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Type: Prelims Only

  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Mysterious Antimatter Physics discovered at CERN Large Hadron Collider

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    CERN scientists have detected a tiny but significant difference in how matter and antimatter versions of baryons behave — offering clues to why matter dominates the universe, despite both being created equally after the Big Bang.

    What is CERN’s LHCb Experiment?

    • Location: At the Large Hadron Collider near Geneva, on the France–Switzerland border.
    • Name: LHCb = Large Hadron Collider beauty; focuses on beauty (bottom) quarks.
    • Started: Built in early 2000s; began collecting data in 2009.
    • Purpose: Studies particle decay, especially of beauty quark-containing particles, to test the Standard Model and search for small anomalies.

    Matter vs Antimatter – The Big Puzzle:

    • Matter: Everything around us is made of it.
    • Antimatter: Mirror image of matter, with opposite charges.
    • Big Bang Theory: Both should have been produced equally — and destroyed each other.
    • But…: Only matter remains — a mystery science is still trying to solve.
    • CP Symmetry: Physics expects matter and antimatter to behave identically (Charge-Parity symmetry).
    • CP Violation: When this symmetry breaks — possibly explaining why matter survived.

    What did Scientists Discover?

    • Focus: Lambda-b baryons and their antimatter versions.
    • Finding: A small but clear CP violation — they decayed differently.
    • Significance: First such discovery in baryons (previously seen only in mesons).
    • Certainty: Highly reliable — only 1 in 3.5 million chance it’s random.

    Why is this Important?

    • Helps explain why the universe is made of matter.
    • Expands discovery of CP violation to heavier particles.
    • Could hint at physics beyond the Standard Model.
    • Moves us closer to solving one of the universe’s biggest mysteries.
    [UPSC 2013] The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is/are the importance/importances of discovering this particle?

    1. It will enable us to under-stand as to why elementary particles have mass. 2. It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology of transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them. 3. It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS)

    Prelims OnlySpecies | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    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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  • Skilling India – Skill India Mission,PMKVY, NSDC, etc.

    [pib] 10 Years of Skill India Mission

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    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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  • Innovation Ecosystem in India

    [pib] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at 97

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: E-Technology In The Aid Of Farmers

    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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  • Untouchability Cases Drop, Pendency Rises

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    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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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    New butterfly species Zographetus mathewi found in Western Ghats

    Prelims OnlySpecies | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    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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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    [pib] Breakthrough in Quantum Noise Research

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    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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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Scientists decode Locust Pheromones for Eco-Friendly Control

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    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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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    Inflation Hits 77-Month Low

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    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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  • In news: Great Trigonometric Survey (GTS)

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    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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