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

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    India to ban Chlorpyrifos  

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

    Why in the News?

    Policymakers and scientists are set to gather in Geneva for the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions.

    India’s Pesticide Action Network will advocate for a global ban on Chlorpyrifos, a toxic pesticide still in use despite being banned in over 40 countries.

    About Chlorpyrifos:

    • Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide used to control pests, including insects, fungi, and weeds on crops like corn, soybeans, and fruits, as well as non-crop areas like turf and buildings.
    • It disrupts the nervous system of pests by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme critical for nerve function, causing paralysis and death in pests.
    • Despite being banned in over 40 countries due to its environmental and health risks, it continues to be used in many countries, including India.

    Chlorpyrifos in India:

    • Not entirely banned in India; It is registered under the Insecticides Act of 1968, with restrictions such as a ban on its use on ber, citrus, and tobacco (as per a 2023 notification).
    • But it is also used on other crops, including rice, cotton, groundnut, and onion.
    • India is one of the largest producers and exporters of Chlorpyrifos globally.

    Threats Posed by Chlorpyrifos:

    • Human Health Risks: Linked to nervous system issues, developmental disorders in children, cancer, and liver/kidney damage.
    • Environmental Impact: Highly toxic to aquatic life and pollinators like bees.
    • Soil & Crop Contamination: Persistent in the environment, leading to pesticide residue in the food chain.
    • Biodiversity Loss: Affects non-target species, disrupting ecosystems.
    • Resistance: Overuse leads to pesticide resistance, requiring more harmful chemicals for pest control.
    [UPSC 2019] In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as-

    Options: (a) pesticides in agriculture * (b) preservatives in processed foods (c) fruit-ripening agents (d) moisturising agents in cosmetics

     

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

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-SAARC Nations

    What is SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme?

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    In response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has announced the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals.

    Note: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was founded in 1985, consisting of eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

    About the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES):

    • The SVES was launched in 1992 following the Fourth SAARC Summit (1988).
    • It aims to promote regional cooperation and people-to-people contact among 8 SAARC member states by allowing certain categories of individuals to travel without a visa.
    • Eligible Categories: SVES covers 24 categories, including dignitaries, judges, parliamentarians, senior officials, businessmen, journalists, and sportspersons.
    • Special visa stickers are issued (by each SAARC member), typically valid for one year, allowing visa-free travel within SAARC countries.

    India’s Provisions under the SVES:

    • Nepal & Bhutan: Citizens do not require a visa to enter India.
    • Pakistani Nationals: Initially allowed for one-year multiple-entry business visas, revised in 2015 for special-category businessmen with three-year visas.
    • Other Nationals: Sri Lankan nationals are eligible for an e-Tourist visa, while Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal and Bhutan.
    [UPSC 2016] Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples.

    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. China has the observer’s status at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

    2. India has the observer’s status at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

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

  • Child Rights – POSCO, Child Labour Laws, NAPC, etc.

    Section 19 of the POCSO Act, 2012

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition regarding the mandatory reporting of sexual activity under Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

    About the POCSO Act, 2012:

    • The POCSO Act came into effect on November 14, 2012 (Children’s Day), following India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.
    • Its primary objective is to address offences related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, which were previously either not specifically defined or inadequately penalized.
    • According to the Act, a child is defined as any person below the age of 18 years.
    • In 2019, the Act underwent a review and amendment, introducing more stringent punishments (after Nirbhaya Case), including the death penalty, for those committing sexual crimes against children.

    Key Features of the POCSO Act:

    • Definition of a Child: A child is defined as anyone under 18 years of age.
    • Sexual Offences:
      • Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 3)
      • Sexual Assault (Section 7)
      • Sexual Harassment (Section 11)
      • Using Children for Pornographic Purposes (Section 13)
      • Abetment and Attempt (Sections 16-18)
    • Special Courts & Procedures: Establishes Special Courts for speedy trials and mandates child-friendly procedures.
    • Protection of Identity: The identity of the child is protected throughout the process.
    • Rehabilitation & Compensation: Provides for the rehabilitation of child victims.
    • No Delay in Trials: Trials must be completed within one year of the offence.

    Recent Supreme Court Hearing:

    • Litigants have raised concerns that mandatory reporting under Section 19 might criminalize consensual sexual activity between juveniles, especially affecting adolescent girls’ right to health.
    • They emphasized counseling over criminalization, arguing that the law might discourage adolescents from seeking medical care.
    • The Supreme Court acknowledged these concerns and scheduled a detailed hearing on May 8 to address them.
    [UPSC 2017] Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India?

    1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour

    2. Abolition of untouchability

    3. Protection of the interests of minorities

    4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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

  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    [pib] Measuring Helium Abundance in the Sun

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

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have successfully estimated the abundance of Helium in the Sun’s photosphere with precision for the first time.

    [pib] Measuring Helium Abundance in the Sun

    About Helium in the Sun’s Photosphere:

    • Helium is the second most abundant element in the Sun after Hydrogen and plays a key role in understanding solar composition, opacity, and energy transport.
    • However, measuring its precise abundance in the Sun’s photosphere has been challenging due to the absence of observable Helium spectral lines in visible light.
    • Traditionally, Helium abundance was estimated using indirect methods like extrapolating data from hotter stars, solar wind observations, and seismological studies of the Sun’s interior.
    • These methods lacked direct photospheric observations, making the estimates less accurate.
    • Accurate measurements of Helium are essential for modelling the Sun’s opacity and energy transport. This also has broader implications for understanding the composition of other stars.

    Novel Method Recently Discovered:

    • Researchers from the IIA introduced a novel method to directly estimate Helium abundance in the Sun’s photosphere.
    • This technique uses spectral features from Magnesium (Mg) and Carbon (C), overcoming the challenge of no direct Helium spectral lines.
    • Spectral lines from Mg, C, and hydrogenated molecules (MgH, CH, C2) were used to infer Helium abundance.
    • Equivalent Width analyses and spectrum synthesis techniques helped model the behavior of these elements in varying Helium-to-Hydrogen ratios.
    • The Helium-to-Hydrogen ratio in the Sun’s photosphere was found to be 0.1, consistent with previous studies. This confirms the validity of the new method.
    [UPSC 2023] Diffusion of light in the atmosphere takes place due to:

    Options: (a) Carbon dioxide (b) Dust particles* (c) Helium (d) Water vapors

     

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

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pakistan

    India suspends Indus Water Treaty

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    In response to the Pahalgam Terror Attack, India has officially announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan.

    About the Indus Water Treaty (IWT)

    • IWT was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, with mediation from the World Bank.
    • The treaty allocates the Western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum) to Pakistan, and the Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India.
    • Approximately 80% of the water is allocated to Pakistan, with 20% to India.
    • The Permanent Indus Commission was established to facilitate communication and dispute resolution.
    • The treaty includes a three-step process for resolving disputes, which involves the Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Experts (appointed by World Bank), and a Court of Arbitration if needed.

    Implications of Suspension:

    • India’s Opportunities:
      • Though not immediately, but India can now control the water flow from the Indus River system, allowing it to divert, stop, or alter the flow of water.
      • India can expand hydroelectric projects on the Western rivers, such as the Kishanganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Projects, with more projects under scrutiny.
    • Impact on Pakistan:
      • Agriculture: Pakistan’s agricultural sector heavily depends on the Indus River, and any disruption could cause food insecurity and economic distress for millions of farmers.
      • Power Supply: Pakistan’s hydroelectric power generation depends on the water flow, with Tarbela Dam (on the Indus River) and Mangla Dam (on the Jhelum River) facing reduced water supplies, leading to electricity shortages.

    Alternatives for Pakistan:

    • No Legal Exit: No legal exit clause in the treaty; also, India cannot unilaterally suspend it.
    • Dispute Resolution: Pakistan can approach the Permanent Indus Commission, request Neutral Experts, or escalate to the World Bank’s Court of Arbitration.
    • International Diplomacy: Pakistan may seek diplomatic solutions through international forums, including leveraging support from other nations.
    [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty.

    2. The project was completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and the World Bank.

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

    [UPSC 2021] With reference to the Indus River system, among the following four rivers, one of them joins the Indus directly:

    Options: (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutlej

     

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

  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Taliban to revive Bamiyan Buddha

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    Two decades since the demolition of Bamiyan Buddha, the Afghan Taliban are now convinced to restore it.

    Taliban to revive Bamiyan Buddha

    About Bamiyan Buddha:

    • The Bamiyan Buddhas were located in the Bamiyan Valley, Afghanistan, about 130 km northwest of Kabul.
    • The Western Buddha (Salsal) stood 55 meters tall, and the Eastern Buddha (Shah Mama) stood 38 meters tall, making them two of the largest standing Buddha statues in the world before their destruction.
    • Construction:
      • Built around 600 CE during the rule of the Hephthalites.
      • Carved directly into sandstone cliffs with features made from mud and straw, and painted with bright colors, including carmine red for the larger Buddha.
      • The style blends Greco-Buddhist art, Sasanian Persia, and Byzantine Empire influences.
    • Historical Significance:
      • Represented Vairocana and Sakyamuni (Gautama Buddha).
      • Served as a major Buddhist religious centre along the Silk Road, hosting monasteries and playing a crucial role in religion, philosophy, and art.
      • Survived invasions, including by Genghis Khan (1221 AD) and Aurangzeb (17th Century).
    • In 2001, the Taliban destroyed the statues. The Buddhas had previously survived multiple attacks.
    • The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense historical, religious, and cultural significance.
    [UPSC 2014] Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

    1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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

  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Akshvi Platform for Disaster Damage Reporting

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Why in the News?

    India has introduced Akshvi, a unique e-digital wallet aimed at assisting in disaster relief and improving the accuracy of loss reporting.

    About Akshvi: The E-Digital Wallet for Disasters

    • Akshvi (Aapda Kshati Vivaran) is a unique e-digital wallet developed by SEEDS India to assist disaster-stricken communities in India.
    • The platform allows people to self-report economic and non-economic losses during climate-induced events.
    • It bridges the data gap in disaster reporting and enhancing relief distribution and climate resilience.

    Key Features of Akshvi:

    • Self-Reporting Mechanism: It enables affected communities to log their losses during disasters such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and landslides, ensuring accurate and timely assessments.
    • Localized Data Collection: The platform collects hyperlocal data, which is vital for tailoring disaster management strategies and relief efforts to the specific needs of affected communities.
    • User-Friendly Interface:
      • IVRS: Allows voice recording of losses.
      • WhatsApp Chatbot: For tech-savvy users to log data.
      • Assisted Data Entry: Available for those needing help with information entry.
    • Traceability: The platform tracks the progress of relief, ensuring that aid reaches the affected households transparently.
    • Integration with Government Schemes: Akshvi’s data links to social welfare schemes and index-based insurance programs, improving disaster response efforts.
    [UPSC 2004] In which one of the following countries did hundreds of people die in 2004 due to Tropical Storm Jeanne?

    Options: (a) Colombia  (b) Haiti (c) Sudan (d) Ghana

     

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

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Role of Lipids in Protein Function and Co-Evolution

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

    Why in the News?

    New research by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad suggest that lipids (along with DNA), particularly in mitochondrial membranes, are not just structural elements but play an integral role in the function and evolution of proteins.

    About Lipids and RC1 in Cells:

    Lipids:

    • Lipids, including fats, phospholipids, and sterols, make up to 30% of the dry weight of cells.
    • They are crucial for membrane integrity and various biological processes.
    • They vary in fatty acid composition and length, influenced by genetics, diet, and environmental factors.
    • They form a bilayer in membranes, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails inward, providing stability and enabling protein function.
    • Role of Lipids in Cells:
      • Lipids form the bilayer, providing flexibility and stability for membrane proteins that perform functions like receptor binding and ion channelling.
      • They like cardiolipin stabilize RC1 and other respiratory complexes, aiding energy production.

    RC1 (Respiratory Complex 1):

    • RC1 is a protein complex in the mitochondrial membrane, crucial for cellular respiration and energy production.
    • It is composed of 44 proteins, some synthesized in the cytoplasm and others in mitochondria.
    • Mutations in RC1 lead to diseases due to its vital role in respiration.

    Lipid-Protein Co-evolution as per new Research:

    • New research highlights the co-evolution of proteins and lipids, especially in mitochondrial membranes, where proteins interact with specific lipids from their own kingdom (plant or animal).
    • Plant lipids, richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids, are more flexible, aiding stress resistance, while animal lipids evolve differently to meet their needs.
    • Lipid-protein co-evolution adds complexity to cellular evolution, with implications for human health and disease treatment.
    [UPSC 2001] Which of the following cell organelles play the most significant role in protein synthesis?

    Options: (a) Lysosome and Centrosome (b) Endoplasmic reticulum and Ribosome* (c) Golgi apparatus and Mitochondria (d) Lysosome and Mitochondria

     

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

  • Article 355 of the Indian Constitution

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

    Why in the News?

    A recent petition in the Supreme Court has sought the invocation of Article 355 in West Bengal by deploying central armed forces, citing violence in Murshidabad.

    Recent Case:

    • Following violent protests in Murshidabad district against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, a petition was filed to invoke Article 355 in West Bengal.
    • The petitioner argued that the state was experiencing internal disturbances warranting Union intervention.​
    • The Court declined to pass immediate directions but allowed the petitioner to file a detailed application for further consideration. ​

    What is Article 355?

    • Article 355 mandates that the Union Government has the duty to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbances and ensure that the state governments function in accordance with the Constitution.
    • It places responsibilities on the Union Government to maintain constitutional governance in all states.
    • It is often used alongside Article 356 to declare President’s Rule in a state.
    • It does NOT grant separate powers; instead, it operates in conjunction with Article 356 and Article 357.
    • Initially introduced as Article 277A in the Draft Constitution (1949), it clarified the Union’s role in intervening in state matters during exceptional circumstances.
    • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasised that such intervention should not be arbitrary but based on constitutional obligations.
    • Judicial Interpretations:
      1. H.S. Jain v. Union of India (1996): The Supreme Court held that the Union is obligated under Article 355 to ensure state governments operate in line with the Constitution, quashing a state emergency declared under Article 356.
      2. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994): The Court ruled that President’s Rule under Article 356 should be used sparingly and only when Union intervention is justified.
      3. Sarbananda Sonowal v. Union of India (2005): The Court upheld Union intervention under Article 355 due to illegal migration but cautioned against its use without substantial evidence.
    Note: Article 355 does NOT grant separate powers; instead, it operates in conjunction with Articles 356 and 357.

    • Article 356 allows the President to impose President’s Rule in a state if the governance in that state is not in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
    • Article 357 authorizes the President to extend the powers of the Union government to a state under President’s Rule and allows the Union government to exercise executive authority in the state.

     

    [UPSC 2003] Which one of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution provides that ‘It shall be the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance’?

    Options: (a) Article 215 (b) Article 275 (c) Article 325 (d) Article 355*

     

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

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    LEDA 1313424: The Bullseye Galaxy

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

    Why in the News?

    NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope recently discovered the Bullseye Galaxy (LEDA 1313424), which contains 9 rings, an unprecedented number.

    This finding offers new insights into galaxy evolution and the possibility of the galaxy evolving into a Giant Low Surface Brightness (GLSB) galaxy.

    Bullseye Galaxy

    About the Bullseye Galaxy (LEDA 1313424):

    • The Bullseye Galaxy is unique for containing 9 rings, an unprecedented number in the study of ringed galaxies.
    • Most ringed galaxies typically have 2 or 3 rings, making this discovery significant.
    • The rings are believed to have formed after a collision with a blue dwarf galaxy about 50 million years ago, causing ripples in the gas and creating star-forming regions that became the rings.
    • While individual stars’ orbits stayed the same, groups of stars gathered, forming distinct rings over time.
    • This discovery offers valuable insights into galaxy interactions and the rare formation of multiple rings.

    What are Giant Low Surface Brightness (GLSB) Galaxies?

    • GLSB Galaxies are large, diffuse galaxies with low surface brightness and fewer stars than typical galaxies, making them appear dimmer.
    • These galaxies contain vast hydrogen disks, the fuel for star formation, but their low hydrogen density prevents many stars from forming.
    • GLSB galaxies are believed to contain significant amounts of dark matter, affecting their mass distribution.
    • They have less dense inner regions and challenge current cosmological models due to their hydrogen content and low surface brightness.

    Bullseye Galaxy and Its Possible Evolution into a GLSB Galaxy:

    • It shares traits with GLSB galaxies, such as its extended disk and hydrogen content.
    • Researchers suggest that the Bullseye Galaxy might evolve into a GLSB galaxy, providing insights into the formation of such galaxies and the distribution of dark matter in the universe.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following phenomena:

    1. Light is affected by gravity. 2. The Universe is constantly expanding. 3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.

    Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in the media?

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

     

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