Why in the News?
The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at Puri, Odisha, has begun today.
About Rath Yatra:
- About: Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu chariot festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, in honour of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.
- Legend: The festival commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their birthplace.
- Occurrence: It is held on the second day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha (June–July), according to the Odia calendar.
- Procession: The deities are placed in three massive wooden chariots and pulled by devotees along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) for about 3 km.
- Significance: It is one of the four sacred pilgrimages (Char Dham) in Hinduism and allows non-Hindus to have darshan of the deities, unlike entry to the temple.
Key Events of the Rath Yatra:
- Pahandi Bije: The ceremonial procession where the deities are carried from the temple to the chariots.
- Chhera Panhara: A ritual where the Puri King sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility and equality.
- Three Chariot Pulling: Devotees pull the chariots—Nandighosa (Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (Subhadra)—toward Gundicha Temple.
- Bahuda Yatra: The return journey to the Jagannath Temple, held on the 10th day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha.
- Poda Pitha Offering: The deities are offered traditional cakes at Mausimaa Temple during their return.
- Suna Besha: On return, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments on their chariots.
- Niladri Bije: Final ritual where the deities re-enter the sanctum; marks the end of the Rath Yatra.
- Rasagola Divas: Devotees offer Rasagola sweets to Goddess Lakshmi to appease her for not being included in the journey.
Back2Basics: Jagannath Puri Temple
- The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a major Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna.
- The current structure was rebuilt starting in the 10th century by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
- The temple showcases the Oriya style of architecture, known for sculptural richness and graceful forms.
- It spans over 400,000 sq. ft., enclosed by the 20-foot-high Meghanada Pacheri.
- An inner wall, called Kurma Bedha, surrounds the main sanctum.
- Main Structural Sections:
-
- Deula/Vimana/Garba Griha: Sanctum sanctorum housing the deities on the Ratnavedi, built in Rekha Deula style.
- Mukhashala: The frontal porch.
- Nata Mandir/Jagamohan: The audience or dancing hall.
- Bhoga Mandapa: The hall of offerings.
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| [UPSC 2009] Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for who of the following?
Options: (a) Bahubali * (b) Buddha (c) Mahavir (d) Nataraja |
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
About the International Potato Centre (CIP):
- Establishment: The CIP was founded in 1971 in Lima, Peru, to promote research on potato, sweet potato, and Andean root crops.
- Global Reach: CIP operates in South America, Africa, and Asia, focusing on sustainable agriculture and nutritional security.
- India Collaboration: CIP began its work in India in 1975 through an agreement with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Germplasm Collection: It maintains the world’s largest germplasm bank for potato and sweet potato, making it central to crop breeding and biotech innovation.
- Research Areas: CIP’s activities include crop improvement, pest and disease control, post-harvest technologies, and market linkages.
- Partnership Model: The center works with local governments, agricultural institutions, and NGOs to develop climate-resilient, high-yielding varieties.
Functions of the New Regional Center (CSARC) in India:
- Location and Purpose: The new CIP-CSARC is being set up in Singna, Agra, to serve India and South Asia.
- Core Focus: It will work on developing climate-resilient, disease-free, and processing-grade varieties of potato and sweet potato.
- Food Security Goals: The center aims to enhance food and nutrition security, farmer income, and rural employment through improved productivity and value-added agri-products.
- Global Linkages: It will provide Indian researchers access to CIP’s global network, innovations, and genetic resources.
- Post-Harvest Development: It will strengthen seed quality, post-harvest systems, and improve India’s export potential in potato-based crops.
- National Importance: This will be the second major international agri-research institute in India, after IRRI-SARC in Varanasi.
Potato Cultivation in India:
- About: Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is known as the “King of Vegetables” and is India’s fourth most important food crop after rice, wheat, and maize.
- Origin: Introduced to India by Portuguese traders in the 17th century; It is a native crop of the Peruvian-Bolivian Andes.
- Geographic Spread: Grown in 23 states, but 85% of production comes from the Indo-Gangetic plains in North India.
- Global comparison: India is the second-largest potato producer globally after China, producing 51.3 million tonnes in 2020.
- Top Producing States: India’s average potato yield is 25 tonnes/hectare, which is only half the estimated potential of 50+ tonnes/hectare due to poor seed quality.
- Uttar Pradesh: ~30% of total output
- West Bengal: ~23.5%
- Bihar: ~17%
- Other contributors: Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
- Climate Needs: Potato is a cool-season crop.
- Ideal growth temp: 24°C
- Ideal tuber formation temp: 20°C
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils with moisture retention.
- Planting Seasons:
- Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand: Spring (Jan–Feb), Summer (May)
- Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar, Bengal: Main crop in October
- MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka: Both kharif and rabi seasons
- Seed Management: Use disease-free, sprouted seeds (30–50g);
- Popular varieties: Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj, and Kufri Chandramukhi.
- Fertilization & Irrigation: Apply balanced nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium; drip irrigation is recommended.
- Harvesting: Ready in 90–120 days, harvested manually or mechanically.
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| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following plants:
1. Groundnut 2. Horse-gram 3. Soybean
How many of the above belong to the pea family?
Options: (a) only one (b) only two (c) All three* (d) None |
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Why in the News?
At the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh refused to sign the draft joint statement after it excluded the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
About SCO:
- Overview: It is a regional intergovernmental body with 10 members—India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus (joined in 2024).
- Origin: It evolved from the “Shanghai Five” formed in 1996, aimed at resolving post-Soviet border and security issues in Central Asia and China.
- Formation: Itwas formally established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai to promote regional cooperation in security, economic development, and cultural exchange.
- Security Arm: The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure- RATS of SCO focuses on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and drug trafficking.
- Global Role: It is the world’s largest regional group by area and population, and is viewed as a counterweight to Western alliances.
- India and SCO:
- Membership Journey: India became an observer in 2005 and gained full membership in 2017, along with Pakistan.
- Areas of Participation: India engages in SCO summits, joint military drills, and anti-terror cooperation, often using the forum to address cross-border terrorism
Significance of Rajnath Singh’s Action:
- Strong Message: In his recent SCO address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism, citing the Pahalgam attack as a case of religious targeting.
- Foreign Policy Signal: His statement reflects India’s independent foreign policy stance, especially significant in a group where China wields influence and often backs Pakistan
- Zero Tolerance Stand: The speech reinforced India’s message that peace and terrorism cannot coexist, and there can be no normal ties with terror-sponsoring nations.
| [UPSC 2022] Consider the following:
1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
2. Missile Technology Control Regime
3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
India is a member of which of the above?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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Why in the News?
Kirsty Coventry, aged 41, has become the first African and the first woman to head the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
About the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- Overview: It is a non-governmental international organisation established in 1894, and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Functions: It sets the rules and framework for the Olympic Games, including deciding on host cities and event structures.
- Membership: IOC members must be proficient in French or English and be citizens or residents of countries with a National Olympic Committee (NOC).
- Jurisdiction: The IOC acts as the final authority on matters related to the Olympic Games and the Olympic movement.
- Indian and the IOC:
- The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been recognized by the IOC since 1927.
- It is responsible for selecting and sending Indian athletes to the Olympics and other major international competitions.
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Why in the News?
Researchers at Fudan University found that overuse of the fungicide tebuconazole is causing azole-resistant Candida tropicalis to emerge — a deadly fungus with a 55–60% mortality rate.
About Candida tropicalis:
- Overview: Candida tropicalis is a fungal pathogen prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including India.
- Type: It is a yeast species that causes invasive candidiasis, affecting the bloodstream and internal organs.
- High-Risk Groups: The fungus is opportunistic, primarily infecting immunocompromised individuals such as cancer patients and those in ICUs.
- Mortality Rate: The infection has a high mortality rate, estimated at 55–60% when it becomes systemic.
- Drug Treatment: Standard treatments include azole-class antifungals such as fluconazole and voriconazole (widely used during COVID-19 induced Black Fungus).
- Adaptability: The pathogen shows strong genomic plasticity, allowing it to survive hostile environments and develop drug resistance.
Reasons for Spread and Resistance:
- Agricultural Influence: Studies show that azole fungicides like tebuconazole, used in farming, contribute to azole-resistant C. tropicalis
- Environmental Exposure: These fungicides accumulate in soil and water, promoting the evolution of resistant strains.
- Genetic Adaptations: Resistant strains develop aneuploidy (extra chromosomes), aiding resistance but reducing growth in drug-free environments.
- Efflux Pumps: Some strains duplicate genes like TAC1, boosting drug-efflux pumps (e.g., ABC transporters) to eject antifungals from the cell.
- Increased Virulence: Resistant strains have proven more virulent in animal studies, posing greater public health risks.
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Why in the News?
A global investigation has revealed that vital chemotherapy drugs used in over 100 countries have failed quality tests, posing life-threatening risks to cancer patients.
Various Drugs Used for Cancer Treatment:
- Cisplatin is a platinum-based drug discovered in the 1960s. It binds to DNA in cancer cells and is widely used to treat testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers. It is known to cause kidney damage, hearing loss, and immune suppression.
- Oxaliplatin is another platinum compound mainly used to treat advanced colorectal cancer. It works similarly to cisplatin but may also cause nerve-related side effects.
- Cyclophosphamide is used for treating breast cancer, leukaemia, sarcoma, and lymphoma. It damages cancer cell DNA and lowers white blood cell counts, weakening the immune system. It can also cause bladder inflammation.
- Doxorubicin, known as the “Red Devil”, is derived from soil bacteria and used against breast cancer, leukaemia, and sarcomas. It disrupts DNA replication but has serious side effects, including heart damage and hair loss.
- Methotrexate blocks enzymes involved in DNA synthesis and is used for leukaemia, lymphoma, and various tumors. It is often followed by leucovorin, which helps protect normal cells from damage.
- Leucovorin is not a chemotherapy drug but a supportive agent used with methotrexate to reduce toxicity. It is a form of vitamin B9 introduced in the 1950s.
Recent Quality Test Failure
- Investigation: A 2024 investigation revealed that chemotherapy drugs sold in over 100 countries failed basic quality standards.
- Failure of Generics: The drugs tested were generics. Also, 189 unexpired samples were tested; 20% failed.
- Indian Pharma Under Radar: 17 manufacturers were flagged, with 16 based in India. Drugs failed for containing either too little (under 88%) or too much (over 112%) active ingredient.
| [UPSC 2005] It begins as a single cell and grows into a merciless disease that claims millions of lives year after year. But scientists are steadily unlocking its mysteries, and the fight against it may now have reached a dramatic turning point. New discoveries promise better therapies and hope in the war against …” The disease referred to in the above quotation is:
Options: (a) Cancer (b) AIDS (c) Tuberculosis (d) Alzheimer’s disease |
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?
Linkage: This question highlights a new grouping involving Israel and the USA, both central to the West Asia conflict described as the origin point for the “Axis of Upheaval”. The formation and impact of such new strategic groupings, particularly in the context of the Middle East, are directly relevant to the evolving power dynamics and strategic realignments that define the concept of the “Axis of Upheaval.” |
Mentor’s Comment: The recent U.S.-Israel attack on Iran’s nuclear sites and the weak ceasefire that followed have shown that today’s global alliances, often compared to Cold War groups, are not very strong or united. Even though Iran has close economic and political ties with Russia and China, neither country gave any military support. This clearly shows the limits of strategic partnerships when there is a real military threat. The so-called ‘Axis of Upheaval’ made up of Iran, Russia, and China is really just a loose group, without any formal military treaties like those in Western alliances such as NATO. This crisis breaks the idea of a bipolar world and highlights the unequal power dynamics in today’s global politics.
Today’s editorial discusses global power alliances in the context of the Israel-Iran war. This topic is helpful for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The recent U.S.-Israel attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, followed by a weak ceasefire, has shown that today’s global alliances, often compared to Cold War blocs, are not as strong or united as they appear.
What are the new global power blocs?
New global power blocs refer to emerging alliances among countries like China, Russia, and Iran that seek to challenge the dominance of the Western-led global order. These blocs focus on economic cooperation, strategic alignment, and institutional alternatives such as BRICS and SCO, but lack formal military treaties like NATO. |
Why has the Israel-Iran conflict weakened the idea of new global power blocs?
- Lack of Military Support: Despite Iran’s close ties with Russia and China, neither provided military assistance during the conflict. Eg: Russia, engaged in the Ukraine war, offered only diplomatic mediation, while China limited itself to verbal condemnation.
- Absence of Binding Alliances: The so-called ‘Axis of Upheaval’ lacks formal military treaties that require collective defense. Eg: Iran’s strategic partnerships with Russia (2025) and China (2021) are primarily economic, not military.
- Diverging Strategic Interests: Russia and China used the conflict to advance their own interests, letting the U.S. get entangled in West Asia. Eg: The U.S. bombing of Iran may distract American focus from the Indo-Pacific and Europe, which suits Beijing and Moscow.
What are the strategic limits of Iran’s ties with Russia and China?
- No Binding Military Pact: Iran’s ties with Russia and China are largely economic and diplomatic, with no formal military alliance or commitment to joint defense.
- Conflicting Strategic Priorities: Russia is deeply engaged in the Ukraine war, and China is focused on maintaining its economic growth and regional stability, limiting their readiness to back Iran militarily. Eg: Russia has turned to North Korea for troops, showing its own resource constraints.
- Unequal Benefits: Iran is heavily dependent on these relationships, while Russia and China gain economic and geopolitical advantages without taking on direct strategic risks. For instance, China secures discounted Iranian oil under sanctions, while offering limited concrete support in return.
How have Russia and China responded to Iran’s crisis post-ceasefire?
- Diplomatic Support without Military Action: Russia offered to mediate the conflict through a call by President Putin, but this was ignored by the U.S., and no military support was extended.
Putin’s involvement reflected symbolic backing, not a commitment to defend Iran.
- Condemnation of Israeli Actions: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticised Israeli airstrikes as violations of international law, showing support through official statements while avoiding direct intervention. This response aimed to maintain China’s global diplomatic posture without escalating tensions.
- Strategic Caution for Self-Interest: Both countries used the conflict to their advantage by letting the U.S. get entangled in West Asia, potentially weakening its focus on the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine. The crisis served to advance Beijing and Moscow’s strategic space without direct involvement.
Where does Iran stand diplomatically and militarily after the recent conflict?
- Diplomatic Isolation and Limited Support: Despite having strategic partnerships with Russia and China, Iran received only verbal and symbolic backing, with no concrete military or institutional support.
Its regional alliances failed to activate, reflecting a gap between rhetoric and action.
- Military Weakening and Proxy Setback: Iran suffered a decapitation of leadership and capacity, while its key proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthiswere unable to respond effectively.
This has weakened Iran’s role as a regional power and exposed its dependence on non-state actors.
Way forward:
- Formalize Strategic Partnerships: Iran, Russia, and China should work toward institutionalising their ties through defense cooperation frameworks, joint military exercises, and security dialogues to build trust and operational coordination.
- Align Long-term Strategic Interests: The three nations need to develop a shared geopolitical vision that goes beyond transactional ties, ensuring mutual support mechanisms during crises while balancing individual regional priorities.
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Why in the News?
A big controversy has started in Kerala after the Governor put up a picture of ‘Bharat Mata’ in an official room at the Raj Bhavan, leading to a clash between the Governor and the elected state government.
What is the origin and evolution of the Bharat Mata image?
- Origin in literary and artistic nationalism: The concept of Bharat Mata originated in the late 19th century through Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath, which introduced the idea of Banga Mata (Mother Bengal). Later, Abanindranath Tagore painted a four-armed woman resembling a Hindu goddess in 1905, which was popularised by Sister Nivedita as Bharat Mata.
- Evolution into a political symbol: During the Indian freedom movement, Bharat Mata evolved into a powerful emotional symbol representing the nation’s collective identity. While the slogan ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ became widespread, no specific image was officially adopted. Post-independence, the concept remained cultural but was not recognised in any constitutional or legal form.
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What is the Governor’s role in relation to decisions of the elected state government?
- Constitutional Head: The Governor is the nominal head of the state and must act based on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, as per Article 163 of the Constitution. For instance, decisions on official functions, such as placing portraits or symbols, must follow government directions.
- No Independent Decision-Making Power: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar clarified in the Constituent Assembly that the Governor has “no functions which he can discharge by himself.” In the Kerala case, the Governor unilaterally placing the Bharat Mata picture at state events goes against this principle.
- Bound by Constitutional Protocols: The Supreme Court has held in multiple judgments (e.g., Nabam Rebia case, 2016) that the Governor cannot act at his discretion in routine matters. Thus, any deviation from official protocol, such as conducting ceremonies with unauthorised symbols, breaches constitutional norms.
How does the Bharat Mata image controversy highlight tension between constitutional norms and cultural nationalism?
- Lack of Constitutional Recognition: The image of Bharat Mata is not recognised by the Constitution like the national flag, emblem, or anthem. Including it in official state functions challenges the principle of secularism and constitutional symbolism, which mandates state neutrality in public symbolism.
- Political and Ideological Association: The specific depiction used by the Governor—a woman in saffron with a lion—is commonly linked to“right-wing outfits”, making it a cultural nationalist representation rather than a universally accepted national symbol. Its use in state ceremonies risks the blurring of state and ideological lines.
- Violation of Democratic Protocol: The elected state government objected to the image’s presence, arguing that no unilateral decision can override collective democratic authority. This reflects the friction between constitutional propriety and the personal or ideological preferences of a constitutional functionary.
Can the Governor act independently in this case?
- No. The Constitution does not permit the Governor to act unilaterally in official matters. Any display of symbols or portraits during official functions must have the State government’s approval. The Governor’s conduct must adhere to constitutional discipline, not personal or ideological preferences.
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How should officials balance personal beliefs with constitutional values? (Way forward)
- Adhere to constitutional obligations over personal ideology – Public officials must act in line with constitutional principles like secularism, equality, and neutrality while performing official duties. For instance, a Governor should follow government protocol during official functions rather than promoting symbols not recognised by the Constitution.
- Separate personal practices from public conduct – While officials are free to hold personal beliefs, they must not impose them in public institutions or state functions. Eg An officer may privately revere a religious symbol but should avoid displaying it in a government office to maintain inclusivity.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.
Linkage: The controversy surrounding the display of a specific picture of Bharat Mata highlights a tension with the “strong secular core” and “inclusive” nature of Indian nationalism. This question explores the principles of Indian secularism, which are central to understanding the debate over how such a concept should be represented and integrated into official functions in a diverse society.
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Why in the News?
In 2022, liver disease rose to become the eighth leading cause of death in India, marking a serious public health issue that had not occurred in the previous five years.
What do sex- and age-wise trends reveal about liver disease deaths in India?
- Sex-wise trend: Male deaths due to digestive diseases (especially liver-related) were 3.5 times higher than female deaths in 2022.
- Liver diseases accounted for 70–75% of digestive disease deaths in men, while in women it ranged between 52–57%.
- Age-wise trend:
– For women, liver-related deaths increased with age, especially in the 65+ age group.
– For men, the highest death rates occurred in the 35–54 age group, pointing to middle-age vulnerability.
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Why are liver disease deaths significantly higher among men than women?
- Higher Alcohol Consumption: A major reason is the wide gender gap in alcohol use—around 19% of men consume alcohol compared to just 1% of women. This significantly increases the risk of liver disease among men. In 2022, 75% of male deaths due to digestive diseases were liver-related, compared to 57.5% in women.
- Middle-Age Vulnerability: Most male deaths from liver disease occur in the 35–54 age group, indicating that lifestyle-related liver damage starts early. In contrast, among women, liver disease deaths are more common in the 65+ age group, often linked to age-related complications rather than lifestyle.
- Biological and Behavioural Differences: Men may be more prone to risk-prone behaviours, including excessive alcohol and meat consumption, both of which are linked to liver damage. Data also shows men consistently have 3 to 3.5 times higher death rates from digestive diseases than women over the last decade.
How do regional differences affect liver and digestive disease mortality?
- Higher Burden in North-Eastern States: Five North-Eastern states recorded over 10% of certified deaths due to digestive diseases in 2022, with Sikkim leading at nearly 20%. This indicates a regional concentration of liver and digestive health issues.
- Lifestyle Factors in the Region: The North-East has the highest combined prevalence of alcohol and meat consumption in India. This overlap may be a key factor contributing to the elevated liver disease burden in the region.
- State-Wise Variation Highlights Public Health Gaps: No other state outside the North-East showed a double-digit share of digestive disease deaths, pointing to geographic health disparities.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs (NP-NCD): The government launched NP-NCD to tackle non-communicable diseases, including liver disorders, by promoting early diagnosis, screening, and health awareness at the primary healthcare level.
- National Action Plan and Monitoring Framework (NAP-NCD): Aims to reduce harmful alcohol use, improve dietary habits, and promote healthy lifestyles through public campaigns and community outreach, aligning with WHO targets.
- Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs): These centres provide comprehensive primary healthcare, including counselling on nutrition, lifestyle modification, and screening for liver and digestive diseases, especially in rural and underserved areas.
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What measures can strengthen research on lifestyle-related liver diseases? (Way forward)
- Enhance Data Collection and Surveillance: Develop region-specific health databases that track alcohol and meat consumption, age, and liver disease trends. States like Sikkim and others in the North-East could benefit from focused public health monitoring to identify at-risk populations.
- Promote Longitudinal and Causal Research: Support long-term studies that move beyond correlation to establish causal links between lifestyle choices and liver disease.
- Encourage Community-Based Health Studies: Launch grassroots-level research programs involving local communities to understand dietary habits, alcohol use, and health-seeking behaviour.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.
Linkage: The increasing deaths due to liver diseases in India, which accounted for a substantial share of digestive system diseases and became the eighth leading cause of death in 2022, highlight a significant public health challenge. This question directly addresses the role of the public healthcare system in containing adverse health impacts and enhancing its reach at the grassroots level.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Axiom-4 Mission
Why in the News?
The launch of Axiom-4 (Ax-4), a private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has finally lifted-off after several postponements due to weather conditions.
About Axiom-4 Mission:
- Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight organized by Axiom Space.
- It aims to transport a crew to the International Space Station (ISS) for a 14-day mission.
- This will be Axiom Space’s 4th mission to the ISS, following their previous missions (Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3).
- The mission will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
- The spacecraft for this mission is a SpaceX Crew Dragon, known for its advanced technology and safety features.
- This mission is organised in collaboration with NASA, highlighting a strong partnership between private space companies and government space agencies to further space exploration and research.
- Crew:
- Peggy Whitson: A veteran astronaut with extensive experience, having completed multiple missions to the ISS.
- Sławosz Uznanski: A Polish astronaut joining the mission, marking a significant milestone for Poland in space exploration.
- Tibor Kapu: A Hungarian astronaut, adding to the diversity of the mission crew.
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla: An Indian astronaut, making headlines as part of this international crew.
Significance of Ax-4 Mission for India
- The mission is a collaborative effort resulting from an agreement between ISRO and NASA.
- It provides ISRO with an early opportunity to test experiments in space, originally planned for Gaganyaan.
- Key Indian Experiments on Axiom-4:
- Microgravity’s impact on muscle dysfunction.
- Use of computer screens in zero gravity and their effects on human cognition and vision.
- Growth of six varieties of crop seeds in space conditions.
- Tardigrade survival study—these microscopic creatures can endure extreme environments and may provide insight into life support systems in space.
Back2Basics: International Space Station (ISS)
- The ISS, orbiting 430 kilometres above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
- It orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 km per second.
- Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
- It includes 6 sleeping areas, 2 bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
- Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 km of electrical wiring.
- Its journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
- The US added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
- It evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.
|
PYQ:
[2019] What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? |
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Why in the News?
World ID is Sam Altman’s ambitious project to create a secure, biometric-based digital identity for everyone in the age of AI.
What is World ID?
- World ID is a digital identity system launched by Sam Altman’s company Tools for Humanity as part of the Worldcoin project in July 2023.
- It aims to verify that a person is a real, unique human being—especially in an age of AI-generated bots—using biometric iris scans.
- How Does It Work?
- The identity is created using a device called the Orb, which captures the iris pattern and generates a unique cryptographic code (not storing the image itself).
- This ID is then linked to the World App, and the user can access various services while proving they are human—without revealing their actual identity.
- The system is decentralized and uses blockchain technology to store identity proofs securely.
Key Features of World ID:
- Biometric Verification: Uses iris scanning through the Orb to establish a unique identity.
- Global Access: Users from over 160 countries have access to Worldcoin and World ID features.
- Decentralized Protocol: Built on open-source, privacy-preserving cryptography, such as zero-knowledge proofs.
- World App Integration: Enables users to locate Orbs, receive Worldcoins, and use the digital ID across apps.
- World Chain: A blockchain linked to World ID that supports apps and services tied to identity.
- Crypto Incentive: Users may receive Worldcoin (WLD) tokens for enrolling.
- Privacy Controls: Promises anonymity, non-surveillance use, and code transparency.
- Hardware Dependency: Requires a physical Orb or the new Orb Mini to generate IDs.
How it differs from Aadhaar?
|
World ID |
Aadhaar |
| Ownership |
Private project by Tools for Humanity |
Government of India |
| Launch Year |
2023 |
2009 |
| Technology Used |
Iris scan via Orb; Blockchain-based ID |
Biometric + Demographic data via central database |
| Legal Framework |
No national law backing it yet |
Aadhaar Act, 2016 |
| Purpose |
Global ID to prove human uniqueness |
National ID for accessing services & welfare |
| Data Privacy |
Claims privacy via zero-knowledge cryptography |
Data regulated by UIDAI under Indian law |
| Adoption Level |
12 million users globally |
Over 1.3 billion users in India |
| Hardware Needed |
Orb device |
Fingerprint/iris scanners at enrollment centers |
| Verification Use |
AI-bot detection, global ID use |
Government subsidies, banking, KYC, etc. |
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Why in the News?
India is planning to establish six new Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) sites to boost energy security amid rising global oil risks.
About Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR):
- Overview: SPRs are emergency stockpiles of crude oil maintained by the government to manage supply disruptions caused by events like wars, embargoes, or price shocks.
- Purpose: To ensure national energy security and reduce vulnerability to external supply shocks.
- Historical Context: India realised the need for SPRs after the 1990 Gulf War, which caused supply cuts and spiking oil prices and ultimately the Balance of Payment (BoP) Crisis.
- Foundation: The SPR project began in the early 2000s based on advice from the Planning Commission’s Integrated Energy Policy.
- Governing Body: In 2004, the government set up Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) as a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB).
- India’s three-pronged oil security framework:
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- Commercial oil stocks by public and private oil marketing companies (OMCs).
- Strategic reserves by ISPRL for emergencies.
- Equity oil assets abroad through companies like ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL).
- Storage: Unlike commercial stocks, SPRs are stored in underground rock caverns, which are safer, more secure, and suited for long-term preservation.
Current SPR Infrastructure:
- SPR Locations: India has three active SPR sites:
- Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
- Mangaluru (Karnataka)
- Padur (Karnataka)
- Total Capacity: The combined SPR capacity is 5.33 MMT or roughly 39 million barrels.
- Coverage Duration: This reserve can meet about 9.5 days of India’s daily oil requirement (≈5.5 million barrels/day).
- Distinction from OMC Stocks: These strategic stocks are separate from commercial stocks held by companies like IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL.
Planned Expansion of SPRs in India:
- Goal: India aims to double SPR capacity due to rising geopolitical risks and import dependence.
- New Facilities Planned:
- Chandikhol (Odisha) – 4 MMT (in two phases)
- Padur Phase II (Karnataka) – 2.5 MMT
- 6 new SPR locations are being planned at various sites, including Mangalore SEZ (Karnataka) and salt caverns in Bikaner (Rajasthan).
- Future Capacity: After expansion, India’s total SPR stock will be 11.83 MMT, covering around 22 days of national demand.
- Strategic Vision: The long-term objective is to build up 90 days of oil reserves, in line with International Energy Agency (IEA) guidelines.
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Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Agriculture has approved the procurement of Moong and Urad in Madhya Pradesh and Urad in Uttar Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).
Back2Basics:
Moong (Green Gram):
- Moong is a high-protein pulse grown mainly in the Kharif season (June–July) and also in summer (March–April) and limited Rabi areas.
- It thrives in well-drained loamy to sandy-loam soils with a temperatures of 25–35°C.
- Fits well into crop rotations like Moong–Wheat or Summer Moong–Kharif Moong–Raya due to its short duration (60–75 days).
- Major producers are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, MP, Andhra Pradesh, and UP.
Urad (Black Gram):
- Urad is grown mainly in the Kharif season (June–July) and also as a Rabi crop in southern India, needing a warm, humid climate.
- Prefers well-drained loamy soils, unsuitable for waterlogged or saline areas; ideal temperature is 25–35°C.
- Often sown in rotations with cereals like rice or wheat and widely used in intercropping/mixed cropping systems.
- Key producing states include UP, MP, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
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About Price Support Scheme (PSS):
- Overview: PSS is a component of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), launched in 2018 to ensure remunerative prices for farmers.
- Objective: It ensures procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for oilseeds, pulses, and cotton when market prices fall below MSP.
- Nodal Agency: It is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation through:
- National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) (Central nodal agency)
- Food Corporation of India (FCI) (in specific cases)
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- MSPs are announced before each cropping season based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
- If the market price falls below MSP, central and state nodal agencies procure the produce directly from farmers.
- Only crops meeting the Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards are procured.
- Procurement continues until market prices stabilise at or above MSP.
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- All farmers cultivating notified crops are eligible to benefit under PSS.
- They must sell their produce at designated procurement centres, such as APMCs.
- Government employees are typically excluded from the scheme’s benefits.
What is the PM-AASHA Scheme?
- Launch: PM-AASHA, launched in September 2018, is an umbrella scheme by the Government of India designed to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce, specifically for pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
- Goal: It complements the government’s policy of setting MSP at 1.5 times the cost of production.
- Components: The scheme aims to translate increased MSPs into actual income gains through three implementation pathways:
-
- Price Support Scheme (PSS): Physical procurement at MSP by central agencies like NAFED.
- Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Farmers receive the difference between MSP and actual selling price directly into their bank accounts; no physical procurement.
- Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPSS): Pilot scheme allowing private players to procure at MSP to supplement government efforts.
- Nodal Agency: It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, with procurement agencies operating at both central and state levels.
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| [UPSC 2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:
1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop. 2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. 3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
A fresh political and inter-state water dispute has erupted between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over the proposed Banakacherla Reservoir Project.
About the Banakacherla Project:
- About: Also known as the Godavari-Banakacherla or Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project, it is an ambitious interlinking plan proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government.
- Objective: It aims to divert surplus Godavari River water via the Polavaram Project, through the Krishna basin, to reach the Banakacherla regulator in Kurnool district.
- Reservoirs: The project involves construction of a new Bollapalli reservoir in Guntur district, enhancement of canal capacities (e.g., Polavaram canal from 17,500 to 38,000 cusecs), and a network of lift stations and tunnels through the Nallamala forest.
- Water Pathway: It begins at Polavaram dam, moves to Bollapalli, and ends at Banakacherla, integrating Godavari, Krishna, and Penna River basins.
Issues with the Project:
- Violation of the AP Reorganisation Act (2014): Telangana claims that Andhra’s project infringes upon legal frameworks laid out during the bifurcation of the state.
- Lack of Clearances: Telangana argues the project has not received mandatory approvals from:
- Apex Council (Krishna River Management Board and Godavari River Management Board).
- Central Water Commission (CWC).
- Water Sharing: Telangana cites the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal, which allocated 968 TMC to Telangana and 518 TMC to Andhra but did not quantify surplus water, making the legality of Andhra’s claim ambiguous.
- Political Sensitivity: Water-sharing has historically been central to Telangana’s statehood movement; any diversion is seen as a betrayal of regional interests.
- Ecological Concerns: The tunnel under the Nallamala forest may have environmental repercussions that have not been assessed or cleared.
| [UPSC 2012] Which of the following are included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? 1. A dispute between the Government of India and one or more States 2. A dispute regarding elections to either House of the Parliament or that of Legislature of a State 3. A dispute between the Government of India and a Union Territory 4. A dispute between two or more States
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 4 only* (d) 3 and 4 only |
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Why in the news?
The Prime Minister recently addressed a commemorative event marking 100 years of the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.
About Sree Narayana Guru:
- Early Life: Sree Narayana Guru was born on 22 August 1856 in Chempazhanthy, Kerala, into the Ezhava community, considered the so-called ‘avarna’ or outside the caste system.
- Social Reform: He led a peaceful revolution against caste discrimination and promoted social equality and spiritual upliftment in Kerala.
- Famous Slogan: Guru gave the powerful message — “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All”, calling for unity beyond caste or creed.
- Spiritual Philosophy: A follower of Advaita Vedanta, he reinterpreted it to assert that divinity exists in every individual, regardless of caste.
- Death and Legacy: He passed away on 20 September 1928, and his birth and death anniversaries are now observed as public holidays in Kerala and other states.
His Contributions:
- Temple Reform: In 1888, he consecrated a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram, challenging Brahminical control over temples.
- Organisational Impact: He founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in 1903, with Kumaran Asan as its first general secretary.
- Social Movements: He supported the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25) against untouchability in public spaces.
- Spiritual Centres: Guru established the Sivagiri Mutt (1904), which became the heart of the Sivagiri Pilgrimage (Theerthadanam).
- Writings: His works, like Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, and Brahmavidya Panchakam, reflect a spiritual and reformist vision.
- Holistic Upliftment: He promoted education, cleanliness, agriculture, and handicrafts for self-reliance.
- Against Conversions: Guru opposed religious conversion as a caste solution, favouring internal reform within Hindu society.
His Conversations with Gandhiji (1925):
- Historic Meeting: Mahatma Gandhi met Guru on 13 March 1925 at Sivagiri Mutt during the Vaikom Satyagraha.
- On Scriptures: Guru clarified that Hindu texts do not support untouchability and backed the Vaikom movement fully.
- On Salvation: He believed that all religions lead to moksha but stressed that material freedom is key to dignity.
- Inclusive Ashrams: He shared that his ashrams welcomed all castes, with children studying and praying together.
- View on Caste: While Gandhi defended varna in principle, Guru critiqued caste as rigid, anti-freedom, and regressive.
- Mutual Respect: Gandhi was deeply moved and later praised Guru as a “holy soul”, calling Sivagiri a model of harmony.
- Enduring Legacy: The meeting symbolised a blend of spiritual wisdom and social reform, with lasting national impact.
| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following pairs:
Movement/Organization Leader
1. All India Anti-Untouchability League Mahatma Gandhi 2. All India Kisan Sabha Swami Sahajanand Saraswati 3. Self-Respect Movement E. V. Ramaswami Naicker
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2018] In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?
Linkage: “Operation Midnight Hammer: B-2 Bombers Strike Iran’s Nuclear Facilities,” details a significant event where the “U.S. military carried out precision strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities, mainly Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan”. This PYQ is highly relevant as it requires an analysis of the broader implications for India arising from such direct military actions and controversies involving the US and Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which are central to the “Operation Midnight Hammer” narrative. |
Mentor’s Comment: On June 21, 2025, the U.S. officially entered the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict by launching “Operation Midnight Hammer”, a precision strike on Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. What makes this operation historic is the first-ever operational use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOP), dropped by B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. Fordow, an ultra-hardened site buried deep within a mountain, had long been considered impregnable — even to Israeli firepower. This high-stakes attack involving stealth bombers, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and elaborate deception tactics showcases the evolving nature of strategic warfare, stealth technology, and nuclear deterrence dynamics, with significant implications for global security and geopolitics.
Today’s editorial discusses the effects of the recent U.S.A. Operation Midnight Hammer: B-2 Bombers Strike Iran’s Nuclear Facilities. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, the U.S. joined the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran by launching “Operation Midnight Hammer”, a targeted military strike on Iran’s main nuclear sites located at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
What is the B-2 Stealth Bomber?
The B-2 Stealth Bomber, also known as the B-2 Spirit, is an advanced long-range, heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force. |
What are the geopolitical impacts of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites?
- Undermining diplomatic efforts: The attack weakens ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, especially efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the U.S. exited in 2018.
- Message of deterrence and alliance assurance: The operation signals U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and aims to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions, reaffirming strategic dominance in West Asia and setting a precedent like the 1981 Israeli strike on Iraq’s Osirak reactor.
How do technologies like B-2 bombers and bunker-busters shape modern warfare?
- Enhanced penetration of fortified targets: Bunker-buster bombs like the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator can destroy deeply buried nuclear facilities, such as Iran’s Fordow site, which is located inside a mountain.
- Stealth and survivability in hostile environments: The B-2 Spirit bomber, with its low radar signature and long-range capabilities, allows undetected strikes deep into enemy territory, demonstrated during Operation Midnight Hammerover Iran.
- Precision and reduced collateral damage: The use of GPS-guided munitions enables targeted destruction of critical infrastructure while minimizing civilian harm. The Tomahawk cruise missiles used alongside the B-2s in the Iran strike are an example.
What does U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict indicate about its West Asia strategy?
- Reinforcement of strategic alliances: The U.S. action shows its continued military and political support for Israel, especially after Israel’s initial strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. This underscores a long-standing alliance.
- Deterrence against nuclear proliferation: By targeting Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities, the U.S. aims to send a strong message against the development of nuclear weapons by adversarial states in the region.
- Projection of power and dominance: The deployment of B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles illustrates America’s intent to maintain military superiority and influence over regional conflicts, ensuring its leadership role in West Asia’s security architecture.
What challenges arise in attacking underground nuclear sites like Fordow?
- Depth and Fortification: The Fordow nuclear site is buried 80–90 meters underground and shielded by reinforced concrete, making it resilient to conventional strikes. Even the GBU-57 bunker-busters caused only partial damage, revealing the limits of aerial assaults.
- Operational Complexity: Missions to strike such sites need advanced platforms like the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, supported by decoy tactics, mid-air refuelling, and long-duration flights. The limited number of B-2s and their high maintenance make repeated missions challenging.
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Does India have B-2 bomber capability?
- Lack of Stealth Bomber Technology: India does not possess any stealth bombers like the U.S. B-2 Spirit, which is capable of penetrating heavily fortified targets with low radar visibility. The B-2 is a unique platform operated exclusively by the United States.
- Current Indian Bomber Fleet: India relies on multirole fighter jets such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Mirage-2000 for strike missions. These aircraft are effective but lack deep-strike stealth capabilities and the payload capacity of strategic bombers.E.g. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI can carry cruise missiles like BrahMos, but not bunker-busters like the GBU-57.
- Strategic Focus and Alternatives: Instead of stealth bombers, India invests in missile-based deterrents such as the Agni series (ballistic missiles) and long-range cruise missiles. These provide strategic strike capability without the need for a dedicated stealth bomber. E.g. The Nirbhay cruise missile offers precision strike capability with a range of 1000+ km.
What can India do? (Way forward)
- Invest in Indigenous Stealth and Deep-Strike Platforms: India can accelerate development of indigenous stealth bombers or long-range unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) under future programs like AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) to enable penetration of heavily defended targets.
- Enhance Precision Missile and Bunker-Buster Arsenal: India can develop or acquire heavy bunker-busting munitions and integrate them with existing platforms like the Su-30MKI or future drones, while also upgrading satellite-guided targeting systems for deeper and more accurate strikes.
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Why in the News?
India’s cities will host over 800 million people by 2050. While women’s role in local politics has grown, urban bureaucracies still lack gender balance, which limits truly inclusive urban development.
What challenges hinder women’s inclusion in urban bureaucracy despite higher political representation?
- Male-Dominated Administrative Structure: Despite 46% representation of women in local bodies (Ministry of Panchayati Raj, 2024), only 20% of IAS officers are women (IndiaSpend, 2022).
- Gender Imbalance in Policing and Field Roles: Only 11.7% of India’s police force are women (BPRD, 2023), and most serve in non-field, clerical roles. Similarly, engineering and sanitation departments have low female participation.
- Lack of Affirmative Action in Urban Technical Cadres: While reservations exist in elected offices, there are no parallel affirmative policies in bureaucracy for women.
Why is gender-responsive budgeting essential for inclusive urban development?
- Addresses Gender-Specific Needs in Urban Planning: GRB ensures that urban budgets reflect the different needs of women, men, and marginalised groups. Eg: Delhi used GRB to fund women-only buses and public lighting, improving women’s mobility and safety in public spaces.
- Prevents Reinforcement of Existing Inequities: Without GRB, cities may overinvest in flyovers or metros while neglecting community toilets, crèches, or footpaths that benefit women and marginalised groups.
- Enhances Accountability and Participatory Governance: GRB fosters transparency and encourages civic engagement by linking public spending to gender equity outcomes. For instance, Kerala’s People’s Plan Campaign integrates gender goals into local budgets, empowering women at the grassroots level.
What is the Impact of Gender Gaps in Urban Administration?
- Skewed Infrastructure Priorities: Male-dominated bureaucracies often overlook the everyday mobility and safety needs of women. In Delhi and Mumbai, 84% of women use public or shared transport.
- Underfunding of Social Infrastructure: Services such as water, sanitation, maternal health, or childcare are underprioritised in male-led departments.
- Delayed Response to Community Demands: Studies by ICRIER and UN Women show female administrators are more responsive to grassroots needs, yet their absence restricts outcome-orientated planning.
Which global practices can guide India toward gender-inclusive urban governance?
- Mandatory Gender Budgeting and Oversight: The Philippines mandates that 5% of local budgets be allocated to gender programmes, and Uganda requires gender equity certificates before fund approvals.
- Participatory Planning: South Korea uses gender impact assessments to redesign public transport and urban spaces, and South Africa pilots participatory planning for grounded, inclusive decision-making.
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What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Constitutional Mandates for Political Representation: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments mandate 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. 17 States and 1 Union Territory have increased this to 50%, leading to over 46% women among elected local representatives (Ministry of Panchayati Raj, 2024).
- Gender Budgeting Initiatives: India introduced the Gender Budget Statement in 2005-06 to integrate gender perspectives in public finance. Eg: Delhi funds women-only buses and street lighting; Tamil Nadu applies GRB across 64 departments; Kerala links gender goals to the People’s Plan Campaign.
- Support for Women-Centric Governance Models: The government promotes models like Kudumbashree in Kerala for grassroots women-led governance. Eg: Kudumbashree empowers women in planning and implementation in small and transitioning cities.
Way forward:
- Ensure Gender Parity in Urban Bureaucracy: Implement affirmative action (like quotas and scholarships) to recruit and promote women in urban planning, engineering, policing, and administrative roles.
- Institutionalise Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB): Mandate gender audits, participatory budgeting, and monitoring frameworks across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation?
Linkage: The article highlights that despite an increasing presence of women in local elected representative roles (over 46% in ULGs), the bureaucratic apparatus responsible for implementing decisions remains “overwhelmingly male”. This question directly addresses the fundamental importance of incorporating “gender concerns into programme design and implementation”.
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Why in the News?
It’s shocking that 2 billion people around the world still don’t have access to safe drinking water, even though 95% of the global population uses what are called “improved water sources”. This reveals a hidden but serious public health problem.
What defines ‘safe drinking water’?
Safe drinking water refers to water that is free from harmful contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. It must be located on the premises, readily available when needed, and safe to consume without causing health issues. |
How does access vary across populations?
- Majority Have Access, but Not Always at Home: While nearly 6 billion people have access to drinking water, around 2 billion still lack safe water at home. Just 156 million people (around 1.4% of the global population) still collect water from unsafe sources like rivers or lakes.
- Disparities Exist Across Income and Geography: People in low-income or rural areas are more likely to lack access to safe, on-premises water. In most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, people still get their water from open sources such as rivers and lakes.
How does a lack of safe water impact public health in poor countries?
- Spread of Waterborne Diseases: Unsafe water is a major source of diarrhoeal diseases like cholera, dysentery, polio, and hepatitis A. Over 800,000 deaths annually are attributed to waterborne illnesses, especially in low-income nations with inadequate sanitation.
- Child Mortality and Malnutrition: Contaminated water contributes to malnutrition, as diarrhoeal diseases hinder nutrient absorption in children. In India, nearly 21% of children under five suffer from wasting (NFHS-5), with poor water and sanitation as key contributors.
- Healthcare Burden and Economic Loss: Frequent illness from unsafe water overwhelms fragile public health systems and reduces workforce productivity. In India, poor access to safe water and sanitation leads to an annual GDP loss of over 4% due to health and productivity issues (Ministry of Jal Shakti, 2021).
SDG Goal 6 (Clean Water): Progress and challenges since its adoption
- Progress in Access to Improved Water Sources: As of recent estimates, 95% of the global population uses an improved water source like piped water, borewells, and springs, even in many low-income countries.
- Challenge of Household-Level Accessibility: Despite improvements, safe water is often not available at home, requiring people—mostly women—to travel long distances. Around 1.5 billion people still lack on-premise access, which limits reliability and increases the risk of contamination during transport.
- Polluted water at the point of use: Water may be clean at the source, but it becomes contaminated during collection, storage, or transport.
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What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis?
- Desalination Technology: Converts seawater into freshwater by removing salts and impurities using methods like reverse osmosis. Israel’s Sorek Desalination Plant provides 20% of the country’s water supply.
- Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS): Uses UV rays from sunlight to kill bacteria and viruses in water stored in transparent bottles. It is widely used in rural Africa and India by households.
- Atmospheric Water Generators (AWG): Extracts moisture from humid air and condenses it into clean drinking water. It was deployed in Rajasthan and UAE for areas with limited water but high humidity.
What are the steps taken by the Government?
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Aims to provide functional household tap connections (FHTCs) with safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024. Eg: As of 2024, over 13 crore rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM.
- Swachh Bharat Mission and Water Quality Monitoring: Focuses on reducing open defecation and water contamination by improving sanitation infrastructure and promoting hygiene.
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Ensures universal water supply coverage in urban areas, with a focus on poor and underserved households. Under AMRUT, cities like Surat and Nagpur have significantly improved their 24×7 piped water supply networks.
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Way forward
- Strengthen Last-Mile Delivery through Infrastructure Expansion: Focus on household-level water connections, especially in rural and remote regions, by upgrading existing water supply networks and ensuring regular quality checks.
- Promote Community-Based Water Management and Awareness: Encourage local governance (Panchayats, SHGs) and water user groups to manage water resources and promote safe water handling practices.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies, citing their key merits and demerits.
Linkage: The artice talks about the emphasizes that for water to be considered “safe drinking water,” it must be “free from contamination, located at home, and available whenever needed. This question directly addresses the global issue of an “acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater”. This directly aligns with the core problem presented in the article , which states that “two billion people” still do not have safe drinking water in their homes.
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA), India’s largest tribal outreach and empowerment campaign to date.
About Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA):
- Overview: It runs from 15 June to 15 July 2025, covering over 5.5 crore tribal citizens across 1 lakh+ tribal villages and PVTG habitations.
- Premise of launch: It is launched under the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh to honour Bhagwan Birsa Munda, also known as Dharti Aaba, a symbol of tribal pride and resistance.
- Objective: To achieve full saturation of central welfare schemes in tribal areas, ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives entitlements.
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- Janbhagidari (People’s Participation) – Empowering tribal voices and ensuring community-led governance.
- Saturation – 100% coverage of eligible households under central schemes.
- Cultural Inclusion – Use of tribal languages, folk arts, and cultural symbols to ensure dignity and identity.
- Convergence – Multi-ministry and multi-stakeholder coordination with CSOs, youth groups, volunteers, and academic institutions.
- Last-Mile Delivery – Direct delivery of services to the remotest tribal hamlets with full administrative support.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.
2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State. 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 new study published in Science journal shows that “In-Body CAR T-Cell Therapy” marks a breakthrough by enabling direct immune cell reprogramming for faster, safer treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?
- Overview: CAR T-cell therapy is a treatment where a patient’s own T cells are genetically modified to detect and kill cancer cells.
- Science behind it: Scientists extract T cells and add a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) gene, which enables them to identify cancer cells.
- Working: These modified T cells are infused back into the patient, where they multiply and actively attack cancer.
- Effectiveness: The therapy has shown high success against certain blood cancers and is now being studied for autoimmune disorders like lupus.
- Issues: The traditional therapy is expensive (₹60–70 lakh), slow, and requires chemotherapy and specialised lab facilities.
Recent Breakthrough: In-Body CAR T-Cell Therapy
- Approach: A new technique uses mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver instructions directly inside the body.
- Targeting Cells: These nanoparticles are programmed to locate and enter killer T cells, converting them into CAR T-cells internally.
- Benefits offered: This method eliminates the need for cell extraction, chemotherapy, or viral vectors, making it faster and safer.
Significance for India:
- Scalable Innovation: This platform may lower treatment costs and offer wider access in countries like India with high cancer and autoimmune burdens.
- Infrastructure Relief: Its in-body nature avoids dependence on advanced labs, making it suitable for resource-constrained settings.
| [UPSC 2019] What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?
Options: (a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing* (b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients (c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant (d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops |
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