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Type: Prelims Only

  • 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

    (c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) New Educational Policy

     

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Thermophilic Bacteria in Rajgir Hot Spring could help fight Deadly Infections

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) have discovered antibiotic-producing bacteria in the Rajgir hot spring in Nalanda, Bihar.

    What are Thermophilic Bacteria?

    • About: Thermophilic bacteria, or thermophiles (meaning “heat lovers”), are microorganisms that thrive in high-temperature environments ranging from 45°C to 70°C.
    • Adaptation: These temperatures can cause third-degree burns in humans, but thermophiles are biologically adapted to survive and grow in such conditions.
    • Habitats: They are commonly found in hot springs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and compost piles, which are mineral-rich and have low microbial competition.
    • Advantages: Some thermophiles produce potent antibiotics to outcompete other microbes and dominate their niche.
    • Global Example: Thermophiles from hot springs in Saudi Arabia have shown antibacterial activity against gram-positive pathogens.

    Key Findings from India:

    • Sampling Challenge: Samples were collected from water and soil at 43°C–45°C, making fieldwork difficult.
    • Microbial Analysis: In the sample, Actinobacteria made up 40–43% of the microbial population, double the typical amount in hot springs.
    • Significance: Actinobacteria are well known for producing key antibiotics like streptomycin and tetracycline.
    • AMR Context: The findings are crucial in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which could cost $1 trillion globally by 2050, according to the WHO.
    • Antibiotic Potential:
      • Lab Testing: Seven Actinobacteria strains were found to inhibit pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus aureus.
      • Compound Discovery: Scientists identified diethyl phthalate using GC-MS, which showed effectiveness against Listeria monocytogenes, a deadly foodborne pathogen.
      • Future Scope: The compound has potential for antibiotic development, but not all thermophiles produce antibiotics, so screening is essential.
    • Uses:
      • Industrial Use: The enzyme Taq polymerase, used in PCR tests (including during COVID-19), is derived from a thermophile called Thermus aquaticus.
      • Agricultural Use: A 2018 BHU study showed thermophiles from Chumathang hot springs (Leh) promote plant growth, revealing wider industrial and ecological value.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.

    2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.

    3. Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3. How many of the above statements are correct?

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

     

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  • Air Pollution

    Expert Committee recommends ending mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) 

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

    Why in the News?

    A high-powered committee chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) Ajay Sood has proposed that India should discontinue the mandatory use of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units in most coal-fired Thermal Power Plants (TPPs).

    Why mandatory FGDs are opposed?

    • Low SO₂ Levels: India’s SO₂ levels (10–20 µg/m³) are already below the permissible limit of 80 µg/m³.
    • Low Sulphur Coal: Indian coal naturally has low sulphur content.
    • Minimal Impact: Studies show no major air quality difference between plants with and without FGDs.
    • Limited PM Reduction: FGDs have minimal effect on particulate matter levels.
    • Environmental Trade-Offs:
      • CO₂ Increase: Installing FGDs would add 69 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions (2025–2030).
      • SO₂ Reduction: Emissions would fall by 17 million tonnes, but the climate cost outweighs the benefit.

    About Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD):

    • Purpose: FGD is a technology used to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gases produced by burning coal and oil, especially in thermal power plants.
    • Environmental Benefit: It helps prevent acid rain, which harms crops, buildings, soils, and aquatic ecosystems.
    • Chemicals Used: Common absorbents include limestone (CaCO₃), lime (CaO), and ammonia (NH₃).
    • Types of Systems:
      1. Dry Sorbent Injection: Cost-effective, but less efficient.
      2. Wet Limestone-Based: Effective and used in large plants, produces gypsum.
      3. Seawater-Based: Uses alkaline seawater, ideal for coastal areas.

    FGD Mandate in India:

    • Current Status: FGD units are being installed in 537 coal-based thermal power units, but 92% of India’s 600 plants still lack them.
    • Committee Recommendation: An expert panel advised exempting 80% of plants from FGD requirements due to feasibility issues.
    • Implementation Barriers: Limited vendors available; High costs and risk of increased electricity tariffs.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following:

    1. Carbon monoxide 2. Nitrogen oxide 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?

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

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    PM to launch Aravalli Green Wall Project

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

    Why in the News?

    On June 5, World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch the Aravalli Green Wall Project.

    PM to launch Aravalli Green Wall Project

    About the Aravallis:

    • Geology: The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, formed during the Proterozoic era.
    • Spread: It stretches for about 692 km, from Gujarat to Delhi, passing through Rajasthan and Haryana.
    • State-Wise Coverage: Around 80% of the range lies in Rajasthan, with the rest spread across Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
    • Highest Peak: The tallest point is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, with an elevation of 1,722 meters.
    • Natural Barrier Function: Acts as a green wall, preventing the spread of the Thar Desert into eastern Rajasthan and the Gangetic plains.
    • River Origins: Important rivers such as the Banas, Sahibi and Luni originate from the Aravallis.
    • Minerals: Rich in minerals like copper, zinc, lead, and marble.
    • Biodiversity: Home to 300+ bird species and key wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, jackals, wolves, civets, and Nilgai.
    • Prehistoric Significance: Contains cave art and tools from the Lower Palaeolithic period.

    What is the Aravalli Green Wall Project?

    • Project Goal: To build a green corridor from Delhi to Gujarat combating desertification and ecological degradation.
    • States Involved: Includes Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat, focusing on restoring degraded landscapes.
    • Vegetation Strategy: Focus on removing Prosopis juliflora (invasive species) and planting native trees like:
      • Khair (Indian Gum Arabic)
      • Ronjh (White-barked Acacia)
      • Dhau (Axlewood)
      • Salai (Indian Frankincense)
      • Pilkhan, Neem, Amaltas, Goolar, Peepal
    • Buffer Zone Creation: A 6.45 million hectare buffer zone will be established around the Aravallis.
    • Phase 1 Focus:
      • Delhi: 3,010 ha in South Delhi
      • Haryana: 25,000 ha in Gurugram, Faridabad, Mahendragarh
    • Global Commitments supported:
      • Paris Agreement: Target to create 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO₂ sink
      • Bonn Challenge: Restore 26 million hectares of land by 2030
    [UPSC 2001] The approximate age of the Aravallis range is.

    Options: (a) 370 million years (b) 470 million years (c) 570 million years* (d) 670 million years

     

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    ‘Bharat Gen’ AI-based multimodal LLM for Indian languages launched

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

    Why in the News?

    Union Minister of State for Science & Technology has launched ‘Bharat Gen’, India’s first indigenously developed AI-based Large Language Model (LLM) tailored for Indian languages.

    About Bharat Gen:

    • What is it: Bharat Gen is India’s first homegrown AI-based multimodal large language model (LLM) supporting 22 Indian languages.
    • Developed By: Created under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and implemented by the TIH Foundation for IoT and IoE at IIT Bombay.
    • Key Features:
      • Understands text, speech, and image inputs.
      • Works across India’s diverse languages and cultures.
      • Designed to be ethical, inclusive, and culturally rooted.
    • Support and Collaboration: Backed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and developed in collaboration with top academic and AI institutions.
    • Bharat Data Sagar: A national effort to collect language data for lesser-known Indian languages to train future AI tools.
    • Real-World Use: In places like Udhampur, an AI doctor powered by Bharat Gen is helping patients in their native language.

    What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?

    • LLMs are computer programs that can read, understand, and write language like humans. They can answer questions, explain topics, write stories, translate languages, and more.
    • Why are they called “large”?
      • They are trained using a huge amount of text from books, websites, newspapers, etc.
      • They also have billions of settings (called parameters) that help them understand words and sentences better.
    • How do they work?
      • LLMs break your sentence into small parts (called tokens).
      • They guess the next word in the sentence, one by one, using what they’ve learned.
      • This is how they create full and meaningful answers.
    • How are they trained?
      1. Step 1 – Pre-training: The LLM reads lots of text and learns how language works.
      2. Step 2 – Fine-tuning: It is then taught how to do specific tasks like summarising or translating.
      3. Step 3 – Human Help: People check the answers and give feedback, so the LLM learns to give better responses.
    • How do LLMs understand language so well? They use a special model called a transformer, which has tools to:
      • Focus on important words in a sentence (self-attention).
      • Understand the order of words (positional encoding).
      • Learn patterns and meaning using neural networks (like a brain made of computer code).

     

    [UPSC 2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?

    (1) Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units (2) Create meaningful short stories and songs (3) Disease diagnosis (4) Text-to-Speech Conversion (5) Wireless transmission of electrical energy Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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

    Kheer Bhawani Festival

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

    Why in the News?

    The recent terror attack in Pahalgam has led to lower turnout at the annual Jyestha Ashtami festival at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir.

    About the Kheer Bhawani Festival:

    • What is it: The Kheer Bhawani Festival, also called Mela Kheer Bhawani, is celebrated every year on Jyestha Ashtami by the Kashmiri Pandit community.
    • Location of Celebration: It takes place at the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla village, Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Deity Worshipped: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, an important deity in the Kashmiri Hindu tradition.
    • Sacred Spring and Ritual: The temple sits over a natural spring. Devotees offer kheer (rice and milk pudding) as a sacred offering.
    • Largest Kashmiri Hindu Gathering: It is the biggest Hindu religious gathering in the Kashmir Valley after the Amarnath Yatra.
    • Beliefs about Water Color: Devotees believe that the spring’s color changes based on the region’s condition:
      • Light colors mean good times.
      • Black water is a warning sign (reportedly turned black in 1990, just before the Kashmiri Pandit Massacre).
    • Historical Legacy: The temple structure was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh and later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh in the early 1900s.
    • Ancient Mentions: References to the site are found in Kalhana’s Rajtarangini, Bhrigu Samhita, and Abu’l-Fazl’s Ain-i-Akbari, which also mentions flooding in Tula Mula.

    Significance of the Festival and Temple:

    • Cultural Importance: The temple serves as a symbol of faith and identity for Kashmiri Pandits, especially those displaced.
    • Communal Harmony: Local Muslim communities assist in festival arrangements, showcasing communal unity and harmony.
    • Spiritual Symbolism: The temple spring, called Syandh, holds spiritual meaning and is not connected to the Sindhu (Indus) River.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following pairs:

    Tradition – State

    1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram

    2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur

    3. Thong-To dance — Sikkim

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

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

     

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  • 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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