Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

Navratna Status for IRCTC and IRFC

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Navratna Status

Why in the News?

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) have been granted Navratna status, making them the 25th and 26th Navratna companies in India.

Other Navratna Companies in Indian Railways

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR): Multimodal logistics.
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL): Infrastructure expansion.
RITES Ltd: Transport consultancy.
IRCON International Ltd: Railway and highway construction.
RailTel Corporation of India Ltd: IT & communication services.

What is Navratna Status?

Introduced in 1997, the Navratna scheme identifies high-performing CPSEs and grants them financial and operational independence.
It allows selected companies to compete globally while maintaining public sector ownership.
Categories of PSUs in India:
- Maharatna: Largest CPSEs with highest financial powers.
- Navratna: Mid-tier CPSEs with strategic autonomy.
- Miniratna: Emerging CPSEs with limited independence.

Eligibility Criteria for Navratna Status:

A CPSE must-

Be a Miniratna-I company with an Excellent or Very Good rating in its MoU performance in three out of five years.
Achieve a composite score of 60+ based on:
- Net Profit to Net Worth
- Manpower Cost to Total Cost of Production
- Profitability Ratios (PBDIT & PBIT)
- Earnings Per Share
- Inter-Sectoral Performance

Benefits of Navratna Status:

Investment Autonomy: Can invest ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth in a single project without government approval.
Strategic Expansion: Freedom to form joint ventures, subsidiaries, and acquisitions.
Operational Flexibility: Can make independent business and investment decisions.
Enhanced Market Position: Attracts more investors and improves stock performance.

PYQ:

[2011] Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?

1. The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt.

2. The Government no longer intends to retain the management control of the CPSEs.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) neither 1 nor 2

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Wetland Conservation

MISHTI Scheme

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: MISHTI Scheme

Why in the News?

Gujarat has emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in just two years under the Central Government’s MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme.

About the MISHTI Scheme

The MISHTI scheme was launched on June 5, 2023, to restore 540 sq. km of mangrove forests.
It aims to restore and expand 540 sq. km mangrove forests across 9 states and 3 union territories over a 5-year period (2023–28).
It aligns with India’s commitment to the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) at COP27 (2022, Egypt).
The scheme is funded through MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and other sources, ensuring community participation.
It focuses on Sundarbans (West Bengal), Hooghly Estuary, and other coastal and wetland ecosystems.

Gujarat’s Leadership in Mangrove Afforestation

Gujarat has emerged as India’s top state in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares (190 sq. km) in just two years under MISHTI.
The Gulf of Kutch (799 sq. km) leads in coverage, followed by the Gulf of Khambhat and Dumas-Ubhrat belt (134 sq. km).
Gujarat’s 1,650 km-long coastline is home to mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses, making it an
It aims to expand mangrove cover by an additional 350 sq. km, strengthening climate resilience and coastal biodiversity.

PYQ:

[2015] Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest?

(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

What is Planetary Alignment?

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Planetary Alignment

Why in the News?

On February 29, 2024, skywatchers worldwide witnessed a rare planetary alignment (parade) with seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus—lining up in the night sky.

What is Planetary Alignment?

A planetary alignment occurs when multiple planets in the Solar System appear to line up in the sky as seen from Earth.
This phenomenon happens because planets orbit the Sun in a flat, disc-shaped plane called the ecliptic.
Although planets remain millions of kilometers apart, they seem to form a straight line from Earth’s perspective due to optical illusion and perspective.
The term “planet parade” is also used to describe this occurrence when multiple planets become visible in the sky at the same time.

Types of Planetary Alignments:

Conjunction: Two or more planets appear close to each other in the sky.
Small Alignment: Three planets align in a visible line.
Large Alignment: Four or more planets appear aligned from Earth’s perspective.
Full Alignment: All eight planets of the Solar System appear in a single line (very rare).

How often do Planetary Alignments occur?

Planetary alignments are not uncommon, but their rarity depends on the number of planets involved.
- Two- or Three-Planet Alignments: Occur multiple times a year.
- Four- or Five-Planet Alignments: Visible every few years.
- Six- or Seven-Planet Alignments: Appear every few decades.
- Full Alignment (All Eight Planets): Extremely rare, occurs once every 170–200 years.

Recent & Upcoming Alignments:

- August 2025: Expected four-planet alignment.
- May 2492: The next predicted full planetary alignment of all eight planets.

PYQ:

[2019] On 21st June, the Sun:

(a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
(b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
(c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
(d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

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Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

Research team takes big step towards making a Bose Metal

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Bose Metal

Why in the News?

Researchers have recently discovered a potential new state of matter, the Bose metal, found between a regular metal and a superconductor, with evidence of this phase in Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) by a team of Chinese and Japanese scientists.

What is a Bose Metal?

A Bose metal is a hypothetical anomalous metallic state where Cooper pairs (electron pairs) form but do not transition into a superconducting state.
This state exists between a normal metal and a superconductor, challenging traditional theories of condensed matter physics.
In simple terms, a Bose metal is a material where:
- Electrons pair up into Cooper pairs (like in superconductors).
- However, these Cooper pairs fail to achieve long-range coherence, meaning the material remains metallic instead of becoming superconducting.
- This results in partial electrical resistance, unlike superconductors that have zero resistance.
Recent experimental studies suggest their existence in materials like Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) when subjected to specific conditions, such as thin layers and applied magnetic fields.

Key Features:

Intermediate State: Exists between a metal and a superconductor.
Cooper Pair Formation: Electrons form pairs, but they don’t condense into superconductivity.
Anomalous Conductivity: Higher than normal metals but not infinite like superconductors.
Quantum Fluctuations: Strong phase fluctuations disrupt Cooper pair coherence.
Hall Resistance Vanishing: Indicates charge transport by Cooper pairs rather than individual electrons.
Observed in Thin 2D Materials: Seen in ultra-thin films of superconductors under specific conditions.

PYQ:

[2013] Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?

Beryllium
Cadmium
Chromium
Heptachlor
Mercury
Lead
Plutonium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

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Air Pollution

Study identifies sources of PM2.5 in northern India

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: PM 2.5

Why in the News?

A recent study published in Nature Communications has analyzed the sources and health impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

About PM2.5

PM2.5 (Particulate Matter ≤2.5 microns) refers to tiny air pollutants small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
These fine particles come from both natural sources (like dust storms and wildfires) and human activities (like burning fossil fuels and industrial emissions).
PM2.5 poses severe health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and reduced lung function.
The oxidative potential of PM2.5 is an important indicator of its toxicity and ability to cause cellular damage.

Key Findings of the Study

Major Sources of PM2.5 in Northern India:

The study analyzed PM2.5 pollution across five locations in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including Delhi and Kanpur.
Delhi: PM2.5 is mainly from vehicular emissions, fossil fuel burning, and residential heating.
Outside Delhi: It consists of ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and biomass-burning aerosols.

PM2.5 Toxicity and Health Risks:

PM2.5 toxicity is linked to organic aerosols from inefficient combustion of biomass and fossil fuels.
Traffic emissions and residential fuel burning significantly contribute to PM2.5-related health risks.

Traffic as a Major Contributor:

Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOA) from vehicular emissions were highest at urban roadside sites in Delhi (8 μg/m³).
HOA accounts for 50% of fossil fuel-derived aerosols, increasing to 40% in warmer months.

Winter Pollution Due to Residential Heating and Cooking:

Cow dung combustion for heating and cooking in winter increases organic aerosols, with levels 10 times higher than in summer due to biomass burning and shallow boundary layers.

India’s PM2.5 Toxicity Among the Highest Globally:

The study found that PM2.5 oxidative potential (toxicity) in Indian cities is up to 5 times higher than in Chinese and European cities.

PYQ:

[2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index?

Carbon dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Sulphur dioxide
Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

Who was Amir Khusrau?

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Amir Khusrau

Why in the News?

Recently, PM Modi inaugurated the 25th edition of Jahaan-e-Khusrau, a Sufi music festival held at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, in Khusrau’s honor.

Who was Amir Khusrau?

Amir Khusrau was born in Patiyali, Uttar Pradesh, to a Turkish father and an Indian mother.
He served as a court poet to five Delhi Sultans:
- Muiz ud din Qaiqabad of Mamluk Dynasty (1287–1290)
- Jalaluddin Khalji (1290–1296)
- Alauddin Khalji (1296–1316)
- Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah (1316–1320)
- Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320–1325)
He was deeply influenced by Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, whose teachings shaped his spiritual and poetic journey.
He is fondly remembered as “The Parrot of India” (Tuti-e-Hind) for his eloquence.

Literary Contributions:

Wrote in Persian and Hindavi, pioneering Khari Boli, the precursor to Hindi and Urdu.
Created the first Hindi lexicon (Khalikbari), blending Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic words.

Notable works:

- Tughlaq Nama (historical epic)
- Nuh Sipihr (Nine Skies)
- In the Bazaar of Love (ghazals and poetry)
Invented the qawwali tradition, merging Indian and Persian musical elements.
Composed Chhap Tilak Sab Chheeni Re, Zehal-e-Miskeen, and Sakal Ban Phool Rahi Sarson.
Credited with developing the sitar and tabla, though debated by historians.
Most devoted disciple of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.
Upon his master’s death in 1325, Khusrau followed within 6 months.
His tomb lies beside Nizamuddin’s dargah in Delhi, symbolizing their eternal bond.
Pioneered Hindavi poetry and laid the foundation for Hindi and Urdu literature.
Inspired generations of ghazal and qawwali singers, including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen.
Festivals like Jahaan-e-Khusrau continue to honor his enduring cultural legacy.

PYQ:

[2012] With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?

1. Meditation and control of breath

2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place

3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

Why in the News?

PM Modi recently questioned why the colonial-era Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, which allowed authorities to ban plays deemed seditious, defamatory, or obscene, remained in force 75 years after independence.

What is the Dramatic Performances Act, 1876?

The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, was a colonial-era law enacted by the British to suppress nationalist and anti-government sentiments in public performances.
The Act empowered the government to ban, regulate, or censor public plays, pantomimes, and dramas that were deemed:
- Scandalous or defamatory
- Seditious or inciting disaffection against the government
- Obscene or corrupting to public morality
It also allowed magistrates to search, seize, and arrest performers and organizers without a warrant.
The law prescribed up to three months of imprisonment and/or a fine for violations.

References to Article 19 and Article 372

Conflict with Article 19(1)(a) – Right to Free Speech:

- After independence, freedom of speech and expression was guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a).
- The Allahabad High Court (1956) ruled the Act unconstitutional, stating it restricted free speech beyond reasonable limits.

Exceptions Under Article 19(2):

- Article 19(2) allows reasonable restrictions on free speech for: Security of the state, public order, morality, and defamation.
- The court ruled that the Dramatic Performances Act exceeded these limits.

Article 372 and Colonial Laws:

- Article 372(1) of the Constitution states that laws in force before independence shall continue to be in effect unless repealed or modified by the Parliament.
- Though invalidated in 1956, the law was formally repealed in 2018 under the Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017.

PYQ:

[2014] What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

[2021] A legislation which confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India?

(a) Article 14

(b) Article 28

(d) Article 44

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Judicial Reforms

Article 136 of the Indian Constitution

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Article 136 of the Indian Constitution

Why in the News?

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently raised concerns over the wide usage of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) under Article 136 of the Indian Constitution, stating that what was meant to be a “narrow slit” has now turned into a wide judicial intervention.

What is a Special Leave Petition (SLP) under Article 136?

A SLP is an extraordinary appeal mechanism that allows the Supreme Court (SC) to intervene in any judgment, decree, or order passed by a lower court or tribunal, except in matters related to the Armed Forces Tribunal.
SLP is discretionary, meaning the SC is NOT obligated to hear every petition filed under Article 136.
The concept of SLP originates from the Government of India Act, 1935, which gave a similar power to the Privy Council in colonial times.

Key Features of SLP:

Jurisdiction of Article 136:
- The SC has the power to grant special leave to appeal against judgments of High Courts, tribunals, or other judicial bodies.
- This allows the SC to examine cases that may not have a direct appeal provision under law.
Scope of Application:
- SLPs can be filed in both civil and criminal cases.
- It can be used even in cases where a High Court refuses to grant a certificate of appeal to the Supreme Court.
- The SC may accept or reject an SLP without providing reasons.
Time Limit for Filing:
- 90 days from the date of the High Court’s judgment.
- 60 days if the High Court refuses to certify an appeal.
Judicial Discretion:
- SLP is not an automatic right of appeal but is granted only in cases where the SC finds that a substantial question of law or injustice is involved.
- Even if an SLP is accepted, the SC may later decline to interfere in the final decision.
Conversion into a Formal Appeal: If the SC grants leave under an SLP, the case turns into a full-fledged appeal, allowing both parties to present their arguments.

PYQ:

[2021] With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:

Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither I nor 2

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1

Why in the News?

US’s Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully landed on the Moon, becoming the second private mission to do so and the first to land upright.

What is ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1?

Blue Ghost Mission 1 is a private lunar landing mission by Firefly Aerospace under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
It successfully landed on the Moon, at Mons Latreille, Mare Crisium.
The mission is designed to operate for 14 Earth days (one lunar day).

Key Features of Blue Ghost Mission 1:

Carries 10 scientific instruments, including a lunar soil analyzer, a radiation-tolerant computer, and a GPS-based navigation experiment to test satellite navigation on the Moon.
Equipped with a high-definition imaging system to capture a lunar eclipse (March 14, 2024) and lunar sunset (March 16, 2024).
Successfully navigated a rocky and cratered surface using hazard-avoidance technology, slowing from thousands of miles per hour to just two mph before touchdown.
The lander is golden in color and about the size of a hippopotamus.
It supports Artemis missions by testing lunar technologies and reducing costs for future human exploration.

PYQ:

[2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

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Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

‘Kundi’ Traditional Water Harvesting

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Traditional water harvesting systems in India

Why in the News?

With summers nearing, the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan particularly in Churu, Jaisalmer, and Barmer districts largely rely on ‘Kundi’ system of traditional rainwater harvesting.

kundi

What is Kundi System?

Found in Churu, Rajasthan, kundis (or kunds) are traditional rainwater harvesting structures designed for storing drinking water.
A circular or rectangular pit, often lined with bricks or stones, is dug into the ground.
Rainwater is collected through sloped catchments and funneled into the kundi for storage.
A lid or stone slab covers the pit to prevent contamination and evaporation.
These structures help communities survive in regions with scarce groundwater and unpredictable rainfall.

Other Traditional Water Harvesting Systems in India

Khadin (Rajasthan)	Earthen embankment (bund) built across slopes to retain surface runoff for moisture conservation and groundwater recharge, used since the 15th century.
Johads (Rajasthan, Haryana)	Small crescent-shaped embankments that store rainwater, recharge groundwater, prevent runoff, and improve water availability.
Baolis / Stepwells (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, MP)	Deep stepwells with stairs leading to groundwater storage, used for drinking, irrigation, and bathing; famous examples include Rani ki Vav (UNESCO site) and Agrasen ki Baoli.
Virdas (Gujarat – Kutch region)	Shallow wells dug in depressions to separate fresh rainwater from saline groundwater, used by Maldhari pastoralists for drinking and livestock.
Tankas (Rajasthan, Gujarat)	Circular underground tanks built in homes and temples for storing rainwater; lined with lime for purification, found in Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Dwarka.
Zabo (Nagaland)	Terraced ponds built on hill slopes to collect rainwater for drinking, irrigation, and livestock, preventing soil erosion and increasing groundwater recharge.
Kuls (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, J&K)	Small channels (kuls) diverting glacial meltwater to fields for irrigation, made of stones, wood, and mud, and managed by local communities.
Ahar-Pyne (Bihar, Jharkhand)	Ancient system from the Mauryan period, where reservoirs (Ahar) collect rainwater, and channels (Pyne) distribute it for paddy cultivation.
Eri (Tamil Nadu)	Interconnected chain of tanks developed during the Chola period for irrigation, groundwater recharge, and flood control, still supporting agriculture.
Surangam (Kerala, Karnataka)	Horizontal tunnels dug into hillsides to extract water from aquifers, similar to Iran’s Qanat system, common in Malabar and Kasargod.
Phad Irrigation (Maharashtra)	Community-managed canal irrigation system drawing water from rivers, used in drought-prone areas, managed by a village council (patkari system).

[UPSC 2016] With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta refers to:

(a) Bonded labour

(b) Land grants made to military officers

(d) Wasteland converted to cultivated land

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

Other Navratna Companies in Indian Railways

What is Navratna Status?

Eligibility Criteria for Navratna Status:

Benefits of Navratna Status:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the MISHTI Scheme

Gujarat’s Leadership in Mangrove Afforestation

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Planetary Alignment?

How often do Planetary Alignments occur?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is a Bose Metal?

Key Features:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About PM2.5

Key Findings of the Study

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Who was Amir Khusrau?

Literary Contributions:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Dramatic Performances Act, 1876?

References to Article 19 and Article 372

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is a Special Leave Petition (SLP) under Article 136?

Key Features of SLP:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is ‘Blue Ghost’ Mission 1?

Key Features of Blue Ghost Mission 1:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Kundi System?

Other Traditional Water Harvesting Systems in India