Why in the News?
Haryana has notified the dictionary meaning of âforestâ as per Supreme Court directions.
Haryanaâs definition of Forest:
- Definition: A patch of land is deemed a forest if:
- Minimum area: 5 hectares (isolated) or 2 hectares (contiguous with notified forest).
- Minimum canopy density: 0.4 (40%) or more.
- Exclusions: Linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards outside government-notified forests.
- Aim: Create a uniform standard for identifying forests under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA).
Issues with Haryanaâs Definition:
- High thresholds:
- 40% canopy cover excludes scrub forests and dry deciduous vegetation like the Aravallis.
- 2â5 hectare size requirement too high for an arid state with fragmented green cover.
- Exclusion of Aravallis: Sensitive ridge areas risk exposure to illegal mining, encroachment, and real estate development.
- Contradiction with Godavarman judgment (1996): SC had ruled that âforestâ must be understood in its dictionary meaning, regardless of size, ownership, or canopy density.
- Dilution of protection under FCA 1980: Narrows the scope of land eligible for forest safeguards.
Godavarman Case & FCA Background:
- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Restricted dereservation/diversion of forest land without Centreâs approval.
- T N Godavarman v Union of India (1996): Court ruled âforestâ must be understood in its dictionary meaning, covering all forested lands regardless of ownership or official status.
- 2023 FCA Amendment: Limited scope to notified forests and recorded forest lands.
- Amendment challenged by retired IFS officers and NGOs for diluting FCA protections.
- SC in February 2024 directed States/UTs to continue using Godavarman definition while case is ongoing.
|
| [UPSC 2005] The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India is
Options: (a) 0.25 (b) 0.33* (c) 0.43 (d) 0.53 |
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Why in the News?
The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) conducted a public hearing for the proposed 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Anjaw district.
About Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project:
- Location: Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, on the Lohit River (tributary of the Brahmaputra).
- Capacity: 1,200 MW (six turbines of 190 MW each + one unit of 60 MW).
- Project Type: Run-of-river with pondage.
- Key Features: Concrete gravity dam, diversion tunnels, underground powerhouse, surge chamber, and tailrace tunnel.
- Power Generation: Estimated 4.85 TWh annually; free power worth âč318 crore/year for the state.
- Equity: Arunachal Pradesh holds 26% stake.
Strategic Importance:
- Energy Security: Expands Indiaâs renewable energy portfolio and hydropower capacity in the North-East.
- Geopolitical Context: Strengthens Indiaâs presence in the sensitive Brahmaputra basin bordering China.
- Economic Boost: Contributes to state revenues through free power and Local Area Development Fund (~âč2.2 crore/year).
- Part of Larger Push: One of 13 stalled hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh revived through MoAs with central PSUs, aligning with Indiaâs clean energy targets.
| [UPSC 2008] On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located?
Options: (a) Alaknanda (b) Bhagirathi *(c) Dhauliganga (d) Mandakini |
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Why in the News?
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently issued a clarification limiting tiger corridors primarily to 32 âleast cost pathwaysâ identified in 2014.
About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
- Statutory body: Under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Establishment: Created in 2006 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Functions: Provides legal backing to Project Tiger, ensures CentreâState accountability via MoUs, and enables Parliamentary oversight.
- Community Role: Addresses livelihood concerns of people around tiger reserves.
- Composition: Chaired by MoEFCC Minister, Vice-Chairperson MoS, 3 Members of Parliament, MoEFCC Secretary, and others.
What are Tiger Corridors?
- Definition: Landscape linkages between tiger habitats that allow safe passage, genetic flow, and survival.
- Need: Prevent isolation of tiger populations and humanâtiger conflicts.
- Examples of Macro-Corridors:
- ShivalikâGangetic Plains: CorbettâDudhwa, DudhwaâKishanpurâKaterniaghat.
- Central India & Eastern Ghats: RanthambhoreâKunoâMadhav, KanhaâPench, BandhavgarhâAchanakmar.
- Western Ghats: SahyadriâKonkanâRadhanagariâGoaâKarnataka.
- Northeast & Brahmaputra: KazirangaâKarbi Anglong, ManasâBuxa.
- Sundarbans Landscape.
NTCAâs Policy Reversal:
- July 25 Affidavit: Said corridor identification must use multiple data sources â protected areas, 2014 NTCA pathways, Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs), Wildlife Institute of India (WII) studies (2016, 2021), and All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) data.
- August 21 Clarification: Limited definition only to 2014 least-cost pathways (32 corridors) and TCP corridors.
- Exclusions: WII studies and AITE data dropped, despite 2014 report itself warning that listed corridors were âminimal requirement.â
| [UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under âCritical Tiger Habitatâ?
Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans |
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Why in the News?
The African Union (AU) has endorsed the Correct the Map campaign to replace the 16th-century Mercator projection with more accurate maps.
About the African Union (AU):
- Establishment: Formed in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (1963).
- Membership: 55 African countries.
- Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Vision: âAn Integrated, Prosperous, and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.â
- Agenda 2063: Blueprint for socio-economic growth and continental unity.
- Main Organs: Assembly, Executive Council, AU Commission, Peace and Security Council.
What is a Mercator Map?
- Creation: Designed in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator.
- Projection: Cylindrical map with straight longitude and latitude lines intersecting at 90°.
- Purpose: Enabled sailors to plot straight-line courses for compass navigation.
- Adoption: Became the standard map in schools, atlases, and wall charts by the 19th century.
Issues with the Mercator Map:
- Distortion: Enlarges high-latitude regions (Europe, Russia, North America) while shrinking Africa and South America.
- Example: Greenland appears equal to Africa, though Africa is ~14 times larger.
- Colonial Bias: Reinforced Western dominance narratives and downplayed Africaâs size and importance.
- Impact: Supported marginalisation and exploitation during colonialism.
- Alternatives: Gall-Peters (1970s) and Equal Earth (2018) projections show continents in correct proportion.
- AU Stand: Advocates replacing Mercator maps to restore Africaâs rightful global image.
| [UPSC 2024] The longest border between any two countries in the world is between:
Options: (a) Canada and the USA * (b) Chile and Argentina (c) China and India (d) Kazakhstan and Russian Federation |
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Why in the News?
China has launched the XinjiangâXizang Railway Line, a strategic, economic, and engineering milestone, connecting Xinjiang with Tibet.
About the XinjiangâXizang Railway Line:
- Overview: A major high-altitude railway project connecting Hotan in Xinjiang to Shigatse and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang).
- Total length planned: ~2,000 km, part of Chinaâs larger 5,000 km rail grid in Tibet by 2035.
- Construction is phased:
- ShigatseâPakhuktso section (by 2025)
- PakhuktsoâHotan section (by 2035).
- Terrain: Himalayas, Karakoram, Kunlun ranges, deserts, glaciers, and permafrost â average altitude above 4,500m.
- Significance: Seen as one of Chinaâs most advanced and difficult transport projects, comparable to the QinghaiâTibet Railway (2006).
Strategic Implications of the Project:
- Military Mobility: Proximity to Aksai Chin and Line of Actual Control (LAC) enhances Chinese troop deployment and logistics capabilities.
- Regional Integration: Links Xinjiang (Uyghur region) and Tibet (Buddhist region) with mainland China, supporting Sinicisation and demographic shifts.
- Economic Role: Opens remote high-altitude areas to trade, energy transport, and tourism, reducing isolation of minority regions.
- Political Control: Strengthens Beijingâs hold over restive border provinces and suppresses separatist tendencies.
- India Factor: Raises security concerns as India is also upgrading border infrastructure post-2020 Galwan clash.
- Part of âGo West Strategyâ (2000): Long-term plan to develop western provinces with infrastructure and integrate them into Chinaâs national economy.
| [UPSC 2023] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements :
1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
3. Bangladesh-China -India -Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China. How many of the above statements are correct?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None* |
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Why in the News?
India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha).
What are Ballistic Missiles?
- Powered by: Solid propellant rocket motors; thrust generated by exhaust gases forces missile upward.
- Three phases:
- Boost Phase â missile consumes propellant; trajectory fixed.
- Midcourse Phase â missile coasts in space on momentum.
- Terminal Phase â warheads re-enter atmosphere and strike target.
|
About Agni-5:
- Type: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed by DRDO.
- Range: 5,000â5,500 km (upgrade under development up to 7,500 km).
- Propulsion: Three-stage, solid-fuel rocket motors.
- Payload: ~1.5 tonnes, nuclear-capable.
- Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) Technology: Can carry multiple nuclear warheads that target different locations.
- Features: Fire-and-forget system, advanced navigation, guidance and propulsion technologies.
- First Test: 2012 from Wheeler Island (Odisha).
- Strategic Role: Strengthens Indiaâs nuclear deterrence posture, especially vis-Ă -vis China.
Back2Basics: Agni Series and its Development
- Origins: Began in 1983 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) led by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Evolution: Started as technology demonstrators for re-entry vehicles; later developed into full-fledged strategic missiles.
- Variants:
- Agni-I: 700â1,200 km range, inducted 2007.
- Agni-II: 2,000â3,000 km range, inducted 2010.
- Agni-III: 3,500 km range, highly accurate, tested 2007.
- Agni-IV: 4,000 km range, advanced avionics, tested 2011.
- Agni-V: 5,000+ km range, ICBM, MIRV capable.
- Agni Prime (Agni-P): 1,000â2,000 km, lighter, tested 2021.
- Agni-VI: Under development, 6,000â10,000 km, MIRV + submarine launch capable.
- Significance: Backbone of Indiaâs nuclear triad, enhancing deterrence against regional and global adversaries.
| [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?
German researchers found that P. aeruginosa bacteria can switch a key gene (glpD) on or off, even though the bacteria are genetically identical â a survival trick called epigenetic bistability.
About Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
- Nature: Rod-shaped bacterium found in soil, water, and hospital environments.
- Pathogen Type: Opportunistic; infects mainly those with weakened immunity.
- Resistance: Forms biofilms (protective layers), making it highly resistant to antibiotics.
- Genetic Flexibility: Large genome (~6,000 genes) allows adaptation to diverse environments.
Impact on Humans:
- Hospital Infections: Leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- Vulnerable Groups: Burn patients, catheter users, cystic fibrosis patients.
- Diseases Caused: Keratitis (eye infection), urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections.
- Mortality: Strong antibiotic resistance makes treatment difficult, leading to high hospital deaths.
Recent Research Findings:
- Discovery: German researchers identified bistable expression of the glpD gene (active in some cells, inactive in others).
- Survival Advantage: This variability helps bacteria survive hostile conditions and trigger infections even from small populations.
- Experiments:
- Cells with glpD active were more lethal in moth larvae and mouse immune models.
- Cells without glpD showed reduced infection ability.
- Significance: Onâoff switching of glpD is a survival and infection strategy; targeting this mechanism may lead to new treatments for resistant infections.
| [UPSC 2010] Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolated by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?
Options: (a) Agrodbacterium (b) Clostridium (c) Nitrosomonas (d) Pseudomonas* |
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Why in the News?
The Trump administration sanctioned judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over arrest cases involving Israeli leaders and past probes into U.S. officials.
About the International Criminal Court (ICC):
- Established: 2002 under the Rome Statute (1998); headquartered at The Hague, Netherlands.
- Nature: First permanent international court to try individuals for grave crimes.
- Jurisdiction over 4 core crimes:
-
- Genocide
- Crimes against humanity
- War crimes
- Crime of aggression
- Members: 124 States Parties
- NON-members: India, China, USA, Russia, Israel, Ukraine
- Structure:
- Office of the Prosecutor â investigates and prosecutes cases.
- 18 Judges â elected for 9 years.
- Assembly of States Parties â governs ICC administration.
- Trust Fund for Victims, Detention Centre
- Languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish
- Funding: Annual budget (2025) ~ âŹ195 million (mostly from member states)
Jurisdiction and Reach of an ICC Warrant:
- Applicability:
- Crimes by nationals of member states
- Crimes committed on member state territory
- UNSC referrals can extend jurisdiction to non-member states (e.g., Libya, Darfur)
- Obligations on States:
- Member states must execute arrest warrants and cooperate fully.
- Non-compliance can be reported to Assembly of States Parties or UN Security Council (for UNSC referrals)
- Challenges:
- ICC lacks an independent enforcement mechanism
- Non-members (e.g., US, Russia) are not bound to cooperate
- Political and diplomatic constraints hinder the execution of warrants
- Special Mechanisms: ICC established an Arrest Working Group (2016) to enhance warrant enforcement through better intelligence-sharing.
| [UPSC 2022] Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news ?
Options:
(a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.
(b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea. *
(c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
(d) Though International Court of Justice declared them as no manâs land, some South-East Asian countries claim them. |
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Why in the News?
The government is considering measures to ensure uniform application of the âcreamy layerâ condition in OBC reservations across central and state government jobs, public sector enterprises, universities, and autonomous bodies.
About the Concept of Creamy Layer:
- Origin: Emerged from Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992); excluded affluent Other Backward Class (OBC) groups from reservations.
- 1993 DoPT Rules: Defined creamy layer â children of Group A/Class I officers, early-promoted officials, Group B parents, senior armed forces, high constitutional functionaries, professionals, traders, and large landowners.
- Income Criteria:
- Ceiling: âč1 lakh in 1993, revised to âč8 lakh in 2017.
- Exclusions: Salary and agricultural income not counted.
2004 Clarification & Implementation Issues:
- Clarification: DoPT directed separate assessment of salary and other income (except agriculture).
- Rule: If either exceeded limit (âč2.5 lakh then) for 3 consecutive years â creamy layer.
- Problem: Poor enforcement (2004â14) due to political sensitivities; stricter checks after 2014.
- Impact: Between CSE 2015â23, over 100 OBC caste certificates rejected under new interpretations.
Equivalence Efforts:
- Consultations: Involved Social Justice, Education, Law, Labour Ministries, DoPT, NITI Aayog, NCBC.
- Goal: Standardise creamy layer rules across universities, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bodies.
- Proposal: Retrospective relief suggested by Home Minister Amit Shah and NCBC.
Key Proposals Under Consideration:
- University Teachers: Salaries start at Group A-equivalent â children to be creamy layer.
- Autonomous Bodies: Posts aligned with central pay scales.
- Non-Teaching Staff: Categorisation based on equivalence with government jobs.
- PSU Executives: Already included since 2017; those â€âč8 lakh excluded.
- Aided Institutions: Staff categorised based on parity with govt. employees.
Likely Beneficiaries:
- Lower Govt. Staff: Children of employees earning just above âč8 lakh gain most.
- Correction of Anomalies: Ensures parity between teachers and aided staff.
- State PSU Issues: Fixes cases like fuel pump attendants in PSUs being declared creamy layer.
- Private Sector: No change; creamy layer based only on income/wealth criteria.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following organizations/bodies in India:
1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
2. The National Human Rights Commission
3. The National Law Commission
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above are constitutional bodies?
Options: (a) Only one *(b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
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Why in the News?
The Opposition (INDI Alliance bloc) is considering moving a motion of removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in Parliament.
About Election Commission of India (ECI):
- Establishment: Permanent constitutional body set up on 25 January 1950 (National Voters Day).
- Constitutional Basis: Articles 324â329, Part XV of the Constitution.
- Mandate: Conducts elections to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of President and Vice President.
- Structure: Since 1993, functions as a three-member body with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners.
- Status of CEC: Same salary, status, and perks as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Appointment to ECI:
- Law: Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (replaced 1991 Act).
- Appointing Authority: President of India.
- Selection Committee: Prime Minister (Chairperson), Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
- Eligibility: Must have served as a Secretary-level officer in Government of India with proven integrity and election management experience.
- Tenure: 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
Removal:
- CEC: Removed like a Supreme Court judge (Article 324(5)) on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Requires a motion passed by two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and Presidential order.
- Other Election Commissioners: Removed only on recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
| [UPSC 2012] Consider the following statements with reference to India:
1. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners enjoy equal powers but receive unequal salaries
2. The Chief Election Commissioner is entitled to the same salary as in provided to a judge of the Supreme Court
3. The Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court
4. The term of office of the Election Commissioner is five years from the date he assumes his office or till the day he attains the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier
Which of these statements are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3* (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has provided crucial information regarding the Anna-Chakra Tool to the Parliament.
About Anna-Chakra:
- Purpose: Digital tool to optimise supply chain of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Developed by: World Food Programme (WFP) and Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (IIT-Delhi).
- Implementation: Adopted in 30 States/UTs, except Manipur.
- Coverage: Supports 4.37 lakh Fair Price Shops and 6,700 warehouses.
- Savings: Reduces logistics/fuel costs, saving about âč250 crore annually.
- Environmental Impact: Route optimisation reduces travel distance by 15â50%, cutting COâ emissions.
Back2Basics: Public Distribution System (PDS) in India:
- Objective: Provides subsidised food grains to poor households, ensuring food security.
- History: Originated in inter-war years; expanded after 1960s food shortages.
- Reforms: Revamped PDS (1992) extended coverage to rural and poverty-prone areas.
- Structure:
- Centre (FCI) â procurement, storage, transportation, bulk allocation.
- States â distribute food grains to families via Fair Price Shops.
- Coverage: Serves ~800 million people through 5 lakh+ Fair Price Shops.
- Items Distributed: Wheat, rice, sugar, kerosene; some states add pulses and oils.
- Significance: Shields poor households from food price shocks and economic distress.
|
| [UPSC 2008] Consider the following statements:
1. Regarding the procurement of food grains, Government of India follows a procurement target rather than an open-ended procurement policy.
2. Government of India announces minimum support prices only for cereals.
3. For distribution under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), wheat and rice are issued by the Government of India at uniform Central issue prices to the States/Union Territories.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?”
Options: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3* (d) 3 only |
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Why in the News?
SEBI has released a consultation paper proposing changes in Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) and Minimum Public Offer (MPO) norms for listed companies.
What is Minimum Public Offer (MPO)?
- Meaning: When a company launches an Initial Public Offer (IPO), it must sell a minimum number of shares to the public.
- Analogy: Like a new shop ensuring enough goods are displayed for customers â otherwise trading is thin and controlled by a few.
|
What is Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)?
- Concept: A company is like a cake. Promoters (founders/owners) usually keep most of it, but SEBI mandates at least 25% must be shared/sold with the public.
- Purpose:
- Broader ownership and participation.
- Fairer prices by reducing manipulation.
- Greater accountability of companies.
What SEBI is proposing?
- Flexibility: Large companies find it difficult to release big chunks of shares at once; rules will be eased.
- Extended Timelines:
- Companies valued at âč50,000â1,00,000 crore now get up to 10 years (instead of 5) to meet 25% MPS.
- They must reach 15% in 5 years first, then 25% in 10 years.
- Reduced Burden: For very large companies, the initial Minimum Public Offer (MPO) will be lowered.
Significance of the Move:
- Market Stability: Selling too many shares too quickly is like flooding the market â prices may fall even if the company is strong.
- Benefits:
- More big companies will list in India.
- Investors can enter gradually without sudden shocks.
- Encourages fund-raising while maintaining fair trading.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
I. India accounts for a very large portion of all equity option contracts traded globally, thus exhibiting a great boom.
II. India’s stock market has grown rapidly in the recent past, even overtaking Hong Kong’s at some point in time.
III. There is no regulatory body either to warn small investors about the risks of options trading or to act on unregistered financial advisors in this regard.
Which of the statements given above are correct?”
Options: (a) I and II only * (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III |
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Why in the News?
This newscard is an excerpt from the article originally published in The Hindu.
Who was Henry Vivian Louis Derozio?
- BirthâDeath: Born 1809, died- 22 in 1831; Indo-Portuguese origin.
- Identity: Radical thinker, poet, and educator in British India.
- Recognition: Called the first national poet of modern India; pioneer of Anglo-Indian poetry.
- Influences: Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and the French Revolution.
- Career: Became lecturer at Hindu College, Calcutta in 1826 at just 17.
- Role: Inspired students with rationalism, liberty, and free thought.
- Writings: Poems (1827), The Fakeer of Jungheera (1828), and To India â My Native Land (first modern patriotic poem in English).
- Themes: Expressed Indiaâs decline with images of a caged eagle and a broken instrument; advocated freedom and abolition of slavery.
- Dismissal: Removed from Hindu College in 1831 on charges of spreading atheism.
The Young Bengal Movement:Â
- Formation: Radical group of his students, also called Derozians.
- Association: Founded the Academic Association, debating social and political reform.
- Ideals: Advocated rationalism, womenâs rights, freedom of thought; opposed caste, superstition, idolatry.
- Political Role: In 1843, with George Thompson, formed Indiaâs first political party â Bengal British India Society.
- Notable Member: Radhanath Sikdar, mathematician who first calculated Mount Everestâs height and openly resisted colonial injustices.
- Perception: Described by missionary Alexander Duff as a ânew race of menâ; historian Rosinka Chaudhuri called them Indiaâs âfirst radicals.â
- Legacy and Intellectual Impact:
-
- Awakening: Though short-lived, the movement sparked Bengalâs intellectual revolution.
- Seeds of Reform: Laid foundation for later reformist and nationalist currents.
- Independence of Mind: Marked a sharp break from Macaulayâs vision of Anglicised Indians â Derozians were assertive and original.
| [UPSC 2021] Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?
Options: (a) Annie Besant (b) Debendranath Tagore (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar * (d) Sarojini Naidu |
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Why in the News?
A 2025 survey by the West Bengal Forest Department shows an increase in saltwater crocodile population in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR).
About Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus):
- Largest living reptile and the largest of all crocodilians.
- Males grow much larger than females; females usually 2.5â3 m in length.
- Habitat: mangrove forests, swamps, rivers, and coastal waters; tolerant of varying salinity.
- Distribution in India: Odisha, West Bengal (Sundarbans), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Behaviour: Apex predator, feeds on carcasses and diverse prey; communicates through barks, hisses, growls, chirps.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
- CITES: Appendix I (except populations of Australia, Indonesia, PNG â Appendix II).
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule I.
- Conservation Efforts: Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (1976, West Bengal) â breeding and conservation programme; 577 crocodiles released till 2022.
Other Crocodile Species in India:
- Gharial: Critically Endangered; survives in only 2% of former range; Found in small stretches of Chambal and a few other rivers.
- Mugger/Marsh Crocodile: Vulnerable; found in freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes.
|
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Why in the News?
The Union Home Minister is set to introduce three bills in the Lok Sabha to provide legal framework for removal of the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Ministers in States and UTs who are âarrested and detained in custody on account of serious criminal charges.â
Which are the three Bills?
- 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025 (discussed below)
- Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 â Provides clarity on removal of CM and Ministers in J&K.
- Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025 â Defines similar provisions for Puducherry and other UTs.
About the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025:
- Scope: Applies to Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers at Union, State, and Union Territory levels.
- Grounds for Removal: Arrest and detention for 30 consecutive days for an offense punishable by five years or more.
- Reappointment: Possible after release from custody.
- Objective: Prevent prolonged tenure of arrested leaders in office (e.g., recent case involving Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal).
Amendments proposed to the following Articles:
|
Current Provision |
Limitation |
Changes Proposed |
| Article 75 (Union â PM & Union Ministers) |
PM appointed by President; Ministers appointed on PMâs advice. They hold office during the pleasure of the President. Removal is political (loss of confidence, resignation, dismissal). |
No explicit mechanism to remove PM/Ministers if detained/arrested for long periods. |
New provision: If PM or any Union Minister is detained in custody for 30 consecutive days for a serious offense (â„5 years punishment), they must resign by 31st day or automatically cease to hold office. They may be reappointed after release. |
| Article 164 (States â CM & State Ministers) |
CM appointed by Governor; Ministers appointed on CMâs advice. They hold office during the pleasure of the Governor. Council of Ministers collectively responsible to State Assembly. |
No clear rule for automatic removal if CM/Ministers remain in custody. |
Similar to Union level: If CM or Minister is detained in custody for 30 consecutive days under serious charges (â„5 years punishment), they automatically lose office. Reappointment allowed after release. |
| Article 239AA (Union Territory of Delhi â CM & Ministers) |
Special status for Delhi (NCT). CM and Council of Ministers aid & advise LG. They hold office as per political responsibility to the Assembly. |
No explicit provision for automatic removal on detention. |
A new Section 5A to be inserted: CM/Ministers of NCT of Delhi cease office if detained for 30 days under serious charges (â„5 years). Reappointment possible after release. |
Rationale and Significance:
- At present, the Constitution has no provision for automatic removal of ministers in custody.
- Bill ensures that office bearers uphold public trust and do not undermine governance during detention.
- The statement of objects emphasized that elected representatives must rise above political interests and maintain conduct beyond suspicion.
- Promotes integrity of democracy by aligning ministerial positions with constitutional morality and accountability.
| [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:
1. According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.
2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.
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 for the very first time has recounted EVM votes on its premises and overturned a Haryana sarpanch election result.
Legal Framework for Challenging Election Results:
- Parliamentary, Assembly, State Council elections: Validity can be challenged by filing an election petition in the High Court of the state where the election was held.
- Local government elections: Petitions must be filed at district-level civil courts.
- Eligibility to file: Only a candidate or elector related to the election can file.
- Timeframe: Petition must be filed within 45 days of result declaration.
- Petition requirements:
- Must contain concise statement of material facts.
- Allegations of âcorrupt practicesâ must include names of individuals, dates, and locations.
- Judicial Approach:
- SC considers corrupt practices as quasi-criminal, requiring high standard of proof.
- Vague or ambiguous petitions are dismissed.
-
- Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- State Panchayat Raj Acts.
Grounds for Invalidating an Election:
Courts can void an election on:
- Bribery or undue influence, e.g., hiding criminal antecedents or promoting enmity.
- Candidate disqualified/unqualified on the election date.
- Improper rejection of nomination paper.
- Improper acceptance of nomination or improper reception/rejection of votes, if shown to materially affect results.
- Non-compliance with Constitution or election laws/rules, if it materially impacted the outcome.
When can Courts order Recount of Votes?
- A recount is a possible judicial remedy but not granted lightly.
- Seen as affecting vote secrecy, which is vital to free and fair elections.
- Courts order recounts only if:
- Petitioner presents specific material facts.
- Evidence shows a prima facie case of probable counting error.
- Recount is deemed necessary for justice.
- Normally conducted at election location.
- Exception: Panipat case, where SC recounted votes in its own premises.
Can Courts declare a new Winner?
- Rare, but courts can declare a new winner if:
- Evidence shows petitioner (or another candidate) actually had majority of valid votes.
- Or petitioner proves they would have won but for votes gained through corrupt practices.
- Requires concrete, quantifiable evidence of tainted votes.
- Example: In Feb 2024 Chandigarh mayoral election, SC declared a new winner after:
- Presiding officer wrongly invalidated 8 paper ballots.
- All votes had been cast for the losing candidate.
- SC restored them as valid, making the losing candidate the winner.
| [UPSC 2004] Consider the following tasks:
1. Superintendence, direction and conduct of free and fair elections.
2. Preparation of electoral rolls for all elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures and the Office of the President and the Vice-President.
3. Giving recognition to political parties and allotting election symbols to political parties and individuals contesting the election.
4. Proclamation of final verdict in the case of election disputes.
Which of the above are the functions of the Election Commission of India?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3* (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in âThe Hinduâ.
About Soap:
- Composition: Soap is sodium (Na) or potassium (K) salt of fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats.
- Formula: Solid soaps are RCOONa, liquid soaps are RCOOK.
- Function: Cleansing agent due to dual hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (oil-attracting) nature.
- History: Used since 2800 BC in Mesopotamia and ancient India (soap nuts, bark, flowers). Became mass-produced during the Industrial Revolution, initially a luxury.
Soap-Making Process
- Raw Materials: Oils such as coconut, olive, palm, sunflower provide triglycerides.
- Hydrolysis: Oils hydrolysed with hot water under pressure â fatty acids + glycerin.
- Saponification: Fatty acids react with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) â soap (RCOONa) + water.
- Processing: Soap dried into noodles, blended with perfumes, colours, fillers, additives.
- Shaping: Extruded, cut, and stamped into bars.
- Quality: Total Fatty Matter (TFM) indicates quality; higher TFM = better cleansing.
- Production Scale: Modern automated lines make 600â700 soaps per minute.
Ecological Impact of Soap
- Biodegradability: Traditional soaps are biodegradable and safer for the environment.
- Detergents: Synthetic alternatives developed during World War I oil shortages; more efficient but harmful.
- Pollution: Surfactants and phosphates in detergents cause nutrient pollution and persist in ecosystems.
| [UPSC 2002] Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A) Synthetic detergents can lather well in hard water.
Reason (R): Synthetic detergents form soluble calcium and magnesium salts with hard water.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Options:
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A *
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true |
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Why in the News?
Keralaâs health department has issued an alert in Kozhikode district after three consecutive cases of the rare and highly fatal disease Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) were reported.
About Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM):
- Cause: Rare and usually fatal infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the âbrain-eating amoeba.â
- Habitat: Thrives in warm freshwater up to 46°C (115°F).
- Entry: Enters through the nose during swimming or water activities, travels via olfactory nerve to the brain.
- Impact: Destroys brain tissue and causes severe swelling.
- Transmission: Not communicable from person to person.
- Symptoms: Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, coma, and death.
- Progression: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most cases result in death within 1â18 days of symptom onset.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Diagnosis:
- Treatment:
- No single therapy effectively established.
- Managed per CDC guidelines using drug combinations such as: Medical interventions typically involve a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.
| [UPSC 2008] Consider the following statements:
1. Femur is the longest bone in the human body.
2. Cholera is a disease caused by bacteria.
3. âAthleteâs footâ is a disease caused by virus. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 * (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
Researchers from UK and China have developed a bioelectronic device where genetically engineered E. Coli bacteria act as self-powered chemical bio-sensor.
About Escherichia coli (E. coli) Bacteria:
- Overview: Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that inhabits the lower intestine of warm-blooded animals.
- Family: Belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family.
- Harmless vs Pathogenic: Most strains are harmless, but some (e.g., E. coli O157:H7) cause severe foodborne illness, diarrhoea, and kidney complications.
- Gut Role: Contributes to vitamin Kâ synthesis and maintains gut microbiota balance.
- Transmission: Pathogenic strains spread via contaminated food, water, or direct contact, leading to outbreaks.
- Diagnostic Importance: Presence in water is a key indicator of faecal contamination.
Bio-Sensors Generated Using E. coli
- Innovation: Genetically engineered E. coli used as self-powered chemical biosensors.
- Mechanism: Detect compounds, process signals, and produce electrical outputs compatible with low-cost electronics.
- Modules:
- Sensing Module: Detects target molecules.
- Processing Module: Amplifies or modifies signals.
- Output Module: Produces phenazines measurable via electrochemistry.
- Applications:
- Detected arabinose (plant sugar) within 2 hours.
- Detected mercury ions in water at trace levels (below WHO safety limits) within 3 hours.
- Demonstrated an âANDâ logic gate, producing signals only when two molecules were present together.
- Significance:
- Cheaper, programmable, and robust alternative to enzyme-based biosensors.
- Potential in environmental monitoring, water safety, medical diagnostics, and bioelectronics.
| [UPSC 2010] Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolated by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?
(a) Agrodbacterium
(b) Clostridium
(c) Nitrosomonas
(d) Pseudomonas* |
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Why in the News?
The Gugga Naumi festival was widely celebrated across northern states of India on 17th August.
About Gugga Naumi Festival:
- Festival: Folk religious celebration in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and northern states.
- Timing: Observed on the ninth day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad month, usually after Janmashtami.
- Deity: Dedicated to Gugga (Gugga Pir / Gugga Zahir Pir / Guaaji), a Chauhan Rajput prince believed to control snakes.
- Tradition: Reflects syncretic worship by Hindus and Muslims, showcasing folk religiosity beyond formal religion.
Key Features:
- Duration: Begins on Rakhi and lasts nine days, with pilgrimages to Gugga Medi village in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan.
- Rituals: Garudas (snake charmers and healers) carry Gugga Pirâs Chahad (standard).
- Devotion: Pir ke Sole (songs) sung, fairs organised at shrines (Marhis).
- Depiction: Gugga shown riding a blue horse, with blue and yellow flags.
- Belief: Worshipped by mothers for childrenâs health, and by barren women for fertility blessings.
| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following pairs: Tradition State
1. Chapchar Kut festival â Mizoram
2. Khongjom Parba ballad â Manipur
3. Thong-To dance â Sikkim
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2* (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 |
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