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Type: Prelims Only

  • Banakacherla Project Dispute

    Why in the News?

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

    Banakacherla Project Dispute

    About the Banakacherla Project:

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

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

    Issues with the Project:

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

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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

    Why in the news?

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

    About Sree Narayana Guru:

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

    His Contributions:

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

    His Conversations with Gandhiji (1925):

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

    Movement/Organization Leader

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

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

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

     

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

    Why in the News?

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

    About Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA):

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

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

    2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • In-Body CAR T-Cell Therapy

    Why in the News?

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

    What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?

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

    Recent Breakthrough: In-Body CAR T-Cell Therapy

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

    Significance for India:

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

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

     

  • Climate Threat Emerging from Rising Evaporative Demand and Thirstwaves

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have coined a new term, “thirstwave”, to describe spikes in evaporative demand, where a warmer atmosphere draws more water from plants, soil, and trees.

    What is Evaporative Demand?

    • Definition: Evaporative demand is the measure of how much water the atmosphere can potentially absorb from land, plants, and water surfaces if there is unlimited water available. It tells us how “thirsty” the atmosphere is.
    • Nature of Measurement: It is not about how much water is actually lost but how much could be lost if water was fully available. It depends on weather conditions, not the amount of water in the soil.
    • Standard Metric: The most widely used metric to quantify this is Standardized Short-Crop Reference Evapotranspiration (ETos)—which assumes a 12 cm grass surface with unlimited water availability.
    • Impact of Global Warming: As global warming increases atmospheric heat, evaporative demand also rises, making the air more “thirsty”.

    What is a Thirstwave?

    • Origin: “Thirstwave” is a newly coined term (2025) by Meetpal Kukal and Mike Hobbins to describe three or more consecutive days of extreme evaporative demand.
    • Definition: A thirstwave is a period of sudden and intense increase in evaporative demand, caused by hot, dry, and sunny weather. It means the atmosphere becomes extremely “thirsty” and starts pulling water rapidly from soil, plants, and water bodies, even if they already have limited moisture.
    • Distinction from Heatwaves: Unlike heatwaves, thirstwaves account for multifactorial stress, combining temperature, humidity, wind, and solar input.
    • Thirstwave in India: There is no dedicated data yet on thirstwaves in India, but researchers are beginning to investigate, especially in South Asia’s climate-vulnerable zones.
    [UPSC 2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?

    1. Hard and waxy leaves

    2. Tiny leaves

    3. Thorns instead of leaves

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • India breaks into top 100 of SDG Index for the first time

    Why in the News?

    In a major milestone, India has ranked 99th out of 167 countries in the 2025 edition of the Sustainable Development Report (SDR), released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

    What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

    • Definition: SDGs are 17 global goals adopted by all UN member states in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity by 2030.
    • Core Focus: They balance economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability for a better future.
    • Scope: The goals cover health, education, gender equality, clean water, economic growth, climate action, and governance.
    • Global Framework: They are part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the UN.

    About Global SDG Rankings:

    • Report Publisher: The Sustainable Development Report is released annually by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, led by Jeffrey Sachs.
    • Methodology: It ranks 167 countries using an SDG Index score out of 100 based on performance across all 17 goals.
    • Score Interpretation: A score of 100 means full achievement of all SDGs; lower scores show partial or poor implementation.
    • Data Sources: Rankings are based on a mix of social, economic, environmental, and governance indicators.
    • Global Patterns: European countries dominate top ranks; countries with conflict or debt rank lower.
    Note: In India, we also have our own SDG India Index released by NITI Aayog.

    Key Highlights of the Rankings:

    • India’s Rank 2025: India ranks 99th with a score of 67—its first time in the top 100.
    • Major Countries’ Ranking: China ranks 49th (74.4); the US ranks 44th (75.2) but is 193rd in SDG policy support.
    • Neighbourhood Comparison: Bhutan ranks 74th (70.5), Nepal 85th (68.6), Bangladesh 114th (63.9), Pakistan 140th (57), Sri Lanka 93rd, and Maldives 53rd.
    • Top Performers: Finland, Sweden, and Denmark lead the world in SDG achievement.
    • Areas of Progress: Global gains include access to electricity, mobile broadband, internet, and lower child mortality.
    • Major Setbacks: Challenges include rising obesity, declining press freedom, biodiversity loss, and growing corruption.
    • Target Gaps: Only 17% of SDG targets are on track to be achieved by 2030.
    [UPSC 2016] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.

    2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

    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

     

  • Rising Evaporative Demand and Thirstwaves

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have coined a new term, “thirstwave”, to describe spikes in evaporative demand, where a warmer atmosphere draws more water from plants, soil, and trees.

    What is Evaporative Demand?

    • Definition: Evaporative demand is the measure of how much water the atmosphere can potentially absorb from land, plants, and water surfaces if there is unlimited water available. It tells us how “thirsty” the atmosphere is.
    • Nature of Measurement: It is not about how much water is actually lost but how much could be lost if water was fully available. It depends on weather conditions, not the amount of water in the soil.
    • Standard Metric: The most widely used metric to quantify this is Standardized Short-Crop Reference Evapotranspiration (ETos)—which assumes a 12 cm grass surface with unlimited water availability.
    • Impact of Global Warming: As global warming increases atmospheric heat, evaporative demand also rises, making the air more “thirsty”.
    • Key Features:
      • Simplified Model: ETos simplifies evapotranspiration by assuming fixed vegetation properties and only variable weather conditions.
      • Indicators of Stress: An increase in ETos indicates higher temperatures, lower humidity, faster wind, and stronger solar radiation.
      • Effect on Soil and Crops: Rising evaporative demand leads to more rapid drying of soil and plants, even with ample irrigation.
      • Agricultural Relevance: This directly affects irrigation scheduling, crop productivity, and climate-resilient farming strategies.

    What is a Thirstwave?

    • Origin: “Thirstwave” is a newly coined term (2025) by Meetpal Kukal and Mike Hobbins to describe three or more consecutive days of extreme evaporative demand.
    • Definition: A thirstwave is a period of sudden and intense increase in evaporative demand, caused by hot, dry, and sunny weather. It means the atmosphere becomes extremely “thirsty” and starts pulling water rapidly from soil, plants, and water bodies, even if they already have limited moisture.
    • Distinction from Heatwaves: Unlike heatwaves, thirstwaves account for multifactorial stress, combining temperature, humidity, wind, and solar input.
    • Thirstwave in India: There is no dedicated data yet on thirstwaves in India, but researchers are beginning to investigate, especially in South Asia’s climate-vulnerable zones.
    [UPSC 2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?

    1. Hard and waxy leaves

    2. Tiny leaves

    3. Thorns instead of leaves

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • What is the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) Alliance?

    Why in the News?

    The IBAT Alliance, a coalition of leading global conservation bodies, announced a record $2.5 million investment in biodiversity data for the year 2024, more than double the amount in 2023.

    About Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT):

    • What is it: IBAT is a web-based biodiversity mapping and reporting platform launched in 2008 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress.
    • Objective: It was launched to enable the private sector, government, and civil society to integrate biodiversity into planning and risk management processes.
    • Utility: It helps screen biodiversity risks, assess conservation priorities, and align business practices with global frameworks like the UN SDGs and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
    • Members: The IBAT Alliance is a coalition of 4 major global conservation organizations:
      1. BirdLife International
      2. Conservation International (CI)
      3. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
      4. UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)
    • Headquarters: David Attenborough Building, Cambridge (UK), with access to global scientific and conservation networks.
    [UPSC 2016] With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.

    2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.

    3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • 50 Years of National Emergency

    Why in the News?

    On June 26, 2025, India marks the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, imposed in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

    What is National Emergency? (Article 352)

    • Definition: A national emergency is a constitutional provision under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution.
    • Grounds for Proclamation: It can be proclaimed by the President of India when the security of India or any part of it is threatened by:
      • War
      • External Aggression
      • Armed Rebellion
      • (Earlier also included “internal disturbance”, removed via the 44th Amendment, 1978)

    Grounds of Proclamation: Evolution

    • Original Provision (1950): Allowed Emergency for “internal disturbance”, which was vague and broad.
    • 38th Amendment Act (1975): Made the President’s satisfaction final and beyond judicial scrutiny.
    • 44th Amendment Act (1978):
      • Replaced “internal disturbance” with “armed rebellion” to curb misuse.
      • Restored judicial review of the President’s decision.

    Process of Proclamation

    • Initiation: The Union Cabinet (not just the PM) must send a written recommendation to the President.
    • Anticipatory Power: The proclamation can be issued before the actual occurrence of war, aggression, or rebellion.
    • Parliamentary Approval:
      • Must be ratified by both Houses within 1 month.
      • Requires a special majority:
        • Majority of the total membership.
        • Two-thirds of members present and voting.
      • Valid for 6 months; can be extended indefinitely with fresh approvals every 6 months.

    Territorial Application

    • Original Scope: Applied to the entire nation.
    • 42nd Amendment Act (1976): Permitted partial emergencies limited to specific states or territories.

    Judicial Review:

    • Before 1975: Emergency proclamations could be challenged in courts.
    • After the 38th Amendment: Made proclamations immune to judicial review.
    • Post-44th Amendment: Judicial review restored.
    • Minerva Mills Case (1980): SC ruled that Emergency can be struck down if based on mala fide, irrelevant, or absurd grounds.

    Revocation of National Emergency:

    • Duration: Can continue indefinitely with periodic 6-month renewals.
    • Revocation: The President can revoke anytime without Parliamentary approval.
    • Lok Sabha Oversight:
      • If 1/10th of Lok Sabha members give written notice, the Speaker/President must convene a session within 14 days.
      • Disapproval motion can pass with a simple majority.

    Historical Precedents:

    India has witnessed 3 National Emergencies:

    • 1962–1968: Due to war with China (external aggression).
    • 1971–1977: Triggered by war with Pakistan, later extended on grounds of internal disturbance.
    • 1975–1977: Declared on June 25, 1975, for internal disturbances—widely seen as misuse of power.

    Implications of Imposition of National Emergency:

    1. Centre-State Relations:
    • Executive Control: The centre gains dominant powers over state governments.
    • Legislative Powers:
      • Parliament can legislate on State List subjects.
      • President can issue ordinances on State subjects.
      • Such laws remain valid for 6 months after Emergency ends.
    • Financial Control:
      • President can alter financial distribution between Centre and states.
      • Reduced grants or tax transfers can continue till end of financial year after Emergency is lifted.
    1. Legislature:
    • Lok Sabha:
      • Under Article 83(2), its term can be extended by one year at a time.
      • Cannot continue beyond 6 months after Emergency ends.
    • State Assemblies: Term can be similarly extended with the same limitation.
    1. Fundamental Rights:
    • Article 358 – Automatic Suspension:
      • Article 19 is automatically suspended, only when Emergency is due to war or external aggression.
      • Applies nationwide, regardless of where Emergency is declared.
    • Article 359 – Presidential Order:
      • President can suspend court enforcement of specified Fundamental Rights.
      • Does not apply to Articles 20 and 21.
      • Can be regional or nationwide, covering all or selected rights.
    1. Judiciary:
    • 38th Amendment: Shielded Emergency from judicial scrutiny.
    • 44th Amendment: Restored court oversight.
    • Minerva Mills Judgment: Upheld that proclamations can be invalidated if mala fide or irrational.
    [2022] Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?

    1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency

    2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers

    3. To impeach the President of India

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • [pib] National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

    Why in the News?

    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of an alleged gang rape in Odisha.

    About the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

    • Legal Status: The NHRC is a statutory body, established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
      • Mandate: It functions as the national watchdog for human rights, aiming to ensure that state institutions respect and protect fundamental human dignity.
      • Objective: To strengthen institutional mechanisms for addressing human rights concerns.
    • Composition of NHRC:
      • Core Members: It consists of a Chairperson and 4 full-time members.
      • Chairperson: The Chairperson must be a former Chief Justice or Judge of the Supreme Court.
      • Other Members: Other members include retired judges, human rights experts, and at least one woman.
      • Ex-Officio Members: There are 7 ex-officio members—Chairpersons of the SC, ST, Women, Minorities, Backward Classes, Child Rights Commissions, and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
    • Functions:
      • Investigation Role: To inquire into human rights violations or failure to prevent them, either suo motu, on a petition, or through court direction.
      • Custodial Oversight: To visit jails and detention centres to examine conditions.
      • Legal Reform Advice: To review legal protections for human rights and recommend reforms.
      • Awareness Promotion: To promote awareness and literacy around human rights issues.
      • NGO and Research Support: To support NGOs and academic research on human rights.
      • Global Alignment: To study international treaties and suggest implementation strategies.

    Appointment and Tenure:

    • Selection Process: Appointments are made by the President of India based on the recommendation of a 6-member committee headed by Prime Minister and including the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Opposition leaders, Home Minister, and others.
    • Term Limits: The Chairperson and members serve for 3 years or until the age of 70, whichever comes first.

    Removal and Service Conditions:

    • Grounds for Removal: The President can remove a member for reasons like insolvency, misconduct, or infirmity, subject to inquiry by the Supreme Court in some cases.
    • Salary and Benefits: Salaries and service conditions are fixed by the Central Government and cannot be altered to the disadvantage of the appointees after their appointment.

    Working Procedure and Limitations:

    • Quasi-Judicial Powers: The NHRC operates with civil court powers, can summon reports, and has an investigative staff.
    • Inter-Agency Support: It can request help from Central or State agencies for investigation.
    • No Enforcement Authority: Its role is recommendatory, with no power to punish violators or grant relief. Governments must respond within one month to its recommendations.
    • Time and Jurisdiction Limits: It cannot investigate violations reported after 1 year of the alleged act and has a limited role in probing armed forces misconduct in human rights issues.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following organizations/bodies in India:

    1. The National Commission for Backward Classes

    2. The National Human Rights Commission

    3. The National Law Commission

    4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

    How many of the above are constitutional bodies?

    Options: (a) Only one* (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four