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Type: Prelims Only

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

    SHUKR Gene in Flowering Plants

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

    Why in the News?

    Flowering plants appeared around 130 million years ago and rapidly diversified, puzzling scientists including Charles Darwin, who called it an “abominable mystery”.

    A new study by CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, has identified the SHUKR gene, which controls pollen development in flowering plants.

    SHUKR Gene in Flowering Plants

    About the SHUKR Gene in Flowering Plants

    • What is SHUKR? It is a newly discovered gene found in flowering plants like Arabidopsis thaliana. It plays a key role in forming pollen, which plants need to reproduce.
    • Function in the Plant Life Cycle: SHUKR is active during the sporophyte phase (the main plant body stage) and helps in producing healthy, viable pollen.
    • Effect of Gene Loss: If SHUKR is missing or not working, the plant fails to make good pollen, leading to poor or no reproduction.
    • How SHUKR Works: It controls F-box genes, which remove old proteins and replace them with new ones to help pollen grow well.
    • Adaptive Advantage: SHUKR and F-box genes evolve quickly, allowing plants to adjust to harsh conditions like heat, cold, or drought.
    • Evolutionary Origin: This gene first appeared 125 million years ago in eudicots, a plant group that now includes three-fourths of all flowering plants.
    • Why it matters: SHUKR shows that pollen-making is closely linked with the rest of the plant, challenging the earlier belief that these processes were separate.
    • Significance: Climate change causes heat-induced pollen damage in flowering plants, but genes like SHUKR could help develop climate-resilient crops.

    Back2Basics: Darwin’s “Abominable Mystery”

    • Darwin’s Confusion: Charles Darwin was puzzled by the sudden appearance and rapid spread of flowering plants about 130 million years ago — calling it an “abominable mystery”.
    • Mismatch with Evolutionary Pace: According to standard evolution theory, species change slowly over time, but flowering plants diversified very quickly, showing great variety.
    • Genetic Explanation: The SHUKR gene may solve this mystery by showing how flowering plants gained molecular tools to adapt and reproduce faster.
    • New Insight: This discovery offers a genetic explanation for the rapid rise of flowering plants and helps clarify Darwin’s long-standing puzzle.

     

    [UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:

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

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

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

    Select the correct- answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

    What if China stops Brahmaputra Water? 

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

    Why in the News?

    Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma dismissed Pakistan’s claim about China blocking the Brahmaputra’s water as a baseless panic tactic with no scientific substance.

    Sarma’s Clarification on the Brahmaputra Issue:

    • Brahmaputra is an Indian river and not fully controlled by China.
    • Only about 30–35% of the river’s flow comes from China, mainly through glacial melt and rainfall on the Tibetan Plateau.
    • A major 65–70% of the river’s volume is generated within India, especially from monsoon rains and Indian tributaries.
    • He explained that the river’s flow increases from 2,000–3,000 cubic metres/second at the Indo-China border to 15,000–20,000 m³/s in Assam during the monsoon.
    • This proves that India plays a dominant role in sustaining the river, not China.
    • Even if China tried to restrict the river’s flow, it could help reduce annual floods in Assam that displace thousands of people.
    • He confirmed that China has never threatened to weaponize the Brahmaputra.

    About Brahmaputra River System:

    • The Brahmaputra River System is one of the major Himalayan drainage systems, along with the Ganga and Indus.
    • Stretch: It stretches over 2,900 kilometres, making it one of the longest rivers in Asia.
    • Origin: It originates in the Chemayungdung glacier in southwestern Tibet, where it is known as the Tsangpo River.
    • Catchment countries:
      • The river flows through Tibet, India (Arunachal Pradesh and Assam), and Bangladesh.
      • In Tibet, the river flows slowly with a wide, navigable channel for about 640 km.
      • Upon entering India through Arunachal Pradesh, it becomes the Dihang, and later merges with Lohit and Dibang rivers to be called the Brahmaputra.
      • In Bangladesh, it is called the Jamuna, which merges with the Ganga (Padma) and Meghna before flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
    • The world’s largest and smallest river islands, Majuli and Umananda, are located on the Brahmaputra in Assam.
    • Important Tributaries:
      • Left-bank tributaries: Lhasa, Nyang, Parlung Zangbo, Lohit, Dhanashri, Kolong
      • Right-bank tributaries: Kameng, Manas, Beki, Raidak, Jaldhaka, Teesta, Subansiri
    • States the River Flows Through in India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, West Bengal, and Sikkim.
    • Major Cities on the River: Dibrugarh, Pasighat, Neamati, Tezpur, and Guwahati.
    • Major Hydel Projects:
      • Arunachal Pradesh: Subansiri, Kameng, Ranganadi, etc.
      • Assam: Kopili
      • Sikkim: Teesta, Rangit
      • Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram: Multiple local hydropower stations
    [UPSC 2016] With reference to the Brahmaputra River, which of the following is/are tributary/ tributaries of Brahmaputra?

    1. Dibang

    2. Kameng

    3. Lohit

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

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  • D Gukesh defeats World no.1 Magnus Carlsen 

    Prelims Only | Trivia | Mains Paper 1:

    Why in the News?

    D Gukesh, the reigning World Chess Champion, achieved a milestone by defeating world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen for the first time in a classical game during Round 6 of Norway Chess.

    Who is D. Gukesh?

    • About: D Gukesh is an Indian chess grandmaster (born on May 29, 2006) and the current World Chess Champion.
    • Early Start: He started playing chess at the age of seven and quickly rose to fame due to his extraordinary skill.
    • Topmost Indian Player: In September 2023, he became India’s highest-rated chess player, ending Viswanathan Anand’s 37-year reign.
    • Global Recognition: He is considered one of the most talented chess prodigies in the world today.

    His Accomplishments:

    • FIDE Master Title: In 2015, he became a FIDE Master after winning the Under-9 Asian School Chess Championship.
    • International Master: In March 2018, he became an International Master at the age of 11.
    • Grandmaster Milestone: At 12 years and 7 months, he became the second-youngest Grandmaster in history.
    • World Youth Champion: He won the Under-12 World Youth Chess Championship in 2018.
    • Asian Youth Success: He won five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Championships in classical, rapid, blitz, and team events.
    • Chess Olympiad 2022: In the 44th Chess Olympiad, he won individual gold on board one and helped India win team bronze.
    • Victory Over Carlsen: In 2022, he defeated Magnus Carlsen in rapid chess at the Aimchess Rapid tournament.
    • Crossed 2700 Elo: He crossed the 2700 Elo rating in 2022, becoming the third-youngest to achieve it.
    • Broke Carlsen’s Record: In August 2023, he crossed 2750 Elo, becoming the youngest ever to do so.
    • Candidates Tournament: He won the 2024 Candidates Tournament, becoming the youngest player to ever win it.
    • World Champion Title: On December 12, 2024, at 18 years and 195 days, he defeated Ding Liren to become the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion.
    • Indian Chess Legacy: He became only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the world title.
    • Chess Olympiad 2024: At the 45th Chess Olympiad, he helped India win team gold and secured individual gold.
    • National Honour: In January 2025, he received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour.
    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    I. In the finals of the 45th Chess Olympiad held in 2024, Gukesh Dommaraju became the world’s youngest winner after defeating the Russian player Ian Nepomniachtchi.

    II. Abhimanyu Mishra, an American chess player, holds the record of becoming world’s youngest ever Grandmaster.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: a) I only b) II only* c) Both I and II d) Neither I nor II

     

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Places in News: Zangezur Corridor

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

    Why in the News?

    The aftermath of Operation Sindoor highlights India’s strategic concerns over the proposed Zangezur Corridor in Armenia backed by Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

    Zangezur Corridor

    About the Zangezur Corridor:

    • What it is: The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed land route through Armenia’s Syunik Province that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan region, cutting across Armenian land.
    • Who supports it: Azerbaijan and Turkiye back the project. They want a direct link without Armenian border checks or customs interference.
    • Route Details: The corridor would be about 43–44 km long and pass near the Iran-Armenia border, giving it high geopolitical value.
    • Why it’s controversial:
      • Azerbaijan sees it as a post-war right after its win in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
      • Armenia insists it must have full control and sovereignty over any transport through its territory.
    • Turkiye’s Interest: It wants to use this corridor as part of its Middle Corridor project to connect with Central Asia and Europe via land routes.
    • Opposition: Iran and Armenia oppose the corridor, fearing it could:
      • Isolate Armenia,
      • Weaken Iranian access, and
      • Threaten Armenia’s territorial integrity.

    How it concerns India?

    • Strategic Ties: India is a key defence partner for Armenia and supports regional stability in the South Caucasus.
    • Trade Ambitions: India is:
      • Developing Chabahar Port in Iran,
      • Working on a transport route via Iran–Armenia–Georgia to Europe, bypassing Pakistan and the Suez Canal.
    • Concerns: If the Zangezur Corridor bypasses Armenian control, it could:
      • Disrupt India’s land trade route to Europe,
      • Reduce Iran’s regional access,
      • Weaken India’s strategic reach.
    • Larger Geo-Politics: Turkiye and Azerbaijan’s growing influence in the region is worrying for India, especially since Turkiye opposes India’s IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor).
    • India’s Stand: India supports Armenia’s sovereignty and opposes unilateral moves, aiming to:
      • Protect its trade routes,
      • Preserve strategic balance, and
      • Counter regional encirclement.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:

    Regions often mentioned in news : Reason for being in news

    1. North Kivu and Ituri : War between Armenia an Azerbaijan

    2. Nagorno-Karabakh : Insurgency in Mozambique

    3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia : Dispute between Israel and Lebanon How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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

     

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  • Iran’s Nuclear Program & Western Sanctions

    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

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

    Why in the news?

    As of May 17, Iran holds 408.6 kg of enriched uranium (near to the weapons-grade level) up to 60%, up sharply from 274.8 kg in February 2024, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

    • What it is: The IAEA is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and ensures it is not used for making nuclear weapons.
    • Establishment: It was created in 1957 following U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech. It is autonomous but reports to the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
    • Where it is based: Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria, at the UN Office.
    • Members: The IAEA has 178 member countries, including India, which was a founding member.
    • Key Roles:
      • Promote peaceful nuclear technology use.
      • Prevent nuclear weapon development through safeguards.
      • Set safety and security standards for nuclear plants and materials.
    • Global Responsibilities:
      • It monitors the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to make sure countries don’t misuse nuclear materials.
      • It performs inspections, gives training, and supports countries in nuclear emergencies.
    • Recognition: In 2005, the IAEA won the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the spread of nuclear weapons.

    IAEA and India:

    • India is a founding member: It supports the IAEA’s mission for peaceful nuclear development.
    • Nuclear Reactors Monitoring: Out of 22 nuclear reactors, 14 are monitored by the IAEA. These reactors use imported uranium from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Canada.
    • Obligations imposed: In 2014, under the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement, India accepted IAEA safeguards to show transparency.
    [UPSC 2020] In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?

    Options: (a) Some use uranium and others use thorium (b) Some use imported uranium, and others use domestic supplies* (c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic (d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

     

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Neolithic Site of Daojali Hading in Assam

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

    Why in the News?

    A recent archaeological survey has confirmed that Daojali Hading, located in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, was a Neolithic habitation zone over 2,700 years ago.

    About Daojali Hading Neolithic Site:

    • Location: It is an important Neolithic archaeological site located in Dima Hasao district, Assam, within the Langting-Mupa Reserve Forest.
    • How old is it: Recent surveys by a multidisciplinary team have confirmed the site as a settled Neolithic habitation zone, over 2,700 years old.
    • Key discoveries:
      • Furnace remains and iron slag, indicating early metallurgical activity.
      • Cord-marked pottery, grinding stones, mortars and pestles, and polished stone tools such as arrowheads, celts, and adzes.
    • Significance: These findings suggest that Daojali Hading was not just a tool-making site, but a functioning settlement where people lived, cooked, crafted tools, and worked with metals.

    Neolithic Site of Daojali Hading in Assam

    Back2Basics: Neolithic Period in India

    • The Neolithic Age in India began around 7,000 B.C. and lasted until 1,000 B.C. It is the final phase of the Stone Age, following the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Ages.
    • This period is marked by:
      • The beginning of settled agriculture andthe  domestication of animals.
      • Use of polished stone tools like axes, celts, and chisels.
      • Construction of mud and reed houses, sometimes using mud bricks.
      • Introduction of pottery in forms like grey ware, black burnished ware, and mat-impressed ware.
      • A community lifestyle with shared ownership of land and tools.
    • Neolithic people in India grew wheat, barley, rice, cotton, horse gram, and ragi, and domesticated cattle, goats, and sheep.
    • They lived in circular or rectangular houses, near rivers and lakes, and relied on hunting, fishing, and early farming.

    Major Neolithic Sites in India:

    Region Site Key Features
    North-Western India Burzahom (Kashmir) Pit dwellings, stone tools, and animal domestication
    Gufkral (Kashmir) Early agriculture and handmade pottery
    North India Chirand (Bihar) Polished tools, fishing economy
    North-East India Daojali Hading (Assam) Discussed above.
    South India Utnur (Andhra Pradesh) Large stone structures, farming tools
    Pakistan (Indian Subcontinent) Mehrgarh (Balochistan) Earliest Neolithic site, settled farming, and granaries

     

    [UPSC 2021] Question: Consider the following pairs:

    Historical place: Well known for

    1. Burzahom : Rock cut shrines

    2. Chandraketugarh : Terracotta art

    3. Ganeshwar: Copper artefacts

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    In news: Valley of Flowers National Park

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand opened to tourists on June 1 for its annual four-month window.

    Valley of Flowers National Park

    About the Valley of Flowers National Park:

    • Location: The park is in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
    • Altitude and Size: It covers 87 square kilometres and lies at 3,352 to 3,658 metres above sea level.
    • Protected Status: Declared a National Park in 1980 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
    • Natural Features: Known for its colourful meadows, dense forests, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains.
    • Mountain Range: Lies in the transition zone between the Zanskar and Great Himalaya ranges.
    • River System: The Pushpawati River, from the Tipra Glacier, flows through the valley into the Alaknanda River.
    • Ecosystem: It is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which was named a UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve in 2004.

    Flora and Fauna of the Valley:

    • Plant Diversity: The valley has over 520–650 species of flowers like orchids, primulas, poppies, daisies, and the sacred brahmakamal.
    • Flora by Altitude Zones:
      1. Sub-alpine (3,200–3,500 m): Trees like maple, fir, birch, and rhododendron.
      2. Lower alpine (3,500–3,700 m): Shrubs like junipers, willows, and geraniums.
      3. Higher alpine (above 3,700 m): Mosses, lichens, and the blue Himalayan poppy.
    • Animal Life: Includes rare species like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and the Himalayan monal bird.
    [UPSC 2019] Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?

    Options: (a) Manas National Park (b) Namdapha National Park (c) Neora Valley National Park (d) Valley of Flowers National Park*

     

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  • Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

    Jharkhand to set up its first Tiger Safari near Palamau TR

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The Jharkhand government has announced to establish its first tiger safari in the fringe area of the Barwadih Western Forest Range in Latehar district, which is part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR).

    What is a Tiger Safari?

    • About: A tiger safari is a tourist activity where visitors observe tigers in natural-like habitats, usually around tiger reserves.
    • Legal Status: The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 does NOT define tiger safaris but restricts construction in protected areas unless approved by the National Board for Wildlife.
    • Policy Origin: The idea was formally introduced in 2012 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under its tourism guidelines.
    • Rules on Tiger Inclusion (2016): Initially, safaris were allowed only in buffer or fringe zones and could host rescued or conflict tigers, not zoo-bred ones.
    • Amended Rules (2019): The NTCA later allowed even zoo-bred tigers, with Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in charge of animal welfare.
    • Supreme Court Ruling (2024): The court ordered that safaris must be built outside core and buffer zones to protect wild habitats.

    About Jharkhand’s Tiger Safari Project:

    • Location: Planned in the Barwadih Western Range, outside core and buffer zones of Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR), in line with the Supreme Court’s order.
    • Animal Inclusion: Will house only rescued, injured, or orphaned tigers from various reserves and zoos — not wild tigers from PTR.
    • Tourism and Employment: The project aims to boost tourism and create jobs for around 200 locals as guides and staff.
    • Approval Process: The plan is still in early stages. After state Forest Department approval, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will go to NTCA and CZA.

    Back2Basics: Palamu Tiger Reserve

    • It is located in Jharkhand’s Latehar and Garhwa districts, is one of India’s oldest tiger reserves, established under Project Tiger in 1973.
    • Spanning over 1,014 sq. km, it features a diverse landscape of valleys, hills, plains and is nourished by rivers like the North Koel, Auranga, and Burha.
    • The reserve is rich in moist and dry deciduous forests, dominated by Sal and bamboo.
    • It is home to key wildlife species, including tigers, Asiatic elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.

     

    [UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

    Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans

     

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

    300th Birth Anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar 

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

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister paid tributes to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar on her 300th birth anniversary.

    About Ahilyabai Holkar:

    • Early Life: Born on May 31, 1725, in Chondi village, (in erstwhile Ahilyanagar District) Maharashtra, Ahilyabai belonged to the Shephard community. Her father, a village head, taught her to read and write—rare for girls then.
    • Marriage and Loss: Married to Khande Rao Holkar in 1733, she was widowed in 1754. Her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar, saw her potential and stopped her from committing sati.
    • Rise to power: After the deaths of her husband, father-in-law, and son, she became ruler of Malwa in 1765 with support from the Peshwa and her army.
    • Capital and Leadership: She moved the capital to Maheshwar, making it a centre of culture, governance, and trade.
    • Military and Administration: Ahilyabai personally led armies and appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar as military commander. She promoted justice, welfare, and agricultural growth.

    Legacy and Contributions:

    • Temple Restoration: Rebuilt presend-day Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1780 and renovated shrines across India, including in Somnath, Haridwar, Pushkar, and Rameswaram.
    • Pilgrim Support: Built rest houses, pilgrim shelters, and ghats to support religious travellers.
    • Maheshwari Sari and Weavers: Promoted the handloom industry, empowering local weavers and women economically.
    • Social Reforms: Protected widows’ rights, supported tribal communities, and ran a secular and inclusive administration.
    • Cultural Patronage: Her court welcomed poets and scholars, including Moropant and Khushali Ram, making Maheshwar an intellectual hub.
    • Peaceful Rule: Her 30-year reign was free from war, making Malwa a rare place of peace and prosperity in a chaotic era.
    • Recognition: Jawaharlal Nehru called her an able ruler; British historian John Keay called her “The Philosopher Queen”.
    • Ongoing Honour: A proposal exists to rename Ahmednagar in Maharashtra as Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Nagar in her memory.
    [UPSC 2009] With reference to Stree Shakti Puraskar, for which of the following is ‘Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award’ given?

    Options: (a) Administrative skills (b) Achievements in Scientific Research (c) Achievements in Sports and Games (d) Courage and valour*

     

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

    JNCASR develops Fast-Charging Sodium-Ion Battery

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

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru have developed a super-fast charging Sodium-ion battery.

    About Sodium-Ion Battery and Its Working:

    • What it is: Sodium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that use sodium (Na⁺) ions to carry electric charge, instead of lithium.
    • How it works: During charging and discharging, sodium ions move between the anode (negative) and cathode (positive) — similar to how lithium-ion batteries function.
    • Innovation: A sodium-ion battery developed by JNCASR uses NASICON-type chemistry, a special material structure that ensures fast ion movement and stability.
    • Performance Boost: The team used nano-particles, added a carbon coating, and used aluminium doping to improve charging speed and battery life.
    • Fast Charging & Long Life: The battery can charge up to 80% in 6 minutes and last over 3,000 charge-discharge cycles.
    • Tested for Safety: The battery passed tests using electrochemical cycling and quantum simulations, proving it is safe and durable.

    Advantages over Lithium-Ion Batteries:

    • Sodium is abundant and cheaper than lithium, and it can be extracted from seawater.
    • Sodium-ion batteries are safer, as they can be transported at zero voltage and used in high temperatures without risk of fire.
    • They are more eco-friendly, with less environmental damage during extraction compared to lithium.
    • Material costs are lower because they use aluminium instead of copper.
    • India can reduce its dependence on China, which controls much of the lithium battery supply chain.
    • These batteries are ideal for renewable energy applications, such as solar grids, electric vehicles, drones, and rural electrification in extreme climates.
    [UPSC 2025] In the context of electric vehicles, consider the following elements:

    I. Cobalt II. Graphite III. Lithium IV. Nickel

    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three * (d) All the four

     

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