Why in the News?
China will lead global energy investments in 2025, making up over a quarter of total spending, says the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 10th edition Global Energy Investment Report, 2025.
Back2Basics: International Energy Agency (IEA)
- Establishment: The IEA was formed in 1974 under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in response to the 1973 oil crisis, with headquarters in Paris, France.
- Membership: It has 31 member countries (e.g., US, UK, France, Japan) and 11 association countries like India, China, and Brazil.
- India’s Role: India joined as an Association Country in 2017, gaining access to data-sharing, policy support, and technical cooperation.
- Expanded Mission: The IEA now supports energy security, clean energy transitions, emissions tracking, and policy development.
- Global Influence: Its major reports—World Energy Outlook, Net Zero by 2050, and Energy Technology Perspectives—guide governments and investors worldwide.
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About the Global Energy Investment Report:
- Origin and Purpose: Officially titled World Energy Investment Report, is the IEA’s flagship annual publication.
- Published since 2016: To assess investment flows across the global energy system.
- Scope of Coverage: It tracks investments in fossil fuels, renewables, electricity supply, critical minerals, energy efficiency, R&D, and innovation financing.
- Strategic Value: The report helps determine if current investments support climate goals and universal energy access.
Key Highlights from the 2025 Report:
- China’s Role: China will account for over 25% of global energy investment, with over $625 billion in clean energy, though it also approved 100 GW of new coal plants in 2024.
- Global Trends: Clean energy investment will hit $2.2 trillion, over twice the amount spent on fossil fuels, yet still falls short of COP28 targets.
- Africa’s Investment Gap: Africa’s fossil fuel investment dropped from $125 billion to $54 billion, and it still receives only 2% of global clean energy funds, mainly due to debt burdens.
- India’s Position: India’s renewables investment rose from $13 billion (2015) to $37 billion (2025), while fossil fuel investment also increased. However, grid and storage spending declined to $25 billion.
- Financing Barriers: India’s high cost of capital—80% above advanced economies—limits clean energy growth. The “Baku to Belem Roadmap” seeks to mobilize $1.3 trillion by 2035 for such regions.
- Global Mismatch: While $1 trillion is spent annually on power generation, only $400 billion goes to grid infrastructure, affecting distribution capacity.
| [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements:
1. The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organisation that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with The Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4.Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1,2,4 and 5 (b) 1,3 and 4 only* (c) 2,3 and 5 only (d) 1,2,3,4 and 5 |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 8th edition of EnviStats India: Environment Statistics Report.
About EnviStats India Report:
- Launch: It is an annual report released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), first launched in 2018.
- Global Framework: It follows the UN’s Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) 2013.
- Data Compilation: The report consolidates environmental data from multiple ministries and departments of the Indian government.
- Policymaking Support: It helps in evidence-based policymaking by identifying environmental challenges, resource needs, and trends.
Key Highlights of EnviStats India, 2025:
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- Thermal power generation rose from 7.92 lakh GWh (2013–14) to 13.26 lakh GWh (2023–24).
- Renewable energy generation increased from 65,520 GWh to 2.26 lakh GWh over the same period.
- Inland fish production jumped from 61.36 lakh tonnes to 139.07 lakh tonnes.
- Marine fish production grew from 34.43 lakh tonnes to 44.95 lakh tonnes.
- Climate and Weather Trends:
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- Annual mean temperature increased from 25.05°C (2001) to 25.74°C (2024).
- Minimum temperature rose from 19.32°C to 20.24°C; maximum temperature from 30.78°C to 31.25°C.
- Rainfall patterns showed year-to-year variability, but no clear long-term trend.
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- India’s faunal diversity includes 1,04,561 species, contributing to the global count of 16,73,627 species.
- It includes 20,613 marine, 9,436 freshwater, and 22,404 soil species.
- Mangrove and estuarine ecosystems show high biodiversity richness.
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- The Environment Sustainability sector had the highest allocation: ₹2,433.24 crore in 2021–22.
- Spending on Conservation of Natural Resources showed a rising trend.
- Agro-forestry received the lowest funding among the three major environmental sectors.
| [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:
1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
2. CGWA was’ formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only * (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only |
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Why in the News?
For the first time, India has conducted a detailed assessment of ungulate species (mammals with hoofs on their foot, like deer, pigs, antelopes, and bison), which are vital prey for tigers and important for forest ecosystems.
About Status of Tiger Prey in India:
- The report titled “Status of Ungulates in Tiger Habitats of India” was released by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), using data from the 2022 All-India Tiger Estimation.
- This is the first national-level assessment of ungulates, the hoofed mammals like chital, sambar, gaur, wild pig, nilgai, which form the core prey base of tigers.
- Ungulates are essential not only for tiger survival but also for maintaining healthy forest ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and promoting soil and vegetation health.
- The study stresses that tiger numbers alone are not enough; prey density and habitat quality must also be monitored to assess ecosystem health.
- It establishes that 30 ungulates per sq km are needed to support 4 tigers per 100 sq km, but growth is constrained by territoriality, interspecies competition, and habitat fragmentation.
Key Highlights:
- Prey Decline in East-Central India: Significant decline in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh due to habitat loss, deforestation, urbanization, mining, subsistence hunting, civil unrest, and Left Wing Extremism.
- Thriving Regions: Healthier prey populations in the Shivalik-Gangetic Plains (Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar), Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, the Western Ghats, and Northeast India.
- Species Trends:
- Chital is the most widespread and adaptable species.
- Sambar and gaur remain stable in central and southern forests.
- Hog deer and barasingha show sharp decline due to wetland degradation and habitat isolation.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict:
- In low-prey areas like Tadoba and Ratapani, tigers prey on livestock, increasing conflict.
- Wild pigs and nilgai damage crops, leading to retaliatory killings and local resentment.
- Conservation Measures:
- On-site prey breeding in predator-proof enclosures
- Forest restoration and better habitat connectivity
- Focused protection of sanctuaries and buffer zones
- Reducing habitat fragmentation caused by roads, railways, and power lines
About Tiger Conservation in India
- Declared National Animal of India in 1972 by the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL).
- Largest population in India; also found in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. India harbours 75% of the world’s wild tigers.
- Occupies habitats such as high mountains, mangrove swamps, grasslands, deciduous forests, evergreen, and shola forests.
- Ecological Significance:
- Flagship species: Essential for conservation efforts.
- Umbrella species: Protecting tigers helps conserve other species.
- Key driver of ecotourism and related industries.
- Cultural & Spiritual Significance: Symbolizes power and strength.
- Protection Status:
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
- IUCN Red List: Endangered.
- CITES: Listed in Appendix I.
- Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative in India that was launched in 1973.
- Tigers are also flagship species listed among the 7 big cats under the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
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| [UPSC 2001] A pesticide which is a chlorinated hydrocarbon is sprayed on a food crop. The food chain is: Food crop – Rat -Snake – Hawk.
In this food chain, the highest concentration of the pesticide would accumulate in which one of the following?
Options: (a) Food crop (b) Rat (c) Snake (d) Hawk* |
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Why in the News?
Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, has erupted sending ash, smoke, and rock fragments several kilometres into the sky.
Why do Volcanoes Erupt?
- Magma Formation: Deep within Earth, high temperature and pressure melt rocks into magma.
- Gas Expansion: Magma contains gases like water vapor, CO₂, and SO₂. As magma rises, the pressure drops, allowing these gases to form bubbles, increasing internal pressure.
- Crustal Weaknesses: At tectonic boundaries or mantle plumes, cracks and faults in Earth’s crust provide pathways for magma to escape.
- Eruption Mechanism:
- As pressure builds, magma is pushed upwards.
- If blocked, the gas expansion can explode through the crust, ejecting lava, ash, and gases.
- Signals: If magma flow is suddenly stopped by solid rock, it may create low-frequency seismic waves (pre-eruption tremors).
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About Mount Etna:
- Location: Situated on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, near the city of Catania.
- Type: Mount Etna is a stratovolcano (also called a composite volcano), which is formed from layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and rocks.
- Height: It stands at approximately 3,300 meters, making it the tallest volcano in Europe south of the Alps.
- Recognition: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, with documented volcanic activity for at least 2,700 years.
- Eruption Record: Etna is almost constantly active. Notable eruptions have occurred in 1400 B.C., 1669, 2001, 2018, 2021, 2024, and 2025.
- Volcanic Activity Style: Known for Strombolian and effusive eruptions, with occasional Plinian eruptions (rare and more explosive).
Reasons Behind the June 2025 Eruption:
- Nature of Eruption: The eruption is classified as either Strombolian or possibly Plinian, depending on interpretation:
- Strombolian Eruption: Characterized by moderate explosive bursts, caused by gas bubbles in magma suddenly bursting at the surface.
- Plinian Eruption: Some volcanologists suggest this classification due to the large ash column that may have reached the stratosphere.
- Eruption Trigger: The eruption likely began due to pressure buildup from gas within the magma chamber, leading to collapse of the southeast crater and lava flows.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following:
1. Pyroclastic debris
2. Ash and dust
3. Nitrogen compounds
4. Sulphur compounds
How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) Only four* |
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Why in the News?
A recent study by the think-tank Climate Trends has revealed that levels of black carbon in the Himalayas have been rising steadily over the past two decades.
About Black Carbon (BC):
- What is it: Black carbon is a fine particulate pollutant formed from the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels.
- Impact: It is a short-lived climate pollutant and the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide.
- Lifespan: Unlike CO₂, black carbon stays in the atmosphere for short periods and can be quickly reduced if emissions stop.
- Warming Mechanism: As an aerosol, it absorbs sunlight, heats the atmosphere, and reduces albedo when deposited on snow and ice, leading to faster melting.
- Health Effects: Exposure increases the risk of heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.
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- Residential Biomass Burning: Accounts for 47% of BC emissions, including cow dung and straw burning.
- Industries and Vehicles: Industries contribute 22%, while diesel vehicles add 17%.
- Other Sources: Open burning contributes 12%, and other minor sources 2%.
- High-Emission States: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are major emitters due to agricultural and forest fires.
- Biofuel Usage: Alone contributes nearly 42% of India’s total BC emissions.
Key Findings from the Study (2000–2023):
- Snow Temperature Rise: Himalayan snow surface temperature rose from -11.27°C to -7.13°C over two decades.
- Regional Trends: The Eastern Himalayas were warmest, followed by the Central and Western regions.
- BC Influence: Deposits of black carbon lower snow reflectivity, increase heat absorption, and accelerate glacier melt.
- Population Risk: Glacier loss threatens the freshwater supply for nearly 2 billion people downstream.
- Increase in Snow Depth: Despite warming, average snow depth rose from 0.059 m to 0.117 m.
- Reasons: This is due to more snowfall, changing precipitation, and wind redistribution.
- Regional Comparison: The Western Himalayas showed highest snow depth, linked to elevation and winter storms, while the Eastern and Central Himalayas had less snow due to proximity to BC sources.
| [UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:
1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries;
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
India has strongly objected to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) decision to provide an $800 million loan to Pakistan under its Resource Mobilisation Reform Programme.
About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):
- Established: 1966, following a UN-led conference on Asian Economic Cooperation.
- Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
- Status: Official Observer at the United Nations
- Objectives:
- To reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific.
- To promote inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth and regional economic integration.
- Functions:
- Provides loans (hard and soft), grants, and technical assistance.
- Offers direct funding to private sector projects with social benefits.
- Supports countries through policy dialogues, co-financing, and advisory services.
- Funding Sources:
- Issues bonds on global capital markets.
- Receives member contributions, loan repayments, and retained earnings.
- Membership and Shareholding:
- 67 members: 48 from Asia-Pacific.
- Major shareholders: Japan and USA (each 15.607%), China (6.444%), India (6.331%), Australia (5.786%).
- Climate Goals:
- Aims to mobilize $100 billion for climate finance between 2019 and 2030.
- Promotes sustainable development initiatives such as green fuel projects, including one in Pakistan funded partly by ADB.
India’s concerns over ADB Funding:
- India emphasized that Pakistan’s defense spending has risen significantly even as its tax-to-GDP ratio fell from 13% in 2017-18 to 9.2% in 2022-23.
- This tax ratio is significantly below the Asia-Pacific average of 19%, suggesting poor revenue collection and financial mismanagement.
- India stressed to ADB that it expects strict oversight mechanisms to be implemented to avoid diversion of funds.
- India has previously opposed financial aid to Pakistan at other fora like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is reportedly preparing a dossier to request Pakistan’s re-entry into the FATF grey list.
| [UPSC 2024] Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?
(a) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) * (b) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (c) The New Development Bank (NDB) (d) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) |
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Why in the News?
The Government of India will conduct its next population census by March 1, 2027, after an unprecedented 16-year gap.
About the Census of India:
- Definition: The Census of India is a nationwide decadal exercise that gathers demographic, social, economic, and cultural data from every resident, regardless of citizenship.
- Authority: It is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General (Ministry of Home Affairs) and Census Commissioner under the Census Act, 1948.
- Utility: Data from the census is used to formulate policies, redraw electoral boundaries, and implement welfare schemes.
Significance of the Upcoming Census:
- Reference Dates: Most of India will use March 1, 2027, while Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will use October 1, 2026.
- Two-Phase Format: It will be conducted in two stages — House Listing and Housing Schedule, followed by Population Enumeration, which will include caste data.
- Digital Firsts: This will be India’s first digital census, using a mobile app and offering self-enumeration via an online portal (for NPR-updated households).
- Preparation: The 24 lakh enumeration blocks identified for the 2021 census will be reused.
- Delimitation Link: The 84th Constitutional Amendment (2001) mandates that delimitation of constituencies be based on the first census after 2026.
- Women’s Reservation: The 33% women’s reservation law (128th Amendment) also depends on data from this census.
- New Inclusion: The upcoming census will include caste enumeration, likely as a plain list, without grouping under OBC.
- NPR Update: No official announcement has been made regarding an update to the National Population Register (NPR), though it holds data for 119 crore residents.
History of Census in India:
- Ancient Mentions: Rig Veda (800–600 BCE) and Arthashastra (321–296 BCE) mentioned population counting for taxation and governance.
- Early Colonial Efforts:
- Partial censuses conducted in Allahabad (1824), Banaras (1827–28), and Dacca (1830).
- Fort St. George conducted returns in 1836–37; quinquennial returns started in Madras (1851–67).
- First Attempted Pan-India Census:
- 1872: Non-synchronous census; not all British territories covered.
- 17 questions were asked via a house register.
- First Modern Census:
- 1881: Conducted under W.C. Plowden; considered the first synchronous and scientific census of India.
- Covered most of British India except Kashmir, French & Portuguese territories.
- Subsequent Censuses (1891–1941):
- Held every 10 years: 1891, 1901, 1911, 1921, 1931, and 1941.
- Introduced and refined questions on caste, religion, language, literacy, occupation, disability, etc.
- 1941 Census:
- Conducted during World War II under difficult conditions.
- Introduced sampling, and used individual slips for detailed data.
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Caste Enumeration to Begin:
- Caste data was last collected in 1931, excluding SC/ST information.
- Post-1951 Trend: From 1951 to 2011, only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes data were recorded.
- SECC 2011: The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census included caste data, but it was never released.
- Data Entry Field: A new drop box for caste will be added beside the existing SC/ST section.
| [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:
1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.
2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 * |
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Why in the News?
A mainstream political party is celebrating 60 years of Integral Humanism (Ekatm Manav-vad), a political philosophy introduced by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
About Deendayal Upadhyaya and His Contributions:
- Birth and Legacy: Born on September 25, 1916, in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh; his birth anniversary is marked as Antyodaya Diwas since 2014.
- RSS and BJS Roles: He was a pracharak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and co-founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS).
- Leadership: Served as President of BJS, laying its ideological foundation.
- Antyodaya Concept: Coined “Antyodaya”, meaning upliftment of the last person, central to several welfare schemes.
- Advocated Ideas: Promoted Swadeshi (self-reliance) and decentralization of power for inclusive development.
- Inspired Schemes:
- Mysterious Death: Found dead on February 11, 1968, near Mughalsarai railway station, now renamed Deendayal Nagar. The case remains unresolved.
His Philosophy of Integral Humanism:
- Introduction: Proposed in 1965 through four lectures in Mumbai, promoting Indian values over foreign ideologies.
- Core Idea: Aims for holistic development — body, mind, intellect, and soul — grounded in cultural and spiritual ethics.
- Chiti and Dharma: Defined ‘Chiti’ as the soul of the nation and ‘Dharma’ as the ethical base of national integrity.
- Six Economic Objectives:
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- Minimum living standard for all citizens.
- Global welfare through Indian values.
- Employment for all able-bodied individuals.
- No wastage of natural resources.
- Promotion of indigenous technology.
- Flexible industrial ownership based on practicality.
- Further Influence: Expanded by Dattopant Thengdi, founder of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS).
- Intellectual Roots: Drew inspiration from Daishik Shastra (1923), a text respected by Gandhi and Tilak; studied during a visit to Almora in 1958–59.
| [UPSC 2020] One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is:
Options: (a) the final goal of a stateless society * (b) class struggle. (c) abolition of private property. (d) economic determinism. |
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Why in the News?
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have created an artificial metal-based nanozyme that can help prevent dangerous blood clotting, especially in conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and COVID-19.
What is Blood Clotting?
- About: When we get a cut or injury, our body quickly stops the bleeding by forming a blood clot. This is done by special blood cells called platelets that stick together and seal the wound.
- Control mechanism: This natural process is called blood clotting or haemostasis and is controlled by certain chemicals in our body like collagen and thrombin.
- Post covid issues: But in some illnesses like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) or COVID-19, the body sends too many signals to make clots, even when there is no injury.
- Oxidative Stress: This creates a problem called oxidative stress, where harmful molecules called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) build up in the blood. These ROS molecules over-activate the platelets, causing them to make too many clots inside blood vessels.
- Hazards: This can block blood flow, leading to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, or lung problems. This condition is called thrombosis, and it can be life-threatening.
Vanadium-Based Nanozyme and Its Features:
- Purpose and Design: Scientists at IISc developed vanadium-based nanozymes to mimic natural antioxidant enzymes that reduce ROS levels.
- How they work: The nanozymes control oxidative stress by copying glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that removes ROS and protects platelets.
- Optimal Structure: Spherical-shaped vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanozymes were found to be the most effective.
- Test Results in Mice: These nanozymes reduced blood clots and improved survival in PTE-affected mice with no toxicity signs over five days.
- Next Steps: Scientists plan to test the nanozyme in ischemic stroke and are optimistic about human clinical trials after promising lab results with human platelets.
| [UPSC 2015] With reference to the use of nano-technology in health sector, consider the following statements:
1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Centre will bring a motion of removal against a Judge of the Allahabad High Court and has initiated the process of building an all-party consensus for this action.
Qualifications of Judges of High Court:
- Article 217(2) of the Constitution states that a person is qualified if:
- They have held judicial office in India for at least 10 years, or
- Have been an advocate in a High Court (or more than one in succession) for at least 10 years.
- Tenure: As per Article 217(1), a High Court judge holds office till the age of 62 years.
- Disputes over Age: Under Article 217(3), if a question arises regarding a judge’s age, the President, in consultation with the CJI, makes the final decision.
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Appointment Process of High Court Judges:
- Constitutional Basis: The Article 217 of the Constitution provides that High Court judges are appointed by the President of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Governor of the state, and, in the case of judges (not Chief Justices), the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned.
- Role of the Collegium System: The Collegium, comprising the CJI and 2 senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, plays a key role in recommending names for appointments. It ensures collaborative decision-making and maintains the independence of the judiciary.
- Procedure:
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- The Chief Justice of the High Court initiates the recommendation.
- The proposal is forwarded to the Chief Minister, who advises the Governor.
- The Governor sends it to the Union Law Minister, who places it before the Prime Minister, and then the President for final approval.
- Policy for Chief Justices: To prevent local bias, Chief Justices of High Courts are generally appointed from outside the state.
- Appointments and Transfers: The CJI and senior judges of the Supreme Court also decide on transfers of High Court judges, ensuring judicial autonomy and minimizing executive influence.
Removal:
- Process: Judges of the High Court (and Supreme Court) can only be removed through removal, not by executive action.
- Requires a motion signed by at least 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs.
- The motion is examined by a three-member committee.
- If the committee finds grounds, the motion is debated and must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
- Legal Framework: The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 outlines the detailed procedure for investigating and acting upon misconduct by judges.
- In-House Inquiry Mechanism: For internal disciplinary matters:
- The CJI may order a preliminary inquiry based on credible complaints.
- A three-judge panel is constituted if allegations are serious.
- If the committee confirms misconduct, the CJI may ask the judge to resign.
- If the judge refuses, the judicial work is withdrawn, and removal may be considered.
Historical Removal Efforts:
- No judge has been impeached in India, though attempts have been made, including the failed motions against Justice V Ramaswami (1993) and Justice Soumitra Sen (2011).
- Justice V Ramaswami (1993): Faced removal for financial misconduct, but the motion failed in the Lok Sabha.
- Justice Soumitra Sen (2011): Resigned after removal proceedings for misappropriating funds.
- Justice K Veeraswamy: Chief Justice of Madras HC, investigated for corruption but challenged the investigation. The case remained unresolved until his death in 2010.
- Justice Shamit Mukherjee (2003), Justice Nirmal Yadav (2008), and Justice SN Shukla (2017): Faced criminal charges for corruption after in-house inquiries found substantial evidence against them.
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| [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:
1. The mode of removal of a Judge of a High Court in India is the same as that of the removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court. 2. After retirement from office, a permanent Judge of a High Court cannot plead or act in any court or before any authority in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Hon’ble Supreme Court has ruled that any law passed by Parliament or a State Legislature cannot be considered an act of contempt of court.
Supreme Court’s Verdict on the Issue:
- Context: The Court heard a 2012 contempt plea, alleging that the Chhattisgarh government violated its 2011 ruling against supporting Salwa Judum and arming tribals as SPOs.
- Disputed Law: Petitioners argued the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011 violated the earlier ruling.
- Court’s Clarification: Passing a new law is within the plenary powers of legislatures and cannot be treated as contempt unless declared unconstitutional.
- Proper Remedy: The correct approach is to challenge the law’s validity, not to file for contempt.
- Separation of Powers: The Court upheld that legislature can modify or override judgments through new laws, if they respect constitutional boundaries.
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About Contempt of Court:
- Purpose: Contempt of court refers to actions or behaviors that are disrespectful to, or that obstruct or interfere with, the administration of justice by a court. It protects the authority and dignity of the judiciary from acts that obstruct or interfere with justice.
- Constitutional Basis:
- Article 129 allows the Supreme Court to punish for its own contempt.
- Article 215 grants the same power to High Courts.
- Article 19(2) permits reasonable speech restrictions for contempt cases.
- Legal Definition: The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 defines contempt; the 2006 amendment allows truth and good faith as defences.
- Types:
- Civil Contempt is the wilful disobedience of court orders.
- Criminal Contempt involves actions that scandalise the court, interfere with proceedings, or obstruct justice.
- Punishment: Offenders may face up to 6 months imprisonment, or a ₹2,000 fine, or both.
- What Is Not Contempt: Fair reporting and genuine criticism of judgments after disposal are not considered contempt.
| [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements:
1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed.
2. The Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court and the High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves.
3. The Constitution of India defines Civil Contempt and Criminal Contempt.
4. In India, the Parliament is vested with the powers to make laws on Contempt of Court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4* (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 3 only |
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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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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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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.
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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:
-
- Dry Sorbent Injection: Cost-effective, but less efficient.
- Wet Limestone-Based: Effective and used in large plants, produces gypsum.
- 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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Why in the News?
On June 5, World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch the 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.
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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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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?
-
- Step 1 – Pre-training: The LLM reads lots of text and learns how language works.
- Step 2 – Fine-tuning: It is then taught how to do specific tasks like summarising or translating.
- 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).
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| [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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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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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.
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.
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| [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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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.
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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.
-
- 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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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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