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Type: Prelims Only

  • Waste Management – SWM Rules, EWM Rules, etc

    What is Black Plastic?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Black Plastic

    Why in the News?

    A recent study suggested that black plastic contains harmful flame retardants, which may leach into food at hazardous levels.

    What is Black Plastic?

    • Black plastic is often made from recycled electronic waste like old computers, TVs, and appliances.
    • These electronics contain flame retardants (such as bromine-based compounds), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury), and other hazardous chemicals.
    • Flame retardants are added to prevent fire hazards, but they can persist in recycled plastics.
    • Many of these chemicals are now banned in several countries due to their toxicity.
    • However, legacy plastics containing these substances continue to enter the recycling stream, leading to contamination of household products.

    Threats Posed by Black Plastic:

    • Contains Toxic Chemicals: Made from recycled e-waste, it may have flame retardants, heavy metals, and antimony.
    • Food Contamination: Heat and acidic foods can leach harmful chemicals into meals.
    • Environmental Impact: Difficult to recycle, it pollutes landfills and groundwater.
    • Health Risks: Linked to hormonal issues, neurological damage, and cancer.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?

    (a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

    (b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.

    (c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.

    (d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

     

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  • Gravitational Wave Observations

    New Experiment to Test Quantum Gravity

    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: Quantum Gravity

    Why in the News?

    A new proposal published on October 29, 2024, suggests an experiment that could provide direct evidence for quantum gravity, unifying general relativity and quantum mechanics. A new experiment proposes testing weak gravitational fields at the quantum level, a historic breakthrough in physics if successful.

    What is Quantum Gravity?

    • Quantum Gravity is a theoretical framework that aims to unify general relativity (which explains gravity at large scales) and quantum mechanics (which governs subatomic particles).
    • Since gravity behaves differently from the other fundamental forces in quantum mechanics, physicists have been searching for a theory that integrates gravity into the quantum world.
    • General relativity treats gravity as the curvature of spacetime, while quantum mechanics describes forces through particle interactions.
    • Gravity has never been directly observed in quantum form, unlike the other fundamental forces.
    • Theories like String Theory and Loop Quantum Gravity attempt to explain quantum gravity but lack experimental validation.

    Significance of the Experiment

    • First Realistic Test for Quantum Gravity: Most quantum gravity theories rely on extreme conditions (e.g., black holes), making them impossible to test. This experiment provides a lab-based alternative.
    • Testing Gravity at the Quantum Level: If a small mass in quantum superposition is influenced by gravity, it could prove gravity itself is quantum in nature.
    • Weak Gravity Instead of Strong Gravity: Unlike previous studies focused on black holes, this experiment explores weak gravitational interactions, making it more feasible.
    • Towards a Unified Theory of Physics: Proving quantum gravity could merge general relativity and quantum mechanics, solving a major gap in modern physics.
    • Challenging Existing Theories: If results differ from both classical and quantum predictions, it could suggest a new force or a modified gravity theory.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Battle of Karnal (1739)

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Battle of Karnal

    Why in the News?

    On February 24, 1739, the Battle of Karnal marked a turning point in the history of Mughal empire.

    About Battle of Karnal 

    • The Battle of Karnal on February 24, 1739, saw Nadir Shah’s Persian army defeat Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah ‘Rangila’ in under three hours.
    • Despite having 300,000 soldiers, the Mughal army was crushed by Nadir Shah’s 55,000 well-trained troops using modern tactics and superior firearms.
    • Following the victory, Delhi was sacked, 30,000 civilians massacred, and the Mughal treasury looted, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Peacock Throne.

    Impact on Mughal Decline

    • Economic Collapse: The Mughal treasury was emptied, crippling military and administrative strength.
    • Weakening Central Power: Governors of Bengal, Awadh, and Hyderabad declared independence.
    • Military Decline: The Mughal army’s outdated tactics were exposed; future invasions (e.g., Ahmad Shah Abdali, 1748-1761) followed.
    • Rise of Regional Powers: The Marathas expanded, eventually capturing Delhi (1771); the Sikhs grew in Punjab.
    • British Expansion: The East India Company took advantage, leading to British rule after 1857.

    PYQ:

    [2019] With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdars and Zamindar?

    1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection.

    2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

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  • Government Budgets

    What is the ‘Quality of Public Expenditure’ Index?

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: 'Quality of Public Expenditure' Index

    Why in the News?

    The Quality of Public Expenditure (QPE) Index, developed by the RBI, evaluates how efficiently government funds are used, focusing on expenditure composition and its long-term impact on economic growth.

    About the QPE Index

    • The QPE Index by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) measures how effectively government funds are utilized.
    • It focuses on fiscal discipline, capital investment, and efficient allocation of public resources for long-term growth.
    • Key Indicators of the QPE Index:
    1. Capital Outlay to GDP Ratio: Measures government spending on infrastructure as a percentage of GDP. Higher ratio = better quality expenditure.
    2. Revenue Expenditure to Capital Outlay Ratio: Lower ratio preferred, as excessive spending on salaries & subsidies reduces funds for development.
    3. Development Expenditure to GDP Ratio: Tracks spending in education, healthcare, infrastructure, improving human capital & productivity.
    4. Development Expenditure as % of Total Expenditure:  Higher share indicates better resource allocation.
    5. Interest Payments to Total Expenditure Ratio:  Lower ratio = better debt management & fiscal sustainability.

    Key Findings from RBI’s QPE Index Analysis:

    • 1991-2003: Post-liberalization, focus on reducing fiscal deficit led to a decline in public investment.
    • 2003-2008:  FRBM Act (2003) improved fiscal discipline, increasing capital spending & state revenues.
    • 2008-2013: Global Financial Crisis (GFC) led to higher government spending, increasing fiscal deficits but supporting recovery.
    • 2013-2017: 14th Finance Commission (2015) increased states’ share in central taxes, boosting development expenditure.
    • 2017-2020:  GST implementation challenges affected the Centre’s revenues, but states benefited from higher tax shares.
    • 2020-Present:  Record capital expenditure boosted infrastructure & economic recovery, improving public expenditure quality.

    PYQ:

    [2014] With reference to Union Budget, which of the following, is/are covered under Non-Plan Expenditure?

    1. Defence-expenditure

    2. Interest payments

    3. Salaries and pensions

    4. Subsidies

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    (d) None

     

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  • RBI Notifications

    Rupee-Dollar Swap Auction

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Rupee-Dollar Swap Auction

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will conduct a $10 billion dollar-rupee swap auction on February 28, 2025, aimed at injecting durable rupee liquidity into the banking system.

    This 3-year forex swap is expected to inject ₹86,000 crore into the banking system at a time when there is a liquidity deficit of ₹1.7 lakh crore in the financial sector.

    What is the RBI’s Forex Swap Auction?

    • Forex swap auctions are a tool used by the RBI to manage liquidity and stabilize financial markets.
    • In return, the RBI will inject rupee liquidity into the banking system.
      • Buy-Sell Swap: RBI buys dollars now and sells them back later (liquidity injection).
      • Sell-Buy Swap: RBI sells dollars now and buys them back later (liquidity absorption).
    • After 3 years, the transaction will be reversed, with the RBI selling dollars back to banks and absorbing rupee liquidity from the system.

    How does it work?

    • Auction Process:
      • Banks bid in the swap auction by quoting the swap rate (forward premium).
      • The lowest premium bids are accepted first (similar to G-sec auctions).
    • Liquidity Injection:
      • Banks sell US dollars to the RBI at the prevailing exchange rate.
      • The RBI provides rupees in exchange, boosting liquidity in the banking system.
    • Reverse Swap After Three Years:
      • On March 6, 2028, the swap will be reversed.
      • The RBI will return US dollars to the banks and absorb the equivalent amount of rupees.
    • This allows the RBI to control liquidity over a longer period without permanently altering its forex reserves.

    Significance of this move

    • Reduces Borrowing Costs: More liquidity in the system lowers short-term interest rates. Bond yields and corporate borrowing costs decline, benefiting businesses and NBFCs.
    • Stabilizes Foreign Exchange Markets: The rupee’s availability increases, reducing pressure on exchange rates. Lower hedging costs for companies with foreign liabilities.
    • Enhances RBI’s Monetary Policy Toolkit: This approach provides a temporary boost to liquidity, while ensuring a controlled reversal in the future.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Convertibility of rupee implies:

    (a) Being able to convert rupee notes into gold

    (b) Allowing the value of rupee to be fixed by market forces

    (c) Freely permitting the conversion of rupee to other currencies and vice versa

    (d) Developing an international market for currencies in India

     

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  • [pib] Bay of Bengal (BOB) Inter-Governmental Organisation

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: BOBP-IGO

    Why in the News?

    India has taken over the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal (BOB) Inter-Governmental Organisation from Bangladesh at the 13th Governing Council Meeting in Male, Maldives.

    What is BOBP-IGO?

    • BOBP-IGO is a regional fisheries body promoting sustainable fisheries management and improving the livelihoods of small-scale fishers in the Bay of Bengal region.
    • It was established in 2003 and is headquartered in Chennai.
    • It evolved from the Bay of Bengal Programme (BoBP), which was launched in 1979 under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
    • Members:
      • Full Members: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka.
      • Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand.
    • Objectives: Enhance marine fisheries management, build fisher capacities, promote policy cooperation, and combat Illegal, Unreported & Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

    Significance of India’s Chairmanship in BOBP-IGO

    • India will lead policies for sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation across member nations.
    • This would strengthen monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement to prevent overfishing and illegal activities.
    • It will facilitate collaboration among member nations, exchange best practices, and integrate advanced technology in fisheries.
    • It would promote scientific research, innovation, and economic growth while reinforcing India’s influence in the Indian Ocean Region.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?

     

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Tea Tribes and Jhumur Dance

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Jhumur Dance

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister witnessed the largest-ever Jhumur dance performance in Guwahati, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Assam’s tea industry.

    What are Tea Tribes/Tea Garden Communities of Assam?

    • The Tea Tribes or Tea Garden Communities of Assam are descendants of laborers brought by the British in the 19th century to work in tea plantations.
    • These workers were mainly from Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Many were brought through forced migration, and even voluntary migration occurred under exploitative conditions.
    • They were subjected to poor wages, inhumane working conditions, and restricted mobility.
    • The community is concentrated in Upper Assam districts like Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Sonitpur, and Sivasagar, and in the Barak Valley.
    • They currently have Other Backward Classes (OBC) Status but demand Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, as many of their sub-groups, like Munda, Santhal, and Oraon, hold ST status in their original states.
    • Despite adversity, the Tea Garden Communities preserved their cultural identity, with distinct festivals, music, and dance forms.
      • Their major festivals include Tushu Puja and Karam Puja, celebrated with the traditional Jhumur dance.

    About Jhumur Dance 

    • Jhumur (also spelled Jhumoir or Jhumair) is a folk dance of the Sadan ethnolinguistic group, mainly practised by Assam’s Tea Garden Communities.
    • It originated in Chotanagpur Plateau (Jharkhand, Odisha, Bengal, and Chhattisgarh) and was brought to Assam during the British colonial era.
    • Over time, it blended with Assamese culture, incorporating Assamese musical and linguistic influences.
    • Performance and Style:
      • Women are the primary dancers, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in synchronized formations.
      • Men accompany them with traditional instruments like madal, dhol, dhak (drums), cymbals, flutes, and shehnai.
      • Attire: Women wear red and white sarees, while men wear kurta-dhoti with gamocha (traditional Assamese cloth).
    • Jhumur songs depict both celebration and hardship, narrating:
      • Love and Nature – Seasonal changes, harvest, and romance.
      • Hardships of Tea Workers – Struggles, migration, and exploitation.
      • Festivals and Community Life – Unity, faith, and social cohesion.
    • It serves as a cultural bridge, helping retain their traditions and forge a unique identity in Assam.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to​:

    (a) Dance forms of Northwest India​

    (b) Musical instruments​

    (c) Pre-historic cave paintings​

    (d) Tribal languages​

     

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement

    Why in the News?

    On February 23, 2025, farmers protesting at the Punjab and Haryana borders are observing Pagri Sambhal Diwas in honor of Ajit Singh, a freedom fighter, revolutionary, and Bhagat Singh’s paternal uncle.

    About the Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement (1907)

    • The Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement was a peasant uprising in Punjab against the oppressive British land laws that exploited farmers.
    • The movement was led by Ajit Singh, Kishan Singh (Bhagat Singh’s father), and Lala Lajpat Rai, who mobilized farmers to resist these unfair policies.
    • Farmers protested against three major British laws:
    1. Punjab Land Alienation Act, 1900 – Restricted farmers from selling or mortgaging their land, favoring landlords and moneylenders.
    2. Punjab Land Colonisation Act, 1906 – Allowed the British to take control of farmers’ land after their death instead of passing it to their heirs.
    3. Doab Bari Act, 1907 – Deprived farmers of ownership rights and reduced them to contract workers.
    • The British also raised taxes on agricultural land and irrigation, making it harder for farmers to sustain themselves.
    • The slogan “Pagri Sambhal Jatta“, meaning “Take care of your turban, O farmer,” was coined by Banke Dayal, a nationalist poet, and became a symbol of self-respect and protest.
    • The movement resulted in mass protests and acts of civil disobedience, forcing the British to roll back some clauses of these laws.
    • Ajit Singh and Lala Lajpat Rai were arrested in May 1907 and exiled to Burma. Due to public pressure, they were released in November 1907.
    • Fearing further persecution, Ajit Singh fled to Persia and later lived in Turkey, Brazil, Germany, and Italy, where he worked with other revolutionaries against British rule.
    • The movement became a landmark in India’s freedom struggle, inspiring future farmers’ agitations, the Ghadar Movement, and Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary activities.

    Who was Ajit Singh?

    On February 23, 2025, farmers protesting at the Punjab and Haryana borders are observing Pagri Sambhal Diwas in honor of Ajit Singh, a freedom fighter, revolutionary, and the paternal uncle of Bhagat Singh.

    • Ajit Singh was a freedom fighter, revolutionary, and nationalist leader who played a crucial role in India’s independence movement.
    • He was born on February 23, 1881, in Khatkar Kalan, Punjab, which is now part of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
    • He was the elder brother of Kishan Singh, the father of Bhagat Singh, and played a key role in shaping Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary ideals.
    • Ajit Singh co-founded the Bharat Mata Society, an organization that aimed to unite farmers and revolutionaries against British exploitation.
    • Due to his active role in the Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement, he became a prime target of British authorities and was forced into exile for 38 years (1909-1947).
    • He lived in Persia, Turkey, Brazil, Germany, and Italy, where he continued his revolutionary activities and worked with Lala Hardayal and Madame Cama.
    • In March 1947, Ajit Singh returned to India, just a few months before India gained independence.
    • However, due to prolonged illness, he passed away on August 15, 1947, the very day India became independent.
    • Since 2021, February 23 has been observed as Pagri Sambhal Diwas, honoring Ajit Singh’s contributions to India’s independence and farmers’ rights.

     

    PYQ:

    [2010] What was the immediate cause for the launch of the Swadeshi movement?

    (a) The partition of Bengal done by Lord Curzon.

    (b) A sentence of 18 months rigorous imprisonment imposed on Lokmanya Tilak.

    (c) The arrest and deportation of Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh; and passing of the Punjab Colonization Bill.

    (d) Death sentence pronounced on the Chapekar brothers.

     

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  • What are Zonal Councils?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Zonal Council

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister chaired the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Pune.

    About Zonal Councils in India:

    Details
    Origin & Purpose
    • Proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956 to promote cooperation among states after reorganization.
    • Established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, with the goal of resolving inter-state disputes and ensuring balanced socio-economic development.
    Composition & Structure
    • Five Zonal Councils + North-Eastern Council (NEC).
    • Chairperson: Union Home Minister.
    • Vice-Chairperson: Chief Ministers (rotating one-year term).
    • Each state is represented by its Chief Minister + 2 ministers, with NITI Aayog participation.
    • Standing Committees of Chief Secretaries review issues before full meetings.
    Zonal Councils & Member States
    • Northern: Haryana, HP, J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Chandigarh.
    • Central: Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, UP, MP.
    • Eastern: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal.
    • Western: Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu.
    • Southern: AP, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry.
    • North-Eastern Council (NEC): Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim (added in 2002).
    Functions & Recent Developments
    • Resolves inter-state disputes, improves Centre-State coordination, addresses border issues, economic planning, transport, and linguistic minorities.
    • Strengthens cooperative federalism and regional development.
    • 2018: Union Home Minister became NEC Chairperson.
    • Modi government transformed Zonal Councils from advisory bodies to action-oriented platforms.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?

    1. National Development Council

    2. Planning Commission

    3. Zonal Councils

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage Site in Odisha

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage Site in Odisha

    Why in the News?

    On December 1, 2024, a team of archaeologists, students, and laborers began excavation at the Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage Site in Jajpur, Odisha.

    On December 1, 2024, a team of archaeologists, students, and laborers began excavation at the Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage Site in Jajpur, Odisha.

    About the Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage Site

    • Located in Jajpur district, Odisha, Ratnagiri is part of the “Diamond Triangle” along with Udayagiri and Lalitgiri.
    • It flourished as a Vajrayana Buddhist center from the 5th to 13th century AD.
    • It was first reported in 1906, with excavations conducted from 1958-1961 by Debala Mitra.
    • It is identified as ‘Sri Ratnagiri Mahavihara Arya Bhikshu Sangha’ through inscriptions.

    Key Findings at the Site:

    • Largest Buddha Head in Odisha: 1.4 meters tall, made of Khondalite stone, featuring intricate carvings.
    • Monolithic Elephant Sculpture: Likely part of an ancient shrine complex.
    • Hundreds of Votive Stupas: Used for spiritual offerings, reflecting Vajrayana Buddhist traditions.
    • Sanskrit Inscriptions in Kutila Script: Provide insights into monastic teachings and rituals.
    • Stone Tablets and Masonry Structures: Indicate large, organized monastic settlements.
    • Lion Pedestal (Simhasana) and Buddhist Deities: Includes Amoghasiddhi, Ratnasambhava, Akshobhya, Amitabha, Tara, Marici, Padmapani, Cunda.
    • Artefacts Used in Local Villages: Repurposed as decorations, Tulsi bases, and construction materials.

    PYQ:

    [2014] With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs :

    Famous shrine: Location

    1. Tabo monastery and temple complex: Spiti Valley
    2. Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako: Zanskar Valley
    3. Alchi temple complex: Ladakh complex

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

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

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