Why in the News?
Scientists have found that Botrytis cinerea, the fungus used in high-end sweet wines, cannot be cloned because none of its nuclei carry a full set of chromosomes, a rare genetic trait among fungi.
About Botrytis Fungus:
- Overview: Botrytis cinerea, also called noble rot, is a fungus that infects ripe grapes and causes them to shrivel while concentrating sugar and flavour.
- Fungal Classification: It belongs to the ascomycetes group and produces spores in sac-like structures known as asci, each containing eight ascospores.
- Role in Winemaking: Under controlled vineyard conditions, Botrytis infection is desirable, as it enhances the sweetness and aroma of wine.
- How is Wine Made Using It?
-
- Effect on Grapes: The fungus dehydrates the grapes, which increases the sugar content and concentrates flavours naturally.
- Harvesting Method: Grapes affected by Botrytis are hand-harvested, making the process labour-intensive and expensive.
- Wine Varieties Produced: It is used to produce premium dessert wines such as Sauternes (France), Tokaji Aszú (Hungary), and Trockenbeerenauslese (Germany), known for their complex flavours and high value.
Significance of Recent Findings:
- Cloning Discovery: A recent study in Science found that Botrytis cannot be cloned, as no single nucleus contains a full set of chromosomes.
- Unique Genome Structure: The chromosomes are distributed across multiple nuclei, which is unprecedented in any known fungus, animal, or plant.
- Scientific Impact: This challenges conventional genetics and may lead to new insights in genome organisation and fungal evolution.
- Dual Importance: Botrytis is now seen not only as a key player in winemaking but also as a genetic curiosity in modern science.
| [UPSC 2009] In the context of alternative sources of energy, ethanol as a viable bio-fuel can be obtained from:
(a) Potato (b) Rice (c) Sugarcane* (d) Wheat |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
June 29 is observed annually as National Statistics Day in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, hailed as the Father of Indian Statistics.
About National Statistics Day:
- Purpose: National Statistics Day is observed on June 29 each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of P.C. Mahalanobis and highlight the value of statistics in national development.
- First Observance: It was first celebrated in 2007, following a government resolution to raise awareness about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning.
- Objectives: It aims to emphasise the use of statistical tools in governance, policy-making, and development planning.
- Organizers: Events are led by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).
- Annual Themes: Each year features a dedicated theme focusing on a statistical challenge or development goal.
- Events and Outreach: Celebrations include seminars, exhibitions, competitions, and lectures across institutions.
- Commemorative Status: Though not a public holiday, it is a nationally recognized observance.
Who was P.C. Mahalanobis?
- Background: He was born on June 29, 1893, in Kolkata, into a Brahmo Samaj family.
- Education: He studied at Presidency College and later at King’s College, Cambridge.
- Legacy Title: He is hailed as the Father of Modern Statistics in India and was known as “The Professor”.
- Institution Builder: He founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and helped set up India’s Planning Commission.
- His Major Contributions:
- National Sample Survey (NSS): Launched in 1950, it enabled the systematic collection of household data for policymaking.
- Mahalanobis Distance: Introduced in 1936, it remains a widely used statistical tool for identifying outliers in data.
- Applied Statistics: He applied statistical methods to flood control in Bengal and Odisha, offering cost-effective solutions.
- Planning Vision: Mahalanobis played a key role in drafting the Second Five-Year Plan, focusing on industrialisation and state-led growth.
- Academic Promotion: He started the journal Sankhya, modeled on Biometrika, to foster statistical research in India.
- Infrastructure Vision: His early proposal led to the Hirakud Dam project, completed in 1957.
- Balanced Approach: Though viewed as pro-Soviet during the Cold War, he was admired for his intellectual integrity.
| [UPSC 2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of:
(a) S. Ramanujan (b) S. Chandhrashekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. Raman |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2017] ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor.
Linkage: It focuses on how China uses its economic power to gain strategic and military advantages, and how this affects India, its neighbor. The article show that Pakistan heavily depends on China for money, support, and infrastructure. With China’s backing, Pakistan could pose new terrorism and security threats to India. |
Mentor’s Comment: China recently held a three-country meeting with Pakistan and Bangladesh in Kunming, soon after a similar one with Pakistan and Afghanistan. These talks show that China is trying to increase its influence in South Asia by bringing India’s neighbours closer, especially as India’s ties with Bangladesh are tense and India is becoming more active in Afghanistan. This reminds us of Cold War-style strategies, where countries tried to surround rivals. As India takes strong action against terrorism and defends its regional interests, China’s new meetings seem to show not just strategy, but also nervousness about India’s growing power.
Today’s editorial talks about the recent meeting between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Last week, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh met together for the first time in a three-country meeting held in Kunming, China.
What are China’s goals behind trilateral talks with Pakistan and others?
- Expand Regional Influence: China aims to increase its geopolitical footprint in South Asia by leading trilateral forums.
- Contain India’s Rise: Trilateral talks help China keep India distracted by regional tensions, limiting its strategic outreach and diplomatic bandwidth. Eg: China’s coordination with Pakistan and Afghanistan shortly after India’s Operation Sindoor aimed to show Pakistan as a regional stakeholder and challenge India’s dominance.
- Promote BRI and Economic Interests: By drawing countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh closer, China seeks to push its Belt and Road Initiative and related infrastructure investments. Eg: Discussions with Afghanistan have included extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through Afghan territory.
Why is China increasing regional engagement amid India’s rise?
- To Counter India’s Strategic Clout: As India grows economically and diplomatically, China seeks to undermine its influence in neighbouring countries. Eg: China’s trilateral with Pakistan and Bangladesh followed India’s strengthening ties with Afghanistan and regional powers.
- To Exploit Shifting Political Landscapes: China is leveraging regime changes in countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh to draw them closer into its orbit. Eg: After the regime change in Bangladesh (2024), China intensified efforts to engage Dhaka through trilaterals.
- To Protect and Expand Economic Interests: Rising Indian assertiveness challenges China’s economic initiatives, especially BRI projects. Regional engagement helps safeguard these investments. Eg: China wants to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan to secure trade routes and regional access.
How does the China-Pakistan nexus affect India’s security strategy?
- Increased Two-Front Security Threat: The China-Pakistan partnership forces India to prepare for simultaneous threats on both western and northern borders, complicating military planning. Eg: During Operation Sindoor (2025), Pakistan used Chinese-made drones, radars, and fighter jets, requiring India to recalibrate its defence posture.
- Diplomatic Isolation Attempts: China often backs Pakistan at global platforms, shielding it from international scrutiny, especially on terror-related matters. Eg: China blocked UN resolutions targeting Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, limiting India’s global counterterrorism diplomacy.
- Regional Instability via Trilateral Engagements: China promotes trilateral meetings involving Pakistan and India’s neighbours to sideline New Delhi and create regional pressure points. Eg: The China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral aims to undermine India’s influence in South Asia and divert attention from long-term strategic goals.
What are the developments that show India countering China’s regional influence?
- Assertive Military and Diplomatic Response: India has adopted a proactive approach to respond to security threats and Chinese intrusions. Eg: In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor (2025) and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, restricted port access, and took military action, signalling firm redlines.
- Strengthening Ties with Neighbours: India is engaging constructively with its neighbours to limit Chinese outreach and reinforce strategic trust. Eg: Despite past tensions, India supported Nepal’s energy cooperation with Bangladesh and re-engaged with Maldives and Sri Lanka, reinforcing regional goodwill.
- Coalition Building with Like-Minded Nations: India is enhancing cooperation with democratic allies to counterbalance China’s strategic footprint in South Asia. Eg: India has deepened ties through platforms like QUAD, and built defence and intelligence partnerships with countries like the U.S., Japan, and Australia, strengthening its regional deterrence.
Who among the neighbours are shifting towards China?
- Pakistan: Deeply aligned with China for military, economic, and diplomatic support. Eg: Over $29 billion in loans, and 80% of arms imports from China.
- Bangladesh: After the 2024 regime change, it has shown increasing economic and political engagement with China. Eg: Joined trilateral talks with China and Pakistan, indicating a shift despite India’s past close ties.
- Afghanistan: Shifted closer to China-Pakistan axis after the Taliban takeover (2021) and again after 2024 regime changes.
Way forward:
- Enhance Strategic Partnerships in South Asia: India should build stronger bilateral ties with its neighbors through infrastructure support, trade cooperation, and regional connectivity projects. Strengthening initiatives like BIMSTEC and Act East Policy can counterbalance China’s influence.
- Assert Regional Leadership Through Security and Diplomacy: India must continue to lead anti-terror cooperation, defend regional sovereignty, and set clear redlines for any hostile alignments. At the same time, it should promote inclusive regional forums that prioritize peace and mutual development.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
India has entered the top 100 in the Sustainable Development Report (2025), ranking 99th out of 167 countries, according to the UN-backed Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). This shows a clear improvement from its 110th position in 2016, marking a notable step forward.
What does India’s SDG ranking improvement show?
- India moved into the top 100 of the Sustainable Development Report for the first time since 2016, reaching rank 99 out of 167 countries.
- The improvement reflects progress in poverty reduction (SDG 1), infrastructure (SDG 9), electricity access (SDG 7), and digital inclusion.
Why is Zero Hunger still a challenge for India?
- Persistent Child Malnutrition: A significant portion of Indian children still suffer from undernutrition. Eg: As per NFHS-5 (2019–21), 35.5% of children under five were stunted, only slightly better than 38.4% in NFHS-4 (2015–16).
- Widening Dietary Disparities: Access to a nutritious diet remains unequal across income and geographic lines. Eg: Rural and low-income households often rely on calorie-dense than nutrient-poor food, while wealthier urban populations have better diet diversity.
- Rising Dual Burden of Malnutrition: India is witnessing a simultaneous increase in obesity and undernutrition. Eg: Between 2006 and 2021, obesity among adults aged 15–49 almost doubled, especially in urban areas, showing nutritional imbalance.
Which SDG areas show strong and weak performance?
Strong Performance:
- SDG 1 – No Poverty: Significant progress in reducing poverty levels. Eg: Poverty rate declined from 22% in 2012 (NSSO) to about 12% in 2023 (World Bank).
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Near-universal household electrification and renewable energy expansion. Eg: India is the 4th largest in renewable energy capacity (solar and wind).
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Rapid growth in digital connectivity and financial inclusion. Eg: UPI-driven digital payment infrastructure and mobile network penetration.
Weak Performance:
- SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: High levels of malnutrition and dietary inequality persist. Eg: 35.5% of children under five are stunted (NFHS-5, 2019–21).
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: Uneven access to education and digital learning across regions. Eg: COVID-19 widened learning gaps between rural and urban students.
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Challenges in governance, rule of law, and press freedom. Eg: India ranks low in global indices measuring institutional strength.
|
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- POSHAN Abhiyaan: Launched to reduce malnutrition, stunting, and anemia among children and womenthrough better nutrition and health services. It supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
- Digital India and UPI Initiatives: Aimed at increasing digital access, financial inclusion, and service delivery, especially in rural and remote areas. It supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
- PM-KUSUM and Solar Missions: Promote renewable energy and sustainable farming by enabling farmers to adopt solar-powered pumps and panels. It supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action.
How can India improve in governance-related SDGs? (Way forward)
- Strengthen Institutional Transparency and Accountability: Ensure timely delivery of justice, reduce corruption, and make public institutions more responsive. Eg: Implementing police and judicial reforms, and enhancing public grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Promote Press Freedom and Civic Participation: Safeguard freedom of expression, support independent media, and encourage public engagement in policymaking. Eg: Enforcing laws that protect journalists and fostering platforms for inclusive civic dialogue.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2021] What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?
Linkage: This focuses on the main goal of ending hunger and malnutrition, which is the heart of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). The article says that SDG 2 is still a major concern in India, even though there has been progress in other areas. So, it’s important to examine how well policies like the National Food Security Act are working.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
On May 13, 2025, the Supreme Court gave a key judgment revisiting earlier cases on senior lawyer designation. Though overlooked as an internal court issue, it raised concerns about inequality in the legal profession, elitism, and the fairness of classifying lawyers under Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
What are the legal issues with the senior advocate designation?
- Arbitrary Classification under Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961: Section 16 allows courts to classify lawyers into “senior advocates” and others based on vague terms like “ability” or “standing at the Bar”, which lack objective benchmarks. It has been challenged as violative of Article 14 (Right to Equality) of the Constitution because it creates unequal treatment among equals without a clear rationale.
- Lack of Objective Selection Process in Court Rules: The Supreme Court Rules, 2013 prescribe procedures for designation but allow subjective discretion, enabling possible favouritism or bias. Eg: Rule 2 of Order IV of the Supreme Court Rules allows for pre-audience to senior advocates, reinforcing hierarchical privilege without transparency in how they are chosen.
- Undermines Egalitarian Access to Justice: Designation often leads to a concentration of influence among a few, marginalising others and affecting diversity in courtroom representation. Eg: In Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court of India (2017), the Court upheld the validity of Section 16 but did not address how it leads to systemic exclusion, especially of women and underprivileged lawyers, conflicting with constitutional ideals of equality and non-discrimination.
Why is the 2025 Jitender judgment seen as inadequate?
- Did Not Address Constitutional Validity of Section 16: The 2025 judgment failed to examine the constitutional validity of Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961, which creates a classification between senior advocates and other advocates. The Court did not refer the matter to a larger Bench for a deeper constitutional review. The classification was upheld without addressing whether it was arbitrary or led to inequality in the legal profession.
- Acknowledged Subjectivity but Retained Flawed Process: The Court admitted that the point-based assessment system used to designate senior advocates is “highly subjective”, yet it retained the application-based process. This allows judges’ discretion to continue dominating the selection process, opening space for favoritism and elite networks. Eg: Many competent lawyers are left out simply because they lack access to the corridors of power.
- Missed Opportunity to Promote Inclusiveness and Reform: Instead of proposing systemic change, the Court left it to High Courts to frame rules, without tackling the core issue of representation. The process continues to exclude women, Dalits, and those from less privileged backgrounds, reinforcing elitism in the judiciary. Eg: The designation process continues to favour a “creamy layer” of elite lawyers, limiting judicial diversity.
What are the factors fueling inequality in the legal profession?
- Unequal Access to Quality Legal Education: Aspiring lawyers from rural or low-income backgrounds often lack access to top law schools due to language barriers, lack of coaching, or high costs. Eg: Students from remote areas rarely make it to National Law Universities, which limits their exposure and opportunities.
- Urban Concentration of Legal Opportunities: Legal practice in metropolitan cities attracts more recognition, clients, and judicial exposure compared to small-town lawyers. Eg: Talented advocates in lower courts of Bihar or Odisha are often overlooked for high-profile cases or designations.
- Subjectivity in Senior Advocate Designation: The selection process often favours those with elite networks or familiarity with judges, sidelining equally competent but lesser-known lawyers. Eg: Women and Dalit lawyers remain significantly underrepresented among senior advocates.
Way forward:
- Transparent and Inclusive Designation Process: Develop a merit-based, transparent system for designating senior advocates with clear evaluation criteria. Include diverse representation (e.g., women, marginalized groups) in selection committees to promote judicial inclusiveness.
- Strengthening Legal Education and Access: Expand access to quality legal education through scholarships, regional law schools, and skill-based training in vernacular languages, especially for students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds to reduce structural entry barriers.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.
Linkage: This question prompts an evaluation of the judiciary’s role in achieving “ideals of democracy”. The article talks about the direct counter-narrative to this positive assertion by arguing that the classification of senior advocates, as upheld by Supreme Court judgments in Indira Jaising and Jitender, creates a “legal oligarchy” and perpetuates inequality that can damage the justice delivery system enormously.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
India is preparing to reassess and renegotiate the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh, which is set to expire in 2026, completing its 30-year term.
About the Ganga Water Agreement (1996):
- Signing: It was signed on December 12, 1996, by PM H. D. Deve Gowda (India) and PM Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh) to share the Ganga’s dry season flow.
- Purpose: It aimed to ensure water availability for irrigation, ecology, and navigation in both countries, especially at the Farakka Barrage, which diverts water to sustain the Kolkata Port.
- Duration: It replaced earlier short-term deals and set a 30-year framework (1996–2026), with a renewal clause by mutual consent.
Key Terms of the Agreement:
- Lean Season Period: The treaty applies from January 1 to May 31, with water sharing calculated in 10-day intervals.
- Sharing Formula at Farakka:
- ≤ 70,000 cusecs: 50% each
- 70,000–75,000 cusecs: India gets the remainder after Bangladesh gets 35,000
- ≥ 75,000 cusecs: India gets 40,000; Bangladesh gets the balance
- Alternate Sharing: From March 11 to May 10, both countries receive 35,000 cusecs alternately every three 10-day blocks.
- No Minimum Guarantee: If flow falls below 50,000 cusecs, Article II allows for consultations and emergency adjustments.
- Monitoring Mechanism: The Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) ensures implementation and dispute resolution.
- Project Provisions: Both countries may construct water projects for irrigation and navigation.
Why must India reconsider it?
- Treaty Expiry: The treaty ends in 2026, and India wants a revised pact to reflect current demands.
- Rising Needs: India seeks an additional 30,000–35,000 cusecs due to:
- Increased irrigation in West Bengal and other states
- Siltation issues at Kolkata Port
- Urban and industrial growth
- Flexibility Concerns: Officials argue the treaty lacks provisions for climate variability and seasonal shortages.
- State Support: West Bengal supports changes, citing inadequate current allocations.
- Proposed Change: India may pursue a shorter, more flexible treaty, like its move on the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
Implications for Bangladesh:
- Downstream Vulnerability: Bangladesh faces greater risk from reduced water flow.
- Historical Shortfalls: Between 1997 and 2016, Bangladesh received less than its share 65% of the time.
- Potential Consequences:
- Increased salinity in rivers and farmland
- Reduced water for fisheries, irrigation, and drinking
- Navigation issues in the delta
- Political Sensitivity: Many in Bangladesh already view the treaty as unfair, and further reduction may trigger domestic backlash.
- Diplomatic Impact: A poorly negotiated outcome could strain India-Bangladesh ties, especially in water diplomacy and cross-border trust.
| [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:
1. The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty.
2. The project was completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and the World Bank. 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 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
A far-right leader has called for a public debate on the terms “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, arguing they were added undemocratically during the Emergency via the 42nd Amendment and now require re-evaluation.
About the Preamble:
- Overview: It is the introductory statement to the Constitution of India. It sets out the philosophy, vision, and objectives of the Constitution.
- Origin: It is based on the Objectives Resolution introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.
- Declaration made: It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and seeks to secure to all citizens:
Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship), Equality (of status and opportunity), and Fraternity (assuring dignity and national unity).
- Significance: It serves as a guiding light for interpreting the Constitution. N.A. Palkhivala called it the “Identity Card of the Constitution”, while K.M. Munshi described it as the “Political Horoscope” of India.
- Key symbolism associated:
-
- Source of Authority – We, the People of India emphasizes that power originates from the people.
- Nature of Indian State – India is described as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
Amendments to the Preamble:
- Can the Preamble be amended: Yes, the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) held that the Preamble is part of the Constitution and can be amended, provided the Basic Structure Doctrine is not violated.
- The Preamble has been amended only once in the history of the Constitution.
- 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976:
- Passed during the Emergency (1975-77) under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- Based on the recommendations of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee.
- Three words were added:
- “Socialist” and “Secular” – inserted between “Sovereign” and “Democratic”.
- “Integrity” – added to the phrase “Unity of the Nation” → changed to “Unity and Integrity of the Nation”.
Why was it controversial?
- It was passed during the Emergency, a time of suppressed democratic processes and curbed civil liberties.
- Critics argue that the words were politically motivated and not part of the original constitutional vision.
- Proponents argue that these values were already implicitly present in the Constitution, and the amendment merely made them explicit.
Preamble as an integral part of the Constitution: Key Judgments
- Berubari Union Case (1960):
-
- The Supreme Court initially held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution.
- It could be used to interpret ambiguous provisions but had no independent legal standing.
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): The Court overruled the earlier view and held that:
-
- The Preamble is a part of the Constitution.
- It reflects the basic structure and essential philosophy of the Constitution.
- However, it cannot be used to override specific provisions of the Constitution.
- LIC of India Case (1995):
-
- The Court reaffirmed that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution.
- But it is not enforceable in a court of law—i.e., one cannot file a case solely based on a violation of the Preamble.
| [UPSC 2020] The Preamble to the Constitution of India is:
Options: (a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect (b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either (c) part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part (d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts
[UPSC 2016] Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances? |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
June 26 is observed globally as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.
About the International Day Against Drug Abuse:
- It is observed annually on June 26, following a declaration by the UN General Assembly on December 7, 1987.
- The theme for 2025, “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime,” highlights the need for tackling organized crime networks linked to drug trafficking and calls for long-term investment in justice, education, health care, and alternative livelihoods.
- Events are held worldwide to raise awareness about the social, health, and legal impacts of drug abuse, with active participation from governments, NGOs, and citizens.
- In India, efforts like the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan reflect the government’s zero-tolerance policy and people-centric approach to preventing drug addiction and trafficking.
Key Highlights of the UNODC World Drug Report (2024-2025):
- The latest World Drug Report by UNODC reveals that 292 million people globally were using drugs by 2022, marking a 20% increase in the last decade.
- The report notes a worrying expansion of synthetic drug markets, especially methamphetamine and fentanyl-type opioids, and links them to organised crime groups.
- It calls attention to youth vulnerability, mental health correlations, and gaps in treatment access, especially in low-income countries.
Back2Basics: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
- Overview: It was established in 1997 through the merger of the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.
- UN agency: It helps in tackling illicit drugs, organised crime, corruption, and terrorism.
- Headquarters: It is located in Vienna, Austria.
- Its core functions include:
- Educating global populations about the dangers of drug abuse.
- Assisting countries in ratifying and implementing international drug control treaties.
- Strengthening criminal justice systems to promote the rule of law.
- Supporting crime prevention, anti-corruption efforts, and terrorism prevention through technical and legal assistance.
- Funding Mechanism: UNODC is voluntarily funded, mainly by governments, and works with partners worldwide to promote stable, secure, and just societies.
|
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following activities:
1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
2. Monitoring of precipitation
3. Tracking the migration of animals
In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) (c) All three (d) None |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Salkhan Fossil Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, has been recently added to UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites.
About Salkhan Fossil Park:
- Location: It is located in Salkhan village, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Fossil Significance: It is renowned for its stromatolite fossils, ancient layered structures formed by cyanobacteria through photosynthesis.
- Age of Fossils: These fossils are estimated to be up to 1.4 billion years old, dating to the Mesoproterozoic era.
- Scientific Value: Preserved in Bhander limestone of the Vindhyan Supergroup, the site is one of the world’s richest Proterozoic rock collections.
- Significance:
- Evolutionary Insights: The fossils offer key evidence of early microbial life and events like the Great Oxidation Event, helping us understand Earth’s early biosphere.
- Ecological Context: It lies within the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, enhancing its ecological and conservation value.
Back2Basics: UNESCO’s Tentative List
- Definition: It is a country’s inventory of sites proposed for future inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Nomination Process: A site must be on the Tentative List for at least one year before formal nomination.
- Evaluation Criteria: Sites are assessed for natural, cultural, or mixed heritage value, based on global significance.
- India’s Status: As of June 2025, India has 63 sites on its Tentative List, spanning ecosystems, monuments, and landscapes.
- Benefits of Inclusion: While not guaranteeing World Heritage status, inclusion raises awareness, improves funding, and strengthens conservation.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:
1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The elusive dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, has been rediscovered in Assam’s Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) after being thought locally extinct.
About Dhole:
- Overview: The dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, is a carnivorous mammal from the Canidae family.
- Habitat: Historically, dholes inhabited southern Russia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia but are now limited to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China.
- Clusters in India: In India, dholes are found mainly in the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Central Indian Landscape, and the Northeast.
- Key States: According to a 2020 study, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh lead in dhole conservation efforts.
- Social Behaviour: Dholes live in packs of up to 30 but may also hunt solo or in pairs depending on prey availability.
- Ecological Role: As predators, dholes help regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix II (not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so if trade is not closely controlled).
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II (considered important for conservation and are granted a high degree of protection).
Back2Basics: Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL)
- Geographic Spread: KKAL is located south of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, comprising Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and the Karbi Anglong Hills.
- Ecological Importance: KNP is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, known for rich, unmodified ecosystems.
- Wildlife Corridor: KKAL facilitates seasonal migration during Brahmaputra floods, supporting species movement and survival.
- Flagship Species: The landscape hosts the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as Bengal tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and wild buffalo.
- B2B Corridor: KKAL forms a vital link in the proposed Bhutan-to-Burma (B2B) Connected Landscape, a 1,400 km biodiversity corridor across northeast India.
|
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
In a breakthrough, scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have found that teak leaf extract (Tectona grandis) could offer a natural, sustainable solution for laser protection.
About Optical Properties of Teak Leaf:
- Natural Composition: Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) contain natural compounds that can interact with strong laser light.
- Laser Blocking Ability: These compounds can block harmful laser rays while allowing normal light to pass, making them suitable for selective light filtering.
- Nonlinear Optics: This unique behaviour is called a nonlinear optical property, where a material responds differently to high-intensity light.
- Linear vs Nonlinear: In linear optics, the material’s response is directly proportional to the light’s intensity. In nonlinear optics, the response becomes non-proportional, especially under laser exposure.
Back2Basics: Teak as Timber in India
- Teak (Tectona grandis) is a large deciduous hardwood tree native to India and Southeast Asia, mainly found in tropical dry and moist deciduous forests.
- It is highly valued for its durable, strong, and water- and pest-resistant wood, making it the “King of Timbers”.
- India manages 35% of the world’s planted teak forests, with major natural habitats in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- Teak is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List but is not under CITES; private plantations are crucial for meeting demand due to restrictions on commercial felling in government forests.
- Green felling is prohibited in government forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and National Forest Policy, 1988, with timber supply to be met mainly from dead/diseased trees or private plantations.
|
Recent Breakthrough:
- New Discovery: Scientists discovered that teak leaf extract can function as a natural laser shield.
- Protection Potential: The extract can block high-intensity laser beams, offering protection to human eyes and sensitive optical devices.
- First of Its Kind: This marks the first known instance of a natural material exhibiting such laser-blocking properties.
Significance for Humans:
- Practical Applications: It can be used in laser safety goggles, optical sensors, and other light-sensitive technologies.
- Safe Alternative: It offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly substitute to chemical-based laser protection materials.
- Sustainability Impact: The use of plant-based materials supports cost reduction and promotes sustainable innovation in science and optics.
| [UPSC 2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
Options: (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest* (b) Tropical rain forest (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest (d) Temperate Forest with grasslands |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2021] The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.
Linkage: The article explicitly state that the US views AI technology control as a means to “preserve its lead” against adversaries like China and Russia, seeing advanced AI capabilities as a determinant of national power, similar to nuclear weapons. |
Mentor’s Comment: The United States’ decision to withdraw the AI Diffusion Framework marks a clear change in policy, but not in its overall strategy to control AI technology. The framework had treated AI like a nuclear threat, aiming to tightly control the export of AI chips, especially to China and Russia. Its removal is seen as positive news, especially for countries like India, which were not treated fairly. However, the U.S. is now trying to achieve the same goals through technology-based controls instead of direct trade rules. This shift from open policy to hidden enforcement could hurt global AI cooperation, cause strategic caution among allies, and lead to repeating the same problems in a new way.p
Today’s editorial talks about the impact of the United States’ recent decision to cancel its AI Diffusion Framework. This topic is useful for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The United States recently cancelled its AI Diffusion Framework, a set of rules that controlled the export of AI technology. This decision is being seen as a positive move.
What is the AI Diffusion Framework?
The AI Diffusion Framework was a set of export control rules announced by the United States in early 2025. It aimed to regulate how advanced AI technology, such as AI chips and model weights, could be shared or sold to other countries.
What were the key goals of the U.S. AI Diffusion Framework?
- Restrict Access to Strategic Competitors: The framework aimed to block countries like China and Russia from obtaining advanced AI chips and model weightsto prevent them from enhancing their military and surveillance capabilities through powerful AI systems.
- Preserve U.S. Technological Leadership: By limiting the global spread of high-performance computing resources, the U.S. sought to maintain its edge in AI development and ensure that cutting-edge innovations remained concentrated within the U.S. and trusted allies.
- Create a Structured Export Control System: It introduced a clear set of rules combining export controls and licensing, aiming to simplify regulatory procedures and standardize how AI-related technology was shared or restricted across countries.
|
Why was the U.S. AI Diffusion Framework seen as counterproductive?
- Damaged trust among allies and partners: The broad restrictions impacted both rivals and friendly countries, causing diplomatic friction. Some nations that were not classified as preferred allies began investing in independent AI ecosystems to avoid overdependence on the U.S.
- Accelerated innovation in restricted regions: By limiting access to advanced AI chips, the framework pushed affected countries to create more efficient algorithms that required less computing power. This led to the development of competitive AI models that challenged the dominance of those built with high-end hardware.
Why is the framework’s withdrawal seen as beneficial for countries like India?
- Improved Access to AI Hardware and Resources: With the framework withdrawn, countries like India now face fewer barriers in acquiring high-performance AI chips and related technologies. Eg: Indian startups and research institutions can more easily procure advanced GPUs necessary for developing large AI models.
- Support for Strategic and Technological Autonomy: The removal of restrictions allows India to pursue its own AI development agenda without being constrained by another country’s policy. Eg: India can strengthen initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission and the Semiconductor Mission to build domestic capabilities.
- Enhanced Global Collaboration Opportunities: The rollback encourages deeper cooperation between India and other nations, including the U.S., in AI research and innovation. Eg: Indian firms may now engage in joint ventures or technology partnerships with U.S. companies without facing restrictive export barriers.
How do new U.S. AI chip controls reflect a continuation of earlier strategies?
- Ongoing Restriction on Adversaries: The U.S. continues to block access to advanced AI chips for countries like China by expanding export controls and adding more firms to the Entity List, just as the earlier framework aimed to do.
- Shift from Trade to Technological Enforcement: Instead of broad trade bans, the new approach focuses on hardware-level restrictions, such as embedding features in chips to monitor or limit usage, reflecting the same strategic intent in a new form.
- Sustained Focus on Controlling AI Diffusion: The introduction of location tracking mandates and usage controls in AI chips shows the U.S. is still trying to control how and where AI technology spreads, continuing the goals of limiting proliferation and maintaining dominance.
What are the global implications of U.S. AI export controls on innovation and technological sovereignty?
- Push for Technological Self-Reliance: Countries affected by the controls are investing in domestic AI ecosystems and indigenous chip manufacturing to reduce dependence on U.S. technology, leading to the rise of multiple, parallel innovation hubs around the world.
- Erosion of Trust and Collaboration: Export restrictions create privacy concerns, surveillance risks, and a sense of strategic vulnerability, prompting both allies and adversaries to hedge against U.S. influence, thereby weakening global scientific cooperation and technological integration.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government in AI chips?
- IndiaAI Mission (2024): A ₹10,000 crore initiative focused on developing compute infrastructure, datasets, and talent.
- Semiconductor Mission (ISM): Includes financial incentives and infrastructure support for AI chip manufacturing and design.
- Collaborations with the private sector: Partnerships with companies like Micron, AMD, and Tata Group to build chip fabs and R&D centres in India.
- Supercomputing initiatives: Under PARAM and National Supercomputing Mission, India is developing indigenous high-performance compute for AI workloads.
- IndiaAI compute platform: Aimed at giving startups and researchers access to high-end GPU clusters.
|
Way forward:
- Promote Inclusive and Transparent AI Governance: The U.S. and other major powers should work through multilateral platforms to create balanced AI export norms that protect security interests without stifling global innovation or alienating partners.
- Strengthen Global AI Collaboration Frameworks: Countries like India should advocate for open-access research, joint AI development programs, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure equitable access to AI technology and reduce dependency on a single ecosystem.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
India has made significant progress in expanding vaccine coverage, with a dramatic drop in the percentage of zero-dose children from 33.4% in 1992 to 6.2% in 2023. But even though India is not affected by war or extreme poverty like some other countries, it still has the second-highest number of children without any vaccination in the world.
What is the trend in global and Indian vaccine coverage?
- Global Progress: Since 1980, coverage for six major diseases—including measles, polio, and tuberculosis—has doubled worldwide, and the proportion of zero-dose children has fallen to around 75% fewer globally.
- India’s Improvement with Persistent Gaps: India has dramatically reduced zero-dose children from 33.4% in 1992 to 6.2% in 2023, yet still ranks second globally in absolute numbers, indicating significant strides amid ongoing challenges.
|
What are zero-dose children?
- Zero-dose children are those who have not received the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine.
- They are a crucial performance marker of a country’s immunisation system and indicate inequities in vaccine coverage.
Why are they important for assessing vaccination?
- Reflects health system coverage and equity: A high number of zero-dose children shows that vaccination programmes are not reaching all segments of the population. NFHS-5 (2019–21) Data also showed that full immunisation coverage among children aged 12–23 months was significantly lower in rural and tribal regions compared to urban areas (e.g., Nagaland: 57.8%, compared to Tamil Nadu: 89.8%).
- Indicates social and economic exclusion: The presence of zero-dose children highlights barriers like poverty, low maternal education, and marginalisation. Eg: Urban slums with high migrant populations tend to have more zero-dose children due to lack of awareness and access.
- Warns of vulnerability to disease outbreaks: Areas with many zero-dose children are more likely to face outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Eg: Measles outbreaks are more common in districts with poor immunisation coverage.
Why does India still have a high number of zero-dose children despite adequate resources?
- High birth rate increases absolute numbers: India has the highest number of annual births globally. In 2023, India had around 23 million births, making even a small percentage of zero-dose children translate into a large number.
- Geographical and logistical challenges: Remote tribal areas, urban slums, and migrant populations are harder to reach due to terrain, mobility, and poor infrastructure. E.g., children in parts of Meghalaya or urban Delhi, slums often miss vaccinations due to lack of access and follow-up.
- Socio-cultural barriers and vaccine hesitancy: Low maternal education, religious beliefs, and misinformation lead to vaccine hesitancy in certain communities. Eg: In some Muslim households or among Scheduled Tribes, distrust or misinformation about vaccines limits uptake.
How has India’s zero-dose child rate changed over time, especially post-COVID?
- Steady decline before the pandemic: Between 1992 and 2016, India reduced the percentage of zero-dose children from 33.4% to 10.1%, showing consistent improvement in immunisation outreach.
- Sharp rise during the COVID-19 pandemic: Disruptions in health services led to a surge in zero-dose children, increasing from 1.4 million in 2019 to 2.7 million in 2021, reversing years of progress.
- Partial recovery after the pandemic: The number dropped to 1.1 million in 2022 but rose again to 1.44 million in 2023, indicating ongoing challenges in sustaining immunisation coverage.
Where are zero-dose children mainly located in India?
- High-burden states in northern and central India: Large numbers of zero-dose children are concentrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, which have large populations and gaps in last-mile immunisation delivery.
- Northeastern and underserved regions: A relatively high proportion is also found in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, where geographic inaccessibility, scattered populations, and weaker health infrastructure pose challenges.
What actions are needed for India to meet the WHO’s 2030 immunisation target?
- Expand and intensify targeted immunisation drives: Strengthen last-mile delivery through regular and focused vaccination campaigns in underserved regions. Eg: Mission Indradhanush and its intensified versions could increase immunisation coverage in low-performing districts.
- Strengthen community-level engagement and awareness: Promote behavioural change and reduce vaccine hesitancy through culturally tailored IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities. Eg: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) encourages institutional deliveries and postnatal care, which can be used to ensure timely vaccination of newborns.
- Integrate immunisation with digital health monitoring systems: Use technology for real-time tracking of vaccine coverage and follow-up in high-birth and high-risk areas. Eg: eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) monitors vaccine stocks and cold chain availability, improving efficiency and reducing wastage.
Conclusion: India’s immunisation journey shows a mixed reality, while the country is a global leader in vaccine development, it still struggles to ensure all its children receive basic immunisation. Closing this gap is important not just for public health but also for social fairness and overall development. The need is even more urgent because India has the highest number of newborns in the world. The Immunisation Agenda 2030 should be treated as a national priority.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines?
Linkage: It explicitly deals with “vaccines” and “Indian vaccine manufacturers”. While it focuses on COVID-19 vaccines, the discussion around vaccine functionality and production capacity is fundamentally linked to the broader challenge of “Vaccinating India” and reaching “zero-dose children” for various preventable diseases.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
A new series by The Lancet highlights a major shift in global health. Type 2 diabetes, which earlier affected mostly older people, is now increasing quickly among those under 40. Around 260 million young adults worldwide already have the disease.
What distinguishes early-onset type 2 diabetes from adult-onset in impact?
- Longer disease duration with increased complications: Being diagnosed at a younger age means living longer with the disease, increasing the risk of complications like kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage throughout life. A 25-year-old with diabetes may face multiple health issues by age 40, compared to someone diagnosed at 55.
- Greater loss in life expectancy: Individuals diagnosed before the age of 30 can lose up to 15 years of life expectancy, whereas older adults diagnosed later typically lose fewer years. A young adult may not survive past their 60s if the disease is poorly managed, while an older adult may live well into their 70s or 80s.
- More disruption to personal and economic life: Early onset affects critical life stages like education, job opportunities, and family planning, placing greater mental and financial stress. A person in their 20s may have to drop out of college or limit employment due to frequent medical care needs.
Why is early-onset diabetes a major concern for Indian health systems?
- Rising burden on already stretched public healthcare: India’s healthcare system is under pressure from both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Early-onset diabetes increases the demand for long-term care, monitoring, and medication. A 2023 ICMR study found that more than 25% of diabetes cases in India are now diagnosed before the age of 40.
- Economic impact on productivity and workforce: Early-onset diabetes reduces an individual’s healthy working years and impacts productivity, especially in labour-intensive sectors. According to the ICMR 2023 study, diabetic workers lose an average of 7–8 additional workdays annually, leading to reduced output, absenteeism, and rising employer costs.
- Greater lifetime healthcare costs and complications: Early diagnosis leads to decades-long care, including medication, check-ups, and complication management, increasing costs for families and public health insurance. Eg: A young diabetic using insulin, requiring eye and kidney screenings, adds a heavy burden on schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
How do socio-economic and environmental factors drive its rise?
- Unhealthy food environments and marketing: Easy availability and aggressive marketing of processed and sugary foods through social media influence poor dietary habits among youth. Eg: Fast food delivery apps and influencer-driven trends promote ultra-processed snacks in urban areas like Delhi and Mumbai.
- Inequality in access to healthcare and lifestyle management: Low-income groups lack access to nutritious food, safe exercise spaces, and preventive healthcare, increasing risks of obesity and diabetes. Eg: Children in urban slums of Kolkata face limited health awareness and inactivity, raising early-onset diabetes risk.
- Impact of early-life undernutrition and developmental challenges: Poor maternal nutrition, low birth weight, and childhood undernourishment raise the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later, even without obesity. Eg: In rural Madhya Pradesh, undernourished children show insulin resistance despite having a low BMI.
Why is prevention more effective than treatment in tackling this issue?
- Reduces lifelong health burden and complications: Preventing diabetes avoids decades of medication, monitoring, and risks of complications like kidney or heart disease. Eg: Promoting physical activity and healthy diets in schools can reduce diabetes risk and future hospital visits.
- More cost-effective for individuals and health systems: Prevention strategies like awareness campaigns and food policies cost less than long-term drug therapy and hospitalisation. Eg: Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, adopted in over 100 countries, has reduced sugary drink sales and lowered obesity-related costs.
- Addresses root causes and promotes healthy behaviours: Focusing on prevention changes social and environmental conditions that lead to obesity and diabetes. Eg: Urban planning with parks, pedestrian paths, and fitness centres encourages active lifestyles, lowering diabetes risk.
Way forward:
- Strengthen preventive public health strategies: Implement nationwide programs promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and early screening in schools and communities to reduce risk factors from a young age.
- Ensure equitable access to care and awareness: Expand access to affordable diagnosis, lifestyle counselling, and essential medicines in both urban and rural areas, especially targeting low-income and high-risk groups.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges, and what steps need to be taken to meet them?
Linkage: This question directly addresses “newer health challenges” and the steps required to meet them. The need for “urgent investment in prevention, early diagnosis and targeted care” mentioned in the article directly aligns with the “steps to be taken” aspect of this question.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the process to delist some Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) that have not contested a single election since 2019 and whose offices are untraceable.
About Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs):
- Definition: RUPPs are political parties that are registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) but have not yet qualified as State or National Parties.
- Electoral Status: These parties may be newly registered, may have contested elections but underperformed, or may have never contested at all.
- Privileges:
- Eligibility for election symbols under specific conditions.
- Tax exemptions for donations under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- The ability to participate in elections under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
How are Political Parties Registered?
- Legal Basis: Registration is governed by Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Requirements: Parties must submit an application with their constitution or memorandum to the ECI.
- Declarations: The party must affirm adherence to the Constitution and commit to socialism, secularism, democracy, and national unity.
- Benefits: Once registered, the party can contest elections, seek a common symbol, and receive legal financial support.
Criteria for Recognition as a Political Party:
- For State Party Recognition: A party must:
- Win 6% of valid votes and 2 Assembly seats, or
- Win 3% of Assembly seats or at least 3 seats, or
- Win 1 Lok Sabha seat and 6% of valid votes in a general election from the state.
- For National Party Recognition: A party must:
- Be recognized as a State Party in 4 states, or
- Win 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from at least 3 states, or
- Poll 6% of valid votes in 4 states and win 4 Lok Sabha seats.
- Advantages of Recognition: Recognized parties get reserved symbols, broadcast time, campaign benefits, and can appoint more star campaigners.
| [UPSC 2001] Consider the following statements regarding the political parties in India:
1. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides for the registration of political parties.
2. Registration of political parties is carried out by the Election Commission.
3. A national level political party is one which is recognised in four or more States.
4. During the 1999 general elections, there were six National and 48 State level parties recognised by the Election Commission.
Options: (a) I, II and IV (b) I and III (c) II and IV (d) I, II, III and IV* |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
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.
|
| [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 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
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.
|
| [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 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
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* |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
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.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
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.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
