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  • Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX Mission) enters Preliminary Design Phase

    Why in the News?

    India and Japan have begun the preliminary design phase of the Chandrayaan-5 mission, also known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration).

    Back2Basics: Legacy of Chandrayaan Missions

    • Chandrayaan-1 (2008): First mission, focused on mineral and chemical mapping.
    • Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Orbiter mission with 98% success.
    • Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Achieved a historic soft landing on the Moon’s south pole.
    • Chandrayaan-4 (Upcoming, 2027):
      • It is a planned lunar sample return mission by ISRO, expected to launch around 2027, with the landing site near Statio Shiv Shakti at the lunar south pole.
      • The mission involves five modules launched on two LVM-3 rockets, later docked in Earth orbit to form an integrated spacecraft.
      • A robotic arm and drill will collect 2–3 kg of surface and sub-surface lunar samples for return to Earth.
      • The Re-entry Module (RM) will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere with the samples using ballistic re-entry, marking India’s first attempt at sample return.
    • Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX: Aimed at deeper exploration with global participation.
    • Manned Lunar Mission: Prospected lunar landing by 2040.

    About Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX Mission:

    • It is a collaborative mission between ISRO and JAXA.
    • Approval: Cabinet approval for the mission was granted on March 10, 2025.
    • Launch: It will carry a 6.5-tonne payload and launch aboard Japan’s H3 rocket in 2027–28.
    • Collaboration: The lander is being developed by ISRO and the 350-kg rover by JAXA.
    • Duration: The mission is expected to last 100 days, with a possible extension of one year.
    • Mission Goals and Objectives:
      • Explore water and regolith in the lunar south pole’s Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs).
      • Drill into the Moon’s surface, analyse soil samples, and perform in-situ experiments.
      • Assess water content, quality, and analyse surface volatiles using advanced instrumentation.
      • Exploration of the far side of the Moon.

    Scientific Collaboration and Instruments:

    • A total of 7 scientific instruments will be onboard the mission.
    • ISRO’s Contribution: Development of the lander; creation of one sensor in a major four-sensor instrument.
    • JAXA’s Contribution: Development of the rover and three sensors in the same instrument; Rover is designed to climb 25° inclines and operate on a complex battery charging protocol.
    • ESA (European Space Agency): Developing a mass spectrometer.
    • NASA: Contributing neutron spectrometers.
    [UPSC 2009] In the context of space technology, what is Bhuvan, recently in the news?

    Options: (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India* (d) A space telescope developed by India

     

  • Why UK is tightening immigration rules, how Indians will be affected

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the United Kingdom (UK) has announced new plans to change its immigration rules to reduce the number of people moving to the country.

    What are the key immigration reforms proposed to control net migration?

    • Raising Skilled Worker Visa Threshold: The requirement for the ‘skilled worker’ visa will be raised from the senior secondary level (A-level) back to the degree level. (The previous Conservative government lowered it to A-level in 2020.)
    • Ending Social Care Visas: The UK will no longer issue social care visas to foreign workers, reversing the post-COVID-19 expansion that allowed easier entry for care workers.
    • Reducing Graduate Visa Duration: The graduate visa, which allows international students to stay and work after completing their studies, will be shortened from 2 years to 18 months (3 years for PhD holders).
    • English Language Requirement for Dependents: Dependents of visa holders will now have to meet English language proficiency requirements to promote social integration.
    • Increasing Settlement Period: The minimum qualifying period for ‘settlement’ (permanent residency) will be increased from 5 years to 10 years.

    Why has the UK decided to discontinue social care visas for foreign workers?

    • Increased Migration and Pressure on Services: The rise in social care visas after COVID-19 led to a large influx of foreign care workers, which added strain to public services and housing. Eg: Over 114,000 additional health and care worker visas were issued between 2021 and 2023, mainly to South Asian and African nationals.
    • Reducing Low-Skilled Migration: The government plans to reduce low-skilled migration by raising visa requirements, such as increasing the skill level from A-level to a degree. Eg: Social care sector.
    • Promoting Domestic Workforce Development: There is a push to invest in training and apprenticeships for UK residents instead of relying on imported cheap labour. Eg: PM Starmer highlighted the need to focus on local skills development rather than importing workers in sectors like social care.

    Who are the major beneficiaries of the UK’s visa ?

    • South Asian Nationals: A large number of work visas were issued to workers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Eg: Many Indian care workers received health and care visas between 2021 and 2023.
    • Sub-Saharan African Nationals: Significant numbers of care workers came from countries like Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Nigeria. Eg: The visa route helped fill care sector jobs with workers from these African nations.

    How have Indian students and workers been affected by recent changes in UK visa policies?

    • Shorter Post-Study Work Visa: Graduate visa reduced from 2 years to 18 months, limiting job opportunities for Indian students. Eg, many now have less time to build careers in the UK.
    • Higher Skill Requirements: Skilled worker visas now require a degree-level qualification, excluding some mid-skilled jobs. Eg, Indian engineers and healthcare workers face stricter eligibility.
    • English Language Rules for Dependents: Dependents must meet English proficiency requirements to promote integration. Eg, Indian families may find it harder to join relatives.
    • Longer Residency for Settlement: Permanent residency eligibility increased from 5 to 10 years. Eg, Indians must wait longer to settle permanently.
    • Increased Tuition Costs: Proposed 6% fee levy on international students raises study costs. Eg, this could discourage Indian students from studying in the UK.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Domestic Skill Development: Invest significantly in vocational training and apprenticeships to reduce dependency on low-skilled foreign labour and create local employment opportunities.
    • Balance Migration Policies: Implement targeted immigration reforms that maintain the UK’s competitiveness in attracting global talent while ensuring sustainable public service capacity and social integration.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2023] Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

    Linkage: The tightening of immigration rules in Western countries like the UK directly impacts the size, composition, and potential “scaling of new heights” of the diaspora, and thus implicitly affects the economic and political benefits for India.

  • Under control: On the latest inflation data 

    Why in the News?

    Retail inflation dropped to 3.16% in April, marking its lowest level in nearly six years. This shows that prices are rising more slowly, bringing relief to consumers and policymakers.

    What caused the recent fall in retail and wholesale inflation in April?

    • Sharp Drop in Vegetable Prices: Retail inflation was driven down by a nearly 11% drop in vegetable prices. Eg: Wholesale potato prices fell by 24.3% compared to April last year.
    • Falling Crude Oil and Fuel Prices: Crude oil and natural gas inflation hit a 22-month low of -15.55%. Eg: Petrol prices contracted by 7.7%, and diesel by 5.04% at the wholesale level.
    • Government Measures to Control Prices: Actions like open market foodgrain releases, buffer stock management, and eased imports helped stabilize supply. Eg: These steps helped prevent food shortages and kept overall food inflation at 2.55%, a 22-month low.

    Why is the contraction in vegetable prices considered partly due to the base effect?

    • High Inflation Last Year (Base Effect): In April last year, vegetable inflation was very high, in the range of 27%-30%. Eg: A sharp rise last year creates a high base, making even stable or slightly falling prices this year appear like a large drop.
    • Statistical Comparison Distortion: Inflation is measured year-on-year, so a high base can exaggerate the percentage fall in the current period.Eg: If tomato prices were ₹100 last year and are ₹90 now, it shows a 10% fall—but last year’s ₹100 was unusually high.
    • Not Solely Due to Supply Improvement: The large fall in prices this year is not only because of better supply or government action but also due to last year’s spike. Eg: Last year’s shortages due to unseasonal rains had led to higher prices, inflating the base.

    How have government actions helped in easing inflation?

    • Strengthening Buffer Stocks: The government has maintained adequate buffer stocks of food items like rice, wheat, and pulses to manage supply shocks. Eg: Releasing pulses from buffer stocks during price spikes helped stabilise market supply and reduce inflationary pressure.
    • Open Market Sales to Regulate Prices: Through open market operations, the government released surplus food items into the market to control prices. Eg: Open sale of onions and tomatoes by agencies like NAFED helped bring down retail prices during seasonal spikes.
    • Relaxation of Import Restrictions:  The government eased import norms and reduced import duties on key commodities during shortages. Eg: Reduction in import duties on edible oils and pulses led to higher supply and reduced food inflation.

    What policy actions are expected from the RBI and the government based on the latest inflation data? (Way forward)

    • Likely Cut in Interest Rates by RBI: With inflation easing, especially retail inflation falling for six consecutive months, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) may cut policy rates to support growth. Eg: The RBI might reduce the repo rate in the upcoming June review to boost borrowing and investment.
    • Reduction in Fuel Prices by Oil Marketing Companies: With crude oil inflation hitting a 22-month low, the government is expected to direct public sector oil companies to cut petrol, diesel, and LPG prices. Eg: Despite a 42% fall in global crude prices over three years, retail fuel prices remained almost unchanged; a correction is now anticipated.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.

    Linkage: “India’s Easing Inflation and Policy Implications” discusses the latest inflation data, noting the easing of both retail and wholesale inflation, largely driven by a contraction in vegetable and pulse prices.

  • [15th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Operation Sindoor — a reshaping of confrontation

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2021] How is S-400 air defence missile system different from any other system presently available in the world?

    Linkage: Air defence systems are vital in modern warfare like Operation Sindoor for controlling the skies and protecting against enemy air strikes, including missiles.  

     

    Mentor’s Comment: Operation Sindoor is no longer just a conflict between two countries. It shows how wars are now fought around the world, with new technology, smart strategies, and control of information changing the way military battles happen.

    Today’s editorial explains how Operation Sindoor has changed the way military conflicts happen. This information is useful for preparing GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Defence).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The recent India-Pakistan standoff shows an important change in how wars are fought in today’s world.

    How has Operation Sindoor reshaped the nature of military confrontation?

    • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)/Drones: India used SkyStriker Kamikaze drones for precision strikes, while Pakistan deployed 300–400 Turkish-made Songar drones across 36 locations, marking a shift to unmanned, low-risk, and high-impact warfare.
    • Swarm Drone Technology: The large-scale use of drone swarms by Pakistan showcased how mass deployment of inexpensive, expendable drones can overwhelm enemy defences and replace traditional air force formations.
    • Layered Air Defence Systems: India’s defence relied on a combination of Akash, QRSAM, S-400 (Russia), and Barak-8 (India-Israel) systems, reflecting a transition from fixed missile platforms to multi-layered, dynamic defence networks.
    • Real-time Digital Integration Systems: The Akashteer system allowed India to digitally integrate radar inputs for real-time threat assessment and response, enabling smarter and quicker decision-making in combat.
    • Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS): IACCS enabled seamless coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, turning joint operations from theory into an operational reality and enhancing battlefield synchronization.

    How have drones transformed India’s aerial warfare strategy?

    • Unmanned Combat: India has shifted from relying on costly manned fighter jets to using drones, enabling precision strikes with minimal risk to personnel. Eg: Deployment of SkyStriker Kamikaze drones for targeted attacks during Operation Sindoor.
    • Swarm Warfare: The ability to deploy large numbers of inexpensive drones allows India to overwhelm enemy defences through swarm tactics, increasing operational effectiveness. Eg: Use of multiple expendable drones to saturate Pakistan’s air defence systems.
    • Intelligence and Precision: Drones provide real-time reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, improving accuracy and reducing collateral damage in strikes. Eg: SkyStriker drones probing Pakistan’s air defence and conducting precise strikes with minimal human risk.

    Why is information warfare crucial in the India-Pakistan standoff?

    • Strategic Weapon Beyond Propaganda: Information warfare has evolved from mere propaganda to a powerful strategic tool that can influence perceptions and morale. Eg: Pakistan circulated doctored videos and fabricated claims to manipulate international and domestic opinions.
    • Psychological Impact on Morale: It aims to weaken the enemy’s resolve by creating confusion, fear, and doubt among both military personnel and civilians. Eg: Disinformation campaigns targeting India’s morale during the standoff.
    • Control of Narratives: Controlling information flow helps shape global and domestic narratives, influencing diplomatic support and international response. Eg: Both India and Pakistan using social media to project their respective versions of events.
    • Creation of Strategic Ambiguity: Manipulating information can create uncertainty and complicate the opponent’s decision-making process. Eg: Use of conflicting reports and misinformation to keep adversaries guessing about actual military capabilities and intentions.

    What are the three key doctrines outlined by the Prime Minister in his first speech on Operation Sindoor?

    1. Decisive Retaliation on India’s Terms: India will respond firmly and appropriately to any terrorist attack, delivering a befitting response strictly on its terms and taking action against all sources of terrorism.
    2. No Tolerance for Nuclear Blackmail: India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail and will strike precisely and decisively at terrorist hideouts operating under the shield of nuclear threats.
    3. No Distinction Between Terrorists and their Sponsors: India will treat the government sponsoring terrorism and the terrorist masterminds as the same, continuing decisive steps to counter state-sponsored terrorism and protect the nation.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Indigenous Innovation: Accelerate the development and deployment of homegrown advanced technologies like AI-enabled drone swarms, next-gen air defence, and electronic warfare to maintain a strategic edge over Chinese-origin systems.
    • Strengthen Joint Operations & Intelligence Sharing: Improve seamless integration among armed forces and boost real-time intelligence to swiftly counter emerging threats from adversaries using sophisticated foreign defence platforms.

  • Principled Criminalization and the Police as Pivot

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Supreme Court of India gave an important decision in the case of Imran Pratapgarhi v. State of Gujarat (2025 INSC 410). The judgment focused on balancing the fundamental right to freedom of speech with the police’s duty to register a First Information Report (FIR).

    What is the significance of procedural criminal law in ensuring principled criminalisation?

    • Prevents Abuse of Power: Procedural criminal law enforces checks on state power by ensuring investigations, arrests, and prosecutions follow due process and protect fundamental rights (e.g., right to life and liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution). Eg: In Imran Pratapgarhi vs State of Gujarat, the Supreme Court quashed the FIR because the police violated the procedural requirement under Section 173(3) of BNSS, thereby infringing upon the right to free speech.
    • Filters Out Malicious Prosecutions: By setting guidelines (like preliminary inquiries), procedural law prevents unnecessary or politically motivated criminal cases from being registered and escalating into full investigations or arrests. Eg: Section 173(3) allows police to conduct a 14-day preliminary inquiry in certain cases before registering an FIR, thereby avoiding the criminalisation of non-serious or false complaints.
    • Enhances Accountability: Police have significant discretion in the criminal process. Procedural law regulates this discretion, ensuring it is used transparently and fairly, preventing arbitrary or biased action. Eg: Without proper procedural checks, police may over-police minor infractions while ignoring more serious offences, leading to imbalanced enforcement of law.

    Why did the Supreme Court quash the FIR against Imran Pratapgarhi?

    • Violation of Procedural Safeguards: The police failed to conduct a mandatory preliminary inquiry before registering an FIR, as required under Section 173(3) for offences punishable with less than seven years. Eg: The alleged offence related to a poem posted on social media, which falls within this category. The police were required to first assess whether a prima facie case existed — they did not.
    • Protection of Freedom of Speech: The FIR was filed for the alleged posting of an “inflammatory” poem, but the Court noted it was an exercise of free speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Eg: Criminal proceedings against protected speech must pass a higher threshold. The Court emphasized that misuse of law to curb free expression violates constitutional freedoms.
    • Prevention from Frivolous Criminalisation: The Court found that the police had acted in a hasty and unjustified manner, triggering criminal law machinery for what could be a frivolous or politically motivated complaint. Eg: The judgment cited the intent of Section 173(3) — to avoid over-criminalisation in cases involving less serious offences, especially those entangled with fundamental rights.

    How does Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita aim to prevent unnecessary criminalisation?

    • Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) aims to prevent unnecessary criminalisation by allowing police to conduct a preliminary inquiry within 14 days before registering an FIR for cognisable offences punishable with 3 to less than 7 years.
    • This ensures that only cases with prima facie merit proceed, acting as a safeguard against frivolous or politically motivated complaints and police overreach.

    Who plays a central role in the actual implementation of criminalisation?

    • The police play the central role in the practical application of criminalisation. They are the first responders—detecting crime, registering FIRs, investigating, and arresting suspects.
    • The discretion exercised by the police significantly affects how criminal laws are enforced, and whether they lead to over-criminalisation or under-criminalisation. Therefore, how the police interpret and act under procedural law (e.g., Section 173(3)) directly influences the legitimacy and fairness of the criminal justice system.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Police Training and Accountability: Enhance training on procedural law and human rights for police to ensure responsible use of discretion, coupled with strict accountability mechanisms to prevent misuse and overreach.
    • Improve Legal Safeguards and Oversight: Institutionalise mandatory preliminary inquiries and judicial oversight in sensitive cases to protect fundamental rights and prevent frivolous or politically motivated criminalisation.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2013] Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.

    Linkage: This reflects the broader theme of how laws that define behaviour as potentially punishable (part of the criminalisation process) are scrutinised based on their impact on fundamental rights, a dynamic echoed in the article discussion of the Imran Pratapgarhi case where police action (governed by procedural law) affecting freedom of speech was reviewed by the Supreme Court.

  • How did India develop genome edited rice?

    Why in the News?

    Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently said that India is the first country in the world to create rice varieties using genome editing technology.

    What are the new varieties?

    A team of researchers from different institutions, led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), developed two new rice varieties — DRR Dhan 100 (called Kamala), made from the high-yielding Samba Mahsuri rice, and Pusa DST Rice 1, made from the Maruteru 1010 (MTU1010) variety.

    What are the benefits of the new rice varieties Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1?

    • Higher Yield: Both varieties produce more rice per hectare than their parent strains. Eg: Kamala yields 5.37 tonnes/ha vs. Samba Mahsuri’s 4.5 tonnes/ha; Pusa DST Rice 1 yields 3,508 kg/ha, which is 9.66% more than MTU1010’s 3,199 kg/ha.
    • Drought Tolerance: Kamala is more resilient to drought, ensuring stable harvests during water shortages. Eg: Farmers can harvest good crops with less water in drought-prone areas using Kamala.
    • Early Maturity: Kamala matures 20 days earlier, reducing resource use and allowing faster crop cycles. Eg: Early harvest saves water and fertilizer, enabling farmers to grow a second crop sooner.
    • Salinity and Alkalinity Resistance: Pusa DST Rice 1 tolerates coastal salinity and alkaline soils better than its parent, boosting yield in tough environments. Eg: It yields 30.4% more under coastal salinity and 14.66% more under alkalinity than MTU1010.
    • Reduced Environmental Impact: Early maturity of Kamala lowers methane emissions from rice fields, helping fight climate change. Eg: Shorter growing period means less methane released compared to traditional rice varieties.

    Why are there objections to the genome-edited rice varieties?

    • Lack of Transparency: There is concern that the genome-edited rice varieties were announced without adequate field-level data being shared publicly, making the scientific claims appear premature. Eg: Venugopal Badaravada, a former ICAR governing body member, criticized the lack of transparency and was later expelled, raising concerns about institutional accountability.
    • Regulatory Concerns: Critics argue that exempting genome-edited crops (especially SDN-1 and SDN-2) from GM regulations is legally questionable and may bypass biosafety evaluations. Eg: The Coalition for a GM-Free India stated that de-regulating gene editing is “outright illegal” under India’s current biosafety framework.
    • Seed Sovereignty and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Activists fear that the gene-editing tools used are patented, which could threaten farmers’ seed rights and give control to private corporations. Eg: Concerns were raised about IPR entanglements with the technologies used in Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1, potentially compromising India’s food and seed sovereignty.

    When will the new rice seeds be available for farmers?

    The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) anticipates that certified seeds of these varieties will be available to farmers within two years, following the completion of necessary processes such as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) registration and seed multiplication.

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Transparent Evaluation: Conduct multi-location field trials and publicly share performance data to build scientific credibility and public trust.
    • Safeguard Farmer Rights and Regulatory Oversight: Develop a clear IPR policy and establish robust, independent biosafety review mechanisms to protect seed sovereignty and address legal concerns.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2020] In what way have the science-based technologies triggered off striking changes in agriculture?

    Linkage: Genome editing is a science-based technology that represents a significant advancement capable of triggering changes in agriculture by developing improved crop varieties.

  • India eases Solar Panel Efficiency Norms for Off-Grid Rural Projects

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has lowered the efficiency requirement for off-grid solar panels to make rural electrification easier and more affordable.

    About India’s Off-Grid Solar Programme:

    • About: The programme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to provide solar energy access in regions without reliable grid electricity.
    • Mission Framework: Implemented under the National Solar Mission (2010), it aimed to install 2,000 megawatt-peak (MW-P) of off-grid and decentralised systems by 2022.
    • Phased Implementation:
      1. Phase I (2010–2014) targeted 200 MW-P capacity.
      2. Phase II (2014–2017) expanded to 500 MW-P with a focus on lighting, pumps, and study lamps.
      3. Phase III (2018–2021) emphasised solar streetlights, study lamps, and solar plants for public institutions.
    • Restructuring: Solar pumps were moved to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan scheme (PM-KUSUM), and solar home lights were integrated into the Saubhagya Scheme.
    • Key Applications: Included solar home lighting systems, streetlights, lanterns, study lamps, power packs, and water pumps for irrigation and drinking.

    India’s Progress in Off-Grid Solar Energy:

    • Installed Capacity: As of April 2025, India’s total solar capacity reached 107.95 gigawatts, with 4.98 gigawatts from off-grid systems.
    • Capacity Growth: From 2016 to 2024, solar installations grew from 172.45 gigawatts to 216.86 gigawatts.
    • Recent Trends: In 2024, adoption rose as solar appliances became more affordable in remote and underserved regions.
    • Impact: The programme has been vital for electrification in areas where grid expansion is limited by geography, cost, or infrastructure.

    Tap to know more about India’s Solar Capacity and its Global Position.

    [UPSC 2020] With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements:

    1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps.

    2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.

    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*

     

  • [pib] Changes in Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from 2025

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced major changes to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).

    About Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):

    • Purpose: To measure employment and unemployment nationwide.
    • Conducted by: National Statistical Office (NSO) under the MoSPI, it has been active since 2017.
    • Estimate 3 core indicators: Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR).
    • Frequency: It provides Quarterly estimates for Urban areas and Annual estimates for both Rural and Urban areas.
    • Methodology: Employment is measured using 2 reference periods — Usual Status (activity in the last 365 days) and Current Weekly Status (activity in the last 7 days).
    Note:

    • Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): It is defined as the percentage of persons in labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population.
    • Worker Population Ratio (WPR): It is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population.
    • Unemployment Rate (UR): It is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force.
    [UPSC 2022] In India, which one of the following compiles information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments and lay-offs in factories employing workers?

    Options: (a) Central Statistics Office (b) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (c) Labour Bureau * (d) National Technical Manpower Information System

     

  • Scientists at CERN Create Gold from Lead

    Why in the News?

    In a recent breakthrough at CERN’s ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment), scientists observed that near-collisions of lead ions in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) can result in the formation of gold atoms and other novel nuclei.

    How was Lead converted into Gold?

    • In ultra-peripheral collisions at the Large Hadron Collider, lead atoms passed close without touching, creating strong electromagnetic fields.
    • These fields released photons that caused some lead atoms to lose 3 protons and 2 neutrons, transforming them into gold-203.
    • Between 2015–2018, 86 billion gold atoms were created—just 29 picograms—scientifically important but not commercially valuable.

    About the Large Hadron Collider (LHC):

    • The LHC has been working since September 2008 and is the world’s largest particle accelerator.
    • Development: Between 1998 and 2008 in collaboration with over 10,000 scientists, and hundreds of universities and laboratories across more than 100 countries.
    • Location: It lies in a 27-kilometre tunnel under the France–Switzerland border, near Geneva, and is operated by CERN.
    • Purpose: It smashes protons or lead atoms together to help scientists study the smallest building blocks of the universe.
    • Working Mechanism: About 9,600 magnets guide particles in a circle using strong magnetic fields.
    • Speed: Particles travel at 99.999999% the speed of light, creating conditions like the Big Bang.
    • Particles Studied: The LHC focuses on quarks (which come in six types) and gluons, which hold quarks together using the strong nuclear force.
    • Members: 24 countries spans across the Europe. Japan and US are Observer.
    • India and LHC: 
      • India signed a cooperation agreement with CERN in 1991 and joined its Large Hadron Collider project in 1996; it became an Associate Member in 2016 after gaining Observer status in 2002.
      • India also helped design LHC components such as superconducting magnets, cryogenic systems, and accelerator protection systems.

    About the ALICE Experiment:

    • ALICE is designed to study heavy-ion collisions, mainly using lead atoms.
    • Objective: It recreates matter similar to that formed just after the Big Bang, helping us understand the early universe.
    • Detection Range: ALICE can study both large particle blasts and rare, low-energy events with high precision.
    • Size and Setup: It weighs 10,000 tons, measures 26 × 16 × 16 metres, and sits 56 metres underground.
    • Members: As of 2024, ALICE includes over 1,900 scientists from 174 institutes across 39 countries, including India.
    • India’s Contribution: Key instruments like the Photon Multiplicity Detector for ALICE and the Hadron Outer Calorimeter for CMS.

     

    [UPSC 2009] In the year 2008, which one of the following conducted a complex scientific experiment in which sub-atomic particles were accelerated to nearly the speed of light?

    Options: (a) European Space Agency (b) European Organization for Nuclear Research* (c) International Atomic Energy Agency (d) National Aeronautics and Space administration

     

  • Justice B.R. Gavai takes charge as 52nd CJI

    Why in the News?

    Justice B.R. Gavai has been sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI).

    About the Chief Justice of India:

    • The CJI is the head of the Supreme Court and the highest-ranking judicial officer in the country.
    • As the “Master of the Roster,” the CJI has the exclusive authority to:
      • Constitute benches
      • Allocate cases among judges
      • Decide the schedule of hearings
    • The CJI leads the judicial and administrative functions of the Supreme Court.
      • Holds administrative control as recognised in State of Rajasthan v. Prakash Chand (1997).
    • The CJI is referred to as “first among equals” among Supreme Court judges.

    Powers and functions of the CJI:

    • Judicial Functions:
      • Assigns judges to the Constitution Benches. (Article 145)
      • Handles interpretation of important legal and constitutional matters. (Article 145)
      • Exercises judicial leadership by steering jurisprudential direction. (Article 145)
      • Exercises judicial authority in matters of national significance. (Article 136)
      • Protects fundamental rights through the Supreme Court’s original and appellate jurisdiction. (Article 32)
    • Administrative Functions:
      • Maintains court roster and case listing. (Derived from judicial precedent and administrative conventions)
      • Supervises court staff and administration. (Based on administrative authority of the CJI)
      • Ensures smooth functioning of the Supreme Court. (Supreme Court Rules, 2013)
      • Holds disciplinary authority over subordinate judicial officers. (Administrative powers acknowledged in precedents)
      • Engages in administration of justice at the highest level. (Overarching responsibility under Article 145)
    • Advisory Function:
      • Provides advisory input when consulted by the President. (Article 143)

    Appointment and Terms:

    • Article 124 of the Constitution empowers the President of India to appoint the CJI.
    • Traditionally, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed.
    • Exceptions to this practice:
      • 1973: Justice A.N. Ray appointed over 3 senior judges.
      • 1977: Justice M.H. Beg appointed over Justice H.R. Khanna.
    • Qualifications as outlined in Article 124(3):
      • Must be a citizen of India, and:
      • Served at least five years as a High Court judge, or
      • Practised at least ten years as a High Court advocate, or
      • Deemed a distinguished jurist by the President.

    Selection Procedure:

    • Governed by the Memorandum of Procedure for Appointment of Supreme Court Judges.
    • The Union Law Minister seeks the outgoing CJI’s recommendation.
    • The recommendation is processed as follows:
      • Sent to the Prime Minister by the Law Ministry.
      • Prime Minister advises the President.
      • President of India appoints the new CJI.
    • No specific timeline is defined — the recommendation must be made at the “appropriate time”.

    Tenure and Removal:

    • CJI serves until the age of 65 years.
    • Can only be removed through removal under Article 124(4):
      • Requires approval by both Houses of Parliament.
      • Must be supported by:
        • A majority of total membership, and
        • A two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
      • Grounds for removal: Proven misbehavior or incapacity.
    [UPSC 2021] With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:

    1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
    2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgment as the Supreme Court does

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options:  (a) 1 only  (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 * (d) Neither I nor 2