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Type: Prelims Only

  • In news: International Olympic Committee (IOC)

    Why in the News?

    Kirsty Coventry, aged 41, has become the first African and the first woman to head the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

    Also in news:

    The IOC has paused the selection process for future Olympic Games hosts, impacting India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics.

    About the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

    • Overview: It is a non-governmental international organisation established in 1894, and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
    • Functions: It sets the rules and framework for the Olympic Games, including deciding on host cities and event structures.
    • Membership: IOC members must be proficient in French or English and be citizens or residents of countries with a National Olympic Committee (NOC).
    • Jurisdiction: The IOC acts as the final authority on matters related to the Olympic Games and the Olympic movement.
    • Indian and the IOC:
      • The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been recognized by the IOC since 1927.
      • It is responsible for selecting and sending Indian athletes to the Olympics and other major international competitions.

  • Agricultural Fungicides causing C. Tropicalis Infections

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at Fudan University found that overuse of the fungicide tebuconazole is causing azole-resistant Candida tropicalis to emerge — a deadly fungus with a 55–60% mortality rate.

    About Candida tropicalis:

    • Overview: Candida tropicalis is a fungal pathogen prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including India.
    • Type: It is a yeast species that causes invasive candidiasis, affecting the bloodstream and internal organs.
    • High-Risk Groups: The fungus is opportunistic, primarily infecting immunocompromised individuals such as cancer patients and those in ICUs.
    • Mortality Rate: The infection has a high mortality rate, estimated at 55–60% when it becomes systemic.
    • Drug Treatment: Standard treatments include azole-class antifungals such as fluconazole and voriconazole (widely used during COVID-19 induced Black Fungus).
    • Adaptability: The pathogen shows strong genomic plasticity, allowing it to survive hostile environments and develop drug resistance.

    Reasons for Spread and Resistance:

    • Agricultural Influence: Studies show that azole fungicides like tebuconazole, used in farming, contribute to azole-resistant C. tropicalis
    • Environmental Exposure: These fungicides accumulate in soil and water, promoting the evolution of resistant strains.
    • Genetic Adaptations: Resistant strains develop aneuploidy (extra chromosomes), aiding resistance but reducing growth in drug-free environments.
    • Efflux Pumps: Some strains duplicate genes like TAC1, boosting drug-efflux pumps (e.g., ABC transporters) to eject antifungals from the cell.
    • Increased Virulence: Resistant strains have proven more virulent in animal studies, posing greater public health risks.

     

  • Substandard Cancer Drugs: A Global Public Health Alarm

    Why in the News?

    A global investigation has revealed that vital chemotherapy drugs used in over 100 countries have failed quality tests, posing life-threatening risks to cancer patients.

    Various Drugs Used for Cancer Treatment:

    • Cisplatin is a platinum-based drug discovered in the 1960s. It binds to DNA in cancer cells and is widely used to treat testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers. It is known to cause kidney damage, hearing loss, and immune suppression.
    • Oxaliplatin is another platinum compound mainly used to treat advanced colorectal cancer. It works similarly to cisplatin but may also cause nerve-related side effects.
    • Cyclophosphamide is used for treating breast cancer, leukaemia, sarcoma, and lymphoma. It damages cancer cell DNA and lowers white blood cell counts, weakening the immune system. It can also cause bladder inflammation.
    • Doxorubicin, known as the “Red Devil”, is derived from soil bacteria and used against breast cancer, leukaemia, and sarcomas. It disrupts DNA replication but has serious side effects, including heart damage and hair loss.
    • Methotrexate blocks enzymes involved in DNA synthesis and is used for leukaemia, lymphoma, and various tumors. It is often followed by leucovorin, which helps protect normal cells from damage.
    • Leucovorin is not a chemotherapy drug but a supportive agent used with methotrexate to reduce toxicity. It is a form of vitamin B9 introduced in the 1950s.

    Recent Quality Test Failure

    • Investigation: A 2024 investigation revealed that chemotherapy drugs sold in over 100 countries failed basic quality standards.
    • Failure of Generics: The drugs tested were generics. Also, 189 unexpired samples were tested; 20% failed.
    • Indian Pharma Under Radar: 17 manufacturers were flagged, with 16 based in India. Drugs failed for containing either too little (under 88%) or too much (over 112%) active ingredient.
    [UPSC 2005] It begins as a single cell and grows into a merciless disease that claims millions of lives year after year. But scientists are steadily unlocking its mysteries, and the fight against it may now have reached a dramatic turning point. New discoveries promise better therapies and hope in the war against …” The disease referred to in the above quotation is:

    Options: (a) Cancer (b) AIDS (c) Tuberculosis (d) Alzheimer’s disease

     

  • What is Axiom-4 Mission?

    Why in the News?

    The launch of Axiom-4 (Ax-4), a private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has finally lifted-off after several postponements due to weather conditions.

    About Axiom-4 Mission:

    • Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight organized by Axiom Space.
    • It aims to transport a crew to the International Space Station (ISS) for a 14-day mission.
    • This will be Axiom Space’s 4th mission to the ISS, following their previous missions (Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3).
    • The mission will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
    • The spacecraft for this mission is a SpaceX Crew Dragon, known for its advanced technology and safety features.
    • This mission is organised in collaboration with NASA, highlighting a strong partnership between private space companies and government space agencies to further space exploration and research.
    • Crew:
      1. Peggy Whitson: A veteran astronaut with extensive experience, having completed multiple missions to the ISS.
      2. Sławosz Uznanski: A Polish astronaut joining the mission, marking a significant milestone for Poland in space exploration.
      3. Tibor Kapu: A Hungarian astronaut, adding to the diversity of the mission crew.
      4. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla: An Indian astronaut, making headlines as part of this international crew.

    Significance of Ax-4 Mission for India

    • The mission is a collaborative effort resulting from an agreement between ISRO and NASA.
    • It provides ISRO with an early opportunity to test experiments in space, originally planned for Gaganyaan.
    • Key Indian Experiments on Axiom-4:
      • Microgravity’s impact on muscle dysfunction.
      • Use of computer screens in zero gravity and their effects on human cognition and vision.
      • Growth of six varieties of crop seeds in space conditions.
      • Tardigrade survival study—these microscopic creatures can endure extreme environments and may provide insight into life support systems in space.

    Back2Basics: International Space Station (ISS)

    • The ISS, orbiting 430 kilometres above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
    • It orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 km per second.
    • Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
    • It includes 6 sleeping areas, 2 bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
    • Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 km of electrical wiring.
    • Its journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
    • The US added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
    • It evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?

  • Sam Altman’s World ID Project

    Why in the News?

    World ID is Sam Altman’s ambitious project to create a secure, biometric-based digital identity for everyone in the age of AI.

    What is World ID?

    • World ID is a digital identity system launched by Sam Altman’s company Tools for Humanity as part of the Worldcoin project in July 2023.
    • It aims to verify that a person is a real, unique human being—especially in an age of AI-generated bots—using biometric iris scans.
    • How Does It Work?
      • The identity is created using a device called the Orb, which captures the iris pattern and generates a unique cryptographic code (not storing the image itself).
      • This ID is then linked to the World App, and the user can access various services while proving they are human—without revealing their actual identity.
      • The system is decentralized and uses blockchain technology to store identity proofs securely.

    Key Features of World ID:

    • Biometric Verification: Uses iris scanning through the Orb to establish a unique identity.
    • Global Access: Users from over 160 countries have access to Worldcoin and World ID features.
    • Decentralized Protocol: Built on open-source, privacy-preserving cryptography, such as zero-knowledge proofs.
    • World App Integration: Enables users to locate Orbs, receive Worldcoins, and use the digital ID across apps.
    • World Chain: A blockchain linked to World ID that supports apps and services tied to identity.
    • Crypto Incentive: Users may receive Worldcoin (WLD) tokens for enrolling.
    • Privacy Controls: Promises anonymity, non-surveillance use, and code transparency.
    • Hardware Dependency: Requires a physical Orb or the new Orb Mini to generate IDs.

    How it differs from Aadhaar?

    World ID Aadhaar
    Ownership Private project by Tools for Humanity Government of India
    Launch Year 2023 2009
    Technology Used Iris scan via Orb; Blockchain-based ID Biometric + Demographic data via central database
    Legal Framework No national law backing it yet Aadhaar Act, 2016
    Purpose Global ID to prove human uniqueness National ID for accessing services & welfare
    Data Privacy Claims privacy via zero-knowledge cryptography Data regulated by UIDAI under Indian law
    Adoption Level 12 million users globally Over 1.3 billion users in India
    Hardware Needed Orb device Fingerprint/iris scanners at enrollment centers
    Verification Use AI-bot detection, global ID use Government subsidies, banking, KYC, etc.

     

  • What are Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)?

    Why in the News?

    India is planning to establish six new Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) sites to boost energy security amid rising global oil risks.

    About Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR):

    • Overview: SPRs are emergency stockpiles of crude oil maintained by the government to manage supply disruptions caused by events like wars, embargoes, or price shocks.
    • Purpose: To ensure national energy security and reduce vulnerability to external supply shocks.
    • Historical Context: India realised the need for SPRs after the 1990 Gulf War, which caused supply cuts and spiking oil prices and ultimately the Balance of Payment (BoP) Crisis.
    • Foundation: The SPR project began in the early 2000s based on advice from the Planning Commission’s Integrated Energy Policy.
    • Governing Body: In 2004, the government set up Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) as a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB).
    • India’s three-pronged oil security framework:
      1. Commercial oil stocks by public and private oil marketing companies (OMCs).
      2. Strategic reserves by ISPRL for emergencies.
      3. Equity oil assets abroad through companies like ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL).
    • Storage: Unlike commercial stocks, SPRs are stored in underground rock caverns, which are safer, more secure, and suited for long-term preservation.

    Current SPR Infrastructure:

    • SPR Locations: India has three active SPR sites:
      • Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
      • Mangaluru (Karnataka)
      • Padur (Karnataka)
    • Total Capacity: The combined SPR capacity is 5.33 MMT or roughly 39 million barrels.
    • Coverage Duration: This reserve can meet about 9.5 days of India’s daily oil requirement (≈5.5 million barrels/day).
    • Distinction from OMC Stocks: These strategic stocks are separate from commercial stocks held by companies like IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL.

    Planned Expansion of SPRs in India:

    • Goal: India aims to double SPR capacity due to rising geopolitical risks and import dependence.
    • New Facilities Planned:
      • Chandikhol (Odisha) – 4 MMT (in two phases)
      • Padur Phase II (Karnataka) – 2.5 MMT
    • 6 new SPR locations are being planned at various sites, including Mangalore SEZ (Karnataka) and salt caverns in Bikaner (Rajasthan).
    • Future Capacity: After expansion, India’s total SPR stock will be 11.83 MMT, covering around 22 days of national demand.
    • Strategic Vision: The long-term objective is to build up 90 days of oil reserves, in line with International Energy Agency (IEA) guidelines.

  • Banakacherla Project Dispute

    Why in the News?

    A fresh political and inter-state water dispute has erupted between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over the proposed Banakacherla Reservoir Project.

    Banakacherla Project Dispute

    About the Banakacherla Project:

    • About: Also known as the Godavari-Banakacherla or Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project, it is an ambitious interlinking plan proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government.
    • Objective: It aims to divert surplus Godavari River water via the Polavaram Project, through the Krishna basin, to reach the Banakacherla regulator in Kurnool district.
    • Reservoirs: The project involves construction of a new Bollapalli reservoir in Guntur district, enhancement of canal capacities (e.g., Polavaram canal from 17,500 to 38,000 cusecs), and a network of lift stations and tunnels through the Nallamala forest.
    • Water Pathway: It begins at Polavaram dam, moves to Bollapalli, and ends at Banakacherla, integrating Godavari, Krishna, and Penna River basins.

    Tap to read more about the Interstate River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

    Issues with the Project:

    • Violation of the AP Reorganisation Act (2014): Telangana claims that Andhra’s project infringes upon legal frameworks laid out during the bifurcation of the state.
    • Lack of Clearances: Telangana argues the project has not received mandatory approvals from:
      • Apex Council (Krishna River Management Board and Godavari River Management Board).
      • Central Water Commission (CWC).
    • Water Sharing: Telangana cites the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal, which allocated 968 TMC to Telangana and 518 TMC to Andhra but did not quantify surplus water, making the legality of Andhra’s claim ambiguous.
    • Political Sensitivity: Water-sharing has historically been central to Telangana’s statehood movement; any diversion is seen as a betrayal of regional interests.
    • Ecological Concerns: The tunnel under the Nallamala forest may have environmental repercussions that have not been assessed or cleared.
    [UPSC 2012] Which of the following are included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? 1. A dispute between the Government of India and one or more States 2. A dispute regarding elections to either House of the Parliament or that of Legislature of a State 3. A dispute between the Government of India and a Union Territory 4. A dispute between two or more States

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • Who was Sree Narayan Guru (1856–1928)?

    Why in the news?

    The Prime Minister recently addressed a commemorative event marking 100 years of the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.

    About Sree Narayana Guru:

    • Early Life: Sree Narayana Guru was born on 22 August 1856 in Chempazhanthy, Kerala, into the Ezhava community, considered the so-called ‘avarna’ or outside the caste system.
    • Social Reform: He led a peaceful revolution against caste discrimination and promoted social equality and spiritual upliftment in Kerala.
    • Famous Slogan: Guru gave the powerful message — “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All”, calling for unity beyond caste or creed.
    • Spiritual Philosophy: A follower of Advaita Vedanta, he reinterpreted it to assert that divinity exists in every individual, regardless of caste.
    • Death and Legacy: He passed away on 20 September 1928, and his birth and death anniversaries are now observed as public holidays in Kerala and other states.

    His Contributions:

    • Temple Reform: In 1888, he consecrated a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram, challenging Brahminical control over temples.
    • Organisational Impact: He founded the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in 1903, with Kumaran Asan as its first general secretary.
    • Social Movements: He supported the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25) against untouchability in public spaces.
    • Spiritual Centres: Guru established the Sivagiri Mutt (1904), which became the heart of the Sivagiri Pilgrimage (Theerthadanam).
    • Writings: His works, like Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, and Brahmavidya Panchakam, reflect a spiritual and reformist vision.
    • Holistic Upliftment: He promoted education, cleanliness, agriculture, and handicrafts for self-reliance.
    • Against Conversions: Guru opposed religious conversion as a caste solution, favouring internal reform within Hindu society.

    His Conversations with Gandhiji (1925):

    • Historic Meeting: Mahatma Gandhi met Guru on 13 March 1925 at Sivagiri Mutt during the Vaikom Satyagraha.
    • On Scriptures: Guru clarified that Hindu texts do not support untouchability and backed the Vaikom movement fully.
    • On Salvation: He believed that all religions lead to moksha but stressed that material freedom is key to dignity.
    • Inclusive Ashrams: He shared that his ashrams welcomed all castes, with children studying and praying together.
    • View on Caste: While Gandhi defended varna in principle, Guru critiqued caste as rigid, anti-freedom, and regressive.
    • Mutual Respect: Gandhi was deeply moved and later praised Guru as a “holy soul”, calling Sivagiri a model of harmony.
    • Enduring Legacy: The meeting symbolised a blend of spiritual wisdom and social reform, with lasting national impact.
    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following pairs:

    Movement/Organization Leader

    1. All India Anti-Untouchability League Mahatma Gandhi 2. All India Kisan Sabha Swami Sahajanand Saraswati 3. Self-Respect Movement E. V. Ramaswami Naicker

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

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

     

  • [pib] Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA), India’s largest tribal outreach and empowerment campaign to date.

    About Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA):

    • Overview: It runs from 15 June to 15 July 2025, covering over 5.5 crore tribal citizens across 1 lakh+ tribal villages and PVTG habitations.
    • Premise of launch: It is launched under the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh to honour Bhagwan Birsa Munda, also known as Dharti Aaba, a symbol of tribal pride and resistance.
    • Objective: To achieve full saturation of central welfare schemes in tribal areas, ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives entitlements.
    • Five Pillars of DAJA:
      1. Janbhagidari (People’s Participation) – Empowering tribal voices and ensuring community-led governance.
      2. Saturation – 100% coverage of eligible households under central schemes.
      3. Cultural Inclusion – Use of tribal languages, folk arts, and cultural symbols to ensure dignity and identity.
      4. Convergence – Multi-ministry and multi-stakeholder coordination with CSOs, youth groups, volunteers, and academic institutions.
      5. Last-Mile Delivery – Direct delivery of services to the remotest tribal hamlets with full administrative support.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.

    2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State. 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

     

  • In-Body CAR T-Cell Therapy

    Why in the News?

    A new study published in Science journal shows that “In-Body CAR T-Cell Therapy” marks a breakthrough by enabling direct immune cell reprogramming for faster, safer treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

    What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?

    • Overview: CAR T-cell therapy is a treatment where a patient’s own T cells are genetically modified to detect and kill cancer cells.
    • Science behind it: Scientists extract T cells and add a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) gene, which enables them to identify cancer cells.
    • Working: These modified T cells are infused back into the patient, where they multiply and actively attack cancer.
    • Effectiveness: The therapy has shown high success against certain blood cancers and is now being studied for autoimmune disorders like lupus.
    • Issues: The traditional therapy is expensive (₹60–70 lakh), slow, and requires chemotherapy and specialised lab facilities.

    Recent Breakthrough: In-Body CAR T-Cell Therapy

    • Approach: A new technique uses mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver instructions directly inside the body.
    • Targeting Cells: These nanoparticles are programmed to locate and enter killer T cells, converting them into CAR T-cells internally.
    • Benefits offered: This method eliminates the need for cell extraction, chemotherapy, or viral vectors, making it faster and safer.

    Significance for India:

    • Scalable Innovation: This platform may lower treatment costs and offer wider access in countries like India with high cancer and autoimmune burdens.
    • Infrastructure Relief: Its in-body nature avoids dependence on advanced labs, making it suitable for resource-constrained settings.
    [UPSC 2019] What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

    Options: (a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing* (b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients (c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant (d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops