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  • UP’s Salkhan Fossil Park makes it to UNESCO tentative list

    Why in the News?

    Salkhan Fossil Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, has been recently added to UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites.

    About Salkhan Fossil Park:

    • Location: It is located in Salkhan village, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
    • Fossil Significance: It is renowned for its stromatolite fossils, ancient layered structures formed by cyanobacteria through photosynthesis.
    • Age of Fossils: These fossils are estimated to be up to 1.4 billion years old, dating to the Mesoproterozoic era.
    • Scientific Value: Preserved in Bhander limestone of the Vindhyan Supergroup, the site is one of the world’s richest Proterozoic rock collections.
    • Significance:
      • Evolutionary Insights: The fossils offer key evidence of early microbial life and events like the Great Oxidation Event, helping us understand Earth’s early biosphere.
      • Ecological Context: It lies within the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, enhancing its ecological and conservation value.

    Back2Basics: UNESCO’s Tentative List

    • Definition: It is a country’s inventory of sites proposed for future inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
    • Nomination Process: A site must be on the Tentative List for at least one year before formal nomination.
    • Evaluation Criteria: Sites are assessed for natural, cultural, or mixed heritage value, based on global significance.
    • India’s Status: As of June 2025, India has 63 sites on its Tentative List, spanning ecosystems, monuments, and landscapes.
    • Benefits of Inclusion: While not guaranteeing World Heritage status, inclusion raises awareness, improves funding, and strengthens conservation.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:

    1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya

    How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four

     

  • Species in news: Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

    Why in the News?

    The elusive dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, has been rediscovered in Assam’s Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) after being thought locally extinct.

    About Dhole:

    • Overview: The dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, is a carnivorous mammal from the Canidae family.
    • Habitat: Historically, dholes inhabited southern Russia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia but are now limited to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China.
    • Clusters in India: In India, dholes are found mainly in the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Central Indian Landscape, and the Northeast.
    • Key States: According to a 2020 study, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh lead in dhole conservation efforts.
    • Social Behaviour: Dholes live in packs of up to 30 but may also hunt solo or in pairs depending on prey availability.
    • Ecological Role: As predators, dholes help regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Endangered
      • CITES: Appendix II (not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so if trade is not closely controlled).
      • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II (considered important for conservation and are granted a high degree of protection).

    Back2Basics: Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL)

    • Geographic Spread: KKAL is located south of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, comprising Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and the Karbi Anglong Hills.
    • Ecological Importance: KNP is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, known for rich, unmodified ecosystems.
    • Wildlife Corridor: KKAL facilitates seasonal migration during Brahmaputra floods, supporting species movement and survival.
    • Flagship Species: The landscape hosts the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as Bengal tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and wild buffalo.
    • B2B Corridor: KKAL forms a vital link in the proposed Bhutan-to-Burma (B2B) Connected Landscape, a 1,400 km biodiversity corridor across northeast India.

     

  • [pib] Researchers validate Optical Properties of Teak Leaf Extracts

    Why in the News?

    In a breakthrough, scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have found that teak leaf extract (Tectona grandis) could offer a natural, sustainable solution for laser protection.

    About Optical Properties of Teak Leaf:

    • Natural Composition: Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) contain natural compounds that can interact with strong laser light.
    • Laser Blocking Ability: These compounds can block harmful laser rays while allowing normal light to pass, making them suitable for selective light filtering.
    • Nonlinear Optics: This unique behaviour is called a nonlinear optical property, where a material responds differently to high-intensity light.
    • Linear vs Nonlinear: In linear optics, the material’s response is directly proportional to the light’s intensity. In nonlinear optics, the response becomes non-proportional, especially under laser exposure.

    Back2Basics: Teak as Timber in India

    • Teak (Tectona grandis) is a large deciduous hardwood tree native to India and Southeast Asia, mainly found in tropical dry and moist deciduous forests.
    • It is highly valued for its durable, strong, and water- and pest-resistant wood, making it the “King of Timbers”.
    • India manages 35% of the world’s planted teak forests, with major natural habitats in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
    • Teak is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List but is not under CITES; private plantations are crucial for meeting demand due to restrictions on commercial felling in government forests.
    • Green felling is prohibited in government forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and National Forest Policy, 1988, with timber supply to be met mainly from dead/diseased trees or private plantations.

    Recent Breakthrough:

    • New Discovery: Scientists discovered that teak leaf extract can function as a natural laser shield.
    • Protection Potential: The extract can block high-intensity laser beams, offering protection to human eyes and sensitive optical devices.
    • First of Its Kind: This marks the first known instance of a natural material exhibiting such laser-blocking properties.

    Significance for Humans:

    • Practical Applications: It can be used in laser safety goggles, optical sensors, and other light-sensitive technologies.
    • Safe Alternative: It offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly substitute to chemical-based laser protection materials.
    • Sustainability Impact: The use of plant-based materials supports cost reduction and promotes sustainable innovation in science and optics.
    [UPSC 2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

    Options: (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest* (b) Tropical rain forest (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest (d) Temperate Forest with grasslands

     

  • [27th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Fathoming America’s plan to manage AI proliferation

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2021] The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.

    Linkage: The article explicitly state that the US views AI technology control as a means to “preserve its lead” against adversaries like China and Russia, seeing advanced AI capabilities as a determinant of national power, similar to nuclear weapons.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  The United States’ decision to withdraw the AI Diffusion Framework marks a clear change in policy, but not in its overall strategy to control AI technology. The framework had treated AI like a nuclear threat, aiming to tightly control the export of AI chips, especially to China and Russia. Its removal is seen as positive news, especially for countries like India, which were not treated fairly. However, the U.S. is now trying to achieve the same goals through technology-based controls instead of direct trade rules. This shift from open policy to hidden enforcement could hurt global AI cooperation, cause strategic caution among allies, and lead to repeating the same problems in a new way.p

    Today’s editorial talks about the impact of the United States’ recent decision to cancel its AI Diffusion Framework. This topic is useful for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The United States recently cancelled its AI Diffusion Framework, a set of rules that controlled the export of AI technology. This decision is being seen as a positive move.

    What is the AI Diffusion Framework?

    The AI Diffusion Framework was a set of export control rules announced by the United States in early 2025. It aimed to regulate how advanced AI technology, such as AI chips and model weights, could be shared or sold to other countries.

    What were the key goals of the U.S. AI Diffusion Framework?

    • Restrict Access to Strategic Competitors: The framework aimed to block countries like China and Russia from obtaining advanced AI chips and model weightsto prevent them from enhancing their military and surveillance capabilities through powerful AI systems.
    • Preserve U.S. Technological Leadership: By limiting the global spread of high-performance computing resources, the U.S. sought to maintain its edge in AI development and ensure that cutting-edge innovations remained concentrated within the U.S. and trusted allies.
    • Create a Structured Export Control System: It introduced a clear set of rules combining export controls and licensing, aiming to simplify regulatory procedures and standardize how AI-related technology was shared or restricted across countries.

    Why was the U.S. AI Diffusion Framework seen as counterproductive?

    • Damaged trust among allies and partners: The broad restrictions impacted both rivals and friendly countries, causing diplomatic friction. Some nations that were not classified as preferred allies began investing in independent AI ecosystems to avoid overdependence on the U.S.
    • Accelerated innovation in restricted regions: By limiting access to advanced AI chips, the framework pushed affected countries to create more efficient algorithms that required less computing power. This led to the development of competitive AI models that challenged the dominance of those built with high-end hardware.

    Why is the framework’s withdrawal seen as beneficial for countries like India?

    • Improved Access to AI Hardware and Resources: With the framework withdrawn, countries like India now face fewer barriers in acquiring high-performance AI chips and related technologies. Eg: Indian startups and research institutions can more easily procure advanced GPUs necessary for developing large AI models.
    • Support for Strategic and Technological Autonomy: The removal of restrictions allows India to pursue its own AI development agenda without being constrained by another country’s policy. Eg: India can strengthen initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission and the Semiconductor Mission to build domestic capabilities.
    • Enhanced Global Collaboration Opportunities: The rollback encourages deeper cooperation between India and other nations, including the U.S., in AI research and innovation. Eg: Indian firms may now engage in joint ventures or technology partnerships with U.S. companies without facing restrictive export barriers.

    How do new U.S. AI chip controls reflect a continuation of earlier strategies?

    • Ongoing Restriction on Adversaries: The U.S. continues to block access to advanced AI chips for countries like China by expanding export controls and adding more firms to the Entity List, just as the earlier framework aimed to do.
    • Shift from Trade to Technological Enforcement: Instead of broad trade bans, the new approach focuses on hardware-level restrictions, such as embedding features in chips to monitor or limit usage, reflecting the same strategic intent in a new form.
    • Sustained Focus on Controlling AI Diffusion: The introduction of location tracking mandates and usage controls in AI chips shows the U.S. is still trying to control how and where AI technology spreads, continuing the goals of limiting proliferation and maintaining dominance.

    What are the global implications of U.S. AI export controls on innovation and technological sovereignty?

    • Push for Technological Self-Reliance: Countries affected by the controls are investing in domestic AI ecosystems and indigenous chip manufacturing to reduce dependence on U.S. technology, leading to the rise of multiple, parallel innovation hubs around the world.
    • Erosion of Trust and Collaboration: Export restrictions create privacy concerns, surveillance risks, and a sense of strategic vulnerability, prompting both allies and adversaries to hedge against U.S. influence, thereby weakening global scientific cooperation and technological integration.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government in AI chips?

    • IndiaAI Mission (2024): A ₹10,000 crore initiative focused on developing compute infrastructure, datasets, and talent.
    • Semiconductor Mission (ISM): Includes financial incentives and infrastructure support for AI chip manufacturing and design.
    • Collaborations with the private sector: Partnerships with companies like Micron, AMD, and Tata Group to build chip fabs and R&D centres in India.
    • Supercomputing initiatives: Under PARAM and National Supercomputing Mission, India is developing indigenous high-performance compute for AI workloads.
    • IndiaAI compute platform: Aimed at giving startups and researchers access to high-end GPU clusters.

    Way forward: 

    • Promote Inclusive and Transparent AI Governance: The U.S. and other major powers should work through multilateral platforms to create balanced AI export norms that protect security interests without stifling global innovation or alienating partners.
    • Strengthen Global AI Collaboration Frameworks: Countries like India should advocate for open-access research, joint AI development programs, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure equitable access to AI technology and reduce dependency on a single ecosystem.

  • Vaccinating India: On Zero-Dose Children

    Why in the News?

    India has made significant progress in expanding vaccine coverage, with a dramatic drop in the percentage of zero-dose children from 33.4% in 1992 to 6.2% in 2023. But even though India is not affected by war or extreme poverty like some other countries, it still has the second-highest number of children without any vaccination in the world.

    What is the trend in global and Indian vaccine coverage?

    • Global Progress: Since 1980, coverage for six major diseases—including measles, polio, and tuberculosis—has doubled worldwide, and the proportion of zero-dose children has fallen to around 75% fewer globally.
    • India’s Improvement with Persistent Gaps: India has dramatically reduced zero-dose children from 33.4% in 1992 to 6.2% in 2023, yet still ranks second globally in absolute numbers, indicating significant strides amid ongoing challenges.

    What are zero-dose children?

    • Zero-dose children are those who have not received the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine.
    • They are a crucial performance marker of a country’s immunisation system and indicate inequities in vaccine coverage.

    Why are they important for assessing vaccination?

    • Reflects health system coverage and equity: A high number of zero-dose children shows that vaccination programmes are not reaching all segments of the population. NFHS-5 (2019–21) Data also showed that full immunisation coverage among children aged 12–23 months was significantly lower in rural and tribal regions compared to urban areas (e.g., Nagaland: 57.8%, compared to Tamil Nadu: 89.8%).
    • Indicates social and economic exclusion: The presence of zero-dose children highlights barriers like poverty, low maternal education, and marginalisation. Eg: Urban slums with high migrant populations tend to have more zero-dose children due to lack of awareness and access.
    • Warns of vulnerability to disease outbreaks: Areas with many zero-dose children are more likely to face outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Eg: Measles outbreaks are more common in districts with poor immunisation coverage.

    Why does India still have a high number of zero-dose children despite adequate resources?

    • High birth rate increases absolute numbers: India has the highest number of annual births globally. In 2023, India had around 23 million births, making even a small percentage of zero-dose children translate into a large number.
    • Geographical and logistical challenges: Remote tribal areas, urban slums, and migrant populations are harder to reach due to terrain, mobility, and poor infrastructure. E.g., children in parts of Meghalaya or urban Delhi, slums often miss vaccinations due to lack of access and follow-up.
    • Socio-cultural barriers and vaccine hesitancy: Low maternal education, religious beliefs, and misinformation lead to vaccine hesitancy in certain communities. Eg: In some Muslim households or among Scheduled Tribes, distrust or misinformation about vaccines limits uptake.

    How has India’s zero-dose child rate changed over time, especially post-COVID?

    • Steady decline before the pandemic: Between 1992 and 2016, India reduced the percentage of zero-dose children from 33.4% to 10.1%, showing consistent improvement in immunisation outreach.
    • Sharp rise during the COVID-19 pandemic: Disruptions in health services led to a surge in zero-dose children, increasing from 1.4 million in 2019 to 2.7 million in 2021, reversing years of progress.
    • Partial recovery after the pandemic: The number dropped to 1.1 million in 2022 but rose again to 1.44 million in 2023, indicating ongoing challenges in sustaining immunisation coverage.

    Where are zero-dose children mainly located in India?

    • High-burden states in northern and central India: Large numbers of zero-dose children are concentrated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, which have large populations and gaps in last-mile immunisation delivery.
    • Northeastern and underserved regions: A relatively high proportion is also found in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, where geographic inaccessibility, scattered populations, and weaker health infrastructure pose challenges.

    What actions are needed for India to meet the WHO’s 2030 immunisation target?

    • Expand and intensify targeted immunisation drives: Strengthen last-mile delivery through regular and focused vaccination campaigns in underserved regions. Eg: Mission Indradhanush and its intensified versions could increase immunisation coverage in low-performing districts.
    • Strengthen community-level engagement and awareness: Promote behavioural change and reduce vaccine hesitancy through culturally tailored IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities. Eg: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) encourages institutional deliveries and postnatal care, which can be used to ensure timely vaccination of newborns.
    • Integrate immunisation with digital health monitoring systems: Use technology for real-time tracking of vaccine coverage and follow-up in high-birth and high-risk areas. Eg: eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) monitors vaccine stocks and cold chain availability, improving efficiency and reducing wastage.

    Conclusion: India’s immunisation journey shows a mixed reality, while the country is a global leader in vaccine development, it still struggles to ensure all its children receive basic immunisation. Closing this gap is important not just for public health but also for social fairness and overall development. The need is even more urgent because India has the highest number of newborns in the world. The Immunisation Agenda 2030 should be treated as a national priority.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines?

    Linkage: It explicitly deals with “vaccines” and “Indian vaccine manufacturers”. While it focuses on COVID-19 vaccines, the discussion around vaccine functionality and production capacity is fundamentally linked to the broader challenge of “Vaccinating India” and reaching “zero-dose children” for various preventable diseases.

  • Type 2 diabetes rising among young people, posing lifetime risks: Lancet

    Why in the News?

    A new series by The Lancet highlights a major shift in global health. Type 2 diabetes, which earlier affected mostly older people, is now increasing quickly among those under 40. Around 260 million young adults worldwide already have the disease.

    What distinguishes early-onset type 2 diabetes from adult-onset in impact?

    • Longer disease duration with increased complications: Being diagnosed at a younger age means living longer with the disease, increasing the risk of complications like kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage throughout life. A 25-year-old with diabetes may face multiple health issues by age 40, compared to someone diagnosed at 55.
    • Greater loss in life expectancy: Individuals diagnosed before the age of 30 can lose up to 15 years of life expectancy, whereas older adults diagnosed later typically lose fewer years. A young adult may not survive past their 60s if the disease is poorly managed, while an older adult may live well into their 70s or 80s.
    • More disruption to personal and economic life: Early onset affects critical life stages like education, job opportunities, and family planning, placing greater mental and financial stress. A person in their 20s may have to drop out of college or limit employment due to frequent medical care needs.

    Why is early-onset diabetes a major concern for Indian health systems?

    • Rising burden on already stretched public healthcare: India’s healthcare system is under pressure from both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Early-onset diabetes increases the demand for long-term care, monitoring, and medication. A 2023 ICMR study found that more than 25% of diabetes cases in India are now diagnosed before the age of 40.
    • Economic impact on productivity and workforce: Early-onset diabetes reduces an individual’s healthy working years and impacts productivity, especially in labour-intensive sectors. According to the ICMR 2023 study, diabetic workers lose an average of 7–8 additional workdays annually, leading to reduced output, absenteeism, and rising employer costs.
    • Greater lifetime healthcare costs and complications: Early diagnosis leads to decades-long care, including medication, check-ups, and complication management, increasing costs for families and public health insurance. Eg: A young diabetic using insulin, requiring eye and kidney screenings, adds a heavy burden on schemes like Ayushman Bharat.

    How do socio-economic and environmental factors drive its rise?

    • Unhealthy food environments and marketing: Easy availability and aggressive marketing of processed and sugary foods through social media influence poor dietary habits among youth. Eg: Fast food delivery apps and influencer-driven trends promote ultra-processed snacks in urban areas like Delhi and Mumbai.
    • Inequality in access to healthcare and lifestyle management: Low-income groups lack access to nutritious food, safe exercise spaces, and preventive healthcare, increasing risks of obesity and diabetes. Eg: Children in urban slums of Kolkata face limited health awareness and inactivity, raising early-onset diabetes risk.
    • Impact of early-life undernutrition and developmental challenges: Poor maternal nutrition, low birth weight, and childhood undernourishment raise the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later, even without obesity. Eg: In rural Madhya Pradesh, undernourished children show insulin resistance despite having a low BMI.

    Why is prevention more effective than treatment in tackling this issue?

    • Reduces lifelong health burden and complications: Preventing diabetes avoids decades of medication, monitoring, and risks of complications like kidney or heart disease. Eg: Promoting physical activity and healthy diets in schools can reduce diabetes risk and future hospital visits.
    • More cost-effective for individuals and health systems: Prevention strategies like awareness campaigns and food policies cost less than long-term drug therapy and hospitalisation. Eg: Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, adopted in over 100 countries, has reduced sugary drink sales and lowered obesity-related costs.
    • Addresses root causes and promotes healthy behaviours: Focusing on prevention changes social and environmental conditions that lead to obesity and diabetes. Eg: Urban planning with parks, pedestrian paths, and fitness centres encourages active lifestyles, lowering diabetes risk.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen preventive public health strategies: Implement nationwide programs promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and early screening in schools and communities to reduce risk factors from a young age.
    • Ensure equitable access to care and awareness: Expand access to affordable diagnosis, lifestyle counselling, and essential medicines in both urban and rural areas, especially targeting low-income and high-risk groups.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges, and what steps need to be taken to meet them?

    Linkage: This question directly addresses “newer health challenges” and the steps required to meet them. The need for “urgent investment in prevention, early diagnosis and targeted care” mentioned in the article directly aligns with the “steps to be taken” aspect of this question.

  • 🔴[UPSC Webinar] By Sumit Gupta, AIR 200, UPSC CSE 24 || Crack UPSC 2026 with a Weekly GS Timetable, Micro Planning, Resources & Daily Targets || Join on 28th June At 7PM

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  • Registered Unrecognized Political Parties

    Why in the News?

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the process to delist some Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) that have not contested a single election since 2019 and whose offices are untraceable.

    About Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs):

    • Definition: RUPPs are political parties that are registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) but have not yet qualified as State or National Parties.
    • Electoral Status: These parties may be newly registered, may have contested elections but underperformed, or may have never contested at all.
    • Privileges:
      • Eligibility for election symbols under specific conditions.
      • Tax exemptions for donations under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
      • The ability to participate in elections under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

    How are Political Parties Registered?

    • Legal Basis: Registration is governed by Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
    • Requirements: Parties must submit an application with their constitution or memorandum to the ECI.
    • Declarations: The party must affirm adherence to the Constitution and commit to socialism, secularism, democracy, and national unity.
    • Benefits: Once registered, the party can contest elections, seek a common symbol, and receive legal financial support.

    Criteria for Recognition as a Political Party:

    • For State Party Recognition: A party must:
      • Win 6% of valid votes and 2 Assembly seats, or
      • Win 3% of Assembly seats or at least 3 seats, or
      • Win 1 Lok Sabha seat and 6% of valid votes in a general election from the state.
    • For National Party Recognition: A party must:
      • Be recognized as a State Party in 4 states, or
      • Win 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from at least 3 states, or
      • Poll 6% of valid votes in 4 states and win 4 Lok Sabha seats.
    • Advantages of Recognition: Recognized parties get reserved symbols, broadcast time, campaign benefits, and can appoint more star campaigners.
    [UPSC 2001] Consider the following statements regarding the political parties in India:

    1. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides for the registration of political parties.

    2. Registration of political parties is carried out by the Election Commission.

    3. A national level political party is one which is recognised in four or more States.

    4. During the 1999 general elections, there were six National and 48 State level parties recognised by the Election Commission.

    Options: (a) I, II and IV (b) I and III (c) II and IV (d) I, II, III and IV*

     

  • Puri Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath

    Why in the News?

    The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at Puri, Odisha, has begun today.

    About Rath Yatra:

    • About: Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu chariot festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, in honour of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.
    • Legend: The festival commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, their birthplace.
    • Occurrence: It is held on the second day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha (June–July), according to the Odia calendar.
    • Procession: The deities are placed in three massive wooden chariots and pulled by devotees along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) for about 3 km.
    • Significance: It is one of the four sacred pilgrimages (Char Dham) in Hinduism and allows non-Hindus to have darshan of the deities, unlike entry to the temple.

    Key Events of the Rath Yatra:

    • Pahandi Bije: The ceremonial procession where the deities are carried from the temple to the chariots.
    • Chhera Panhara: A ritual where the Puri King sweeps the chariots with a golden broom, signifying humility and equality.
    • Three Chariot Pulling: Devotees pull the chariots—Nandighosa (Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Balabhadra), and Darpadalan (Subhadra)—toward Gundicha Temple.
    • Bahuda Yatra: The return journey to the Jagannath Temple, held on the 10th day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha.
    • Poda Pitha Offering: The deities are offered traditional cakes at Mausimaa Temple during their return.
    • Suna Besha: On return, the deities are adorned with gold ornaments on their chariots.
    • Niladri Bije: Final ritual where the deities re-enter the sanctum; marks the end of the Rath Yatra.
    • Rasagola Divas: Devotees offer Rasagola sweets to Goddess Lakshmi to appease her for not being included in the journey.

    Back2Basics: Jagannath Puri Temple

    • The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a major Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna.
    • The current structure was rebuilt starting in the 10th century by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
    • The temple showcases the Oriya style of architecture, known for sculptural richness and graceful forms.
    • It spans over 400,000 sq. ft., enclosed by the 20-foot-high Meghanada Pacheri.
    • An inner wall, called Kurma Bedha, surrounds the main sanctum.
    • Main Structural Sections:
      1. Deula/Vimana/Garba Griha: Sanctum sanctorum housing the deities on the Ratnavedi, built in Rekha Deula style.
      2. Mukhashala: The frontal porch.
      3. Nata Mandir/Jagamohan: The audience or dancing hall.
      4. Bhoga Mandapa: The hall of offerings.

     

    [UPSC 2009] Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for who of the following?

    Options: (a) Bahubali * (b) Buddha (c) Mahavir (d) Nataraja

     

  • India to host Regional Wing of International Potato Center (CIP)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Singna, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

    About the International Potato Centre (CIP):

    • Establishment: The CIP was founded in 1971 in Lima, Peru, to promote research on potato, sweet potato, and Andean root crops.
    • Global Reach: CIP operates in South America, Africa, and Asia, focusing on sustainable agriculture and nutritional security.
    • India Collaboration: CIP began its work in India in 1975 through an agreement with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
    • Germplasm Collection: It maintains the world’s largest germplasm bank for potato and sweet potato, making it central to crop breeding and biotech innovation.
    • Research Areas: CIP’s activities include crop improvement, pest and disease control, post-harvest technologies, and market linkages.
    • Partnership Model: The center works with local governments, agricultural institutions, and NGOs to develop climate-resilient, high-yielding varieties.

    Functions of the New Regional Center (CSARC) in India:

    • Location and Purpose: The new CIP-CSARC is being set up in Singna, Agra, to serve India and South Asia.
    • Core Focus: It will work on developing climate-resilient, disease-free, and processing-grade varieties of potato and sweet potato.
    • Food Security Goals: The center aims to enhance food and nutrition security, farmer income, and rural employment through improved productivity and value-added agri-products.
    • Global Linkages: It will provide Indian researchers access to CIP’s global network, innovations, and genetic resources.
    • Post-Harvest Development: It will strengthen seed quality, post-harvest systems, and improve India’s export potential in potato-based crops.
    • National Importance: This will be the second major international agri-research institute in India, after IRRI-SARC in Varanasi.

    Potato Cultivation in India:

    • About: Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is known as the “King of Vegetables” and is India’s fourth most important food crop after rice, wheat, and maize.
    • Origin: Introduced to India by Portuguese traders in the 17th century; It is a native crop of the Peruvian-Bolivian Andes.
    • Geographic Spread: Grown in 23 states, but 85% of production comes from the Indo-Gangetic plains in North India.
    • Global comparison: India is the second-largest potato producer globally after China, producing 51.3 million tonnes in 2020.
    • Top Producing States:  India’s average potato yield is 25 tonnes/hectare, which is only half the estimated potential of 50+ tonnes/hectare due to poor seed quality.
      • Uttar Pradesh: ~30% of total output
      • West Bengal: ~23.5%
      • Bihar: ~17%
      • Other contributors: Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
    • Climate Needs: Potato is a cool-season crop.
      • Ideal growth temp: 24°C
      • Ideal tuber formation temp: 20°C
    • Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils with moisture retention.
    • Planting Seasons:
      • Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand: Spring (Jan–Feb), Summer (May)
      • Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar, Bengal: Main crop in October
      • MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka: Both kharif and rabi seasons
    • Seed Management: Use disease-free, sprouted seeds (30–50g);
    • Popular varieties: Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj, and Kufri Chandramukhi.
    • Fertilization & Irrigation: Apply balanced nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium; drip irrigation is recommended.
    • Harvesting: Ready in 90–120 days, harvested manually or mechanically.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following plants:

    1. Groundnut 2. Horse-gram 3. Soybean

    How many of the above belong to the pea family?

    Options: (a) only one (b) only two (c) All three* (d) None

     

  • India refuses to sign SCO draft statement

    Why in the News?

    At the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh refused to sign the draft joint statement after it excluded the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

    About SCO:

    • Overview: It is a regional intergovernmental body with 10 members—India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus (joined in 2024).
    • Origin: It evolved from the “Shanghai Five” formed in 1996, aimed at resolving post-Soviet border and security issues in Central Asia and China.
    • Formation: Itwas formally established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai to promote regional cooperation in security, economic development, and cultural exchange.
    • Security Arm: The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure- RATS of SCO focuses on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and drug trafficking.
    • Global Role: It is the world’s largest regional group by area and population, and is viewed as a counterweight to Western alliances.
    • India and SCO:
      • Membership Journey: India became an observer in 2005 and gained full membership in 2017, along with Pakistan.
      • Areas of Participation: India engages in SCO summits, joint military drills, and anti-terror cooperation, often using the forum to address cross-border terrorism

    Significance of Rajnath Singh’s Action:

    • Strong Message: In his recent SCO address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism, citing the Pahalgam attack as a case of religious targeting.
    • Foreign Policy Signal: His statement reflects India’s independent foreign policy stance, especially significant in a group where China wields influence and often backs Pakistan
    • Zero Tolerance Stand: The speech reinforced India’s message that peace and terrorism cannot coexist, and there can be no normal ties with terror-sponsoring nations.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following:

    1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

    2. Missile Technology Control Regime

    3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

    India is a member of which of the above?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3*

     

  • In news: International Olympic Committee (IOC)

    Why in the News?

    Kirsty Coventry, aged 41, has become the first African and the first woman to head the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

    Also in news:

    The IOC has paused the selection process for future Olympic Games hosts, impacting India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics.

    About the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

    • Overview: It is a non-governmental international organisation established in 1894, and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
    • Functions: It sets the rules and framework for the Olympic Games, including deciding on host cities and event structures.
    • Membership: IOC members must be proficient in French or English and be citizens or residents of countries with a National Olympic Committee (NOC).
    • Jurisdiction: The IOC acts as the final authority on matters related to the Olympic Games and the Olympic movement.
    • Indian and the IOC:
      • The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been recognized by the IOC since 1927.
      • It is responsible for selecting and sending Indian athletes to the Olympics and other major international competitions.

  • Agricultural Fungicides causing C. Tropicalis Infections

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at Fudan University found that overuse of the fungicide tebuconazole is causing azole-resistant Candida tropicalis to emerge — a deadly fungus with a 55–60% mortality rate.

    About Candida tropicalis:

    • Overview: Candida tropicalis is a fungal pathogen prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including India.
    • Type: It is a yeast species that causes invasive candidiasis, affecting the bloodstream and internal organs.
    • High-Risk Groups: The fungus is opportunistic, primarily infecting immunocompromised individuals such as cancer patients and those in ICUs.
    • Mortality Rate: The infection has a high mortality rate, estimated at 55–60% when it becomes systemic.
    • Drug Treatment: Standard treatments include azole-class antifungals such as fluconazole and voriconazole (widely used during COVID-19 induced Black Fungus).
    • Adaptability: The pathogen shows strong genomic plasticity, allowing it to survive hostile environments and develop drug resistance.

    Reasons for Spread and Resistance:

    • Agricultural Influence: Studies show that azole fungicides like tebuconazole, used in farming, contribute to azole-resistant C. tropicalis
    • Environmental Exposure: These fungicides accumulate in soil and water, promoting the evolution of resistant strains.
    • Genetic Adaptations: Resistant strains develop aneuploidy (extra chromosomes), aiding resistance but reducing growth in drug-free environments.
    • Efflux Pumps: Some strains duplicate genes like TAC1, boosting drug-efflux pumps (e.g., ABC transporters) to eject antifungals from the cell.
    • Increased Virulence: Resistant strains have proven more virulent in animal studies, posing greater public health risks.

     

  • Substandard Cancer Drugs: A Global Public Health Alarm

    Why in the News?

    A global investigation has revealed that vital chemotherapy drugs used in over 100 countries have failed quality tests, posing life-threatening risks to cancer patients.

    Various Drugs Used for Cancer Treatment:

    • Cisplatin is a platinum-based drug discovered in the 1960s. It binds to DNA in cancer cells and is widely used to treat testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers. It is known to cause kidney damage, hearing loss, and immune suppression.
    • Oxaliplatin is another platinum compound mainly used to treat advanced colorectal cancer. It works similarly to cisplatin but may also cause nerve-related side effects.
    • Cyclophosphamide is used for treating breast cancer, leukaemia, sarcoma, and lymphoma. It damages cancer cell DNA and lowers white blood cell counts, weakening the immune system. It can also cause bladder inflammation.
    • Doxorubicin, known as the “Red Devil”, is derived from soil bacteria and used against breast cancer, leukaemia, and sarcomas. It disrupts DNA replication but has serious side effects, including heart damage and hair loss.
    • Methotrexate blocks enzymes involved in DNA synthesis and is used for leukaemia, lymphoma, and various tumors. It is often followed by leucovorin, which helps protect normal cells from damage.
    • Leucovorin is not a chemotherapy drug but a supportive agent used with methotrexate to reduce toxicity. It is a form of vitamin B9 introduced in the 1950s.

    Recent Quality Test Failure

    • Investigation: A 2024 investigation revealed that chemotherapy drugs sold in over 100 countries failed basic quality standards.
    • Failure of Generics: The drugs tested were generics. Also, 189 unexpired samples were tested; 20% failed.
    • Indian Pharma Under Radar: 17 manufacturers were flagged, with 16 based in India. Drugs failed for containing either too little (under 88%) or too much (over 112%) active ingredient.
    [UPSC 2005] It begins as a single cell and grows into a merciless disease that claims millions of lives year after year. But scientists are steadily unlocking its mysteries, and the fight against it may now have reached a dramatic turning point. New discoveries promise better therapies and hope in the war against …” The disease referred to in the above quotation is:

    Options: (a) Cancer (b) AIDS (c) Tuberculosis (d) Alzheimer’s disease

     

  • [26th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘Axis of Upheaval’ in the West Asia conflict 

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?

    Linkage: This question highlights a new grouping involving Israel and the USA, both central to the West Asia conflict described as the origin point for the “Axis of Upheaval”. The formation and impact of such new strategic groupings, particularly in the context of the Middle East, are directly relevant to the evolving power dynamics and strategic realignments that define the concept of the “Axis of Upheaval.”

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  The recent U.S.-Israel attack on Iran’s nuclear sites and the weak ceasefire that followed have shown that today’s global alliances, often compared to Cold War groups, are not very strong or united. Even though Iran has close economic and political ties with Russia and China, neither country gave any military support. This clearly shows the limits of strategic partnerships when there is a real military threat. The so-called ‘Axis of Upheaval’ made up of Iran, Russia, and China is really just a loose group, without any formal military treaties like those in Western alliances such as NATO. This crisis breaks the idea of a bipolar world and highlights the unequal power dynamics in today’s global politics.

    Today’s editorial discusses global power alliances in the context of the Israel-Iran war. This topic is helpful for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The recent U.S.-Israel attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, followed by a weak ceasefire, has shown that today’s global alliances, often compared to Cold War blocs, are not as strong or united as they appear.

    What are the new global power blocs?

    New global power blocs refer to emerging alliances among countries like China, Russia, and Iran that seek to challenge the dominance of the Western-led global order. These blocs focus on economic cooperation, strategic alignment, and institutional alternatives such as BRICS and SCO, but lack formal military treaties like NATO.

    Why has the Israel-Iran conflict weakened the idea of new global power blocs?

    • Lack of Military Support: Despite Iran’s close ties with Russia and China, neither provided military assistance during the conflict. Eg: Russia, engaged in the Ukraine war, offered only diplomatic mediation, while China limited itself to verbal condemnation.
    • Absence of Binding Alliances: The so-called ‘Axis of Upheaval’ lacks formal military treaties that require collective defense. Eg: Iran’s strategic partnerships with Russia (2025) and China (2021) are primarily economic, not military.
    • Diverging Strategic Interests: Russia and China used the conflict to advance their own interests, letting the U.S. get entangled in West Asia. Eg: The U.S. bombing of Iran may distract American focus from the Indo-Pacific and Europe, which suits Beijing and Moscow.

    What are the strategic limits of Iran’s ties with Russia and China?

    • No Binding Military Pact: Iran’s ties with Russia and China are largely economic and diplomatic, with no formal military alliance or commitment to joint defense.
    • Conflicting Strategic Priorities: Russia is deeply engaged in the Ukraine war, and China is focused on maintaining its economic growth and regional stability, limiting their readiness to back Iran militarily. Eg: Russia has turned to North Korea for troops, showing its own resource constraints.
    • Unequal Benefits: Iran is heavily dependent on these relationships, while Russia and China gain economic and geopolitical advantages without taking on direct strategic risks. For instance, China secures discounted Iranian oil under sanctions, while offering limited concrete support in return.

    How have Russia and China responded to Iran’s crisis post-ceasefire?

    • Diplomatic Support without Military Action: Russia offered to mediate the conflict through a call by President Putin, but this was ignored by the U.S., and no military support was extended.
      Putin’s involvement reflected symbolic backing, not a commitment to defend Iran.
    • Condemnation of Israeli Actions: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticised Israeli airstrikes as violations of international law, showing support through official statements while avoiding direct intervention. This response aimed to maintain China’s global diplomatic posture without escalating tensions.
    • Strategic Caution for Self-Interest: Both countries used the conflict to their advantage by letting the U.S. get entangled in West Asia, potentially weakening its focus on the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine. The crisis served to advance Beijing and Moscow’s strategic space without direct involvement.

    Where does Iran stand diplomatically and militarily after the recent conflict?

    • Diplomatic Isolation and Limited Support: Despite having strategic partnerships with Russia and China, Iran received only verbal and symbolic backing, with no concrete military or institutional support.
      Its regional alliances failed to activate, reflecting a gap between rhetoric and action.
    • Military Weakening and Proxy Setback: Iran suffered a decapitation of leadership and capacity, while its key proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthiswere unable to respond effectively.
      This has weakened Iran’s role as a regional power and exposed its dependence on non-state actors.

    Way forward: 

    • Formalize Strategic Partnerships: Iran, Russia, and China should work toward institutionalising their ties through defense cooperation frameworks, joint military exercises, and security dialogues to build trust and operational coordination.
    • Align Long-term Strategic Interests: The three nations need to develop a shared geopolitical vision that goes beyond transactional ties, ensuring mutual support mechanisms during crises while balancing individual regional priorities.

  • A lofty concept, a Governor and unwanted controversy

    Why in the News?

    A big controversy has started in Kerala after the Governor put up a picture of ‘Bharat Mata’ in an official room at the Raj Bhavan, leading to a clash between the Governor and the elected state government.

    What is the origin and evolution of the Bharat Mata image?

    • Origin in literary and artistic nationalism: The concept of Bharat Mata originated in the late 19th century through Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath, which introduced the idea of Banga Mata (Mother Bengal). Later, Abanindranath Tagore painted a four-armed woman resembling a Hindu goddess in 1905, which was popularised by Sister Nivedita as Bharat Mata.
    • Evolution into a political symbol: During the Indian freedom movement, Bharat Mata evolved into a powerful emotional symbol representing the nation’s collective identity. While the slogan ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ became widespread, no specific image was officially adopted. Post-independence, the concept remained cultural but was not recognised in any constitutional or legal form.

    What is the Governor’s role in relation to decisions of the elected state government?

    • Constitutional Head: The Governor is the nominal head of the state and must act based on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, as per Article 163 of the Constitution. For instance, decisions on official functions, such as placing portraits or symbols, must follow government directions.
    • No Independent Decision-Making Power: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar clarified in the Constituent Assembly that the Governor has “no functions which he can discharge by himself.” In the Kerala case, the Governor unilaterally placing the Bharat Mata picture at state events goes against this principle.
    • Bound by Constitutional Protocols: The Supreme Court has held in multiple judgments (e.g., Nabam Rebia case, 2016) that the Governor cannot act at his discretion in routine matters. Thus, any deviation from official protocol, such as conducting ceremonies with unauthorised symbols, breaches constitutional norms.

    How does the Bharat Mata image controversy highlight tension between constitutional norms and cultural nationalism?

    • Lack of Constitutional Recognition: The image of Bharat Mata is not recognised by the Constitution like the national flag, emblem, or anthem. Including it in official state functions challenges the principle of secularism and constitutional symbolism, which mandates state neutrality in public symbolism.
    • Political and Ideological Association: The specific depiction used by the Governor—a woman in saffron with a lion—is commonly linked to“right-wing outfits”, making it a cultural nationalist representation rather than a universally accepted national symbol. Its use in state ceremonies risks the blurring of state and ideological lines.
    • Violation of Democratic Protocol: The elected state government objected to the image’s presence, arguing that no unilateral decision can override collective democratic authority. This reflects the friction between constitutional propriety and the personal or ideological preferences of a constitutional functionary.

    Can the Governor act independently in this case?

    • No. The Constitution does not permit the Governor to act unilaterally in official matters. Any display of symbols or portraits during official functions must have the State government’s approval. The Governor’s conduct must adhere to constitutional discipline, not personal or ideological preferences.

    How should officials balance personal beliefs with constitutional values? (Way forward)

    • Adhere to constitutional obligations over personal ideology – Public officials must act in line with constitutional principles like secularism, equality, and neutrality while performing official duties. For instance, a Governor should follow government protocol during official functions rather than promoting symbols not recognised by the Constitution.
    • Separate personal practices from public conduct – While officials are free to hold personal beliefs, they must not impose them in public institutions or state functions. Eg An officer may privately revere a religious symbol but should avoid displaying it in a government office to maintain inclusivity.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.

    Linkage: The controversy surrounding the display of a specific picture of Bharat Mata highlights a tension with the “strong secular core” and “inclusive” nature of Indian nationalism. This question explores the principles of Indian secularism, which are central to understanding the debate over how such a concept should be represented and integrated into official functions in a diverse society.

  • State- and sex-wise liver disease data hint at underlying factors

    Why in the News?

    In 2022, liver disease rose to become the eighth leading cause of death in India, marking a serious public health issue that had not occurred in the previous five years.

    What do sex- and age-wise trends reveal about liver disease deaths in India?

    • Sex-wise trend: Male deaths due to digestive diseases (especially liver-related) were 3.5 times higher than female deaths in 2022.
    • Liver diseases accounted for 70–75% of digestive disease deaths in men, while in women it ranged between 52–57%.
    • Age-wise trend:
      – For women, liver-related deaths increased with age, especially in the 65+ age group.
      – For men, the highest death rates occurred in the 35–54 age group, pointing to middle-age vulnerability.

    Why are liver disease deaths significantly higher among men than women?

    • Higher Alcohol Consumption: A major reason is the wide gender gap in alcohol use—around 19% of men consume alcohol compared to just 1% of women. This significantly increases the risk of liver disease among men. In 2022, 75% of male deaths due to digestive diseases were liver-related, compared to 57.5% in women.
    • Middle-Age Vulnerability: Most male deaths from liver disease occur in the 35–54 age group, indicating that lifestyle-related liver damage starts early. In contrast, among women, liver disease deaths are more common in the 65+ age group, often linked to age-related complications rather than lifestyle.
    • Biological and Behavioural Differences: Men may be more prone to risk-prone behaviours, including excessive alcohol and meat consumption, both of which are linked to liver damage. Data also shows men consistently have 3 to 3.5 times higher death rates from digestive diseases than women over the last decade.

    How do regional differences affect liver and digestive disease mortality?

    • Higher Burden in North-Eastern States: Five North-Eastern states recorded over 10% of certified deaths due to digestive diseases in 2022, with Sikkim leading at nearly 20%. This indicates a regional concentration of liver and digestive health issues.
    • Lifestyle Factors in the Region: The North-East has the highest combined prevalence of alcohol and meat consumption in India. This overlap may be a key factor contributing to the elevated liver disease burden in the region.
    • State-Wise Variation Highlights Public Health Gaps: No other state outside the North-East showed a double-digit share of digestive disease deaths, pointing to geographic health disparities.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

    • National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs (NP-NCD): The government launched NP-NCD to tackle non-communicable diseases, including liver disorders, by promoting early diagnosis, screening, and health awareness at the primary healthcare level.
    • National Action Plan and Monitoring Framework (NAP-NCD): Aims to reduce harmful alcohol use, improve dietary habits, and promote healthy lifestyles through public campaigns and community outreach, aligning with WHO targets.
    • Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs): These centres provide comprehensive primary healthcare, including counselling on nutrition, lifestyle modification, and screening for liver and digestive diseases, especially in rural and underserved areas.

    What measures can strengthen research on lifestyle-related liver diseases? (Way forward)

    • Enhance Data Collection and Surveillance: Develop region-specific health databases that track alcohol and meat consumption, age, and liver disease trends. States like Sikkim and others in the North-East could benefit from focused public health monitoring to identify at-risk populations.
    • Promote Longitudinal and Causal Research: Support long-term studies that move beyond correlation to establish causal links between lifestyle choices and liver disease.
    • Encourage Community-Based Health Studies: Launch grassroots-level research programs involving local communities to understand dietary habits, alcohol use, and health-seeking behaviour.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.

    Linkage: The increasing deaths due to liver diseases in India, which accounted for a substantial share of digestive system diseases and became the eighth leading cause of death in 2022, highlight a significant public health challenge. This question directly addresses the role of the public healthcare system in containing adverse health impacts and enhancing its reach at the grassroots level.

  • What is Axiom-4 Mission?

    Why in the News?

    The launch of Axiom-4 (Ax-4), a private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has finally lifted-off after several postponements due to weather conditions.

    About Axiom-4 Mission:

    • Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight organized by Axiom Space.
    • It aims to transport a crew to the International Space Station (ISS) for a 14-day mission.
    • This will be Axiom Space’s 4th mission to the ISS, following their previous missions (Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3).
    • The mission will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
    • The spacecraft for this mission is a SpaceX Crew Dragon, known for its advanced technology and safety features.
    • This mission is organised in collaboration with NASA, highlighting a strong partnership between private space companies and government space agencies to further space exploration and research.
    • Crew:
      1. Peggy Whitson: A veteran astronaut with extensive experience, having completed multiple missions to the ISS.
      2. Sławosz Uznanski: A Polish astronaut joining the mission, marking a significant milestone for Poland in space exploration.
      3. Tibor Kapu: A Hungarian astronaut, adding to the diversity of the mission crew.
      4. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla: An Indian astronaut, making headlines as part of this international crew.

    Significance of Ax-4 Mission for India

    • The mission is a collaborative effort resulting from an agreement between ISRO and NASA.
    • It provides ISRO with an early opportunity to test experiments in space, originally planned for Gaganyaan.
    • Key Indian Experiments on Axiom-4:
      • Microgravity’s impact on muscle dysfunction.
      • Use of computer screens in zero gravity and their effects on human cognition and vision.
      • Growth of six varieties of crop seeds in space conditions.
      • Tardigrade survival study—these microscopic creatures can endure extreme environments and may provide insight into life support systems in space.

    Back2Basics: International Space Station (ISS)

    • The ISS, orbiting 430 kilometres above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
    • It orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 km per second.
    • Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
    • It includes 6 sleeping areas, 2 bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
    • Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 km of electrical wiring.
    • Its journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
    • The US added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
    • It evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?

  • Sam Altman’s World ID Project

    Why in the News?

    World ID is Sam Altman’s ambitious project to create a secure, biometric-based digital identity for everyone in the age of AI.

    What is World ID?

    • World ID is a digital identity system launched by Sam Altman’s company Tools for Humanity as part of the Worldcoin project in July 2023.
    • It aims to verify that a person is a real, unique human being—especially in an age of AI-generated bots—using biometric iris scans.
    • How Does It Work?
      • The identity is created using a device called the Orb, which captures the iris pattern and generates a unique cryptographic code (not storing the image itself).
      • This ID is then linked to the World App, and the user can access various services while proving they are human—without revealing their actual identity.
      • The system is decentralized and uses blockchain technology to store identity proofs securely.

    Key Features of World ID:

    • Biometric Verification: Uses iris scanning through the Orb to establish a unique identity.
    • Global Access: Users from over 160 countries have access to Worldcoin and World ID features.
    • Decentralized Protocol: Built on open-source, privacy-preserving cryptography, such as zero-knowledge proofs.
    • World App Integration: Enables users to locate Orbs, receive Worldcoins, and use the digital ID across apps.
    • World Chain: A blockchain linked to World ID that supports apps and services tied to identity.
    • Crypto Incentive: Users may receive Worldcoin (WLD) tokens for enrolling.
    • Privacy Controls: Promises anonymity, non-surveillance use, and code transparency.
    • Hardware Dependency: Requires a physical Orb or the new Orb Mini to generate IDs.

    How it differs from Aadhaar?

    World ID Aadhaar
    Ownership Private project by Tools for Humanity Government of India
    Launch Year 2023 2009
    Technology Used Iris scan via Orb; Blockchain-based ID Biometric + Demographic data via central database
    Legal Framework No national law backing it yet Aadhaar Act, 2016
    Purpose Global ID to prove human uniqueness National ID for accessing services & welfare
    Data Privacy Claims privacy via zero-knowledge cryptography Data regulated by UIDAI under Indian law
    Adoption Level 12 million users globally Over 1.3 billion users in India
    Hardware Needed Orb device Fingerprint/iris scanners at enrollment centers
    Verification Use AI-bot detection, global ID use Government subsidies, banking, KYC, etc.

     

  • What are Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)?

    Why in the News?

    India is planning to establish six new Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) sites to boost energy security amid rising global oil risks.

    About Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR):

    • Overview: SPRs are emergency stockpiles of crude oil maintained by the government to manage supply disruptions caused by events like wars, embargoes, or price shocks.
    • Purpose: To ensure national energy security and reduce vulnerability to external supply shocks.
    • Historical Context: India realised the need for SPRs after the 1990 Gulf War, which caused supply cuts and spiking oil prices and ultimately the Balance of Payment (BoP) Crisis.
    • Foundation: The SPR project began in the early 2000s based on advice from the Planning Commission’s Integrated Energy Policy.
    • Governing Body: In 2004, the government set up Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) as a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB).
    • India’s three-pronged oil security framework:
      1. Commercial oil stocks by public and private oil marketing companies (OMCs).
      2. Strategic reserves by ISPRL for emergencies.
      3. Equity oil assets abroad through companies like ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL).
    • Storage: Unlike commercial stocks, SPRs are stored in underground rock caverns, which are safer, more secure, and suited for long-term preservation.

    Current SPR Infrastructure:

    • SPR Locations: India has three active SPR sites:
      • Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
      • Mangaluru (Karnataka)
      • Padur (Karnataka)
    • Total Capacity: The combined SPR capacity is 5.33 MMT or roughly 39 million barrels.
    • Coverage Duration: This reserve can meet about 9.5 days of India’s daily oil requirement (≈5.5 million barrels/day).
    • Distinction from OMC Stocks: These strategic stocks are separate from commercial stocks held by companies like IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL.

    Planned Expansion of SPRs in India:

    • Goal: India aims to double SPR capacity due to rising geopolitical risks and import dependence.
    • New Facilities Planned:
      • Chandikhol (Odisha) – 4 MMT (in two phases)
      • Padur Phase II (Karnataka) – 2.5 MMT
    • 6 new SPR locations are being planned at various sites, including Mangalore SEZ (Karnataka) and salt caverns in Bikaner (Rajasthan).
    • Future Capacity: After expansion, India’s total SPR stock will be 11.83 MMT, covering around 22 days of national demand.
    • Strategic Vision: The long-term objective is to build up 90 days of oil reserves, in line with International Energy Agency (IEA) guidelines.

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