Researchers at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute have successfully induced broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) through vaccination for the first time.
About HIV/AIDS:
Emergence: The first cases of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) were reported in the early 1980s, primarily among gay men in the United States.
Discovery of HIV: In 1983-1984, scientists identified HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) as the cause of AIDS.
Global Spread: HIV/AIDS quickly became a global pandemic, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Causes:
HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids of an infected person, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
Common modes of HIV transmission include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Symptoms:
Acute HIV Infection: Many people experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, within 2-4 weeks after infection.
Asymptomatic Stage: After the initial symptoms subside, HIV often enters a latent stage where individuals may not experience any symptoms for years.
Progression to AIDS: Without treatment, HIV gradually weakens the immune system, leading to the development of opportunistic infections and cancers. This advanced stage is known as AIDS and is characterized by severe immune deficiency.
Vaccines Development:
Challenges: Developing an HIV vaccine has been challenging due to the virus’s ability to mutate rapidly and evade the immune system.
Vaccine Candidates: Numerous vaccine candidates have been tested over the years, but none have yet been successful in providing robust protection against HIV infection.
Hope for the Future: Despite setbacks, advances in vaccine development, such as the identification of promising candidates like N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8, offer hope for eventually achieving an effective HIV vaccine.
How B cells and mRNA play distinct roles in the context of HIV infection?
1. B cells (B lymphocytes):
B cells are a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune response.
In HIV infection, B cells participate in the adaptive immune response by producing antibodies specific to HIV antigens.
These antibodies can neutralize HIV particles, tag infected cells for destruction by other immune cells, and contribute to the immune memory against HIV.
2. mRNA (messenger RNA):
mRNA is a molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.
In the context of HIV, mRNA is involved in the replication process of the virus.
HIV uses its RNA genome to produce viral mRNA, which directs the synthesis of viral proteins necessary for the assembly of new virus particles.
Understanding HIV mRNA is crucial for developing antiviral therapies that target viral replication, such as mRNA-based vaccines or mRNA inhibitors.
N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8: The New Vaccines in Making
N332-GT5: This vaccine candidate targets a specific region on the surface of the HIV virus known as the N332 glycan site. By engaging B-cells that have the potential to produce bNAbs against this site, N332-GT5 aims to stimulate the immune system to generate a protective response against a wide range of HIV strains.
eOD-GT8: Similarly, eOD-GT8 is designed to target another region on the HIV virus, known as the eOD protein. By leveraging nanoparticles as carriers, eOD-GT8 aims to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and neutralize HIV, ultimately leading to the production of bNAbs.
What are Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies (bNAbs)?
In the 1990s, scientists discovered that some HIV-infected individuals produced bNAbs, which neutralize many viral strains.
bNAbs target viral protein areas crucial for infectivity, making them less likely to change.
Despite their effectiveness, bNAbs take years to develop, by which time HIV has often evolved to escape them.
Developing bNAb-Based Vaccines
The goal is to make the immune system produce bNAbs quickly in response to a vaccine.
Germline targeting involves three steps:
Identify and engage B-cells capable of producing bNAbs.
Use a booster to guide these cells to produce stronger bNAbs.
Refine bNAbs to neutralize a wide range of HIV strains.
PYQ:
[2013] Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?
1. Chikungunya
2. Hepatitis B
3. HIV-AIDS
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated close to Mykonos, Greece, played a pivotal role as a sanctuary in the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
Scientists warn that Delos faces imminent destruction within the next 50 years due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.
About Delos
Delos is a small island located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades archipelago in Greece.
It is considered as the birthplace of Apollo, the god of light, arts, and healing, and his sister Artemis, the goddess of the hunt.
Its ancient ruins date back to the 3rd millennium BCE.
These ruins include temples, houses, sanctuaries, theatres, and other public buildings.
It served as a port and trading hub, connecting the civilizations of the eastern Mediterranean with those of the west.
Delos was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.
Ruins and Monuments:
Some of the most notable ruins and monuments on Delos include the Terrace of the Lions, the Temple of Apollo, the House of the Dolphins, the Theater District, and the Sacred Lake.
About UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS)
Details
Definition
A WHS is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO.
Criteria
WHS are designated for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance.
World Heritage Convention
1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage established the framework for preserving the world’s outstanding heritage.
191 State Parties, including India, have ratified the World Heritage Convention.
Number of Sites
There are currently 1,172 World Heritage Sites across 166 countries.
Types of Sites
913 cultural sites
220 natural sites
39 mixed properties
World Heritage Committee
Evaluate nominated sites and inscribe them on the World Heritage List.
Preservation
Member states commit to protecting their World Heritage Sites.
World Heritage Fund
The fund, supported by member contributions, provides assistance for preserving sites.
Selection Criteria
Sites must demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) by meeting criteria defined in the Convention.
Advisory Bodies
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assess nominated sites.
Criteria for Cultural Sites
Six criteria for significance related to human creative genius, cultural interchange, unique testimony, outstanding examples of architecture, tradition, and events.
Criteria for Natural Sites
Four criteria for significance related to natural phenomena, Earth’s evolutionary history, ecological processes, and biological diversity.
Legal Status
Once inscribed, each site remains the property of the state it belongs to, with shared responsibility for its preservation and protection.
Obligations
Member states are obligated to integrate heritage protection into regional planning, report on-site conditions, and preserve sites for future generations.
Enforcement
The Committee may provide assistance, deploy experts, or delist sites in extreme cases of endangerment.
Important Sites in India:
There are 42 World Heritage Sites in India.
Out of these, 34 are cultural, 7 are natural, and 1, Khangchendzonga National Park, is of mixed type.
India has the sixth-most sites worldwide.
The first sites to be listed were the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal, all of which were inscribed in the 1983 session of the World Heritage Committee.
This year’s Smash Mains Program has AIR-2 Animesh Pradhan as Super Mentor. The same program that helped him get 473 marks in GS Mains.
As a Super Mentor, he will hold lectures and copy discussion sessions. Smash Mains Program is not just a Mains Test Series. It includes something very critical. and impactful i.e. Classes to cover various important and recurring themes in Mains exam.
First, let’s understand why we must rethink the Mains preparation and how Smash Mains differs from all other Mains Programs.
Traditional methods believe that mains prep is just about Answer Writing. In reality, that is just 20% of overall Mains prep.
They don’t focus on Notes, Revision, Answer Thinking, Enrichment, Structure etc.
Conventional wisdom doesn’t work, and it worries us that so many Mains aspirants still follow outdated methods and obsolete, ‘far from reality’ programs.
Conventional wisdom is lazy thinking. It’s looking at old and obsolete ways and believing that’s what will work in the future, too. Continuing to rely on outdated methods is similar to expecting a horse and carriage to compete with a modern car.
It’s looking at average notes, incomplete revision, and existing approaches to Mains Prep and then believing that’s the best you can do.
The opposite of conventional wisdom is first principles. Rethinking the whole Mains Prep from scratch and building from there to align with UPSC requirements. Rigorously testing each Mains question and answer in a mock test and giving sharp feedback to continuously improve the score.
If you still believe in those methodologies, then Smash isn’t for you. But if you have tried old ways and realized their futility, then apply for Smash Mains today.
Before joining any test series, get your copies evaluated by our Mentors
Animesh’s command on answer writing grew month after month with each test. We did a detailed session discussing his evolution.
He didn’t follow conventional wisdom. He knew precisely what to focus on and what was important, and this is what he brings to the students of Smash Mains this year.
Smash Mains is the entire Mains program re-engineered.
Not putting Penguins among the Fowls – You already know how to write an average answer (you’re missing it by a few marks actually). You want to know how to increase your score from 90 to 110-115. The approach followed by other institutes in their Test series is the same for a veteran and a complete newbie and here lies the problem. Without personalized one-to-one interaction, it will be difficult for you to rectify these minute yet very important shortcomings.
Evaluation is a strength of this program and we put it on a high priority. Arvind sir himself is involved in the process, unlike other institutes where evaluation is outsourced to those who themselves might not have appeared for mains (It’s bizarre). It shouldn’t be based on ‘model answers’ as there are 3-4 ways of approaching an answer. Only a seasoned player will be able to go beyond these model answers and be able to appreciate your approach (If it’s innovative) even if it differs from the model answers provided.
Test copies get checked in a time-bound manner. The questions, answers, and material provided are of the highest quality.
Always on time and insightful discussions end with a reality check and motivation to perform better in the next test.
Emphasis on execution and utilization of knowledge—Mains is not only about knowledge but also about optimally expressing the relevant knowledge.
Our mentor’s interventions are highly specific and not generalized. Sitting right in front of you, he walks you through each question. He is always there, and he will not let you lose your focus.
Persistent exclusion results in some disciplines becoming a last resort for many students with social sciences increasingly becoming a significant reservoir of the excluded in India.
Causes of Exclusion in Higher Education:
Excessive Competition: Premier institutions have stringent filtering mechanisms due to high demand, which results in significant exclusion of students.
Financial Factors: Private institutions often have high fees not regulated by statutory norms, and public institutions, facing reduced government funding, also increase fees, making education inaccessible for many.
Subject and Course Availability: There is a regional disparity in the availability of courses. Certain regions offer generic courses with outdated syllabi, limiting students’ choices and leading to exclusion.
Surge of Empirical Orientation:
Employability Perception: Courses with empirical and practical applications, like economics, are perceived to offer better employment opportunities compared to more theoretical courses like anthropology or sociology.
Policy Intervention Skills: There is a growing expectation for social science students to develop problem-solving skills similar to those of engineering students, which narrows the focus within social sciences.
Private Universities: The emergence of private universities catering to the affluent has led to a demand for courses that are less popular in public institutions, creating a dichotomy in course preference and quality.
Improving Quality of Higher Education:
Expand Quantity and Improve Quality: Increase the number of seats to accommodate excluded students and ensure concerted efforts towards enhancing the quality of education like entry based on competitive exams.
Enhance Teaching Quality: Prioritize the improvement of teaching methods and the content of courses to make education more relevant and effective for example reviewing and taking feedback on learning experiences from students.
Address Financial Exclusion: Implement measures to reduce financial barriers and prevent the widening of educational inequalities, ensuring that quality education is accessible to a broader demographic. For example, the Government can provide loans or scholarships.
Update Course Content: Regularly revise and update the syllabi to keep pace with societal changes and technological advancements, such as generative artificial intelligence.
Focus on Inclusivity: Ensure that policies and interventions in higher education focus on inclusivity, addressing the needs of diverse student populations and reducing regional disparities in course offerings.
Steps taken by Government
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Initiatives: The AICTE has undertaken various initiatives to enhance the quality of technical education, such as the establishment of Deen Dayal Upadhyay KAUSHAL Kendras and the introduction of B.Voc degree programs.
University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations: The UGC has notified regulations to improve the quality of higher education, including those related to recognition, accreditation, minimum qualifications for teachers, curbing ragging, and grievance redressal.
Scholarship and Fellowship Schemes: The UGC has launched various scholarship and fellowship schemes, such as the PG Doctoral Fellowship for SC/ST students, to promote inclusion and equity in higher education.
Conclusion: Efforts to enhance higher education, including expanding access, improving quality, and addressing financial barriers, are crucial for fostering inclusivity and equipping students for India’s future.
Mains PYQ:
Q The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2015)
In May 2024, the Supreme Court clearly stated its stance in two important rulings that affect the rights of individuals accused of crimes.
About Supreme Court’s Decision on Detention:
Custody Not Necessary Before Charge Sheet: The Supreme Court ruled that the custody of an accused is not mandatory before filing a charge sheet in certain criminal cases.
Relief for Investigating Agencies: This decision, if adhered to by lower courts, could alleviate pressures on investigating agencies.
Filing of Charge Sheet:Siddharth v. State of Uttar Pradesh and Another (2021)
Non-obligatory Arrest: Section 170 of the CrPC does not require investigating officers (IOs) to arrest every accused at the time of filing the charge sheet.
Acceptance of Charge Sheet: Courts cannot refuse to accept charge sheets solely because the accused is not in custody if the accused has been cooperating and is unlikely to abscond.
Practical Issues: Despite the ruling, IOs face challenges in filing charge sheets due to court practices and logistical constraints, such as the absence of all accused or arbitrary limits on the number of charge sheets accepted daily.
Grounds of Arrest:
1. Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India and Others (2023):
Written Notification Required: Grounds of arrest must be provided in writing to the accused to comply with constitutional and statutory mandates, specifically under Section 19(1) of the PMLA.
2. Prabir Purkayastha v. State (NCT of Delhi):
Application to UAPA: The requirement for written grounds of arrest under PMLA applies equally under UAPA.
Formal vs. Personal Grounds: Differentiates between formal reasons for arrest and personal grounds, necessitating detailed written reasons for arrest.
3. Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC):
Section 50(1) Compliance: Requires that every police officer inform the arrested person of the full particulars of the offence and grounds of arrest.
Arrest Memo: While arrest memos detail charges and are signed by the IO and the accused, there is no legal requirement to provide a copy to the accused.
Recommendation for Amendment: To comply with constitutional rights, it is suggested to amend the law to provide a copy of the arrest memo to the accused, enhancing transparency and legal support.
Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s decisions regarding the necessity of detention before charge sheet filing and the requirements for informing an accused of the grounds of arrest, highlight the implications for legal and procedural practices in India.
Mains PYQ:
Q Human right activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human right abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists. Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by Apex Court. (UPSC IAS/2015)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has renewed the State’s persistent call for special category status from the Centre, which would boost the State’s share of tax revenues from the Central government.
How does the ‘Special Category’ Status benefit the states like Bihar?
Increased Central Funds: States with special category status receive a higher share of central funds for government schemes, typically 90% from the Centre, compared to 60%-80% for other states.
Tax-Related Concessions: These states enjoy various tax concessions that can attract investments and boost economic development.
Financial Aid for Development: The additional funds can be used to address developmental gaps, improve infrastructure, and support welfare programs.
Criteria for Special Category status:
Geographic Disadvantages: States with challenging terrains such as hilly or difficult terrain.
Low Population Density or High Tribal Population: States with a considerable proportion of tribal population or low population density.
Economic and Social Backwardness: States that are economically and socially disadvantaged.
Strategic Location: States that share international borders or have strategic significance.
Why has Bihar’s demand been a long-standing issue?
Economic Backwardness: Bihar has one of the lowest per capita incomes in India and lags behind in several human development indicators.
Fiscal Challenges: The bifurcation of the state leading to the formation of Jharkhand, frequent natural disasters, and insufficient water resources for irrigation have adversely affected Bihar’s fiscal situation.
Political Reiteration: Successive Bihar governments have continuously demanded special status to help the state’s development.
What are the political implications of granting ‘Special Status’ to Bihar?
Increased Bargaining Power: Granting special status could enhance Bihar’s political leverage with the central government, especially in coalition politics.
Precedent for Other States: Granting special status to Bihar could lead to similar demands from other states, potentially creating financial burdens for the Centre.
Electoral Promises and Alliances: Political parties may use the promise of special status as an electoral tool to gain or maintain power, as seen with the Congress party’s manifesto promise in 2024.
Centre-State Relations: The decision could impact the dynamics of center-state financial relations and influence the federal structure of revenue distribution in India.
Conclusion: The Central government should establish a transparent and well-defined framework for granting special category status, taking into account various economic, geographic, and social parameters. This framework should be periodically reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and fair to all states.
Mains PYQ:
Q To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity. (UPSC IAS/2016)
The outcomes of the June 6-9 European Parliament elections, where approximately 51% of over 370 million eligible voters across 27 EU nations participated, indicated an increase in support for right-wing and far-right parties, resulting in losses for predominantly left-leaning and liberal parties.
What is the European Parliament?
The European Parliament is one of the core institutions of the European Union (EU), where Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are directly elected by citizens of the 27 member states.
It provides democratic legitimacy to EU activities and consists of 720 seats allocated based on degressive proportionality, meaning smaller states elect more MEPs than their populations would warrant.
Functions of the European Parliament:
The Parliament has three main functions: adopting and amending EU legislation along with the Council of the EU, supervising the functioning of other EU institutions (especially the European Commission), and sharing authority over the EU budget with the Council.
It also ratifies international agreements and plays a crucial role in shaping the EU’s direction on various issues such as climate change, migration, and international relations.
Major Players in the New European Parliament:
MEPs are affiliated with Europe-wide political groups based on commonalities in ideology. Major groups include the European People’s Party (EPP), Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Renew Europe, Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA), European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Identity and Democracy (ID), and the Left Group (GUE/NGL).
The EPP and S&D have traditionally been the two major groups, but the Parliament has become more fragmented over time, leading to issue-based coalitions.
In the latest elections, the EPP emerged as the largest group, but right-wing and far-right parties made significant gains.
Impact on EU’s Position on Hot-Button Issues like Immigration:
The European Parliament reflects broader political trends across Europe, with right-wing parties gaining traction from issues such as increased immigration, national identity, and scepticism towards certain EU policies.
This shift towards the Right has pressured many centre-right parties to adopt harder positions on immigration, likely leading to increased support for tighter border controls and stricter immigration and asylum rules.
Impacts of election result:
The election results may influence the EU’s direction on key issues like climate change, migration, and international relations.
The rise of right-wing and far-right parties could lead to shifts in policy priorities and a more conservative stance on certain issues.
In national politics, the results may impact the stability of governments and the position of leaders like Emmanuel Macron, who called for snap polls in response to his party’s poor performance in the European elections.
Conclusion: The European Parliament election results signal a rise in right-wing parties, impacting EU policies on immigration and other key issues. National politics may also face repercussions, affecting leadership stability.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.(UPSC IAS/2022)
Q. The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify. (UPSC IAS/2013)
Q. Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes in Industrial Policy are capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (UPSC IAS/2017)
Mentors’ comment: Rapid credit growth acts like a siren’s call, tempting economies with the allure of prosperity but ultimately steering them toward crises. Every financial boom is packaged as a tale of innovation and good fortune, yet each new narrative is merely a manufactured frenzy. This phenomenon, described by economist Robert Shiller as “irrational exuberance,” is a recurring theme in financial history. As economists Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff detailed in their renowned account of financial folly, governments and market players tend to dismiss the lessons of past crises following credit booms, clinging to the belief that “this time is different.”
Let’s learn.
Why in the News?
Rapid credit growth often promises prosperity but frequently leads to crises.These periods are seen as times of innovation and good fortune but often result in “irrational exuberance,” as economist Robert Shiller describes.
A Lofty and Dangerous Narrative about the Indian economy
Exaggerated Optimism About India’s Performance: Policymakers are excessively optimistic about India’s digital infrastructure as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion, promising growth and equality.
Enabling Poor Financial Practices: The narrative has facilitated a poorly regulated financial sector and led consumers to live beyond their means, generating a lending surge. Both international and domestic analysts have praised the surge, citing robust growth in bank lending and low levels of non-performing assets.
Misleading Applause: The IMF and National Council of Applied Economic Research have commended the increase in bank lending, particularly personal loans, interpreting it as a sign of bright prospects despite the struggles in industrial lending.
Ignored Fundamental Issues: The focus on credit growth detracts from addressing deep-rooted issues like job deficits and human capital deficits. The illusion of financial health is maintained as new loans pay off old ones, but this is unsustainable when lending slows.
Household Debt Boom: The rapid expansion of household lending, between 25% and 30% annually, is viewed as easy cash by lower- and middle-income households for various expenses, including lifestyle spending. This type of boom does not enhance productive capacity but increases domestic prices, making the country less competitive.
Economic Risks: Economists warn that higher household debt burdens lead to steeper crashes. Alongside the credit boom, factors like an overvalued stock market, weak corporate investment, anaemic consumer spending, an overvalued exchange rate, and dubious data reporting indicate a looming financial crisis.
Challenges related to the financial sector:
Fragmented Financial Sector: The Indian financial services industry is large and chaotic, with about 30 major providers (scheduled commercial banks and major NBFCs) and thousands of smaller, often dubious, players including fly-by-night NBFCs and fintechs.
Rogue Behavior and Scams: Major financial institutions have a history of rogue behavior, and the search for easy profits since economic liberalization in 1991 has led to numerous scams. Post-COVID-19, many financial service providers shifted their focus to household lending, often exploiting stagnant incomes.
Unsecured Lending: A significant and growing share of household loans (approaching a quarter) is unsecured, meaning they are not backed by collateral. The rapid increase in credit card debt exemplifies this trend, with the number of credit cards soaring from 20 million in 2011 to nearly 100 million by January 2024.
High-Risk Borrowers: Aggressive marketing of credit cards and loans to low-creditworthy individuals has built stress within both the borrower base and the financial system. The Reserve Bank of India has noted that the explosive growth of credit cards has attracted riskier, below-prime borrowers.
Debt Addiction and Financial Strain: Many households, lured by rewards and “no-interest EMIs,” are falling into debt traps, taking on more debt to repay existing dues, exacerbating their financial strain. The high household debt-service-to-income ratio (12%) is among the highest globally, comparable to pre-2008 crisis levels in the US and Spain.
Solution (Way Forward)
Surgically Downsize the Financial Services Industry: The financial services industry needs to be resized to better align lending capacity with productive borrowing needs. This would involve reducing the number of financial providers and ensuring that loans are directed towards projects that enhance productivity.
Weaken the Rupee: A weaker rupee could help expand exports, providing a buffer against the economic downturn. By making Indian goods cheaper abroad, a weaker rupee could stimulate demand for exports.
Preventing Rapid Credit Growth: Historical evidence indicates that rapid credit growth combined with an overvalued exchange rate is dangerous. Measures should be taken to moderate credit growth to sustainable levels.
Shift in Policy Perspective: There is a need to move away from the current belief that finance alone can spur growth. Instead, policies should focus on sustainable growth supported by finance, aligning with Joan Robinson’s dictum that finance must follow growth.
Addressing Overvalued Exchange Rate: Policymakers need to reconsider their commitment to maintaining a strong exchange rate. A more flexible exchange rate policy could better reflect economic fundamentals and support external competitiveness.
Focus on Employment and Human Capital: The acute job shortage and regression of the workforce back to agriculture highlight the need for policies that generate employment and improve human capital. Investments in education, skills development, and public goods are essential.
President Droupadi Murmu administered oaths to the Central Council of Ministers (CoM) of the new NDA government, comprising a larger team compared to the previous term.
The Council includes 30 cabinet ministers, five Ministers of State (Independent Charge), and 36 Ministers of State, with the Prime Minister leading the team.
About Central Council of Ministers
The Central CoM is a crucial part of India’s governance system.
Members: It consists of the Prime Minister (Head), Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.
History:
Portfolio System: The system of the CoM finds its roots in the Indian Councils Act of 1861, introduced by Lord Canning going parallel with the British Parliamentary System.
Constitutional Provisions
Articles 74 to 78 in Part V of the Indian Constitution broadly deal with the Central Council of Ministers.
Union Executive: The Union Executive encompasses the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Union Council of Ministers, and Attorney General of India, collectively responsible for the country’s administration.
Role of the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the head of the Central Council of Ministers, exercising executive authority and decision-making powers on key policy issues and unallocated portfolios.
Responsibilities: Prime Minister Modi oversees critical ministries such as Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space, while also leading government bodies like the Cabinet Secretariat and NITI Aayog.
Functions and Duties of CoM
1. Policy Formulation and Implementation:
Formulating Policies: The Council of Ministers, particularly the Cabinet, is tasked with formulating policies crucial for the nation’s development and welfare.
Policy Coordination: It ensures coordination among various government departments and agencies for effective policy implementation.
2. Executive Functions:
Real Executive Authority: The Council of Ministers acts as the real executive authority, exercising executive powers on behalf of the President.
Administration: It oversees the day-to-day administration of the country, ensuring the smooth functioning of government affairs.
Emergency Powers: During emergencies, the Council of Ministers advises the President on the exercise of emergency powers and crisis management.
3. Legislative Functions:
Bills and Legislation: Ministers actively participate in the legislative process by introducing bills, piloting them through Parliament, and ensuring their passage.
Policy Advocacy: They advocate for government policies and bills in Parliament, engaging in debates and discussions to garner support.
Budgetary Process: The Council of Ministers prepares and presents the annual budget, guiding fiscal policies and financial allocations.
4. Financial Management:
Budget Preparation: It plays a significant role in preparing the national budget, and outlining revenue and expenditure plans for the fiscal year.
Financial Administration: The Council oversees financial administration, ensuring compliance with budgetary provisions and efficient resource utilization.
Taxation and Fiscal Policy: Ministers propose taxation measures and formulate fiscal policies to promote economic growth and stability.
Who are the Cabinet Ministers?
The Cabinet Ministers are senior members of the Central Council of Ministers who head key government departments or ministries.
Typically, Cabinet Ministers are appointed by the Prime Minister and are part of the Cabinet, which is the core decision-making body in the government.
Each Cabinet Minister typically manages a specific portfolio aligned with the government’s priorities and responsibilities.
Examples: Minister of Finance, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Defence, Minister of External Affairs, Minister of Health, Minister of Education, and others.
The term ‘Cabinet’ was inserted in Art. 352 of the Constitution by the 44th Amendment Act 1978.
It did not find a place in the original text of the Constitution.
Difference between Ministers of State (Independent Charge) and Ministers of State:
Ministers of State (Independent Charge)
Ministers of State
Authority
Have independent portfolios
Assist Cabinet Ministers
Reporting Structure
Directly report to PM/President
Report to and assist Cabinet Ministers
Accountability
Fully responsible for their departments
Assist Cabinet Ministers in tasks
Protocol Status
Equivalent to Cabinet Ministers in status
Lower protocol status
Attendance in Cabinet Meetings
May attend if their portfolios are discussed
Not regular attendees
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following statements:
The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament.
The Union Ministers shall hold the office at the pleasure of the President of India.
The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for legislation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2007] Assertion (A): The Council of Ministers in the Union of India is collectively responsible both to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Reason (R): The Members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha are eligible to be the Ministers of the Union Government.
Choose the correct Code:
(a) Both A are R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
The United Nations has designated 2025 as the ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology’ to increase public awareness about the significance of quantum science and its applications.
This initiative, led by Mexico and supported by nearly 60 countries, aims to promote activities at all levels to highlight the importance of quantum science and technology worldwide.
International Year of Quantum S&T
Growing Relevance: Quantum science and technologies, especially quantum computing, have gained prominence in public discourse due to their potential transformative impact on various fields.
Anniversary of Heisenberg’s Work: The proclamation coincides with the upcoming centenary of Werner Heisenberg’s groundbreaking paper on quantum mechanics, published in 1925.
Support from International Bodies: The proclamation has received endorsements from various international organisations, including the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
What does one mean by Quantum?
“Quantum” refers to the smallest discrete unit of any physical quantity involved in an interaction according to quantum theory.
In classical physics, many properties, such as energy and momentum, are thought to be continuous and infinitely divisible.
However, in quantum mechanics, certain properties, like energy levels and the behaviour of particles, are quantised, meaning they can only exist in specific discrete amounts or levels.
What is Quantum Theory?
Quantum theory is a fundamental theory in physics that provides a description of the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles.
Quantum mechanics differs from classical physics in that energy, momentum, and angular momentum.
Development in Quantum Theory So Far
Planck’s assumption: In 1900, Planck made the assumption that energy was made of individual units or quanta.
Albert Einstein’s theory: In 1905, Albert Einstein theorized that not just the energy, but the radiation itself was quantized in the same manner.
Louis de Broglie theory: In 1924, Louis de Broglie proposed that there is no fundamental difference in the makeup and behaviour of energy and matter; on the atomic and subatomic level either may behave as if made of either particles or waves. This theory became known as the principle of wave-particle duality: elementary particles of both energy and matter behave, depending on the conditions, like either particles or waves (wave-particle duality).
Heisenberg proposed: In 1927, Werner Heisenberg proposed that precise, simultaneous measurement of two complementary values – such as the position and momentum of a subatomic particle – is impossible. Contrary to the principles of classical physics, their simultaneous measurement is inescapably flawed; the more precisely one value is measured, the more flawed will be the measurement of the other value. This theory became known as the uncertainty principle, which prompted Albert Einstein’s famous comment, “God does not play dice.”
What is Entanglement?
Entanglement was another of several weird properties exhibited by these tiny particles.
Two particles, having ‘interacted’ with each other at some stage, were found to have got ‘entangled’ in a way that the behaviour of one produced an instantaneous reaction in the other even if the two were no longer connected in any way and were separated by very large distances.
The entanglement property opened up new technological possibilities first time that it was possible to ‘teleport’ the quantum states of a particle to another location without the particle moving anywhere and without a medium.
What is Superposition?
It’s a phenomenon where, a particle exists simultaneously at multiple locations, known as superposition.
The chance of finding the particle at any given place was dictated by probabilistic calculations, and once it was found, or observed, at one location, it ceased to exist at all other places.
What is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is a new and super powerful way of doing computer stuff.
Instead of using regular computer bits that are either 0 or 1, quantum computers use special bits called qubits that can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, thanks to a thing called “quantum superposition.”
This allows them to do lots of calculations all at once, making them really fast at solving certain types of problems.
Back2Basics: National Quantum Mission (NQM)
Details
Mission Duration
2023-2031
Implementing Authority
Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science & Technology
India’s Position
Seventh country to have a dedicated quantum mission after the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada, and China
Focus Areas
Intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-100 physical qubits in 5 years and 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years
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