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Type: Prelims Only

  • Civil Services Reforms

    [pib] PRATIBHA Setu Initiative

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Civil Service

    Why in the News?

    The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched the PRATIBHA Setu initiative to channel the potential of civil service aspirants who reach the interview stage but do not make the final merit list.

    About PRATIBHA Setu:

    • Meaning: Stands for Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants.
    • Purpose: Connects candidates who cleared the interview stage of Union Public Service Commission exams but didn’t make the final merit list with verified employers.
    • Launch: Rolled out during CSE Examination 2023 results; evolved from the Public Disclosure Scheme (2018).
    • Objective: Utilizes the Union Public Service Commission’s rigorous selection process to support alternate career pathways for high-performing aspirants.
    • Talent Pool:
      • Scale: Over 10,000 high-performing candidates available for recruitment.
      • Merit-Based: Offers employers access to a pre-tested, well-evaluated talent group.

    Key Features:

    • Eligibility:
      • Included: Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Engineering Services, Central Armed Police Forces, Combined Medical Services, etc.
      • Excluded: National Defence Academy, Naval Academy, and certain Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations.
    • Access for Recruiters: Organizations register using Corporate Identification Number through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal.
    • Platform Tools:
      • Functions: Dashboard for shortlisting, wish-listing, and making selections or rejections.
      • Data Access: Employers can view candidates’ educational profiles and contact details in digital format.

    Impact:

    • Candidate Benefit: Opens alternate career paths for deserving UPSC aspirants.
    • Employer Advantage: Enables transparent and efficient hiring from India’s top talent.
    • Wider Utility: Extends the relevance of the UPSC selection process beyond final appointments.
    [UPSC 2020] In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?

    Options: (a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy (b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism (c) An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth (d) An agency for the implementation of public policy*

     

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    In news: International Seabed Authority (ISA) 

    IOCRPrelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    Why in the News?

    Despite growing global pressure, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has yet to finalize regulations for deep sea mining.

    Deadlock Over Deep Sea Mining Rules:

    • ISA’s 36-member executive council concluded a line-by-line reading of the draft “mining code” containing 107 regulations.
    • These regulations govern mining for cobalt, nickel, and manganese in international waters.
    • Key concerns remain unresolved, especially around environmental protection mechanisms.
    • Chile and 36 other countries demand a moratorium until scientific assessments confirm minimal harm to marine ecosystems.
    • Also, the US is not a member of the ISA or party to UNCLOS.

    About International Seabed Authority (ISA):

    • Establishment: Formed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) and the 1994 Agreement relating to Part XI of the Convention.
    • Headquarters: Located in Kingston, Jamaica.
    • Membership: Comprises 168 member states including India and the European Union.
    • Jurisdiction: Governs “The Area” — the seabed and ocean floor beyond national boundaries, covering around 54% of global oceans.
    • Guiding Principle: Operates on the principle that deep-sea resources are the common heritage of humankind.

    Key Functions:

    • Regulation of Mineral Activities
      • Licensing: Grants licenses for exploration of seabed mineral resources.
      • Transition Oversight: Manages the shift from exploration to commercial exploitation.
    • Mining Code Development: Maintains the Mining Code—rules for environmental impact, royalties, benefit sharing, and technology transfer.
    • Environmental Protection
      • Standards: Sets and enforces environmental norms for seabed activities.
      • Risk Management: Applies precautionary principles to minimize ecological harm.
    • Oversight and Compliance
      • Monitoring: Oversees contractors and states for legal and environmental adherence.
      • Enforcement: Investigates violations and recommends corrective action.

    India’s Engagement with the International Seabed Authority:

    • Active Participation: India contributes to rule-making and sustainable seabed governance.
    • Existing Contracts:
      • Polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
      • Polymetallic sulphides in the Central Indian Ridge.
    • New Applications (2024):
      • Polymetallic sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge.
      • Cobalt-rich crusts in the Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount.
    • Mining Code Engagement: Participates in drafting and negotiating legal standards.
    • Equity and Protection: Supports fair benefit-sharing and strong environmental safeguards.
    [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements:
    1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
    2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters
    3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

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  • Indian Air Force Updates

    MiG-21s to retire by September

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    MiG-21s to retire by September

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Air Force’s longest-serving combat aircraft, the Russian-origin MiG (Mikoyan and Gurevich)-21, is set to be phased out by September 2025.

    About MiG-21:

    • Type: Single-engine, single-seater, multi-role fighter and ground attack aircraft.
    • Origin: Originally inducted as an interceptor; later upgraded for multi-role capabilities.
    • Key Indian Variants: Type-77, Type-96, MiG-21 BIS and MiG-21 Bison (most advanced variant with upgraded radar, avionics, and missile systems).
    • Safety Concerns:
      • High accident rate, especially in recent decades.
      • Earned the nickname “flying coffin” due to frequent crashes and pilot fatalities.
    • Combat Features:
      • Performance: Known for high speed, agility, and rapid climb capability.
      • Armament: Capable of deploying both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
      • War Record: Played key roles in- 1965 War with Pakistan; 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War; 1999 Kargil Conflict.
    • Notable Operation: In 2019, a MiG-21 Bison piloted by Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 during aerial combat.

    Induction and Retirement:

    • Induction:
      • Timeline: Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 during tensions with China and Pakistan.
      • Assembly: First units assembled in India at Chandigarh with Soviet assistance.
      • Scale: Over 700 MiG-21s were procured, forming the backbone of the Indian Air Force for decades.
    • Retirement:
      • Current Status: As of now, three MiG-21 Bison squadrons remain, each with 16–18 aircraft.
      • Replacement: To be replaced by the indigenously developed Tejas Mark-1A aircraft.

    Back2Basics: LCA Tejas

    • Type: Indian single-engine, fourth-generation, multirole light fighter aircraft.
    • R&D: Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
    • Origins: Developed under the Light Combat Aircraft programme launched in the 1980s to replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fleet.
    • Indigenous Content:
      • By Value: 59.7% of the aircraft’s components are sourced indigenously.
      • By Units: 75.5% of the line replaceable units are domestically produced.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following aircraft:

    1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1

    How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft?

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

     

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  • Tribes in News

    Hatti Tradition of Polyandry

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Salient features of Indian Society

    Why in the news?

    The recent polyandrous marriage in Himachal Pradesh has brought the spotlight back on the customary practices of the Hatti tribe.

    About Hatti Tribe:

    • Location: Indigenous to the Trans-Giri region (Himachal Pradesh) and Jaunsar Bawar region (Uttarakhand).
    • Rivers: Settled around the Giri and Tons rivers, tributaries of the Yamuna.
    • Etymology: “Hatti” derives from “haat” (traditional village markets).
    • Population: Around 2.5 lakh in 2011; now estimated at 3 lakh.
    • Traditional Governance: Khumbli (tribal council) handles disputes and key decisions.
    • Social Structure: Divided into upper castes (Bhat, Khash) and lower castes (Badhois).
    • Livelihood: Depend mainly on agriculture; eco-tourism also provides seasonal income.
    • Backwardness: Social and educational deprivation due to geographical isolation.
    • Scheduled Tribe Status:
      • Jaunsar Bawar (Uttarakhand) recognized in 1967.
      • Trans-Giri region (Himachal Pradesh) granted status in 2023–24.

    Legal Status of Polygamy and Polyandry:

    • Prohibition: Banned under Hindu Marriage Act (1955), Special Marriage Act, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
    • Exemption for Scheduled Tribes: These laws do not automatically apply to Scheduled Tribes unless notified by the Central Government.
    • Constitutional Provision: Article 342 gives Scheduled Tribes distinct legal recognition.
    • Legal Exemption Clause: Section 2(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act exempts Scheduled Tribes unless otherwise notified.
    • Definition of Custom: Recognised if the practice is long-standing, reasonable, and not against public policy.
    • Judicial Requirement: Courts need clear evidence to validate customary laws.
    • Uniform Civil Code (Uttarakhand, 2024): Explicitly excludes Scheduled Tribes.
    • UCC Rules (2025): Confirms UCC does not apply to groups protected under Part XXI of the Constitution.

    Related Judicial Pronouncements:

    • Customs vs Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court strikes down customs that violate equality, dignity, or liberty.
    • Triple Talaq Case: Declared unconstitutional as it violated Articles 14 and 21.
    • Ram Charan v. Sukhram (2024): Tribal women cannot be denied inheritance based on customary male preference.
    • Judicial Outlook: Customs must adapt and cannot override fundamental rights.
    [UPSC 2019] Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice?

    Options: (a) Article 19 (b) Article 21* (c) Article 25 (d) Article 29

     

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Legal Status of Right to Vote

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

    Why in the News?

    The ongoing Supreme Court hearings on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar have reignited discussions on the legal status of the ‘right to vote’ in India.

    About Right to Vote in India:

    • Overview: It is also known as suffrage, allows citizens to elect their representatives in democratic institutions.
    • Constitutional Basis: Guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution of India, which provides for universal adult franchise.
    • Eligibility: Every citizen of India aged 18 and above is entitled to vote, unless disqualified by law.
    • Supervision: Organised and overseen by the Election Commission of India.
    • Supporting Laws:
      • Representation of the People Act, 1950: Defines voter eligibility and grounds for disqualification.
      • Representation of the People Act, 1951: Governs the procedures for conducting elections.

    Judicial Interpretation:

    • N.P. Ponnuswami v. Returning Officer (1952): Declared the Right to Vote as a statutory right.
    • Jyoti Basu v. Debi Ghosal (1982): Reiterated that the Right to Vote is neither a fundamental right nor a common law right.
    • People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (2003): Recognised the Right to Vote as at least a constitutional right.
    • Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006): Held that the Right to Vote continues to be a statutory right.
    • Raj Bala v. State of Haryana (2015): Recognised the Right to Vote as a constitutional right.
    • Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023):
      • Majority View: Right to Vote is a statutory right.
      • Dissenting Opinion by Justice Ajay Rastogi:
        • Linked the Right to Vote with the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
        • Considered it essential to free and fair elections and thus part of the basic structure of the Constitution.

    Current Legal Status:

    • Nature: It is legally a statutory right.
    • Constitutional Context: It is shaped by constitutional provisions but does not hold the status of a fundamental right.

    Back2Basics: Other Types of Rights in India

    Description Enforceability
    Natural Rights Inherent and inalienable rights (e.g., life, liberty); not directly enforceable unless linked to fundamental rights. Indirectly through Fundamental Rights
    Fundamental Rights Guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution (e.g., right to equality, speech, life). Enforceable in Supreme Court under Article 32
    Constitutional Rights Rights given in the Constitution but outside Part III (e.g., property, trade). Enforceable under Article 226 via High Courts
    Statutory Rights Granted by ordinary laws (e.g., MGNREGA, Forest Rights Act, Food Security Act). Enforceable as per respective legislations

     

    [UPSC 2017] Right to vote and to be elected in India is a:

    Options: (a) Fundamental Right (b) Natural Right (c) Constitutional Right* (d) Legal Right

     

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Vice-President (VP) of India

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Why in the News?

    The Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned citing health reasons, creating a rare mid-term vacancy in India’s second-highest constitutional office.

    What happens if VP resigns?

    • The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides in his absence. No provision exists for an “acting” Vice-President.
    • Unlike the President, whose vacancy must be filled within six months, the VP election must be held “as soon as possible.”
    • The Election Commission will notify the schedule.
    • Election governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
    • The elected candidate will serve a full 5-year term, not the remainder of Dhankhar’s term.

    About Vice-President (VP) of India

    • Position: Second-highest constitutional post; deputy to the President.
    • Parliamentary Role: Serves as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
    • Succession: Ranks second in order of precedence and first in line to become President.
    • Membership: Is a member of Parliament, not directly elected by the people.
    • Qualifications:
      • Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
      • Age: Minimum 35 years.
      • Office of Profit: Should not hold any.
      • Parliamentary Eligibility: Must qualify for election to Rajya Sabha (unlike President, who must qualify for Lok Sabha) due to the VP’s role in the Upper House.
    • Roles and Responsibilities:
      • Rajya Sabha Chairmanship: Presides over sessions and ensures order.
      • Bill Classification: Refers money bills to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
      • No Independent Powers: Has no executive or legislative powers unless acting as President.

    Election Procedure:

    • Constitutional Basis: Governed by Article 66.
    • Electoral College: Comprises 543 Lok Sabha MPs, 233 elected Rajya Sabha MPs, and 12 nominated Rajya Sabha members.
    • Voting Method: Proportional representation by single transferable vote and secret ballot.
    • No Whip Allowed: Parties cannot issue voting whips.
    • Conduct: Managed by the Election Commission; Returning Officer is the Secretary-General of either House (on rotation).
    • Winning Quota: Requires 50% of valid votes + 1; votes are transferred in rounds if no candidate secures majority in the first round.

    Resignation and Removal:

    • Resignation
      • Article 67(a): VP submits his/her resignation to the President. Parliamentary approval is NOT needed, and the resignation takes effect immediately upon receipt.
      • No Acting VP: Constitution doesn’t provide for an acting Vice-President.
      • Presiding in Absence: Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides in VP’s absence (currently Harivansh Narayan Singh).
      • Example: Dhankhar, who took office in 2022, is only the third VP in Indian history to resign before completing his term, after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman.
    • Removal
      • Article 67(b): Removal process begins in Rajya Sabha with 14 days’ notice.
      • Voting Requirement: Needs effective majority in Rajya Sabha and simple majority in Lok Sabha.
      • No Grounds Specified: Constitution doesn’t list specific removal grounds.
      • Judicial Immunity: Article 122 bars courts from questioning parliamentary proceedings related to removal.
      • No Precedent: No VP has been removed so far.
    [UPSC 2013] With reference to Parliament, 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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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    In news: King Rajendra Chola I

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister will attend a function in Tamil Nadu marking 1000 years since King Rajendra Chola I’s conquest of the Gangetic plains.

    In news: King Rajendra Chola I

    About Rajendra Chola I:

    • Reign & Dynasty: Ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, succeeding his father Rajaraja Chola I.
    • Titles:
      • Gangaikonda Cholan (“Bringer of the Ganges”) – adopted after his victorious northern campaign.
      • Kadaram Kondan (“Conqueror of Kedah (Malaysia)”) – earned following his Southeast Asian naval expeditions.
    • Capital Foundation: Established Gangaikonda Cholapuram, shifting the capital from Thanjavur to the Kollidam River area.
    • Temple Building: Built the Gangaikondacholeshwaram (Shiva) Temple to commemorate his conquests.
    • Succession: Succeeded by his son, Rajadhiraja I.
    • Religious Policy:
      • Devout Shaivite, but practiced religious pluralism—patronised Buddhism, including building stupas in South India and Southeast Asia.
    • Diplomacy & Trade: Strengthened international ties with Song Dynasty China and Arab merchants.
    • Administration: Pioneered local self-governance, showcasing notable administrative sophistication.

    chola

    His Legend:

    • Northern Conquest: Rajendra led a military campaign to the Gangetic plains, defeating the Pala ruler Mahipala of Bengal and Bihar, and commemorated this victory by bringing Ganga water to his capital.
    • Overseas Expeditions: He commanded what is considered the largest blue-water navy in Indian history. Successfully conducted naval expeditions to:
      • Srivijaya Empire (covering parts of modern-day Sumatra, Java, and Malaysia)
      • Burma, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives, and Pegu Islands
      • Extracted tribute from Thailand and the Khmer kingdom of Cambodia.
      • First Indian king to undertake large-scale overseas military campaigns.
    • Trade and Diplomacy: Established trade and diplomatic links with Song China and Arab merchants.
    • Administration: Promoted local self-governance, showcasing the Cholas’ administrative efficiency.
    • Wealth and Power: Under his reign, the Chola Empire became one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires of the time.
    [UPSC 2025] Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime state, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?

    Options: (a) Amoghvarsha (Rashtrakuta) (b) Prataprudra (Kakatiya) (c) Rajendra I (Chola) * (d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)

     

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India 

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

    Why in the News?

    The Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s (CAG) audit has flagged ₹573 Crore irregularities in Indian Railways.

    About Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India:

    • Foundation: Established under Article 148 of the Constitution of India.
    • Independence: A constitutional authority, not subject to executive control.
    • Appointment: Appointed by the President of India.
    • Tenure: Holds office for 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
    • Removal: Can be removed by the President in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
    • Post-Retirement Bar: Ineligible for further office under the Government of India or any State after demitting office.
    • Funding: Administrative expenses are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring financial autonomy.
    • Parliamentary Independence: No minister can represent the CAG in Parliament.
    • Role: Known as the guardian of the public purse and a key pillar of Indian democracy.

    Powers and Functions:

    • Audits:
      • Fund Audits: Audits expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India, State Consolidated Funds, and Union Territory funds.
      • Other Fund Audits: Audits Contingency Fund and Public Account at both Central and State levels.
      • Departmental Audits: Reviews profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and subsidiary accounts of government departments.
      • Authority Audits: Audits bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government.
      • Company Audits: Examines accounts of government-owned companies and corporations.
      • Special Audits: Audits other authorities when requested by the President or Governor.
    • Parliamentary Role: Acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
    • Public Accountability: Exposed major scams such as the 2G spectrum and coal block allocation cases.
    • Sectoral Reviews: Highlighted inefficiencies in defence, railways, and other public enterprises.

    Limitations of the office of CAG:

    • Lack of Real-Time Control: Cannot stop or approve withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund; cheques can be issued without CAG’s prior clearance.
    • Opaque Appointment: No prescribed qualifications or transparent procedure for selection; appointment is entirely executive-controlled.
    • Limited Audit Scope:
      • Excludes certain public entities like Life Insurance Corporation and public sector banks.
      • Cannot audit public-private partnerships and funds like Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund and Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
      • Off-budget borrowings (e.g., through National Investment and Infrastructure Fund) remain outside audit scope.
    • Post-Facto Nature: Audits occur after expenditure, limiting preventive or real-time oversight.

     

    [UPSC 2012] In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?

    1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.

    2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.

    3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.

    4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    In news: Mangal Pandey (1827-1857)

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister paid tribute to the great freedom fighter Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary.

    Who was Mangal Pandey?

    • Birth: Born on 19 July 1827 in Nagwa village, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh.
    • Military Service: Joined the British East India Company’s army in 1849 as a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry at Barrackpore.
    • Trigger of Revolt: Opposed the use of Enfield rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, offensive to religious beliefs.
    • Rebellion: On 29 March 1857, attacked British officers and encouraged sepoys to rise in revolt.
    • Punishment: Arrested, tried, and executed by hanging on 8 April 1857.
    • Legacy: Regarded as the “Hero of the First War of Indian Independence” and a symbol of resistance.

    Back2Basics: 1857 War of Independence

    • Overview: The First War of Indian Independence or the Great Rebellion of 1857.
    • Sepoy Composition: Indians made up over 87% of the British Indian Army but faced severe discrimination.
    • Root Causes:
      • Military Discontent: Unequal pay, poor promotion prospects, denial of allowances.
      • Religious Insensitivity: Use of animal fat-greased cartridges insulted Hindu and Muslim beliefs.
      • Economic Hardship: Heavy land taxes, decline in traditional crafts, and rising unemployment.
      • Political Grievances: Annexation of Indian states and enforcement of oppressive laws.
    • Outbreak:
      • Barrackpore: Mangal Pandey’s defiance on 29 March 1857 marked the beginning.
      • Meerut: On 10 May 1857, sepoys rebelled after refusing cartridges and were imprisoned.
      • Delhi: Rebels marched to Delhi and declared Bahadur Shah II as Emperor.
    • Spread of Revolt: Uprising expanded to Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Bihar, Bareilly, Faizabad, and beyond.
    • Mass Participation: Involved sepoys, peasants, landlords, and regional rulers.

    Suppression and Its Aftermath:

    • Brutal Suppression: Rebellion was crushed by 1859; Delhi was recaptured in September 1857.
    • Administrative Shift: British East India Company was dissolved; India came under direct British Crown rule, initiating the British Raj.
    • Military Reorganization: Indian representation in the army was reduced and reorganized to prevent future revolts.
    • Increased Repression: Racial discrimination and harsh policies intensified post-revolt.

     

    [UPSC 2006] Who was the Governor-general of India during the Sepoy Mutiny?

    Options: (a) Lord Canning* (b) Lord Dalhousie (c) Lord Hardinge (d) Lord Lytton

     

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Gujarat’s Tribal Genome Sequencing Project

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

    Why in the News?

    Gujarat has launched India’s first Tribal Genome Sequencing Project to map tribal genetic data, contributing to the national Genome India Project (GIP).

    About the Gujarat Tribal Genome Project:

    • Launch & Duration: Announced in Gujarat’s 2025–26 budget; spans 5 years under Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).
    • Target Population: Focuses on genome sequencing of tribal communities forming ~15% of Gujarat’s population (~1 crore).
    • Objective: Addresses under-representation in Genome India Project (GIP), which had only ~100 tribal samples from Gujarat.
    • Sample Size: Involves 4,158 individuals, including 378 trio families, to create a 2,000-sample reference genome panel.
    • Data Collection: Includes blood, stool, genealogical, physiological, and lifestyle information.

    Key Features:

    • Precision Medicine Applications
      • Early Detection: Enables screening for sickle cell anaemia, G6PD deficiency, BRCA-linked cancers.
      • Gene-Trait Mapping: Explores genetic links to traits like agility and archery.
    • Genomic Sampling Protocol
      • Filtering: Uses SNP genotyping to remove closely related samples.
      • Sequencing: Conducts Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) on 2,000 diverse samples via Illumina NovaSeq 6000.
      • Data Security: Employs double encryption for privacy and anonymity.

    About the Genome India Project (GIP):

    • Launch: Initiated in January 2020 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
    • Structure: Multi-institutional consortium involving top Indian research bodies.
    • Objectives
      • Diversity Mapping: Decode genetic variation across Indian population.
      • Reference Panel: Build Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) -based haplotype database for Indian genomes.
      • Biobank Creation: Establish DNA reserves for research and therapy development.
    • Key Achievements
      • Sequencing Scale: 10,074 genomes sequenced from 99 ethnic groups.
      • Data Storage: Securely stored at Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), Faridabad.
      • Insights: Revealed rare traits aiding affordable diagnostics and predictive tools.
    • Significance
      • Global Impact: Offers India-specific insights to global genomics research.
      • Healthcare Value: Enables evidence-based, genetically informed policy and diagnosis.
    [UPSC 2017] With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?

    1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants

    2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants

    3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops

    Select the correct answer using the code 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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