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Type: Prelims Only

  • [pib] ‘NAVYA’ Initiative for Skilling Adolescent Girls

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has launched the NAVYA initiative.

    About the ‘NAVYA’ Initiative:

    • Overview: NAVYA stands for Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.
    • Nodal Agencies: It is a joint pilot initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
    • Target Beneficiaries: It targets adolescent girls aged 16–18 years who have completed at least Class 10, particularly from under-served regions.
    • Implementation: The pilot phase will be implemented in 27 districts across 19 states, including Aspirational Districts and those from North-Eastern regions.
    • Objective: To build skills, confidence, and employability among young girls in sectors beyond traditional roles.

    Key Features:

    • Focus on Non-Traditional Skills: Girls will receive training in emerging fields like electronics repair, drone technology, solar energy, and more.
    • Certification Support: Beneficiaries will receive skill certificates under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma.
    • Post-Training Pathways: Designed to ensure employment, entrepreneurship, or further education opportunities for girls.
    • Inclusive Development Goal: Empowers girls to be agents of socio-economic change, aligning with India’s growth trajectory toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.
    [UPSC 2017] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?

    1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.

    2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

    3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.

    4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple

    Why in the News?

    Pilgrims have begun arriving in Guwahati, Assam, for the Ambubachi Mela, held annually at the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most sacred centres of Tantric Shaktism in India.

    About Ambubachi Mela:

    • Festival Overview: Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu fertility festival celebrated at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
    • Timing and Season: It is held during the Assamese month of Ahaar (mid-June), coinciding with the monsoon season.
    • Religious Significance: The festival marks the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya symbolising fertility and life-giving power.
    • Ritual Closure: During the festival, the sanctum sanctorum (innermost sacred chamber) of the temple is closed for three days to observe the goddess’s retreat.
    • Ceremonial Reopening: The temple reopens ceremonially on the fourth day, when lakhs of devotees gather for darshan.
    • Pilgrim Footfall: It is considered the largest religious gathering in Northeast India, with pilgrims arriving from across the country.
    • Etymology: The name ‘Ambubachi’ literally means ‘water flowing’ (denoting menstruation and the flow of life).
    • Spiritual Tradition: The practice is rooted in Tantric traditions (esoteric spiritual practices focusing on divine feminine energy).
    • Cultural Observance: During this time, agricultural activities are halted to honour the goddess’s rest and align with nature’s rhythms.

    Notable Features:

    • No Idol Worship: No idol is worshipped; instead, the process of menstruation itself (biological and divine function) is venerated.
    • Sacred Tokens: Devotees receive pieces of red cloth as sacred amulets.
    • Spiritual Discipline: The mela includes ritual abstentions (temporary renunciation of daily activities), devotional silence, and spiritual observance (religious discipline).

    About Kamakhya Temple:

    • Mythology: It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (sacred sites where body parts of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen).
    • Location: It is located on Nilachal Hill beside the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam.
    • Architectural Style: Architecturally, the temple follows the Nilachala Style (a blend of North Indian Nagara and Mughal Saracenic architecture).
    • Structural Layout: The structure includes 5 chambers:
      • Garbhagriha (sanctuary where the main deity resides),
      • Antarala (vestibule or connecting passage),
      • Jaganmohan (main audience hall),
      • Bhogmandir (ritual chamber where offerings are made), and
      • Natmandir (hall for performances and religious gatherings).
    • Sacred Symbol: Instead of an idol, the temple houses a yoni-shaped stone (symbol of the goddess’s womb and creative energy).
    • Tantric Centre: It is one of the most revered Tantric pilgrimage sites (destinations for practitioners of spiritual and mystical rituals).
    • Cultural Depth: The temple’s rituals and legends have deep mythological (related to ancient stories and beliefs), astronomical, and cultural significance, especially during Ambubachi.

     

    [UPSC 2017] Consider the following pairs : Traditions Communities

    1. Chaliha Sahib Festival — Sindhis

    2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra — Gonds

    3. Wari-Warkari — Santhals

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

    Options: (a) 1 only *(b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above

     

  • WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 Report

    Why in the News?

    The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has released its “State of the Climate in Asia, 2024” report.

    About the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO):

    • Overview: It is a specialised agency of the United Nations that deals with meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
    • Historical Origin: It was established in 1950, evolving from the International Meteorological Organisation (IMO), which was founded in 1873.
    • Headquarters Location: The headquarters of WMO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Global Coordination Role: WMO plays a key role in coordinating international efforts for climate data collection, forecasting, disaster preparedness, and climate change assessment.
    • Members: It has a membership of 193 members (187 member states + 6 Territories), including India.
    • Flagship Reports: WMO publishes annual climate reports such as the “State of the Climate” to highlight key trends and extreme weather impacts.

    Key Highlights of the State of the Climate in Asia – 2024 Report:

    • Record Warmth: 2024 was the warmest year on record in Asia, with heatwaves, extreme rainfalls, cyclones, and droughts devastating the region.
    • Global Temperature Spike: The global mean temperature reached its highest level since 1850, surpassing the 2023 record of 1.45°C.
    • Glacier Loss: 23 out of 24 monitored glaciers in the Himalayas and Tian Shan suffered mass loss, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
    • Marine Heatwaves: Marine heatwaves of unprecedented extent and intensity affected Asian oceans, particularly around India, Japan, and China.
    • Major Cyclones: Cyclone Remal struck Bangladesh and India with 111 km/h winds and 2.5-metre-high storm surges; Asna and Fengal also caused major damage in Oman, Sri Lanka, and India.
    • Flash Floods and Landslides: Flash floods and landslides in Kerala, Nepal, and Sri Lanka resulted in hundreds of deaths and mass displacement.
    • Extreme Heatwaves: Heatwaves broke records across East and South Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, and India. Myanmar set a new national record at 48.2°C.
    • Severe Drought in China: Drought in China affected 4.8 million people, damaged over 335,000 hectares of crops, and caused losses of CNY 2.89 billion.
    [UPSC 2018] Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by

    Options: (a) The Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change (b) The UNEP Secretariat (c) The UNFCCC Secretariat* (d) The World Meteorological Organization

     

  • In news: Prime Ministers Museum and Library 

    Why in the News?

    The 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) Society, chaired by the Prime Minister, was recently held.

    About the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML)

    • Overview: The PMML, earlier called the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML), is located at Teen Murti House, just south of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
    • Origin: Built in 1929–30 as the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of British India, it was designed by Robert Tor Russel as part of Lutyens’ Delhi.
    • Nehru’s Residence: After independence, it became the home of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru from 1948 to 1964 and was later dedicated to him following his death.
    • Establishment: The PMML Society was founded on April 1, 1966, while the original museum was inaugurated on November 14, 1964, by President Dr S. Radhakrishnan to commemorate Nehru’s 75th birth anniversary.
    • Renaming in 2023: The name was changed from NMML to PMML to reflect a broader mandate — documenting and honouring all Indian Prime Ministers, not just Nehru.
    • Administrative Structure: PMML is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, with the Prime Minister of India as the head of the Society.
    • Mission and Scope: The institution promotes advanced research in modern and contemporary Indian history, especially related to Prime Ministers, governance, and the evolution of Indian democracy.
    • Key Institutions: PMML includes:
      • The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Museum).
      • A world-class library.
      • The Centre for Contemporary Studies.
      • The Nehru Planetarium.

  • Places in news: Strait of Hormuz

    Why in the News?

    Iran’s Parliament has approved a motion to block the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns worldwide.

    Strait of Hormuz

    About the Strait of Hormuz:

    • Geographic Location: The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and eventually to the Arabian Sea.
    • Dimensions: It is about 167 km long and 33 km wide at its narrowest, making it one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.
    • Bordering Countries: The strait lies between Iran (north) and Oman (south), with nearby cities such as Bandar Abbas, Khasab, and Dubai.
    • Shipping Lanes: It contains designated lanes just 3 km wide in each direction to manage heavy oil tanker traffic.
    • Key Islands: Important islands include Qeshm, Hormuz, and Hengam (controlled by Iran) and disputed ones like Abu Musa and the Tunbs, claimed by both Iran and the UAE.
    • Naval Depth Advantage: Waters near the Musandam Peninsula reach depths over 650 feet, ideal for deep-draft oil tankers.
    • Security Risks: Due to its narrowness, the strait is vulnerable to disruption from mining, military action, or cyber interference.
    • Historical Tensions: It has witnessed frequent maritime tensions, especially during Iran–West conflicts but has never been fully blocked.

    Its significance:

    • Global Oil Flow: Over 20 million barrels of crude oil per day pass through the strait, accounting for 25% of seaborne oil trade and 20% of global consumption.
    • Gas Exports: It is vital for LNG exports, especially from Qatar, reaching markets across the globe.
    • Asian Dependence: Countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea import 69% of the oil that flows through the strait.
    • Market Sensitivity: Any disruption can spike global oil prices, increasing fuel and commodity costs worldwide.
    • Limited Alternatives: Overland pipelines like Saudi Arabia’s East-West (5 million bpd) and UAE’s Habshan-Fujairah (1.8 million bpd) offer only partial alternatives.

    Implications of Blockade:

    • Shipping Costs: During geopolitical tensions, insurance and freight charges for using the strait surge significantly.
    • India’s Vulnerability: India relies heavily on the region for oil imports, so instability could raise inflation, disrupt energy supplies, and impact the trade balance.
    • Strategic Response: A full blockade could trigger direct military action, particularly from the US 5th Fleet based in Bahrain.
    • Mutual Economic Impact: Disruption would affect both exporters and importers, including Iran and its major customer, China.
    [UPSC 2010] Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?

    Options: (a) Bali (b) Brunei (c) Java (d) Singapore*

     

  • Induction of INS Tamal

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Tamal, a stealth multi-role frigate and the last warship commissioned outside India, on July 1, 2025, at Kaliningrad, Russia.

    About INS Tamal:

    • Overview: It is the 8th Krivak-class and 2nd Tushil-class stealth frigate from Russia.
    • Last to be imported: Final Indian Navy ship to be commissioned abroad, under the 2016 India-Russia IGA.
    • Built at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad; sister ship INS Tushil was commissioned in Dec 2024; designed by Severnoye Bureau; overseen by the Indian Navy.
    • Etymology: Name inspired by a mythical sword of Indra; mascot blends Jambavant and Eurasian Brown Bear.
    • Motto: “Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya” – Victorious Always, Everytime.

    Important Features:

    • Indigenous components: It uses Indian-made parts in 26% of its systems, including those from companies like BEL and Tata.
    • Stealth capacity: It has radar, sonar, and electronic systems to detect enemy ships and submarines.
    • Patrol features: It can carry helicopters that help in sea patrol and rescue missions.
    • Size: It is 125 metres long, weighs about 3,900 tonnes, and can move very fast, over 30 knots.
    • Digital warfare: It has modern control systems that allow all its weapons and sensors to work together.
    [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

  • Integrating Rare Donor Registry of India with e-Rakt Kosh

    Why in the News?

    The ICMR has launched the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is further planning to integrate the RDRI with the e-Rakt Kosh Digital platform.

    What are Rare Blood Types?

    • Rare blood groups are defined by the absence of high-frequency antigens (HFAs) or negative combinations of multiple common antigens.
    • In India, examples include Bombay (hh), P-null, Rh-null, and rare profiles like S-s-U-.

    About the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI):

    • Launch: It was launched by the ICMR–National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in collaboration with four regional medical institutes.
    • Purpose: It aims to address the shortage of rare blood types such as Bombay (hh), Rh-null, and P-Null, critical for patients with thalassemia, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease.
    • Uniqueness: Over 4,000 donors have been screened using multiplex PCR, suited for Indian genetic diversity, and catalogued using 300+ rare blood markers.
    • Rare Phenotypes Tracked: The registry focuses on rare phenotypes defined by the absence of high-frequency antigens; already 170 Bombay group donors have been identified.
    • Key Features:
      • DNA-Based Testing: Molecular assays are used for accurate donor typing, enabling a centralised national database accessible through a dedicated web portal.
      • Integration with e-Rakt Kosh: RDRI is designed to be integrated with e-Rakt Kosh, enabling cross-platform donor search and matching by medical professionals nationwide.
      • Real-Time Support: The platform allows secure data access, real-time requisitions, and timely transfusion support for patients requiring rare blood types.
      • Global Linkages: The initiative aims to connect with International Rare Donor Panels and develop a frozen rare blood inventory to ensure long-term availability.
    • Challenges: Key challenges include low awareness, shortage of trained personnel, and lack of antibody screening at decentralised blood banks.

    What is E-Rakt Kosh?

    • Overview: e-Rakt Kosh is a national digital platform developed by C-DAC under the National Health Mission, launched in 2016.
    • Real-Time Information: It offers live updates on blood availability, donor records, and donation camp details across India via a centralised interface.
    • National Coverage: The system covers over 3,800 blood centres across 29 states and 8 Union Territories, integrated with UMANG, e-Hospital, and the National Health Portal.
    • Notable features include:
      • Donor Safety and Tagging: It maintains traceable donor databases, including health history and rare blood group tagging, ensuring safe and verified transfusions.
      • Inventory Monitoring: e-Rakt Kosh manages stock levels, tracks expired units, and ensures safe disposal, thereby improving quality control.
      • Camp Management: It facilitates registration and scheduling of blood donation camps, sends alerts for shortages, and streamlines resource planning.
      • Critical Access Role: Once integrated with RDRI, it will allow direct access to rare blood group data, crucial during emergency transfusions.
      • Transparency and Logistics: The system enhances transparency, strengthens blood logistics, and improves communication between blood banks, hospitals, and donor groups.
    [UPSC 2001] A man whose blood group is not known meets with a serious accident and needs blood transfusion immediately. Which one of the blood groups mentioned below and readily available in the hospital will be safe for transfusion?

    Options: (a) O, Rh- * (b) O, Rh+ (c) AB, Rh- (d) AB, Rh+

     

  • 11th International Yoga Day

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister led the celebrations for the 11th International Day of Yoga on 21st June.

    About International Day of Yoga:

    • Celebration: The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on June 21 across the world since 2015, following a UN resolution in 2014.
    • Proposed by India at UN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea during his UN address in September 2014, highlighting yoga’s global relevance.
    • UN Recognition: The resolution was introduced by India’s Permanent Representative and was adopted without a vote, supported by 177 countries.
    • First Observance: The first celebration was held on June 21, 2015, with events in cities like New York, Paris, Beijing, and New Delhi.
    • Purpose of the Day: The day recognizes Yoga’s health benefits, including physical fitness, stress relief, and spiritual well-being.

    Back2Basics: Yoga

    • Origin: Yoga originated in ancient India and is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, spirituality, and culture.
    • Meaning of Yoga: The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj”, meaning “to join or unite” the mind, body, and spirit.
    • Historical References:
      • Rig Veda and Upanishads: Yoga-like practices are mentioned in the Rig Veda (c. 1500 BCE) and further developed in the Upanishads (800–400 BCE).
      • Patanjali’s Contribution: Sage Patanjali, considered the father of classical yoga, compiled the Yoga Sutras around the 2nd century BCE, outlining a systematic philosophy.
    • Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (Yoga Sutras)
      1. Yama – Ethical principles (e.g., non-violence, truth).
      2. Niyama – Personal observances (e.g., cleanliness, contentment).
      3. Asana – Physical postures.
      4. Pranayama – Breath control.
      5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses.
      6. Dharana – Concentration.
      7. Dhyana – Meditation.
      8. Samadhi – State of spiritual absorption or self-realization.
    • Schools and Styles of Yoga:
      • Multiple Traditions: Yoga is practiced in various schools, each with distinct methods and focus.
      • Popular Styles: These include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, Bikram, and Yin Yoga, catering to both beginners and advanced practitioners.

    Why was 21st June chosen for this day?

    • The date of June 21 was chosen because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising spiritual significance across various cultures.
    • In Hindu mythology, this day marks the transition to Dakshinayana and is associated with the first yogi, Shiva, who began teaching yoga to humanity.

    Tap to read more about Summer Solstice (June 21).

     

    [2014] Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

    (a) Mimamsa and Vedanta

    (b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika

    (c) Lokayata and Kapalika

    (d) Sankhya and Yoga

     

  • [pib] Estimates Committee of Parliament

    Why in the news?

    The Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurated the National Conference of Estimates Committees of Parliament and State/UT Legislative Bodies in Mumbai.

    About the Estimates Committee:

    • Overview: The Estimates Committee is one of the 3 major financial standing committees of Parliament, along with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU).
    • Objective: It examines the budgetary estimates of ministries and departments and works to enhance economy, efficiency, and accountability in public expenditure.
    • Other name: Known as the “Continuous Economy Committee” because of its ongoing scrutiny of how public money is spent.
    • Legal Basis: The committee functions under Rule 310 of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
    • History: It was set up in 1950, based on a suggestion by then Finance Minister John Mathai.
    • Composition and Tenure:
      • Lok Sabha Exclusive: The committee has 30 members, all from the Lok Sabha; there is NO representation from the Rajya Sabha.
      • Election and Chairperson: Members are elected annually through proportional representation using a single transferable vote, and the Speaker appoints the Chairperson, typically from the ruling party.
      • Ministers are NOT eligible: If a member becomes a minister, he/she automatically vacate the seat on the committee.
      • Term Limit: Each member serves for a one-year term.

    Key Functions and Powers:

    • Scrutiny of Estimates: It reviews the budget estimates to suggest ways to reduce expenditure without affecting policy outcomes.
    • Suggesting Reforms: It recommends alternative administrative practices to minimise waste and improve efficiency.
    • Project Review: It undertakes study visits and reviews the implementation status of major public sector projects.
    • Report Submission: The committee submits detailed reports and suggestions to the Lok Sabha, which may lead to policy or format changes.
    • Follow-Up Mechanism: Ministries are required to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the committee’s recommendations.
    • Jurisdictional Limits: The committee CANNOT examine PSUs, as this role belongs exclusively to the Committee on Public Undertakings.
    [UPSC 2014] Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?

    Options: (a) The committee on Public Accounts. (b) The committee on Estimates* (c) The Committee on Public Undertakings (d) The committee on Petition

     

  • Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access Broadband

    Why in the News?

    BSNL announced the soft launch of Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband in Hyderabad.

    About Quantum 5G FWA:

    • Overviews: It is India’s first SIM-less, fixed wireless access broadband service.
    • Development: It delivers fibre-like internet over 5G radio and was developed entirely by Indian vendors under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
    • How does it work?
      • Customers are provided with a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) device that connects wirelessly to the nearest BSNL 5G base station.
      • The CPE auto-authenticates without requiring a SIM card, using Direct-to-Device technology.
      • Internet is delivered over the air, eliminating the need for trenching or fibre installation.
      • The service currently reaches 85% of Hyderabad households using BSNL’s existing tower infrastructure.

    Key Features:

    • Indigenous: Includes core network, RAN, and CPE, all developed by Indian vendors.
    • High Performance: Achieves up to 980 Mbps download, 140 Mbps upload, and <10 ms latency—ideal for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
    • Quick Setup: Customers can self-install the device with no need for physical fibre connections.
    • Enterprise Capability: Supports network slicing and Service Level Agreement (SLA)-backed links for MSMEs and industrial clusters.
    • Strategic Vision: Positions BSNL as a leader in next-generation broadband and enhances rural and urban connectivity.
    [UPSC 2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

    1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G, and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.

    2. LTE is data-only technology, and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

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