💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • 170th Anniversary of Santhal Revolt 

    Why in the News?

    Jharkhand on observed ‘Hul’ Diwas to commemorate the rebellion’s 170th anniversary of Santhal Revolt which was held on June 30, 1855.

    santhal

    About the Santhal Revolt:

    • Overview: The Santhal Hul (Revolt) began on June 30, 1855, in present-day Jharkhand, and is observed annually as Hul Diwas.
    • The ‘Hul’: It means revolution, symbolising one of India’s earliest organized uprisings against British colonialism, even before the 1857 Revolt.
    • Leaders Associated: It was led by Sidho, Kanho, Chand, Bhairav Murmu, and sisters Phulo and Jhano, and gathered support from 32 different tribal and non-tribal communities.
    • Nature of the Revolt: The Santhal Hul was marked by tribal unity, guerrilla warfare, and was primarily an agrarian uprising, not driven by religion or elite politics.
    • Causes:
      • Exploitation by Landlords: It opposed the British East India Company, the Zamindari system, and moneylenders who exploited tribal communities.
      • Damin-i-Koh Policy: In 1832, the British created Damin-i-Koh in the Rajmahal Hills to resettle Santhals from Bengal and Jharkhand to clear forests and take up agriculture.
      • Alienation: Santhals were subjected to land alienation, forced labor (like kamioti and harwahi), usurious debt traps, and Zamindari-court-police nexus oppression.
    • Suppression measures: The British imposed Martial Law on November 10, 1855, and crushed the uprising by January 3, 1856, using modern firearms and war elephants; Sidho and Kanho were killed in action.
    • Continued resistance: Even after its suppression, tribal uprisings continued during the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny in areas like Hazaribagh and Manbhum (now Dhanbad and Purulia).

    Key Outcomes of the Revolt:

    • Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876): This law banned land transfers to non-Adivasis, allowed inheritance under tribal customs, and protected Santhal self-governance.
    • Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908): Inspired by later tribal movements, it restricted sale of tribal and Dalit land, and required Collector’s approval for land transfer within caste and locality.
    • Impact on Tribal Identity: The revolt helped shape tribal consciousness, legal land safeguards, and anti-colonial resistance legacies.
    • Modern Legacy: The Santhals are now India’s third-largest tribal group, living in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, and they use the ‘Ol Chiki’ script to preserve the Santhali language.
    [UPSC 2018] After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

    1. The territories called `Santhal Parganas’ were created.
    2. It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • Child Adoption in India

    Why in the News?

    In a major step toward digital adoption reform, Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has confirmed that digitally certified adoption orders sent by e-mail are now legally valid under current rules.

    Child Adoption in India: Legal Framework and Process

    • Adoption in India is governed by multiple laws, depending on the religion and category of the child:
      1. Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956: Applies to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists.
      2. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Applies to all religions and governs adoption of orphans, abandoned, and surrendered children.
      3. Guardians and Wards Act, 1890: Applies to Muslims, Christians, Jews, Parsis (allows guardianship, not full adoption).
    • Who can be adopted:
      • Children declared legally free by a Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
      • Children of relatives (uncle, aunt, or grandparent).
      • Stepchildren surrendered by biological parents.
    • Who can adopt:
      • Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, and certain foreign nationals (under strict guidelines).
      • Must be mentally, physically, and financially stable with no life-threatening conditions.
      • Married couples: Stable relationship of at least two years; combined age ≤ 110 years.
      • Single women can adopt any child; single men cannot adopt girls.
      • Minimum age gap of 25 years between the adoptive parent and the child.
      • Couples with three or more children are generally not eligible unless adopting children with special needs.
    • Adoption Process:
      • Online registration on CARA’s CARINGS portal; Submission of documents and Home Study Report.
      • Counseling sessions by licensed agencies.
      • Matching of child and parents; Acceptance and foster care phase.
      • Legal adoption order issued by the District Magistrate (post-2021 amendment).
      • Two-year follow-up by the adoption agency.

    Role of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA):

    • CARA is India’s statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and functions as the central regulatory authority for all adoptions:
    • Established in 1990, CARA became a statutory body in 2015 under Section 68 of the JJ Act.
    • It is the only legally empowered authority for in-country and inter-country adoption of Indian children.
    • India’s Hague Convention central authority, responsible for overseeing foreign adoptions (India ratified the convention in 2003).

    Key Functions of CARA:

    CARA plays a pivotal role in the adoption ecosystem through the following functions:

    • Regulation and Oversight
      • Monitors all adoptions—domestic and inter-country—through licensed agencies.
      • Ensures adoptions are in compliance with laws and child rights standards.
    • Platform and Technology: It operates the CARINGS portal (Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System) for:
      • Registration of prospective adoptive parents.
      • Tracking adoption progress.
      • Referrals and matching children with parents.
    • Inter-Agency Coordination: It coordinates with:
      • State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs)
      • District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)
      • Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs)
      • Authorized Foreign Adoption Agencies (AFAAs)
    • Legal and Policy Role
      • Issues No Objection Certificates (NOC) and Conformity Certificates for inter-country adoptions.
      • Drafts and revises Adoption Regulations (latest version: 2022).
      • Issues clarifications and advisories, e.g., recognition of digitally certified adoption orders.
    • Promotion of In-country Adoptions
      • Encourages domestic adoption over inter-country adoption, especially for orphans and abandoned children.
      • Launches awareness campaigns to reduce illegal adoptions and child trafficking.
    • Post-Adoption Monitoring
      • Ensures the well-being of adopted children through follow-up reports for two years.
      • Promotes integration of children into adoptive families through counseling and support.
    • Policy Innovation and Reforms
      • Oversees foster-to-adoption transitions (notably in Jammu & Kashmir).
      • Expanding agency networks—245 new agencies added (2024–25).
      • New modules for step-parent and relative adoptions.
    [UPSC 2016] Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.

     

  • Species in news: Garcinia kusumae

    Why in the News?

    Researchers in Assam have discovered a new tree species, Garcinia kusumae, locally called thoikora, adding to the Garcinia genus in a notable botanical find.

    About Garcinia kusumae:

    • Species Identity: Garcinia kusumae is a newly discovered evergreen tree species that is endemic to Assam, India.
    • Genus and Local Name: It belongs to the Garcinia genus, locally called thoikora in Assamese.
    • Discovery: It was discovered in 2024 by Jatindra Sarma, during a field survey in Bamunbari, Baksa district.
    • Botanical Traits: It is dioecious, grows up to 18 metres, flowers between February and April, and fruits between May and June.
    • Distinct Features: It differs from similar species by having up to 15 staminate flowers per fascicle, fewer stamens, and blackish resinous berries.
    • Ethnobotanical Uses: Its fruit is used in sherbet, fish curries, and for diabetes and dysentery remedies; the seed aril is eaten raw with condiments.

    What is the Garcinia Genus?

    • Taxonomy: Garcinia is the largest genus in the Clusiaceae family, comprising trees and shrubs.
    • Geographical Spread: It is found in tropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australasia, especially in rainforests.
    • Notable Characteristics: The genus is known for floral diversity, medicinal value, and culinary applications.
    • Presence in India: India hosts 33 species and 7 varieties of Garcinia, with Assam having 12 species and 3 varieties.
    • Famous Species: Commonly known species include Garcinia indica (kokum), Garcinia cowa, and Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen).
    • Utility and Significance: It is important for ethnobotanical uses, rural livelihoods, and climate-resilient forestry.
    • Traditional Practices: Several species are used in traditional food, medicine, and rituals.
    [UPSC 2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp.

    In which part of India has it been discovered?

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

     

  • Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions (BHARAT)

    Why in the News?

    IISc Bengaluru has launched BHARAT (Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions), a pioneering study exploring the biology, lifestyle, and environment behind Aging.

    About the BHARAT Project:

    • Scientific Launch: It is a nationwide research initiative by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
    • Primary Goal: It aims to build India’s first scientific baseline on how Indians age—biologically, environmentally, and socially.
    • Project Leadership: The project is led by Professor DK Saini from IISc’s Department of Development Biology and Genetics.
    • Addressing Global Gaps: It fills a major research void by offering Indian-specific data, unlike most global ageing studies based on Western populations.
    • Redefining Normal: It will challenge international health standards (e.g., for cholesterol, vitamin D) that may misclassify Indian health parameters.
    • Biological Age Focus: Instead of using chronological age, the project will study biomarkers of biological ageing for early disease risk detection.

    Key Features of the Project:

    • India-Centric Baseline: The database will offer reference biomarker cut-offs tailored to Indian genetics, diet, and lifestyle.
    • Wide Biomarker Range: It will include genomic, metabolic, and environmental indicators to detect organ ageing and resilience early.
    • AI-Driven Analysis: Machine learning tools will be used to find ageing patterns, simulate health interventions, and forecast risks.
    • Holistic Ageing Model: The study will include nutrition, pollution, infections, and social factors that influence how Indians age.
    • Equity for Global South: It corrects global biases that misdiagnose Indians as deficient by using locally validated health data.
    • Healthspan Focus: The emphasis is on quality of life—living healthier for longer—rather than just extending life years.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following countries: 1. Italy 2. Japan 3. Nigeria 4. South Korea 5. South Africa

    Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?

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

     

  • Endocrine Disruptors in Plastic Waste

    Why in the News?

    Microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are infiltrating the human body, affecting everything from reproduction to cancer risk, metabolism, and child development.

    About Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals:

    • What They Are: Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals interfere with the body’s hormone system, affecting growth, reproduction, mood, and metabolism.
    • How They Work: They mimic or block natural hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol, leading to disrupted hormonal signals.
    • Why They’re Dangerous: Even low-level exposure during pregnancy or puberty can cause lasting harm.
    • How We’re Exposed: Through eating contaminated food, inhaling polluted air, or skin contact with certain plastics or cosmetics.
    • Where They’re Found: In plastic bottles (Bisphenol A), toys and cosmetics (phthalates like Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), food wrappers (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), and pesticides (dioxins, Polychlorinated Biphenyls).
    • Hidden Harm: They act silently, with long-term effects such as fertility loss, hormonal disruption, or cancer.

    Impact on Human Health:

    • Reproductive Harm: Reduced sperm quality disrupted menstrual cycles, and increased miscarriage risk. Found in semen, placenta, and breast milk.
    • Hormonal Disruption: Chemicals like Bisphenol A trigger early puberty, thyroid issues, and hormonal imbalances.
    • Cancer Risk: Linked to cancers of the breast, uterus, testicles, and prostate. Several are labeled probable carcinogens by global health agencies.
    • Metabolic Effects: Interfere with insulin, promote obesity and type 2 diabetes. PFAS chemicals are linked to liver and heart disease.
    • Brain and Behavior: Associated with ADHD, learning issues, and lower IQ in children, especially when exposure happens early in life.
    • Across Generations: May cause gene expression changes that affect health in future generations—even without direct exposure.
    [UPSC 2020] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?

    Options: (a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems * (b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children (c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields. (d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

     

  • Dalai Lama and His Reincarnation

    Why in the News?

    Turning 90 on July 6, 2025, the 14th Dalai Lama gave his clearest message yet that the Dalai Lama lineage will continue, challenging China’s stance.

    Who is the Dalai Lama?

    • Spiritual Head: The Dalai Lama leads the Gelug (Yellow Hat) school, the most influential tradition in Tibetan Buddhism.
    • Meaning: The title “Dalai Lama” means “Ocean of Wisdom”, first conferred in the 16th century by Mongol ruler Altan Khan.Role: He is considered the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, in human form.

    Tenzin Gyatso: the 14th Dalai Lama:

    • Early Life: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 in Taktser, Tibet, and enthroned in 1940 after recognition in 1939.
    • Exile to India: Following China’s occupation of Tibet, he took asylum in India in 1959 and established the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamsala.
    • Political Transition: In 2011, he relinquished political authority, handing it over to an elected leader of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) but retained his spiritual role.
    • Global Peace Advocate: He received the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for non-violent advocacy and is a prominent promoter of interfaith harmony and secular ethics.

    Key Notes on Tibetan Buddhism:

    • Theology: Tibetan Buddhism blends Mahayana philosophy, Tantric (Vajrayana) rituals, and Bon traditions.
    • Major Schools: It includes four schools—Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug—with the Gelug school founded by Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century.
    • Reincarnation System: Leaders like the Panchen Lama and Karmapa are part of the Tulku system, believed to be reincarnated teachers.
    • Textual Foundation: Core texts include the Kangyur (Buddha’s teachings) and Tengyur (commentaries by scholars).
    • Meditation Traditions: Practices like Dzogchen and Mahamudra focus on realizing the true nature of mind.
    • Institutional Legacy: Monasteries such as Drepung, Ganden, and Tashi Lhunpo are vital centers for learning and ritual.
    • Global Influence: Tibetan Buddhism thrives across the Himalayas and is expanding globally, especially in Western countries.
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

    Options: (a) Avalokiteshvara (b) Lokesvara (c) Maitreya* (d) Padmapani

     

  • New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)

    Why in the News?

    With focus shifting to COP30, climate finance is in the spotlight as the Fourth International Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) works to finalise the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) — a more ambitious target to replace the unmet $100 billion annual pledge.

    About New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG):

    • Overview: It is a new global climate finance target under negotiation to replace the unmet $100 billion pledge made by developed countries in 2009.
    • Basis: It is being framed through the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA).
    • Minimum Starting Point: The goal will begin at a minimum of $100 billion per year, with future revisions based on real needs of developing nations.
    • Areas to be Covered: NCQG supports mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, with an explicit focus on the needs of developing countries.

    How it differs from earlier Pledge?

    • From Political to Need-Based: The earlier $100 billion was a political promise, while NCQG is a data-driven, needs-based goal.
    • Backed by National Priorities: Funding estimates will use developing countries’ own assessments and climate plans.
    • Greater Transparency and Trust: NCQG seeks to rebuild trust by addressing the trust deficit from past failures and improving accountability.

    True Scale of Climate Finance Needs:

    • Requirement: As per UNFCCC (2021), developing countries may need $6 trillion/year by 2030 to meet their climate goals.
    • Global Energy Transition Costs: A low-carbon global transition could need $4–6 trillion annually until 2050.
    • Renewable Energy Goals: Tripling renewables by 2030, agreed at COP28, may cost $30 trillion (IRENA).
    • India’s Stand: India has proposed an NCQG of $1 trillion/year, with a focus on grants and concessional finance, avoiding debt-heavy solutions.
    [UPSC 2024] Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?

    Options: (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)

     

  • Places in News: Kariyachalli Island

    Why in the News?

    The Tamil Nadu government, with World Bank support, has launched a ₹50 crore restoration project for the sinking Kariyachalli Island.

    About Kariyachalli Island:

    • Overview: Kariyachalli Island is one of the 21 uninhabited islands in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
    • Geographic Location: It lies 4 km south of Sippikulam and 20 km northeast of Thoothukudi, between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi.
    • Made of Reef Sediments: The island is a low-lying landform made of reef debris, sand dunes, spits, and sandy plains.
    • Biodiversity Hotspot: Located in India’s coral reef zone, it supports 4,300+ marine species, including 132 coral types and the endangered dugong.
    • Ecological Importance: It has seagrass beds and coral reefs that provide food and shelter for marine life.
    • Natural Coastal Shield: Kariyachalli acts as a barrier against cyclones and tsunamis, helping protect the Tamil Nadu coast.
    • Historical Significance: It played a role in mitigating the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami impact.

    Why is it sinking?

    • Rapid Land Loss: The island has shrunk by over 70%, from 20.85 ha in 1969 to under 6 ha in 2024.
    • High Tide Erosion: At high tide, only 3.14 ha remains, per an IIT Madras (2025) study.
    • Wave and Sediment Pressure: Wave action, sediment loss, and lack of natural shoreline defense are accelerating erosion.
    • Climate Change Impact: Rising sea levels and coral bleaching have weakened the island’s natural protection.
    • Seagrass Depletion: Loss of seagrass beds has reduced the island’s ability to hold sediments and resist erosion.
    • Extreme Weather Events: Frequent cyclones and storms are making the island more vulnerable.
    • Future Risk: If the current trend continues, Kariyachalli may vanish by 2036.
    [UPSC 2023] Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

    Options: (a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves (b) Marakkanam Salt Pans (c) Naupada Swamp (d) Rann of Kutch*

     

  • Why Tigers keep migrating?

    Why in the News?

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

    tiger

    Recent Incidents of Tiger Migration:

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

    Back2Basics: Royal Bengal Tiger

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

    Behavioural Traits of Tigers Influencing Dispersal:

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

    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

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

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

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • [pib] Indian Scientists created high-performance Supercapacitor Material

    Why in the News?

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

    What are Supercapacitors?

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

    About Lanthanum-Doped Silver Niobate:

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

    What makes this material special?

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

    1. Monazite is a source of rare

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

    Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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