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  • Interstate River Water Dispute

    Banakacherla Project Dispute

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

    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.

    Banakacherla Project Dispute

    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.

    Tap to read more about the Interstate River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

    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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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Who was Sree Narayan Guru (1856–1928)?

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    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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  • Iran’s Nuclear Program & Western Sanctions

    [25th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: U.S.’s heavy duty attack on Iran’s nuke sites

    op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    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.

    _

    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.

    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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  • Civil Services Reforms

    The need for gender equity in urban bureaucracy

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Civil Service

    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.

    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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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    Two billion people don’t have safe drinking water

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    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.

    IBAT Alliance

    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.  

    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.

    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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  • [pib] Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    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.
    • Five Pillars of DAJA:
      1. Janbhagidari (People’s Participation) – Empowering tribal voices and ensuring community-led governance.
      2. Saturation – 100% coverage of eligible households under central schemes.
      3. Cultural Inclusion – Use of tribal languages, folk arts, and cultural symbols to ensure dignity and identity.
      4. Convergence – Multi-ministry and multi-stakeholder coordination with CSOs, youth groups, volunteers, and academic institutions.
      5. 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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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    In-Body CAR T-Cell Therapy

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    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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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Climate Threat Emerging from Rising Evaporative Demand and Thirstwaves

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have coined a new term, “thirstwave”, to describe spikes in evaporative demand, where a warmer atmosphere draws more water from plants, soil, and trees.

    What is Evaporative Demand?

    • Definition: Evaporative demand is the measure of how much water the atmosphere can potentially absorb from land, plants, and water surfaces if there is unlimited water available. It tells us how “thirsty” the atmosphere is.
    • Nature of Measurement: It is not about how much water is actually lost but how much could be lost if water was fully available. It depends on weather conditions, not the amount of water in the soil.
    • Standard Metric: The most widely used metric to quantify this is Standardized Short-Crop Reference Evapotranspiration (ETos)—which assumes a 12 cm grass surface with unlimited water availability.
    • Impact of Global Warming: As global warming increases atmospheric heat, evaporative demand also rises, making the air more “thirsty”.

    What is a Thirstwave?

    • Origin: “Thirstwave” is a newly coined term (2025) by Meetpal Kukal and Mike Hobbins to describe three or more consecutive days of extreme evaporative demand.
    • Definition: A thirstwave is a period of sudden and intense increase in evaporative demand, caused by hot, dry, and sunny weather. It means the atmosphere becomes extremely “thirsty” and starts pulling water rapidly from soil, plants, and water bodies, even if they already have limited moisture.
    • Distinction from Heatwaves: Unlike heatwaves, thirstwaves account for multifactorial stress, combining temperature, humidity, wind, and solar input.
    • Thirstwave in India: There is no dedicated data yet on thirstwaves in India, but researchers are beginning to investigate, especially in South Asia’s climate-vulnerable zones.
    [UPSC 2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?

    1. Hard and waxy leaves

    2. Tiny leaves

    3. Thorns instead of leaves

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    India breaks into top 100 of SDG Index for the first time

    IOCRPrelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Why in the News?

    In a major milestone, India has ranked 99th out of 167 countries in the 2025 edition of the Sustainable Development Report (SDR), released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

    What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

    • Definition: SDGs are 17 global goals adopted by all UN member states in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity by 2030.
    • Core Focus: They balance economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability for a better future.
    • Scope: The goals cover health, education, gender equality, clean water, economic growth, climate action, and governance.
    • Global Framework: They are part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the UN.

    About Global SDG Rankings:

    • Report Publisher: The Sustainable Development Report is released annually by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, led by Jeffrey Sachs.
    • Methodology: It ranks 167 countries using an SDG Index score out of 100 based on performance across all 17 goals.
    • Score Interpretation: A score of 100 means full achievement of all SDGs; lower scores show partial or poor implementation.
    • Data Sources: Rankings are based on a mix of social, economic, environmental, and governance indicators.
    • Global Patterns: European countries dominate top ranks; countries with conflict or debt rank lower.
    Note: In India, we also have our own SDG India Index released by NITI Aayog.

    Key Highlights of the Rankings:

    • India’s Rank 2025: India ranks 99th with a score of 67—its first time in the top 100.
    • Major Countries’ Ranking: China ranks 49th (74.4); the US ranks 44th (75.2) but is 193rd in SDG policy support.
    • Neighbourhood Comparison: Bhutan ranks 74th (70.5), Nepal 85th (68.6), Bangladesh 114th (63.9), Pakistan 140th (57), Sri Lanka 93rd, and Maldives 53rd.
    • Top Performers: Finland, Sweden, and Denmark lead the world in SDG achievement.
    • Areas of Progress: Global gains include access to electricity, mobile broadband, internet, and lower child mortality.
    • Major Setbacks: Challenges include rising obesity, declining press freedom, biodiversity loss, and growing corruption.
    • Target Gaps: Only 17% of SDG targets are on track to be achieved by 2030.
    [UPSC 2016] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.

    2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

    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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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Rising Evaporative Demand and Thirstwaves

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have coined a new term, “thirstwave”, to describe spikes in evaporative demand, where a warmer atmosphere draws more water from plants, soil, and trees.

    What is Evaporative Demand?

    • Definition: Evaporative demand is the measure of how much water the atmosphere can potentially absorb from land, plants, and water surfaces if there is unlimited water available. It tells us how “thirsty” the atmosphere is.
    • Nature of Measurement: It is not about how much water is actually lost but how much could be lost if water was fully available. It depends on weather conditions, not the amount of water in the soil.
    • Standard Metric: The most widely used metric to quantify this is Standardized Short-Crop Reference Evapotranspiration (ETos)—which assumes a 12 cm grass surface with unlimited water availability.
    • Impact of Global Warming: As global warming increases atmospheric heat, evaporative demand also rises, making the air more “thirsty”.
    • Key Features:
      • Simplified Model: ETos simplifies evapotranspiration by assuming fixed vegetation properties and only variable weather conditions.
      • Indicators of Stress: An increase in ETos indicates higher temperatures, lower humidity, faster wind, and stronger solar radiation.
      • Effect on Soil and Crops: Rising evaporative demand leads to more rapid drying of soil and plants, even with ample irrigation.
      • Agricultural Relevance: This directly affects irrigation scheduling, crop productivity, and climate-resilient farming strategies.

    What is a Thirstwave?

    • Origin: “Thirstwave” is a newly coined term (2025) by Meetpal Kukal and Mike Hobbins to describe three or more consecutive days of extreme evaporative demand.
    • Definition: A thirstwave is a period of sudden and intense increase in evaporative demand, caused by hot, dry, and sunny weather. It means the atmosphere becomes extremely “thirsty” and starts pulling water rapidly from soil, plants, and water bodies, even if they already have limited moisture.
    • Distinction from Heatwaves: Unlike heatwaves, thirstwaves account for multifactorial stress, combining temperature, humidity, wind, and solar input.
    • Thirstwave in India: There is no dedicated data yet on thirstwaves in India, but researchers are beginning to investigate, especially in South Asia’s climate-vulnerable zones.
    [UPSC 2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?

    1. Hard and waxy leaves

    2. Tiny leaves

    3. Thorns instead of leaves

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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