikipedia’s content is governed by community-led guidelines and editors, not by Wikimedia itself. This decentralized structure supports its status as a neutral intermediary. Eg: Disputes over article edits are resolved through user discussion forums, not by Wikimedia’s direct intervention.
Where did the High Court overstep in interpreting adverse comments as contempt?
- Misconstrued Online Criticism as Judicial Contempt: The High Court treated user discussions and critical comments on Wikipedia as contempt of court, despite them being expressions of public opinion. Eg: A user forum questioning the logic of the High Court’s interim order was taken as contempt, even though it reflected public debate — a protected form of speech.
- Failed to Recognize the Role of Open Debate in Democracy: By ordering content removal based on adverse comments, the Court ignored the constitutional protection of open criticism, especially on matters of public interest. Eg: The take-down order was based on perceived insult to the judiciary, but the Supreme Court clarified that public discussion, even when a case is sub judice, is vital to democratic accountability.
When should courts uphold free speech in online platform cases?
- When Public Debate Involves Matters of Legal or Democratic Importance: Courts should protect speech that contributes to informed public discourse, even if the topic is sub judice, as long as it doesn’t obstruct justice. Eg: In the Wikipedia case, users debated a High Court order — the Supreme Court ruled this was legitimate discussion, not contempt.
- When the Platform Functions as a Neutral Intermediary: If an online platform merely provides infrastructure without controlling content, courts should focus on protecting users’ freedom of expression rather than penalizing the platform. Eg: Wikimedia does not write or edit articles but hosts user content — thus, courts should defend user rights unless unlawful content is proven.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Intermediary Guidelines: Clearer regulations are needed to distinguish between platforms acting as neutral hosts and those responsible for content, ensuring they are not unduly penalized for user-generated content.
- Promote Balanced Public Discourse: Courts should encourage open debate on matters of public interest, ensuring that free speech is upheld while preventing actions that could obstruct justice or harm reputations.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity.
Linkage: Article 21, one of the fundamental rights the Supreme Court linked to the “right to know” in the Wikimedia case. It discusses the expanding scope of rights under Article 21, similar to how the right to know is being interpreted.
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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:
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- Necessity: The force must be essential to respond to an armed attack.
- 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:
- The non-state actor has repeatedly attacked the state.
- The host state is unwilling to neutralize the threat.
- 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 |
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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 |
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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.
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.
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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 |
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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 |
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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.
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 |
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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.
| [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 |
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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 |
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