Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

State of Tigers Prey in India

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

Why in the News?

For the first time, India has conducted a detailed assessment of ungulate species (mammals with hoofs on their foot, like deer, pigs, antelopes, and bison), which are vital prey for tigers and important for forest ecosystems.

About Status of Tiger Prey in India:

The report titled “Status of Ungulates in Tiger Habitats of India” was released by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), using data from the 2022 All-India Tiger Estimation.
This is the first national-level assessment of ungulates, the hoofed mammals like chital, sambar, gaur, wild pig, nilgai, which form the core prey base of tigers.
Ungulates are essential not only for tiger survival but also for maintaining healthy forest ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and promoting soil and vegetation health.
The study stresses that tiger numbers alone are not enough; prey density and habitat quality must also be monitored to assess ecosystem health.
It establishes that 30 ungulates per sq km are needed to support 4 tigers per 100 sq km, but growth is constrained by territoriality, interspecies competition, and habitat fragmentation.

Key Highlights:

Prey Decline in East-Central India: Significant decline in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh due to habitat loss, deforestation, urbanization, mining, subsistence hunting, civil unrest, and Left Wing Extremism.
Thriving Regions: Healthier prey populations in the Shivalik-Gangetic Plains (Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar), Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, the Western Ghats, and Northeast India.
Species Trends:
- Chital is the most widespread and adaptable species.
- Sambar and gaur remain stable in central and southern forests.
- Hog deer and barasingha show sharp decline due to wetland degradation and habitat isolation.
Human-Wildlife Conflict:
- In low-prey areas like Tadoba and Ratapani, tigers prey on livestock, increasing conflict.
- Wild pigs and nilgai damage crops, leading to retaliatory killings and local resentment.
Conservation Measures:
- On-site prey breeding in predator-proof enclosures
- Forest restoration and better habitat connectivity
- Focused protection of sanctuaries and buffer zones
- Reducing habitat fragmentation caused by roads, railways, and power lines

About Tiger Conservation in India

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.
- Umbrella species: Protecting tigers helps conserve other species.
Key driver of ecotourism and related industries.
Cultural & Spiritual Significance: Symbolizes power and strength.
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.
Tigers are also flagship species listed among the 7 big cats under the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).

[UPSC 2001] A pesticide which is a chlorinated hydrocarbon is sprayed on a food crop. The food chain is: Food crop – Rat -Snake – Hawk.

In this food chain, the highest concentration of the pesticide would accumulate in which one of the following?

Options: (a) Food crop (b) Rat (c) Snake (d) Hawk*

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Massive eruption of Italy’s Mount Etna

Prelims Only World Mapping | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

Why in the News?

Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, has erupted sending ash, smoke, and rock fragments several kilometres into the sky.

Why do Volcanoes Erupt?

Magma Formation: Deep within Earth, high temperature and pressure melt rocks into magma.
Gas Expansion: Magma contains gases like water vapor, CO₂, and SO₂. As magma rises, the pressure drops, allowing these gases to form bubbles, increasing internal pressure.
Crustal Weaknesses: At tectonic boundaries or mantle plumes, cracks and faults in Earth’s crust provide pathways for magma to escape.
Eruption Mechanism:
- As pressure builds, magma is pushed upwards.
- If blocked, the gas expansion can explode through the crust, ejecting lava, ash, and gases.
Signals: If magma flow is suddenly stopped by solid rock, it may create low-frequency seismic waves (pre-eruption tremors).

Next Census to conclude by March 2027

About Mount Etna:

Location: Situated on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, near the city of Catania.
Type: Mount Etna is a stratovolcano (also called a composite volcano), which is formed from layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and rocks.
Height: It stands at approximately 3,300 meters, making it the tallest volcano in Europe south of the Alps.
Recognition: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, with documented volcanic activity for at least 2,700 years.
Eruption Record: Etna is almost constantly active. Notable eruptions have occurred in 1400 B.C., 1669, 2001, 2018, 2021, 2024, and 2025.
Volcanic Activity Style: Known for Strombolian and effusive eruptions, with occasional Plinian eruptions (rare and more explosive).

Reasons Behind the June 2025 Eruption:

Nature of Eruption: The eruption is classified as either Strombolian or possibly Plinian, depending on interpretation:
- Strombolian Eruption: Characterized by moderate explosive bursts, caused by gas bubbles in magma suddenly bursting at the surface.
- Plinian Eruption: Some volcanologists suggest this classification due to the large ash column that may have reached the stratosphere.
Eruption Trigger: The eruption likely began due to pressure buildup from gas within the magma chamber, leading to collapse of the southeast crater and lava flows.

[UPSC 2024] Consider the following:

1. Pyroclastic debris

2. Ash and dust

3. Nitrogen compounds

4. Sulphur compounds

How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) Only four*

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Air Pollution

Rising ‘Black Carbon’ heating Himalayan Snow: Study

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

Why in the News?

A recent study by the think-tank Climate Trends has revealed that levels of black carbon in the Himalayas have been rising steadily over the past two decades.

About Black Carbon (BC):

What is it: Black carbon is a fine particulate pollutant formed from the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels.
Impact: It is a short-lived climate pollutant and the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide.
Lifespan: Unlike CO₂, black carbon stays in the atmosphere for short periods and can be quickly reduced if emissions stop.
Warming Mechanism: As an aerosol, it absorbs sunlight, heats the atmosphere, and reduces albedo when deposited on snow and ice, leading to faster melting.
Health Effects: Exposure increases the risk of heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.

Major Sources in India:

- Residential Biomass Burning: Accounts for 47% of BC emissions, including cow dung and straw burning.
- Industries and Vehicles: Industries contribute 22%, while diesel vehicles add 17%.
- Other Sources: Open burning contributes 12%, and other minor sources 2%.
- High-Emission States: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are major emitters due to agricultural and forest fires.
- Biofuel Usage: Alone contributes nearly 42% of India’s total BC emissions.

Key Findings from the Study (2000–2023):

Snow Temperature Rise: Himalayan snow surface temperature rose from -11.27°C to -7.13°C over two decades.
Regional Trends: The Eastern Himalayas were warmest, followed by the Central and Western regions.
BC Influence: Deposits of black carbon lower snow reflectivity, increase heat absorption, and accelerate glacier melt.
Population Risk: Glacier loss threatens the freshwater supply for nearly 2 billion people downstream.
Increase in Snow Depth: Despite warming, average snow depth rose from 0.059 m to 0.117 m.
Reasons: This is due to more snowfall, changing precipitation, and wind redistribution.
Regional Comparison: The Western Himalayas showed highest snow depth, linked to elevation and winter storms, while the Eastern and Central Himalayas had less snow due to proximity to BC sources.

[UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:

1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries;

2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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International Monetary Fund,World Bank,AIIB, ADB and India

India opposed to ADB’s funding to Pakistan

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

Why in the News?

India has strongly objected to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) decision to provide an $800 million loan to Pakistan under its Resource Mobilisation Reform Programme.

About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):

Established: 1966, following a UN-led conference on Asian Economic Cooperation.
Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
Status: Official Observer at the United Nations
Objectives:
- To reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific.
- To promote inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth and regional economic integration.
Functions:
- Provides loans (hard and soft), grants, and technical assistance.
- Offers direct funding to private sector projects with social benefits.
- Supports countries through policy dialogues, co-financing, and advisory services.
Funding Sources:
- Issues bonds on global capital markets.
- Receives member contributions, loan repayments, and retained earnings.
Membership and Shareholding:
- 67 members: 48 from Asia-Pacific.
- Major shareholders: Japan and USA (each 15.607%), China (6.444%), India (6.331%), Australia (5.786%).
Climate Goals:
- Aims to mobilize $100 billion for climate finance between 2019 and 2030.
- Promotes sustainable development initiatives such as green fuel projects, including one in Pakistan funded partly by ADB.

India’s concerns over ADB Funding:

India emphasized that Pakistan’s defense spending has risen significantly even as its tax-to-GDP ratio fell from 13% in 2017-18 to 9.2% in 2022-23.
This tax ratio is significantly below the Asia-Pacific average of 19%, suggesting poor revenue collection and financial mismanagement.
India stressed to ADB that it expects strict oversight mechanisms to be implemented to avoid diversion of funds.
India has previously opposed financial aid to Pakistan at other fora like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is reportedly preparing a dossier to request Pakistan’s re-entry into the FATF grey list.

[UPSC 2024] Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?

(a) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) * (b) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (c) The New Development Bank (NDB) (d) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

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

Next Census to conclude by March 2027

Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

Why in the News?

The Government of India will conduct its next population census by March 1, 2027, after an unprecedented 16-year gap.

About the Census of India:

Definition: The Census of India is a nationwide decadal exercise that gathers demographic, social, economic, and cultural data from every resident, regardless of citizenship.
Authority: It is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General (Ministry of Home Affairs) and Census Commissioner under the Census Act, 1948.
Utility: Data from the census is used to formulate policies, redraw electoral boundaries, and implement welfare schemes.

Significance of the Upcoming Census:

Reference Dates: Most of India will use March 1, 2027, while Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will use October 1, 2026.
Two-Phase Format: It will be conducted in two stages — House Listing and Housing Schedule, followed by Population Enumeration, which will include caste data.
Digital Firsts: This will be India’s first digital census, using a mobile app and offering self-enumeration via an online portal (for NPR-updated households).
Preparation: The 24 lakh enumeration blocks identified for the 2021 census will be reused.
Delimitation Link: The 84th Constitutional Amendment (2001) mandates that delimitation of constituencies be based on the first census after 2026.
Women’s Reservation: The 33% women’s reservation law (128th Amendment) also depends on data from this census.
New Inclusion: The upcoming census will include caste enumeration, likely as a plain list, without grouping under OBC.
NPR Update: No official announcement has been made regarding an update to the National Population Register (NPR), though it holds data for 119 crore residents.

History of Census in India:

Ancient Mentions: Rig Veda (800–600 BCE) and Arthashastra (321–296 BCE) mentioned population counting for taxation and governance.
Early Colonial Efforts:
- Partial censuses conducted in Allahabad (1824), Banaras (1827–28), and Dacca (1830).
- Fort St. George conducted returns in 1836–37; quinquennial returns started in Madras (1851–67).
First Attempted Pan-India Census:
- 1872: Non-synchronous census; not all British territories covered.
- 17 questions were asked via a house register.
First Modern Census:
- 1881: Conducted under W.C. Plowden; considered the first synchronous and scientific census of India.
- Covered most of British India except Kashmir, French & Portuguese territories.
Subsequent Censuses (1891–1941):
- Held every 10 years: 1891, 1901, 1911, 1921, 1931, and 1941.
- Introduced and refined questions on caste, religion, language, literacy, occupation, disability, etc.
1941 Census:
- Conducted during World War II under difficult conditions.
- Introduced sampling, and used individual slips for detailed data.

Caste Enumeration to Begin:

Caste data was last collected in 1931, excluding SC/ST information.
Post-1951 Trend: From 1951 to 2011, only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes data were recorded.
SECC 2011: The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census included caste data, but it was never released.
Data Entry Field: A new drop box for caste will be added beside the existing SC/ST section.

[UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.

2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Integral Humanism: The Philosophy of Deendayal Upadhyay

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

Why in the News?

A mainstream political party is celebrating 60 years of Integral Humanism (Ekatm Manav-vad), a political philosophy introduced by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.

About Deendayal Upadhyaya and His Contributions:

Birth and Legacy: Born on September 25, 1916, in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh; his birth anniversary is marked as Antyodaya Diwas since 2014.
RSS and BJS Roles: He was a pracharak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and co-founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS).
Leadership: Served as President of BJS, laying its ideological foundation.
Antyodaya Concept: Coined “Antyodaya”, meaning upliftment of the last person, central to several welfare schemes.
Advocated Ideas: Promoted Swadeshi (self-reliance) and decentralization of power for inclusive development.
Inspired Schemes:
Mysterious Death: Found dead on February 11, 1968, near Mughalsarai railway station, now renamed Deendayal Nagar. The case remains unresolved.

His Philosophy of Integral Humanism:

Introduction: Proposed in 1965 through four lectures in Mumbai, promoting Indian values over foreign ideologies.
Core Idea: Aims for holistic development — body, mind, intellect, and soul — grounded in cultural and spiritual ethics.
Chiti and Dharma: Defined ‘Chiti’ as the soul of the nation and ‘Dharma’ as the ethical base of national integrity.
Six Economic Objectives:

1. Minimum living standard for all citizens.
2. Global welfare through Indian values.
3. Employment for all able-bodied individuals.
4. No wastage of natural resources.
5. Promotion of indigenous technology.
6. Flexible industrial ownership based on practicality.

Further Influence: Expanded by Dattopant Thengdi, founder of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS).
Intellectual Roots: Drew inspiration from Daishik Shastra (1923), a text respected by Gandhi and Tilak; studied during a visit to Almora in 1958–59.

[UPSC 2020] One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is:

Options: (a) the final goal of a stateless society * (b) class struggle. (c) abolition of private property. (d) economic determinism.

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

IISc develops Nanozyme to prevent Abnormal Blood Clotting

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

Why in the News?

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have created an artificial metal-based nanozyme that can help prevent dangerous blood clotting, especially in conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and COVID-19.

What is Blood Clotting?

About: When we get a cut or injury, our body quickly stops the bleeding by forming a blood clot. This is done by special blood cells called platelets that stick together and seal the wound.
Control mechanism: This natural process is called blood clotting or haemostasis and is controlled by certain chemicals in our body like collagen and thrombin.
Post covid issues: But in some illnesses like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) or COVID-19, the body sends too many signals to make clots, even when there is no injury.
Oxidative Stress: This creates a problem called oxidative stress, where harmful molecules called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) build up in the blood. These ROS molecules over-activate the platelets, causing them to make too many clots inside blood vessels.
Hazards: This can block blood flow, leading to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, or lung problems. This condition is called thrombosis, and it can be life-threatening.

Vanadium-Based Nanozyme and Its Features:

Purpose and Design: Scientists at IISc developed vanadium-based nanozymes to mimic natural antioxidant enzymes that reduce ROS levels.
How they work: The nanozymes control oxidative stress by copying glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that removes ROS and protects platelets.
Optimal Structure: Spherical-shaped vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanozymes were found to be the most effective.
Test Results in Mice: These nanozymes reduced blood clots and improved survival in PTE-affected mice with no toxicity signs over five days.
Next Steps: Scientists plan to test the nanozyme in ischemic stroke and are optimistic about human clinical trials after promising lab results with human platelets.

[UPSC 2015] With reference to the use of nano-technology in health sector, consider the following statements:

1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.

2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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Judicial Appointments Conundrum Pre-NJAC Verdict

Appointment and Removal of High Court Judges

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

Why in the News?

The Centre will bring a motion of removal against a Judge of the Allahabad High Court and has initiated the process of building an all-party consensus for this action.

Qualifications of Judges of High Court:

Article 217(2) of the Constitution states that a person is qualified if:
- They have held judicial office in India for at least 10 years, or
- Have been an advocate in a High Court (or more than one in succession) for at least 10 years.
Tenure: As per Article 217(1), a High Court judge holds office till the age of 62 years.
Disputes over Age: Under Article 217(3), if a question arises regarding a judge’s age, the President, in consultation with the CJI, makes the final decision.

Appointment Process of High Court Judges:

Constitutional Basis: The Article 217 of the Constitution provides that High Court judges are appointed by the President of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Governor of the state, and, in the case of judges (not Chief Justices), the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned.
Role of the Collegium System: The Collegium, comprising the CJI and 2 senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, plays a key role in recommending names for appointments. It ensures collaborative decision-making and maintains the independence of the judiciary.
Procedure:

1. The Chief Justice of the High Court initiates the recommendation.
2. The proposal is forwarded to the Chief Minister, who advises the Governor.
3. The Governor sends it to the Union Law Minister, who places it before the Prime Minister, and then the President for final approval.

Policy for Chief Justices: To prevent local bias, Chief Justices of High Courts are generally appointed from outside the state.
Appointments and Transfers: The CJI and senior judges of the Supreme Court also decide on transfers of High Court judges, ensuring judicial autonomy and minimizing executive influence.

Removal:

Process: Judges of the High Court (and Supreme Court) can only be removed through removal, not by executive action.
- Requires a motion signed by at least 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs.
- The motion is examined by a three-member committee.
- If the committee finds grounds, the motion is debated and must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
Legal Framework: The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 outlines the detailed procedure for investigating and acting upon misconduct by judges.
In-House Inquiry Mechanism: For internal disciplinary matters:
- The CJI may order a preliminary inquiry based on credible complaints.
- A three-judge panel is constituted if allegations are serious.
- If the committee confirms misconduct, the CJI may ask the judge to resign.
- If the judge refuses, the judicial work is withdrawn, and removal may be considered.

Historical Removal Efforts:

No judge has been impeached in India, though attempts have been made, including the failed motions against Justice V Ramaswami (1993) and Justice Soumitra Sen (2011).
Justice V Ramaswami (1993): Faced removal for financial misconduct, but the motion failed in the Lok Sabha.
Justice Soumitra Sen (2011): Resigned after removal proceedings for misappropriating funds.
Justice K Veeraswamy: Chief Justice of Madras HC, investigated for corruption but challenged the investigation. The case remained unresolved until his death in 2010.
Justice Shamit Mukherjee (2003), Justice Nirmal Yadav (2008), and Justice SN Shukla (2017): Faced criminal charges for corruption after in-house inquiries found substantial evidence against them.

[UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

1. The mode of removal of a Judge of a High Court in India is the same as that of the removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court. 2. After retirement from office, a permanent Judge of a High Court cannot plead or act in any court or before any authority in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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Judicial Reforms

Making a Law cannot amount to Contempt of Court: Supreme Court

Prelims Only SC Judgements | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Seperation Of Power

Why in the News?

The Hon’ble Supreme Court has ruled that any law passed by Parliament or a State Legislature cannot be considered an act of contempt of court.

Supreme Court’s Verdict on the Issue:

Context: The Court heard a 2012 contempt plea, alleging that the Chhattisgarh government violated its 2011 ruling against supporting Salwa Judum and arming tribals as SPOs.
Disputed Law: Petitioners argued the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011 violated the earlier ruling.
Court’s Clarification: Passing a new law is within the plenary powers of legislatures and cannot be treated as contempt unless declared unconstitutional.
Proper Remedy: The correct approach is to challenge the law’s validity, not to file for contempt.
Separation of Powers: The Court upheld that legislature can modify or override judgments through new laws, if they respect constitutional boundaries.

About Contempt of Court:

Purpose: Contempt of court refers to actions or behaviors that are disrespectful to, or that obstruct or interfere with, the administration of justice by a court. It protects the authority and dignity of the judiciary from acts that obstruct or interfere with justice.
Constitutional Basis:
- Article 129 allows the Supreme Court to punish for its own contempt.
- Article 215 grants the same power to High Courts.
- Article 19(2) permits reasonable speech restrictions for contempt cases.
Legal Definition: The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 defines contempt; the 2006 amendment allows truth and good faith as defences.
Types:
- Civil Contempt is the wilful disobedience of court orders.
- Criminal Contempt involves actions that scandalise the court, interfere with proceedings, or obstruct justice.
Punishment: Offenders may face up to 6 months imprisonment, or a ₹2,000 fine, or both.
What Is Not Contempt: Fair reporting and genuine criticism of judgments after disposal are not considered contempt.

[UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements:

1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed.

2. The Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court and the High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves.

3. The Constitution of India defines Civil Contempt and Criminal Contempt.

4. In India, the Parliament is vested with the powers to make laws on Contempt of Court.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)

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

Why in the News?

The Indian government has proposed a phased winding down of the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN), a WHO-established network critical to tracking and eliminating polio in India.

About National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN):

Launch : The NPSN was established in 1997 as a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
Objective: Its main goal is to detect and monitor the poliovirus in India to enable quick response and containment.
Operational Structure: The network functions under the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) and includes over 200 field surveillance units across the country.
Methodology: The core method is Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, which tracks sudden paralysis in children under 15 — a key indicator of polio.
Environmental Surveillance: The NPSN also tests sewage and water samples to detect silent circulation of the virus.
Laboratory Support: A network of WHO-accredited laboratories confirms virus presence through testing of stool and water samples.
Rapid Response: Every suspected case is quickly investigated, and public health teams are deployed for control and containment.
Expanded Role: Over time, NPSN has also supported surveillance for measles, rubella, DPT, and helped train health workers on new vaccines.

Polio and Its Eradication in India:

About: Polio is a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting children under 5, potentially causing paralysis or death.
Transmission: The disease spreads via the faecal-oral route, mostly through contaminated water or food.
Types of Polioviruses:
- WPV1 still exists in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- WPV2 and WPV3 have been eradicated globally.
Infection Mechanism: Once inside the body, the virus multiplies in the intestines and may attack the nervous system, causing permanent paralysis.
Prevention through Vaccination:
- Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is given at birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with a booster at 16–24 months.
- Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV) is administered with the third DPT dose under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
Pulse Polio Campaign (1995): India launched the Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign, providing oral polio drops to all children under 5.
Eradication Milestones: The last wild polio case in India was reported in 2011, and in 2014, WHO officially declared India polio-free.
Role of NPSN: The success was enabled by strong surveillance, mass immunization, and dedicated work by NPSN and its partners.

[UPSC 2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

(a) Immunization of children and pregnant women*

(b) Construction of smart cities across the country

(d) New Educational Policy

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About Status of Tiger Prey in India:

Key Highlights:

About Tiger Conservation in India

Why in the News?

Why do Volcanoes Erupt?

About Mount Etna:

Reasons Behind the June 2025 Eruption:

Why in the News?

About Black Carbon (BC):

Key Findings from the Study (2000–2023):

Why in the News?

About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):

India’s concerns over ADB Funding:

Why in the News?

About the Census of India:

Significance of the Upcoming Census:

History of Census in India:

Caste Enumeration to Begin:

Why in the News?

About Deendayal Upadhyaya and His Contributions:

His Philosophy of Integral Humanism:

Why in the News?

What is Blood Clotting?

Vanadium-Based Nanozyme and Its Features:

Why in the News?

Qualifications of Judges of High Court:

Appointment Process of High Court Judges:

Removal:

Historical Removal Efforts:

Why in the News?

Supreme Court’s Verdict on the Issue:

About Contempt of Court:

Why in the News?

About National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN):

Polio and Its Eradication in India: