Why in the News?
The Assam Forest Department is conducting DNA profiling of 2,500 rhino horns using the Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS) to aid wildlife forensics and curb illegal trade.
What is Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS)?
- Overview: It is a wildlife forensic tool designed to combat rhino poaching through DNA profiling.
- Development: It was originally developed by South Africa and later adapted for use in India.
- Working: The system helps build a genetic database of individual rhinos by collecting DNA from horns, tissues, dung, or blood samples.
- Utility: Each rhino has a unique DNA profile, making it possible to match confiscated horns with individual animals or poaching locations.
- Implementing Agency: In India, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is responsible for RhODIS genetic analysis under the RhODIS India program.
- Applications of RhODIS: The system plays a vital role in linking seized rhino horns to poaching incidents, providing admissible forensic evidence in court cases, tracking illegal wildlife trade routes and criminal networks, and monitoring genetic diversity and population health over time.
About One-Horned Rhinoceros:
- Overview: The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is a herbivorous megafauna species native to the Indian subcontinent.
- Distinctive Features: It is also called the Indian rhinoceros and is characterized by its single black horn and thick, armor-like skin.
- Conservation Status: It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, in Appendix I of CITES, and under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India).
- Major Habitats in India: Its primary habitats include Kaziranga, Pobitora, Manas, and Orang National Parks in Assam; Jaldapara and Gorumara National Parks in West Bengal; and the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
- Population Growth: Its has increased from around 1,500 in the 1980s to over 4,000 in 2024, with Assam alone holding 80% of the global population. Kaziranga National Park houses the largest population, with 2,613 rhinos as per 2022 data.
- Primary Threats: Major threats include poaching for horns driven by illegal wildlife trade and false beliefs about medicinal value, as well as habitat degradation due to floods, encroachment, and climate change.
- Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (Project Rhino): It was launched in 2005, aimed to spread the rhino population across seven protected areas.
| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Asiatic lion is naturally found In India only.
2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched a week-long celebration to commemorate 10 years of the Skill India Mission.
About Skill India Mission:
- Launch: It was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to empower India’s youth with employable skills.
- Training Target: The mission aims to train 40 crore individuals by 2022 across various economic sectors and make them job-ready.
- Progress Achieved: Over 2.27 crore people have been trained under the programme, including rural youth, women, and marginalized communities.
- Standardization and Quality Assurance: All training and certifications are aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring uniform standards and industry relevance.
- Digital Integration: The courses are digitally integrated with DigiLocker and the National Credit Framework (NCrF) for secure storage and seamless academic and career progression.
- Employment and Education Linkages: It promotes formal recognition of skills, enhances industry alignment, and ensures better linkages with employment and higher education.
Components of Skill India Mission:
[A] Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)
- Focus: It provides short-term training, reskilling, and upskilling opportunities for the youth.
- Target Age Group: The scheme targets individuals aged 15 to 59 years.
- Courses Offered: More than 400 new courses have been introduced in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, cybersecurity, green hydrogen, and drones.
- Recognition and Mobility: It emphasizes international mobility and recognition of prior learning (RPL) to certify existing skills.
- Alignment with Flagship Missions: It is aligned with flagship government missions like PM Vishwakarma, Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
[B] Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)
- Objective: PM-NAPS aims to promote apprenticeship training across industries by providing financial support.
- Incentive Structure: It offers 25% of the stipend (up to ₹1,500 per month) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to apprentices.
- Sectoral Expansion: The scheme has expanded apprenticeship opportunities in sectors like AI, robotics, blockchain, green energy, and Industry 4.0.
- Special Focus Areas: It gives special attention to small establishments, MSMEs, Aspirational Districts, and the North-East region.
- Target Age Group: The scheme targets individuals in the age group of 14 to 35 years.
[C] Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme
- About: It is a community-based vocational training initiative.
- Target Beneficiaries: It focuses on empowering women, rural youth, and economically weaker sections through low-cost, flexible skilling programmes.
- Target Age Group: The scheme is designed for individuals aged 15 to 45 years.
- Integration with National Initiatives: The scheme is integrated with inclusive national initiatives like PM JANMAN and ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society).
| [UPSC 2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:
1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 97th Foundation Day, marking nearly a century of contributions to Indian agriculture.
About ICAR:
- Overview: ICAR is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
- Establishment: It was established on 16 July 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, following the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture.
- Legal Framework: It functions as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Headquarters: ICAR is headquartered in New Delhi and serves as the apex body for coordinating and managing agricultural research and education across the country.
- Structure: ICAR oversees a vast network of 113 research institutes and 74 agricultural universities, making it one of the largest national agricultural systems globally.
- Functions: It supports research in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, animal sciences, and natural resource management.
Key Accomplishments of ICAR:
- Record Agricultural Production: India achieved record foodgrain production of 353.95 million tonnes in 2024–25. It became the largest global producer and exporter of rice and the top producer of milk (239.3 million tonnes), while ranking second in wheat, horticultural output, and fish production (18.42 million tonnes).
- Major Initiatives and Campaigns: It launched programmes such as One Scientist One Product, 100 Days 100 Varieties and Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (reaching 1.35 crore farmers).
- Crop Science Research: Developed 679 field crop varieties, including 27 bio-fortified ones; introduced the world’s first genome-edited rice; improved varietal replacement in pulses and oilseeds; supported basmati rice exports worth ₹50,000 crore.
- Horticultural Innovation: Released 83 new varieties across fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants; distributed over 22 lakh high-quality planting materials; set up 9 Clean Plant Centres for disease-free germplasm.
- Fisheries Development: Implemented precision shrimp farming systems with high efficiency; developed low-carbon marine fish products and nutraceutical feeds; standardized breeding for 7 fish species.
- Natural Resource Management: Created a National Soil Spectral Library with 40,000 samples; developed 35 Good Agricultural Practices; promoted climate-resilient villages and crop diversification; reduced methane emissions in rice by 18% using microbial consortia.
- Livestock Sector Contributions: Registered 10 indigenous breeds; developed 5 vaccines and 7 diagnostic kits; distributed over 14.09 lakh poultry germplasm; introduced smart sensors for dairy quality monitoring.
- Major National Programmes: Launched the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree Anna), genome editing in 40 crops, the Second National Gene Bank, the MAHARISHI (Millets and Ancient Grains) Initiative, and national missions on edible oils, cotton, and emerging biotic threats.
| [UPSC 2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:
1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The 2022 Annual Report on the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955, sheds light on the declining registration of untouchability-related offences and systemic inefficiencies in enforcing the law.
Key Highlights of the 2022 Annual Report:
- The report was released by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Only 13 cases were registered under the PCR Act in 2022, showing a decline from previous years.
- No state or UT declared any area as “untouchability-prone.”
- Courts had 1,242 cases pending; out of 31 disposed, ONLY 1 led to conviction.
- In contrast, 62,501 cases were filed under the SC/ST Act, highlighting its growing use.
- 18,936 inter-caste marriage couples received financial incentives, but data from several major states was missing.
About Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 and Its Provisions:
- Enacted under Article 35 to implement Article 17 and criminalize untouchability.
- Originally titled the Untouchability Offences Act, 1955, renamed and strengthened in 1976.
- Key Provisions:
- No provision for pardon; any conviction leads to disqualification from elections.
- Penalties: Up to 2 years imprisonment, ₹2000 fine, or both.
- Any right denied due to untouchability is considered a civil right under the Act.
- Preventive Measures under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
- Aimed at curbing atrocities and providing victim protection and rehabilitation.
- Establishes special courts and police cells.
- In some cases, allows firearms for self-defense by vulnerable SC/ST individuals.
Understanding ‘Untouchability’ and Its Abolition:
- What is it: Untouchability refers to social discrimination based on caste, historically excluding certain communities from public, religious, and social spaces.
- Constitutional Safeguard: Article 17 of the Constitution of India abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form.
- Legal Status: Any disability arising from untouchability is declared a punishable offence under Article 17.
- Nature of the Right under Article 17: Article 17 is an absolute fundamental right with no exceptions, applicable to both state and private actors.
- Lack of Definition: The term “untouchability” is not explicitly defined in the Constitution or in related legislation but is understood as referring to caste-based social discrimination.
- Scope of Discrimination: Untouchability includes denial of access to public utilities, places of worship, public services, education, and market services.
Various Judgments Related to Untouchability:
- Devarajiah v. Padmanna (1961): This case reaffirmed that Article 17 is intended to eliminate inhuman treatment based on caste distinctions.
- State of Karnataka v. Appa Balu Ingale (1993): The judgment likened untouchability to slavery and held that the caste system must be eradicated for democracy and the rule of law to survive.
- Union of India v. People’s Union for Democratic Rights (1982): The Court ruled that violations of Article 17 by private individuals also warrant state intervention.
- Union of India v. Safai Karamchari Andolan (2014): The Court directed the implementation of the Manual Scavengers and Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, and mandated rehabilitation, skill training, and compensation for families of victims of sewer deaths.
|
| [UPSC 2020] Which one of the following categories of ‘Fundamental Rights incorporates against untouchability as a form of discrimination?
Options: (a) Right against Exploitation (b) Right to Freedom (c) Right to Constitutional Remedies (d) Right to Equality* |
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Why in the News?
A team of Indian conservationists has identified a new butterfly species, Zographetus mathewi, in the biologically rich Western Ghats.
About Zographetus mathewi
- Overview: Zographetus mathewi is a newly identified species of skipper butterfly.
- Taxonomic Classification: It belongs to the family Hesperiidae and the genus Zographetus Watson, 1893.
- Distribution: This species is endemic to the low-elevation forests of Kerala, Western Ghats.
- Genus: It is the 15th species in the Zographetus genus and the 5th recorded in India.
- Publication and Naming: Published in the journal Entomon, the butterfly was named in honour of George Mathew, a noted Indian entomologist.
Key Features of Zographetus mathewi
- Similarity with Other Species: It closely resembles Zographetus ogygia but differs in wing venation patterns and genitalia structure in both male and female butterflies.
- Species Group Traits: It belongs to the Zographetus satwa species-group, which is known for swollen forewing veins in males as a secondary sexual trait, a distinct basal hair tuft on the underside of the forewing, and yellow-ochre scaling on the hindwing underside.
| [UPSC 2025] Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements :
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) I only (b) I and III (c) II only (d) II and III* |
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Why in the News?
Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) found that quantum noise—usually seen as a problem—can sometimes help connect particles in a special way called entanglement, which is important for future quantum technologies.
What is Quantum Noise?
- Overview: Quantum noise refers to random disturbances that affect quantum systems, often causing loss of coherence or decoherence.
- Traditional View: It is typically seen as harmful, especially for quantum entanglement, which is crucial for quantum computing and communication.
- Entanglement Concept: It is a phenomenon where particles are so correlated that the state of one instantly affects the state of another, even at a distance.
- Effect of Decoherence: Noise-induced decoherence breaks this entanglement, thereby reducing the efficiency of quantum technologies.
Key Findings:
- Observation: Found that quantum noise can generate or revive entanglement, contrary to its typical reputation as destructive.
- Focus Area: Studied intraparticle entanglement, which involves internal properties (like spin and path) of a single particle.
- Contrast with Interparticle Entanglement: Unlike interparticle entanglement (between separate particles), intraparticle entanglement showed resilience under noise.
- Types of Noise Studied:
- Amplitude Damping: Energy loss
- Phase Damping: Loss of phase information
- Depolarizing Noise: Random changes in quantum state
- Major Observation: Under amplitude damping, intraparticle entanglement showed delayed decay, revival, and even creation from unentangled states.
- Interparticle Comparison: In contrast, interparticle entanglement exhibited steady decay with no revival or generation.
Scientific Implications:
- New Perspective: Challenges the assumption that quantum noise is purely harmful, showing it can be a resource in certain contexts.
- Technological Potential: Intraparticle entanglement is more noise-resilient, making it valuable for stable quantum devices.
- Application Areas: Findings are relevant to quantum communication, QKD (quantum key distribution), quantum computing, and quantum sensing.
- Predictive Advantage: The new formula allows precise prediction of entanglement behavior, aiding the design of robust systems.
- Platform Independence: Results are platform-agnostic, applicable to photons, neutrons, trapped ions, etc.
| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:
I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing. II. Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS). III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) I and only I (b) II and III only (c) I and III only * (d) I, II and III |
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Why in the News?
Researchers in China have discovered a method to curb locust swarming by manipulating their pheromones, paving the way for eco-friendly locust control.
What are Locust Swarms?
- Locusts are large grasshoppers capable of forming massive swarms, consuming up to their body weight in food daily, and travelling 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.
|
About Locust Pheromones:
- Locust Behavioural Phases: Locusts exhibit two behavioural phases—solitary (non-swarming) and gregarious (swarming). The shift to gregariousness leads to swarm formation.
- Key Pheromone – 4-Vinylanisole (4VA):
- Identified in 2020 by Chinese researchers.
- Released from locusts’ hind legs after feeding, especially due to the digestion of phenylalanine (a plant compound).
- Acts as an aggregation pheromone, attracting other locusts and triggering group behaviour.
- Biochemical Pathway:
- Enzymes 4VPMT1 (dominant) and 4VPMT2 convert a precursor molecule (4VP) into 4VA.
- This process is crucial in converting solitary locusts into swarm-forming gregarious ones.
Recent Breakthrough and Its Implication:
- Discovery: Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences genetically blocked 4VPMT1, preventing locusts from producing 4VA and stopping swarm formation.
- Limitations: 4NP is toxic and environmentally persistent, raising concerns for large-scale deployment.
- Strategy Proposed: RNA interference (RNAi)-based biopesticides targeting 4VPMT genes to prevent 4VA production without toxicity.
- Wider Implications:
- Marks the first pollution-free molecular approach to locust control.
- Can reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, protect crops, and support sustainable agriculture.
- Offers a precision pest control model based on insect behavioural biochemistry.
| [UPSC 2001] American multinational company, Monsanto has produced an insect-resistant cotton variety that is undergoing field- trials in India. A toxin gene from which ONE of the following bacteria has been transferred to this transgenic cotton ?
Options: (a) Bacillus subtilis (b) Bacillus thurigiensis* (c) Bacillus amyloliquifanciens (d) Bacillus globlii |
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Why in the News?
India’s inflation indicators have shown a significant downward trend, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropping to a 77-month low of 2.1% in June 2025, and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) contracting by -0.13%, marking its first decline in 20 months.
Key Highlights on Inflation (June 2025):
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation dropped to 2.1%, the lowest in 77 months (since January 2019).
- Wholesale Price Index (WPI) contracted by -0.13%, marking its first decline in 20 months.
- Food and Beverages (CPI component) registered deflation of 0.2%, after being at 8.4% in June 2024.
- WPI Food Articles saw a sharp fall of 3.75%, compared to 11.1% inflation in June 2024.
- Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas (WPI) prices contracted by 12.3%, the 10th straight month of decline.
- Inflation in Fuel and Light (CPI) eased to 2.55% (from 2.8% in May 2025).
- Housing inflation increased marginally to 3.24%, while Pan, Tobacco and Intoxicants stayed stable at 2.4%.
Back2Basics: Consumer Price Index (CPI) vs. Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
|
Consumer Price Index (CPI) |
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) |
| Definition |
Measures the change in retail prices of goods and services consumed by households |
Measures the change in wholesale prices of goods traded between businesses |
| Compiled By |
National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) |
Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Base Year |
2012 (CPI-Industrial Workers has 2016 as base year) |
2011–12 |
| Coverage |
Goods and Services |
Only Goods |
| Data Collection |
Prices from 1,181 villages & 1,114 urban markets across India |
Prices collected from wholesale markets, factories, and mandis |
| Purpose/Use |
Measures retail inflation, used for the RBI’s inflation targeting and monetary policy decisions |
Measures producer-level inflation, used as a GDP deflator |
| Users |
Consumers, RBI, Government (for social welfare schemes like DA/DR) |
Policymakers, manufacturers, and financial markets |
| Publication Frequency |
Monthly |
Monthly |
| Number of Items |
299 items |
697 items |
| Components |
– Food & Beverages (45%)
– Housing (10%)
– Fuel & Light (6.8%)
– Miscellaneous (services, etc.) (28.3%)
– Clothing & Footwear (6.5%)
– Pan, Tobacco & Intoxicants (2.4%) |
– Primary Articles (22.6%)
– Fuel & Power (13.2%)
– Manufactured Products (64.2%) |
| Weight of Food Items |
High (~45%) |
Lower (~24.4%) |
| Impact on Economy |
Direct impact on consumer purchasing power and cost of living |
Indicates trends in production costs and supply chain |
| Volatility |
More volatile due to food and fuel price changes |
Less volatile due to base price considerations |
| Use in Policy |
Directly used by RBI for inflation targeting (e.g., 4% CPI target) |
Used for GDP deflation, price policy formation |
| Criticism |
May not reflect production-side price pressures |
Does not capture consumer-level inflation or services |
| Inflation Indicator |
Preferred indicator for common people |
More relevant to manufacturers and wholesale traders |
| [UPSC 2021] With reference to the Indian economy, demand-pull inflation can be caused or increased by which of the following:
1. Expansionary policies 2.Fiscal stimulus 3.Inflation-indexing of wages 4.Higher purchasing power 5.Rising interest rates
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1, 2, and 4 only* (b) 3, 4, and 5 only (c) 1, 2, 3, and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 |
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Why in the News?
This newscard highlights the role of Indian assistants in completing the Great Trigonometric Survey (GTS), which began in 1802 to map India’s geography.
About the Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS):
- Launch and Objective: The GTS was a massive scientific and cartographic initiative launched in 1802 by the British to map India with unprecedented precision using trigonometry and geodesy.
- Initiator: It was conceptualised by William Lambton, a British army officer, and carried out under the East India Company.
- Purpose: It aimed to measure Earth’s curvature, create accurate maps, and support colonial administration, scientific research, and military planning.
- Survey Method: It used triangulation, involving a network of interconnected triangles built from a known baseline to calculate distances and angles over large areas.
- First Baseline: The initial baseline was measured in 1802 at St. Thomas Mount near Madras (Chennai) and extended over 2,600 km up to the Himalayas.
- Instruments Used: The survey used massive theodolites (weighing up to half a ton) and measuring chains, requiring large teams for operation and transport.
- Scientific Outcome: It led to the formulation of the Everest Spheroid, a geodetic reference model still used for mapping in South Asia.
- Duration and Leadership: Although planned to take 5 years, the project lasted nearly 70 years (until 1871) and was led by successors such as George Everest (after whom Mt. Everest was named), Andrew Scott Waugh, and James Walker.
How did the GTS led to the Mapping of India?
- First Accurate Maps: It provided scientific maps that corrected earlier errors, enabling modern geodetic frameworks for administration and infrastructure.
- Survey Range: It mapped from southern India to the Himalayas, supporting large-scale development and scientific measurement.
- Great Arc Measurement: It measured the Great Arc (Chennai to Dehradun), a significant geodetic arc that helped calculate Earth’s curvature.
- Himalayan Heights: Using triangulation data, the survey measured 79 Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga.
- Mount Everest Identification: In 1852, Peak XV was identified as the world’s highest mountain, later named Mount Everest in honour of George Everest.
- Latitude-Longitude System: It produced precise longitude and latitude coordinates, crucial for navigation, military logistics, and administration.
- Infrastructure Impact: Survey benchmarks supported railways, roads, canals, and earthquake studies, many of which remain relevant today.
Contribution of Indians to the GTS:
- Syed Mir Mohsin Husain: A jeweller from Arcot who repaired critical instruments and was later appointed as an instrument maker in the Surveyor General’s office.
- Radhanath Sikdar: An Indian mathematician who calculated the height of Mount Everest in 1852, confirming it as the tallest peak globally.
- Indian Field Workers: Thousands of Indian flagmen, khalasis, and labourers undertook challenging tasks like carrying heavy equipment, setting markers, and working in hazardous environments.
- Logistical Support: Indian artisans and technicians repaired, calibrated, and adapted instruments, making the project feasible under Indian conditions.
- Role of Pundits: Trained Indian “pundits” conducted secret surveys in Tibet and politically sensitive regions, where British officers were restricted.
| [UPSC 2018] Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi?
Options: (a) Bengaluru* (b) Hyderabad (c) Nagpur (d) Pune |
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Why in the News?
Recently astronomers using the ATLAS telescope in Chile discovered 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar object and possibly the oldest comet ever detected, estimated to be over 7 billion years old.
About 3I/ATLAS:
- Discovery: It was detected on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile; confirmed interstellar due to its hyperbolic orbit and high speed (57–68 km/s).
- Significance: It is likely the oldest comet ever observed — possibly 7.6–14 billion years old, older than our 4.5-billion-year-old solar system.
- Nature: It appeared like an interstellar comet, showing signs of activity including a coma (cloud of dust/ice) and likely a tail as it nears the Sun.
- Composition: Rich in water ice and complex organic compounds; has a reddish hue indicating ancient, primordial material.
- Size: Estimated nucleus diameter is 10–30 km — larger than previous interstellar objects like 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
- Trajectory:
- Closest to Earth: ~270 million km (no threat).
- Closest to Sun: ~210 million km (Oct 29–30, 2025).
- Will exit the solar system permanently after perihelion.
- Scientific Importance:
- It offers rare opportunity to study materials from another star system.
- It can reveal clues about the formation of the Milky Way, other solar systems, and early star formation processes.
Back2Basics: ATLAS Telescope
- ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) is a NASA-funded early warning project for detecting small near-Earth objects (NEOs).
- It is developed and operated by the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy.
- As of 2025, ATLAS operates five telescopes in Hawaii, South Africa, Chile, and the Canary Islands.
- Each telescope has a 0.5-meter Wright-Schmidt design, a 1-meter focal length, and a 110 MP CCD detector with a 7.4° field of view.
- The system scans 20,000 square degrees of sky three times per night and provides 1–3 week warnings for asteroids 45–120 meters wide.
- In addition to asteroids, ATLAS also discovers supernovae, comets, dwarf planets, and variable stars.
|
What are Interstellar Objects?
- Overview: Celestial bodies that originate outside the solar system and travel through it on open-ended (hyperbolic) orbits.
- Key Characteristics:
- Not gravitationally bound to the Sun.
- Travel at very high speeds, often unaffected by solar gravity.
- Do not return once they pass through the inner solar system.
- Known Interstellar Visitors:
-
- 1I/ʻOumuamua (2017) – Asteroid-like, no coma or tail.
- 2I/Borisov (2019) – Active comet with typical cometary features.
- 3I/ATLAS (2025) – Discussed above.
- How are they Identified:
- Hyperbolic trajectory confirmed via orbital calculations.
- Speed at great distances exceeds gravitational escape velocity.
- Scientific Value:
- Provide direct clues about planetary formation beyond our solar system.
- Can reveal chemical signatures from other star systems.
- Allow us to study primordial matter from distant parts of the galaxy.
- Act as natural probes from unknown regions of the Milky Way.
| [UPSC 2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material. 2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and mercury. 3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
India’s flagship freight rail infrastructure project — the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) — is nearing full commissioning.
About the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project:
- Overview: It is a flagship railway initiative by the Ministry of Railways to modernise and streamline freight movement in India.
- Launch: The foundation stone was laid in 2006 by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.
- Implementing Agency: It is implemented by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established in October 2006.
- Objective: The main aim is to develop high-capacity, high-speed freight-only rail corridors to decongest passenger routes and improve logistics efficiency.
- Investment Size: With a total estimated cost of ₹1.25 lakh crore, the DFC is among India’s largest rail infrastructure investments.
- Corridor Coverage:
-
- Eastern DFC (EDFC): Spans 1,337 km from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Sahnewal (Punjab) — fully operational.
- Western DFC (WDFC): Stretches 1,506 km from JNPT (Mumbai) to Dadri (UP) — 93% complete, to be commissioned by Dec 2025.
- Need for DFCs: The project was necessitated by overuse of the Golden Quadrilateral, which carries over 50% of freight on just 16% of India’s rail routes.
- Freight Transport Target: The goal is to increase the rail share of freight to 45% by 2030 as part of the National Rail Plan.
Key Features of the DFC:
- Dedicated Infrastructure: The DFCs feature electrified double-line tracks, exclusively for freight, separating them from passenger traffic.
- Load and Speed Capacity: Built to handle 32.5-tonne axle loads and support freight train speeds of up to 100 km/h.
- Cargo Type by Corridor:
-
- Eastern DFC: Focused on coal and raw materials.
- Western DFC: Transports containers, cement, fertilisers, and other industrial goods.
- Train Speed: Trains currently operate at 50–60 km/h, with further speed gains expected through modern rolling stock.
- Capacity Utilization: Already operating at over 85% capacity, with projections of 480 daily trains (240 each direction) by mid-2026.
- Future Expansion Plans:
-
- East Coast Corridor: Paradip to Vijayawada
- East–West Corridor: Kharagpur to Mumbai
- North–South Corridor: Delhi to Chennai
- Estimated Expansion Cost: The combined cost of these three new corridors is around ₹4 lakh crore, with the East Coast Corridor prioritized first.
| [UPSC 2000] Which one of the following ports of India handles the highest tonnage of import cargo?
Options: (a) Calcutta (b) Kandla (c) Mumbai* (d) Visakhapatnam |
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Why in the News?
Ahead of the 16th Census of India, experts have stated that counting the six main indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the Jarawa, is feasible.
About Jarawa Tribe:
- Location: They live in the Middle and South Andaman Islands of India.
- Official Status: They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the GoI.
- Population Growth: Their population has risen from 260 (1998) to around 647 (2025) due to better healthcare and low external interference.
- First Contact: Voluntary contact with outsiders began in 1997, allowing limited medical aid, schooling, and trade.
- Key Features:
- Lifestyle: They are hunter-gatherers and fisherfolk, moving in nomadic groups of 40–50 individuals.
- Ancestry: Believed to be descendants of the extinct Jangil tribe and among the earliest human migrants from Africa.
- Health Profile: They maintain strong physical health with low incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
- Lifespan: Natural childbirth is common, and the average lifespan now exceeds 50 years.
Note:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to 5 PVTGs, which are among the most isolated and distinct indigenous communities in India. They are- Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens. |
Back2Basics: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
- Overview: They are a subgroup within Scheduled Tribes considered most backward and vulnerable.
- Habitat: They generally inhabit remote localities having poor infrastructure and administrative support.
- Distribution: There are 75 such groups identified and categorized PVTGs.
- Origin of the concept:
-
- The Dhebar Commission (1960-1961) stated that within Scheduled Tribes there existed an inequality in the rate of development.
- During the 4th Five Year Plan (1969-74) a sub-category was created within Scheduled Tribes to identify groups that were considered to be at a lower level of development.
- This sub-category was named “Primitive tribal group”.
- In 2006 the government of India proposed to rename PVTGs.
- Features of PVTGs: Groups that satisfied any one of the criteria are considered PVTGs:
-
- Pre-agricultural system of existence
- The practice of hunting and gathering
- Zero or negative population growth
- Extremely low level of literacy in comparison with other tribal groups.
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| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:
1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 4* (d) 1, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
India is taking part in Talisman Sabre 2025, the 11th and largest edition of the Australia-U.S.-led multinational military exercise, involving over 35,000 personnel from 19 countries.
About Exercise Talisman Sabre:
- Overview: It is a biennial multinational joint military exercise, co-led by Australia and the United States.
- Inception: It began in 2005 and has been conducted every 2 years, typically during odd-numbered years.
- Objective: The primary aim is to enhance combat readiness, improve interoperability, and strengthen the joint operations capability of participating armed forces.
- Scope of Operations: It focuses on high-end warfighting, including:
- Crisis-action planning
- Contingency response
- Multi-domain operations across land, air, sea, cyber, and space
- Strategic Importance: It plays a key role in promoting regional security cooperation and supports the vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Key Features of the 2025 Edition:
- Scale: The 2025 edition involves over 35,000 military personnel from 19 participating countries, making it the largest and most complex iteration of the exercise so far.
- Participating Nations:
- Full participants: Australia, the United States, India, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom.
- Observer nations: Malaysia and Vietnam.
- Geographical Expansion: For the first time, parts of the exercise will be conducted outside Australia, with training also planned in Papua New Guinea.
- New Defence Capabilities: The 2025 edition will showcase:
- UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters
- Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) system introduced by the Australian Defence Force
- Multi-Domain Focus: Operations will span across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace, reflecting the modern, multi-domain nature of warfare.
- Strategic Outcome: It aims to improve regional response capabilities, strengthen defence partnerships, and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
| [UPSC 2008] ‘Hand-in-Hand 2007’, a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of the Army of which one of the following countries?
Options: (a) China *(b) Japan (c) Russia (d) USA |
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Why in the News?
Tamil Nadu CM stressed the need to declare the Thirukkural as a national book and to set up a major organisation in Delhi to promote Thiruvalluvar’s ideas.
About Thirukkural:
- Overview: Thirukkural is a classical Tamil literary work consisting of 1,330 couplets (kurals), each containing seven words.
- Form and Message: Composed in the Kural Venba poetic form, it is renowned for its universal values, secular ethics, and moral guidance that transcend time, religion, and culture.
- Authored by: The text is traditionally attributed to Thiruvalluvar, also known simply as Valluvar.
- How old is it: Scholars date the text between 300 BCE and 500 CE, though its exact period remains debated.
- Components: The Thirukkural is divided into 3 major sections:
-
- Aram (Virtue / Dharma): Deals with personal morality, non-violence, and ethical conduct—emphasizing values such as truth, charity, self-control, and compassion.
- Porul (Wealth / Artha): Focuses on social, political, and economic life, including governance, justice, taxation, warfare, diplomacy, and administration.
- Inbam (Love / Kama): Explores human emotions, love, and personal relationships, especially themes of romance, domestic life, and emotional well-being.
Key Features of Thirukkural:
- Ethical Emphasis: Promotes timeless values like non-violence (ahimsa), truth, self-restraint, gratitude, and hospitality.
- Societal Themes: Highlights issues such as education, friendship, agriculture, social justice, and temperance.
- Cultural Reverence: Referred to by honorifics such as “Tamil Veda” and “Divine Book”, symbolizing its moral and spiritual stature.
- Literary Qualities: Celebrated for its brevity, clarity, and philosophical depth, making it accessible and universally admired.
Back2Basics: Sangam Literature
- Overview: It refers to the ancient body of Tamil texts composed during the Sangam period, traditionally dated from 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE.
- Meaning: The word Sangam means “assembly” or “academy”, referring to gatherings of Tamil poets under the patronage of Pandya kings.
- Historical Context: According to Tamil tradition, there were three Sangams:
-
- First Sangam (Madurai): No known literary works have survived.
- Second Sangam (Kapadapuram): Only Tolkappiyam (grammar and poetics) survives.
- Third Sangam (Madurai): Source of most surviving Sangam literature.
- Nature and Content:
- Literary Form: Written in classical Tamil poetry, the texts reflect secular themes like love, war, charity, governance, agriculture, and trade.
- Societal Insight: Offers a detailed glimpse into the social, political, and economic life of ancient Tamil society.
- Key Texts:
-
- Tolkappiyam: The earliest Tamil grammar and work on poetic theory.
- Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies): Collections of short poems.
- Pattupattu (Ten Idylls): Longer narrative poems.
- Padinenkilkanakku (Eighteen Minor Works): Didactic works focused on ethics and morality.
- Three Epics: Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, Sivaga Sindamani/. These were compiled later but are deeply influenced by Sangam themes.
|
| [UPSC 2023] Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?
Options: (a) Kings employing women bodyguards
(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death* |
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Why in the News?
The President of India has nominated Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, C. Sadanandan Master, and Meenakshi Jain to the Rajya Sabha.
About Nominated Members to the Rajya Sabha:
- Number and Tenure: The President of India nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for a six-year term.
- Purpose of Nomination: This provision is meant to honor individuals with exceptional contributions in the fields of arts, literature, science, and social service.
- Constitutional Basis: This right is granted to the President under the Fourth Schedule, in accordance with Articles 4(1) and 80(2) of the Constitution of India.
- Constitutional Provisions for Nominated Members:
- Article 80(1)(a): Provides for nomination of 12 members to the Rajya Sabha by the President.
- Article 80(3): Specifies that the nominees must have special knowledge or practical experience in one or more of the following fields: Literature; Science; Art; Social service.
Composition of the Rajya Sabha:
- Total Strength: The current strength of the Rajya Sabha is 245 members, comprising:
- 233 elected members representing States and Union Territories
- 12 nominated members by the President
- Permanent Nature: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution.
- Biennial Retirement: One-third members retire every two years, and elections are held to fill the vacant seats.
|
Powers and Privileges of Nominated Members:
- Equal Rights in House Proceedings: Nominated members enjoy all powers, privileges, and immunities of an elected Member of Parliament.
- Participation in Proceedings: They can take part in all debates, discussions, and committees in the House.
- Voting Rights Exceptions:
- They cannot vote in the election of the President of India.
- They can vote in the election of the Vice President.
- Political Affiliation Provision: According to Article 99, a nominated member is given six months to join a political party after being nominated.
| [UPSC 2014] Consider the following statements:
1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House. 2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
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 National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has granted approval for diverting 142.76 hectares of forest land in Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.
About Lion-Tailed Macaque:
- Scientific Classification: The Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), also known as the Wanderoo or Bearded Monkey, is an primate species endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
- Distribution: It is found primarily in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- Physical Characteristics: Recognized by a silver-white mane surrounding a black face and a lion-like tuft at the end of its tail, the body is covered in glossy black fur, and both sexes look similar.
- Habitat and Behaviour
- Preferences: The species inhabits tropical evergreen rainforests, and is also found in monsoon forests and shola-grassland ecosystems.
- Habitat: It is arboreal (tree-dwelling) and diurnal (active during the day).
- Elevation Range: Typically lives at altitudes between 600 and 1,800 metres above sea level.
- Human Avoidance: Known for being shy, it tends to avoid human contact, staying high in the forest canopy.
- Social Structure: Lives in social groups of 8 to 20 individuals, usually led by a dominant male.
- Behaviour:
- Dietary Habits: Primarily frugivorous, eating fruits, but also consumes leaves, stems, flowers, buds, fungi, and occasionally insects and small animals.
- Communication System: Possesses a rich vocal communication system with over 17 distinct vocalizations.
- Territorial Behavior: Males use loud calls to mark territory and warn intruders.
- Conservation Status:
-
- IUCN Status: Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Legal Protection: Appendix I of CITES; Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Population and Conservation Efforts:
-
- Population: It is estimated at around only 2,500 individuals.
- Key Protected Area: The Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka hosts the largest known population in any protected area, with around 700 individuals.
- Ecological Importance:
- Serves as an indicator species for rainforest health.
- Plays a vital role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following fauna:
1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet 3. Sambar Deer
How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None |
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Why in the News?
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has decided to review and revise the 2011 guidelines on the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)?
- Overview: ESZs, also called Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs), are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) around Protected Areas (PAs) like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Purpose:
- Act as “shock absorbers” to protect areas by regulating potentially harmful activities.
- Serve as transition zones from highly protected to less protected ecosystems.
- Help conserve biodiversity, maintain landscape connectivity, and prevent fragmentation of habitats.
- Legal Basis:
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, particularly Section 3(2)(v).
- Rule 5(1) of Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
- Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002: Recommended declaring 10 km radius around PAs as default ESZ.
- Demarcation Process:
- ESZ boundaries vary in width based on ecological sensitivity and ground realities.
- Factors considered: species presence, migration routes, landscape linkage, human settlements, etc.
- Activity Zonation:
- Prohibited: Commercial mining, polluting industries, major hydro projects, wood logging.
- Regulated: Tree felling, large-scale agriculture change, road widening, tourism infrastructure.
- Permitted: Rainwater harvesting, organic farming, green energy use.
- Present Status:
- 347 final notifications issued.
- Where no ESZ is notified, a default 10-km ESZ is applicable (SC 2022 ruling).
2011 Guidelines on ESZs:
- Issued by MoEFCC to standardize and guide the process of ESZ declaration.
- Key Features:
-
- Emphasized flexibility and site-specific demarcation.
- Classified activities into permitted, regulated, prohibited.
- Directed preparation of a Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) within 2 years of ESZ notification.
- Called for community involvement, scientific input, and buffer management.
|
Recent Context:
- Reasons Behind: Revision One-size-fits-all (10-km blanket rule) is not effective:
- Urban examples: Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Mumbai), Asola Bhatti Sanctuary (Delhi).
- In Himachal Pradesh, ~65% area already under forest cover.
- Kerala: Fear of new sanctuary leading to more restrictions.
- Over-generalized: Existing guidelines unsuitable for marine sanctuaries, need ecosystem-specific norms.
| [UPSC 2014] With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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 ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ of India have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the cultural category during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris.
About Maratha Military Landscapes:
- Overview: A network of 12 forts showcasing the Maratha Empire’s military architecture and strategic fortification from the 17th to 19th centuries.
- Time Period: Developed between 1670 CE (Shivaji’s era) and 1818 CE (end of Peshwa rule).
- Geographical Spread: 11 forts in Maharashtra and 1 in Tamil Nadu (Gingee Fort), covering hill, coastal, forest, plateau, and island terrains.
- Key Forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg (Maharashtra); Gingee (Tamil Nadu).
- Types:
- Hill forts: Rajgad, Raigad
- Hill-forest: Shivneri
- Coastal: Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg
- Island: Khanderi, Sindhudurg
- Protection:
- 8 forts by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- 4 forts by Maharashtra’s Directorate of Archaeology & Museums
- Ideology: Reflects Shivaji’s military decentralization, terrain-based defense, and self-sustaining fort systems.
- Tagged under cultural criteria:
- (iii) Exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
- (iv) Outstanding example of military architecture
- (vi) Association with historic events and traditions
What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
- A WHS is a landmark or area recognized for its cultural, historical, natural, or scientific value to humanity.
- It is governed by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1972).
- India formally signed the Convention on November 14, 1977.
- Sites are selected by the World Heritage Committee, comprising 21 elected state parties.
- Categories include:
- Cultural (e.g., forts, temples, cities)
- Natural (e.g., forests, parks, biodiversity sites)
- Mixed (having both cultural and natural value)
- Selection is based on 10 criteria (6 cultural + 4 natural); at least one must be met.
- Once inscribed, sites are eligible for global recognition, protection, and funding.
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| [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 |
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Why in the News?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched an expanded Sanchar Mitra Scheme to engage engineering students as digital ambassadors for promoting telecom literacy, digital safety, and citizen engagement.
What is the Sanchar Mitra Scheme?
- Launching Body: An initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
- Primary Aim: To engage student volunteers as “Sanchar Mitras” or digital ambassadors to spread awareness about telecom-related issues.
- Purpose:
- Bridge the communication gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem.
- Promote safe and informed use of telecom services.
- Encourage public participation in India’s digital transformation.
- Implementation Status:
- Piloted in select institutions.
- Now being scaled up for nationwide rollout.
Key Features and Highlights:
- Target Audience: It primarily targets students from engineering and technical backgrounds such as telecommunications, computer science, electronics, and cybersecurity.
- Selection of Volunteers: Students will be nominated as Sanchar Mitras in consultation with DoT field units and educational institutions.
- Training Modules: Volunteers will be trained to conduct grassroots campaigns on cyber fraud prevention, EMF radiation concerns, and responsible digital behavior.
- Training Institutions: Training will be delivered by the National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and the Media Wing of the DoT.
- Core Pillars: The scheme is structured around three key pillars: Connect, Educate, and Innovate.
- Tech Awareness Promotion: Sanchar Mitras will promote awareness on emerging telecom technologies like 5G, 6G, AI, and cybersecurity.
- Community Outreach: Students will engage with communities, NGOs, and schools to foster a culture of informed digital citizenship.
- Strategic Alignment: It aligns with India’s strength in the “Four Ds”: Democracy, Demography, Digitisation, and Delivery.
| [UPSC 2010] Which among the following do/does not belong/belongs to the GSM family of wireless technologies?
Options: (a) EDGE (b) LTE (c) DSL* (d) Both EDGE and LTE |
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Why in the News?
Mizoram Governor has imposed Governor’s Rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) due to prolonged political instability and repeated leadership changes.
About Autonomous District Councils (ADCs):
- Basis: They are local self-governing institutions established under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- Coverage: ADCs are constituted in tribal areas of the northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (ATM2).
- Purpose: These councils aim to provide autonomy to tribal communities to preserve their culture, customs, and govern their local affairs.
- Notification: Each tribal area notified under the Sixth Schedule is declared an autonomous district, governed by its respective ADC.
- Objective: The primary objectives of ADCs are to promote tribal self-governance, ensure local development, and protect tribal identity and rights.
Key Features of ADCs
- Legal Status: ADCs are formed through constitutional provisions under the Sixth Schedule and are not governed by state laws.
- Council Composition: Each ADC comprises up to 30 members, of which 26 are elected by adult suffrage and 4 are nominated by the Governor.
- Tenure: The tenure of an ADC is 5 years from the date of its constitution.
- Scope of Authority: ADCs have legislative, executive, and limited judicial powers specific to the needs of tribal communities.
- Applicability of Laws: State and Central laws do not automatically apply in ADC areas unless explicitly extended by the Governor.
Powers and Functions of ADCs:
- Law-Making Powers: ADCs can enact laws on land management, agriculture, and forest use (excluding reserved forests).
- Customary Regulations: They can regulate inheritance, marriage, divorce, and social customs, and appoint traditional chiefs and headmen.
- Local Administration: It oversee services such as primary education, dispensaries, roads, markets, and fisheries.
- Judicial Functions: Councils can establish village courts to try civil and criminal cases involving tribal members, with sentencing powers up to five years.
- Regulation of Trade: They may regulate money lending and trade by non-tribals, subject to Governor’s approval.
- Revenue Sources: It can levy taxes on professions, trades, animals, vehicles, markets, ferries, and public infrastructure like roads and schools.
Autonomy and Limitations:
- Degree of Autonomy: ADCs enjoy substantial legislative and administrative autonomy within their territorial jurisdiction.
- Non-Applicability of General Laws: Parliamentary and State laws apply only when directed by the Governor, ensuring self-rule.
- Governor’s Oversight: Despite autonomy, the Governor retains discretionary powers and can approve, modify, or annul council decisions.
- Financial Constraints: ADCs often face limited revenue generation, which restricts their developmental effectiveness.
- Administrative Challenges: Operational issues include leadership instability, shortage of trained personnel, and state-level interference in council functions.
| [UPSC 2015] The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to:
Options: (a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes * (b) determine the boundaries between States (c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats (d) protect the interests of all border States |
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