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Type: Prelims Only

  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Yashoda AI Literacy Program

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched “Yashoda AI”, an AI literacy program to empower women with skills in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices, promoting digital inclusion across India.

    About Yashoda AI:

    • Launch: Introduced in May 2025 as an Artificial Intelligence Literacy Program for women.
    • Organisers: Joint initiative by the NCW and Future Shift Labs.
    • Objective: To train women in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices.
    • Focus Areas: Covers AI-driven crimes, digital safety, and practical risk mitigation strategies.
    • Reach: Over 2,500 women trained to date.
    • Beneficiaries: Includes Self-Help Group members, local representatives (Sarpanchs, Pradhans, Mayors, Members of Legislative Assemblies), and frontline workers like Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers).

    Back2Basics: National Commission for Women

    • Status: Statutory body established in 1992 under the NCW Act, 1990.
    • Composition: Consists of a Chairperson, 5 Members, and a Member-Secretary—appointed by the Central Government.
    • Term: All members serve for a term of 3 years.
    • Powers: Holds civil court powers during inquiries:
      • Can summon individuals and enforce attendance
      • Examine witnesses under oath
      • Demand records and receive affidavits
      • Issue commissions for examination of witnesses or documents

     

    [UPSC 2017] What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana’?

    1. To enable the famous foreign campuses in India.

    2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.

    3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Doctrine of Legal Insanity

    Prelims OnlySC Judgements | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    The Chhattisgarh High Court acquitted a double murder convict citing legal insanity under Section 84 of the IPC (Section 22 BNS), stressing the need to distinguish it from medical insanity and improve mental health investigations.

    About Legal Insanity:

    • Definition: Legal insanity refers to a mental condition where the accused cannot understand the nature of the act or distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offence.
    • Legal Basis: Codified under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860); based on the Mc’Naughten Rule (1843) from English law.
    • Presumption of Sanity: Law presumes every person is sane unless proven otherwise; burden of proof lies on the accused (Section 105, Indian Evidence Act).
    • Timing Requirement: Insanity must be present at the time of the offence—not before or after.
    • Legal vs. Medical Insanity: Legal insanity (court-recognised) is different from medical insanity (clinical diagnosis); only the former is valid for defence.
    • Terminology: Section 22 BNS uses the phrase “unsoundness of mind” instead of “insanity”.
    • Exclusions: Mental illness, abnormal behaviour, or psychiatric history alone do not qualify.
    • Test Applied: Based on cognitive incapacity—whether the person knew the nature, consequences, or wrongfulness (legal or moral) of the act.
    • Underlying Principle: Based on “Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea” – no crime without a guilty mind.

    Important Judicial Precedents:

    • Jai Lal v. Delhi Administration (1969): Insanity defence rejected—accused made rational statements and showed no mental disorder post-crime.
    • Shrikant Anandrao Bhosale v. State of Maharashtra (2002): Accused had paranoid schizophrenia and was found incapable of understanding the act—acquitted under Section 84.
    • Surendra Mishra v. State of Jharkhand (2011): Court held that not all mentally ill persons qualify; only proven legal insanity is valid.
    • Kamala Bhuniya v. State of West Bengal (2015): Acquittal granted—prosecution failed to prove sanity; accused’s conduct supported unsoundness of mind.
    [UPSC 2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1.When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such a prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right. 2.State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.

    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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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    Indian mathematician Dr. Rajula Srivastava has received the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize for her groundbreaking work in harmonic analysis and number theory.

    About the Indian Laureate: Dr. Rajula Srivastava

    • Affiliation: Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, University of Bonn and Max Planck Institute of Mathematics, Germany.
    • Field of Work:
      • Dr. Srivastava studied how to break down complex mathematical functions into simpler parts using advanced math tools.
      • She worked on finding how close certain numbers can get to specific points on curved shapes in higher dimensions.

    About the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize:

    • Purpose: Recognises early-career women mathematicians (within two years of PhD completion) for outstanding research contributions.
    • Named After: Maryam Mirzakhani — first woman and first Iranian to win the Fields Medal; known for her work on geometry and Riemann surfaces.
    • Objective: To honour Mirzakhani’s legacy, encourage more women in mathematics, and elevate early-career contributions.
    • Established: November 2019 by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation.
    • Prize Amount: $50,000, may be shared by multiple recipients in a year.
    • Eligibility: Women mathematicians who have:
      • Recently completed their PhD (within 2 years)
      • Shown exceptional promise and innovation in mathematical research.

    Other Important Prizes in Mathematics:

    • Fields Medal: Awarded every four years to mathematicians under 40, the Fields Medal is the most prestigious global mathematics award, established in 1936, and presented by the International Mathematical Union to recognize outstanding contributions to the field.
    • Abel Prize: Instituted by the King of Norway in 2001, the Abel Prize is an annual international award recognizing lifetime achievement in mathematics, often considered the closest equivalent to the Nobel Prize in the discipline.
    • Wolf Prize in Mathematics: Awarded annually since 1978 by the Wolf Foundation in Israel, the Wolf Prize honours exceptional achievements across all branches of mathematics and is ranked just below the Fields and Abel Prizes in prestige.
    [UPSC 2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of

    Options: (a) S. Ramanujan* (b) S. Chandhrashekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. Raman

     

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  • Bacterial cause behind Mass Starfish Deaths

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

    Why in the News?

    Since 2013, over 5 billion starfish have died along North America’s Pacific coast due to a wasting disease now linked to Vibrio pectenicida, a cholera-related bacterium.

    Bacterial cause behind Mass Starfish Deaths

    About Starfish (Sea Stars):

    • Taxonomy: Belong to phylum Echinodermata; exclusively marine organisms.
    • Species: Brisingida, Forcipulatida, Velatida, Valvatida, Spinuloside
    • Body Structure:
      • Radial symmetry (adults), bilateral symmetry (larvae)
      • Calcareous exoskeleton for protection
      • Water vascular system for respiration and circulation
    • Unique Features:
      • Regeneration: Can regrow lost limbs
      • No blood or brain: Seawater circulates nutrients
      • Eyespots: At arm tips, help sense light
      • Tough skin: Made of calcium carbonate
    • Feeding: Carnivorous, detritivorous, and scavengers

    Reasons for Mass Deaths (2013–2025):

    • Causal Agent: Identified in 2025 as Vibrio pectenicida, a bacterium related to cholera-causing strains.
    • Symptoms: Limb detachment; Tissue disintegration; Melting into a pile of gunk.
    • Most Affected Species: Sunflower sea stars, which saw a 90% population decline.
    • Geographical Spread: Along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico.
    • Ecological Consequences:
      • Starfish are keystone predators, especially of sea urchins.
      • Their decline led to urchin population explosions, which overgrazed kelp forests.
      • Resulted in biodiversity loss and reduced carbon sequestration.
    [UPSC 2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to:

    (a) the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species disease among them (b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle persistent and fatal (c) scarcity of food available to them (d) a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them

     

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    In news: Lalit Kala Akademi 

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

    Why in the News?

    The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art, was inaugurated in New Delhi.

    About Lalit Kala Akademi:

    • Establishment: Located in New Delhi, as an autonomous organisation.
    • Inauguration: Launched on 5 August 1954 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Minister for Education.
    • Legal Status: Granted statutory status in 1957 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
    • Funding: Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
    • Structure: Operates through the General Council, Executive Board, and various Committees.
    • Regional Centres: Present in Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, and Garhi (New Delhi).
    • Functions:
      • Scope of Work: Promotes modern, contemporary, folk, and tribal visual arts of India.
      • Art Collection: Maintains a permanent collection of Indian visual art.
      • International Role: Facilitates global cultural exchange through international cultural agreements.

    Key Events and Initiatives:

    • National Exhibition of Art: Annual flagship event since 1955, showcasing artists from across India.
    • 64th Edition (2025): Held from 5 August to 15 September at Kamani Auditorium and Lalit Kala Art Galleries, New Delhi.
    • Triennale India: Major international art exhibition featuring global artists.
    • Print Biennale India: Dedicated to printmaking; 3rd edition scheduled for 2025–26.
    • Artist Promotion: Provides platforms for both emerging and established artists; strengthens India’s soft power through cultural diplomacy.
    [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

    1. The National School of Drama was set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959.

    2. The highest honour conferred by the Sahitya Akademi on a writer is by electing him its Fellow.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only  (c) Both 1 and 2*  (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

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  • Port Infrastructure and Shipping Industry – Sagarmala Project, SDC, CEZ, etc.

    Parliament passes Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025

    Bills/Act/LawsPrelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    Parliament has passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, replacing the nearly century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.

    About Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025:

    • Replaces: The colonial-era Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
    • Purpose: Regulates the rights, duties, liabilities, and immunities of parties involved in shipping goods by sea from Indian ports to domestic or international destinations.
    • International Alignment: Retains consistency with the Hague Rules (1924), which also formed the basis of the 1925 Act.
    • Objective: Modernises maritime law in line with global standards and boosts India’s ease of doing business in the maritime sector.

    Key Features:

    • Bills of Lading Defined: It outlines the details of the shipment, including the type and quantity of goods, the origin and destination, and the terms of the agreement between the shipper and the carrier.
      • Includes details on goods’ type, quantity, condition, and destination.
      • Serves as a legally binding contract between the shipper and carrier.
    • Central Government Powers:
      • May issue directions for implementation.
      • Can amend the Schedule of Rules related to bills of lading.
    • Part of Broader Maritime Reforms:
      • Supports port development and coastal trade.
      • Encourages creation of State Maritime Boards and a Maritime State Development Council.
      • Covers port safety, disaster response, pollution control, and dispute resolution.
    • Global Compliance: Aligns India’s shipping laws with evolving international conventions and practices.
    [UPSC 2016] The term ‘import cover’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to

    (a) It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country

    (b) It is the total value of imports of a country in a year

    (c) It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries

    (d) It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country’s international reserves*

     

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  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    Status of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme

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

    Why in the News?

    India met its 20% ethanol blending (E20) target in petrol by March 2025 — five years early. Talks are now on to raise the blending ratio further in the immediate future.

    About Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme:

    • Launched in 2003 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
    • Objective: Promote use of renewable, domestically produced ethanol in petrol.
    • Nationwide rollout (except A&N and Lakshadweep) since April 2019.
    • Feedstock:
      • 1G Ethanol: From sugarcane molasses, maize, rice.
      • 2G Ethanol: From agricultural residues like rice straw, bamboo, bagasse.
    • Blending Progress:
      • 1.6% in 2013–14
      • 11.8% in 2022–23
      • 20% achieved in March 2025 (E20)
    • Future Plans:
      • Discussions on E27 blending target by 2030.
      • Government exploring flex-fuel vehicles (e.g., E85-capable (dual-fuel) cars).

    India’s Achievements:

    • Environmental Gains: 19.2 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided (2014–2021).
    • Economic Impact: ₹26,000 crore saved in foreign exchange via reduced oil imports.
    • Industrial Growth:
      • Distillery capacity scaled up with interest subvention support.
      • Flex-fuel vehicles showcased by major automakers in 2025.
    • Farmer Benefit: Creates demand for sugarcane and grains, increasing farm income.

    Limitations:

    • Technical Challenges
      • Lower mileage with E20 due to reduced energy content.
      • Older vehicles may face engine compatibility issues.
      • Flex-fuel technology adoption still limited.
    • Economic Concerns
      • No drop in fuel prices despite ethanol savings.
      • Consumer hesitation due to lack of visible benefits.
    • Environmental Trade-offs
      • High land and water use for ethanol crops (especially sugarcane).
      • Food security risks from diverting food crops for fuel.
    • Need for Diversification
      • Majority of ethanol still from sugarcane; limited 2G ethanol usage.
      • Need to promote biomass-based ethanol (wood chips, crop residue).
    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter.

    Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

    (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I

    (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct

    (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct *

     

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    What is Ayurveda Aahara?

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News?

    To align ancient Indian diets with modern nutrition, FSSAI and the Ministry of Ayush have released an official list of food items under the Ayurveda Aahara category.

    What is Ayurveda Aahara?

    About Ayurveda Aahara:

    • Definition: Refers to food products based on Ayurvedic dietary principles—focused on balance, seasonality, and natural, therapeutic ingredients.
    • Objective: Ensures standardisation, safety, and consumer trust in Ayurvedic dietary practices.
    • Legal Framework: Regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s Ayurveda Aahara Regulations (2022).
    • Textual Basis: Product list notified under Note (1) of Schedule B, grounded in classical Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A.
    • Standards: Foods must follow authentic Ayurvedic recipes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
    • New Product Inclusion: Food Business Operators (FBOs) can propose additions by citing authoritative Ayurvedic sources.
    • Institutional Support: Endorsed by the National Institute of Ayurveda and the Ministry of Ayush; the Ayush Aahara Compendium offers scientifically validated formulations for industry use.

    Significance:

    • Health Benefits: Supports preventive health, digestion, and immunity through time-tested dietary wisdom.
    • Cultural Revival: Reconnects with India’s ancient food traditions, including those from the Sangam era; recognised globally alongside Yoga and Millets.
    • Regulatory Clarity: Provides structured guidelines to manufacturers, enabling ease of business and consumer confidence in authenticity.
    [UPSC 2017] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?

    1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.

    2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

    3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.

    4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Asset Under Management (AUM)

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    India’s Mutual Fund (MF) industry has witnessed exponential growth, with Assets Under Management (AUM) reaching ₹74.40 lakh crore as of June 2025, a sevenfold increase over the past decade.

    What are Assets Under Management (AUM)?

    • Definition: AUM refers to the total market value of financial assets (stocks, bonds, etc.) managed by an investment firm on behalf of clients.
    • Growth Drivers:
      • Net investor inflows and redemptions
      • Market performance
      • Dividend reinvestments
    • Importance:
      • Indicates fund size, investor confidence, and fund stability
      • Reflects fund manager performance and popularity
      • Higher AUM allows better liquidity and portfolio diversification
      • Impacts management fees and minimum investment limits

    What is a Mutual Fund?

    • Definition: A mutual fund pools money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio.
    • Management: Handled by professional fund managers to balance risk and return.
    • Unit-Based Investment: Investors purchase fund units; each unit’s value is called the Net Asset Value (NAV), which changes with market movement.

    Classification of Mutual Funds

    a. Based on Asset Class:

    1. Equity Funds: Invest in stocks; includes large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
    2. Debt Funds: Invest in bonds and other fixed-income instruments.
    3. Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt for balanced risk-return.

    b. Based on Investment Objective:

    1. Growth Funds: Focus on capital appreciation; suitable for long-term investors.
    2. Income Funds: Aim for regular income via bonds/dividends.
    3. Liquid Funds: Invest in short-term debt; low risk and high liquidity.
    4. Tax-saving Funds (Equity Linked Savings Scheme): Offer Section 80C tax benefits; equity-focused.
    5. Pension Funds: Meant for retirement; long-term return-focused.

    c. Based on Structure:

    1. Open-ended Funds: Investors can enter or exit anytime; highly liquid.
    2. Closed-ended Funds: Fixed maturity; investments only during the initial offer period.
    3. Interval Funds: Allow purchase/redemption only at specific intervals.

     

    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    I. India accounts for a very large portion of all equity option contracts traded globally, thus exhibiting a great boom. II. India’s stock market has grown rapidly in the recent past, even overtaking Hong Kong’s at some point in time. III. There is no regulatory body either to warn small investors about the risks of options trading or to act on unregistered financial advisors in this regard.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options:  (a) I and II only * (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III

     

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  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    [pib] India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI)

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    To support India’s net-zero transport goal by 2070, NITI Aayog launched the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) to track and rank States/UTs on their shift to electric mobility.

    [pib] India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI)

    About India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI):

    • Launched by: NITI Aayog in 2024.
    • Purpose: To evaluate and benchmark the progress of Indian States and Union Territories (UTs) in achieving their electric mobility and transport decarbonization goals.
    • Scoring: States and UTs are scored out of 100 using 16 indicators grouped under 3 core themes.
    • Core Themes:
      1. Transport Electrification Progress – Measures EV adoption across segments (2W, 3W, 4W, buses, etc.)
      2. Charging Infrastructure Readiness – Assesses public charging station density, coverage, and policy support.
      3. EV Research & Innovation Status – Tracks EV startups, R&D activity, patents, and skilling efforts.
    • Significance:
      • Supports tailored policymaking and cross-learning.
      • Enables transparency and healthy competition among states.
      • Aligns with India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.
    • Methodology: Based on VAHAN data, charging infrastructure maps, and stakeholder consultations.
    • Accessibility: Publicly available dashboard and report for rankings, scores, and methodology.

    Key Highlights (2024 Edition):

    • Top Performers: Delhi, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh lead overall in EV readiness.
    • Category Leaders:
      • Transport Electrification: Delhi and Maharashtra.
      • Charging Infrastructure: Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh.
      • Research & Innovation: Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Haryana.
    • EV Policy Status: 29 States/UTs have formal EV policies; 4 are in the draft stage.
    • EV Adoption Data:
      • EVs make up 5.3% of private vehicle sales in 2024.
      • Over 12 lakh EVs registered in India during the year.
    • Public Charging Network: India has over 25,000 public EV charging stations.
    • State Categories:
      • Performers: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Haryana, Goa.
      • Aspirants: Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Kerala, North-East states.
    [UPSC 2024] Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles powered by hydrogen?

    Options: (a) Hydrogen peroxide (b) Hydronium (c) Oxygen (d) Water vapour*

     

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