A study by IIT Gandhinagar published in Earth’s Future journal warns that the Cauvery river basin may face a decline in water availability until 2050, unlike most other Indian rivers expected to see increased flows due to climate change.
Key Findings of the Study
Decline in Cauvery Water
3.5 percent decline in Cauvery water expected
Time period: 2026 to 2050
Minimal increase expected after 2051
Historical Decline
Cauvery streamflow declined 28 percent between 1951 and 2012
Based on data from Kollegal monitoring station
Contrast with Other Rivers
Most major Indian rivers expected to see increase in flow
Projected increases
Indus: 25 percent increase
Ganga: 8 percent increase
Krishna: 16 percent increase
Cauvery stands as exception
[2020] Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? 1 Nagarhole National Park 2 Papikonda National Park 3 Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 4 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
India updated its Nationally Determined Contributions NDC under the Paris Agreement, setting new climate targets for 2035.
Key Climate Targets for 2035
Energy Transition Target
60 percent installed electricity capacity from non fossil sources
Non fossil sources include: Solar, Wind, Hydropower, Biomass, and Nuclear
Emissions Reduction Target
Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 47 percent
Base year: 2005 levels
Carbon Sink Target
Increase carbon sink to 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent
Through: Forest cover and Tree cover
Current Status
Non Fossil Capacity
Current installed capacity from non fossil sources: 52 percent
Power generation from non fossil sources: About 25 percent
Emissions Reduction
India reduced emissions intensity: 36 percent reduction from 2005 to 2020
Carbon Sink Progress
Carbon sink created from 2005 to 2019: 1.97 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent
Forest Cover
Forest and tree cover in 2021: 24.6 percent of geographical area
National target: 33 percent forest cover
Earlier NDC Targets for 2030
India committed to:
50 percent non fossil electricity capacity
44 percent emissions intensity reduction
Carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes
Paris Agreement Context
Countries must submit updated NDC every five years
India required to submit updated targets by 2025
Targets apply for 2031 to 2035 period
[2016] The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East (b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change (c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals
The Union Cabinet approved a revamped UDAN scheme with ₹28,840 crore outlay, extending airline subsidies and shifting funding to government budget support.
About UDAN Scheme
Full form: Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik
Launched: 2017
Ministry: Civil Aviation
Objective:
Improve regional connectivity
Make air travel affordable
Develop Tier 2 and Tier 3 airports
Key Changes in Revamped UDAN
1. Subsidy Extended
Earlier subsidy period: 3 years
New subsidy period: 5 years
Purpose:
Improve route viability
Prevent route discontinuation
2. Funding Shift
Earlier: Subsidy funded through levy on airfares
Now: Subsidy funded directly from government exchequer
Why Revamp Was Needed
Many routes became non viable after subsidy ended
CAG findings: Only 7% to 10% routes viable after subsidy
Status of routes:
Total routes launched: 663
Routes discontinued: 327
Airports revived: Total: 95
Discontinued: 15 airports
[2024] Consider the following airports: 1 Donyi Polo Airport 2 Kushinagar International Airport 3 Vijayawada International Airport In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
What looks like a result is actually the outcome of hundreds of small decisions taken consistently over time, what to study, what to skip, how to revise, and how to stay on track.
In this session, I will walk you through his journey from aspirant to achiever, and break down the real process behind securing a rank.
What You’ll Learn in This Session
1. The Reality Behind the Rank
• What actually changes between attempts • The difference between effort and effective preparation • How small strategic shifts lead to big outcomes
Because success is rarely about one big change.
2. Building a Consistent Preparation System
• How to structure your daily and weekly routine • Managing consistency over long preparation cycles • Avoiding burnout and maintaining momentum
Consistency is the real differentiator.
3. What Worked and What Didn’t
• Mistakes made during preparation • What Rohit changed in his approach • Lessons that can save you months of effort
Learning from others shortens your journey.
4. The Role of Revision, PYQs & Practice
• How to use PYQs effectively • Building strong revision cycles • Practising in an exam oriented way
Preparation becomes powerful when it is aligned with the exam.
5. Mindset of an Achiever
• Staying focused despite setbacks • Handling pressure and uncertainty • Thinking long term while preparing daily
The process is as much mental as it is academic.
Who should attend:
• Serious UPSC aspirants looking for direction
• Candidates feeling stuck despite effort
• Beginners who want to understand the real preparation journey
It will be a 45 minute session, post which we will open up the floor for all kinds of queries which a beginner must have. No questions are taboo and Shubhankar Sir is known to be patiently solving all your doubts.
Join us for a Zoom session on 26th March at 7 PM. This session is a must attend for you If you are attempting UPSC for the first time or have attempted earlier and now preparing for 2026/2027, then it is going to be a valuable session for you too.
See you in the session”
Register for the session for a complete in-depth UPSC Prep
(Don’t wait—the next webinar/session won’t be until April’26)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2016] In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.Linkage: The question tests integrity and public morality in governance, a core GS-2 theme linked to institutional trust. The article shows declining integrity through India’s low CPI score (39), reflecting weakened ethical standards and governance deficits.
Mentor’s Comment
The latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 reveals that global corruption is worsening rather than improving, with the global average dropping to 42/100 and 122 out of 182 countries scoring below 50, marking a sharp deterioration. For the first time in over a decade, corruption trends show systemic decline rather than gradual improvement. The scale is significant: corruption costs are estimated at 5% of global GDP (~$2.6 trillion annually), making it not just a moral concern but a major economic constraint.
What is the Corruption Perceptions Index (2025)?
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 is published by Transparency International in February 2026
It ranks 182 countries by their perceived public-sector corruption levels using a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
The 2025 report shows a stalling global average score of 42/100, indicating widespread corruption, with Denmark (89) ranking highest and Somalia/South Sudan (9) lowest
Methodology: The index relies on 13 independent data sources, including surveys and expert assessments, to measure bribery, nepotism, and misappropriation of public funds.
Why is global corruption worsening despite institutional advancements?
Declining Global Average: Indicates systemic deterioration in governance; CPI average falls to 42, lowest in over a decade
Reform Sensitivity: Countries improving rankings show cumulative institutional reform, not episodic crackdowns
India’s Strength Base: Strong democracy, digital capacity, and constitutional framework
Policy Direction Tool: Helps identify governance gaps and reform priorities
Conclusion
Corruption has transitioned from a governance issue to a structural economic constraint. India’s stagnant CPI performance underscores the need for systemic institutional reforms, regulatory simplification, and judicial efficiency improvements. Sustainable economic growth requires parallel strengthening of governance frameworks, ensuring transparency, accountability, and predictability.
The recusal of Justice Surya Kant from the Chief Election Commissioner appointment case is significant because it raises conflict of interest concerns at the highest judicial level, especially in a Constitution Bench matter. The case exposes a systemic gap, India has no codified law on judicial recusal, despite repeated controversies, making this a critical moment for institutional reform.
What is judicial recusal?
To recuse in court means for a judge, magistrate, or juror to voluntarily remove themselves from a case due to a conflict of interest, bias, or the appearance of impropriety.
This action ensures impartiality and maintains the integrity of the judicial process, preventing a judge from deciding a case where they have a personal stake.
Why is judicial recusal central to natural justice?
Natural Justice Principle: Ensures nemo judex in causa sua (no one should be a judge in their own cause), preserving fairness and legitimacy.
Bias Prevention: Prevents both actual bias and reasonable apprehension of bias, as seen in evolving jurisprudence.
Public Confidence: Strengthens trust in judicial outcomes by ensuring neutrality.
Case Reference: Manak Lal v. Dr. Prem Chand (1957) shifted focus from actual bias to likelihood of bias. In Ranjit Thakur v. Union of India (1987) the court refined it further stating that, a reasonable apprehension of bias and not merely a remote possibility, justifies withdrawal.
How has judicial recusal evolved in India?
From Automatic Disqualification to Reasonable Apprehension: Earlier strict disqualification (pecuniary interest) expanded to perceived bias standards.
National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Case Context: In Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India (2015), recusal debates arose due to judges’ institutional stakes in judicial appointments.
Justice Chelameswar’s View: Emphasized necessity doctrine, when no alternative forum exists, judges must hear the case despite conflicts.
Doctrine of Necessity: The Doctrine of Necessity is a legal principle ensuring that, if the only available authority faces a disqualifying conflict, the duty to act takes precedence over recusal. When all members of a body are involved or no alternative forum exists, they must decide the case to avoid a legal impasse
Shift in Approach: Increasing reliance on judicial conscience rather than objective standards.
What triggered the recent controversy?
Chief Election Commissioner Appointment Law Challenge: Concerns over executive dominance replacing earlier judicial inclusion
Conflict of Interest Concern: Justice Surya Kant cited possible perception of bias due to institutional linkage.
Bench Direction Issue: Oral direction reportedly excluded judges likely to become CJI, raising questions of pre-emptive disqualification.
Repetition of Recusal: Same judge had recused earlier in a related matter, reinforcing concerns about systemic ambiguity.
What are the risks of discretionary recusal?
Lack of Transparency: No obligation to disclose reasons consistently; creates opacity.
Bench Composition Manipulation: Strategic recusals may influence outcomes indirectly.
Institutional Instability: Frequent recusals in Constitution Bench cases disrupt continuity.
Unequal Standards: Different judges follow different thresholds, leading to inconsistency.
Does the doctrine of necessity justify non-recusal?
Doctrine of Necessity: Allows judges to hear cases despite conflict if no alternative forum exists.
Application in India: Used in NJAC case where the entire judiciary had a stake.
Limitation: Overuse may dilute impartiality standards.
Balancing Act: Necessity must be exceptional, not routine.
Why is codification of recusal urgently needed?
Absence of Statute: India lacks binding rules governing judicial conduct in recusal.
Comparative Insight (US): Statutory framework (28 U.S. Code §455) mandates disqualification based on objective criteria.
Self-Enforcement Problem: The Indian system relies on judges themselves to decide, without a review mechanism.
Rising Frequency of Controversies: Repeated recusals in high-stakes cases highlight urgency.
Reason Disclosure Norm: Ensures recorded justification for recusal decisions.
Review Mechanism: Allows limited institutional oversight without undermining judicial independence.
Roster Transparency: Strengthens trust in bench allocation process.
Conclusion
Judicial recusal in India currently operates within a grey zone of personal discretion, creating risks of inconsistency and institutional mistrust. A calibrated framework, balancing independence with accountability, is essential to ensure transparency, predictability, and credibility in constitutional adjudication.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2023] “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy.” Comment.
Linkage: The PYQ examines judicial independence as essential for democracy, including impartiality and institutional integrity. Judicial recusal ensures impartiality, but lack of codified rules creates gaps in transparency, affecting real judicial independence.
The Union Budget 2026-27 launched BioPharma SHAKTI with ₹10,000 crore to build a global biologics and biosimilars hub. This marks a shift beyond generic drugs. The article highlights failures of animal models (e.g., 2006 Northwick Park trial), raising concerns in biologics research. It brings focus on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) as part of broader technological and regulatory upgrades.
Why are animal models increasingly considered unreliable in biologics research?
Northwick Park trial (2006): Phase I trial of TGN1412, a monoclonal antibody (mAb), a lab-made protein targeting specific human antigens, caused severe adverse reactions in humans despite safe monkey testing. Shows failure of animal models in biologics.
Clinical failure evidence:Semagacestat (2022) failed in 457 Alzheimer’s patients despite success in mouse models. Shows poor human translation.
Human-specific action of biologics: Biologics such as mAbs act on highly specific human immune pathways. Animal systems cannot replicate this accurately.
Species-specific differences: Variations in receptors and immune responses reduce predictive reliability across species.
Complexity of biologics: Interactions in human biological systems are multi-layered and not reproducible in animals.
Safety risks: Inadequate prediction of human response increases risk in clinical trials.
What are Non-Animal Methodologies (NAMs) and how do they work?
Non-Animal Methodologies (NAMs) are innovative, human-relevant scientific tools, including computational models, cell-based systems (like organ-on-a-chip), and artificial intelligence, used to assess chemical safety, drug efficacy, or toxicity without animal testing. They work by simulating human biology at the molecular, cellular, or tissue level to provide faster, more accurate, and ethical predictive data than traditional animal studies.
How do NAMs Work?
In Vitro Systems: Using human cell cultures, organoids, or organs-on-chips (e.g., Emulate’s liver-on-a-chip) to replicate human organ function and predict toxic responses.
In Silico/Computational Modeling: Utilizing computer modeling, AI, and big data to predict how a chemical will behave or interact with biological systems based on known data.
In Chemico/Molecular Techniques: Investigating chemical interactions with molecules, such as DNA or proteins, to assess reactivity.
“Omics” Studies: Using genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to analyze cellular responses, focusing on molecular events rather than late-stage pathology.
Where are NAMs being implemented?
India:New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2023 enable use of non-animal data.
Global trend: Regulators example in UK are encouraging shift toward human-relevant models.
What are Biologics?
Biologics are complex, high-precision medicines derived from living sources, such as human, animal, or microorganism cells, rather than chemical synthesis. Used to treat diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare genetic conditions, they are administered via injection or infusion to target specific molecular pathways.
Key Aspects of Biologics
Composition: They are large, intricate molecules, such as proteins, antibodies, or gene therapies, making them much more complex than small-molecule chemical drugs
Production: Unlike synthetic drugs, biologics are “grown” or manufactured using engineered cells in a laboratory, requiring rigorous production monitoring
Administration: Because they are large, delicate molecules that would be broken down by stomach acid, they are given by injection or intravenous (IV) infusion
Mechanism: They are targeted therapies, designed to interact with specific parts of the immune system or other biological pathways to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.
How does BioPharma SHAKTI aim to transform India’s biologics sector?
Domestic manufacturing push: Strengthens local production of biologics and biosimilars.
Innovation ecosystem: Supports development of advanced human-relevant models.
Cost efficiency: Reduces drug development costs by 10-26% (2019 analysis).
Time reduction: Shortens lead optimization timelines by ~15%.
Global competitiveness: Positions India as a hub for next-generation drug development.
What are the economic and regulatory challenges in adopting NAMs?
High infrastructure costs: Requires investment of ₹10,000 crore under BioPharma SHAKTI.
Industry confidence: Encourages investment and adoption.
Global harmonization: Aligns India with EU and US regulatory practices.
Conclusion
BioPharma SHAKTI represents a paradigm shift toward human-centric drug development. Its success depends on regulatory reforms, investment, and industry collaboration. Transitioning from animal models to NAMs enhances safety, efficiency, and ethical compliance, positioning India as a leader in biologics innovation.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2018] Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?
Linkage: This PYQ highlights growth of biotechnology in driving biopharma innovation, biologics, and advanced drug development systems. BioPharma SHAKTI and shift to human-relevant models (NAMs) reflect this transition toward more reliable and modern biopharmaceutical research.
Government released data under National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture NICRA showing 310 districts vulnerable to climate change and expansion of climate resilient farming technologies across India.
About NICRA
Implemented by Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICAR
Objective: Climate resilient agriculture and food security
Focus:
Climate risk assessment
Adaptation technologies
Farmer capacity building
Climate resilient crop varieties
Key Findings
Climate Risk Assessment
Total districts assessed: 651 agricultural districts
Vulnerable districts: 310 districts
Very high vulnerability: 109 districts
High vulnerability: 201 districts
Assessment based on IPCC protocols
District Agriculture Contingency Plans
Prepared for 651 districts
Aim:
Handle extreme weather
Recommend climate resilient crops
Provide location specific farming practices
Climate Resilient Villages
448 Climate Resilient Villages
Located in 151 vulnerable districts
Implemented through Krishi Vigyan Kendras KVKs
Crop Variety Development
2900 crop varieties released during 2014 to 2024
2661 varieties climate tolerant
Resistant to: Drought, Flood, Heat, and Pests
Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras
Total KVKs: 731
Farmers trained: 18.56 lakh
Promote climate resilient technologies
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
Kisane Mitra AI Chatbot
Voice based AI
Supports 11 languages
Handles 20,000 queries daily
Total responses: 95 lakh queries
Bharat VISTAAR Platform
AI powered advisory platform
Provides:
Weather updates
Market rates
Scheme information
24×7 AI assistant Bharati
Currently supports Hindi and English
National Pest Surveillance System
Uses AI and Machine Learning
Covers:
61 crops
400 pests
Used by 10,000 extension workers
Kisan Sarathi Platform
Digital advisory platform
Registered farmers: 2.75 crore
Coverage: 3.43 lakh villages
[2021] In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: 1 The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research program. 2 The project of CCAFS is carried out under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), headquartered in France. 3 The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centers. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3
Assam has become the first Indian State to float a tender for earth observation satellites to monitor floods, borders and environmental threats.
AssamSAT Project
Mission Name: AssamSAT
Announced in: Assam Budget 2025-26
Issued by: Assam Science Technology and Environment Council
Type: Earth observation satellite constellation
Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Key Features
At least five satellites to be deployed
Private companies invited to: Design, Build, Launch, Operate and Transfer satellites to State ownership
Objectives
1. Flood Monitoring
Monitor Brahmaputra valley floods
Real time flood mapping
Faster disaster response
2. Surveillance
Monitor chars or river islands
Track infiltration along Bangladesh border
Improve security in remote regions
Track: Poaching in Kaziranga National Park, Drug trafficking routes and Land changes
[2019] For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? 1 Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location 2 Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location 3 Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ancient archaeological sites in Tyre, southern Lebanon, are under threat due to Israeli airstrikes amid the ongoing Israel–Hezbollah conflict.
About Tyre
Located in southern Lebanon, around 20 km from Israeli border
One of the oldest cities on Mediterranean coast
Recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site
Civilisations present in Tyre: Phoenician, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine
UNESCO Protection Efforts
Blue and white emblems placed near sites
Initiative launched across 30 cultural locations
Based on 1954 Hague Convention
1954 Hague Convention
Protects cultural heritage during armed conflicts
Prohibits attacks on heritage sites
Applies to all warring parties
[2024] Consider the following statements: 1 It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe. 2 A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
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