In news: National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) Accreditation

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: NHRC, GANHRI

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is gearing up to defend India’s human rights processes at a critical meeting of Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) in Geneva.
A decision on retaining India’s NHRC’s “A status” accreditation is imminent at this summit.

About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

	Details
Establishment	A Statutory Body; Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Functions	Inquire into any violation of human rights Recommend immediate interim relief to victims or their families Intervene in court proceedings involving human rights violations Review constitutional and legal safeguards for human rights Study international instruments on human rights Promote human rights literacy Support the efforts of NGOs working in the field of human rights
Powers	Regulate its own procedure Possess all the powers of a civil court Proceedings have a judicial character
Chairperson	Must be a former Justice of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Appointed by the President of India
Members	Four full-time members; Chairperson: former Supreme Court Justice or Chief Justice; Other Member: former Judge of the Supreme Court; Other Member: former Chief Justice of a High Court; Three Members: with knowledge or experience in human rights, including at least one woman – Seven ex-officio members: Chairpersons of National Commissions viz., National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, National Commission for Women , National Commission for Minorities, National Commission for Backward Classes, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights; and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Appointment	Appointed by the President, based on a committee recommendation including the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Home Minister, Leaders of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and others Consultation with the Chief Justice of India for judicial appointments
Removal	Removal by order of the President of India Consultation with the Supreme Court before removal
Terms of Office	Hold office for a term of three years or until the age of 70 Ineligibility for further government employment after office Eligible for reappointment
Salaries	Determined by the Central government
Reporting	Submits annual or special reports to the Central government and the concerned State government Reports laid before the respective legislatures, along with a memorandum of action taken on the recommendations and reasons for non-acceptance of any recommendations
Limitations	The commission is not empowered to inquire into any matter after the expiry of one year from the date on which the act constituting the violation of human rights is alleged to have been committed Functions are recommendatory in nature, with no power to punish or award relief to violators Limited role concerning armed forces violations

GANHRI Concerns about India’s NHRC

India’s NHRC faced a potential downgrade in its accreditation status in 2023 due to concerns raised by the SCA regarding its operational independence and composition.

Political Interference: The NHRC-India faced objections related to political interference in appointments, compromising its independence.
Police Involvement: Involving the police in probes into human rights violations raised concerns about impartiality and fair investigations.
Lack of Cooperation: The NHRC’s poor cooperation with civil society was criticized, hindering its effectiveness in protecting human rights.
Lack of Diversity: The GANHRI highlighted the lack of diversity in staff and leadership positions within the NHRC. There is also lack of gender and minority representation.
Insufficient Protection of Marginalized Groups: The NHRC was found to have taken insufficient action to protect marginalized groups, contrary to the U.N.’s principles on national institutions (the ‘Paris Principles).

Back2Basics: GANHRI (Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions)
Purpose	Promote and protect human rights globally
Year Established	1993
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Members	National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from 114 member institutions
Key Functions	Promoting and strengthening NHRIs worldwide Advocating for human rights at national, regional, and global levels Facilitating cooperation and sharing of best practices among NHRIs Providing capacity-building support to NHRIs etc.
Organizational Structure	President: Elected from GANHRI members for a specified term Bureau: Assists the President in overseeing GANHRI’s work Sub-Committees: Focused on specific thematic or regional issues
Key Documents	Paris Principles: Provide guidance for the establishment and operation of NHRIs GANHRI Strategy: Outlines the organization’s strategic objectives and actions
Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA)	Part of a five-year peer evaluation cycle for all 114 member institutions of GANHRI. Accreditation status holds significance as it determines its voting rights at international human rights forums.

PYQ:

[2011] Consider the following:

Right to education.
Right to equal access to public service.
Right to food.

Which of the above is/are Human Right/Rights under “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) Project

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: ACS3 Project, Solar Sailing

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

NASA has launched its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) spacecraft that uses sunlight for propulsion from New Zealand into space.

About Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) Project

The spacecraft is slated to orbit 1,000 kilometers above Earth, deploying an 80-square-meter solar sail approximately 25 minutes after liftoff.
It harnesses sunlight as a renewable propulsion source, marking a novel advancement in space exploration.
It uses a compact CubeSat, similar in size to an oven, which facilitates propulsion by capturing solar particle energy.
Operational Phases:
The initial flight phase spans two months and involves subsystems checkout and solar sail deployment.
A series of pointing maneuvers will showcase orbit raising and lowering, validating the effectiveness of sunlight pressure on the sail.

The Technology Behind: Solar Sailing

Solar sails typically consist of lightweight, reflective materials such as Mylar or aluminized Kapton, which are deployed in space to capture sunlight.
The sail is often configured as a large, thin membrane with a large surface area to maximize the amount of sunlight it can intercept.
When sunlight reflects off a shiny solar sail, some of its momentum is transferred, giving the sail a small push.

Solar sailing offers several advantages over traditional propulsion methods, including:

Efficiency: Solar sailing does not require onboard fuel, making it a highly efficient and sustainable propulsion method for long-duration missions.
Continuous thrust: Unlike chemical rockets, which provide brief bursts of acceleration, solar sails can provide continuous thrust as long as they are exposed to sunlight.
Maneuverability: Solar sails can change their trajectory by adjusting the orientation of the sail relative to the direction of incoming sunlight. This allows for precise navigation and maneuvering in space.
Interstellar travel: Solar sailing has the potential to enable interstellar missions by gradually accelerating spacecraft to very high velocities over time, allowing them to explore distant star systems.

PYQ:

[2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

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Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

India’s growing dependence on Chinese Imports

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: India’s Imports from China and Other Countries

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

India’s imports from China surged to over $101 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a significant increase from approximately $70 billion recorded in 2018-19.
The proportion of China’s industrial goods imports to India has risen from 21% to 30% over a span of 15 years, as highlighted in a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

India’s Import: GTRI study

The GTRI study revealed that imports from China have grown at a pace 2.3 times faster than India’s overall imports during the 15-year period.
Contrary to common belief, China has emerged as the top supplier in eight core industrial sectors, encompassing machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, among others.
India is experiencing stagnant exports valued at around $16 billion annually.
Over a six-year period spanning from 2018-2019 to 2023-24, India’s cumulative trade deficit with China surpassed $387 billion, prompting apprehension among policymakers.

China’s Share of India’s Imports:

China accounted for 15% of India’s overall imports in 2023-24, with $101.8 billion out of a total of $677.2 billion.
Sector-wise Contributions:

Electronics, Telecom, and Electrical Products: China’s contribution was 38.4% in April-January 2023-24.
Clothing: Nearly 42% of India’s textile and clothing imports accounted from China.
Machinery Sector: China accounted for 39.6% of India’s overall imports.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector: China’s share was 29.2%.
Plastics and Related Articles: China provided articles worth $4.8 billion, accounting for 25.8% of total imports in this sector.

Back2Basics: Top Importers of India

S. No	Importer	Share of India’s Imports
1.	China (Biggest Importer in India)	15.43%
2.	United Arab Emirates	7.31%
3.	United States	7.07%
4.	Switzerland	3.82%
5.	Hong Kong	3.12%
6.	Singapore	3.09%
7.	Indonesia	2.89%
8.	South Korea	2.85%

PYQ:

[2017] ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor.

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Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

In news: Pripyat River

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Pripyat River, Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

The WWF has issued a stark warning regarding the dredging of the Pripyat River, adjacent to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site.
Concerns mount as the Pripyat River could transform into a permanent repository of radioactive substances, contaminating the water and food sources.

About Pripyat River

Pripyat River is a significant waterway in Eastern Europe. It flows through Ukraine, Belarus, and a small portion of Russia.
It is primarily situated within the Polesian Lowland, a region characterized by marshes, wetlands, and forests.
The Pripyat River is approximately 761 km (473 miles) long.
Physical Features:

Tributaries: It has numerous tributaries, including the Stokhid River, Styr River, and Horyn River. The largest tributary of the Pripyat is the Teterev River, which joins it from the right bank.
Drainage Basin: Its basin covers an area of around 121,000 square kilometers (46,700 square miles). It is one of the major tributaries of the Dnieper River, which eventually flows into the Black Sea.

Notable event: The Pripyat River gained international attention due to its proximity to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, where the catastrophic nuclear accident occurred in 1986.

About Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

The Chernobyl Disaster occurred on April 26, 1986.
It took place at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, near the town of Pripyat in northern Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union.
The explosion and subsequent fire released a large amount of radioactive material such as cesium-137 and strontium-90 into the atmosphere, resulting in widespread contamination.

PYQ:

[2020] Consider the following pairs?

River — Flows into

Mekong — Andaman sea
Thames — Irish Sea
Volga — Caspian Sea
Zambezi — Indian Ocean

Which of the pairs above is/are correctly matched?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(d) None of the above/More than one of the above

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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

In news: Yangli Festival

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Yangli Festival, Khelchawa Festival, Tiwa Tribe

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

Tiwa tribals dance recently celebrated the Yangli festival at Bormarjong village, in Karbi Anglong district, Assam.

About Tiwa Tribals

Tiwa tribes, also known as Lalungs, inhabit both the hills and plains of Assam and Meghalaya states.
They hold the status of a Scheduled Tribe in Assam.
The hill-dwelling Tiwa villagers engage in traditional practices such as Jhum cultivation, horticulture, and the cultivation of local crops and vegetables.
Their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman linguistic group.

About Yangli Festival

The Yangli festival is celebrated before starting the paddy sowing
It is also known as the Lakshmi Puja of the Tiwa people.
It is celebrated with traditional rituals, emphasizing the community’s strong ties to agriculture, their primary livelihood.
It serves as an occasion for prayers seeking a bountiful harvest and divine protection for crops against pests and natural calamities.
It is held once in 5 years.
In April, Khelchawa festival is celebrated by Tiwa tribes marking close of the harvest season.

Celebratory Activities:

Festivities commenced with traditional rituals and vibrant dances.
It continues with a joyous gathering along the riverbanks.
It draws participation from over five hundred individuals representing various groups like Amchi, Rangkhai, and Magrat.
Ceremonial animal sacrifices, including poultry and goats, are performed to honour the goddess and ensure her benevolence upon the Tiwa people’s granary, known as “NoBaro.”

PYQ:

[2014] Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

(a) Bhutia and Lepcha

(b) Gond and Korku

(d) Sahariya and Agariya

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Digital India Initiatives

State-level DPI Adoption Index

Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), DPI Adoption Index Mains: NA

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

The World Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY), is spearheading the development of a state-level Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) adoption index.

About State-Level DPI Adoption Index

World Bank confirmed that the project was in its preparatory stages.
The envisioned state-level DPI index aims to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening the DPI for the digital economy, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering public-private innovation.
The index will assess different states based on their adoption levels of DPIs, intending to incentivize increased utilization of these digital systems.

What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

DPI refers to the foundational digital infrastructure that enables the delivery of digital services and facilitates digital interactions between citizens, businesses, and governments.
It encompasses various technological components, policies, and frameworks aimed at enhancing digital connectivity, accessibility, and efficiency in public service delivery.

DPI, as defined by the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (September 2023) “is a set of shared digital systems that are secure and interoperable, built on open technologies, to deliver equitable access to public and/or private services at a societal scale”.

Three Pillars of DPI:

DPI primarily focuses on three key pillars: identity, payments, and data management.
India has pioneered the development of all three DPI pillars through its India Stack Platform, setting a global benchmark.
1. Identity: Aadhar serves as India’s digital ID system.
2. Payment: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facilitates real-time fast payments.
3. Data Management: The Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) ensures consent-based data sharing.

India’s Initiatives Leveraging DPI

Digital India: Initiatives like Digital Locker, e-sign framework, and the National Scholarship Portal are integral parts of the Digital India campaign.
BharatNet: This project aims to provide affordable internet connectivity to rural India, leveraging high-speed broadband networks.
National Health Stack: Designed to revolutionize healthcare, this infrastructure facilitates health data exchange and interoperability.
National Knowledge Network (NKN): Facilitating collaborative research and innovation, NKN promotes knowledge sharing.
UMANG: The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance offers access to various government services and schemes.
Government e-Marketplace (GeM): An online platform streamlining procurement processes for government agencies.

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Sympathetic Solar Flares

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Sympathetic Solar Flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CME), Solar Cycle

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

A rare celestial event unfolded as four solar flares called as Sympathetic Solar Flares simultaneously, signaling the onset of the Sun’s dynamic 11-year solar cycle.

What is a Solar Cycle?

Given the Sun’s dynamic nature, electrically charged gases on its surface generate powerful magnetic fields, known as magnetic fields.
These magnetic fields undergo stretching, twisting, and tangling due to the constant movement of gases on the Sun’s surface, resulting in solar activity.
Scientists monitor solar cycles using sunspots. Solar activity fluctuates throughout the solar cycle, which typically spans about 11 years.
The onset of a solar cycle typically features minimal sunspot activity, termed as a solar minimum.
For instance, the last Solar Cycle 25 commenced in December 2019, characterized by a low number of sunspots.

What are Sympathetic Solar Flares?

Sympathetic solar flares are solar eruptions that occur in close temporal and spatial proximity to another solar flare or eruption.
These events are believed to be interconnected through magnetic fields or other physical processes occurring on the Sun.
When a solar flare or eruption happens on the Sun, it releases a burst of electromagnetic radiation and charged particles into space.
In some cases, the energy released during these events can cause disturbances in the Sun’s magnetic field.
These disturbances can trigger the occurrence of additional flares loop or eruptions in nearby regions of the Sun’s surface.
This event follows coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and intense plasma bursts.

Implications for Earth

Potential impacts include disruptions to power grids, interference with communication networks, and increased radiation exposure for astronauts and aircraft passengers.
Solar storms can lead to spectacular natural light shows known as auroras, which are typically visible near the Earth’s magnetic poles.

PYQ:

[2012] The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs:

(a) the water vapour of the air and retains its heat

(b) the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation

(d) the infrared part of the solar radiation

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

Unveiling the Link between Fairness Creams and Nephrotic Syndrome

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Mercury Poisoning, Membranous Nephropathy, Minamata Convention.

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

Researchers from Kerala reported 15 cases of Membranous Nephropathy (MN) linked to the regular application of fairness creams.
These creams contained high levels of mercury, sometimes exceeding the safe limit by 10,000 times.

Mercury Contamination in Hair Cream

Blood and urine screenings of affected individuals unveiled alarmingly high levels of mercury, a well-known toxic element.
The fairness creams contained mercury levels up to 10,000 times above the permissible limit of 1 ppm under Minamata Convention (2013).
Most cases were PLA2R (phospholipase A2 receptor) negative, indicating a different cause.
Cases of MN linked to Neural epidermal growth factor-like protein 1 (NELL-1) have been identified.
NELL-1 has been associated with MN caused by traditional medicines containing high mercury levels.

Understanding Membranous Nephropathy

Membranous Nephropathy (MN) is a nephrotic syndrome, characterized by excessive protein leakage into urine, eventually leading to kidney failure. Symptoms such as fatigue, edema, and proteinuria were found to have a history of regular fairness cream usage.

Impact of Mercury:

Mercury in fairness creams inhibits melanin formation, resulting in lighter skin. Consumers perceive higher mercury levels as more effective for skin whitening.
Mercury, a potent heavy metal found in these creams, penetrates the body through various channels, including sweat glands and hair follicles, causing systemic toxicity.
Chronic exposure to mercury can result in kidney damage, neurological disorders, and a myriad of other health complications.

Back2Basics: Minamata Convention on Mercury

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is devised to safeguard human health and the environment from the detrimental impacts of mercury and its derivatives.
Its name derives from the Japanese bay where, during the mid-20th century, industrial wastewater tainted with mercury inflicted severe health damage upon thousands of individuals, leading to what is now recognized as “Minamata disease.”
Signed in 2013 and enforced in 2017, it operates as a United Nations treaty under the purview of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Countries ratifying the Convention are legally obliged under international law to implement these regulations.
128 countries are signatories, with 119 of them having ratified it; India became a party by ratifying it in 2018.

Activities covered by the Convention:

The Convention encompasses all phases of the mercury life cycle, aiming to regulate and diminish mercury usage across various products, processes, and industries.
This encompasses regulations about:
- Mercury mining involves bans on new mines and the gradual phase-out of existing ones.
- Gradual reduction and elimination of mercury utilization in numerous products and procedures.
- Control measures address emissions into the atmosphere and release into soil and water bodies.
- Oversight of the informal artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector.
- Management of interim mercury storage and its disposal once classified as waste, as well as remediation of mercury-contaminated sites and associated health issues.

PYQ:

[2010] Indiscriminate disposal of used fluorescent electric lamps causes mercury pollution in the environment. Why is mercury used in the manufacture of these lamps?

(a) A mercury coating on the inside of the lamp makes the light bright white

(b) When the lamp is switched on, the mercury in the lamp causes the emission of ultra-violet radiations

(d) None of the statement given above is correct about the use of mercury in the manufacture of fluorescent lamps

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Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

Madras High Court Ruling on Waqf Properties

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Doctrine of Repugnancy; Sachar Committee, Article 254, Waqf

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

The Madras High Court ruled the Tamil Nadu Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Act of 2010 as repugnant and unconstitutional.
The amendment conferred authority on the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board CEO to order evictions, contradicting with the Central legislation, the Waqf Act of 1995.

Madras HC Verdict:

Parliament’s 2013 amendment to Waqf Act prevails over Tamil Nadu’s legislation.
It already provides uniform and effective mechanisms for possession recovery.

Arguments made by TN:

Lawyers argue 2010 amendment exercised power under Concurrent List, required Presidential assent.
State law and Central law cannot co-exist, Parliament’s 2013 amendment prevails.
Original provisions of Waqf Act not sufficient to deal with encroachments.
Tamil Nadu enacted 2010 amendment based on Sachar Committee recommendation.

Sachar Committee:

A seven-member high-level committee headed by former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Rajinder Sachar to study the social, economic, and educational condition of Muslims in March 2005.

What is Doctrine of Repugnancy?

The doctrine of repugnancy arises when two laws conflict and produce different outcomes when applied to the same situation.
It occurs when the provisions of two laws are so contradictory that complying with one law would mean violating the other.
Article 254 of the Indian Constitution establishes the Doctrine of Repugnancy in India, providing a framework for resolving conflicts between Central and State laws.
It resolves conflicts between Central and State laws.

Key Provisions of Article 254:

1. Article 254(1):

Declares that if a law passed by a State Legislature contradicts a law passed by Parliament, the State law will be deemed void.
The law enacted by Parliament will take precedence over the State law.

2. Article 254(2):

Allows States to enforce legislation that contradicts Parliament’s laws if they receive assent from the President.

PYQ:

[2016] The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the:

(a) Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership

(b) Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership

(d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

Back2Basics: What is Waqf property and what does the Waqf Act state?

	Details
Enactment	Enacted by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1954 to centralize Waqf properties. Led to the formation of the Central Waqf Council in 1964. Amended in 1995 under the Congress government of PV Narasimha Rao, granting extensive powers to Waqf Boards.
Key Provisions	Section 3(R) of the 1995 amendment designates properties as Waqf if deemed sacred, religious, or charitable according to Muslim law. Article 40 mandates the Waqf Surveyor and Board to determine property ownership. 2013 amendments require State Waqf Boards to appoint Survey Commissioners to manage properties and settle disputes.
Legal Status	Property declared as Waqf cannot be contested in court; appeals must be made to the Waqf Board.
Chairmanship	Union Minority Welfare Minister serves as ex-officio chairman of the Central Waqf Council. State Waqf Boards consist of seven Muslim members.
Waqf Property
	Details
Definition	Property donated for charitable purposes in the name of Allah. Donated by individuals for public benefit; no individual ownership rights.
Donation Criteria	Must be donated by Muslims above the age of 18.
Ownership	Upon donation, property becomes Allah’s possession; Family members have no claim after donor’s demise.
Types	Includes movable or immovable property donated for charitable purposes.
Management	Overseen by the Waqf Board, responsible for legal matters and property administration.
Total Properties	Over 8,65,646 properties registered with the Waqf Board in India. Estimated to cover 8 lakh acres of land with a market value of approximately Rs 1.20 lakh crore. State-wide Share: West Bengal: More than 80,000 properties registered. Punjab: 70,994 properties under Waqf Board. Tamil Nadu: 65,945 properties managed. Karnataka: 61,195 properties overseen.

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Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

Icequakes on Ross Ice Shelf

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Ross Ice Shelf, Whillans Ice Stream

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

Scientists found out that the huge Ross Ice Shelf, almost as big as France, moves forward a few centimetres daily.
This happens because of the Whillans Ice Stream, a fast-moving river of ice that sometimes gets stuck and then suddenly moves forward.

About Ross Ice Shelf

Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf of Antarctica roughly the size of France.
It was discovered by Sir James Clark Ross on 28 January 1841.
The shelf spans an area of roughly 500,809 square kilometers, about the size of France or the Yukon Territory in Canada.
It is several hundred meters thick. In the shelf’s southern reaches, nearest the True South Pole, the ice can be as thick as 750m.
The nearly vertical ice front to the open sea is more than 600 km long, and between 15 and 50 meters high above the water surface. However, 90% of the floating ice is below the water surface.
It is fed primarily by giant glaciers, or ice streams, that transport ice down to it from the high polar ice sheet of East and West Antarctica.
Most of Ross Ice Shelf is in the Ross Dependency claimed by New Zealand.
It floats in, and covers, a large southern portion of the Ross Sea and the entire Roosevelt Island located in the east of the Ross Sea.

Spotlight: Icequakes on Ross Ice Shelf

Influence of Ice Stream: Most glaciers move slowly, but the Whillans Ice Stream stops and starts suddenly. This might happen because there isn’t enough water below to help it move smoothly.
Sudden Movements: These sudden movements, like tiny earthquakes, push against the Ross Ice Shelf.
Threat to Stability: Even though these daily shifts aren’t caused by humans, they could make the Ross Ice Shelf weaker over time. Ice shelves slow down the flow of ice into the ocean.
Retreat of Glacier: If the Ross Ice Shelf gets weaker or breaks, it could speed up melting and raise sea levels.

PYQ:

[2013] On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion

(a) Is found in the atmosphere as moisture and clouds

(b) Is found in freshwater lakes and rivers

(d) Exists as soil moisture

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Wetland Conservation

In the news: Pulicat Wetland

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Pulicat Wetland and its topography; Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

Settlement of claims for local communities within Pulicat Wetland and Birds Sanctuary boundary raises concerns.
State government plans to denotify a significant portion of the sanctuary and Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for industrial park development.

About Pulicat Wetland and Birds Sanctuary

Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is the second-largest bird sanctuary in India.
It cuts across Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.
The sanctuary is situated along the coast of the Bay of Bengal covering an area of 759 square kilometers.
The sanctuary is bordered by the Arani River at its southern tip, the Kalangi River from the Northwest, and the Swarnamukhi River at the northern end.
Pulicat Lake runs parallel to the Bay of Bengal and has a sand bar, making it a lagoon of its own kind.
Sriharikota, renowned as India’s rocket launch pad and home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal.
The sanctuary includes 16 island villages and 30 villages adjoining the lake, whose inhabitants depend on the lake for their livelihood.
Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary hosts a large number of migratory birds during winter, including gulls, terns, plovers, shanks, curlews, and storks.
It is a habitat for a variety of bird species such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, and ducks.

What are the Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)?

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.

How are they demarcated?

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does NOT mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”.
However, Section 3(2)(v) of the Act, says that Central Government can restrict areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall be carried out or shall not, subject to certain safeguards.
Besides Rule 5(1) of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 states that central government can prohibit or restrict the location of industries and carrying on certain operations or processes on the basis of certain considerations.
The same criteria have been used by the government to declare No Development Zones (NDZs).

Defining its boundaries

An ESZ could go up to 10 kilometres around a protected area as provided in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002.
Moreover, in the case where sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, are beyond 10 km width, these should be included in the ESZs.
Further, even in the context of a particular Protected Area, the distribution of an area of ESZ and the extent of regulation may not be uniform all around and it could be of variable width and extent.

PYQ:

[2017] Consider the following statements:

1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only.

2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only.

3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

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Coal and Mining Sector

[pib] Role of the Coal Controller’s Organisation (CCO)

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: CCO and its Functions

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

The Coal Controller’s Organisation (CCO) recently held inspections of Coal Mines to ensure the accuracy of Coal class and grade declarations.

Coal Sector in Indian Economy:

The Indian coal sector is one of the 8 core sectors contributing heavily to the economic development of India.
In India, there are 4 grades of coal available: Lignite, Bituminous, Sub-Bituminous, and Anthracite, and out of which Anthracite is the highest grade of coal.
More than 70% of Coal reserves in India are mainly found in the South-Central region i.e. in Orissa, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
India is the second-largest producer of Anthracite globally after China.
The mining sector accounts for more than 2% contribution to the total GDP of India.
India, had a global share of Coal production nearly 9%.
India’s share of coal in major imports in FY 2023 was estimated at 8%.
India exports coking coal to neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

About Coal Controller’s Organisation (CCO)

The CCO was established in 1975 under the Coal Mines (Conservation and Development) Act, 1974.
It operates under the Ministry of Coal.
It is headquartered in Kolkata and field offices at Dhanbad, Ranchi, Bilaspur, Nagpur, Sambalpur, Kothagudem, and Asansol.

Functions of CCO

Regulatory Oversight: Regulates coal industry activities, ensuring compliance with laws and policies.
Inspections: It conducts inspections of collieries to ensure the accuracy of coal class and grade declarations under the Colliery Control Rules, 2004 (Amended in 2021).
Quality Control: Establishes and enforces standards for coal quality through testing and inspection.
Grading and Classification: Categorizes coal into grades based on quality and intended use.
Licensing and Permissions: Issues licenses and permits to coal producers, traders, and consumers.
Data Collection and Analysis: Collects and analyzes data on coal production, consumption, and market trends.
Research and Development: Conducts or sponsors R&D to improve mining techniques and coal quality.
Conservation and Sustainability: Formulates policies for coal resource conservation and sustainable development.
Enforcement and Compliance: Ensures compliance with coal-related regulations through inspections and enforcement actions.

Grades of Coal in India

The gradation of coal is based on-

Non-Coking Coal: Based on Gross Calorific Value (GCV).
Coking Coal: Ash Content
Semi Coking /Weakly Coking Coal: Ash plus Moisture Content

What is Coke?

Coke is a solid carbonaceous material derived from heating coal in the absence of air.
It is a porous, hard, black substance with a high carbon content and few impurities.
Coke is primarily used as a fuel and as a reducing agent in the process of smelting iron ore to produce steel in a blast furnace.

Types of Coal based on Coking ability

Non-Coking Coal: Non-coking coal, also known as thermal coal, is coal that does not have the ability to undergo conversion into coke when heated in the absence of air. It is primarily used for power generation in thermal power plants, as well as for other industrial applications such as cement production and heating.
Coking Coal: Coking coal, also known as metallurgical coal, is a type of coal that possesses the necessary properties to undergo conversion into coke when heated in the absence of air. Coking coal is characterized by its high carbon content, low ash content, and ability to form a strong, porous coke when heated.
Semi Coking / Weakly Coking Coal: Semi-coking or weakly coking coal is a coal type that falls between non-coking coal and coking coal in terms of its properties. While it does not fully qualify as coking coal due to certain limitations in its coking properties, it exhibits some degree of coking ability when heated.

PYQ:

[2022] In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)?

CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India.
It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks.
It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

95Mat5 Antibody: Revolutionizing Snakebite Treatment

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: 95Mat5 Antibody

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

After multiple rounds of screening, researchers have identified an antibody, 95Mat5 that showed promising results in making a potent antidote against various snake venoms.

What is 95Mat5?

95Mat5 is a universal antivenom developed to neutralize the toxins present in snake venoms.
Development Process:

The scientists first synthesized variants of a toxin called long-chain 3FTxs (3FTx-L), which are found in the venoms of various snakes, including cobras, kraits, mambas, and monocled cobras.
They then screened billions of human antibodies expressed on the surface of yeast cells to find antibodies that bound best to the synthesized toxins.
After multiple rounds of screening, they identified a shortlist of antibodies that broadly reacted with most of the 3FTx variants used in the study.
The selected antibodies were further tested in vitro in human cells to determine which ones could best neutralize the toxins.

Mechanism of Action

95Mat5 specifically targets α-neurotoxins, which are a specific class of 3FTxs that prevent nerve and muscle cells from responding to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in carrying messages from neurons to muscles.
By binding to the toxins, 95Mat5 prevents toxins from interacting with the receptors in human nerve and muscle cells, thereby blocking their ability to induce paralysis and other deadly effects.
In animal experiments, 95Mat5 demonstrated efficacy in neutralizing the toxins present in the venoms of various snake species, protecting the animals from death.

Global Impact of Snakebites

Venomous snakebites claim over 100,000 lives annually, with around 400,000 individuals suffering permanent disability.
Low and middle-income countries, especially India and Africa, bear the brunt of this burden.
- India alone witnessing an average of 58,000 deaths each year.
In 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared snakebite envenoming as a highest priority Neglected Tropical Disease, shedding light on a long-hidden health crisis.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements:

They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body.
They can be used in biochemical sensors.
Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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Digital India Initiatives

[pib] India showcases CPGRAMS at 3rd Biennial Pan-Commonwealth Meeting in London

IOCR Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Commonwealth of Nations, CPGRAMS

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

India’s Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) received global recognition during the 3rd Biennial Pan-Commonwealth Heads in London.

What is CPGRAMS?

The primary objective of CPGRAMS is to provide citizens with a user-friendly mechanism to register complaints or grievances related to various government departments and agencies.
It is an online platform available to the citizens 24×7 to lodge their grievances to the public authorities on any subject related to service delivery.
It was created in June 2007 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances.
It has been designed in-house by the National Informatics Centre team.
Prime Minister is the supreme head of the CPGRAMS.

Key functions of CPGRAMS include:

Grievance Lodging and Tracking: Citizens can lodge grievances online and track their progress using a unique registration number generated by the system.
Role-Based Access: Every Ministry and state have role-based access to this system, ensuring that grievances are forwarded to the concerned Ministries or Government Departments.
Appeal Facility: CPGRAMS provides an appeal facility to the citizens if they are not satisfied with the resolution by the Grievance Officer.
Feedback Mechanism: After the closure of grievance, if the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, they can provide feedback. If the rating is ‘Poor’, the option to file an appeal is enabled. The status of the Appeal can also be tracked by the petitioner with the grievance registration number.

Issues that are NOT taken up under CPGRAMS:

Subjudice cases or any matter concerning judgment given by any court.
Personal and Family disputes.
Right to Information (RTI) Queries.
Anything that impacts upon territorial integrity of the country or friendly relations with other countries.
Grievances of Government employees concerning their service matters including disciplinary proceedings etc because there is already a mechanism for addressing these issues.

What is the Commonwealth of Nations?

The Commonwealth of Nations is an intergovernmental organization of 53 member states that are mostly former territories of the British Empire.
It dates back to the first half of the 20th century with the decolonization of the British Empire through increased self-governance of its territories.
It was originally created as the British Commonwealth of Nations through the Balfour Declaration at the 1926 Imperial Conference.
It was formalized by the UK through the Statute of Westminster in 1931.
The symbol of this free association is Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Head of the Commonwealth.
- Membership: Based on free and equal voluntary cooperation.

History of its creation

The Commonwealth was created in the early 1900s when nations that were formerly a part of the British Empire began to secede.
India is one of the founding members of the modern Commonwealth.
India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a key role in the creation of the modern Commonwealth in 1949, Indian policy-makers over the years have considered it as a relic of empire and steeped in colonial legacy.

Working of Commonwealth

Commonwealth members have no legal obligations to one another.
Instead, they are united by language, history, culture and their shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Actual functioning: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)

CHOGM which takes place every two years is a platform for all Commonwealth leaders to meet and discuss issues about the Commonwealth.
The motto behind the meeting is to reaffirm common values, address the shared global challenges and agree on how to work to create a better future.

PYQ:

[2012] With reference to consumers rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.

2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.

3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

[2016] The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War,

(a) India should be granted complete independence

(b) India should be partitioned into two before granting independence

(d) India should be given Dominion status

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

PREMIUM – Travelling the Regions of South America

Prelims Only | | Mains Paper 1: Distribution Of Key Natural Resources Across The World,Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Areas in South America;

Mains level: NA

Why in the News?

South America, known for its diverse landscapes and cultures, also harbors several disputed territories, each with its own historical, geopolitical, and economic significance. These disputes often arise from conflicting territorial claims, historical grievances, or resource-rich areas.

Diverse Landscapes of South America:

The Pacific Coastal Strip:
- Between the ocean and the Andes mountain Range.
- The coastline of South America is smooth and regular. At the river mouths, some inlets are used as harbors. The southwestern coast of the continent has fiords or deep inlets of the sea.

Andes Mountain Range:
- The Andes stretch through the entire continent, running in the north-south direction from the Isthmus of Panama to the Strait of Magellan. The second-highest mountain system in the world.
- Mount Aconcagua (an extinct volcano lies in Argentina)
- Mount Ojas del Salado is the highest active volcano in the world of Argentina.
- Part of seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.
- They form a chain of ranges and knots with enclosed intermontane plateaus namely in Ecuador and Bolivia.
- Being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are many volcanoes and frequent earthquakes in this region. Mount Cotopaxi and Mount Chimborazo are active volcanic peaks, which is the highest peak in South America.

About the Amazon River:
- It is the world’s largest and second-longest (6,400 km) river in the world after the Nile.
- Its journey begins high in the Andes Mountains. The river then makes its way east through thousands of miles of rainforests and lowlands until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern coast of Brazil
- Its watershed spans the countries of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia.
- It has more than 1,100 tributaries, which include the rivers like the Rio Negro, the Madeira River, and the Xingu River, etc.
- The Amazon Rainforest, which represents about half of the Earth’s remaining rainforest, also constitutes its single largest reserve of biological resources.
- It is sometimes referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” due to its role in regulating the planet’s oxygen and carbon cycles.

Disputed Areas in South America

	Countries Involved	Key Points	Geographical Features
Gulf of Venezuela	Colombia, Venezuela	Inlet of the Caribbean Sea is Disputed over islands such as Los Monjes Archipelago due to Fishing rights and potential oil reserves. Interpretation disputes regarding the 1941 Treaty of Delimitation Recent tensions over maritime confrontations and oil exploration activities.	Surrounded by coastal mountain ranges with waters fed by several rivers
Essequibo Region	Guyana, Venezuela	Covers two-thirds of Guyana’s territory Historical grievances claimed by Venezuela. Recent oil discoveries raising tensions; ICJ case filed by Guyana. Essequibo River flows through this region.	Diverse landscapes including rainforests, savannahs, and mountains with the Essequibo River
Atacama Desert	Peru, Chile	Extremely Arid desert region War of the Pacific led to Chile’s control Valuable mineral resources contribute to disputes Bilateral talks and arbitration proposals for settlement	Bordered by the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean with salt flats, sand dunes, and volcanic formations
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	Argentina, UK	Sovereignty disputes since 1833 Economic interests include fisheries, tourism, and potential oil reserves Diplomatic efforts and UN resolutions for resolution	Consists of two main islands with rugged coastlines and low mountains
Darien Gap	Colombia, Panama	Dense jungle terrain separating North and South America Challenges in illegal immigration discussions Characterized by dense rainforests, swamps, and mountains	Part of the Darien National Park with dense rainforests, mangroves, and steep mountain slopes
Arroyo de la Invernada or Rincon de Artigas…	Brazil, Uruguay	Dispute over the Invernada River region near Masoller UN does not officially recognize the claim 237 km2 region with significant natural resources Efforts to resolve through bilateral talks and international mediation	Rolling hills, grasslands, and small rivers with the Invernada River
New River Triangle (Tigri Area)	Suriname, Guyana	Disputed region within the Guiana Highlands Conflicting claims over territory interpretation of historical treaties and boundaries	Dense rainforests, mountain ranges, and numerous rivers
Isla Brasilera/Ilha Brasileira	Brazil, Uruguay	Uruguay claims ownership of Isla Brasilera Strategically located near the tripoint with Argentina Efforts to resolve through diplomatic negotiations and legal arguments	Small island located in the Uruguay River with lush vegetation
Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-mirim	Bolivia, Brazil	Located in the Rio Mamore as a border between Bolivia and Brazil Economically dependent on Guajara-Mirim, Brazil Treaty signed in 1958 maintains the status quo Challenges of border management in riverine environments	Riverine island characterized by tropical vegetation and wetlands
Southern Patagonian Ice Field	Argentina, Chile	Spanning parts of Argentina and Chile Border demarcation remains undefined in certain areas Bilateral efforts for resolution include scientific cooperation and mapping projects	Vast expanse of ice and snow covering rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys
Lithium Triangle	Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile	It is characterized by various *salt pans or salars, concentrated along the Atacama Desert and adjacent arid regions. The Salar de Atacama* in Chile boasts the highest lithium concentration (0.15% by weight) among all brine sources worldwide. Argentina boasts more than half of the world’s total lithium resources and holds the distinction of having the 2nd-largest lithium resources, the 3rd-largest lithium reserves, and the 4th-largest lithium production in the world. India’s KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) has announced an investment of ₹211 crore ($25.712 million) over five years for exploration stage activities in five lithium blocks in the *Fiambala area* of Argentina.	Key reserves of Lithium include: Uyuni (Bolivia): This salt flat is not only the world’s largest salt flat but also contains significant lithium reserves. Atacama (Chile): Located in the Atacama Desert, Salar de Atacama is home to one of the largest lithium reserves globally. Hombre Muerto (Argentina): This salt flat in northwestern Argentina also hosts lithium extraction operations.

Note: Bolivia and Paraguay are land-locked countries in South America

PYQ:

[2013] “Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.”

The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

(a) African Savannah

(b) Central Asian Steppe

(d) Siberian Tundra

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Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

ISRO’s Findings on Glacial Lake Dynamics in Himalaya

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Ghepang/Ghepan Ghat and other Glacial Lake, GLOF Glacial Landforms etc.

Mains level: NA

Why in the News?

The Satellite images by ISRO show an increase in the size of Gepang Gath Lake amidst rising concerns about Climate Change.
Gepang Gath Lake (one of the biggest Glacial lakes in the Chandra basin) is located in the Western Indian Himalaya at the terminus of the Gepan Gath glacier.

ISRO’s Findings on Glacial Lakes in Himalayas

Expansion of Glacial Lakes

During 2016-17, total of 2,431 lakes larger than 10 hectares were identified, among which 676 were identified as glacial lakes. Notably, these 676 glacial lakes have shown significant expansion since 1984. A staggering 89% (601 lakes) of the expanding lakes have more than doubled in size since 1984.
Regional Distribution: Out of these expanding glacial lakes, 130 are situated within India. Among these, 65 lakes are located in the Indus River basin, seven in the Ganga River basin, and 58 in the Brahmaputra River basin.
The derived analysis from the Satellite provides valuable insights for understanding glacial lake dynamics.
It is essential for assessing environmental impacts and developing strategies for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) risk management and climate change adaptation in glacial environments.

What are Glacial Lakes?

- Glacial lakes are bodies of water formed in depressions on the surface of glaciers or in moraines left behind by retreating glaciers.
- Glacial lakes were categorized based on their formation process into four broad categories:
  - Moraine-dammed,
  - Ice-dammed,
  - Erosion, and
  - Other glacial lakes.
- Among the expanding lakes, the majority are Moraine-dammed (307), followed by Erosion (265), other (96), and Ice-dammed (8) glacial lakes.
- Formation Process: Glacial lakes form through the accumulation of meltwater from the melting ice of glaciers. As glaciers move, they carve out depressions in the landscape, which may fill with water to form lakes.
  - When glaciers retreat, they leave behind moraines, which can act as natural dams, trapping meltwater and forming lakes.
- Characteristics:
  - Vary in size, depending on the size and activity of the glacier.
  - Found in mountainous regions and polar areas where glaciers are present.
  - The primary source of water is melting glacial ice, precipitation and runoff.

Significance of Glacial Lakes:

- Glacial lakes play a crucial role in regulating water flow in glacier-fed rivers, particularly during the dry season.
- Provides habitat for unique aquatic species adapted to cold, high-altitude environments.
- Contributes to landscape evolution and the formation of landforms such as cirques and tarns.

Present Ecological Challenges:
- Glacial Outburst Floods: The sudden release of water from glacial lakes, known as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), can pose significant hazards to downstream communities and infrastructure. Ex. Chamoli Disaster.
- Rapid Expansion: Glacial lakes can rapidly expand due to the increased melting of glaciers, leading to the risk of flooding and landslides in surrounding areas.

Important Glacial Lakes in India:

Deosai National Park (Jammu and Kashmir): Known for its numerous glacial lakes.
Gangbal Lake (Jammu and Kashmir): At the base of Mount Haramukh.
Zanskar Valley Lakes (Jammu and Kashmir): Includes Tsomoriri Lake, Tsokar Lake, and many others.
Roopkund Lake (Uttarakhand): Known for the human skeletons found at its bottom.
Sarson Patal Lake (Uttarakhand): Within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
Deoria Tal (Uttarakhand): Offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Hemkund Lake (Uttarakhand): Near the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.
Kedar Tal (Uttarakhand): At the foot of the Thalay Sagar peak.
Nanda Devi East Base Lake (Uttarakhand): Offering views of the Nanda Devi peaks.
Vasuki Tal (Uttarakhand): Near the Chaturangi Glacier.
Chandratal Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Known for its crescent shape.
Suraj Tal (Himachal Pradesh): Close to the Baralacha La pass.
Rupin Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Near the Rupin Pass.
Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim): One of the highest lakes in the world.

PYQ:

[2020] Siachen Glacier is situated to the

(a) East of Aksai Chin

(b) East of Leh

(d) North of Nubra Valley

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Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

NABARD Unveils Climate Strategy 2030 for Green Financing

Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues,Mobilization Of Resources

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: NABARD, ‘Climate Strategy 2030’;

Mains level: Climate Strategy 2030’;

Why in the news?

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) revealed its ‘Climate Strategy 2030’ document, aiming to address India’s need for enhanced green financing.

Key Pillars of Climate Strategy 2030:

The strategy focuses on four key pillars:
1. Accelerating green lending across sectors,
2. Playing a broader market-making role,
3. Internal green transformation, and
4. Strategic resource mobilization.

Green Financing Scenario in India

Despite India’s requirement of $170 billion annually for achieving sustainable development goals by 2030, the current green finance inflows remain critically insufficient.
As of 2019-20, India secured only about $49 billion in green financing, with a significant portion allocated to mitigation efforts, leaving minimal funds for adaptation and resilience.

About NABARD:

It was established on July 12, 1982, based on the recommendation of the Sivaraman Committee to promote sustainable rural development and agricultural growth in India.
Aim: To facilitate credit flow for the promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts, and other rural crafts.
It operates as a statutory body under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, with its headquarters located in Mumbai.
It is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the GoI:
- Representatives from the RBI;
- Central and state governments;
- Experts from various fields related to Rural Development and Finance.

Functions of NABARD:

Refinance Support: NABARD provides refinance facilities to banks and financial institutions for agricultural and rural development activities, including crop loans and rural infrastructure projects.
Financial Inclusion: It promotes financial inclusion by expanding banking services in rural areas, supporting SHGs, FPOs, and MFIs, and facilitating access to credit for rural communities.
Priority Sector Lending: NABARD plays a crucial role in channelling credit to priority sectors such as agriculture, small-scale industries, and rural infrastructure, in alignment with the Reserve Bank of India’s priority sector lending guidelines.
Direct Lending: It extends direct loans to institutions for specific rural development projects, such as agricultural production, rural infrastructure development, and agri-processing units.
Scheme Implementation: The organization administers government schemes and funds like Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Watershed Development Fund (WDF) to finance rural infrastructure projects and watershed development activities.
Credit Planning: NABARD collaborates with central and state governments, RBI, and other stakeholders to formulate credit policies and plans for agriculture and rural sectors.
Research and Training: NABARD promotes research and development in agriculture, supports capacity building and training programs for rural stakeholders, and facilitates technology transfer initiatives.

PYQ:

[2013] Which of the following grants/grants direct credit assistance to rural households?

Regional Rural Banks
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Land Development Banks

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Census to be conducted under Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project, Eravikulam National Park

Mains level: Conservation Strategies and Projects; Initiatives taken by government;

Why in the News?

After the launch of the Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project, the Tamil Nadu government gears up to assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr (state animal).

The Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala will collaborate in a synchronized way.

**Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project (*2022 to 2027):***

Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, the Tamil Nadu government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-
- Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
- Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
- Address proximate threats; and
- Increase public awareness of the species.
October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.
Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr:

Evidence in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture, and life.

About Nilgiri Tahr

- It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India.
- It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
- The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region.
- At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
- It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
Conservation Status:

- IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills of Kerala is home to the largest population of this Tahr.
October 7 is celebrated as ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ to honour E.R.C. Davidar, the man who was responsible for conducting first studies of the species in 1975.

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Nobel and other Prizes

[pib] Padma Awards for 2024

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Padma Awards

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu presented 3 Padma Vibhushan, 8 Padma Bhushan and 55 Padma Shri Awards for the year 2024.

About Padma Awards

The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honors.
It is announced annually on Republic Day, following the Bharat Ratna.
These awards are designed to recognize outstanding achievements across various fields and disciplines, particularly those involving public service.
It was introduced in 1954 along with Bharat Ratna.
Initially, the Padma Vibhushan had three classes: Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg, which were renamed in 1955 as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, respectively.

Award Categories

There are three categories of Padma Awards:

Padma Vibhushan: This is awarded for ‘exceptional and distinguished service.’
Padma Bhushan: This is for ‘distinguished service of a high order.’
Padma Shri: This is given for ‘distinguished service.’

Eligibility Criteria

The awards are open to all individuals regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender.
The awards are usually not given posthumously, but exceptions can be made in extraordinary cases.
A recipient can be considered for a higher category of Padma award only if at least five years have passed since their previous Padma honor. However, exceptions can be made for exceptionally deserving cases.
NOT ELIGIBLE: Government employees, except doctors and scientists.
The awards are not titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to the awardees’ names.
The number of awards given annually (excluding posthumous awards and those to NRIs/foreigners/OCIs) is capped at 120.

Nomination Process

Nominations are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, formed annually by the Prime Minister.
The Committee, led by the Cabinet Secretary, includes the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and 4-6 distinguished members.
The Committee’s recommendations are forwarded to the Prime Minister and the President for final approval.

Dignitaries of the Padma Awards 2024

	Recipient (Occupation/Field)
Padma Vibhushan	M. Venkaiah Naidu (Former Vice-President) Bindeshwar Pathak (posthumously) (Founder of Sulabh International) Padma Subrahmanyam (Bharatanatyam dancer)
Padma Bhushan	Mithun Chakraborty (Actor) Usha Uthup (Singer) Ram Naik (Former Governor of Uttar Pradesh) Sitaram Jindal (Industrialist) Tejas Madhusudan Patel (Cardiologist) Dattatray Ambadas Mayaloo (Rajdutt) (Marathi film director) Chandreshwar Prasad Thakur (Physician)
Padma Shri	Rohan Bopanna (Tennis player) Khalil Ahamad (Master carpet weaver) Kaluram Bamaniya (Folk singer) Rezwana Choudhury Bannya (Bangladeshi singer) Naseem Bano (Chikankari embroidery artist) Gita Roy Barman (Rajbongshi folk singer) Chitta Ranjan Debbarma (Spiritual figure from Tripura) Sarbeswar Basumatary (Tribal farmer from Assam)

PYQ:

[2021] Consider the following statements in respect of the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards.

Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titled under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

Which of the above statements is not correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

[pib] Competition Commission of India (CCI)

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: CCI and its key functions
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) invites proposals for conducting a Market Study on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on competition.

About Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- The CCI is a statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002 by the Vajpayee government.
- It aims to promote and sustain competition, protect consumer interests, and ensure freedom of trade.
- The commission operates as a quasi-judicial body, providing opinions to statutory authorities and adjudicating cases.
- Evolution of CCI:
  - Established in response to the need for promoting competition and private enterprise, especially after India’s economic liberalization in 1991.
  - Replaced the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act) based on recommendations from the Raghavan Committee.
Key Features of the Competition Act:
- Passed in 2002 and subsequently amended to align with modern competition laws.
- Prohibits anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and regulates combinations causing adverse effects on competition.
- Established the Competition Commission of India and the Competition Appellate Tribunal.
- The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) replaced the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) in 2017.
Composition of CCI:
- CCI comprises a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by the Central Government.
- Members must possess significant expertise in various domains such as law, economics, finance, and management or qualified to be a judge of a High Court.
Key Functions of CCI:
1. Regulating Mergers and Acquisitions:
- Ensuring mergers and acquisitions do not harm competition in the market.
- Preventing monopolistic practices and promoting fair competition.
1. Investigating Anti-Competitive Practices:
- Probing into cartels, collusive behavior, and abuse of dominant market positions.
- Taking action against entities engaging in anti-competitive practices.
1. Market Studies and Research:
- Conducting studies to assess market dynamics and competition levels.
- Identifying trends and issues affecting competition in various sectors.
1. Handling Complaints:
- Addressing complaints filed by individuals or businesses regarding anti-competitive behavior.
- Initiating investigations based on credible complaints received.
1. Adjudication and Penalty Imposition:
- Adjudicating cases related to competition law violations.
- Imposing penalties on entities found guilty of breaching competition regulations.
PYQ:

[2015] The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the:

(a) Human Rights Commission

(b) Finance Commission

(c) Law Commission

(d) Planning Commission
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Type: Prelims Only

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**Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project (*2022 to 2027):***