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Type: Prelims Only

  • Centre has notified grant of classical language status to Marathi

    Why in the News?

    Months after conferring classical language status to Marathi, the Union Government issued an official notification formalizing the recognition.

    What is the Criteria for declaring a Classical language?

    The Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) under Sahitya Akademi, established in November 2004, evaluates languages for Classical status based on their historical, cultural, and literary significance. The criteria have evolved over time to ensure a rigorous and inclusive assessment.

    • Original Criteria (2004): Introduced alongside the recognition of Tamil as the first Classical Language:
      • Recorded history or early texts must span over 1,000 years.
      • A body of ancient literature must be regarded as valuable by generations.
      • Literary traditions should be original, not borrowed from another speech community.
    • Revised Criteria (2005): The criteria were revised to include stricter parameters, leading to the recognition of Sanskrit:
      • Antiquity of early texts over 1,500–2,000 years.
      • A significant corpus of ancient literature considered heritage.
      • Distinctiveness of classical language from modern forms.
      • A discontinuity between classical language and its later offshoots.
    • Recent Upgrade (2024): The LEC  refined the criteria further to incorporate broader evidence and diverse literary forms. Five additional languages—Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali—were granted Classical status under these parameters:
      • Early texts/recorded history over 1,500–2,000 years.
      • Ancient literature/texts considered a cultural heritage.
      • Inclusion of knowledge texts, prose, epigraphical evidence, and inscriptions.
      • Classical language distinct from or discontinuous with its modern or evolved forms.
    • Classical languages: Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014); Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali (2024) along with Marathi.

    What are the significance of Classical Language?

    • Recognizing a classical language preserves its historical roots and unifies cultural heritage.
    • It promotes academic research, translation, and scholarly employment opportunities.
    • Gaining global awareness broadens its use in technology, academia, and global dialogue.
    • Government support and funding ensure sustained preservation, research, and institutional development.

    Historical Significance of Marathi Language

    • Marathi’s 2,000-year history meets the antiquity criterion.
    • Early mentions of “Marathi” in various forms, such as Maharashtri Prakrit, Jain Maharashtri, and Prakrit Marathi, point to its evolution.
    • Over 100 stone inscriptions, including those in the Naneghat Caves (20 BCE), which contain Marathi commands alongside Sanskrit benedictions.
    • Literary milestones: Works from the Yadava period (12th–13th century AD) such as:
      • Leelacharitra: A biography of Chakradhar Swami.
      • Dnyaneshwari: A commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Sant Dnyaneshwar.
    • The Pathare Committee (2013) and Sahitya Akademi supported Marathi’s case.
      • A massive postcard campaign with 500,000 letters sent to the Prime Minister demanding recognition.
    • Dnyaneshwar Mulay’s Committee addressed administrative hurdles to finalize the proposal in February 2024.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

    (a) Odia

    (b) Konkani

    (c) Bhojpuri

    (d) Assamese

  • Miyawaki Technique

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has employed the Japanese Miyawaki technique to create dense “oxygen bank” forests, ensuring cleaner air and ecological balance for millions of devotees.

    About Miyawaki Technique

    • The Miyawaki technique is a pioneering method for creating dense forests in limited spaces, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s.
    • Known as the ‘pot plantation method’, this technique mimics natural forest ecosystems by using native species planted closely together, promoting rapid growth and biodiversity.
    • It was developed to restore degraded ecosystems and barren lands by replicating the processes found in natural forests.
    • It is widely used for urban afforestation projects globally.

    Miyawaki Technique

    Significant Features:

    • Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, enabling rapid growth—up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.
    • Native Species: Focuses on local plant varieties to replicate the natural ecosystem.
    • Improved Biodiversity: Enhances species richness, supporting more flora and fauna.
    • Carbon Absorption: Trees absorb more carbon, helping combat urban pollution.

    PYQ:

    [2022] The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:

    (a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas

    (b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora

    (c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas

    (d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces

  • What is a Polar Vortex?

    What is a Polar Vortex?

    Why in the News?

    The United States is facing severe winter storms as the polar vortex is expanding southward from the Arctic and driving temperatures as low as -50°C (-60°F).

    What is a Polar Vortex?

    • The polar vortex is a band of fast-moving air that traps cold Arctic air within the Polar Regions.
    • It is a natural atmospheric phenomenon, typically spinning in a counter-clockwise direction around the North Pole.
    • Wind speeds in the polar vortex can reach up to 250 km/h (155 mph).
    • Causes of a Polar Vortex:
    1. Stable State: Under normal conditions, the polar vortex remains strong and well-contained within the Arctic Circle, keeping frigid air confined to the Polar Regions.
    2. Weakened State:
    • The vortex weakens when rising warm air from the lower atmosphere disrupts its circular flow, allowing Arctic air to spill southward.
    • Factors contributing to a weakened state include: Significant weather patterns (e.g., powerful winds in mountainous regions); Changes in tropical climate systems or sea surface temperatures. Climate change causing uneven warming, especially at the poles..

    What are its types?

    1. Tropospheric Polar Vortex:
    • It occurs in the lowest atmospheric layer (troposphere) where most weather phenomena take place.
    • Typically results in milder weather across northern latitudes.
    1. Stratospheric Polar Vortex:
    • Forms 16–48 km above the Earth’s surface in the Stratosphere.
    • Stronger and more stable but can weaken due to disruptions, leading to southward extensions of Arctic air.
    • It emerges in autumn and dissipates by spring each year.

  • What is Section 479 of the BNSS, 2023?

    Why in the News?

    The Central Government has directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to implement Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). This provision seeks to relieve undertrial prisoners (UTPs) by addressing prolonged detention and mitigating prison overcrowding.

    What is Section 479 of the BNSS?

    • Section 479 governs the maximum period for which an undertrial prisoner (UTP) can be detained during investigation, inquiry, or trial.
    • It is based on Section 436-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC).
    • It aims to address the prolonged detention of UTPs, ensure their timely release on bail or bond, and maintain fairness and accountability in the judicial process.
    • This section applies to cases where the punishment does not include death or life imprisonment, and introduces clear mechanisms for review and action, thereby mitigating issues like prison overcrowding.

    Key Provisions under Section 479 of BNSS:

    • Eligibility for Bail: Undertrials (UTPs) who have served half of their maximum possible sentence may be released on bail; the court must provide written reasons if they decide to extend detention after hearing the Public Prosecutor.
    • First-Time Offenders: UTPs with no prior convictions who have served one-third of their maximum sentence are eligible for release on bond, aligning with the principle of reformative justice.
    • Superintendent’s Responsibility: Jail superintendents must submit a written application to the court for the release of UTPs upon completion of the applicable detention period (one-third or one-half, depending on eligibility).
    • Exclusions: The provision does not apply to offences punishable by death or life imprisonment, and any delay caused by the accused is excluded from the detention period calculation.
    • Limitations for Multiple Offences: Accused individuals facing multiple offences or multiple charges are not covered, ensuring the provision is not misused in complex or repeated criminal cases.
    • Absolute Ceiling on Detention: Detention cannot exceed the maximum imprisonment term prescribed for the offence, preventing indefinite incarceration.
    • Judicial Oversight: Courts must ensure extended detention serves public safety and justice, requiring input from the Public Prosecutor for any continued confinement.
    • Mandatory Review Mechanism: A statutory review process is in place to prevent prolonged undertrial detention and address potential oversights or delays.
    • Safeguard against Misuse: Time delays caused by the accused do not count towards the detention period, ensuring fair application of the law.
    • Focus on Reform and Decongestion: By expediting bail and bond processes for eligible UTPs, the law aims to reduce overcrowding in prisons and uphold reformative objectives.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements :​

    1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in police station, not in jail.​

    2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.​

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?​

    (a) 1 only ​

    (b) 2 only​

    (c) Both 1 and 2 ​

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2​

  • What is Selective Gene Silencing?

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at Columbia University found that cells can selectively switch off one parent’s copy of a gene. This may explain why some people with harmful mutations remain symptom-free, and it could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for genetic disorders.

    Researchers at Columbia University found that cells can selectively switch off one parent's copy of a gene. This may explain why some people with harmful mutations remain symptom-free, and it could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for genetic disorders.

    About the Selective Silencing Mechanism:

    • Selective gene silencing refers to the process where cells inactivate one parent’s copy of a gene (either maternal or paternal), resulting in an unequal contribution of the two gene copies to cellular function.
    • Previously thought to be rare, recent research reveals that this phenomenon is relatively common and plays a significant role in genetic variability, disease progression, and individual health outcomes.
    • Key Features:
      • Inactivation can vary between different cell types (e.g., immune cells and kidney cells).
      • The process is dynamic and may change over time, adding complexity to how genes function in the body.
      • Approximately 1 in 20 active genes in some immune cells exhibit this selective bias.
    • Implications for Health:
      • This mechanism helps explain why individuals carrying the same disease-causing mutation can have vastly different symptom severities.
      • It shifts the understanding of genetic diseases, emphasizing the importance of dynamic gene activity patterns alongside static genetic codes.
      • The discovery opens up opportunities for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches by focusing on gene expression rather than genetic sequences.

    What are its significant applications?

    • Selective Gene Manipulation: Therapies could be developed to activate healthy gene copies while suppressing diseased ones, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional genetic editing.
    • Improved Understanding of Diseases: Selective gene silencing explains variability in conditions like lupus and cancer, revealing why some individuals remain symptom-free.
    • Precision Medicine: By identifying individual patterns of gene expression, personalized treatment options become possible, reducing the need for one-size-fits-all approaches.
    • Early Interventions: Recognizing at-risk but asymptomatic individuals allows healthcare providers to implement preventive measures and potentially delay disease onset.
    • Protein-Based Therapies: Focusing on selective gene activity aids in detecting and differentiating disease-related proteins from healthy ones, paving the way for targeted, protein-specific drugs.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following techniques/phenomena:

    1. Budding and grafting in fruit plants
    2. Cytoplasmic male sterility
    3. Gene silencing

    Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) None

  • Ministry of Defence declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, marking a significant step in modernizing India’s Armed Forces.

    Nine Broad Areas Listed for the ‘Year of Reforms’

    • Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs): Enhance jointness and resolve inter-service disagreements for effective ITC implementation.
    • Emerging Domains and Technologies: Prioritize cybersecurity, AI, ML, hypersonics, and robotics, and develop tactics for future warfare.
    • Operational Collaboration: Strengthen inter-service cooperation through shared training and joint operational capabilities.
    • Acquisition Reforms: Simplify procedures to expedite procurement and facilitate technology transfers via public-private partnerships.
    • Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the defence sector and industries to foster innovation.
    • Civil-Military Coordination: Break silos to eliminate inefficiencies and optimize resources.
    • Defence Exports: Position India as a global defence exporter, promoting R&D and partnerships with foreign OEMs.
    • Veterans’ Welfare: Optimize welfare measures for veterans and leverage their expertise.
    • Cultural Pride: Promote indigenous capabilities and instil pride in Indian culture alongside adopting modern military practices.

    Key Initiatives for Defence Modernization in India

    • Acquisition of Advanced Weaponry: Rafale jets (36 inducted, 26 more planned) enhance air power; S-400 air defence systems provide long-range protection; Arjun Mk-1A tanks boost indigenous capability and firepower.
    • Indigenous Development: LCA Tejas replaces ageing fighter jets and supports air-to-air refuelling; INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, strengthens underwater deterrence.
    • Technological Advancements: Network-centric warfare improves situational awareness (e.g., Project Sanjay, E-Sitrep); AI and robotics enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; cyber warfare capabilities grow under the National Cyber Security Policy.
    • Defence Production and Export: Domestic production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–24, emphasizing indigenisation; exports hit $2.63 billion, supplying markets like Vietnam and the Philippines.
    • Strategic Infrastructure: Border security efforts include the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System and Border Infrastructure Management, improving troop mobility and safeguarding boundaries.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?

  • Home Minister launches ‘Bharatpol’ for international police assistance

    bharatpol

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Bharatpol, a groundbreaking portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

    What is Bharatpol?

    • Bharatpol is a unified digital platform designed to enhance collaboration between Indian law enforcement agencies and Interpol, which connects police forces across 195 member countries.
    • It simplifies international police cooperation, replacing outdated modes of communication like letters and faxes with real-time digital tools.
    • Goal: Equip Indian law enforcement agencies with modern technology and techniques to track fugitives and address global crime challenges.
    • Why was it developed?
      • Rising transnational crimes necessitate real-time international assistance.
      • Facilitates faster investigations into crimes such as cybercrime, drug trafficking, organized crime, and online radicalization.
    • Features of Bharatpol:
      • Integrates CBI’s role as Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi)
      • Simplified Request Mechanism
      • Rapid Information Dissemination
      • Utilization of Interpol Notices
      • Capacity Building and Training

    Modules of Bharatpol:

    1. Connect: Acts as a digital extension of Interpol’s NCB-New Delhi, ensuring seamless and secure communication between Indian agencies and Interpol.
    2. INTERPOL Notices: Simplifies the process of issuing and managing Interpol Notices, ensuring swift action on international alerts.
    3. References: Streamlines the use of global criminal data, enabling faster investigations.
    4. Broadcast: Allows real-time sharing of requests and updates from Interpol’s 195 member countries.
    5. Resources: Facilitates the exchange of documents, training materials, and capacity-building resources.

    How does Bharatpol enhance Interpol’s functionality?

    • Bharatpol extends Interpol’s reach in India, connecting local police to global law enforcement networks.
    • It allows instant transmission of critical information, enhancing the efficiency of investigations and international cooperation.
    • It simplifies the process for Indian agencies to access Interpol’s 19 databases on crimes, criminals, and stolen assets.
    • It ensures a structured approach to tracking fugitives and resolving international cases.

  • India’s Coffee Export surpasses USD 1 Billion for first time

    Why in the News?

    India’s coffee exports in the 2024 calendar year witnessed a significant growth of 45% in dollar terms, reaching an all-time high of $1.684 billion, compared to $1.160 billion in 2023.

    Coffee Production in India

    • Coffee was introduced to India in 1600s by Baba Budan, who planted seven seeds in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
    • Karnataka is the largest producer, contributing 70% of the total, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
    • Over 70% of India’s coffee production is exported, making India the 8th largest coffee exporter globally.
    • Coffee thrives in tropical to semi-tropical climates with temperatures of 16°–28°C and annual rainfall of 150–250 cm.
    • The plant grows best on well-drained slopes with laterite soils, especially in Karnataka.
    • Major varieties cultivated include Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. Arabica has a higher market value due to its mild aromatic flavor.
    • The Coffee Board of India plays a crucial role in promoting the Indian coffee industry by focusing on export promotion, domestic market development, and improving production and quality standards.

    Note:

    • The Coffee Board of India was established in 1942 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • It is headquartered in Bangalore and consists of 33 members, including a Chairman appointed by the Government of India.
    • Initially, it managed the pooled supply and marketing of coffee until 1995. After economic liberalization, coffee marketing became a private-sector activity.

    Reasons for growth

    • Coffee prices reached record highs in 2024 due to poor weather conditions in major coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam, leading to increased global demand for Indian coffee.
    • The anticipated rollout of European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) norms prompted advance purchases by European buyers, including roasters and traders, boosting demand for Indian coffee exports.
    • A 37% increase in unit value per tonne enhanced the overall export revenue, driven by higher global prices and better quality of Indian coffee.
    • Efforts to strengthen relationships with traditional buyers (e.g., Italy, Germany) while expanding to emerging markets (e.g., UAE) helped diversify export destinations and increase overall volumes.

    PYQ:

    [2010] Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements:

    1. Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
    2. Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System

    Why in the News?

    Bellatrix Aerospace, the Bengaluru-based space startup, has announced a significant milestone with the successful demonstration of its Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System during the PSLV C-60 mission, onboard the POEM-4 platform.

    About Rudra 1N System:

    • The Rudra 1N System is an advanced green mono-propellant propulsion system developed by Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space technology start-up.
    • It is a cutting-edge solution for space propulsion, designed to enhance efficiency, precision, and sustainability in satellite and space platform operations.
    • Features and Significance:
      • Demonstrated a 1.4-degree/sec disturbance on the Yaw axis and an 80-degree angular rotation during its operational tests, highlighting its precise manoeuvering capabilities.
      • Utilizes a non-toxic, environmentally friendly propellant to minimize ecological impact during space missions.
      • Offers a cleaner alternative to traditional chemical propulsion systems.
      • Entirely designed and manufactured in-house, showcasing Bellatrix Aerospace’s technological independence.
      • Suitable for a variety of satellite sizes and mission profiles, offering scalability.

    About the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4)

    • POEM-4 is a platform developed by ISRO that repurposes the spent 4th stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) into a functional orbital laboratory.
    • It enables cost-effective research in space by hosting various scientific and technological experiments in microgravity.
    • It utilizes the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket as a stable microgravity testbed.
    • It supports diverse experiments, such as studying plant growth, bacterial behavior, and other space phenomena.
    • It thus maximizes the utility of what would otherwise become space debris.
    • POEM-4 was launched aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, also known as the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission.

  • What is Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)?

    Why in the News?

    Several major US banks have recently withdrawn from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), raising concerns about the banking sector’s commitment to combating climate change.

    What is Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)?

    • Established as a bank-led, UN-convened initiative, the NZBA commits members to align their lending, investment, and capital market activities with achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
    • It is a part of the UNEP Financial Initiative’s Principles for Responsible Banking, serving as a climate accelerator.
    • NZBA retains 142 members from 44 countries, with 80 European banks representing the majority of the alliance’s $64 trillion in assets.
    • No Indian banks are signatory to this NZBA.
    • Structural Mandate:
      • Overseen by a Steering Group representing diverse geographies and business models.
      • Supported by the UNEP FI Secretariat and governed under documents updated in August 2023 and March 2024.
    • Commitments of Member Banks:
      • Transition operational and portfolio emissions to align with net-zero pathways.
      • Set 2030 targets (or sooner) within 18 months of joining and establish intermediate targets every five years.
      • Publish annual reports on absolute emissions and emissions intensity.

    What is the Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Target by 2050?

    • Net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 refer to achieving a balance between the amount of GHGs emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset by natural or technological means.
    • This target is critical for limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

    About the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)

    • The GFANZ is a global coalition of leading financial institutions committed to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
    • It was established in April 2021 in the lead-up to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
    • Membership comprises over 550 financial institutions across 50 countries.
      • Includes banks, insurers, asset managers, and other financial players managing a combined $150 trillion in assets.
    • It is chaired by Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England and current UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance.
    • It is supported by global initiatives like the UN Race to Zero campaign and other financial alliances.

    PYQ:

    [2016] The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of:

    (a) Pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East.

    (b) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change.

    (c) Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

    (d) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals.