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Type: Prelims Only

  • Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

    Why Tigers keep migrating?

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

    Why in the News?

    India’s tiger population is undergoing a major eastward expansion, as young male tigers from central India’s source reserves (like Kanha and Bandhavgarh) disperse into eastern forests (Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal) in search of territory and mates.

    tiger

    Recent Incidents of Tiger Migration:

    • Bandhavgarh (MP) → Palamu (Jharkhand) → Purulia (WB) → Rescued and sent back to Palamu
    • Simlipal (Odisha) → Jharkhand → Lalgarh (WB) → Tiger killed by villagers
    • Tadoba (Maharashtra) → Simlipal (Odisha) → West Bengal → Zeenat the tigress translocated and dispersed

    Back2Basics: Royal Bengal Tiger

    • Declared National Animal of India in 1972 by the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL).
    • Largest population in India; also found in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. India harbours 75% of the world’s wild tigers.
    • Occupies habitats such as high mountains, mangrove swamps, grasslands, deciduous forests, evergreen, and shola forests.
    • Ecological Significance:
      • Flagship species: Essential for conservation efforts since it’s the topmost predator in food chain.
      • Umbrella species: Protecting tigers helps conserve other species (through food chain regulation).
    • Protection Status:
      • Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
      • IUCN Red List: Endangered.
      • CITES: Listed in Appendix I.
    • Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative in India that was launched in 1973.

    Behavioural Traits of Tigers Influencing Dispersal:

    • Territorial Independence: Upon maturity, male tigers must leave their natal territory to find exclusive prey-rich zones and mates, triggering long-distance dispersal.
    • Gendered Dispersal:
      • Males are wanderers – they cover vast areas and often cross multiple states.
      • Females are philopatric – they stay close to their birthplace and are usually accepted by nearby relatives.
    • Source-Sink Dynamics:
      • Source forests (e.g. Kanha, Bandhavgarh) produce surplus tigers due to good prey and protection.
      • Sink forests (e.g. Palamu, Dalma) cannot sustain tiger populations without new immigrants.
    • Adaptive but Risk-Prone: Tigers are biologically wired to explore new habitats, even degraded ones, but often face food scarcity, isolation, and human conflict.
    • Prey Dependence and Conflict: In prey-deficient forests, floater tigers’ resort to livestock hunting, increasing the risk of human-tiger conflict.
    • Resilience and Colonisation Instinct: Despite setbacks, tigers attempt to colonise new areas, offering hope for species expansion if supported by proper conservation.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.

    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

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

    [pib] Indian Scientists created high-performance Supercapacitor Material

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

    Why in the News?

    Scientists from Bengaluru, in collaboration with Aligarh Muslim University, have developed an advanced material that significantly improves supercapacitor performance.

    What are Supercapacitors?

    • Fast-Charging Energy Devices: Supercapacitors are special tools that store and release energy very quickly, much faster than regular batteries.
    • Used in Modern Technology: They are found in phones, electric vehicles, and solar systems where fast energy delivery is needed.
    • Trade-Off in Storage: While they charge faster, they generally hold less energy than traditional batteries.
    • Ongoing Scientific Efforts: Researchers are trying to increase energy capacity without sacrificing their quick-charging abilities.

    About Lanthanum-Doped Silver Niobate:

    • New Material from Indian Scientists: A research team from Bengaluru and Aligarh Muslim University created a better material for supercapacitors.
    • Silver Niobate as Base: They used silver niobate, which is non-toxic and eco-friendly, as the base material.
    • Improved by Lanthanum Doping: They added lanthanum, a rare metal, to help enhance electrical performance — a method called doping.
    • Smaller Particles, Bigger Surface: The particles became smaller, increasing the surface area for energy storage.

    What makes this material special?

    • Better with Use: The material retained 118% of its capacity after repeated use, showing it improved over time.
    • 100% Energy Efficiency: It wasted no energy during charge or discharge, making it highly efficient.
    • Quick and Smooth Performance: It delivered energy faster and more steadily than previous materials.
    • Proven in Real-World Test: A test device using this material could power an LCD screen, proving practical use.
    • Eco-Friendly Choice: It is lead-free and safe for the environment.
    • Future Potential: Scientists hope to apply this method to other materials and scale up for commercial use in electronics, EVs, and solar tech.
    [UPSC 2022] With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. Monazite is a source of rare

    earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.

    Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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

     

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    Induction of INS Udaygiri

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

    Why in the News?

    India has advanced its indigenous naval capabilities with the induction of INS Udaygiri, the second stealth frigate built under Project 17A.

    ins udaygiri

    About INS Udaygiri:

    • Overview: It is the second stealth frigate delivered under Project 17A, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous naval capabilities.
    • Legacy Name: Named after the decommissioned INS Udaygiri (F35), a Leander-class frigate that served from 1976 to 2007.
    • Construction: Delivered on July 1, 2025, by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) just 37 months after its launch, making it one of the fastest deliveries in the project.
    • Indigenous Technology: Contains homegrown sensors and combat systems, showcasing domestic defence manufacturing.
    • MSME Contribution: Over 200 Indian MSMEs participated in construction, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
    • Combat Features:
      • Blue-Water Capable: Designed for long-range operations, it can counter conventional and asymmetric threats, projecting Indian power in distant seas.
      • Stealth Features: Incorporates radar-absorbent materials and a low-infrared signature, making it hard to detect.
      • Arsenal: Equipped with supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range SAMs, a 76 mm main gun, and CIWS (30 mm and 12.7 mm).
      • Efficient Propulsion: Uses a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system for both speed and efficiency.

    What is Project 17A?

    • Overview: It is the Indian Navy’s initiative to build seven stealth guided-missile frigates, launched in 2019 as a successor to Project 17 (Shivalik-class).
    • Shipbuilders Involved: Construction is shared between MDL (Mumbai) and GRSE (Kolkata) under Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
    • Modern Design Features: Ships feature stealth hulls, reduced infrared signatures, and modular weapon systems.
    • Timeline and Launches: The first frigate, INS Nilgiri, was launched in 2019, with all ships targeted for delivery by 2026.
    • Technology Upgrades: Includes advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and higher automation and survivability.
    • Indigenous Content: Project 17A emphasizes domestic components, supporting the Make in India defence policy.
    • Multi-Role Capabilities: Designed for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, suitable for high-threat scenarios.

     

    [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

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

    [pib] Breakthrough in Altermagnets Study

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

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) have discovered a novel transport behaviour in chromium antimonide (CrSb), a member of the emerging class of magnetic materials called altermagnets.

    What are Altermagnets?

    • Definition: Altermagnets are a new class of magnetic materials that combine properties of ferromagnets (which show external magnetism) and antiferromagnets (which don’t).
    • Unique Feature: They don’t attract metals like fridge magnets but still have active internal magnetic behavior, useful in advanced technology.
    • Use in Spintronics: These materials are ideal for spintronics, a technology that uses electron spin (not just charge) to make faster and energy-efficient devices.
    • No Magnetic Interference: Altermagnets do not create external magnetic fields, so they are stable and safe for nearby electronics.
    • Energy Efficient: Their structure helps reduce heat and energy loss, which is perfect for modern low-power gadgets.
    • Scientific Rarity: Very few altermagnets are known, making each discovery important for materials science.
    • Potential Applications: They could help build smaller memory chips, faster processors, and even support quantum computing.
    • Internal Action: Think of them as “quiet magnets” — they work inside devices without magnetic noise.

    Recent Discovery- Chromium Antimonide (CrSb):

    • Indian Breakthrough: Indian scientists found CrSb, a new altermagnet, showing rare direction-dependent conduction.
    • Directional Behavior: CrSb acts as an n-type material when current flows along its layers, and as a p-type when current flows across them.
    • First of its Kind: This is the first time an altermagnet has shown such dual conduction behavior in different directions.
    • Device Simplification: Since CrSb can behave as both p-type and n-type, it can reduce circuit size and eliminate the need for doping.
    • Eco-friendly Material: CrSb is made from non-toxic, common elements, making it ideal for sustainable electronics.
    • Potential Applications:
      • Future Potential: CrSb could be used in solar cells, batteries, and processors to make them greener and more efficient.
      • Environment-Friendly Tech: CrSb enables low-cost and eco-friendly electronics without sacrificing performance.
    [UPSC 2021] Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of motor vehicles 2. Engines of motor vehicles 3. Microwave stoves within homes 4. Power plants 5. Telephone lines Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Options: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only* (c) 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

     

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  • Policy Wise: India’s Power Sector

    What is India Energy Stack?

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

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Power announced the formation of a task force to design the India Energy Stack (IES) — a new Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the energy sector.

    What is India Energy Stack?

    About India Energy Stack (IES):

    • Overview: IES is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative by the Ministry of Power.
    • Objective: It aims to create a unified, secure, and interoperable digital backbone for India’s entire energy ecosystem, including producers, grid operators, discoms, consumers, regulators, and markets.
    • Task Force: It is led by a 17-member task force with Nandan Nilekani as Chief Mentor, and RS Sharma as Chairperson, supported by REC Ltd as the nodal agency.
    • Implementation: A 12-month proof of concept (PoC) will pilot key components like the Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP) in states like Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
    • Larger Impact: It is expected to support India’s transition to Net Zero, manage increasing renewable energy share, and enable consumer participation in energy trading.

    Key Features of India Energy Stack:

    • Scalability and Integration: It supports the integration of smart meters, real-time analytics, and battery storage systems, aligning with India’s energy digitisation goals.
    • Unique IDs: Provides digital identification for consumers, assets, and energy transactions, enabling seamless tracking and verification.
    • Real-Time Data Sharing: Consent-based, standardised data exchange mechanisms between stakeholders improve efficiency and transparency.
    • Open APIs: Allows integration of third-party solutions, encouraging innovation and energy fintech ecosystems.
    • Interoperability: Facilitates communication between currently fragmented digital platforms used by different state utilities and regulators.
    • Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP): A modular analytics layer to enable grid monitoring, load forecasting, demand-response, and consumer insights.
    • Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading: Empowers prosumers (producers + consumers) to buy, sell, or store energy using a digital marketplace.
    • Carbon Offset Tracking: Supports environmental compliance through transparent and verifiable emission reduction accounting.
    • Decentralised Energy Management: Enables small-scale producers and communities to participate in energy markets via smart contracts and virtual power plants.
    [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government?

    (a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy

    (b) Providing electricity to every household in the countries by 2018

    (c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time

    (d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies*

     

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

    Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange (EPABX) in Modern Communication

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the News?

    In most modern office environments, internal and external communication is managed through a technology known as EPABX — Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange.

    About EPABX:

    • What is it: It is a system used by offices to manage internal and external phone calls efficiently.
    • Internal and External Communication: It enables intercom communication within the organisation and provides access to external telephone lines through a unified network.
    • Call Handling Features: EPABX can route, transfer, forward, or hold calls, reducing the need for multiple phone lines and improving overall communication.
    • Modern Features: Advanced EPABX systems offer voicemail, call recording, automated attendants, and digital tool integration for business productivity.

    How EPABX Works?

    • Starting a Call: When the phone is picked up, an off-hook signal goes to the EPABX, which responds with a dial tone.
    • Making Internal Calls: Users dial an extension number (like 104), and the EPABX connects them through its internal switching system.
    • Making External Calls: To reach outside numbers, users dial an access code (usually 0) followed by the number; EPABX connects via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
    • Handling Incoming Calls: Calls from outside are routed to the right extension using either a receptionist or an automated system (IVR) in newer setups.
    • Switching Logic: The EPABX system works like a railway yard, directing signals along the correct path between the caller and the recipient.

    Advancements in EPABX Technology:

    • Early Systems: Older EPABX systems used electromechanical switches like crossbars for call routing.
    • Digital Transition: Since the 1980s, systems adopted Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) and Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) to digitise and share voice signals over fewer lines.
    • VoIP Technology: Modern EPABX uses Voice over IP (VoIP) to transmit calls over the internet, similar to email routing using IP addresses.
    [UPSC 2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference / differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

    1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.

    2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    New flowering plant named after Nyishi Tribe

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

    Why in the News?

    A new species of flowering plant, Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

    New flowering plant named after Nyishi Tribe

    About Begonia nyishiorum:

    • Overview: Begonia nyishiorum is a recently identified flowering plant found in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, and is endemic to this region.
    • Scientific Recognition: It was officially described in June 2025 in Novon, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Missouri Botanical Garden.
    • Feature: The species is notable for its crimson, fringed scales (indumentum) on light green petioles, a distinct trait among Asian begonias.
    • Habitat and Range: It thrives on moist, shaded mountain slopes between 1,500 and 3,000 metres in altitude.
    • Ecological Sensitivity: Known from only two forest locations, the plant is potentially vulnerable and warrants conservation attention.
    • Name Origin: The species name nyishiorum honours the Nyishi tribe, known for their traditional ecological stewardship of local forests.

    About the Nyishi Tribe:

    • Overview: The Nyishi are the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, with a population of about 300,000.
    • Name Meaning: The word “Nyishi” combines “Nyi” (man) and “Shi” (being), signifying a civilised human in their language.
    • Linguistic Identity: Their language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, although its origins remain debated among scholars.
    • Geographic Spread: They live in eight districts of Arunachal Pradesh (like East Kameng, Papum Pare, and Kurung Kumey) and parts of Assam.
    • Livelihood Practices: Their economy includes slash-and-burn farming, hunting, fishing, and handicrafts such as bamboo work and weaving.
    • Key Festivals: They celebrate Boori-Boot (Feb) for unity, Nyokum (Feb) for prosperity, and Longte (Apr) for protection from evil.
    • Social Structure: Nyishi society is patrilineal and clan-based, with no caste system or rigid social hierarchy.
    • Role of Women: Women are seen as symbols of peace and prosperity, and marriages involve reciprocal family exchanges that build community ties.
    [UPSC 2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp.

    In which part of India has it been discovered?

    Options: (a) Andaman Islands* (b) Anaimalai Forests (c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast

     

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  • Land Reforms

    [pib] NAKSHA Programme 

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

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development is set to launch the second phase of capacity building for the NAKSHA programme (NAtional geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban HAbitations).

    About NAKSHA Program:

    • Overview: It was launched on 18th February 2025. It is a geospatial land survey initiative launched by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
    • Objective: The programme aims to modernise urban land records, make property ownership more transparent, and streamline urban governance.
    • Funding: It is 100% centrally funded, with an estimated cost of ₹194 crore.
    • Significance: The programme was launched in response to India’s rapidly growing urban population, which is expected to exceed 600 million by 2031.

    Key Features:

    • Pilot Coverage: Implemented in 157 ULBs covering an area of 4,142.63 sq km, focusing on towns with an area of <35 sq km and a population of <2 lakh.
    • Drone-Based Survey: Uses drones equipped with LiDAR sensors and 5 cm resolution cameras to conduct aerial surveys.
    • Three-Stage Survey Process:
      • Drone Survey & Data Collection
      • Field Verification & Draft Mapping
      • Public Review & Finalisation
    • Integration with Legal Records: Field surveys validate and update property tax, ownership, and registration data.
    [UPSC 2024] With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements:

    1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.

    2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.

    3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

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  • GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags

    Prada-Kolhapuri Cultural Misappropriation Debate

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

    Why in the News?

    The Prada incident, involving footwear resembling India’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals, has reignited debates on cultural respect, equitable benefit sharing, and the need for stronger global enforcement of GI rights.

    prada

    About the Kolhapuri Chappal Controversy:

    • Cultural Origin: They originated in Kolhapur and nearby districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, dating back to the 12th–13th century, once worn by royals.
    • Craftsmanship and Features: These chappals are handmade from vegetable-tanned leather, use no nails or synthetic parts, and feature a T-strap design in natural tones.
    • GI Tag Recognition: They received a GI tag in 2019, covering eight districts across the two states.
    • Allegations Against Prada: Italian luxury brand Prada was accused of unauthorised cultural appropriation for selling similar sandals without acknowledging the traditional origin.
    • Global Enforcement Gap: The controversy highlights the limited international protection for GI-tagged goods and the need for stronger legal safeguards abroad.

    Earlier Cultural Misappropriation Cases:

    • Basmati Rice (1997): The US Patent and Trademark Office granted a patent to Ricetec Inc., claiming new “lines and grains” of basmati rice. After diplomatic and legal pressure, Ricetec was barred from using the term “Basmati.”
    • Turmeric (1995): A U.S. patent was granted for turmeric’s wound-healing properties, a use long documented in Ayurveda. CSIR successfully challenged and had the patent revoked.
    • Neem (2000): The European Patent Office revoked a patent granted to the USDA and W.R. Grace for neem-based antifungal formulations, citing that such usage existed in Indian traditional knowledge.

    Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI) Tags

    • Purpose: A GI tag is a form of intellectual property that certifies a product’s origin from a specific place where its quality or reputation is uniquely linked to that location.
    • Significance: GI tags help preserve cultural heritage, promote rural livelihoods, and enable market access for indigenous communities.
    • Legal Framework in India: In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, in force since 2003, and managed by the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce.
    • Ownership and Validity: A GI tag is collectively owned by local producers, valid for 10 years, and renewable indefinitely, unlike private trademarks.
    • Examples of GI Goods: India has 658 GI goods, including Darjeeling tea, Madhubani paintings, Pashmina shawls, Chanderi sarees, and Kancheepuram silk.
    • Jurisdiction of Protection: GI protection is territorial, meaning legal misuse can only be challenged within the registered country, unless separately protected abroad.
    • Global Legal Backing: GI rights are supported by international treaties like the Paris Convention (1883) and the TRIPS Agreement (1995).

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    India’s first Genomic Atlas reveals deep Ancestry and Health Risks

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

    Why in the News?

    A landmark study published in the ‘Cell’ journal has sequenced the genomes of 2,762 Indians from 23 states and union territories, creating the most comprehensive genomic map of India to date.

    About the Genomic Atlas:

    • Overview: The Genomic Atlas is the most comprehensive genetic mapping of Indian populations, covering caste, tribe, language, geography, and urban-rural distinctions.
    • Collaboration: It was conducted by Indian and international institutions, aiming to understand how ancient migrations and social structures shaped Indian genomes.
    • Use of Molecular Clocks: Researchers used genetic mutations as molecular clocks to trace human ancestry and map the evolutionary history of diverse groups in India.
    • Focus on Disease and Ancestry: The study explores recessive disorders, disease-linked mutations, and interbreeding with archaic humans like Neanderthals and Denisovans.
    • Scope: Plans include expanding coverage to more isolated communities and building tools to track disease origins within genetically distinct Indian groups.
    • Impact on Precision Medicine: It aims to improve personalised healthcare by incorporating Indian genetic diversity into global medical research.

    Key Highlights of the Study:

    • Discovery of New Gene Variants: Over 2.6 crore previously undocumented genetic variants were discovered, many of which are absent from international gene databases.
    • Single-origin migration: Indians descend primarily from a single out-of-Africa migration ~50,000 years ago, not earlier human groups.
    • Three major ancestral components:
      • Ancient Ancestral South Indians (AASI) – early hunter-gatherers.
      • Iranian-related Neolithic farmers – from Sarazm (~4th millennium BCE).
      • Eurasian Steppe pastoralists – arrived around 2000 BCE, tied to Indo-European languages.
    • Additional East Asian ancestry: Found in East, Northeast, and some Central Indian populations (e.g., 5% in West Bengal), likely post-Gupta or rice cultivation-related (~520 CE).
    • Caste endogamy impacts: Long-term inbreeding within castes has led to high homozygosity, raising the risk of recessive genetic diseases.
    • Archaic DNA: Indian genomes show rich Neanderthal and Denisovan segments, especially in immune-related genes like MHC, TRIM, and BTNL2.
    • Unique health risks: A BCHE variant linked to anaesthetic reaction is enriched in Telangana; 7% of discovered protein-altering variants relate to serious genetic disorders.
    • Every individual had at least one genetic relative in the sample—revealing extreme interrelatedness and strong founder effects, particularly in South India.
    • Unmatched Neanderthal diversity: India harbours the widest variety of Neanderthal-derived genetic fragments among global populations.
    [UPSC 2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:

    1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.

    2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father.

    Options: 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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