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Archives: News

  • Amazonian Stingless Bees 

    Why in the News?

    Municipalities in Peru passed a landmark ordinance granting legal rights to Amazonian stingless bees, making them the first insects in the world to receive such recognition.

    About Amazon’s Stingless Bees

    Stingless bees belong to the Meliponini group and either lack stingers or have non functional stingers, making them harmless to humans. They are critical pollinators in tropical ecosystems.

    Origin

    • Among the oldest bee lineages, existing for nearly 80 million years
       • Emerged during the age of dinosaurs
       • About 500 species globally, nearly half in the Amazon

    Habitat

    • Tropical forests worldwide
       • Highly abundant in the Amazon rainforest
       • Peru hosts over 170 species

    Key Ecological and Cultural Features

    • Primary rainforest pollinators
       • Pollinate over 80 percent of Amazonian plant species
       • Support key global crops like coffee, cacao, avocado, blueberry
       • Deeply embedded in Indigenous knowledge systems
       • Culturally significant to communities such as Asháninka and Kukama-Kukamiria

    Legal Rights for Stingless Bees

    The ordinance recognises inherent rights, including
     • Right to exist and flourish
     • Right to maintain healthy populations
     • Right to regenerate natural ecological cycles
     • Right to live in pollution free habitats
     • Right to legal representation when threatened

    Significance

    • Global legal first: First instance of insects granted legal rights
       • Stronger conservation framework: Enables legal action against deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss
       • Advances Rights of Nature doctrine: Moves from human centred environmental protection to ecosystem centred justice
    [2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food? 

    (a) Butterflies 

    (b) Dragonflies 

    (c) Honeybees 

    (d) Wasps

  • Nimesulide Ban 

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India has banned manufacture, sale and distribution of oral formulations of Nimesulide above 100 mg with immediate effect under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

    About Nimesulide

    Nimesulide is a Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) used for acute pain relief and fever reduction.

    Key Features of the Drug

    • Pharmacological class: NSAID
       • Mechanism of action: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by blocking inflammatory chemical mediators
       • Therapeutic use: Short term treatment of pain and fever
       • Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, raised liver enzymes
       • Known risk: Hepatotoxicity, especially at higher doses or prolonged use

    Reason for the Ban

    • Oral doses above 100 mg pose serious risk to liver health
       • Increased incidence of drug induced liver injury
       • Safer alternative analgesics available
       • Action taken under Section 26A, which allows banning drugs harmful to public health
    [2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? 

    1. Genetic predisposition of some people 

    2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases 

    3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming 

    4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

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

  • Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention  

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India has launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention under the Export Promotion Mission to strengthen global market access for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs and first time exporters.

    About Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention

    The Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention is a government backed programme providing financial and institutional support to Indian exporters for accessing and expanding international markets through structured trade and buyer engagement activities.

    Implemented Under

    • NIRYAT DISHA sub scheme
       • Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

    Implementing Ministries

    • Department of Commerce
     • Ministry of MSME
     • Ministry of Finance

    Aim

    • Strengthen global market access for Indian exporters
       • Support MSMEs, first time exporters, and priority sectors
       • Promote export diversification into new and emerging markets
       • Enable predictable, outcome driven export promotion

    Key Features

    • Market access activities: Support for Buyer Seller Meets, Mega Reverse BSMs, international trade fairs, exhibitions, and trade delegations
       • Advance planning: 3 to 5 year rolling calendar of approved events for continuity
       • MSME focus: Minimum 35 percent MSME participation in supported events
       • Financial rationalisation:
       ◦ Revised cost sharing norms
       ◦ Event wise financial ceilings
       ◦ Partial airfare support for exporters with turnover up to ₹75 lakh
       • Digital governance: End to end online processes through trade.gov.in
       • Outcome tracking: Mandatory online feedback on buyer quality, leads generated, and market relevance
       • Technology push: Upcoming support for Proof of Concepts and product demonstrations in sunrise and tech intensive sectors

    Significance

    • Enhances global competitiveness of Indian exports
       • Reduces entry barriers for MSMEs and new exporters
       • Supports India’s goal of export diversification beyond traditional markets
       • Improves market intelligence and buyer connectivity

    Prelims Pointers

    • MAS is not a direct export subsidy
       • Focus on market access, not production incentives
       • Mandatory MSME participation norm
       • Fully digitally monitored scheme
       • Linked to Export Promotion Mission
    Consider the following statements: [2023]

    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’ (PLI) scheme. 

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 

    (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.

     

  • Pralay Missile 

    Why in the News?

    Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the Odisha coast, marking a key milestone in user evaluation trials.

    About Pralay Missile

    Pralay is an indigenously developed, solid propellant, quasi ballistic, surface to surface missile designed for high precision conventional strikes against tactical and operational targets.

    Aim

    • Rapid response conventional strike capability for Indian Army and Indian Air Force
     • Battlefield dominance through precision strikes and saturation capability

    Key Features

    • Type: Quasi ballistic surface to surface missile
       • Range: 150 km to 500 km
       • Propulsion: Solid propellant for quick launch readiness
       • Trajectory: Quasi ballistic trajectory, difficult to intercept by enemy air defence systems
       • Guidance: Advanced guidance and navigation system for high accuracy
       • Warhead: Multiple conventional warhead options
       • Salvo launch capability: Multiple missiles fired in quick succession from the same launcher

    Significance

    • Strengthens indigenous missile capability under Atmanirbhar Bharat
      • Enhances conventional deterrence without nuclear escalation
      • Improves operational readiness, survivability, and strike effectiveness
      • Supports precision warfare doctrine of Indian armed forces
    Consider the following statements: [2023]

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

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

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

  • Candida auris

    Why in the News?

    An Indian led study has warned that Candida auris, a drug resistant fungal pathogen, is becoming more virulent and spreading globally, with high mortality rates even after treatment, raising serious public health concerns.

    About Candida auris

    • Candida auris is a multidrug resistant fungal pathogen.
    • It causes severe invasive infections, particularly in hospitalised and immunocompromised patients.
    • First identified in 2009.
    • Classified as an emerging global health threat due to frequent treatment failure and high fatality.

    Transmission

    • Spreads through direct contact with infected or colonised individuals, including asymptomatic carriers.
    • Transmitted via Contaminated surfaces, Medical equipment and Invasive devices like catheters and ventilators

    Prelims Pointers

    • Candida auris is a fungus, not a bacterium or virus
    • Primarily a hospital acquired infection
    • Difficult to detect due to sepsis like symptoms
    • Major concern due to antifungal resistance and high mortality
    [2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? 

    1. Genetic predisposition of some people 

    2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases 

    3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming 

    4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

  • PathGennie Software

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Science and Technology has announced the development of PathGennie, a new open-source computational software that can significantly speed up drug discovery by accurately simulating drug–protein unbinding, a crucial step in understanding drug efficacy and safety.

    What is PathGennie?

    • PathGennie is an open-source computational framework designed to simulate rare molecular events, especially the unbinding of drugs from protein targets.
    • It helps in predicting drug residence time, a key parameter that determines how long a drug remains effective inside the body.
    • It avoids artificial distortions commonly introduced in conventional simulation methods.

    Developed by

    • Scientists at the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata.

    Aim of PathGennie

    • To overcome the limitations of traditional molecular dynamics simulations, which struggle to capture slow and rare molecular transitions.
    • To generate physically accurate pathways for drug–protein interactions.
    • To reduce computational time and cost without compromising accuracy.

    Applications

    • Predicts accurate drug unbinding pathways and residence times
      • Example: Imatinib with Abl kinase
    • Improves understanding of protein–ligand kinetics for better drug design
    • Applicable beyond drug discovery in: Chemical reactions, Catalysis, Phase transitions and Molecular self-assembly

    Prelims Pointers

    • PathGennie is open-source and computational in nature
    • Focuses on drug unbinding, not just binding
    • Helps estimate drug residence time, a key pharmacological parameter
    • Avoids artificial bias unlike conventional simulation techniques
    • Developed in India under the Ministry of Science and Technology
    [2022] Consider the following: 

    1. Aarogya Setu 

    2. CoWIN 

    3. DigiLocker 

    4. DIKSHA. 

    Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms? 

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

  • Copper

    Why in the News?

    Copper prices touched a record high of over USD 12,000 per tonne in 2025, driven by US tariff uncertainty, global supply disruptions and rapidly rising demand from AI infrastructure, clean energy systems and electric vehicles.

    Characteristics of Copper

    Chemical Characteristics

    • Symbol: Cu
    • Atomic weight: 63.546 amu
    • High resistance to corrosion and oxidation
    • Forms important alloys
      • Brass: Copper plus Zinc
      • Bronze: Copper plus Tin

    Physical Characteristics

    • Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
    • Highly ductile and malleable, suitable for wiring and shaping
    • Reddish brown in colour, among the few naturally coloured metals

    Unique Properties

    • 100 percent recyclable without loss of quality
    • Antimicrobial in nature, useful in healthcare settings
    • Improves energy efficiency and lowers CO₂ emissions over product life cycles

    Applications of Copper

    Energy and Power Sector

    • Power transmission lines and grids
    • Transformers and substations
    • Renewable energy systems like solar and wind
    • Battery energy storage systems

    Electric Vehicles

    • EVs use more than twice the copper of conventional vehicles
    • Used in motors, batteries, inverters and charging infrastructure

    Digital and AI Infrastructure

    • Data centres and hyperscale AI facilities
    • Power transmission and cooling systems

    Construction and Manufacturing

    • Plumbing and roofing
    • Industrial machinery
    • Electronics and electrical appliances

    Defence and Healthcare

    • Defence electronics and ammunition
    • Antimicrobial medical surfaces and equipment

    India and Copper

    • India has recognised copper as a critical mineral under its resource strategy
    • Over 90 percent dependence on imported copper concentrate
    • Domestic demand expected to rise sharply due to EVs, renewable energy and digital infrastructure expansion

    Major Copper Producing Countries

    • Chile, Peru, Democratic Republic of the Congo, China and the United States

    Prelims Pointers

    • Copper is a critical mineral for energy transition and digital economy
    • EVs and AI driven data centres are major demand drivers
    • Copper is fully recyclable and antimicrobial
    • India is heavily import dependent for copper concentrat
    [2021] Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants? 

    1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into the environment. 

    2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into the environment. 

    3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

  • Secondary Pollutants

    Why in the News?

    A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air has revealed that secondary pollutants now contribute nearly one third of Delhi’s annual PM2.5 load, highlighting a major shift in the nature of urban air pollution.

    What are Secondary Pollutants?

    • Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly from pollution sources.
    • They are formed in the atmosphere when primary pollutants such as SO₂, NOx and VOCs undergo chemical reactions.
    • These reactions are influenced by sunlight, temperature, humidity and stagnant air conditions.
    • They often accumulate downwind and over time, making monitoring and control more complex than primary pollutants.

    Major Secondary Pollutants

    • Secondary PM2.5: Ammonium sulfate and Ammonium nitrate
    • Ozone (O₃): Formed from nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight
    • Acids: Sulfuric acid and Nitric acid (contributors to acid rain)
    • Photochemical smog components: Peroxyacetyl nitrates (PANs) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)

    Implications

    Regional and transboundary impact

    • Secondary aerosols can travel hundreds of kilometres
    • Delhi’s air quality is influenced by emissions from coal intensive states beyond the NCR

    Winter smog intensification

    • Moist and stagnant winter air sharply increases secondary PM2.5

    Health risks

    • Fine secondary particles penetrate deep into the lungs
    • Increase risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases

    Prelims Pointers

    • Secondary pollutants are formed in the atmosphere, not emitted directly
    • Ammonia plays a key role in secondary PM2.5 formation
    • Winter meteorology is crucial for secondary aerosol build up
    • Air pollution control requires regional coordination, not only city level measures
    [2013] Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among 

    (a) NO₂, O₃ and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight

    (b) CO₂, O₂, and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight

    (c) CO, CO₂, and NO₂ at low temperature

    (d) high concentration of NO₂, O₃ and CO in the evening

  • [1st January 2026] The Hindu OpED: India’s space programme, a people’s space journey

    [UPSC 2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How has the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?

    Linkage: The article illustrates India’s progression from landmark space missions to a citizen-centric space ecosystem supporting disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure, and governance.

    Mentor’s Comment

    India’s space programme has entered a decisive phase of transformation, from a state-led scientific endeavour to a people-centric strategic ecosystem. The article captures this transition by mapping India’s journey from symbolic achievements to institutional depth, private participation, and societal integration. It highlights how space has become a tool for governance, economy, national confidence, and global leadership, rather than remaining a niche scientific pursuit.

    Introduction

    India’s space programme is in focus following a series of firsts and institutional shifts that redefine its purpose and scale. From the Prime Minister’s articulation of Amrit Kaal goals to the operationalisation of the Indian Space Policy 2025, the sector is no longer limited to launches and missions. It now underpins disaster management, governance delivery, startup ecosystems, education, and international collaboration. The transformation is significant because it marks India’s shift from a mission-centric model to a citizen-facing, market-enabled, and globally integrated space ecosystem, an evolution rarely achieved by developing economies.

    How did India’s space journey evolve from inspiration to infrastructure?

    1. Foundational Vision: Established scientific self-reliance through indigenous launch vehicles and satellites, creating strategic autonomy in space access.
    2. Mass Participation: Chandrayaan missions generated nationwide engagement, embedding scientific ambition within public consciousness.
    3. Technological Maturity: Achieved precision landing, rover operations, and in-orbit docking, reflecting systemic depth beyond symbolic success.
    4. Societal Integration: Transitioned space assets from elite scientific use to everyday governance and citizen services.

    What milestones redefined India’s credibility as a space power?

    1. Chandrayaan-1: Confirmed presence of water molecules on the Moon, reshaping lunar science understanding.
    2. Chandrayaan-2: Delivered high-resolution lunar data despite partial mission failure, reinforcing learning-based innovation.
    3. Chandrayaan-3: Achieved first-ever soft landing near the lunar south pole, placing India among elite lunar explorers.
    4. Gaganyaan Preparations: Advanced human spaceflight readiness through crew module recovery and test vehicle missions.
    5. Aditya-L1 and SPADEX: Expanded capabilities into solar observation and in-orbit docking for future space stations.

    Why is the space sector being reframed as a national development tool?

    1. Disaster Management: Enables early warning systems, damage assessment, and real-time coordination.
    2. Agriculture and Fisheries: Supports crop estimation, drought monitoring, and marine resource advisories.
    3. Infrastructure and Transport: Enhances railway safety, urban planning, and power grid monitoring.
    4. Democratisation of Access: Positions space-derived data as a public good accessible to citizens and states.

    How is policy reform reshaping India’s space ecosystem?

    1. Indian Space Policy 2025: Institutionalises private sector participation across launch, satellite, and downstream services.
    2. Commercial Scaling: Facilitates startups in satellite manufacturing, launch vehicles, and data analytics.
    3. Economic Expansion: Increased sector valuation from ₹5,615 crore (2013-14) to ₹24,116 crore (2025-26).
    4. Employment Creation: Generates high-skill jobs across aerospace, AI, robotics, and materials science.

    What role do youth, education, and innovation play in this transition?

    1. Capacity Building: Engages over 60,000 students annually through Olympiads and space challenges.
    2. Innovation Platforms: Hackathons and competitions integrate academia with applied research.
    3. Startup Ecosystem: Over 350 startups contribute to satellite systems, launch services, and applications.
    4. Future Workforce: Strengthens STEM education pipeline aligned with emerging space technologies.

    How does India project leadership in global space governance?

    1. Climate Monitoring: Deploys satellites like G-20 Climate Satellite for global environmental observation.
    2. Data Sharing: Collaborates with NASA, ISRO, CNES, and ESA on Earth observation and planetary missions.
    3. Normative Leadership: Advances cooperative space use rooted in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
    4. South-South Outreach: Provides satellite services and training to developing nations.

    Conclusion

    India’s space programme has evolved from a symbol of scientific aspiration into a core pillar of national development and strategic capability. By integrating space technology with governance delivery, economic expansion, private innovation, and global cooperation, India has repositioned space as a public good rather than an elite scientific pursuit. The transition towards human spaceflight, indigenous space infrastructure, and citizen-centric applications reflects a mature ecosystem aligned with the vision of Amrit Kaal. Sustained policy support, institutional coordination, and inclusive access will determine whether this transformation consolidates India’s role as a leading space power serving both national and global interests.

  • Myanmar’s military regime seeks legitimacy through a sham election

    Introduction

    Myanmar’s military regime is conducting elections not as a democratic transition but as an instrument to entrench control under the 2008 Constitution. The polls exclude most opposition forces, occur only in junta-controlled areas, and coincide with intensified violence against civilians. The election mirrors the military’s 2010 strategy but unfolds under far more adverse domestic and international conditions, raising serious questions about legitimacy, sovereignty, and governance.

    Why in the News

    Nearly five years after overthrowing the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, Myanmar’s military (Tatmadaw) has initiated a tightly controlled, multi-phase election process. The first phase, held on December 28, recorded sparse turnout amid heavy security and active conflict, with subsequent phases scheduled in January. The exercise is significant because it marks the junta’s attempt to manufacture political legitimacy during an ongoing civil war that has killed thousands, displaced millions, and fragmented territorial control.

    How has the military structured the election process?

    1. Phased Elections: Conducted in three phases to manage security risks, with the first phase on December 28 and later phases in January.
    2. Restricted Geography: Held only in areas under junta control, excluding conflict-affected rural regions.
    3. Low Participation: Sparse turnout recorded, indicating limited public acceptance and fear-driven abstention.
    4. Security Enforcement: Conducted under heavy militarisation, including troop deployment and surveillance.

    Why is the election widely considered a sham?

    1. Exclusion of Opposition: National League for Democracy (NLD), which won 90% of seats in 2020, barred from contesting.
    2. Token Political Competition: Military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) dominates candidate lists.
    3. Criminalisation of Resistance: National Unity Government (NUG) and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) designated as illegal.
    4. Absence of Electoral Integrity: No independent monitoring, free campaigning, or fair media access.

    What constitutional framework enables military dominance?

    1. Structural Power: 2008 Constitution reserves 25% of parliamentary seats for the military.
    2. Legislative Control: Ensures veto power over constitutional amendments.
    3. Emergency Provisions: Enables prolonged emergency rule since the 2021 coup.
    4. Electoral Engineering: Proportional representation favours military-aligned parties.

    How has the civil war altered electoral legitimacy?

    1. Territorial Fragmentation: Junta controls barely half of Myanmar’s townships.
    2. Active Conflict Zones: Elections absent in at least 65 townships where fighting persists.
    3. Civilian Casualties: Bombing of residential areas during polling, including Budalin and Khin-U townships.
    4. Humanitarian Crisis: Over 20 million people require assistance, undermining basic state capacity.

    What role do ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) play?

    1. Military Setbacks: Three Brotherhood Alliance (TBA) forced junta withdrawal from northern Shan and parts of Rakhine.
    2. Expanded Resistance: Kachin, Karen, and Karenni groups intensified operations alongside PDFs.
    3. Urban-Rural Divide: Junta retains urban centres like Sittwe while losing peripheral regions.
    4. Operational Adaptation: Use of Chinese-made drones and paragliders by the military.

    How do external actors influence the conflict and elections?

    1. Strategic Backing: Russia, China, and Belarus provide diplomatic and military support.
    2. China’s Calculus: Tacit approval of rebel advances near border scam centres, followed by ceasefire pressure.
    3. Western Ambivalence: US signals moderation, including sanction relief for some junta-linked firms.
    4. Geoeconomic Interests: Rare-earth minerals and border trade routes shape external engagement.

    Why does the junta persist despite unpopularity?

    1. Fragmented Resistance: Lack of unified command between PDFs and EAOs.
    2. International Paralysis: Absence of coordinated global pressure.
    3. Resource Control: Retention of key economic assets and trade corridors.
    4. Institutional Entrenchment: Constitutional safeguards ensure military primacy regardless of electoral outcomes.

    Conclusion

    Myanmar’s elections represent an exercise in controlled political symbolism rather than democratic renewal. Conducted amid widespread violence, exclusion, and constitutional manipulation, the polls fail to address the fundamental crisis of legitimacy confronting the military regime. The result is strategic stalemate, prolonged instability, and deepening civilian suffering with no political resolution in sight.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2022]  ‘India is an age -old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.

    Linkage: This PYQ is relevant to GS-II (International Relations-Neighbourhood) as it examines India’s response to political-economic crises in its immediate neighbourhood. The Myanmar case similarly highlights India’s calibrated engagement amid instability, balancing humanitarian concerns, regional security, and strategic competition, reflecting the same neighbourhood-first and strategic autonomy dilemmas.