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Type: Prelims Only

  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    [pib] What is Operation Olivia?

    20 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    As of February 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) protected a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during their mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha.

    About Operation Olivia:

    • Launch: Operation Olivia is an annual conservation mission by the Indian Coast Guard, started in the early 1980s.
    • Main Objective: It aims to protect Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting season, from November to May.
    • Primary Locations: The operation focuses on Odisha’s coast, especially Gahirmatha Beach, Devi River mouth, and Rushikulya River mouth.
    • Turtle Nesting Scale: Over 8 lakh turtles arrive annually at these sites to nest.
    • Surveillance Efforts: The Coast Guard has conducted more than 5,387 surface patrols and 1,768 aerial missions.
    • Community Engagement: Fishermen are encouraged to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) that allow turtles to escape fishing nets.

    About Olive Ridley Turtles:

    • Appearance: Named for their olive-green shell, or carapace.
    • Diet: They are Omnivores, though feeding mainly on jellyfish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
    • Nesting Behaviour: Known for Arribada, a phenomenon where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.
    • Habitat Range: Found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
    • Major Nesting Sites in India:
      • Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha (largest site)
      • Devi River mouth (discovered in 1981)
      • Rushikulya River mouth (discovered in 1994)
    • Protection Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Listed as Vulnerable.
      • CITES: Included in Appendix I, banning international trade.
      • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I, offering the highest legal protection in India.
    [UPSC 2002] The sea coast of which one of the following states has become famous as a nesting place for the giant Olive Ridley turtles from South America?

    Options: (a) Goa (b) Gujarat (c) Odisha* (d) Tamil Nadu

     

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    NASA’s GRAIL Mission

    20 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Scientists now believe the Moon’s near side looks different from its far side due to its internal structure and volcanic past, revealed by NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission.

    About the GRAIL Mission:

    • Launch: NASA launched the GRAIL mission in 2011 to study the moon’s internal structure.
    • Spacecraft Used: It used two spacecraft, Ebb and Flow, flying in tandem to detect gravity variations.
    • Objectives: The mission measured tiny changes in distance between the two spacecraft caused by differences in the moon’s gravitational field.
    • Scientific Outcome: The data revealed important details about the moon’s crust thickness, interior composition, and subsurface features.

    Key Findings: Reasons for the Moon’s Asymmetry

    • Tidal Deformation: The nearside bends more than the farside due to Earth’s gravity, a process called tidal deformation.
    • Internal Activity: The nearside is geologically warmer and more active, suggesting internal structural differences.
    • Volcanic History: Ancient volcanic activity on the nearside formed large basaltic plains, while the farside remained rugged and less active.
    • Heat Distribution: Elements like thorium and titanium accumulated on the nearside, making it 100–200°C hotter than the farside.
    • Crust Thickness: The nearside has a thinner crust, allowing magma to escape, while the farside’s thicker crust trapped heat and blocked eruptions.
    • Thermal Contrast: The thinner crust also allowed more heat-producing elements to concentrate, increasing the temperature gap between the two sides.

    Why do these findings matter?

    • Support for Lunar Missions: Insights from GRAIL help design better navigation and timing systems for future lunar operations.
    • Applications: GRAIL’s method can be applied to other moons like Enceladus and Ganymede, which may hold potential for life.
    [UPSC 2007] NASA’S Deep Impact space mission was employed to take detailed pictures of which comet nucleus?

    Options: (a)  Halley’s Comet (b) Hale-Bopp (c) Hyakutake (d) Tempel 1 *

     

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  • Interstate River Water Dispute

    Mahadayi Water Dispute

    19 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    A protest has erupted in Goa after a scientific paper on water availability and diversion in the Mahadayi basin reignited its long-standing dispute with Karnataka.

    Mahadayi Water Dispute

    About the Mahadayi River:

    • Origin: The Mahadayi River (Mhadei in Goa) originates in Bhimgad, Karnataka, in the Western Ghats.
    • Length and Flow: It flows 81 km, passing through Karnataka (35 km), Goa (45 km), and Maharashtra (1 km) before reaching the Arabian Sea.
    • Basin Area: Covers 2,032 sq km—78% in Goa, 18% in Karnataka, and 4% in Maharashtra.
    • Significance: Forms the Mandovi River, essential for drinking water, agriculture, and navigation in Goa.
    • Tributaries: Kalasa Nala, Surla Nala, Haltar Nala, Poti Nala, Mahadayi Nala, Pansheer Nala, Bail Nala, Andher Nala and many more. It has a catchment area of 2032 sq.km.
    • Topography: Elevation ranges between < 0m and > 980m w.r.t Mean Sea Level, slope of the catchment varies up to 150%. Very high slope we observed in the Ghats (Braganja Ghats).
    • Waterfalls: Variations in the terrain has led to formation of various water falls such as the Doodhsagar falls,Vajra poha falls etc.
    • Ecology: Supports rich biodiversity, including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
    • Mineral Ores found: Iron, limestone, bauxite, quartz, limestone, sand, clay, lime shell, Manganese, Asbestos, Mica, Lead, Cadmium.

    Mahadayi Water Dispute:

    • Karnataka’s Project: Proposed the Kalasa-Banduri Nala to divert water to the Malaprabha basin.
    • Tribunal Setup: The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (2010) addressed disagreements.
    • 2018 Verdict:
      • Karnataka: 13.42 tmcft (1.72 from Kalasa, 2.18 from Bhandura).
      • Goa: 24 tmcft (plus 9.395 tmcft for existing use).
      • Maharashtra: 1.33 tmcft.
    • Concerns: Goa feared impacts on Mandovi navigation; the tribunal cited tidal flow ensures stability.
    • Legal Status: Both states have challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court.

    Controversy Over CSIR-NIO Report:

    • Study Findings: Claimed Karnataka’s diversions would have minimal impact on Goa’s water or estuarine navigation.
    • Institutions: Report authored by CSIR-NIO (Goa) and INCOIS (Hyderabad).
    • Recommendations: Suggested check dams and a Tillari-style agreement for shared water use and ecological balance.

    Tap to read more about Interstate Water Disputes in India.

    [UPSC 2013] Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.

     

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    What is A-to-I mRNA Editing?

    19 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Chinese researchers found that A-to-I mRNA editing, once considered random, plays a key role in development, especially in the wheat pathogen Fusarium graminearum.

    About A-to-I mRNA Editing:

    • mRNA: Our cells use DNA as a guide to make proteins. First, they copy DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA).
    • A-to-I editing: This is a process where the letter adenosine (A) in mRNA is changed to inosine (I) by special enzymes called ADARs. The cell reads inosine as guanine (G), which can change the protein being made.
    • Why it matters:
      • It helps the cell make different versions of proteins without changing the DNA.
      • It can remove early stop signals, allowing full proteins to be made.
      • It helps the cell adapt to different conditions or stages of life.

    What did scientists discover in the fungus?

    • Fungal Discovery: Scientists found that the fungus edits over 26,000 mRNA sites during reproduction, not during normal growth.
    • Development Role: This editing fixes early stop signals in key genes, helping the fungus develop and reproduce properly.
    • Stress Adaptation: Some genes work better unedited under stress, showing the fungus edits only when needed for survival.

    Does this happen in humans?

    Yes, A-to-I editing is common in humans:

    • In the brain: It helps with brain growth, memory, and learning.
    • In the immune system: It helps fight infections and control inflammation.

    Health Implications:

    • Health Risks: Faulty editing is linked to epilepsy and certain cancers.
    • Therapeutic Potential: Understanding this process can lead to new treatments and improve gene-editing technologies.
    [UPSC 2016] In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to:

    Options: (a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing (b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism * (c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression (d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

     

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  • RBI Notifications

    RBI’s Transfer of ‘Surplus’ to the Government

    19 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The RBI may transfer a record ₹2.5–₹3 lakh crore surplus for 2024–25 after its recent review of its Economic Capital Framework (ECF).

    About Surplus Transfer by RBI:

    • Legal Basis: Under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934, the RBI must transfer its net surplus from its income to the central government.
    • Tax Exemption: As per Section 48, the RBI is exempt from income tax and direct taxes.
    • Timeline: RBI has recently changed its accounting year from June-July to April-May.
    • Recent Transfers: In 2023–24, RBI transferred a record ₹2.11 lakh crore; estimates for 2024–25 range between ₹2.5 and 3 lakh crore.
    • Reserve Allocation: Some surplus may be set aside for contingency or asset development funds.
    • Policy Debate: The government often seeks higher transfers, while the RBI stresses on maintaining financial stability and autonomy.
    • Past Disagreements: Tensions have occurred but are usually resolved through mutual agreement.

    How does the RBI generate its surplus?

    • Foreign Investments: RBI earns returns from investing in foreign government bonds, treasury bills, and deposits with other central banks.
    • Domestic Bonds: It receives interest on Indian government securities (G-secs) held in its portfolio.
    • Bank Lending: Income is earned by lending short-term funds to commercial banks via repo operations.
    • Commission Services: The RBI charges commissions for managing borrowings and public debt for the central and state governments.
    • Main Expenditure: Costs include printing currency, staff salaries and pensions, bank commissions, and dealer fees.
    • Net Surplus: The surplus is what remains after expenses, provisions, and reserves are accounted for.

    Back2Basics: Economic Capital Framework (ECF)

    • Purpose: The ECF guides how much capital RBI must retain and how much surplus can be transferred.
    • Y.H. Malegam Committee (2013): It reviewed the adequacy of reserves and surplus distribution policy in 2013, recommended a higher transfer to the government.
    • Introduction: Finalised in 2019, based on a committee led by Bimal Jalan.
    • Goal: Seeks to balance government funding needs with RBI’s financial resilience.
    • Reserve Components: Defines key buffers like the Contingency Risk Buffer (CRB), Revaluation Reserves, and Asset Development Fund.
    • Minimum CRB: Requires at least 5.5% of RBI’s balance sheet to be held as contingency reserve.
    • Transfer Stability: Allows for more consistent surplus transfers when RBI’s earnings are strong.

     

    [UPSC 2021] In India, the central bank’s function as the ‘lender of last resort’ usually refers to which of the following:

    1.Lending to trade and industry bodies when they fail to borrow from other sources.

    2.Providing liquidity to the banks having a temporary crisis.

    3.Lending to governments to finance budgetary deficits.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Monsoon Updates

    Seasonal Impact of Monsoons on Wind Power

    19 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Geography
    Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Why in the News?

    The onset of cool, moisture-laden monsoon winds offers not just relief but also a significant opportunity for wind energy generation.

    About the Indian Monsoon:

    • Origin: The word “monsoon” comes from Arabic ‘mausin’ or Malayan ‘monsin,’ meaning “season”.
    • Seasonal Wind Shift: Monsoons are seasonal winds that reverse direction with changing seasons.
    • Types:
      1. Southwest Monsoon: Blows from sea to land, bringing rainfall across most of India.
      2. Northeast Monsoon: Blows from land to sea, bringing rain mainly to southeast India.
    • Role of Tibet: The Tibetan Plateau heats up in summer, creating low pressure that draws in moist winds.
    • Ocean Influence: A high-pressure system in the southern Indian Ocean helps drive the southwest monsoon.
    • Atmospheric Factors: Influencers include the Subtropical Jet Stream, Tropical Easterly Jet, and ITCZ.
    • Other Drivers: The Somali Jet, Somali Current, Indian Ocean Dipole, and Walker Cell also affect monsoon behaviour.

    How does monsoon impact wind variability?

    • Changing Wind Speeds: Monsoon wind speeds vary in strength and direction over time and place.
    • Energy Planning: Wind behaviour prediction is crucial for renewable power management, especially wind energy.
    • Agricultural Demand: Kharif crops planted in June depend on monsoon, raising seasonal energy demand.
    • Wind Energy Output: In areas like the Western Ghats, 70% of wind energy is generated June–September.
    • Forecasting Tools: Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models provide high-resolution wind forecasts.
    • AI Models: Tools like Google’s MetNet3 use satellite and radar data to predict wind in remote areas.

    India’s Wind Energy: Capacity, Growth & Challenges

    • India became the 3rd largest wind and solar producer in 2024, after China and the US.
    • Installed wind capacity: 50 GW as of March 31, 2025.
    • In 2024, wind and solar contributed 10% of electricity—solar 7%, wind 3%; hydro added 8%, totalling 22% from clean sources.
    • Solar capacity grew by 24 GW in 2024, doubling 2023’s figure; wind grew by 3.4 GW.
    • Leading wind additions: Gujarat (1,250 MW), Karnataka (1,135 MW), Tamil Nadu (980 MW).
    • Top wind states: Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra; targets: 140 GW wind and 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.
    • Land Use & Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF): Wind farms occupy just 2% of land, allowing agriculture on the rest; CUF ranges between 16%–19%, with peak generation during monsoon months.

     

    [UPSC 2014] The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of:

    Options: (a) Equatorial climate (b) Mediterranean climate (c) Monsoon climate * (d) All of the above climates

     

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Permanent Lok Adalats 

    17 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    Permanent Lok Adalats in as many as 16 districts of Rajasthan have ceased functioning owing to the non-extension of tenure of their presiding officers and members.

    About Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs) 

    • Legal Basis: PLAs are statutory bodies established under Section 22-B of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
    • Establishment: They were introduced in 2002 to offer speedy and affordable dispute resolution for public utility services.
    • Disputes Handled: PLAs resolve issues related to transport (air, road, water), postal, telecom, electricity, water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and insurance.
    • Composition: Each PLA has a Chairman (a current or retired District Judge or higher) and 2 members with experience in the relevant public utility sectors.
    • Functioning: Unlike regular Lok Adalats, PLAs operate on a continuous basis and are always available for dispute resolution.
    • Jurisdiction Limit: They can hear cases involving claims up to ₹1 crore but cannot take up non-compoundable criminal cases.
    • Unique Power: If conciliation fails, the PLA has the authority to adjudicate the dispute and issue a final and BINDING award, just like a civil court.

    Back2Basics: Lok Adalats vs Permanent Lok Adalats

    Lok Adalats Permanent Lok Adalats 
    Nature Ad hoc, held occasionally Permanent, functional continuously
    Jurisdiction Broad (civil, compoundable criminal, family, etc.) Limited to public utility service disputes
    Dispute Stage Usually post-litigation Pre-litigation stage only
    Panel Composition Judicial officers, lawyers, social workers Chairman (Judge) + 2 experts in utility services
    Conciliation Role Only conciliatory; no decision if no settlement Can adjudicate if no settlement is reached
    Decision Binding only if parties agree Award is final and binding, with no appeal
    Legal Status Decree of a civil court Also a civil court decree, but with adjudication power
    Appeal Provision No appeal, but fresh suit possible No appeal, but constitutional remedies may apply

     

    [UPSC 2009] With reference to Lok Adalats, consider the following statements:

    1. An award made by a Lok Adalat is deemed to be a degree of a civil court and no appeal lies against thereto before any court.

    2. Matrimonial/Family disputes are not covered under Lok Adalat.

    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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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Restoration of Rajon ki Baoli

    17 May 2025 | Prelims Only | History
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

    Why in the News?

    The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in private collaboration, has successfully completed the restoration of Rajon ki Baoli, a 16th-century Lodi-era stepwell located in New Delhi.

    About Rajon ki Baoli:

    • Location: Situated in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Delhi, around 400 meters south of Adham Khan’s Tomb.
    • Build year: Built in 1506 CE by Daulat Khan Lodi, an official under Sikandar Lodi.
    • Name Meaning: “Rajon ki Baoli” means “Stepwell of the Masons”, referring to raj mistris, not royalty.
    • Structure: The stepwell is rectangular, covering 1,610 sq m, and is 13.4 meters deep.
    • Design: It is a 4-level structure, with only the topmost tier visible from ground level.
    • Architectural Features:
      • Includes verandas, arched corridors, 12-pillared arcades, and stucco medallions.
      • The complex also has a mosque, a tomb, and a chhatri (pavilion).
    • Purpose: Served as a water source and resting place and had social-religious utility.

    About the Lodi Dynasty:

    • The Lodi Dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1451 to 1526.
    • Founder: Established by Bahlul Lodi, the first Afghan ruler of Delhi.
    • Territorial Control: Dominated Punjab, Jaunpur, Gwalior, and the Upper Ganga Valley.
    • Key Rulers:
      1. Bahlul Lodi (1451–1489): Annexed Jaunpur and solidified Afghan influence in northern India.
      2. Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517): Founded Agra, introduced agricultural reforms, standardised land with Gaz-i-Sikandari, and patronised literature and music. He imposed jizya and demolished temples in Mathura, reflecting intolerance.
      3. Ibrahim Lodi (1517–1526): Lost the First Battle of Panipat to Babur, ending the dynasty and the Sultanate.
    • Successor: Their fall marked the shift from the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughal Empire in Indian history.

    Tap to read more about Traditional Water Harvesting Systems in India.

    [UPSC 2006] Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the Afghan rulers to the throne of Delhi?

    (a) Sikandar Shah – Ibrahim Lodi – Bahlol Khan Lodi

    (b) Sikandar Shah – Bahlol Khan Lodi – Ibrahim Lodi

    (c) Bahlol Khan Lodi – Sikandar Shah – Ibrahim Lodi*

    (d) Bahlol Khan Lodi – Ibrahim Lodi – Sikandar Shah

    ASI completes conservation work in Lodhi-era stepwell – The Hindu

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    125 Years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) 

    17 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Posts has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO)—one of India’s oldest and most significant astronomical research centres dedicated to studying the Sun.

    About the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO):

    • Founding: Established in the late 19th century, KoSO was established in 1899 after atmospheric surveys by Charles Michie Smith.
    • Location: It is located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, in the Palani Hills, chosen for its excellent sky conditions.
    • Early Observations: Initially focused on observing sunspots, solar prominences, and solar radiation.
    • Modern Equipment: Now equipped with the H-alpha telescope (for flares and prominences) and WARM (for high-resolution sunspot imaging).
    • Institutional Role: Became part of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in April 1971.
    • Scientific Importance: KoSO contributes to understanding the Sun’s effect on Earth’s climate and space weather.

    Important Observations / Discoveries:

    • Evershed Effect (1909): Discovered by John Evershed, it was the first observation of radial gas outflows in sunspots, a key finding in solar physics.
    • Historic Solar Archive (1904–2017): Created one of the world’s longest continuous solar datasets.
    • Digitization: First Indian observatory to digitise solar data (since 1984); currently maintains a digital archive of 1.48 lakh images (~10 TB).
    • Wider Scientific Work: Extended research into cosmic rays, radio astronomy, ionospheric physics, and stellar astrophysics over the decades.
    [UPSC 2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?

     

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  • North-East India – Security and Developmental Issues

    50 years of Sikkim’s integration with India

    17 May 2025 | Prelims Only | History
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-04.Post-Independence- Consolidation and reorganisation within country

    Why in the News? 

    May 16 is observed annually as Sikkim Day, marking the historic occasion in 1975 when the Kingdom of Sikkim formally became a state of India.

    About the Kingdom of Sikkim

    • Foundation: The Kingdom of Sikkim was established in 1642, when three Tibetan lamas crowned Phuntsong Namgyal as the first Chogyal (monarch).
    • Namgyal dynasty: It ruled Sikkim for 333 years, maintaining a Buddhist monarchy until 1975.
    • Treaty of Tumlong (1861): It made Sikkim a British protectorate, where the Chogyals retained internal authority while the British handled external affairs.
    • Other key treaties shaping Sikkim’s status: These included the Treaty of Titaliya (1817), Calcutta Convention (1890), and Lhasa Convention (1904), which defined borders and reaffirmed British influence.

    How did Sikkim join India?

    • Post-1947 Status: After India’s independence, Sikkim did not join India like other princely states, due to its unique British treaty status.
    • Nehru’s Approach: While Sardar Patel and B.N. Rau wanted Sikkim to accede, Jawaharlal Nehru opted for a Standstill Agreement to preserve the status quo.
    • Indo-Sikkim Treaty of 1950: This treaty made Sikkim an Indian protectorate, with India managing defence, foreign affairs, and communications.
    • Role of Sikkim National Congress: Led by Kazi Dorji, the SNC became the key pro-democracy and pro-merger party.
    • 1973 Agreement: After widespread protests, a tripartite agreement was signed between the Chogyal, the Government of India, and the Sikkimese parties.
    • Democratic Transition: In 1974, elections were held, and a new constitution reduced the monarch’s powers.
    • Referendum of 1975: In April 1975, over 97% of voters supported abolishing the monarchy and merging with India.
    • Merger with India: In May 1975, the 36th Constitutional Amendment was passed, and Sikkim became the 22nd state of India. It added Article 371F to provide special provisions for the state of Sikkim.

    Back2Basics: Article 371F of the Indian Constitution

    • Constitutional Origin: Added by the 36th Amendment Act (1975) when Sikkim became the 22nd state of India.
    • Objective: Protects Sikkim’s unique history, culture, and legal system during integration.
    • Legislative Assembly: Sikkim must have at least 30 MLAs, fewer than other states under Article 170.
    • Parliamentary Representation: Sikkim has 1 Lok Sabha and 1 Rajya Sabha seat, with the Assembly electing the MP.
    • Governor’s Role: Governor holds special responsibility for peace, equity, and development.
    • Pre-Merger Laws: Existing laws and judgments before 1975 remain valid unless changed by Parliament.
    • Presidential Powers: President can modify laws and extend central laws to Sikkim within two years post-merger.
    • Land and Job Rights: Only 1961-registered Sikkimese can own land or hold state government jobs.
    • Tax Exemption: Original Sikkimese were exempt from income tax.
    • Recent Controversy: The Finance Bill, 2023 expanded the term “Sikkimese”, raising concerns over erosion of indigenous rights.

     

    [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation as full States of the Indian Union?

    Options:

    (a) Sikkim-Arunachal Pradesh-Nagaland-Haryana

    (b) Nagaland-Haryana-Sikkim-Arunachal Pradesh *

    (c) Sikkim-Haryana-Nagaland-Arunachal Pradesh

    (d) Nagaland-Arunachal Pradesh-Sikkim-Haryana

     

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