PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2023] Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.
Linkage: India’s geography and physical features, like its coastlines, are often discussed in terms of resources and natural hazards. This question is relevant as it pertains to India’s coastline and is categorized under the Geography subject in GS1. |
Mentor’s Comment: In December 2024, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs revised India’s coastline length from 7,516.6 km to 11,098.8 km, not due to any geographical change, but because of the use of advanced cartographic tools and improved measurement techniques. This revision, made nearly 50 years after the original measurement in the 1970s, demonstrates the coastline paradox — the idea that coastline length increases with more detailed measurement scales. The update has significant implications for maritime security, disaster preparedness, and exclusive economic zone delineation, showcasing how technology redefines our geographic understanding.
Today’s editorial discusses the updated length of India’s coastline and its effects. This information is useful for GS Paper I (Geography), GS Paper II (Policy Making), and GS Paper III (Environment & Disaster Management).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Home Affairs updated India’s coastline length to 11,099 km in its 2023–24 report, increasing it from the earlier measurement of 7,516.6 km.
What caused the increase in India’s coastline length?
- Use of High-Resolution Mapping Techniques: Earlier measurements (1970s) used low-resolution maps (1:4,500,000), missing finer features. The updated 2024 figure uses high-resolution charts (1:250,000), capturing detailed coastal geometry. Eg: Narrow tidal creeks and sandbars that were previously omitted are now included.
- Features like estuaries, tidal flats, coastal ridges, and inlets are now accurately mapped. Eg: Island groups like Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep, which were inadequately covered earlier, are now comprehensively included.
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Why is it hard to measure coastlines accurately?
- Coastline Paradox (Dependence on Scale of Measurement): The measured length of a coastline changes based on the size of the measuring unit (“ruler”). Eg: Using a 200-km ruler smooths over small curves, but a 1-km ruler captures every inlet and estuary, increasing total length.
- Irregular and Dynamic Coastal Features: Coastlines are shaped by natural features like creeks, deltas, estuaries, and shifting sediments, which are not fixed. Eg: River mouths may change shape over time due to erosion or sediment deposition, making boundaries unclear.
- Influence of Tides and Sea-Level Changes: High and low tides alter visible land boundaries, affecting measurements at different times. Eg: Areas that are exposed during low tide but submerged at high tide (like mudflats) may or may not be counted depending on timing.
Which tools were used to update the measurement?
- Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs): Provided detailed and accurate mapping at a finer scale (1:250,000). Eg: These charts helped capture small features like estuaries and creeks which were missed in older maps (1:4,500,000 scale).
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Enabled spatial analysis and integration of various data layers for precise mapping. Eg: GIS combined data from satellites, surveys, and field measurements to create a more accurate coastline outline.
- LIDAR-GPS and Satellite-Based Imaging: Laser-based LIDAR and GPS were used for high-resolution topographic mapping. Eg: Drones and satellite altimetry helped detect elevation and shoreline changes, especially in island regions like Andaman & Nicobar.
How does the revised coastline length impact India’s maritime security and disaster preparedness?
- Enhanced Maritime Surveillance and Border Security: A longer coastline means more area to monitor for smuggling, infiltration, and illegal fishing. Eg: The Indian Coast Guard may need more outposts, vessels, and patrol routes to guard the extended 11,099.8 km coastline.
- Expansion of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): The increased length helps in demarcating a wider EEZ, enabling better control over marine resources. Eg: India can assert rights over fisheries, oil, and gas exploration in a broader sea area.
- Improved Disaster Preparedness and Early Warning: Better understanding of coastal geography aids in creating precise models for cyclones, tsunamis, and storm surges. Eg: Coastal States like Odisha and Tamil Nadu can now develop more accurate evacuation and shelter plans.
- Refined Coastal Regulation and Zoning: Accurate coastline data supports zoning laws to restrict construction in vulnerable areas. Eg: Authorities can update Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to better safeguard ecosystems and infrastructure.
- Better Climate Resilience and Adaptation Planning: Updated coastline measurements help assess vulnerability to sea-level rise and erosion. Eg: Low-lying areas in Kerala and island regions like Lakshadweep can be prioritized for climate adaptation projects.
What are the resource potentials of the long coastline of India?
- Fisheries and Marine Biodiversity: India’s coastline supports a vast fishing industry, providing employment and food security. Eg: States like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have thriving marine fishing sectors contributing to exports and coastal livelihoods.
- Port Infrastructure and Trade: The long coastline facilitates maritime trade through major and minor ports. Eg: Ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam are crucial for imports, exports, and shipping connectivity under the Sagarmala Project.
- Offshore Energy Resources: Coastal waters have potential for oil, natural gas, and renewable energy like offshore wind and tidal energy. Eg: Mumbai High is a major offshore oil field, while Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are exploring offshore wind energy projects.
- Tourism and Blue Economy Development: Scenic beaches, islands, and marine ecosystems attract tourism and support the blue economy. Eg: Goa’s coastal tourism and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ ecotourism contribute significantly to local economies.
- Aquaculture and Coastal Agriculture: Coastal zones are suitable for shrimp farming, seaweed cultivation, and salt production. Eg: Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have developed large-scale shrimp aquaculture for domestic and export markets.
What is the status of natural hazard preparedness in the coastal Area?
- Improved Early Warning Systems: India has strengthened early warning capabilities for cyclones and tsunamis through institutions like the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and IMD. Eg: The Odisha government’s timely evacuation during Cyclone Fani (2019) saved thousands of lives.
- Development of Coastal Infrastructure and Shelters: Construction of cyclone-resistant shelters, embankments, and flood control systems has improved disaster resilience. Eg: The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) has led to the building of multi-purpose cyclone shelters in vulnerable states like Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
- Community Awareness and Disaster Drills: Government and NGOs have promoted community-based disaster preparedness, training locals in evacuation procedures and first aid. Eg: Regular mock drills in coastal villages of Tamil Nadu and Kerala help improve response readiness.
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Way forward:
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Expansion:Strengthen ICZM plans across all coastal states with real-time monitoring, climate-resilient infrastructure, and ecosystem-based approaches. Eg: Expand initiatives like ICZM Phase II to include mangrove restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and coastal erosion control in states like Kerala and Goa.
- Technology-Driven Risk Mapping and Community-Centric Planning: Deploy AI-powered hazard models, geospatial mapping, and mobile-based alert systems to ensure last-mile connectivity. Eg: Use drone mapping for vulnerable areas in the Sundarbans, and integrate local communities into planning via participatory risk assessments.
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Why in the News?
Africa Day (May 25) marks the anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.In this context, India’s pivot towards digital diplomacy in Africa marks a significant evolution in South-South development cooperation.
What is the goal of Africa’s Digital Strategy?
- Accelerate socio-economic development by placing digital innovation at the center of growth — e.g., promoting e-governance, digital education, and telemedicine through national digital platforms.
- Enable inclusive and sustainable development by encouraging governments to adopt digital solutions aligned with continental initiatives — e.g., the Smart Africa Alliance supports digital transformation across sectors like health, education, and finance.
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How is India supporting Africa’s digital shift?
- Sharing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): India is sharing scalable and affordable DPI models like Aadhaar (digital ID), UPI (digital payments), and DIKSHA (digital education). Eg: In 2024, the Bank of Namibia partnered with NPCI to develop a UPI-like payment system.
- Technical Collaboration and Capacity Building: India is collaborating with African countries for technical implementation and skills development. Eg: Togo partnered with IIIT-Bangalore to develop a national digital ID system using India’s open-source technology.
- Academic and Institutional Support: India is investing in long-term educational infrastructure to build digital talent. Eg: IIT Madras opened its first overseas campus in Zanzibar, offering courses in AI and Data Science.
- Tele-education and Telemedicine Platforms: Early initiatives like the Pan-African e-Network (2009) provided digital healthcare and education through satellite and fiber-optic systems. Eg: Enabled real-time learning and consultation from Indian institutions across several African nations.
- Promoting Open-Source and Inclusive Models: India promotes DPI as digital public goods, making them open-source and adaptable, unlike proprietary systems. Eg: Ghana linked its payment system to India’s UPI to facilitate fast and inclusive financial transactions.
Why is India’s digital diplomacy seen as distinct from that of countries like China or the U.S.?
- Public Good and Open-Source Model: India promotes its digital platforms as Digital Public Goods (DPGs)—open-source, scalable, and designed for inclusive access, unlike the proprietary models of the U.S. or surveillance-heavy systems of China. Eg: India’s open-source Modular Open-Source Identification Platform adopted by Togo shows its focus on affordability and public benefit.
- Co-development and Capacity Building: India emphasizes partnership over patronage, focusing on skill-building and co-creating solutions rather than just exporting tech or infrastructure. Eg: The IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar trains African students in AI and Data Science, linking digital growth with education and job creation.
- Respect for Local Priorities: India’s approach is non-impositional, engaging with African countries based on their needs without attaching strategic conditions, unlike U.S. or China’s often interest-driven engagements. Eg: Countries like Ghana and Zambia adopted India’s DPI voluntarily because it suited their national digital goals—not due to debt obligations or geopolitical pressure.
What challenges block Africa’s digital growth?
- High Cost of Digital Access: Expensive data and devices make it difficult for many people, especially in low-income and rural areas, to access digital services. Eg: In several African countries, mobile data costs over 5% of average monthly income, limiting internet usage.
- Digital Divide and Inequality: There is a significant rural-urban gap in internet connectivity and a gender gap in digital access and literacy. Eg: Women in sub-Saharan Africa are 37% less likely than men to use mobile internet, widening socio-economic disparities.
- Weak Energy Infrastructure: Reliable electricity is essential for digital services, but many African regions lack consistent power supply, slowing digital infrastructure deployment. Eg: In countries like Nigeria, frequent power outages disrupt digital services and internet reliability.
Way forward:
- Enhance Affordable Access: Invest in low-cost internet infrastructure and subsidize digital devices to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural and underserved communities.
- Strengthen Energy and Digital Infrastructure: Expand renewable energy solutions and resilient digital networks to ensure reliable connectivity and power for sustained digital growth.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2015] Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine.
Linkage: The emergence of a digital partnership and the idea of an India-Africa digital compact are manifestations of this increasing interest. Examining the pros and cons of such engagement would involve considering various aspects, including digital collaboration.
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Why in the News?
India achieved record exports of $820.93 billion in FY25, rising 6.5%, but faced growing trade deficits as agriculture lagged, growing only 2.3% yearly despite employing half the workforce.
What was India’s trade performance in FY25?
- Total exports (goods + services) reached $820.93 billion, marking a 6.5% increase over FY24.
- Merchandise exports contributed $437.42 billion (53% of total exports), while services exports contributed $383.51 billion (47%).
- Imports grew by 6.85% to $915.19 billion, with merchandise imports at $720.24 billion (79%) and services imports at $194.95 billion (21%).
- The trade deficit widened to $94.26 billion from $78.39 billion in FY24.
- The trade-to-GDP ratio stood at a robust 41.4%, reflecting India’s deeper integration with global markets.
How will Trade deals bring opportunities for Indian agriculture?
- Reduced Dependence on Price-Sensitive Markets: Trade deals open new and stable markets for Indian agricultural exports, reducing over-reliance on traditional destinations and shielding against price volatility. Eg: The India-UK FTA could boost exports of premium products like Basmati rice, tea, spices, and processed foods to the UK, which is a high-value market with established Indian diaspora demand.
- Boost Processed Agricultural Exports: Trade agreements typically reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, enhancing competitiveness of value-added and processed agri-products, which fetch higher margins. Eg: Under the India-UK FTA, processed foods and marine products can gain better access, enhancing India’s earnings from exports of ready-to-eat meals, seafood, and organic food products.
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Why did agri-export growth slow down over the last decade?
- Frequent Export Bans and Restrictions: Domestic policies often imposed export bans or curbs on essential commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, and onions to control inflation, disrupting export momentum. Eg: Restrictions on broken rice exports and duties on Basmati rice led to a 27% fall in rice export volume in FY24.
- Global Price Fluctuations: Agri-exports are heavily influenced by global price trends — when world prices fall, Indian exports lose competitiveness and earnings. Eg: Rice export values declined despite volume recovering after lifting restrictions, due to price volatility.
- Declining Productivity and Competitiveness: Lack of investment in research, technology, and resource-efficient farming practices lowered growth compared to earlier periods of rapid expansion. Eg: Average annual agri-export growth dropped from 20% (FY05–14) to just 2.3% (FY15–25).
How did rice export restrictions impact trade and prices?
- Export Volume Decline: Restrictions like export bans, duties, and minimum export prices caused a sharp drop in rice export volumes. Eg: Rice exports fell by 27% from 22.3 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY23 to 16.3 MMT in FY24.
- Global Price Spike: Reduced supply due to restrictions pushed up global rice prices, affecting international markets. Eg: Imposition of export duties and minimum export price (MEP) on Basmati rice led to a spike in global rice prices.
- Value Impact Less Severe than Volume: Despite the fall in export volume, the value of exports dropped only slightly because of higher prices. Eg: Rice export value fell by only 6% even as volumes dropped 27%, showing price effects cushioned revenue loss.
What are the environmental risks of rice exports?
- Water Resource Depletion: Rice cultivation requires large amounts of water, which can strain local water supplies. Eg: In regions like Punjab, intensive rice farming has led to groundwater depletion and lowered water tables.
- Methane Emissions: Flooded rice paddies emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Eg: In Southeast Asia, vast rice fields are significant sources of methane emissions impacting global warming.
- Soil Degradation and Pollution: Continuous rice farming with chemical fertilizers and pesticides can degrade soil quality and contaminate water bodies. Eg: Excessive use of agrochemicals in rice fields in Vietnam has caused soil salinization and river pollution.
What is the status of edible oil imports?
- 2022–23 (November–October): India imported approximately 16.5 million metric tons of edible oils, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. This surge was driven by lower import duties on key oils like palm, soybean, and sunflower oils.
- 2023–24 (November–October): Imports declined by about 3.1%, totaling 15.96 million metric tons, due to higher domestic oilseed production and reduced demand amid rising global prices.
The recent reduction in edible oil imports is very small. So, we need to take more steps to further cut down these imports.
How can India cut edible oil import dependence?
- Increase Domestic Oilseed Production: Boost cultivation of oilseeds like groundnut, mustard, sunflower, and soybean through better seeds, irrigation, and farmer support. Eg: The “Oilseeds Production Mission” aims to raise domestic output and reduce imports.
- Promote Sustainable Farming Practices: Encourage crop diversification and intercropping to improve yields and soil health, reducing reliance on imported oils. Eg: States like Madhya Pradesh have successfully adopted intercropping mustard with wheat to increase oilseed production.
- Develop Processing Infrastructure: Invest in modern oil extraction and refining units to enhance local processing capacity and reduce post-harvest losses. Eg: Setting up mega oilseed processing clusters in regions like Rajasthan to strengthen the supply chain and self-reliance.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Oilseed Ecosystem: Enhance productivity through quality seeds, MSP support, and targeted R&D under national missions like the Oil Palm and Oilseeds Mission.
- Build Agro-Processing Capacity: Invest in decentralized, modern oilseed processing units to reduce wastage, improve value addition, and boost farmer income.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization(WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.
Linkage: Agricultural subsidies are a key area of contention in international trade negotiations, particularly within the WTO. Trade deals often involve discussions around reducing or reforming subsidies, which presents both a challenge (potential reduction of support for farmers) and an opportunity (creating a more level playing field or accessing new markets if other countries also reduce subsidies) for Indian agriculture.
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Why in the News?
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering a proposal to ease restrictions on short selling in most stocks.
SEBI’s January 2024 proposal to bar short-selling in stocks that are not in the futures and options segment had caused uncertainty.
What is Short Selling?
- Definition: Short selling is a strategy where an investor sells a stock first and buys it later, aiming to profit from a price drop.
- Opposite of Normal Trade: Unlike regular buying (buy low, sell high), short selling works on selling high and buying low.
- How It Works: You borrow the stock from a broker, sell it at the market price, and later buy it back at a lower price to return it.
- Example: If a stock is sold at ₹2,100 and later bought at ₹1,900, the profit is ₹200. If the price rises to ₹2,300 instead, the loss is ₹200.
Types of Short Selling:
- Short Selling in the Spot Market (Cash Segment):
- Shorting is allowed only for intraday trading (buying and selling financial instruments (like stocks) on the same day).
- You must square off the position (buy back the stock) before 3:30 p.m. on the same day.
- If not squared off, it leads to short delivery, where the exchange settles the trade through an auction.
- There may be heavy penalties if the position is not closed on time.
- Short Selling in the Futures Market:
- Here, you can hold your short position overnight or even roll it over to the next month.
- You must deposit margin money, which is generally higher.
- Futures shorting is riskier and is mostly used by experienced traders.
- This type allows more flexibility but involves greater financial commitment.
Risks Associated with Short Selling:
- Unlimited Losses: If the stock price rises sharply, losses are unlimited.
- Short Delivery Risk: Failing to buy back in the spot market can lead to penalties.
- Liquidity Risk: Hard-to-trade stocks may lead to delayed buybacks and losses.
- Margin Requirements: High margin costs in futures trading limit retail participation.
- Market Volatility: Sudden movements may cause unexpected losses.
- Not for Beginners: Due to complexity and high risk, short selling is unsuitable for new investors.
| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:
Statement I: As regards returns from an investment in a company, generally, bondholders are considered to be relatively at lower risk than stockholders.
Statement II: Bondholders are lenders to a company whereas stockholders are its owners.
Statement III: For repayment purpose, bondholders are prioritized over stockholders by a company.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement I explains Statement II
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct |
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Why in the News?
The Department of Pharmaceuticals has invited drug manufacturers to apply for benefits under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
It has invited fresh applications for 11 unsubscribed or partially subscribed pharmaceutical products, including Neomycin, Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Diclofenac Sodium, to boost domestic production capacity.
About the PLI Scheme:
- Launch: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme was launched in March 2020.
- Objectives: Aimed to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and create employment.
- Initial Focus: Targeted three sectors — mobile manufacturing, electronic components, and medical devices.
- Expansion: Later extended to 14 key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, IT hardware, automobiles, and electronics.
- Incentive Structure: Offered 1%–4% incentives on incremental sales.
- Impact: Attracted large-scale investments and enhanced global competitiveness of Indian industries.
PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals:
- Target Area: Designed to promote bulk drug and formulation manufacturing in India.
- Product Focus: Encouraged domestic production of Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
- Strategic Aim: Aimed to reduce import dependence, particularly on China.
- Financial Allocation: Total outlay for the pharmaceutical PLI scheme is ₹6,940 crore.
Tap to read more about various versions of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods.
Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Options: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct |
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Why in the News?
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI) to help understand and reduce stigma faced by patients and caregivers from sickle cell disease (SCD).
What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?
- Nature of Disease: SCD is a genetic disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped, reducing oxygen delivery in the body.
- Complications: These sickle cells can block blood vessels, break easily, and cause anemia, organ damage, and painful episodes.
- Cause: The disease is inherited, requiring one defective gene from each parent; one gene leads to sickle cell trait.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms include fatigue, body pain, swollen limbs, frequent infections, and organ damage.
- Treatment Options: There is no universal cure, but bone marrow transplants and gene therapy offer potential solutions; supportive care helps manage symptoms.
Note:
- Anaemia is a condition where the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin.
- All SCD patients have anaemia, but not all anaemia is due to Sickle Cell Disease.
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About the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI):
- Purpose: The ISSSI is India’s first tool designed to measure stigma faced by sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and their caregivers.
- Developing Authority: It was developed by ICMR to understand and address the social impact of SCD in India’s diverse communities.
- Global Context: This is the fourth stigma scale worldwide and the first validated for Indian conditions.
- Scientific Validation: The tool was validated in a study published in The Lancet (Regional Health – South-East Asia).
- Availability: The ISSSI is now approved for use in both clinical and research settings across India.
- Components: It includes two formats — ISSSI-Pt for patients and ISSSI-Cg for caregivers.
- Stigma Dimensions: It captures issues related to family expectations, reproductive concerns, social disclosure, illness burden, interpersonal challenges, and negative healthcare experiences.
- Data Sources: The scale was developed using inputs from 6 culturally diverse districts: Alluri Seetharama Raju, Anuppur, Chhoteudepur, Kandhamal, Mysuru, and Udalguri.
India’s Strategy: Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)
- Launch Year: The AMB Mission was launched in 2018 to reduce anemia using a 6x6x6 strategy.
- Target Groups: It covers six groups — young children, school children, adolescents, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
- Key Interventions: Actions include iron and folic acid supplements, deworming, nutrition education, digital health tools, IFA-fortified foods, and disease screening (including SCD).
- Supporting Systems: It is backed by inter-ministerial coordination, state-level units, research centers, the AMB Dashboard, digital tracking, and supply chain support.
- Reach: The mission aims to impact around 450 million people, focusing on real-time monitoring and last-mile delivery.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:
1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. 2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth. 3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents. 4. It addresses non-nutritinoal causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
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?
China is set to launch its first asteroid sampling mission, called Tianwen-2, to study and collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamo‘oalewa.
If successful, China will join a small group of countries — including the United States and Japan — that have returned asteroid samples to Earth.
What is the Kamo‘oalewa Asteroid?
- Kamo‘oalewa was discovered in 2016 using the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii.
- It is a quasi-satellite of Earth, which means it orbits the Sun but stays close to Earth and is affected by Earth’s gravity.
- It has a highly elliptical orbit and seems to move ahead of and behind Earth, giving the illusion of orbiting Earth.
- Kamo‘oalewa has been in this orbit for around 100 years and is expected to remain in it for the next 300 years.
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About the Tianwen-2 Mission:
- Mission Type: Tianwen-2 is China’s first asteroid sample return mission.
- Target: It will explore 469219 Kamo‘oalewa, a near-Earth quasi-satellite asteroid.
- Asteroid Origin: Kamo ‘oalewa may contain lunar fragments ejected during a past collision.
- Sample Collection:
- Touch-and-Go Technique: Uses a projectile or gas to loosen and collect surface material.
- Anchor-and-Attach Technique: Uses robotic arms to anchor and drill for deeper samples.
- Post-Sample Phase: After sample return, the probe will travel to the main asteroid belt for further exploration.
- Key Technologies: Equipped with high-resolution cameras, intelligent onboard systems, and precise control to operate in low-gravity conditions.
Tianwen-1 Mission:
- Mission Type: Tianwen-1 was China’s first Mars mission, launched in July 2020.
- Launch Vehicle: It was launched aboard a Long March 5 rocket.
- Mission Structure: Consisted of an orbiter, lander, and rover — all in one launch.
- Landing Site: Successfully landed in Utopia Planitia, a northern Martian plain.
- Scientific Goals:
- Studied Martian soil, rocks, and geological structure.
- Analyzed climate, atmosphere, and subsurface water or ice.
- Unique Feature: Deployed the first ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface.
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| [UPSC 2014] Consider the following pairs:
Spacecraft Purpose
1. Cassini-Huygens : Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth.
2. Messenger : Mapping and investigating.
3. Voyager 1 and 2 : Exploring the outer solar system.
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 only |
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Why in the News?
A new species of fish, named Schistura densiclava, has been discovered inside a limestone cave in Meghalaya, even as the cave was already in focus due to a conflict over a Shivalinga-like stone formation.
About Schistura Densiclava:
- Discovery Location: Schistura densiclava was discovered in Krem Mawjymbuin, a limestone cave in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
- Research Team: The species was identified by a team led by Kangkan Sarma of Gauhati University’s Zoology Department.
- Type: It is a troglophile loach, meaning it lives in caves but can also survive in surface streams.
- Habitat Conditions: Found in a fast-flowing cave stream, 60 meters inside, with low oxygen and 18°C temperature.
- Family: Belongs to the Nemacheilidae family, which includes small, bottom-dwelling freshwater fishes.
Key Features:
- Body Color and Markings: The fish has a pale yellow-green body with 14 to 20 greyish-black bars along its sides.
- Name Meaning: “Densiclava” is Latin for “thick stripe,” referring to a dark stripe near the dorsal fin.
- Adaptation Traits: Unlike many cave species, it retains pigmentation and functional eyesight, helping it survive both underground and in surface waters.
- Sexual Dimorphism:
- Males are slimmer, have irregular body patterns, and have puffier cheeks.
- Females are more robust with uniform markings.
- Genetic Confirmation: DNA testing confirmed that this is a completely new species.
- Endemism: The fish appears to be endemic to Krem Mawjymbuin, meaning it is found nowhere else.
| [UPSC 2025] Regarding Peacock tarantula (Goody tarantula), consider the following statements:
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) I only (b) I and III (c) II only (d) II and III |
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Why in the News?
The Golaknath case (IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab, 1967) is one of the most important judgments in India’s constitutional history. It was the first time the Supreme Court said that Parliament cannot amend fundamental rights.
About the Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) Case:
- Case Name: IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) is a landmark case in Indian constitutional history.
- Background: The Golaknath family from Punjab challenged the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953, which declared their land surplus under land ceiling laws.
- Claim of Violation: They argued the law violated their Fundamental Right to property, protected under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31.
- Ninth Schedule Issue: The Act was placed under the Ninth Schedule by the 17th Constitutional Amendment, making it immune to judicial review.
- Main Legal Question: Could Parliament amend Fundamental Rights under Article 368, or are such amendments invalid under Article 13(2)?
- Arguments: The petitioners claimed Fundamental Rights are sacrosanct, while the government asserted Parliament’s full power to amend the Constitution.
- Supreme Court Verdict: On February 27, 1967, in a 6:5 majority, the Court held that:
- Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights.
- Amendments are “law” and subject to Article 13(2).
- The ruling would apply only prospectively, not to past amendments.
- Overruled Judgments: The decision overturned earlier rulings in Sankari Prasad (1951) and Sajjan Singh (1964) that allowed unrestricted amendments.
Legacy of the Golaknath Case:
- Judicial Restraint on Parliament: This was the first case to restrict Parliament’s power to amend Fundamental Rights.
- Judiciary’s Role Strengthened: It reinforced the Supreme Court’s duty to protect civil liberties and limit legislative overreach.
- Prospective Overruling: Introduced the concept to ensure legal stability without undoing past amendments.
- Constitutional Values Upheld: Affirmed that the Constitution has core values that must be protected, especially Fundamental Rights.
Influence on Future Cases:
- Indira Gandhi Election Case (1975): Built upon the idea that democracy is a basic feature of the Constitution.
- Minerva Mills Case (1980): Reaffirmed limits on Parliament’s amending power and emphasised judicial review.
- Foundational Impact: Although later rulings allowed some flexibility, the Golaknath case laid the foundation for the Basic Structure Doctrine.
- Lasting Message: It ensured that Fundamental Rights remain untouchable, securing the heart of Indian democracy against future misuse.
| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following statements:
1.The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
2.The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court, and no judgment can be made on it.
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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