💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    State of the World’s Animal Health Report, 2025 by WOAH

    IOCRPrelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Economics Of Animal-Rearing

    Why in the News?

    The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) released the first-ever State of the World’s Animal Health report.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • India faces high risk from transboundary animal diseases, with 47% of global outbreaks between 2005–2023 being zoonotic, affecting both animals and humans.
    • African Swine Fever (ASF), which jumped 1,800 km to Sri Lanka in 2024, threatens India’s northeast pig-rearing regions already impacted in past years.
    • Avian Influenza (HPAI) saw outbreaks in non-poultry species surpass poultry in 2024; India’s dense poultry population makes cross-species transmission a growing concern.
    • Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), endemic in India, showed new serotype SAT 3 and SAT 1 activity in other countries, posing vaccine adaptation challenges.
    • Diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease and PPR, both reported in India earlier, are now spreading to new global regions, highlighting potential for reintroduction.
    • WOAH urges global action on vaccine equity, surveillance, and biosecurity, which align with India’s need to safeguard livelihoods, trade, and food security.

    About the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH):

    • Establishment: WOAH, formerly known as OIE, was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Paris, France.
    • Membership: It has 183 member countries, including India, and operates independently from the United Nations.
    • Mandate: WOAH is the global authority on animal health, working to control animal epidemics (epizootics) and improve global animal welfare.
    • Key Functions:
      • Runs the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) to track disease outbreaks.
      • Sets international health standards for trade in animals and animal products.
      • Promotes science-based animal welfare policies and transparent disease reporting.
      • Offers technical support to countries, especially developing nations.
    • Global Cooperation: Works with over 70 global partners, including the FAO.
    • India’s Role: India is a member and an active participant through the World Assembly of Delegates.
    [UPSC 2005] Which one of the following diseases of milching animals are infectious?

    1. Foot and Mouth disease

    2. Anthrax

    3. Black Quarter

    4. Cowpox

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Short Selling and Associated Risks

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Investment Models

    Why in the News?

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering a proposal to ease restrictions on short selling in most stocks.

    SEBI’s January 2024 proposal to bar short-selling in stocks that are not in the futures and options segment had caused uncertainty.

    What is Short Selling?

    • Definition: Short selling is a strategy where an investor sells a stock first and buys it later, aiming to profit from a price drop.
    • Opposite of Normal Trade: Unlike regular buying (buy low, sell high), short selling works on selling high and buying low.
    • How It Works: You borrow the stock from a broker, sell it at the market price, and later buy it back at a lower price to return it.
    • Example: If a stock is sold at ₹2,100 and later bought at ₹1,900, the profit is ₹200. If the price rises to ₹2,300 instead, the loss is ₹200.

    Types of Short Selling:

    1. Short Selling in the Spot Market (Cash Segment):
    • Shorting is allowed only for intraday trading (buying and selling financial instruments (like stocks) on the same day).
    • You must square off the position (buy back the stock) before 3:30 p.m. on the same day.
    • If not squared off, it leads to short delivery, where the exchange settles the trade through an auction.
    • There may be heavy penalties if the position is not closed on time.
    1. Short Selling in the Futures Market:
    • Here, you can hold your short position overnight or even roll it over to the next month.
    • You must deposit margin money, which is generally higher.
    • Futures shorting is riskier and is mostly used by experienced traders.
    • This type allows more flexibility but involves greater financial commitment.

    Risks Associated with Short Selling:

    • Unlimited Losses: If the stock price rises sharply, losses are unlimited.
    • Short Delivery Risk: Failing to buy back in the spot market can lead to penalties.
    • Liquidity Risk: Hard-to-trade stocks may lead to delayed buybacks and losses.
    • Margin Requirements: High margin costs in futures trading limit retail participation.
    • Market Volatility: Sudden movements may cause unexpected losses.
    • Not for Beginners: Due to complexity and high risk, short selling is unsuitable for new investors.
    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    Statement I: As regards returns from an investment in a company, generally, bondholders are considered to be relatively at lower risk than stockholders.

    Statement II: Bondholders are lenders to a company whereas stockholders are its owners.

    Statement III: For repayment purpose, bondholders are prioritized over stockholders by a company.

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

    (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

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

    (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

    (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Pharma Sector – Drug Pricing, NPPA, FDC, Generics, etc.

    PLI Scheme for 11 Pharma Products rolled out

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

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals has invited drug manufacturers to apply for benefits under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

    It has invited fresh applications for 11 unsubscribed or partially subscribed pharmaceutical products, including Neomycin, Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Diclofenac Sodium, to boost domestic production capacity.

    About the PLI Scheme:

    • Launch: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme was launched in March 2020.
    • Objectives: Aimed to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and create employment.
    • Initial Focus: Targeted three sectors — mobile manufacturing, electronic components, and medical devices.
    • Expansion: Later extended to 14 key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, IT hardware, automobiles, and electronics.
    • Incentive Structure: Offered 1%–4% incentives on incremental sales.
    • Impact: Attracted large-scale investments and enhanced global competitiveness of Indian industries.

    PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals:

    • Target Area: Designed to promote bulk drug and formulation manufacturing in India.
    • Product Focus: Encouraged domestic production of Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
    • Strategic Aim: Aimed to reduce import dependence, particularly on China.
    • Financial Allocation: Total outlay for the pharmaceutical PLI scheme is ₹6,940 crore.

    Tap to read more about various versions of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods.

    Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.

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

    Options: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

    India’s first ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale 

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

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI) to help understand and reduce stigma faced by patients and caregivers from sickle cell disease (SCD).

    What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

    • Nature of Disease: SCD is a genetic disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped, reducing oxygen delivery in the body.
    • Complications: These sickle cells can block blood vessels, break easily, and cause anemia, organ damage, and painful episodes.
    • Cause: The disease is inherited, requiring one defective gene from each parent; one gene leads to sickle cell trait.
    • Symptoms: Common symptoms include fatigue, body pain, swollen limbs, frequent infections, and organ damage.
    • Treatment Options: There is no universal cure, but bone marrow transplants and gene therapy offer potential solutions; supportive care helps manage symptoms.

    Note:

    • Anaemia is a condition where the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin.
    • All SCD patients have anaemia, but not all anaemia is due to Sickle Cell Disease.

    About the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI):

    • Purpose: The ISSSI is India’s first tool designed to measure stigma faced by sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and their caregivers.
    • Developing Authority: It was developed by ICMR to understand and address the social impact of SCD in India’s diverse communities.
    • Global Context: This is the fourth stigma scale worldwide and the first validated for Indian conditions.
    • Scientific Validation: The tool was validated in a study published in The Lancet (Regional Health – South-East Asia).
    • Availability: The ISSSI is now approved for use in both clinical and research settings across India.
    • Components: It includes two formats — ISSSI-Pt for patients and ISSSI-Cg for caregivers.
    • Stigma Dimensions: It captures issues related to family expectations, reproductive concerns, social disclosure, illness burden, interpersonal challenges, and negative healthcare experiences.
    • Data Sources: The scale was developed using inputs from 6 culturally diverse districts: Alluri Seetharama Raju, Anuppur, Chhoteudepur, Kandhamal, Mysuru, and Udalguri.

    India’s Strategy: Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)

    • Launch Year: The AMB Mission was launched in 2018 to reduce anemia using a 6x6x6 strategy.
    • Target Groups: It covers six groups — young children, school children, adolescents, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
    • Key Interventions: Actions include iron and folic acid supplements, deworming, nutrition education, digital health tools, IFA-fortified foods, and disease screening (including SCD).
    • Supporting Systems: It is backed by inter-ministerial coordination, state-level units, research centers, the AMB Dashboard, digital tracking, and supply chain support.
    • Reach: The mission aims to impact around 450 million people, focusing on real-time monitoring and last-mile delivery.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:

    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. 2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth. 3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents. 4. It addresses non-nutritinoal causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Tianwen-2 Mission 

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

    Why in the News?

    China is set to launch its first asteroid sampling mission, called Tianwen-2, to study and collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamo‘oalewa.

    If successful, China will join a small group of countries — including the United States and Japan — that have returned asteroid samples to Earth.

    What is the Kamo‘oalewa Asteroid?

    • Kamo‘oalewa was discovered in 2016 using the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii.
    • It is a quasi-satellite of Earth, which means it orbits the Sun but stays close to Earth and is affected by Earth’s gravity.
    • It has a highly elliptical orbit and seems to move ahead of and behind Earth, giving the illusion of orbiting Earth.
    • Kamo‘oalewa has been in this orbit for around 100 years and is expected to remain in it for the next 300 years.

    About the Tianwen-2 Mission:

    • Mission Type: Tianwen-2 is China’s first asteroid sample return mission.
    • Target: It will explore 469219 Kamo‘oalewa, a near-Earth quasi-satellite asteroid.
    • Asteroid Origin: Kamo ‘oalewa may contain lunar fragments ejected during a past collision.
    • Sample Collection:
      • Touch-and-Go Technique: Uses a projectile or gas to loosen and collect surface material.
      • Anchor-and-Attach Technique: Uses robotic arms to anchor and drill for deeper samples.
    • Post-Sample Phase: After sample return, the probe will travel to the main asteroid belt for further exploration.
    • Key Technologies: Equipped with high-resolution cameras, intelligent onboard systems, and precise control to operate in low-gravity conditions.

    Tianwen-1 Mission:

    • Mission Type: Tianwen-1 was China’s first Mars mission, launched in July 2020.
    • Launch Vehicle: It was launched aboard a Long March 5 rocket.
    • Mission Structure: Consisted of an orbiter, lander, and rover — all in one launch.
    • Landing Site: Successfully landed in Utopia Planitia, a northern Martian plain.
    • Scientific Goals:
      • Studied Martian soil, rocks, and geological structure.
      • Analyzed climate, atmosphere, and subsurface water or ice.
    • Unique Feature: Deployed the first ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface.

     

    [UPSC 2014] Consider the following pairs:

    Spacecraft Purpose

    1. Cassini-Huygens : Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth.

    2. Messenger : Mapping and investigating.

    3. Voyager 1 and 2 : Exploring the outer solar system.

    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 only

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • What is the Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) Case?

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

    Why in the News?

    The Golaknath case (IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab, 1967) is one of the most important judgments in India’s constitutional history. It was the first time the Supreme Court said that Parliament cannot amend fundamental rights.

    About the Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) Case:

    • Case Name: IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) is a landmark case in Indian constitutional history.
    • Background: The Golaknath family from Punjab challenged the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953, which declared their land surplus under land ceiling laws.
    • Claim of Violation: They argued the law violated their Fundamental Right to property, protected under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31.
    • Ninth Schedule Issue: The Act was placed under the Ninth Schedule by the 17th Constitutional Amendment, making it immune to judicial review.
    • Main Legal Question: Could Parliament amend Fundamental Rights under Article 368, or are such amendments invalid under Article 13(2)?
    • Arguments: The petitioners claimed Fundamental Rights are sacrosanct, while the government asserted Parliament’s full power to amend the Constitution.
    • Supreme Court Verdict: On February 27, 1967, in a 6:5 majority, the Court held that:
      • Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights.
      • Amendments are “law” and subject to Article 13(2).
      • The ruling would apply only prospectively, not to past amendments.
    • Overruled Judgments: The decision overturned earlier rulings in Sankari Prasad (1951) and Sajjan Singh (1964) that allowed unrestricted amendments.

    Legacy of the Golaknath Case:

    • Judicial Restraint on Parliament: This was the first case to restrict Parliament’s power to amend Fundamental Rights.
    • Judiciary’s Role Strengthened: It reinforced the Supreme Court’s duty to protect civil liberties and limit legislative overreach.
    • Prospective Overruling: Introduced the concept to ensure legal stability without undoing past amendments.
    • Constitutional Values Upheld: Affirmed that the Constitution has core values that must be protected, especially Fundamental Rights.

    Influence on Future Cases:

    • Indira Gandhi Election Case (1975): Built upon the idea that democracy is a basic feature of the Constitution.
    • Minerva Mills Case (1980): Reaffirmed limits on Parliament’s amending power and emphasised judicial review.
    • Foundational Impact: Although later rulings allowed some flexibility, the Golaknath case laid the foundation for the Basic Structure Doctrine.
    • Lasting Message: It ensured that Fundamental Rights remain untouchable, securing the heart of Indian democracy against future misuse.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following statements:

    1.The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

    2.The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court, and no judgment can be made on it.

    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

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • 6 new sites added to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

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

    Why in the News?

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized six traditional farming systems from Brazil, China, Mexico, and Spain as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

    About the Newly Recognised GIAHS Systems:

    1. Deqing Pearl Mussel Fishery (China): 800-year-old integrated system of pearl farming, rice, and silk boosts ecotourism and water purification.
    2. Fuding White Tea Culture (China): Biodiverse tea gardens linked to rituals and livelihoods, supporting 18 tea and 41 vegetable varieties.
    3. Gaolan Pear Orchards (China): 600-year-old dryland system along the Yellow River yields 2 million kg of pears with native crop-livestock integration.
    4. Erva Mate Agroforestry (Brazil): Indigenous agroforestry under Araucaria forests preserves ecology and culture through erva-mate farming.
    5. Metepantle Terraces (Mexico): 3,000-year-old Nahua terrace farming ensures food sovereignty and conserves over 140 native species.
    6. Lanzarote Sand Farming (Spain): Volcanic and sea sand techniques grow crops without irrigation in one of Europe’s driest zones.

    About GIAHS: 

    • Definition: GIAHS are living and evolving agricultural systems where communities maintain strong ties to their land through agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, resilient ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
    • Purpose: The program works to identify, support, and safeguard agricultural systems that preserve genetic diversity, support rural livelihoods, and maintain cultural landscapes.
    • Origins: The concept was launched in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
    • Nodal Agency: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations leads the GIAHS initiative.
    • Program Implementation:
      1. Global level: Identification, selection, and formal recognition of GIAHS.
      2. National level: Policy support and capacity building.
      3. Local level: Community empowerment and technical assistance for sustainable resource use.

    India’s GIAHS-Recognized Farming Systems:

    India, known for its diverse agro-ecological zones and rich farming heritage, has 3 GIAHS sites:

    1. Koraput Traditional Agriculture (Odisha): Practised by tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats, this system conserves over 1,200 indigenous rice varieties; integrates millets and pulses in shifting and terraced cultivation; and supports community seed banks and organic methods vital for agro-biodiversity and food security.
    2. Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System (Kerala): Located in the Vembanad wetland area, it is the only below-sea-level farming system in India; farmers use polders and bunds to grow paddy, practice rice–fish rotation, and manage seasonal flooding through indigenous water control systems.
    3. Saffron Heritage of Kashmir (UT of Jammu & Kashmir): Found in the Pampore plateau, saffron is cultivated at 1,600–1,800 metres using traditional methods on Karewa soils; the crops are known for its high crocin content, aroma, and colour strength, making it a key product for local economy, export, and cultural heritage.
    [UPSC 2016] The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

    1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.

    2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities

    3. The provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identifies GIAHS Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

    ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defence System

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

    Why in the News?

    US President Donald Trump announced that he has shortlisted a design for a powerful new missile defence shield called the ‘Golden Dome’.

    About the Golden Dome Project:

    • Project Launch: It is a proposed missile defence shield announced by Donald Trump.
    • Development: It is being led by Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force, with support from SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril.
    • Timeline: The system is projected to cost $175 billion and is expected to be operational by January 2029.
    • Purpose: It aims to protect the US from long-range missile threats, particularly ICBMs from China and Russia.
    • Defence Layers: The system will combine technologies deployed on land, at sea, and in space for comprehensive coverage.

    Key Features:

    • Space-Based Interceptors: Thousands of orbiting satellites will carry and launch interceptors from space, offering global missile defence.
    • Missile Tracking: Real-time detection using space-based sensors will allow the system to track enemy launches within seconds.
    • Altitude and Reach: Drones and satellites operating at 15,000 meters or more will stay above many conventional air defences.
    • Payload Flexibility: Capable of deploying surveillance drones, kamikaze UAVs, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles depending on mission needs.
    • Modular Adaptability: The system is designed for multiple applications, including military operations, public security, and maritime surveillance.

    Parallel Examples:

    • Iron Dome (Israel): A short-range missile defence system using ground-based radar and Tamir interceptors for protection against rockets and UAVs.
    • “Star Wars” Initiative (1980s): President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) aimed to destroy nuclear missiles from space using lasers and interceptors.
    • DARPA’s Gremlins Project: Explored mother ship-launched drones; Golden Dome builds on this idea at a larger and space-based scale.
    [UPSC 2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    Options: (a) An Israeli radar system (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme (c) An American anti-missile system * (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

    China’s ‘Mother Ship’ Drone

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

    Why in the News?

    China has unleashed its unmanned aerial “mother ship” drone named ‘Jiu Tian,’ capable of launching and coordinating over 100 drones in a single mission.

    About the Jiu Tian Mother Ship Drone:

    • Type and Capability: It is a jet-powered, super-high-altitude, long-range drone designed for advanced aerial missions.
    • First Appearance: It was first showcased at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024.
    • Size and Range: The drone is 82 feet wide, has a wingspan of 25 metres, and can fly up to 15,000 metres (50,000 feet) with a maximum range of 7,000 km.
    • Weight and Payload: It has a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes and can carry up to 6 tonnes of weapons and drones.
    • Altitude Advantage: It is designed to fly above medium-range air defence systems, improving survivability in contested zones.

    Key Capabilities and Features:

    • Drone Deployment: It can release up to 100 small drones or loitering munitions, including kamikaze drones, from both sides of its belly.
    • Weapon Compatibility: It features eight external hardpoints that can carry surveillance drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles like the PL-12E.
    • Mission Flexibility: Its modular interior allows for quick reconfiguration to suit different missions such as military strikes, border defence, maritime surveillance, emergency rescue, public security, and high-risk logistics.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following activities: (1) Spraying pesticides on a crop field (2) Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes (3) Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis

    At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

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

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    E-Zero FIR to speed up action on Cyber Frauds

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Civil Service,Cyber Security

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a pilot project for the e-Zero FIR (First Information Report) system in Delhi to help police take faster action in high-value cyber financial frauds.

    What is Zero FIR?

    • Purpose: Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognisable offence without assigning a regular FIR number initially.
    • No diary: Whereas FIRs have serial numbers assigned to them, zero FIRs are assigned the number ‘0’. Hence the name.

    About the e-Zero FIR System:

    • Launch and Objective: The MHA has launched a pilot e-Zero FIR project in Delhi to speed up action in cyber financial frauds over ₹10 lakh.
    • System Developer: It has been developed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the MHA.
    • How It Works: Victims can file complaints via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or by calling the 1930 helpline.
    • FIR Process: The e-Crime Police Station in Delhi registers the FIR digitally, which is then transferred electronically to the correct local police station.
    • Legal Basis: The project is implemented under Section 173(1) and 173(1)(ii) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
    • Jurisdiction-Free Filing: Victims can report crimes without worrying about police station limits.
    • Digital Integration: The system connects the I4C’s NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR portal, and NCRB’s CCTNS platform.

    Key Features and Victim Support:

    • Automatic Registration: FIRs are automatically registered for cyber frauds involving over ₹10 lakh.
    • Anywhere Access: Victims can file from any location, ensuring jurisdiction-free access.
    • Fast FIR Transfer: FIRs are sent electronically to the appropriate police station for follow-up.
    • Mandatory Visit: Victims must visit a cybercrime police station within 3 days to convert the Zero FIR into a regular FIR.
    • Improved Recovery: Early registration improves the chances of recovering lost funds in time-sensitive fraud cases.
    • Simplified Process: The system makes legal action easier and more accessible for cybercrime victims.
    [UPSC 2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such an accused is locked up in a police station, not in jail.
    2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor