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Type: Prelims Only

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

    Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hornbill Festival

    Why in the News?

    This year’s edition of the Hornbill Festival has sparked a significant public debate regarding the relaxation of Nagaland’s liquor prohibition law, a subject that has been contentious for over three decades.

    What is Hornbill Festival?

    • The Hornbill Festival is a celebration held every year from 1 – 10 December, in Kohima, Nagaland.
    • The festival was first held in the year 2000.
    • It is named after Indian hornbill (Buceros bicornis), the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in the folklore of most of the state’s tribes.
    • Festival highlights include the traditional Naga Morungs exhibition and the sale of arts and crafts, food stalls, herbal medicine stalls, flower shows and sales, cultural medley – songs and dances, fashion shows etc.
    • It is a platform for showcasing the major cultural festivals of 14 recognised Naga tribes, each with its unique traditions and practices.
    • About Great Indian Hornbill:
      • IUCN Status: Vulnerable (upgraded from Near Threatened in 2018), CITES: Appendix I
      • Known as great pied hornbill, it is one of the largest hornbill species.
      • Can live up to 50 years in captivity.
      • Primarily fruit-eating, but also preys on small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
      • Revered in many tribal cultures and rituals due to its size and colour.
      • Found mainly in India, especially in the Western Ghats and Nilgiris.
      • Nilgiris North Eastern Range supports some of the highest densities of nesting birds.
      • Known as ‘forest engineers’ or ‘farmers of the forest’, they play a key role in seed dispersal of tropical trees, indicating the health and balance of their forest ecosystems.

    What is the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989?

    • The NLTP Act is a law enacted by the Government of Nagaland that prohibits the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the state.
    • The Act is one of the most stringent liquor prohibition laws in India, and its core features are as follows:
    • Key Features of NLTP Act 1989:
      • Complete Ban on Alcohol: The NLTP Act bans the production, sale, and consumption of all forms of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. This includes both local (like rice beer) and commercial alcohol.
      • Exceptions: There are some exceptions under the law, such as alcohol being allowed for medical or scientific purposes and in certain regulated settings, like special licenses for non-local tourists during specific events (e.g., the Hornbill Festival).
      • Support from Religious Groups: The Act has received strong support from Christian church bodies, which constitute a majority in the state, as they view alcohol consumption as morally unacceptable and harmful to community life.

    Role of Alcohol in the Hornbill Festival:

    • The Hornbill Festival is often seen as an exception to the state’s liquor prohibition.
    • Thutse (local rice beer) is traditionally consumed during the festival, and according to academic Theyiesinuo Keditsu, the Hornbill Festival is the only time in the year when the state permits the open sale and consumption of alcohol, including Thutse.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

    (a) Sand deserts of northwest India

    (b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

    (c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat

    (d) Western Ghats

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    [pib] National Library Mission

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Library Mission

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided information regarding the National Mission on Libraries (NML) Scheme in Rajya Sabha.

    About National Mission on Libraries (NML):

    Establishment Launched in 2012 by the Ministry of Culture to implement National Knowledge Commission (NKC, 2005) recommendations on library and information sciences development.
    Objectives To modernize public libraries, create a digital database, enhance library staff competence, and promote equitable library access, especially in backward areas.
    Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), Kolkata to oversee and coordinate efforts. (It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.)

    Key Components:

    1. National Virtual Library of India (NVLI): Digital resources, census of libraries, and reading habit studies.
    2. Model Libraries: 6 Ministry libraries, 35 state central libraries, 35 district libraries, and 629 district libraries with network connectivity.
    3. Library Survey: A survey of 5,000 libraries for infrastructure, resources, and usage data.
    4. Capacity Building: Training programs for improving skills and knowledge of library staff.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open source licensing.

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  • [pib] National Mission on Cultural Mapping  

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided details of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping in the Rajya Sabha.

    About National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM):

    Details
    • Launched by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
    • Implemented by: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
    Aims and Objectives
    • Document India’s cultural heritage, including art forms, artists, crafts, and performing arts.
    • Mapping of 6.5 lakh villages across India; Initial stages will focus on Bihar.
    • IT-enabled platform to store and manage cultural data. Web portal and mobile app (Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar).
    Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD):

    • Part of NMCM, by the Ministry of Culture and IGNCA.
    • Purpose: Documents India’s villages, focusing on culture, history, and traditions.
    • 7 Categories: Covers Arts & Crafts, Ecology, Scholastic Traditions, Epics, History, Architecture, and unique features.
    Features
    • Raise awareness about cultural heritage’s role in economic development and national unity.
    • Create National Register of Artists and Art Practices.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

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  • [pib] National Cooperative Policy

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Cooperative Policy

    Why in the News?

    • The Union Minister of Cooperation has provided crucial information regarding India’s National Cooperative Policy to the Lok Sabha.
      • The new National Cooperative Policy is almost ready and will be announced in 2-3 months.

    Update regarding the New National Cooperative Policy:

    Details
    National Level Committee Formation • A 48-member National Level Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu.
    • The committee includes experts from the cooperative sector, representatives from National, State, District, and Primary level cooperative societies, and officers from Central Ministries/Departments.
    • The task of the committee was to formulate the New National Cooperation Policy for the development of the cooperative sector in India.
    • 17 meetings and 4 regional workshops were conducted across the country to finalize the draft report of the policy.
    Aims and Objectives • Revitalize the cooperative sector and enhance its efficiency at national, state, district, and primary levels.
    • Strengthen the cooperative movement in India by creating a structured policy that fosters growth and sustainability.
    • Establish financial viability and governance mechanisms for cooperatives.
    • Ensure cooperative federalism by allowing state cooperatives to function autonomously, avoiding undue centralization.
    Features of the Policy • The policy adopts an inclusive approach, including all levels of cooperatives from district to primary.
    • Close collaboration with State Governments to promote the cooperative sector and implement cooperative federalism.
    • The draft policy was developed after extensive consultations, ensuring broad public and expert participation.
    Provisions under the Policy • Strengthening Cooperative Structure: Set up District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) and district milk producers’ unions in all uncovered districts. NABARD will prepare an action plan for this.
    • Expansion of Multipurpose PACS: New multipurpose PACS, primary dairy/fishery cooperative societies will be established in uncovered Panchayats/villages across India within the next five years.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities?

    (a) Commercial Banks

    (b) Cooperative Banks

    (c) Regional Rural Banks

    (d) Microfinance Institutions

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

    [pib] Maha Kumbh Mela, 2025

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Kumbh Mela

    Why in the News?

    The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.

    [pib] Maha Kumbh Mela, 2025

    About Kumbh Mela

    Details A major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism, occurring four times in twelve years at different locations in India. It attracts millions of pilgrims for spiritual purification.

    Types of Kumbh Mela:

      1. Kumbh Mela: Regular festival, celebrated every 12 years at one of the four locations.
      2. Maha Kumbh Mela: The largest, celebrated once every 12 years at Prayagraj (confluence of Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati).
      3. Ardh Kumbh Mela: Held every 6 years in Prayagraj (half of the full Kumbh Mela).
    • Purna Kumbh Mela: Held when a complete 12-year cycle is completed.

    Locations:  Kumbh Mela rotates between four cities:

      1. Haridwar (on the banks of the Ganges),
      2. Prayagraj (confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati river),
      3. Ujjain (on the banks of the Shipra River),
    • Nashik (on the banks of the Godavari River).

    Key Rituals:

    • Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) – A ritual where pilgrims in Akharas (processions) bathe in the holy river.
    • Worship and Prayers – Pilgrims offer prayers along riverbanks, attend spiritual discourses, and perform fire rituals.
    • Religious Processions – Several religious processions involving saints, gurus, and devotees take place.
    • Community Prayers and Spiritual Discourses – Saints and religious leaders conduct spiritual teachings for the devotees.
    Significance and Features  
    • Spiritual Significance: Considered a sacred event for Hindus, aimed at spiritual cleansing, salvation, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (Moksha).
    • Cultural Unity: It is a remarkable event showcasing India’s unity and diversity, where millions of people from across the world come together.
    • Mass Gathering: It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest peaceful gathering, with millions of pilgrims attending the event. In 2019, Kumbh Mela witnessed the largest peaceful public gathering ever recorded, with around 120 million people.
    • Pilgrimage Tourism – The Kumbh Mela also significantly boosts local tourism, with a major influx of national and international pilgrims, contributing to local and national economies.

    UNESCO Recognition – Kumbh Mela was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2017.

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  • RBI Notifications

    What is Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)?

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)

    Why in the News?

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) began its three-day monetary policy review.
      • There is increasing speculation that the RBI may announce a cut in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to ease liquidity pressures.

    What is Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)?

    • CRR is the percentage of a bank’s total deposits that it must maintain as liquid cash with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a reserve.
    • It is a tool used by the RBI to manage inflation and check excessive lending by banks.
      • It serves as a safety net during times of banking stress, ensuring banks have enough liquidity for day-to-day operations.
    • As of now, the CRR is set at 4.5% of a bank’s Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).
    • Banks do not earn interest on the amount they maintain as CRR with the RBI.
    • CRR Requirements for Different Types of Banks:
      • Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs): Includes Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Private Sector Banks (PVBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Payments Banks, Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs), State Co-operative Banks (StCBs), and District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCBs).
      • Non-Scheduled Co-operative Banks & Local Area Banks: They must maintain CRR with themselves or with the RBI.
    • Restrictions on CRR Funds
      • Banks cannot lend the funds held as CRR to corporates or individual borrowers.
      • The money held under CRR cannot be used for investment purposes by the bank.
      • No Interest is earned on the funds maintained as CRR by banks with the RBI.

    What is Incremental CRR (I-CRR)?

    • Introduced temporarily on August 10, 2023, to absorb surplus liquidity in the banking system.
    • Banks were required to maintain 10% I-CRR on the increase in their NDTL between May 19, 2023, and July 28, 2023.
    • The I-CRR was implemented from August 12, 2023, and applied during periods of excess liquidity in the financial system.

    Impacts of Declining CRR on the Economy

    • Positive Impacts: 
      • Increased Bank Liquidity: A reduction in CRR frees up more funds for banks, improving credit availability and promoting investment and consumption.
      • Stimulus for Economic Growth: With more funds to lend, businesses can secure loans more easily, boosting economic activity and encouraging growth across sectors.
      • Lower Interest Rates: As banks have more liquidity, they may lower interest rates on loans, making credit cheaper and encouraging investment and consumer spending.
    • Negative Impacts: 
      • Potential Inflationary Risks: Increased lending and spending can raise demand, which, if not matched by supply, can lead to inflationary pressures in the economy.
      • Asset Bubbles: Excess liquidity may result in overvalued assets like stocks or real estate, creating the risk of unsustainable price increases and potential market instability.

    PYQ:

    [2010] When the Reserve Bank of India announces an increase of the Cash Reserve Ratio, what does it mean?

    (a) The commercial banks will have less money to lend

    (b) The Reserve Bank of India will have less money to lend

    (c) The Union Government will have less money to lend

    (d) The commercial banks will have more money to lend

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    World Wildlife Conservation Day

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: World Wildlife Conservation Day

    Why in the News?

    • World Wildlife Conservation Day (December 4) reminds us to focus on preserving and protecting the critically endangered species in India and globally.
      • The theme for this year is “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation”.

    World Wildlife Conservation Day: Key Facts

    • Observed annually on December 4th.
    • Purpose: Raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species and their habitats.
    • It was established in 2012 by the UN, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1948 signing of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
    • It supports global efforts for wildlife conservation, aligns with SDG 15 (life on land) and SDG 14 (life below water).

    Aims for India’s Critically Endangered Species

    • As of 2022, 73 species in India are classified as critically endangered, meaning they are at highest risk of extinction in the wild.
      • The number of critically endangered species has risen from 47 in 2011, partly due to better data availability and monitoring.
    • India has 9 critically endangered mammal species, out of which 8 are endemic (found only in specific regions within India).
      • These include: Kashmir Stag (Hangul), Malabar Large-spotted Civet, Andaman Shrew, Jenkin’s Shrew, Nicobar Shrew, Namdapha Flying Squirrel, Large Rock Rat, and Leafletted Leaf-nosed Bat.
    • Though these animals receive significant attention for tourism purposes, they are only three of the critically endangered species in India.
      • Lions: Asiatic lions in the Gir Forest are critically endangered.
      • Tigers: Bengal tigers are also listed as critically endangered.
      • Cheetahs: They are also part of India’s endangered wildlife.
    • Great Indian Bustard is a bird facing significant threats due to power lines in Rajasthan.

    PYQ:

    [2014] The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of:

    (a) biosphere reserves

    (b) botanical gardens

    (c) national parks

    (d) wildlife sanctuaries

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  • Marburg Virus outbreak in Rwanda

    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: Marburg Virus

    Why in the News?

    An outbreak of Marburg Virus (Bleeding Eyes) disease (MVD) has killed and infected many in Rwanda.

    rwanda
    Location of Rwanda

    About Marburg Virus:

    Overview • Causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), also known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever.
    • Belongs to the filovirus family (same as Ebola).
    • Discovered during outbreaks in 1967 in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany.
    • Case Fatality Rate ranges from 24% to 88%, depending on the strain and treatment effectiveness.How does it spread?• Animal to Human Transmission: Spread primarily from Rousettus bats, especially Egyptian fruit bats found in caves or mines.
    • Human to Human Transmission: Spread through direct contact with blood and bodily fluids (saliva, vomit, feces, semen, and breast milk). Also transmitted indirectly through contaminated surfaces or clothing.
    Symptoms and Treatment • Early signs include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhoea.

    • Progresses to bleeding from various body parts, and death typically occurs 8-9 days after symptoms due to blood loss and organ failure.
    • No approved vaccine or antiviral treatment. Supportive care includes hydration, symptom management, and blood transfusions. Experimental vaccines are being studied.
    Why is it a Global Concern? • High Fatality Rate: MVD’s case fatality rate (24%-88%) makes it one of the deadliest diseases.
    • Spread: Ongoing outbreaks, primarily in Africa, but now affecting Rwanda and Tanzania.
    • Public Health Threat: Human-to-human transmission and rapid spread pose significant challenges.
    • Economic Impact: Outbreaks disrupt local economies, healthcare systems, and global trade due to travel restrictions and quarantine measures.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?

    (a) Syria and Jordan

    (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia

    (c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea

    (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam

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  • Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

    Windfall Gains Tax on Oil Production, Diesel-Petrol Export Removed

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Windfall Gains Tax

    Why in the News?

    With global oil prices stabilizing and domestic fuel supply improving, the government has decided to scrap the windfall gains tax, ensuring more predictable taxation for the oil industry.

    What is Windfall Tax?

    • A windfall tax is a levy imposed on companies experiencing unexpected profits due to external factors like market shifts or crises.
    • In India, it was introduced on July 1, 2022, targeting domestic crude oil production and exports of diesel, petrol, and ATF.
      • The tax aimed to capture windfall profits and ensure adequate domestic fuel supply amid rising global prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    • The tax was imposed as Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on crude oil, and Additional Excise Duty (AED) or Road and Infrastructure Cess (RIC) on fuel exports.
    • Initially, the tax was Rs 23,250 per tonne on crude oil, Rs 13 per litre on diesel exports, and Rs 6 per litre on petrol and ATF exports.
    • The tax was regularly reviewed based on global oil price fluctuations.

    Impact of Removing Windfall Tax

    • Stable Tax Environment: Boosts predictability, encouraging long-term investments in oil production.
    • Revenue Decline: The tax was generating less revenue, falling from Rs 25,000 crore in FY 2022-23 to Rs 6,000 crore in FY 2024-25.
    • Oil Companies’ Profitability: Increased profits for producers like ONGC and Reliance Industries as they no longer pay the levy.
    • Encourages Domestic Production: Promotes higher domestic oil production and exploration.
    • Policy Confidence: Signals that India is confident in stable global oil prices and future supply.

    PYQ:

    [2020] The term ‘West Texas Intermediate’, sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of:

    (a) Crude oil

    (b) Bullion

    (c) Rare earth elements

    (d) Uranium

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    ecDNA Challenges Law of Genetics

    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: Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA)

    Why in the News?

    A recent study published in the ‘Nature’ has shown that Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is present in approximately 50% of cancer types, playing a significant role in tumor evolution and genetic heterogeneity.

    What is ecDNA?

    Details • ecDNA stands for extrachromosomal DNA, which is small, circular DNA found in the nucleus of cells, separate from regular chromosomes.
    • Forms when DNA breaks off from chromosomes, often due to damage or errors in cell division.
    • Can carry extra copies of oncogenes, which promote cancer growth.
    • Initially thought to be unimportant, recent studies show it plays a major role in cancer.
    How ecDNA Contributes to Cancer and Drug Resistance • Helps Tumors Grow: ecDNA contains extra copies of oncogenes that help cancer cells grow faster and become more aggressive.
    • Drug Resistance: The extra oncogenes make the cancer harder to treat with standard drugs by producing more harmful proteins.
    • Faster Tumor Evolution: ecDNA allows cancer cells to evolve rapidly, making them more resistant to treatments like chemotherapy and enabling the tumor to grow even when drugs are used.

     

    How ecDNA Challenges Genetics Laws?

    • Mendel’s Law says that genes on different chromosomes are inherited independently, meaning they are passed on randomly to the next generation.
    • ecDNA breaks this rule by grouping genes together and passing them on as a cluster during cell division.
    • This allows cancer cells to inherit beneficial genes more easily and helps the tumor grow faster.
    • Unlike regular chromosomes, which are distributed randomly during cell division, ecDNA is passed on together as a package.
    • This process gives cancer cells an advantage by making sure they inherit helpful genetic combinations that support cancer growth and resistance to drugs.

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