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Type: Prelims Only

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Who was Sakthan Thampuran (1751-1805)?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sakthan Thampuran

    On Saturday, September 7, Minister of State for Tourism and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi has pledged to replace the statue of Sakthan Thampuran, which was damaged by a state transport bus in June, with a new bronze statue if the Kerala government fails to do so within 14 days.

    Why in the News?

    Ministry of Tourism has pledged to replace the Sakthan Thampuran statue that was knocked over by a state transport bus in Thrissur.

    Who was Sakthan Thampuran?

    • Sakthan Thampuran, born Raja Rama Varma IX in 1751, was a powerful ruler of the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805.
      • He was raised by an aunt who nicknamed him Sakthan, meaning powerful, reflecting his strong personality and leadership.
    • The title Thampuran is derived from the Sanskrit word samrat, meaning emperor.
    • The Cochin kingdom, a part of the Late Chera Empire, spanned regions from Ponnani (Malappuram) to Thottappally (Alappuzha) in modern-day Kerala.
    • At age 18, in 1769, he became heir apparent, advising the king to maintain friendly relations with both the Dutch and the English, who were competing for control of trade in the region.
    • He orchestrated the Mysore invasion of Travancore, which eventually led to the Powney treaty.
    • This treaty freed the Cochin kingdom from its allegiance to Mysore and formalized its relations with the British East India Company.
    • He ended the institution of the Yogiatirippads, spiritual heads of key temples. He shifted temple management to the government, earning a reputation as a fearsome leader who rid his kingdom of crime.

    Sakthan and the Thrissur Pooram Festival

    • Sakthan relocated the capital of his kingdom from Thrippunithura to Thrissur.
      • He developed Thekkinkadu Maidanam and the surrounding Swaraj Round, which became the foundation for Thrissur’s infrastructure.
    • He invited merchants from all religions and British officials to settle in Thrissur, and personally managed the kingdom’s finances.
    • In 1797, he started the Thrissur Pooram as an alternative to Arattupuzha Pooram, uniting major temples in Thrissur to pay respects to Lord Shiva, the deity at Vadakkumnathan Temple.
      • It is held every year on the Pooram day – the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam Calendar month of Medam.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?​

    1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.​

    2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanangara Empire.​

    3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only​

    (b) 2 only​

    (c) 2 and 3 only​

    (d) 3 only ​

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Cabinet approves ₹5 lakh Health Cover for Senior Citizens

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: AB PM-JAY and its beneficiaries

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved health coverage of ₹5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

    About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

    • AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, offering ₹5 lakh of coverage per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.
    • It was launched in February 2018.
    • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having central sector component under the Ayushman Bharat Mission.
    • It covers surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics.
      • It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses.
    • It currently covers 55 crore people from 12.34 crore families, providing comprehensive health benefits regardless of the family members’ age.
    • 7.37 crore hospital admissions have been covered under the scheme, with 49% of the beneficiaries being women.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • All senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for the scheme, receiving a ₹5 lakh health cover on a family basis.
    • Additional Benefits:
      • Senior citizens belonging to families already under AB PM-JAY will get an extra top-up of ₹5 lakh, exclusively for their personal healthcare.
      • Those with private health insurance can also avail of the scheme.
    • Senior citizens covered under other public health insurance schemes, like CGHS, ECHS, or CAPF, must choose between their current plan and AB PM-JAY.
    • All eligible beneficiaries will be issued a distinct health card for easy access to the scheme’s benefits.

    PYQ:

    [2012] With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of Asha, a trained community health worker?

    1. Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkups

    2. Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy

    3. Providing information on nutrition and immunization

    4. Conducting the delivery of baby

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Union Cabinet approves ‘Mission Mausam’

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Mission Mausam

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with a budget of ₹2,000 crore over two years.

    About Mission Mausam

    • Mission Mausam focuses on strengthening R&D in weather surveillance, forecasting, and atmospheric sciences.
    • The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be the nodal body responsible for implementing the mission.
    • It aims to set a new benchmark for high-precision weather forecasting and management.
    • Three institutes under the MoES will lead the implementation of Mission Mausam:
    1. India Meteorological Department (IMD)
    2. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
    3. National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)

    Critical Components of the Mission: 

    • Next-generation radars and satellite systems equipped with advanced sensors.
    • Deployment of high-performance supercomputers to enhance computational capabilities.
    • Development of improved earth system AI models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination.

    Benefits and Applications

    • Mission Mausam is expected to benefit key sectors, including:
      • Agriculture, through improved weather prediction for farming activities.
      • Disaster management, with better preparedness for natural calamities.
      • Defence, aviation, and shipping, through enhanced forecasting for operational safety.
      • Energy, water resources, power, and tourism sectors.
    • The mission will also enhance data-driven decision-making for urban planning, transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department.

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    What is Wallace Line?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Wallace Line

    Wallace Line

    Why in the news?

    The Wallace Line, a distinct transition zone between Asia and Australia, has long fascinated researchers due to its unique characteristics.

    What is Wallace Line?

    Details
    What is it?
    • A bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Asia and Australia.
    • It was identified by British explorer Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863 during his explorations.
    • It is an imaginary line that intersects the Lombok Strait between the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok to the south, and extends north through the Makassar Strait between Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sulawesi.
    Unique Features
    • Divides species with distinct evolutionary histories.
    • Asiatic species (tigers, elephants) are found to the west; Australian fauna (kangaroos, marsupials) dominate the east.
    • Despite their geographical proximity, these species evolved separately.
    Impact on Wildlife
    • Birds and mammals are particularly influenced, with few species crossing the line.
    • Flora is less affected, though species like Eucalyptus stay on the Australian side.
    Impact on Marine Species
    • While the Wallace Line is a barrier for terrestrial species, it doesn’t stop marine life. 
    • The area between the Wallace Line and the Sahul Shelf (near Australia) is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth.
    Formation
    • Result of Australia’s drift from Antarctica and subsequent collision with Asia around 35 million years ago.
    • Climate shifts led to cooler, drier Australia and tropical Asia.
    • This collision created a deep-water channel that still acts as a natural barrier for species migration.
    Pleistocene Epoch Influence
    • During the Pleistocene epoch, lower sea levels exposed land bridges.
    • Deep waters between Asia and Australia prevented species migration, maintaining the boundary.

     

    Note: 

    Weber Line more accurately defines the balance point where the influence of Asian and Australian species is nearly equal, whereas the Wallace Line marks a sharper divide.

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) spotted in Aravallis

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Elongated Tortoise

    Why in the News?

    The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata), a critically endangered species, was recently spotted in Haryana’s Damdama area during a research survey in the Aravalli hills.

    About Elongated Tortoise:

    Details
    Physical Features
    • Medium-sized body with a yellowish-brown or olive-colored shell
    • Black blotches at the center of each scute
    • Pink ring around nostrils during breeding season
    Habitat
    • Found in Sal deciduous and hilly evergreen forests
    • Distribution includes Southeast Asia, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and other regions
    Indian Range Present in the Chhota Nagpur plateau and Himalayan foothills at elevations up to 1,000 meters
    Threats
    • Human exploitation for food and traditional medicine
    • Hunting, often with the help of dogs
    • Habitat degradation and illegal wildlife trade
    Ecological Role Significant species in its ecosystems but highly vulnerable to environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures
    Population Decline Significant population decline due to hunting, habitat degradation, and illegal wildlife trade, despite its wide distribution
    Conservation Status
    • Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List
    • Appendix II under the CITES

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following:

    1. Star tortoise

    2. Monitor lizard

    3. Pygmy hog

    4. Spider monkey

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3 and 4

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

    Shabd Portal provides technical terms in 22 Indian languages

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Shabd Portal

    Why in the News?

    The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT), under the Union Education Ministry, has launched a unique website, shabd.education.gov.in, providing technical terms in all 22 official Indian languages.

    About Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)

    • The Union Education Ministry established the CSTT in December 1960 to develop scientific and technical terminology in Hindi and other Indian languages.
    • It works to evolve, define, and standardize scientific and technical terms in Hindi and other Indian languages.
    • It publishes textbooks, monographs, and glossaries, and releases quarterly journals like Vigyan Garima Sindhu and Gyan Garima Sindhu.
    • It has developed over 450 glossaries, creating more than 3 million standardized words in Indian languages.
    • It prepares administrative glossaries for government departments and institutions to ensure consistent terminology in official documents.

    About the Shabd Portal

    • The portal aims to serve as a central repository for technical terminologies across Indian languages, hosting glossaries from CSTT as well as other institutions and agencies.
    • The portal currently hosts 450 dictionaries comprising 3 million words, making it a vast resource for users seeking scientific and technical terms in Indian languages.
    • Search Features:
      • Users can search for equivalent terms by language, subject, dictionary type, or language pairs.
      • Specific searches can also be made within a particular glossary or across the entire collection.
      • The platform also allows users to provide feedback on the terms prepared by the CSTT.

    Significance of the Portal

    • The launch comes amid efforts to promote technical education in Indian languages, including fields like medicine and engineering.
    • The portal is an essential step in ensuring accessibility of scientific and technical education in regional languages, supporting the vision of multilingual education.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following languages:

    1. Gujarati

    2. Kannada

    3. Telugu

    Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Polaris Dawn: SpaceX’s Mission for First private Spacewalk

    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: Polaris Dawn Mission

    SpaceX launched its Polaris Dawn Mission sending a four-person crew of civilians on a first-ever commercial spacewalk into Earth's Van Allen radiation belts.

    Why in the News?

    SpaceX launched its Polaris Dawn Mission sending a four-person crew of civilians on a first-ever commercial spacewalk into Earth’s Van Allen radiation belts.

    What is Polaris Dawn Mission?

    • It is a privately-funded space mission led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, in collaboration with SpaceX.
    • It is set to be the first non-government mission to conduct a spacewalk.
    • This 700km altitude will surpass the current record held by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966.
    • The mission will test new spacesuits designed by SpaceX to protect astronauts from high radiation levels encountered in the Van Allen Belts.

    What are the Van Allen Belts?

    • The Van Allen Belts are two zones of charged particles that surround Earth, held in the magnetosphere.
    • These belts were discovered in 1958 by American physicist James Van Allen.

    Why are the Van Allen Belts dangerous for Humans?

    • The Van Allen Belts are dangerous for humans because they contain high levels of radiation that can pose significant health risks to astronauts.
    • The belts are filled with charged particles that can cause radiation sickness, damage human tissues, and increase the risk of cancer. 

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

    1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
    2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
    3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    Ovarian Cancer: Understanding the Silent Killer

    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: Ovarian Cancer

    Why in the News?

    • In India, Ovarian Cancer ranks among top three cancers affecting women, accounting for 6.6% of all female cancer cases.
      • In 2022, India alone reported 47,333 new ovarian cancer cases and 32,978 deaths, emphasizing the critical need for awareness, early detection, and effective treatment.

    What is Ovarian Cancer?

    Details
    About Referred to as the “silent killer” due to its subtle symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, loss of appetite, and frequent urination. Late diagnosis is common.
    Common Symptoms • Bloating
    • Pelvic/abdominal pain
    • Loss of appetite
    • Frequent urination
    • Indigestion, back pain, fatigue, and weight loss
    Cancer Subtypes • Type I tumours: Less common, early diagnosis, better prognosis
    • Type II tumours: More common, aggressive, diagnosed at advanced stages
    Screening • No effective screening tests available
    • CA125 blood test used post-diagnosis but not recommended for routine screening due to limited specificity
    Genetic Risk Factors • Linked to mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 genes, increasing risk by up to 50%
    • Genetic testing aids in personalized risk management
    Endometriosis • Associated with a higher risk of certain ovarian cancers, though overall risk remains low
    Lifestyle Factors • Mixed evidence regarding talcum powder usage and its potential link to ovarian cancer
    • Hair products (dyes, straighteners) may increase risk, though further research is required
    HRT & Genetic Counselling • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer
    • Genetic counselling helps at-risk individuals with preventive measures

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  • Indian Army Updates

    Exercise Yudh Abhyas, 2024

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Exercise Yudh Abhyas

    Why in the News?

    • The 2024 edition of the India-U.S. Army bilateral exercise Yudh Abhyas has begun at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan.
      • Concurrently, Phase-II of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) largest multilateral exercise, Tarang Shakti, is underway in Jodhpur, with eight countries participating, including India.

    About Exercise Yudh Abhyas

    Details
    Type  Bilateral joint military exercise between India and the United States
    Inception Year 2004
    Frequency Annual
    Primary Objective Enhance military cooperation and joint operational capabilities, particularly focusing on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
    Location Held alternately in India and the USA
    Earlier Edition (2023) Held at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, focusing on cold-weather operations and high-altitude warfare
    Focus
    • Counter-terrorism operations in semi-desert and desert terrains
    • Urban warfare (FIBUA – Fighting in Built-Up Areas)
    Participating Forces in 2024
    • Indian Army: 600 troops from the RAJPUT Regiment
    • US Army: 1-24 Battalion of the 11th Airborne Division, Alaska
    Tactical Drills in 2024
    • Joint planning sessions
    • Joint responses to terrorist actions
    • Combined field training exercises
    Significance 
    • Reflects the growing military partnership between India and the US
    • Enhances interoperability and strengthens strategic defence ties

     

    PYQ:

    [2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1 and 4

    (c) 1 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 4

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  • Air Pollution

    India’s first ‘Teal Carbon’ study

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Teal Carbon

    Why in the News?

    India’s first study on teal carbon was conducted at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district.

    Highlights of the Study

    • The study at KNP aimed to develop holistic solutions for climate change by understanding the potential of teal carbon in mitigating its effects.
    • It highlighted that degraded wetlands could release harmful methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further exacerbating climate challenges.
    • It suggested the use of biochar, a lightweight black residue comprising carbon and ashes.
      • This biochar can help reduce methane discharges and improve wetland conservation.
    • Specialized instruments like the LI-COR device would be required for real-time measurements of greenhouse gases to further the research.

    What is Teal Carbon?

    Details
    Definition Carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including in vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter.
    Key Sources Peatlands, freshwater swamps, natural freshwater marshes.
    Global Storage  Approximately 500.21 petagrams of carbon (PgC).
    Threats Pollution, land-use changes, water extraction, and degradation of wetlands.
    Comparison Distinct from black and brown carbon, which are produced by incomplete combustion of organic matter.
    Benefits of Teal Carbon Ecosystems
    • Greenhouse gas reduction
    • Increase in groundwater levels
    • Flood mitigation
    • Heat island reduction
    • Urban adaptation
    Conservation Importance Effective conservation of wetlands can enhance teal carbon pools, contributing to climate regulation and environmental sustainability.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] What is blue carbon?​

    (a) Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems.​

    (b) Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils.​

    (c) Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas.​

    (d) Carbon present in atmosphere.​

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