Scientists have identified a new species of giant marine reptile named Tylosaurus rex, a fearsome predator that lived during the age of dinosaurs. The findings were published in the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History.
Key Highlights
Tylosaurus rex was:
A giant marine reptile.
One of the apex predators of the Cretaceous Period.
Scientists identified it as a distinct species based on:
Huge body size
Serrated teeth
Strong jaw and neck musculature
Anatomical differences from related species.
About Tylosaurus rex
Lived around 80 million years ago.
Habitat: an inland sea that once divided North America.
Features:
Streamlined body
Long snout
Paddle like flippers
Powerful tail.
What are Mosasaurs?
Tylosaurus rex belonged to:
Mosasaurs: Group of extinct marine reptiles.
They evolved from Land dwelling lizards.
Became: Apex marine predators during the late Cretaceous Period.
[2018] The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of
A. Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.
B. Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.
C. Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.
D. Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
India’s industrial output, measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), grew by 4.9% in April 2026, slower than 5.8% recorded in April 2025. The government also released a revised IIP series with a new base year of 2022-23.
What is IIP?
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) measures:
Short term changes in industrial production in India.
Published monthly by:
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
It is an important indicator of:
Industrial performance
Economic activity
Manufacturing trends
New IIP Series
Base year changed from: 2011-12 to 2022-23.
Index value for base year is taken as: 100.
New basket includes:
1,042 products
463 item groups.
Earlier series had:
839 items
407 item groups.
Major Changes in the New Series
The revised IIP has expanded coverage by including:
Gas supply
Water supply
Sewerage activities
Waste management activities
Sectoral Performance
Mining and Quarrying: Output contracted by more than 5% in April 2026.
Manufacturing Grew by: 6.2%.
Manufacturing contributes nearly: 75% of IIP weight.
[2015] In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight?
Most UPSC aspirants spend years collecting resources, watching strategy videos, and changing plans.
Very few understand what actually separates a rank holder from the thousands who remain stuck in the cycle of preparation.
The UAP Conclave 2026 is designed to bridge that gap.
Over 6 days, you’ll learn directly from UPSC rankers, mentors, and faculty who have not only cracked the exam but have also mentored hundreds of successful candidates. The focus is not on motivation. The focus is on systems, execution, mistakes, corrections, and the hidden X-factors behind consistent performance.
What will you learn? 1. The microthemes and X-factors behind high GS scores
2. What separates a 450+ GS scorer from an average Mains candidate
3. How to build a rigorous foundation for UPSC 2027/28
4. The post-foundation 12-month plan for revision, answer writing, and test practice
5. High-yield scoring areas in GS-I, GS-III, and Ethics that aspirants often ignore
6. The actual process behind one-to-one mentorship and course correction
7. Hidden weaknesses in Ethics answers that toppers identify early
8. How to use PYQs as a diagnostic tool instead of just a question bank
9. Converting Current Affairs, PIB, Microthemes, Flash Notes, and Model Answers into a powerful preparation ecosystem
10. The TAS Framework for Essays and the path to 140+ marks
11. Why Current Affairs drives almost every stage of UPSC preparation
12. Real case studies of mistakes that cost aspirants an entire preparation year
The sessions will be led by Civilsdaily’s in house mentors along with UPSC toppers who scored well in GS and Essay papers. They will be sharing the exact study plans, timelines, and writing methods they used in their own attempts.
Learn From
•AIR 7 Rajah Mohaideen • AIR 14 Surabhi Yadav • AIR 39 Rohin Kumar • AIR 52 Shubhankar Dhruv • AIR 80 Piyush • AIR 153 Madhavendra Pratap • AIR 164 Lakshay Agarwal
Along with:
• Shikhar Sir • Rohit Sir • Ashish Sir • Purnima Ma’am • Prayas Sir • Pravin Sir • Saket Sir
Whether you are just starting your UPSC 2027 journey or looking to build a structured roadmap after the Foundation phase, these sessions will help you avoid common mistakes and understand what serious preparation actually looks like.
By the end of the 6 day event, you will have a much clearer understanding of how to plan your UPSC preparation day by day, how to prioritize your topics using microthemes, and how to approach answer writing in a way that improves your score.
Live from 02nd June to 07th June.
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Join us for a Zoom session from 02nd June to 07th June. 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 next year, 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 Mains Prep
(Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until Mid June 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 2019] “The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.” Comment.Linkage: The PYQ tests understanding of how bilateral relations evolve into comprehensive strategic partnerships driven by economic, geopolitical, technological, and security considerations. Similar to India-Japan ties, the India-Canada relationship is moving beyond traditional diplomacy towards a broader partnership
Mentor’s Comment
India-Canada relations are back in focus following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India in February 2026, his first visit to India since assuming office, and the revival of discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The visit marks a significant attempt by both countries to reset ties after a period of diplomatic tensions.
Why Is the Revival of India-Canada Relations Significant at This Juncture?
Diplomatic Re-engagement: Marks a shift from recent diplomatic strains towards structured economic and strategic engagement.
CEPA Revival: Restarts negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement after prolonged uncertainty.
Trade Ambition: Targets bilateral trade of $50 billion by 2030, signalling renewed economic confidence.
Strategic Timing: Occurs amid global supply-chain diversification, geopolitical realignments, and Indo-Pacific competition.
Economic Complementarity: Connects Canada’s resource-rich economy with India’s rapidly growing manufacturing and consumption base.
How Do India and Canada Complement Each Other Economically?
Economic Synergies
Market Access: India provides one of the world’s largest consumer markets and expanding middle-class demand.
Resource Endowment: Canada possesses substantial reserves of critical minerals, uranium, clean energy resources, and agricultural commodities.
Manufacturing Potential: India offers large-scale manufacturing capacity and skilled human resources.
Investment Opportunities: Facilitates two-way investments across technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
Strategic Complementarity
Critical Minerals: Supports India’s energy transition and semiconductor ambitions through reliable mineral supplies.
Clean Energy Cooperation: Strengthens collaboration in renewable energy and decarbonisation initiatives.
Supply-Chain Resilience: Reduces dependence on concentrated supply networks.
Why Is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Central to the Relationship?
Trade Liberalisation
Market Integration: Reduces tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Investment Facilitation: Improves investor confidence and regulatory predictability.
Business Mobility: Enhances movement of professionals and service providers.
Export Expansion: Creates opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and services.
Strategic Outcomes
Economic Diversification: Helps both economies reduce dependence on traditional trading partners.
Commercial Confidence: Converts political goodwill into measurable economic outcomes.
Institutional Framework: Provides long-term predictability for businesses and investors.
What Role Do Investments Play in Strengthening Bilateral Relations?
Indian Investments in Canada
Technology Sector: Expands innovation partnerships and digital collaboration.
Life Sciences: Supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology cooperation.
Manufacturing: Generates employment and deepens industrial linkages.
Canadian Investments in India
Infrastructure Financing: Supports large-scale development projects.
Clean Energy Projects: Facilitates green transition initiatives.
Financial Services: Expands capital availability for growth sectors.
Digital Ventures: Supports innovation and startup ecosystems.
Economic Impact
Employment Generation: Creates jobs in both economies.
Capital Formation: Enhances productive investment flows.
Commercial Trust: Strengthens long-term business confidence.
How Does the Indian Diaspora Function as a Strategic Bridge Between the Two Countries?
Human Connectivity
Population Linkages: Serves as a living bridge connecting societies and economies.
Academic Contributions: Strengthens educational and research cooperation.
Entrepreneurship: Expands innovation and business networks.
Soft Power Benefits
Cultural Exchange: Promotes mutual understanding and societal engagement.
Knowledge Transfer: Facilitates technology diffusion and professional collaboration.
Investment Networks: Encourages bilateral investment and business partnerships.
Strategic Significance
People-to-People Ties: Provides resilience to bilateral relations during political challenges.
Trust Building: Enhances societal confidence and institutional cooperation.
Why Are Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Emerging as Key Pillars of Cooperation?
Energy Transition
Lithium and Rare Minerals: Supports battery manufacturing and electric mobility.
Uranium Cooperation: Assists India’s long-term energy security strategy.
Regulatory Differences: Creates barriers for investors and businesses.
Strategic Challenges
Geopolitical Divergences: May occasionally affect policy alignment.
Competing Priorities: Can reduce momentum in bilateral initiatives.
Conclusion
India and Canada possess strong economic complementarities, democratic values, technological capabilities, and people-to-people connections. The renewed effort to revive CEPA, deepen critical mineral cooperation, expand investment flows, and strengthen Indo-Pacific engagement reflects a pragmatic recognition of mutual interests. Sustained trust-building and institutional cooperation can transform the relationship into a major strategic and economic partnership of the coming decade.
A major debate has been triggered following a large mobilisation of tribal organisations demanding the delisting of Scheduled Tribes who have converted to Christianity or Islam from the Scheduled Tribe category. The demand seeks to withdraw reservation benefits and other constitutional safeguards currently available to converted tribal communities.
What is at Stake in the Delisting Debate?
Educational Reservation: Scheduled Tribes receive 7.5% reservation in Central Educational Institutions, including IITs, NITs, Central Universities and other publicly funded institutions. They are also eligible for Pre-Matric Scholarships, Post-Matric Scholarships, National Fellowships and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
Public Employment: Scheduled Tribes receive 7.5% reservation in Central Government recruitment under Articles 16(4), 16(4A) and 335, ensuring representation in public services.
Political Representation: Scheduled Tribes enjoy reserved representation under Article 330 (Lok Sabha) and Article 332 (State Legislative Assemblies). Reservation is also provided in local self-government institutions under Articles 243D and 243T.
Constitutional Safeguards: Scheduled Tribes receive special protection under Article 46 (promotion of educational and economic interests), Article 244 (administration of Scheduled Areas), the Fifth Schedule (Scheduled Areas in mainland India), the Sixth Schedule (Autonomous District Councils in the Northeast) and Article 338A (National Commission for Scheduled Tribes).
Protective Legislation: Scheduled Tribes are protected under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which criminalises caste- and tribe-based discrimination, violence and social exclusion.
Forest and Community Rights: Scheduled Tribes enjoy rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, including Individual Forest Rights (IFR), Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) and rights over minor forest produce. Additional protections are available through the PESA Act, 1996, which empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas.
Land and Resource Protection: Many Fifth Schedule states impose restrictions on transfer of tribal land to non-tribals, protecting tribal communities from land alienation and displacement.
Targeted Welfare Funding: Scheduled Tribes benefit from the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), under which Union Ministries earmark funds specifically for tribal welfare and development.
Demographic Significance: Scheduled Tribes constitute 8.6% of India’s population (Census 2011), amounting to over 10.45 crore people, making any proposed change in eligibility a matter of national significance.
Why has the demand for delisting re-emerged in contemporary tribal politics?
Reservation Benefits: Seeks exclusion of converted tribals from reservations, political representation and welfare schemes available to Scheduled Tribes.
Identity Assertion: Strengthens demands for preservation of indigenous tribal faiths, customs and cultural practices.
Sarna Recognition: Revives calls for separate recognition of Sarna and other tribal religions in Census enumeration.
Cultural Preservation: Raises concerns regarding the perceived erosion of traditional tribal institutions and belief systems.
Policy Reorientation: Attempts to redefine the relationship between constitutional protections and tribal identity.
Is tribal identity a religious identity or an ethnic-cultural identity?
Ethnic Foundations: Tribal identity originates from ancestry, kinship structures, customary practices and historical experiences.
Community Membership: Continues through clan relationships, village institutions and traditional governance systems irrespective of religion.
Cultural Continuity: Preserves festivals, customs, oral traditions and collective memory across generations.
Constitutional Recognition: Derives from socio-historical disadvantage rather than religious affiliation.
Indigenous Worldview: Reflects unique relationships with land, forests, nature and community life.
Why does the Constitution treat Scheduled Tribes differently from Scheduled Castes?
Article 342 Framework: Recognises Scheduled Tribes on the basis of community characteristics rather than religious identity.
Religion-Neutral Status: Does not prescribe any religious qualification for inclusion or retention of ST status.
Historical Criteria: Considers distinct culture, geographical isolation and socio-economic vulnerability.
Constitutional Distinction: Differs from the Scheduled Caste framework where constitutional orders historically linked eligibility to religion.
Protective Objective: Ensures support for historically marginalised tribal communities irrespective of faith.
Can religious conversion extinguish tribal identity?
Ancestral Linkages: Retains ethnic origins and kinship networks despite changes in personal faith.
Social Participation: Enables continued participation in community festivals, customs and collective institutions.
Cultural Affiliation: Preserves linguistic and cultural connections within tribal society.
Legal Interpretation: Recognises tribal identity as broader than religious belief alone.
Community Continuity: Maintains membership within the tribal social structure even after conversion.
What are the major arguments advanced in favour of delisting?
Benefit Rationalisation: Restricts constitutional safeguards to communities perceived as adhering to traditional tribal beliefs.
Cultural Protection: Seeks preservation of indigenous customs, rituals and faith systems.
Reservation Equity: Advocates redistribution of opportunities among non-converted tribal populations.
Identity Conservation: Emphasises continuity of traditional tribal practices.
Institutional Preservation: Supports protection of customary social and cultural institutions.
What are the principal arguments against delisting?
Constitutional Equality: Protects freedom of conscience and religion under Article 25.
Ethnic Identity: Maintains that tribal status derives from ancestry and community rather than faith.
Continuing Deprivation: Recognises that socio-economic disadvantages persist despite conversion.
Social Cohesion: Prevents fragmentation of tribal communities on religious lines.
Legal Consistency: Preserves the religion-neutral basis of Scheduled Tribe recognition.
Why is the demand for a separate tribal religious code becoming increasingly important?
Religious Enumeration: Facilitates independent recognition of tribal faith systems in Census records.
Identity Visibility: Strengthens demographic representation of indigenous belief communities.
Cultural Preservation: Protects distinct rituals, sacred groves and traditional worship practices.
Policy Recognition: Supports formulation of targeted cultural preservation measures.
Autonomous Identity: Reinforces the distinctiveness of tribal religions from major organised religions.
How have courts interpreted the relationship between religion and tribal identity?
Community Principle: Recognises tribal identity as rooted in community membership and ancestry.
Cultural Criterion: Emphasises customs, traditions and collective practices as important determinants of identity.
Religion-Neutral Approach: Distinguishes tribal status from individual religious affiliation.
Continuity Doctrine: Accepts that conversion does not automatically sever tribal identity.
Constitutional Safeguards: Supports continuation of protections based on tribal status rather than faith.
What does the delisting debate reveal about the tension between cultural assimilation and tribal autonomy
Cultural Autonomy: Protects the right of tribal communities to preserve distinct traditions and identities.
Religious Absorption: Raises concerns regarding incorporation of tribal belief systems into larger religious frameworks.
Symbolic Integration: Involves reinterpretation of tribal deities, practices and cultural symbols.
Identity Preservation: Supports recognition of tribal cultures on their own terms.
Constitutional Pluralism: Reinforces India’s commitment to protecting diverse cultural traditions.
Conclusion
The delisting debate highlights the need to balance tribal identity, religious freedom and constitutional equality. As the Xaxa Committee (2014) observed, tribal development must protect both cultural distinctiveness and socio-economic rights.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2022] Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category?
Linkage: The question examines the basis of a common constitutional and socio-political identity for Scheduled Tribes despite their immense linguistic, cultural and regional diversity. The article directly relates to the broader question of whether tribal communities should continue to be treated as a single constitutional category despite differences in faith, culture and social practices.
A massive dust storm recently affected Churu, Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Nagaur, Didwana-Kuchaman, Alwar and Sikar in Rajasthan, drawing attention to the critical role of the Aravalli Range in shielding the Indo-Gangetic Plains from Thar Desert dust. Scientists warn that degradation of the Aravallis due to mining, deforestation and land-use change is allowing more dust to reach Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, even during less intense storms.
What are the features of the Aravallis Range?
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest surviving fold mountain systems on Earth. It serves as a vital ecological and climate-regulating spine across northwestern India.
Location and Extent
Length: The range stretches approximately 670 to 700 kilometres.
Alignment: It runs in a distinct south-west to north-east direction.
States Covered: The range begins near Delhi, passes through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and terminates near Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
Geological Significance
Age: Formed during the Precambrian era (roughly 1.7 to 2.5 billion years ago), it predates the Himalayas by more than a billion years.
Evolution: It was originally an immense mountain chain, potentially as tall as the modern Himalayas. Over eons, wind and water weathered it down into discontinuous, residual hills and ridges.
Composition: The range consists of highly resistant metamorphic and igneous rocks, including quartzite, granite, schist, and gneiss
Key Peaks and Drainage
Highest Point: Guru Shikhar on the Mount Abu massif in Rajasthan, standing at 1,722 metres (5,650 feet).
Major Rivers: The western slopes give rise to the Luni River (which drains into the Rann of Kutch) and the Sabarmati River. The eastern slopes feed the Banas River, a major tributary of the Chambal-Yamuna system.
How do the Aravallis act as a natural shield against the Thar Desert dust?
Dust Interception Mechanism
Obstacle Dunes: Large sand deposits located on western slopes intercept dust-laden winds originating from the Thar Desert.
Agricultural Expansion: Contributes to habitat modification and soil degradation.
What is the current state of degradation in the Aravalli ecosystem?
Forest Survey Findings
Hill Loss: Assessment found that 31 out of 128 Aravalli hills in Rajasthan had disappeared due to anthropogenic pressures.
Topographic Alteration: Significant reduction observed in hill systems between 200 and 600 metres above sea level.
Affected Regions
Naraina
Kalwar
Kotputli
Jhalana
Sariska
These areas have witnessed substantial ecological disturbance.
Government Assessment
Aravalli Restoration Framework: Identified mining, deforestation, urbanisation, construction activities, land-use change, pastoral pressures and encroachments as major causes of degradation.
What are the environmental and climatic consequences of Aravalli degradation?
Air Quality Impacts
Dust Intrusion: Increased transport of desert dust towards Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Particulate Pollution: Worsens PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations.
Public Health Risks: Raises respiratory and cardiovascular disease burden.
Climate Impacts
Rainfall Modification: Dust aerosols influence cloud formation and precipitation dynamics.
Regional Climate Effects: Alter atmospheric circulation and radiation balance.
Soil Conservation: Reduces erosion and dust generation.
Institutional Coordination
Inter-State Cooperation: Facilitates coordinated conservation across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Gujarat.
Integrated Monitoring: Strengthens environmental surveillance using remote sensing and GIS.
Climate Adaptation
Nature-Based Solutions: Enhances resilience against desertification and dust storms.
Green Buffer Development: Supports long-term air quality management.
Conclusion
The Aravalli Range is not merely a geological feature but a critical ecological barrier that protects northern India from desert dust, air pollution and land degradation. Its continuing degradation due to mining, deforestation and unplanned development threatens the environmental security of Rajasthan, Delhi and the wider Indo-Gangetic Plains, making landscape restoration and sustainable management an urgent policy priority.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2020] The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples
Linkage: The PYQ tests understanding of desertification, land degradation and the wider ecological impacts of environmental change beyond arid regions. The article shows how degradation of the Aravalli Range is enabling Thar Desert dust to spread into Delhi and the Indo-Gangetic Plains, illustrating that the effects of desertification can extend far beyond desert areas.
The Union Ministry of Agriculture launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, on June 1, 2026, to promote sustainable agriculture and soil conservation.
Key Highlights
Initiative launched under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Campaign aims to protect:
Soil health
Agricultural productivity
Long term food security
It will involve:
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions
Agricultural universities
State agriculture departments
Major Objectives
Promote balanced use of fertilisers
Encourage:
Natural farming
Soil testing
Green manuring
Water conservation
Spread awareness regarding:
Soil Health Cards
Climate resilient agriculture
Alternative crops in low rainfall areas
Identify counterfeit:
Seeds
Fertilisers
Pesticides
Important Concerns Highlighted
Rising temperatures
Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides
Declining soil fertility
Increasing climate crisis affecting agriculture
Government Schemes Linked with Campaign
The campaign seeks convergence with:
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
Crop Insurance Scheme
Soil Health Card Scheme
Agricultural Mechanisation programmes
Pulses and Oilseeds Mission
Consider the following statements: The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at 1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation. 2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality. 3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
The sacred relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana, the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha, were ceremonially enshrined at Gandantegchenling Monastery during Buddha Purnima (Vesak Day) 2026.
Key Highlights
The relics were brought from India to Mongolia for a 10 day exposition from 31 May to 10 June 2026.
The exposition was inaugurated in the presence of:
Lakshman Prasad Acharya
Atul Malhari Gotsurve
Buddhist leaders and representatives of the International Buddhist Confederation.
The relics are preserved at the stupas of Sanchi Stupa.
About the Relics
Arhat Sariputra
One of the foremost disciples of Gautama Buddha.
Known for wisdom and deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy.
Arhat Mahamoggallana
Another chief disciple of Buddha.
Famous for spiritual powers and meditative attainments.
India-Mongolia Relations
India and Mongolia share strong Buddhist civilisational ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier described the two nations as “spiritual neighbours.”
The event coincides with:
70 years of diplomatic relations
10 years of Strategic Partnership
[2023] With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:: 1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 2.Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 3.Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition. How many of the statements given above are correct?
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated in Parliament that Nepal has also “encroached upon Indian territory in many places,” triggering political controversy in Nepal.
Key Highlights
The statement was made while discussing the disputed:
Kalapani
Lipulekh
Limpiyadhura regions.
Opposition lawmakers in Nepal demanded clarification and removal of the remarks from parliamentary records.
India-Nepal Border Dispute
Main disputed areas:
Kalapani: A strategic Himalayan region near the India-Nepal-China trijunction.
Lipulekh Pass: Important trade and Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route.
Limpiyadhura: Claimed by Nepal as part of its territory.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute intensified after:
India released a new political map in 2019.
Nepal amended its Constitution in 2020 to include the disputed regions in its official map.
Nepal bases its claims mainly on interpretations of the: Treaty of Sugauli (1816).
What is Dasgaja?
“Dasgaja” refers to the no man’s land along the India-Nepal border.
Nepal’s Foreign Ministry later clarified that the PM’s remarks referred mainly to:
Cross border occupation
Technical boundary irregularities in riverine areas.
Treaty of Sugauli (1816)
Signed between the East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal.
Signed after the Anglo-Nepal War.
Importance: Forms the basis of the present India-Nepal boundary disputes.
India’s Position
India maintains that:
Lipulekh lies within Indian territory.
It is a historic trade and pilgrimage route.
India supports resolving disputes through diplomatic dialogue.
[2020] Consider the following statements:
1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade
2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
General N.S. Raja Subramani assumed charge as India’s third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs.
Key Highlights
He paid tribute at the National War Memorial after assuming office.
A ceremonial Tri Services Guard of Honour was accorded at South Block.
He emphasised the “Whole of Nation” approach for strengthening India’s national security.
What is “JAI”?
General Subramani highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of:
Jointness
Aatma Nirbharta
Innovation
About the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
CDS is the highest-ranking military officer in India.
Acts as the Principal military adviser to the Defence Minister on tri-service matters.
Heads: Department of Military Affairs (DMA).
Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee
Department of Military Affairs (DMA)
Created in 2019.
Functions under Ministry of Defence.
Responsible for:
Promoting jointness among armed forces
Military staffing and training matters
Integration of services
[2024] What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs? 1. Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee 2. Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs 3. Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-Service matters Select the correct answer using the code given below:
