Why in the News?
A recent study by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior suggests that locusts do not behave like gas particles but instead make cognitive decisions based on their perception of nearby motion.
About Locust Swarms
- Locusts are large grasshoppers capable of forming massive swarms, consuming up to their body weight in food daily, and traveling 150 km/day with favourable winds.
- They are highly destructive, stripping crops and threatening food security. A single swarm can consume food equivalent to the daily needs of 35,000 people.
- In India, Locust Control and Research (LC&R) oversees locust management.
- The Locust Warning Organisation (LWO), established in 1939, monitors and controls locust activity in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
- The 2019-2022 desert locust outbreak was one of the worst in decades, devastating India, Pakistan, and East Africa, destroying over 200,000 hectares of crops.
- Despite existing control measures, locust outbreaks remain difficult to manage due to their rapid breeding capabilities.
Key Highlights of New Research:
- Traditional models assumed locusts moved collectively by aligning with neighbours.
- However Max Planck Institute reveals that locusts make cognitive decisions based on visual cues.
- The study introduced a new mathematical model using neural ring attractor networks, showing that locusts decide on movement based on multiple visual cues, leading to coordinated swarms through decentralised decision-making.
- This understanding provides a more accurate model for predicting locust swarm behaviour, crucial for early intervention.
| [UPSC 2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?
Options: (a) Butterflies (b) Dragonflies (c) Honeybees* (d) Wasps |
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Why in the News?
Padma Awards 2025 recognised 139 individuals for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Notable awardees include actor S. Ajith Kumar, singer Pankaj Udhas, and cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin.
About Padma Awards:
- The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honors, announced annually on Republic Day’s eve.
- These awards recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, particularly public service.
- The GoI introduced the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan in 1954, with the three classes (Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg) renamed in 1955 as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
- The awards are not titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to names.
- The number of awards given annually is capped at 120 (excluding posthumous awards and awards to NRIs/foreigners/OCIs).
Award Categories:
- Padma Vibhushan: For ‘exceptional and distinguished service.’
- Padma Bhushan: For ‘distinguished service of a high order.’
- Padma Shri: For ‘distinguished service.’
Eligibility and Nomination:
- Nominations are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, formed annually by the Prime Minister, with final approval from the President.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to all individuals, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender.
- Government employees, except doctors and scientists, are generally ineligible.
- Awards are generally not given posthumously, with exceptions in extraordinary cases.
- A recipient can be considered for a higher category only after five years since their last Padma award.
| [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.
Which of the above statements are not correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3* |
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Why in the News?
The Environment Ministry has released the Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025, as part of the government’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from energy-intensive sectors.
About Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI):
- GHGs trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
- Major GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and synthetic fluorinated gases (CFCs, HCFCs).
- GEI measures the amount of GHGs emitted per unit of output (e.g., per tonne of product like cement or aluminium).
- It uses tCO2e (tonnes of CO2 equivalent) to account for the impact of all GHGs.
- Reducing GEI is vital to mitigate climate change, promoting the use of cleaner technologies in industries to lower environmental footprints.
Key Provisions of Draft GEI Target Rules, 2025:
- Target Setting for Industries: Specific emission intensity reduction targets are set for energy-intensive sectors like aluminium, cement, and pulp and paper, for the periods 2025-26 and 2026-27.
- Baseline Emissions & Gradual Reduction: Baseline GHG emissions for 2023-24 are established, with targets for gradual reduction over time.
- Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): Industries meeting GEI targets will earn carbon credits that can be traded on India’s carbon market. Those failing to meet targets will need to buy credits or face penalties.
- Sector-Specific Applicability: Targets apply to 13 aluminium plants, 186 cement plants, 53 pulp and paper plants, and 30 chlor-alkali plants.
- Penalties & Incentives: Non-compliant industries must buy carbon credits or face penalties. The rules encourage clean technologies, like using biomass instead of coal in production.
- Alignment with Paris Agreement: The rules support India’s climate commitments, aiming for a 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
- Monitoring & Compliance: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will oversee the carbon credit market, ensuring compliance through regular progress reports from industries.
| [UPSC 2022] Climate Action Tracker’ which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:
Options: (a) Database is created by coalition of research organisations* (b) Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change” (c) Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change” (d) Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank |
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Why in the News?
In 2023-24, India’s listed companies spent Rs 17,967 crore on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), 16% higher than Rs 15,524 crore in 2022-23.
As per the PRIME Database report, this increase was due to an 18% rise in the companies’ net profits.
About Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Obligations Under It
- CSR is a self-regulating business model through which companies become socially accountable to themselves, stakeholders, and the public.
- It includes initiatives that assess and take responsibility for the company’s social and environmental impact.
- India is the first country to mandate CSR spending w.e.f. April 1, 2014, through Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- It provides a structured framework for CSR activities.
- CSR provisions apply to companies that, in the preceding financial year, have:
- Net worth ≥ ₹500 crore, or
- Turnover ≥ ₹1,000 crore, or
- Net profit ≥ ₹5 crore
- CSR Spending Obligation:
- Companies must spend at least 2% of their average net profits of the last 3 financial years on CSR.
- Newly incorporated companies should calculate it based on profits of previous years.
- Eligible CSR Activities:
-
- Eradicating hunger and poverty
- Promoting education, gender equality
- Combating diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS)
- Environmental sustainability
- Contributions to relief funds (e.g., PM CARES, PM Relief Fund)
- Welfare of disadvantaged groups
- If CSR spend > ₹50 lakh, companies must constitute a CSR committee with at least three board members, one being independent.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements with reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India:
1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.
2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 or 2 |
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Why in the News?
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved an annual master plan for the River Cities Alliance (RCA), aimed at scaling up sustainable urban river rejuvenation.
What is the River Cities Alliance (RCA)?
- The RCA launched in 2021, promotes sustainable urban river management across India.
- It is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to integrate river-sensitive urban planning within cities.
- It aims to strengthen institutional capacities, foster collaboration, and support the creation of Urban River Management Plans (URMPs).
- As of 2025, 145 cities are part of the alliance, sharing best practices for river conservation.
- Key activities include promoting river-sensitive planning, peer-to-peer learning, and training for urban local bodies (ULBs).
About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):
- The NMCG is a flagship initiative to rejuvenate the Ganga River through pollution abatement, ecological restoration, and community involvement.
- Established in 2011, it implements the Namami Gange Program.
- It was launched with a ₹20,000 crore budget, covering over 288 projects.
- It focuses on pollution abatement and maintaining the ecological flow of the Ganga.
- It operates under a five-tier framework, including the National Ganga Council and state/district committees.
- Key Initiatives: Includes sewage treatment, riverfront development, real-time monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.
- It also addresses floods, droughts, and waterlogging in the Ganga basin.
| [UPSC 2021] Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)?
1. River basin is the unit of planning and management.
2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The recent Pahalgam terror attack has revived debates on India’s 1966 decision to surrender the Haji Pir Pass to Pakistan during Tashkent Agreement of 1966.
This move is compared to the Soviet Union’s 1954 transfer of Crimea, which created lasting security challenges.
About Haji Pir Pass:
- The Haji Pir Pass is located in the Pir Panjal Range of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 2,637 meters (8,652 feet).
- It connects Poonch in India to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- Historically, it was a vital route for connecting Jammu to the Kashmir Valley before 1947, making it an essential part of India’s transportation network.
- Post-partition, it became part of PoK and, during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, India recaptured it under Operation Bakshi.
- However, it was returned to Pakistan following the Tashkent Agreement in 1966, a decision criticized by many experts.
How Haji Pir Pass is a Chokepoint?
- Strategic Military Route: The pass provides Pakistan with the ability to control and monitor the Kashmir Valley from a high-altitude position, serving as a key route for military logistics and infiltration.
- Gateway for Infiltration: Historically, it has been used for militant infiltration into India, fuelling insurgency and instability in Kashmir.
- Shortened Military Access: Retaining the pass would have reduced the distance between Poonch and Uri from 282 km to 56 km, improving India’s military logistics and rapid deployment.
- Control over Key Terrain: Controlling the pass enables domination of the surrounding hills, limiting Pakistan’s ability to sustain military pressure and infiltration.
| [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?
(a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La* (d) Shipki La |
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Why in the News?
To tackle the increasing number of digital payment frauds, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced the exclusive ‘.bank.in’ domain for Indian banks.
Banking Frauds on the Rise:
- Rising Threat: The expansion of digital payments and online banking has increased opportunities for fraudsters. Phishing attacks are a major threat, with fraudsters mimicking bank websites.
- Impact: According to RBI statistics, internet and card frauds accounted for 20% of total fraud amounts and 84% of fraud cases in 2024.
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About the ‘.bank.in’ Domain
- The ‘.bank.in’ domain was introduced in February 2025 to provide Indian banks with a unique online address, reducing the risk of fraudulent websites mimicking bank domains.
- It will be operationalised by the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), under National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) oversight.
- The ‘.in’ Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) is India’s national identifier on the internet.
- This domain adds an extra layer of trust, distinguishing legitimate banks from fraudulent entities.
- The IDRBT, operating under MeitY, has been authorised as the exclusive registrar for this domain.
- All banks in India must transition to this by October 31, 2025, with both old and new domains likely in use during the transition period.
| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements: The Reserve Bank of India’s recent directives relating to ‘Storage of Payment System Data’, popularly known as data diktat, command the payment system providers that
1. they shall ensure that entire data relating to payment systems operated by them are stored in a system only in India
2. they shall ensure that the systems are owned and operated by public sector enterprises
3. they shall submit the consolidated system audit report to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India by the end of the calendar
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
India has recently expanded its claim in the Central Arabian Sea by nearly 10,000 square kilometers as part of its ‘extended continental shelf,’ modifying an earlier claim to resolve a dispute with Pakistan.
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About Extended Continental Shelf (ECS):
- ECS refers to the area beyond 200 nautical miles that countries can claim by submitting geological and geophysical evidence to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).
- These claims allow countries to explore resources like oil, gas, and minerals on and beneath the seabed.
- Coastal states have rights to an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to 200 nautical miles from their coastline.
- However, such States can claim additional seabed area beyond this limit if they prove scientifically that the continental shelf extends naturally from their landmass.
Back2Basics: Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS)
- The CLCS estd. In 1997, is a UN body under the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) that helps states determine the outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.
- The CLCS reviews the scientific data provided by states and makes binding recommendations on the extent of the outer shelf limits.
- The commission comprises 21 experts from geology, geophysics, and hydrography, ensuring legal compliance and peaceful boundary resolution.
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India’s Modified Claims and Pakistan:
- India first submitted a claim in 2009 for an extended shelf in the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea, claiming an additional 1.2 million square kilometers.
- After Pakistan’s objections, India modified its claim, splitting it into two parts to resolve disputes and ensure uncontroversial areas in the Central Arabian Sea.
- India also increased its claim by 10,000 square kilometers using new scientific data.
- The Sir Creek area, a disputed waterway between India and Pakistan, remains a point of contention, but India’s modification aims for peaceful resolution.
- India’s claim overlaps with Oman’s shelf, but the two countries have an agreement to keep the delimitation open without conflict.
| [UPSC 2022] With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements:
1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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Why in the News?
Recently, a team of scientists from Germany reported a breakthrough in combating the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) through an innovative RNA-based antiviral agent.
About Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV):
- CMV is one of the most widespread and destructive plant viruses, affecting over 1,200 plant species, including important food crops such as cucumbers, melons, and cereals.
- The virus is transmitted by aphids, tiny insects that spread the virus as they feed on plants, making outbreaks difficult to control.
- In India, CMV causes significant yield losses in crops like bananas, pumpkins, and cucumbers, leading to mosaic discoloration, stunted growth, and unviable fruits.
- The economic impact of CMV includes both direct financial losses from reduced crop yields and the indirect costs of pest management.
RNA Silencing Methods discussed (HIGS vs SIGS):
RNA silencing is a natural defense mechanism that plants use to protect themselves from viral infections.
Two RNA-based technologies, Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS) and Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS), have been developed to enhance plant immunity against diseases like CMV.
[1] Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS):
- HIGS involves genetically modifying plants to produce dsRNA, which activates the plant’s immune system to fight off the virus.
- This method provides continuous protection and long-term immunity throughout the plant’s lifecycle.
- However, it faces challenges such as regulatory issues, high production costs, and the potential for viruses to evolve resistance over time.
[2] Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS):
- SIGS, unlike HIGS, does not require genetic modification. Instead, plants are treated with RNA sprays containing dsRNA that targets specific viruses.
- This method is cost-effective, non-GMO, and can be applied to a variety of crops.
- However, SIGS provides short-term protection, may be ineffective due to random RNA mixtures, and its effectiveness can be reduced by environmental factors such as sunlight, rain, and soil microbes.
| [UPSC 2019] RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?
1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
2. It can be used in developing therapies for-the treatment of cancer.
3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 4* (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
A new global initiative called ‘Revive Our Ocean’ was launched with the goal of scaling up effective, community-led marine protected areas (MPAs) to boost marine conservation efforts.
About the Revive Our Ocean Initiative:
- It is a global effort to enhance marine ecosystem protection through community-led Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
- It was launched by David Attenborough, Dynamic Planet, and National Geographic’s Pristine Seas to scale up MPAs, empowering coastal communities to lead conservation efforts.
- The goal is to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
- It is initially focused on 7 countries: UK, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Philippines, Indonesia, and Mexico, using successful MPA models.
- It emphasizes economic benefits of MPAs, such as generating €16 million annually from diving tourism in Medes Island, Spain.
Back2Basics: Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)
- KMGBF was adopted in December 2022, the KMGBF aims to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and ensure human-nature harmony by 2050.
- It replaces the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and is often referred to as the “Paris Agreement for Nature“, with 196 countries adopting it.
- The framework sets a 30×30 target, aiming to protect 30% of global land and marine areas by 2030 and restore ecosystems.
- It focuses on halting species extinction, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
- Other targets include reducing pesticide and nutrient pollution, minimizing harmful waste, and promoting urban green spaces.
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| [UPSC 2012] The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected.
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.
Which among the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only* (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The DRDO Laboratory (DRDL), located in Hyderabad, successfully demonstrated long-duration Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for over 1,000 seconds.
About Hypersonic Cruise Missiles:
- Hypersonic cruise missiles are advanced weapons capable of travelling at speeds greater than Mach 5 (approximately 6,100 km/h), making them 5x faster than the speed of sound.
- These missiles use Scramjets (Supersonic Combustion Ramjets) powered by atmospheric oxygen, making them more efficient for long-duration travel compared to traditional missiles that carry their own oxidizers.
- They maintain high speeds and are highly manoeuvrable, making them difficult to intercept by current missile defense systems.
- They can strike targets at long ranges with minimal warning and penetrate advanced defense shields.
DRDO’s Achievement:
- The DRDO successfully conducted long-duration Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for over 1,000 seconds.
- This test advances India’s capability to develop hypersonic cruise missiles, validating the design of the scramjet combustor and the test facility, both crucial for developing air-breathing propulsion systems.
- This paves the way for full-scale flight-worthy combustor testing, bringing India closer to developing functional hypersonic missiles and enhancing its defense capabilities.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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Why in the News?
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Istanbul and surrounding areas with its epicenter located beneath the Sea of Marmara.
About the Sea of Marmara
- The Sea of Marmara is a small but significant inland sea in Turkey, acting as a transition zone between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.
- It holds geographical, ecological, and cultural importance, separating Asia and Europe within Turkey.
- It spans 11,350 km², it is 280 km long and 80 km wide.
- It is connected to the Black Sea in the northeast via the Bosphorus Strait and to the Aegean Sea in the southwest via the Dardanelles Strait.
- It receives cold, fresh water from the Black Sea and warmer, saltier water from the Mediterranean, creating a unique fresh-to-salty water transition.
- The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold, wet winters, influencing the marine ecosystem.
- The North Anatolian Fault runs beneath the sea, causing significant earthquake risks, including the recent 6.2 magnitude earthquake near Istanbul.
- It is home to several islands, including Marmara Island (the largest) and Prince Islands.
- The city of Istanbul lies along its coastline.
| [UPSC 2014] Turkey is located between:
Options: (a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea (c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea (d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea |
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Why in the News?
Policymakers and scientists are set to gather in Geneva for the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions.
India’s Pesticide Action Network will advocate for a global ban on Chlorpyrifos, a toxic pesticide still in use despite being banned in over 40 countries.
About Chlorpyrifos:
- Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide used to control pests, including insects, fungi, and weeds on crops like corn, soybeans, and fruits, as well as non-crop areas like turf and buildings.
- It disrupts the nervous system of pests by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme critical for nerve function, causing paralysis and death in pests.
- Despite being banned in over 40 countries due to its environmental and health risks, it continues to be used in many countries, including India.
Chlorpyrifos in India:
- Not entirely banned in India; It is registered under the Insecticides Act of 1968, with restrictions such as a ban on its use on ber, citrus, and tobacco (as per a 2023 notification).
- But it is also used on other crops, including rice, cotton, groundnut, and onion.
- India is one of the largest producers and exporters of Chlorpyrifos globally.
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Threats Posed by Chlorpyrifos:
- Human Health Risks: Linked to nervous system issues, developmental disorders in children, cancer, and liver/kidney damage.
- Environmental Impact: Highly toxic to aquatic life and pollinators like bees.
- Soil & Crop Contamination: Persistent in the environment, leading to pesticide residue in the food chain.
- Biodiversity Loss: Affects non-target species, disrupting ecosystems.
- Resistance: Overuse leads to pesticide resistance, requiring more harmful chemicals for pest control.
| [UPSC 2019] In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as-
Options: (a) pesticides in agriculture * (b) preservatives in processed foods (c) fruit-ripening agents (d) moisturising agents in cosmetics |
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Why in the News?
In response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has announced the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals.
| Note: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was founded in 1985, consisting of eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. |
About the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES):
- The SVES was launched in 1992 following the Fourth SAARC Summit (1988).
- It aims to promote regional cooperation and people-to-people contact among 8 SAARC member states by allowing certain categories of individuals to travel without a visa.
- Eligible Categories: SVES covers 24 categories, including dignitaries, judges, parliamentarians, senior officials, businessmen, journalists, and sportspersons.
- Special visa stickers are issued (by each SAARC member), typically valid for one year, allowing visa-free travel within SAARC countries.
India’s Provisions under the SVES:
- Nepal & Bhutan: Citizens do not require a visa to enter India.
- Pakistani Nationals: Initially allowed for one-year multiple-entry business visas, revised in 2015 for special-category businessmen with three-year visas.
- Other Nationals: Sri Lankan nationals are eligible for an e-Tourist visa, while Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal and Bhutan.
| [UPSC 2016] Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples.
[UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:
1. China has the observer’s status at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
2. India has the observer’s status at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition regarding the mandatory reporting of sexual activity under Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
About the POCSO Act, 2012:
- The POCSO Act came into effect on November 14, 2012 (Children’s Day), following India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.
- Its primary objective is to address offences related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, which were previously either not specifically defined or inadequately penalized.
- According to the Act, a child is defined as any person below the age of 18 years.
- In 2019, the Act underwent a review and amendment, introducing more stringent punishments (after Nirbhaya Case), including the death penalty, for those committing sexual crimes against children.
Key Features of the POCSO Act:
- Definition of a Child: A child is defined as anyone under 18 years of age.
- Sexual Offences:
- Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 3)
- Sexual Assault (Section 7)
- Sexual Harassment (Section 11)
- Using Children for Pornographic Purposes (Section 13)
- Abetment and Attempt (Sections 16-18)
- Special Courts & Procedures: Establishes Special Courts for speedy trials and mandates child-friendly procedures.
- Protection of Identity: The identity of the child is protected throughout the process.
- Rehabilitation & Compensation: Provides for the rehabilitation of child victims.
- No Delay in Trials: Trials must be completed within one year of the offence.
Recent Supreme Court Hearing:
- Litigants have raised concerns that mandatory reporting under Section 19 might criminalize consensual sexual activity between juveniles, especially affecting adolescent girls’ right to health.
- They emphasized counseling over criminalization, arguing that the law might discourage adolescents from seeking medical care.
- The Supreme Court acknowledged these concerns and scheduled a detailed hearing on May 8 to address them.
| [UPSC 2017] Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India?
1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
2. Abolition of untouchability
3. Protection of the interests of minorities
4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have successfully estimated the abundance of Helium in the Sun’s photosphere with precision for the first time.
![[pib] Measuring Helium Abundance in the Sun](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sun.jpg)
About Helium in the Sun’s Photosphere:
- Helium is the second most abundant element in the Sun after Hydrogen and plays a key role in understanding solar composition, opacity, and energy transport.
- However, measuring its precise abundance in the Sun’s photosphere has been challenging due to the absence of observable Helium spectral lines in visible light.
- Traditionally, Helium abundance was estimated using indirect methods like extrapolating data from hotter stars, solar wind observations, and seismological studies of the Sun’s interior.
- These methods lacked direct photospheric observations, making the estimates less accurate.
- Accurate measurements of Helium are essential for modelling the Sun’s opacity and energy transport. This also has broader implications for understanding the composition of other stars.
Novel Method Recently Discovered:
- Researchers from the IIA introduced a novel method to directly estimate Helium abundance in the Sun’s photosphere.
- This technique uses spectral features from Magnesium (Mg) and Carbon (C), overcoming the challenge of no direct Helium spectral lines.
- Spectral lines from Mg, C, and hydrogenated molecules (MgH, CH, C2) were used to infer Helium abundance.
- Equivalent Width analyses and spectrum synthesis techniques helped model the behavior of these elements in varying Helium-to-Hydrogen ratios.
- The Helium-to-Hydrogen ratio in the Sun’s photosphere was found to be 0.1, consistent with previous studies. This confirms the validity of the new method.
| [UPSC 2023] Diffusion of light in the atmosphere takes place due to:
Options: (a) Carbon dioxide (b) Dust particles* (c) Helium (d) Water vapors |
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Why in the News?
In response to the Pahalgam Terror Attack, India has officially announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan.
About the Indus Water Treaty (IWT)
- IWT was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, with mediation from the World Bank.
- The treaty allocates the Western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum) to Pakistan, and the Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India.
- Approximately 80% of the water is allocated to Pakistan, with 20% to India.
- The Permanent Indus Commission was established to facilitate communication and dispute resolution.
- The treaty includes a three-step process for resolving disputes, which involves the Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Experts (appointed by World Bank), and a Court of Arbitration if needed.
Implications of Suspension:
- India’s Opportunities:
- Though not immediately, but India can now control the water flow from the Indus River system, allowing it to divert, stop, or alter the flow of water.
- India can expand hydroelectric projects on the Western rivers, such as the Kishanganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects, with more projects under scrutiny.
- Impact on Pakistan:
- Agriculture: Pakistan’s agricultural sector heavily depends on the Indus River, and any disruption could cause food insecurity and economic distress for millions of farmers.
- Power Supply: Pakistan’s hydroelectric power generation depends on the water flow, with Tarbela Dam (on the Indus River) and Mangla Dam (on the Jhelum River) facing reduced water supplies, leading to electricity shortages.
Alternatives for Pakistan:
- No Legal Exit: No legal exit clause in the treaty; also, India cannot unilaterally suspend it.
- Dispute Resolution: Pakistan can approach the Permanent Indus Commission, request Neutral Experts, or escalate to the World Bank’s Court of Arbitration.
- International Diplomacy: Pakistan may seek diplomatic solutions through international forums, including leveraging support from other nations.
| [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:
1. The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty.
2. The project was completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and the World Bank.
Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
[UPSC 2021] With reference to the Indus River system, among the following four rivers, one of them joins the Indus directly:
Options: (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutlej |
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Why in the News?
Two decades since the demolition of Bamiyan Buddha, the Afghan Taliban are now convinced to restore it.
About Bamiyan Buddha:
- The Bamiyan Buddhas were located in the Bamiyan Valley, Afghanistan, about 130 km northwest of Kabul.
- The Western Buddha (Salsal) stood 55 meters tall, and the Eastern Buddha (Shah Mama) stood 38 meters tall, making them two of the largest standing Buddha statues in the world before their destruction.
- Construction:
- Built around 600 CE during the rule of the Hephthalites.
- Carved directly into sandstone cliffs with features made from mud and straw, and painted with bright colors, including carmine red for the larger Buddha.
- The style blends Greco-Buddhist art, Sasanian Persia, and Byzantine Empire influences.
- Historical Significance:
- Represented Vairocana and Sakyamuni (Gautama Buddha).
- Served as a major Buddhist religious centre along the Silk Road, hosting monasteries and playing a crucial role in religion, philosophy, and art.
- Survived invasions, including by Genghis Khan (1221 AD) and Aurangzeb (17th Century).
- In 2001, the Taliban destroyed the statues. The Buddhas had previously survived multiple attacks.
- The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense historical, religious, and cultural significance.
| [UPSC 2014] Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?
1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only * (d) 1, 3 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
India has introduced Akshvi, a unique e-digital wallet aimed at assisting in disaster relief and improving the accuracy of loss reporting.
About Akshvi: The E-Digital Wallet for Disasters
- Akshvi (Aapda Kshati Vivaran) is a unique e-digital wallet developed by SEEDS India to assist disaster-stricken communities in India.
- The platform allows people to self-report economic and non-economic losses during climate-induced events.
- It bridges the data gap in disaster reporting and enhancing relief distribution and climate resilience.
Key Features of Akshvi:
- Self-Reporting Mechanism: It enables affected communities to log their losses during disasters such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and landslides, ensuring accurate and timely assessments.
- Localized Data Collection: The platform collects hyperlocal data, which is vital for tailoring disaster management strategies and relief efforts to the specific needs of affected communities.
- User-Friendly Interface:
- IVRS: Allows voice recording of losses.
- WhatsApp Chatbot: For tech-savvy users to log data.
- Assisted Data Entry: Available for those needing help with information entry.
- Traceability: The platform tracks the progress of relief, ensuring that aid reaches the affected households transparently.
- Integration with Government Schemes: Akshvi’s data links to social welfare schemes and index-based insurance programs, improving disaster response efforts.
| [UPSC 2004] In which one of the following countries did hundreds of people die in 2004 due to Tropical Storm Jeanne?
Options: (a) Colombia (b) Haiti (c) Sudan (d) Ghana |
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Why in the News?
New research by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad suggest that lipids (along with DNA), particularly in mitochondrial membranes, are not just structural elements but play an integral role in the function and evolution of proteins.
About Lipids and RC1 in Cells:
Lipids:
- Lipids, including fats, phospholipids, and sterols, make up to 30% of the dry weight of cells.
- They are crucial for membrane integrity and various biological processes.
- They vary in fatty acid composition and length, influenced by genetics, diet, and environmental factors.
- They form a bilayer in membranes, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails inward, providing stability and enabling protein function.
- Role of Lipids in Cells:
- Lipids form the bilayer, providing flexibility and stability for membrane proteins that perform functions like receptor binding and ion channelling.
- They like cardiolipin stabilize RC1 and other respiratory complexes, aiding energy production.
RC1 (Respiratory Complex 1):
- RC1 is a protein complex in the mitochondrial membrane, crucial for cellular respiration and energy production.
- It is composed of 44 proteins, some synthesized in the cytoplasm and others in mitochondria.
- Mutations in RC1 lead to diseases due to its vital role in respiration.
Lipid-Protein Co-evolution as per new Research:
- New research highlights the co-evolution of proteins and lipids, especially in mitochondrial membranes, where proteins interact with specific lipids from their own kingdom (plant or animal).
- Plant lipids, richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids, are more flexible, aiding stress resistance, while animal lipids evolve differently to meet their needs.
- Lipid-protein co-evolution adds complexity to cellular evolution, with implications for human health and disease treatment.
| [UPSC 2001] Which of the following cell organelles play the most significant role in protein synthesis?
Options: (a) Lysosome and Centrosome (b) Endoplasmic reticulum and Ribosome* (c) Golgi apparatus and Mitochondria (d) Lysosome and Mitochondria |
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