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Type: Prelims Only

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    What is the Cancer Vaccine Russia is offering?

    17 February 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: mRNA (Messenger RNA)

    Why in the News?

    In December 2024, Russia announced the development of a new mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine, with plans to make it available for free to patients by early 2025.

    What is mRNA (Messenger RNA)?

    • mRNA is a type of RNA that transports genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, guiding the production of proteins.
    • It tells the cell which proteins to make by providing the exact sequence of amino acids.
    • Unlike DNA, mRNA does not stay in the cell permanently; it gets degraded after protein synthesis.
    • mRNA-based vaccines (like COVID-19 vaccines) teach cells to produce harmless viral proteins, triggering an immune response.

    What is an mRNA Cancer Vaccine?

    • Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines provide genetic instructions to train the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells.
    • This technology gained prominence with the COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) and is now being adapted for cancer treatment.
    • These vaccines are therapeutic, designed for patients who already have cancer, not for prevention.

    How do mRNA Cancer Vaccines Work?

    • Cancer cells evade the immune system by suppressing immune responses.
      • Immunotherapy works by enhancing the body’s natural ability to detect and destroy these cancerous cells.
    • Unlike chemotherapy, which kills both healthy and cancerous cells, immunotherapy selectively targets only cancer cells, reducing harmful side effects.
    • mRNA cancer vaccines are customized for each patient, targeting specific tumor antigens, making them highly personalized and potentially more effective.
    • While traditional infectious disease vaccines prevent illness, mRNA cancer vaccines are therapeutic, meaning they are administered to patients who already have cancer to help their immune system fight the disease.

    PYQ:

    [2019] RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?

    1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
    2. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
    3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
    4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 4

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) 1 and 4 only

     

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

    Dhokra Artwork

    15 February 2025 | Prelims Only | History
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Dhokra Artwork

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted a Dhokra (or Dokra) artwork to French President Emmanuel Macron.

    About Dhokra Artwork

    • Dhokra Art is an ancient metal-casting craft from India, primarily practiced by the Dhokra Damar tribes.
    • It uses the lost-wax casting technique, where a wax model is made, coated in clay, and molten metal is poured into the mold after the wax melts.
    • This technique has been in use for over 4,000 years, with the earliest known artifact being the dancing girl from Mohenjo-Daro.
    • Dhokra is practiced in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, with distinct regional styles.
    • In 2018, Adilabad Dokra from Telangana received the GI tag for its distinct style.

    Features of Dhokra Art:

    • Primitive: The designs are rustic and simplistic, often featuring animals, religious figures, and tribal motifs.
    • Seamless: Dhokra pieces are crafted as a single unit without joints, providing a unique and smooth finish.
    • Long Crafting Time: Each figurine can take up to a month to complete due to the intricate processes involved.
    • Non-ferrous Metal: Brass and copper are mainly used in Dhokra Art due to their strength and malleability.
    • Casting Types:
      • Solid Casting: Common in Southern India, uses solid wax.
      • Hollow Casting: Predominant in Central and Eastern India, uses a clay core.

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  • Waste Management – SWM Rules, EWM Rules, etc

    Sṛjanam- India’s first indigenous Automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plant

    15 February 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sṛjanam

    Why in the News?

    Union Ministry of Science & Technology has launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, named “Sṛjanam,” at AIIMS, New Delhi.

    About Sṛjanam

    • Sṛjanam is India’s first indigenously developed Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, designed by CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram.
    • It provides a sustainable, non-incineration-based solution for biomedical waste disposal, aligning with India’s Waste to Wealth vision.
    • Key Features:
      • Eco-Friendly & Non-Incineration-Based: Eliminates the need for incineration, reducing toxic emissions.
      • High-Efficiency Pathogen Elimination: Disinfects blood, urine, sputum, and lab disposables, with third-party validated antimicrobial action.
      • Safe & Fully Automated: Minimizes human exposure, reducing the risk of infections and spills.
      • Capacity & Scalability: Processes 400 kg of biomedical waste daily, with 10 kg/day degradable waste capacity in phase one.
      • Odor Neutralization: Eliminates foul smells, ensuring safer surroundings.
      • Supports Circular Economy: Enhances waste segregation and recyclability, reducing landfill burden.

    PYQ:

    [2019] In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

    (a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998

    (b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999

    (c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011

    (d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011

     

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Scientists discover ‘Einstein Ring’

    15 February 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Einstein Ring

    Why in the News?

    The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid Space Telescope has captured a rare Einstein Ring around a galaxy nearly 590 million light-years away from Earth.

    Scientists discover ‘Einstein Ring’

    What is an Einstein Ring?

    • An Einstein Ring is a circular ring of light caused by gravitational lensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.
    • It occurs when a massive celestial object (like a galaxy) bends and magnifies light from a more distant background galaxy that lies directly behind it.
    • The recent discovery by ESA’s Euclid telescope identified an Einstein Ring around NGC 6505, located 590 million light-years away, acting as a lens for a distant galaxy 4.42 billion light-years away.
    • Features of an Einstein Ring:
      • Perfect circular shape (only if source, lens, and observer align precisely).
      • Example of strong gravitational lensing, distorting background light.
      • Extremely rare (found in less than 1% of galaxies).
      • Not visible to the naked eye, observed only with advanced space telescopes like Euclid or Hubble.

    Significance of the Discovery:

    • Reveals Dark Matter: Helps indirectly map dark matter, which makes up 85% of the universe.
    • Magnifies Hidden Galaxies: Makes faint, distant galaxies visible for study.
    • Measures Universe’s Expansion: Tracks how light stretches over time, refining cosmological models.
    • Confirms Einstein’s Theory: Proves light bends in curved space-time, supporting gravitational lensing theory.
    • Demonstrates Euclid’s Capabilities: Shows Euclid’s high-resolution potential, promising more discoveries.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following phenomena:

    1. Light is affected by gravity.
    2. The Universe is constantly expanding.
    3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.

    Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?

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

     

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    PARAS-2 Spectrograph

    14 February 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PARAS-2 Spectrograph

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at PRL, Ahmedabad, discovered the exoplanet TOI-6038A b, a dense sub-Saturn-sized planet with a mass of 78.5 Earth masses and a radius of 6.41 Earth radii, using the PARAS-2 spectrograph at Mount Abu Observatory.

    About TOI-6038A b

    • TOI-6038A b is a dense sub-Saturn-sized planet with a mass of 78.5 Earth masses and a radius of 6.41 Earth radii, orbiting a bright, metal-rich F-type star every 5.83 days in a circular orbit.
    • This is the 2nd exoplanet discovery using the PARAS-2 spectrograph.
    • It is also the 5th exoplanet detection combining efforts of PARAS-1 and PARAS-2, showcasing India’s growing expertise in astronomical instrumentation.

    About PARAS-2 Spectrograph:

    • PARAS-2 (PRL Advanced Radial-velocity All-sky Search-2) is a state-of-the-art high-resolution spectrograph designed for exoplanet detection.
    • The development of PARAS-2 began in mid-2018 and was successfully installed at the telescope site in mid-2022.
    • It is the highest-resolution stabilized radial velocity (RV) spectrograph in Asia, operating at a precision level of 30 cm/s.
    • It is installed at PRL’s 2.5-meter telescope at the Mount Abu Observatory, benefiting from high-altitude, clear sky conditions.
    • Key Features of PARAS-2:
      • Operates in the 380-690 nm waveband, making it suitable for studying a wide range of celestial objects.
      • Resolution of ~107,000, the highest in Asia, enabling ultra-precise exoplanetary studies.
      • Ultra-stable temperature and pressure environment: Maintained at 24 ± 0.001 °C and 0.005 ± 0.0005 mbar, ensuring minimal instrumental drift.
      • Uses a Uranium Argon Hollow Cathode Lamp (UAr HCL) for calibration, achieving a velocity precision of better than 2 m/s.
      • Advanced optical fiber system for capturing stellar light and spectral calibration data simultaneously.
    • It uses the radial velocity method, which detects tiny wobbles in a star’s motion caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet.
    • These wobbles cause shifts in the star’s light spectrum, allowing scientists to determine a planet’s presence, mass, and orbital period.
    • It can detect minute stellar movements, making it ideal for finding low-mass exoplanets like super-Earths.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:

    (a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
    (b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available
    (c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
    (d) search for meteorites containing precious metals

     

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  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    New Fishing Grounds discovered in Arabian Sea 

    14 February 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: E-Technology In The Aid Of Farmers

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Fishery Survey of India (FSI)

    Why in the News?

    A deep-sea fishing expedition conducted by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) has uncovered several highly productive and previously unexplored fishing grounds in the Arabian Sea.

    Key Findings of the Deep-Sea Survey:

    • Fishing was conducted at depths between 300-540 meters using deep-sea trawlers.
    • The survey was funded under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
    • It mapped potential deep-sea fishing zones 100-120 nautical miles off India’s western coast, stretching from Kollam in Kerala to Goa.

    About Fishery Survey of India (FSI)

    • FSI was established in 1983, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
    • It conducts fisheries research, resource surveys, and sustainable fishing assessments.
    • It operates annual Fishery Resource Surveys to guide:
      • Traditional fishermen
      • Small and medium boat operators
      • Deep-sea longlining tuna fleet
    • History of FSI:
      • Originated from the “Deep Sea Fishing Station” project (1946).
      • Renamed “Exploratory Fisheries Project” (1974) and later “Fishery Survey of India” (1983).
      • In 2005, Marine Engineering Division was integrated into FSI.
      • In 2017, PM Narendra Modi launched the Deep-Sea Fishing Project to promote sustainable fishing practices.
    • Capabilities of FSI:
      • Operates 11 ocean survey vessels across six major Indian ports.
      • Employs 752 personnel, conducting deep-sea research and data collection.

    India’s Marine Fishing Industry

    • India ranks second in global fish production after China.
    • Contributes 9.58 million tonnes of total fish production, with:
      • 70% from the west coast
      • 30% from the east coast
    • Major fish-producing states: Andhra Pradesh (20%), West Bengal (15%), Gujarat (8%), Kerala (7%), Maharashtra (6%), Tamil Nadu (6%).
    • Exports and Global Trade:
      • India exports 1.05 million tonnes of marine fish, generating ₹334.4 billion ($5.57 billion) in revenue.
      • Major export markets: USA (26%), ASEAN nations (26%), EU (20%), Japan (9%), Middle East (6%), China (4%).

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.

    [2022] What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India?

     

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  • Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB-8) Countries

    13 February 2025 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB-8) Countries

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Modi met Estonian President Alar Karis at the AI Action Summit in Paris to discuss trade, technology, cybersecurity, and stronger ties between India, Estonia, and the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB-8).

     

    Key Highlights of the Recent Visit to Estonia:

    • First Bilateral Meeting: Held at the AI Action Summit in Paris, focusing on trade, digital ties, and cybersecurity.
    • Economic Cooperation: PM Modi invited Estonian businesses to invest in IT and cybersecurity in India.
    • Cybersecurity & Security Issues: Discussed digital governance, cybersecurity collaboration, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
    • Multilateral Ties: Emphasized India-Nordic-Baltic (NB-8) cooperation and India’s role in EU & UN diplomacy.
    • Cultural Exchange: PM Modi appreciated Estonia’s interest in yoga and strengthened people-to-people ties.

    Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB-8) Countries

    About Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB-8) Countries

    • The Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB-8) is a regional cooperation platform that includes:
      • Nordic Countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden
      • Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
    • NB cooperation dates to the 1990s, following the Baltic states’ independence from Soviet rule.
    • The Nordic Council began engaging with Baltic leaders in 1989, leading to official cooperation in 1991.
    • The NB-8 framework was formally established in 2000 as a regional diplomatic and economic initiative.
    • Structural Mandate:
      • Trade and Economic Growth: Strengthening business and investment partnerships.
      • Technology and Innovation: Collaborating on digital governance, AI, and cybersecurity.
      • Security and Defense:  Enhancing NATO and EU-led security cooperation.
      • Climate and Energy Policy: Advancing sustainability and energy security initiatives.
    • NB-8 Leadership and Coordination:
      • Each year, one NB-8 country assumes the role of coordinator, hosting diplomatic meetings and leading regional initiatives.
      • Denmark will chair NB-8 in 2025, following Sweden in 2024 and Latvia in 2023.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following countries:

    1. Denmark
    2. Japan
    3. Russian Federation
    4. United Kingdom
    5. United States of America

    Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council ‘?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 2, 3 and 4

    (c) 1, 4 and 5

    (d) 1, 3 and 5

     

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Reimei: World’s 1st Hybrid Quantum Supercomputer goes Online

    13 February 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Reimei

    Why in the News?

    Japan has officially launched the world’s first hybrid quantum supercomputer, integrating a 20-qubit quantum processor, Reimei, into Fugaku, the world’s sixth-fastest supercomputer.

    About Reimei

    • Reimei is a 20-qubit trapped-ion quantum computer developed by Quantinuum and integrated into Fugaku, the world’s sixth-fastest supercomputer, at Riken, Japan.
    • It is the first fully operational hybrid quantum supercomputer, combining quantum and classical computing for advanced problem-solving.
    • Key Features:
      • Trapped-Ion Qubits: Unlike superconducting qubits, Reimei uses trapped-ion technology, offering higher stability, longer coherence times, and stronger qubit connectivity.
      • Hybrid Integration: Works alongside Fugaku to solve complex calculations faster than classical supercomputers.
      • Ion Shuttling: Enables physical movement of qubits, allowing for more complex quantum algorithms.
      • Error Correction: Uses logical qubits, reducing error rates 800 times lower than standard qubits.
    • Applications:
      • Physics & Chemistry Research: Used for molecular simulations, material science, and high-energy physics.
      • Quantum Cryptography & AI: Enhances cybersecurity and artificial intelligence models.
      • Optimization & Machine Learning:  Solves large-scale optimization problems.
    • Significance:
      • Bridges classical and quantum computing, serving as a transition to fully scalable quantum systems.
      • Paves the way for real-world quantum applications, accelerating scientific and technological advancements.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    (a) Cloud Services
    (b) Quantum Computing
    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

     

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

    Who was Sant Guru Ravidas?

    13 February 2025 | Prelims Only | History
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sant Guru Ravidas

    Why in the News?

    The birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas, a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement during the 15th and 16th centuries, is celebrated every year on 12th February.

    Sant Guru Ravidas

    Who was Sant Guru Ravidas?

    • Guru Ravidas, also known as Bhagat Ravidas, was a prominent saint, poet, and social reformer of the Bhakti movement in 15th-century India.
    • Born in 1377 CE in Seer Govardhanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he dedicated his life to eradicating social discrimination and promoting equality.
    • Despite facing caste-based oppression, Guru Ravidas rose to prominence through his wisdom, humility, and devotion to God.
    • He was a contemporary of Sant Kabir and is believed to have met Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion.
    • His hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, reflecting his significant influence in Sikhism and Bhakti traditions.

    Key Contributions of Guru Ravidas

    • Equality & Social Justice: Opposed caste discrimination and untouchability.
    • Bhakti Movement: Advocated devotion over rituals for spiritual enlightenment.
    • Begumpura Concept: Envisioned a society free from oppression and sorrow.
    • Literary Contributions: Composed over 40 devotional hymns in Guru Granth Sahib.
    • Spiritual Influence: Guided Meera Bai in her devotion to Lord Krishna.
    • Universal Brotherhood: Taught that God is for all, beyond religion or caste.
    • Impact on Sikhism: Influenced Guru Nanak and Sikh teachings on equality and devotion.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

    1. Dadu Dayal

    2. Guru Nanak

    3. Tyagaraja

    Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

    (a) 1 and 3

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3

    (d) 1 and 2

     

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  • Panchayati Raj Institutions: Issues and Challenges

    Doctrine of Pith and Substance

    13 February 2025 | Prelims OnlySC Judgements | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Doctrine of Pith and Substance

    Why in the News?

    In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed the Doctrine of Pith and Substance, holding that the Centre cannot impose service tax on lottery distributors as the power to tax lotteries falls exclusively within the jurisdiction of state governments.

    Why did the Supreme Court dismiss the Centre’s Plea?

    • Lotteries Are Not a Service but Gambling: The court ruled that the relationship between states and lottery distributors is buyer-seller, not principal-agent, making service tax inapplicable.
    • Exclusive Taxing Power of States: The Constitution grants state legislatures the authority to tax betting and gambling, including lotteries.
      • Parliament cannot override this through residuary powers (Entry 97 – List I) as taxation on lotteries is already covered under Entry 62 – List II.
    • Doctrine of Pith and Substance Applied: The court ruled that the dominant nature of lotteries is gambling, even if marketing and promotion involve service elements.
      • Since the primary focus remains within the State List, the Centre cannot impose service tax on it.
    • Sikkim High Court Ruling Upheld: The SC upheld the 2012 Sikkim HC decision, which declared Section 65(105) of the Finance Act, 1994 (as amended in 2010) unconstitutional, as it attempted to impose service tax on lottery-related activities.

    What is Doctrine of Pith and Substance?

    • The Doctrine of Pith and Substance helps determine whether a law’s dominant purpose falls within the legislative competence of the enacting government.
    • Key Features:
      • Examines the true nature of a law, rather than incidental overlaps.
      • Resolves Centre-State conflicts over legislative powers.
      • Allows minor encroachments if the primary subject falls within the legislature’s authority.
    • Major Supreme Court Cases Applying the Doctrine:
      • State of Bombay v. FN Balsara (1951): Upheld a state alcohol prohibition law, despite minor overlaps with Union subjects.
      • Prafulla Kumar Mukherjee v. Bank of Commerce (1947):  Allowed incidental encroachment as long as the law’s primary focus was within its jurisdiction.
    • Application in Lottery Taxation Case:
      • The Centre’s argument for taxing lotteries under Entry 97 – List I was rejected.
      • The dominant purpose of lottery transactions is gambling, which states exclusively regulate and tax.

    PYQ:

    [2016] The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the:

    (a) Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership

    (b) Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership

    (c) Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership

    (d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two thirds of its members present and voting

     

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