💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Archives: News

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    NexCAR19: India’s First Indigenous CAR T- Cell Therapy for Cancer

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

    Why in the news?

    • President Droupadi Murmu has unveiled ‘NexCAR19’ India’s first indigenously-developed CAR T-cell therapy for cancer treatment.

    What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?

    What is it?
    • CAR-T cell therapy stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell therapy.
    • It is a type of cancer immunotherapy that uses the patient’s own T cells, genetically modified in a laboratory to enhance their ability to locate and destroy cancer cells.
    How does it work?
    • T cells are white blood cells responsible for identifying and fighting illness and infection.
    • Each T cell has a receptor that can recognize antigens (proteins or molecules recognized by the immune system).
    • Cancer cells may have antigens that the immune system does not recognize as abnormal, allowing cancer to evade the immune response.
    • CAR-T cells are genetically engineered in the lab to express a new receptor that can bind to cancer cells and effectively kill them.
    Therapy Process The process involves several steps, including:

    1. Collecting T Cells: Blood is drawn from the patient’s arm, and T cells are separated from the blood using an apheresis machine.

    2. Engineering T Cells: In a laboratory, the T cells are modified by adding a manufactured CAR, and they are allowed to multiply and grow.

    3. Infusing CAR-T Cells: Once enough CAR-T cells are prepared, they are injected back into the patient’s arm.

    • Chemotherapy may be recommended before CAR-T cell infusion to enhance treatment effectiveness.
    • The process can take place in an outpatient infusion center or a hospital setting.
    Cancers Treated
    • CAR-T cell therapy is effective against certain types of cancer, especially when other treatments are ineffective.
    • It is currently FDA-approved for treating haematological malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

     

    NexCAR19: India’s Indigenously Developed CAR-T Therapy

    • NexCAR19 is designed to target cancer cells carrying the CD19 protein, a marker on cancer cells, enhancing precision in treatment.
    • It has been developed jointly by IIT Bombay and the Tata Memorial Centre.
    • Initially approved for patients aged 15 and above with B-cell lymphomas who did not respond to standard treatments, leading to relapse or recurrence.

    Effectiveness and Unique Features

    • Approximately 70% of patients respond to NexCAR19 treatment, with some achieving complete remission.
    • Lab and animal studies indicate lower drug-related toxicities, including reduced neurotoxicity and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS).
    • Trials for paediatric patients are underway at Tata Memorial Hospital, ensuring broader applicability.

    Availability and Affordability

    • ImmunoACT is in the process of securing licenses and partnering with hospitals, including Tata Memorial, Nanavati, Fortis, and Jaslok, across multiple cities.
    • Initially priced at Rs 30-40 lakh, ImmunoACT aims to eventually reduce the cost to Rs 10-20 lakh, making the therapy more accessible.

    PYQ:

    2017:

    Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?

     

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the CAR-T Cell Therapy, consider the following statements:

    1.    T cells are Red Blood Cells responsible for identifying and fighting illness and infection.

    2.    Each T cell has a receptor that can recognize antigens (proteins or molecules recognized by the immune system).

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Indian Laurel Tree (Terminalia tomentosa)

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

    Why in the news?

    • Forest Department officials’ examination of an Indian laurel tree (Terminalia tomentosa) in Papikonda National Park has showcased its remarkable water storage capability.
    • This discovery sheds light on the indigenous knowledge shared by the Konda Reddi tribe regarding the tree’s unique attributes.

    Konda Reddi Tribe

     

    • The Konda Reddis are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the Godavari riverbanks and the hilly forest areas of Godavari and Khammam districts in Andhra Pradesh.
    • The family structure is patriarchal and patrilocal, with monogamy as the norm with some exceptions.
    • The Konda Reddis are primarily Hindus with folk customs, which involves local traditions and worship of community-level deities.
    • They have their own social control institution called ‘Kula Panchayat’.
    • Each village has a traditional headman known as ‘Pedda Kapu’, whose role is hereditary.
    • Their primary occupation is shifting cultivation, relying on forest flora and fauna for sustenance.
    • Jowar cultivation is prevalent, serving as their staple food.
    • They collect and sell non-timber forest products like tamarind, adda leaves, myrobolan, and broomsticks to supplement their income.

     

    About Papikonda NP

     

    • Papikonda NP is located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh.
    • It was established as a national park in the year 2008.
    • It is characterized by hilly landscapes, dense moist deciduous forest.
    • The presence of the Godavari River cuts through the Papikonda hill range of Eastern Ghats.

     

    About Indian Laurel Tree

    Description
    Scientific Name Terminalia tomentosa
    Common Names Indian Laurel Tree, Crocodile Bark Tree, Anjan Tree
    Habitat Found in Deciduous forests
    Bark Scissored and cracked bark, resembling crocodile skin (From November to February)
    Water Storage Ability Only 5-10% of trees observed to store water in the stem
    Water Storage Mechanism Development of lateral ridge, known as a wing, on trunk, indicating water presence
    Water Collection 4-6 litres of potable water can be collected from a fully grown tree by making a small hole in the wing
    Traditional Use Used by tribal communities, such as the Konda Reddi Tribe, as a water source during dry seasons
    Adaptability Thrives in various conditions, including harsh weather and drought

     

    PYQ:

    2015:

    In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

    (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest

    (b) Tropical rain forest

    (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest

    (d) Temperate forest with grasslands

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The Indian Laurel Tree (Terminalia tomentosa) recently seen in news is famous for its:

    (a) Ability to store water in its trunk

    (b) Therapeutic use in the treatment of Cancer

    (c) Aromatic Timber

    (d) Pulp for paper industry

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    [pib] Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA)

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the news?

    This newscard is an excerpt from an explainer published in the PIB.

    Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA)

    • ABHA, an integral part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), serves as a link for all health records of an individual.
    • It is a sub-component of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission launched in September 2021.
    • It is a 14-digit id employed to uniquely identify individuals, verify their identity, and connect their health records (with their consent) across various systems and stakeholders.

    Features of ABHA

    • Cashless Transactions: ABHA enables cashless transactions for eligible beneficiaries, reducing the financial burden during medical emergencies.
    • Electronic Health Records (EHR): It integrates electronic health records, facilitating storage, and retrieval of patient information for streamlined healthcare delivery.
    • Portability: ABHA accounts are portable across various healthcare providers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring seamless access to services.
    • Real-time Monitoring: Incorporating real-time monitoring mechanisms to track fund utilization, ABHA ensures efficient allocation and prevents misuse.

    Various Components

    • Beneficiary Identification: ABHA involves the identification and registration of eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, assigning a unique health identification number (UHID).
    • Funds Management: It manages the allocation and disbursement of funds for healthcare services, ensuring prompt and secure transfers.
    • Claim Settlement: ABHA processes and settles claims submitted by healthcare providers, verifying authenticity, and disbursing payments.
    • Audit and Oversight: Incorporating audit mechanisms to monitor fund utilization, ABHA ensures compliance with regulations and maintains system integrity.

    Back2Basics: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

    Details
    Umbrella Scheme
    1. Ayushman Bharat
    2. Incepted in National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
    Launch Year 2018
    Components
    1. Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
    2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
    Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
    • Offers a sum insured of Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care
    • Provides cashless and paperless access to services at any empanelled hospital across India
    • Portable scheme, allowing beneficiaries to avail treatment at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital
    Coverage
    • 3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation
    • Includes diagnostic care and expenses on medicines
    • No restriction on family size, age, or gender
    • Covers all pre-existing conditions from day one
    Beneficiaries Identified through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data
    Funding
    • Shared funding: 60:40 for states and UTs with legislature, 90:10 in Northeast states and J&K,
    • Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, 100% central funding for UTs without legislature
    Nodal Agency National Health Authority (NHA)

    • Autonomous entity under the Society Registration Act, 1860
    • Responsible for effective implementation of PM-JAY in alliance with state governments

    State Health Agency (SHA)

    • Apex body of the State Government responsible for the implementation of AB PM-JAY in the State

     

    PYQ:

    2021:

    “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements about the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):

    1.    3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation.

    2.    Includes diagnostic care and expenses on medicines.

    3.    No restriction on family size, age, or gender.

    4.    Beneficiaries are identified from national family health survey.

    How many of the above discussed features is/are correct?

    (a) One

    (b) Two

    (c) Three

    (d) Four

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    Criollo: Cattle Breed that can withstand Climate Change

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

    Why in the news?

    Irish researchers discovered that Criollo cattle are well-adapted to Climate Change due to their ability to thrive in hot and humid conditions, which they have developed over many years.

    About Criollo Cattle Breed

    Details
    Origin Latin America, particularly in regions such as Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America
    Historical Context
    • Criollo cattle trace their roots back to the arrival of Spanish cattle in the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries.
    • Initially brought from La Gomera in the Spanish Canary Islands, adapted to diverse environments.
    Physical Appearance
    • Small to medium-sized cattle with a compact body structure
    • Adapted to various climates, including tropical and subtropical regions
    • Short, sleek coat, often in various colors such as black, brown, or red
    Adaptability Known for their resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments

    Well-suited to extensive grazing systems and low-input management practices
    Disease Resistance Developed natural resistance to various diseases prevalent in their native regions, such as tick-borne illnesses and parasites
    Economic Importance
    • Valued for their ability to utilize low-quality forages and adaptability to diverse environments
    • Serve as a sustainable source of meat and dairy products for local communities

     

    PYQ:

    2016:

    What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?

    1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.

    2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.

    3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The Criollo cattle breed has recently found mention in the news for its:

    (a) Breeding Capacity

    (b) Nutrients-rich Milk

    (c) Adaptability to Climate Change

    (d) Life Expectancy

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Finance Commission – Issues related to devolution of resources

    Should State Governments borrow more? | Explained

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Government Budgeting,Indian Economy

    Why in the News? 

    Recently, the SC rejected Kerala’s plea for immediate relief in its case urging the Union government to ease borrowing constraints, allowing the state to secure extra funds in the ongoing fiscal year.

    State governments receive funds from three sources:

    • Own revenues (tax and non-tax)
    • Transfers from the Union government as shares of taxes and as grants 
    • Market borrowings

    Fiscal Demands for Extra Funds: 

    • Increased Expenditure: In 2020-21, the Kerala government sharply increased its spending to 18% of its GSDP, to provide economic relief in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, aided by the relaxation in borrowing norms then
    • Central Gov transfers to Kerala declined: As ratios of GSDP, the Union government’s transfers to Kerala declined to 2.8% in 2023-24, significantly lower than previous years, even as the State’s revenues remained at around 8.0%. 
    • This meant that, in 2023-24, the State government could meet its modest budget expenditure, equivalent to 14.2% of GSDP, only by raising the borrowing to 3.4% of the GSDP

    Socio-Economic for Extra Funds: 

    • Aging Population: Kerala, like many other states, faces the challenge of an aging population, which puts pressure on pension funds and healthcare systems, necessitating long-term financial planning and investment.
    • Pension Liabilities: The substantial outgo for pensions poses a financial burden on the state’s budget, requiring strategies for sustainable pension management to ensure fiscal stability.
    • Youth Outmigration: Kerala experiences significant outmigration of its youth, leading to a loss of productive workforce and potential tax revenues, highlighting the need for policies to retain skilled workers and stimulate economic growth

    About Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC):

    • The net borrowing ceiling for states in India denotes the maximum threshold set on the funds that state governments can borrow within a fiscal year.
    • Significance: Ensuring fiscal discipline and preventing states from accumulating excessive debt, the net borrowing ceiling plays a pivotal role. 
    • Factors: The criteria for setting these limits are shaped by various factors such as inputs from the Finance Commission, the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, and specific directives from the central government, notably the Ministry of Finance.

     

    Basis of the Net Borrowing Ceiling:

    • Fiscal Responsibility Legislation: Both the central and state governments in India adhere to the FRBM Act, which establishes fiscal deficit goals to uphold fiscal discipline. Under the FRBM, states are required to maintain a fiscal deficit limit of 3% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
    • Central Government Guidelines: The central government, through the Department of Expenditure in the Ministry of Finance, sets the annual borrowing limits for each state based on a formula that considers the state’s GSDP, existing debt levels, fiscal discipline, and other relevant factors. These limits can be revised in response to special circumstances, such as natural disasters or significant economic downturns.
    • Finance Commission Recommendations: The Finance Commission, which is constituted every five years, recommends how the central taxes are to be divided between the centre and the states and suggests measures to maintain fiscal stability. It also provides recommendations regarding the borrowing limits of states.

    Conclusion: States need to put in place an effective forecasting and monitoring mechanism for cash inflows and outflows so that a need-based approach is followed for market borrowings and the interest cost of cash surpluses is minimized.

     

    Mains PYQ

    Q What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2013? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness. (UPSC IAS/2013)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Nuclear Energy

    Nuclear power is key to development, says study

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the news? 

    A recent report published by  IIM-A suggested that India must prioritize investment in Nuclear energy sector and expand related infrastructure.

    Why India must prioritize investment in the Nuclear energy sector?

    India aims to be a developed country by 2047 and is on track to achieve net zero — or effectively zero-carbon dioxide emissions by 2070. 

    Key findings of the Report: 

    • Current Energy Mix: Solar energy constitutes 16% of India’s installed generation capacity, while coal comprises 49%. Nuclear energy currently comprises only 1.6% of India’s energy mix
    • Significant increase in nuclear power: The best-case scenario shows emissions falling to 0.55 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2070, achieving ‘net zero’. This scenario entails a significant increase in nuclear power capacity, reaching 30 GW by 2030 and 265 GW by 2050.
    • Investment Requirements for Nuclear Energy: Achieving the proposed figures for nuclear energy would necessitate a doubling of investments. India would require an estimated ₹150-200 lakh crore between 2020-2070 to finance the necessary transitions in the energy sector
    • Need technology-based solution: The authors emphasize that achieving net zero emissions requires a combination of technologies rather than a single solution.
    • Transitioning away from coal: Coal is expected to remain a significant component of India’s energy system, serving as the “backbone”. However, transitioning away from coal would require substantial investment  

    What are the Challenges for India’s Goal of Net-Zero Emissions?

    • Uranium Factor: Data by the Central Electricity Authority say solar energy accounts for 16% of India’s installed generation capacity. To achieve these idealistic figures for nuclear energy would require a doubling of investments as well as the assumption that uranium, a critical fuel but restricted by international embargo, is available in necessary quantities.
    • Coal Factor: Coal accounts for 49% of India’s capacity. Coal would likely be the “backbone” of the Indian energy system and if the country has to phase down coal in the next three decades, it would need to build adequate infrastructure for alternative sources such as nuclear power, in addition to flexible grid infrastructure and storage to support the integration of renewable energy.

    Suggested measures by the Report are:

    • Research and Development: Invest in research and development to improve efficiency and reduce costs of renewable energy technologies, as well as advancements in nuclear energy technology.
    • Policy Support: Implement supportive policies and regulations to encourage private sector investment in the energy sector, including streamlined approval processes, tax incentives, and renewable energy mandates.
    • International Cooperation: Engage in diplomatic efforts to secure access to nuclear fuel and address international embargoes, while also collaborating with other countries on research and development in the energy sector.

    Conclusion: India’s path to development by 2047 hinges on prioritizing energy sector investment, as per an IIM-A report. Achieving net zero emissions by 2070, India would need close to ₹150-200 lakh crore between 2020-2070 to finance these transitions.

    Mains PYQ

    Q With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (UPSC IAS/2018)

     

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Right To Privacy

    Living wills implementation lags in India

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the news? 

    In early March this year, 30 people in Thrissur in Kerala executed living wills.

    Context:

    • The Supreme Court’s 2018 order on Passive Euthanasia, wherein it recognized the ‘Right to die with dignity’ as a fundamental right and an aspect of Article 21 (right to life) of the Constitution.
    • However, the people wanting to get a “living will” registered were facing problems due to cumbersome guidelines, prompting a reconsideration by the apex court.
    • A Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, in three concurring opinions, upheld that the fundamental right to life and dignity includes the ‘Right to Refuse Treatment and Die with dignity’.

    What is a Living Will? 

    A Living Will is a healthcare directive, in which people can state their wishes for their end-of-life care, in case they are not in a position to make that decision.

    The Court’s procedure:

    • Pre-2023: Initially, the process of creating living wills was deemed overly complex by the Court, with elaborate bureaucratic procedures in place to prevent abuse by unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit the patient’s assets.
    • Post-2023: Recognizing the impracticality of requiring judicial magistrate countersignatures on living wills, the Court streamlined the process in January 2023. Now, living will require signatures in the presence of witnesses, attestation by a notary or gazetted officer, and submission to a designated government officer acting as a custodian.

    Challenges in Implementation :

    • Decision-Making Process: Even if a living will is created, its implementation is not automatic. Decisions on withholding or withdrawing treatment require certification by primary and secondary medical boards, posing logistical challenges, especially in hospitals without designated boards.
    • Ambiguities and Discomfort: Ambiguities in guidelines, discomfort with end-of-life care topics, and unclear legal definitions contribute to the hesitancy among officials to implement the Court’s directives without clear instructions from higher authorities.
    • Legal Ambiguity: Indian law lacks a clear definition of ‘next of kin’, leading to potential disputes among family members about medical decisions for terminally ill patients.
    • Barriers to End-of-Life Decisions: A survey of intensive care doctors reveals a general belief that end-of-life decisions are fraught with legal implications, serving as a significant barrier to making such decisions in the ICU.
    • Regional Disparities in India:
    • Haryana: While some states like Haryana have issued directions to follow the judgment, they have not provided essential guidance or protocols for implementation.
    • Odisha: In contrast, Odisha has taken a more thorough approach by forming a committee of experts to develop detailed draft orders for implementing the judgment, setting a potential example for other states.

    Conclusion: The central government could help bridge the gap in expertise by developing and publishing model orders and protocols to provide states with confidence and guidance in effectively implementing the judgment.

    Mains question for practice 

    Q Discuss the challenges surrounding the implementation of living wills in India, as established by the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in 2018.

     

     

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    India among countries mulling telescopes on, around the moon

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T,Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the news? 

    Astronomers are looking forward to opening a new window on the universe by posting high-resolution telescopes on the moon and in orbit around it.

    Why Astronomers are looking forward to opening telescopes on the moon?

    • Radio telescopes launched into orbit around Earth exacerbated the problem of receiving radio noise from the entire planet, along with signals from outer space.
    • The moon’s far side offers pristine, airless conditions ideal for optical telescopes, providing crystal-clear seeing conditions during the two-week lunar night.

    Global Initiatives to Install Telescope on the Moon:

    • NASA’s LuSEE Night Project: LuSEE Night, a joint NASA-Berkeley Lab project scheduled for launch in December 2025, aims to study the Dark Ages period by landing on the far side of the moon, shielded from radio frequency noise from Earth.
    • ESA’s Projects: ESA is preparing to launch a radio telescope to the moon’s far side aboard its lunar lander, ‘Argonaut’, by 2030, along with other projects focused on gravitational wave detection and infrared observations.
    • China’s Initiatives: China is also actively involved in lunar exploration, with plans to launch a moon-orbiting radio telescope in 2026 and deploy the Queqiao-2 satellite, which includes a radio telescope payload, to serve as a communications relay between Earth and future missions.

    Indian Initiative 

    • PRATUSH: Indian scientists plan to deploy the radio telescope PRATUSH on the moon’s far side, built by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
    • Deployment Process: Initially, ISRO will place PRATUSH into orbit around the Earth, then fine-tune it before launching it towards the moon. Operating in Earth orbit will offer advantages such as free space operation and reduced ionosphere impact compared to ground-based experiments.
    • Observational Advantages: PRATUSH in lunar orbit will have ideal observing conditions, operating in free space with minimal radio frequency interference (RFI) and no ionosphere, essential for studying the signal from the Dark Ages.
    • Instrument Features: PRATUSH will carry a wideband frequency-independent antenna, a self-calibrating analog receiver, and a digital correlator to capture radio noise in the signal from the Dark Ages.

    Conclusion: The global initiative to deploy telescopes on and around the moon aims to overcome Earth’s radio noise and capitalize on the lunar far side’s pristine conditions for groundbreaking astronomical observations, including studying the universe’s early Dark Ages.

    Mains question for practice 

    Q Discuss the global initiatives to deploy telescopes on the moon.

     

     

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • RBI Notifications

    Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to check Illegal Lending Apps

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the news?

    To address the rising threat of cyber fraud, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to establish a Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA).

    About Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA)

    DIGITA aims to tackle the proliferation of illegal lending apps by verifying and maintaining a register of authenticated digital lending platforms.

    Role of DIGITA:

    1. Public Register: It will maintain a public register of verified apps, providing transparency and aiding law enforcement agencies in identifying unauthorised platforms.
    2. Verification Hub: It will serve as a central agency for vetting digital lending apps, ensuring their authenticity and compliance with regulations.

    Regulatory Implications

    • Apps lacking the ‘verified’ signature from DIGITA will be deemed unauthorized, enhancing law enforcement efforts against financial crimes in the digital domain.
    • Verification processes will promote transparency and accountability within the digital lending sector, curbing fraudulent activities.

    Progress made so far

    • The RBI has shared a list of 442 digital lending apps with the IT Ministry for whitelisting with Google.
    • Google has removed over 2,200 digital lending apps from its PlayStore, aligning with RBI and DFS directives to only allow apps from regulated entities or their partners.

    PYQ:

    2016:

    Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.

    2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements about RBI led Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA):

    1.    It aims to tackle the proliferation of illegal lending apps.

    2.    Apps lacking the ‘verified’ signature from DIGITA will be deemed unauthorized.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Taiwan’s Earthquake and the Pacific Ring of Fire

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Why in the news?

    • Taiwan was struck by its most powerful earthquake in at least 25 years.
    • Its susceptibility to earthquakes is attributed to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where a majority of the world’s seismic activity occurs.
    • Taiwan is primarily influenced by the collision of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

    What is the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’?

    • The Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ or Pacific Rim, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, is an area along the Pacific Ocean that is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
    • Volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin form the so-called Ring of Fire.
    • It is home to about 75 per cent of the world’s volcanoes – more than 450 volcanoes.
    • Also, about 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur here.

    Its spread

    • Its length is over 40,000 kilometres and traces from New Zealand clockwise in an almost circular arc covering Tonga, Kermadec Islands, Indonesia.
    • It is moving up to the Philippines, Japan, and stretching eastward to the Aleutian Islands, then southward along the western coast of North America and South America.

    Seismic activity of the region

    • The area is along several tectonic plates including the Pacific plate, Philippine Plate, Juan de Fuca plate, Cocos plate, Nazca plate, and North American plate.
    • The movement of these plates or tectonic activity makes the area witness abundant earthquakes and tsunamis every year.
    • Along much of the Ring, tectonic plates move towards each other creating subduction zones.
    • One plate gets pushed down or is subducted by the other plate.
    • This is a very slow process – a movement of just one or two inches per year.
    • As this subduction happens, rocks melt, become magma and move to Earth’s surface and cause volcanic activity.

    PYQ:

    2020: Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Join the Community

Join us across Social Media platforms.