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

Sleep Apnea contributes to Dementia in older adults

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: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Why in the News?

A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder, increases the risk of dementia (loss of cognitive functioning) in adults, especially in women.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

OSA is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blocked airways.
It is marked by episodes of disrupted or restricted breathing, leading to brief awakenings throughout the night.
Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air, morning headaches, and daytime drowsiness.
Risk Factors: Common in individuals who are overweight, have large tonsils or suffer from nasal congestion.
- In India, approximately 10.4 lakh people are reported to suffer from OSA, as per government data.
- Untreated OSA is associated with various health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

Recent Findings on OSA and Dementia Risk

A study from Michigan Medicine found a link between OSA and increased dementia risk, especially in older adults over 50.
- Women with known or suspected OSA were found to have a higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to men, with dementia diagnoses increasing as women age.
Another study by NIMHANS focused on the link between stroke and OSA.
- 105 stroke patients over the age of 50 were studied using polysomnography (PSG), which tracks brain waves and sleep breathing patterns.
- Results showed that 88% of stroke patients had sleep apnea soon after their stroke, with 38% having severe OSA.

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Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

Why in the news?

Employees of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) institutions have expressed concerns over the delay in revising their pay scales.

About the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR):

	Details
Establishment	It was established as an Autonomous organization, in 1969 on the recommendation of *Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao Committee* (National Income Committee).
Nodal Ministry	Operates under the Ministry of Education.
Function	Promote, fund, and support social science research in India.
Objectives	• Encourage social science research • Fund and coordinate research in various branches • Collaborate with international research organizations • Provide policy recommendations based on research
Organizational Structure	It is governed by a Council of eminent scholars and policymakers, supported by 24 research institutes and 6 regional centers.
Research Institutes	Funds institutes such as: • Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram • Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru • Centre for Studies in Social Sciences (CSSS), Kolkata • Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Pune
Key Programs and Initiatives	• ICSSR Data Service: National repository for social science data • NASSDOC: Documentation and library services • Workshops and conferences to enhance research capabilities
International Collaboration	Collaborates with organizations like UNESCO and the Indian Council of World Affairs for joint projects and scholar exchanges.

PYQ:

[2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?

1. National Development Council

2. Planning Commission

3. Zonal Councils

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Indian Army Updates

[pib] Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

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 GARUD SHAKTI 24

Why in the News?

The Indian Army contingent has departed for Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia to take part in the 9th edition of India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24.

Note:

Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force.
Exercise Shakti is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France.

About Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

	Details
What is it?	A bilateral joint special forces exercise between India and Indonesia aimed at enhancing military cooperation. Held alternatively in India and Indonesia.
History	Initiated in 2012 as part of defense cooperation between India and Indonesia.
Objectives	• Enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between special forces • Share best practices and experiences in counter-terrorism • Conduct joint operations and drills to improve interoperability
Activities	• Joint planning and execution of special operations • Orientation on advanced special forces skills • Sharing information on weapons, tactics, and techniques • Operations practice in diverse terrains • Cultural exchanges between troops
Significance	• Strengthens bilateral relations • Fosters trust between India and Indonesia • Contributes to regional security and addresses terrorism challenges • Enhances operational capabilities of both armies
Recent Edition	Ninth Edition (2024): Scheduled from November 1 to 12, focusing on enhancing understanding, cooperation, and interoperability.

PYQ:

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

This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
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

(d) 2, 3 and 4

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Indian Army Updates

[pib] Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR

Why in the News?

The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 15th edition of VAJRA PRAHAR, a joint Special Forces exercise with the US Army.

About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR:

	Details
What is it?	A joint Special Forces exercise between India and the US aimed at enhancing military cooperation.
Inception	Started in 2010 as part of bilateral defense cooperation between India and the US. No exercises held between 2012 and 2015 and in 2020.
Frequency	Conducted annually, alternately in India and the United States.
15th Edition Dates	Scheduled from 2nd to 22nd November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre, Idaho, USA.
Participants	45 personnel from each country; Indian Army’s Special Forces and US Army’s Green Berets.
Objectives	• Enhance military cooperation • Promote interoperability and tactical exchange • Improve combined capabilities in joint operations
Key Focus Areas	• High physical fitness standards • Joint planning and tactical drills
Significance	• Joint Team Mission Planning • Reconnaissance Missions • Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) • Execution of Special Operations • Roles of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers • Psychological Warfare

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

What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?

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: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and its spread

What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?

Why in the News?

A case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was confirmed in the US.

About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

CWD is a fatal, transmissible disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of deer, elk, and moose.
First identified in 1967, CWD is a prion disease where normal proteins misfold, leading to symptoms that eventually cause death.
Transmission occurs through animal-to-animal contact or contamination of feed or water by infected saliva or bodily waste.
Environmental contamination can occur through soil exposure from infected carcasses or bodily fluids.
High-risk areas include places where deer and elk gather closely, like feeding or watering sites.
Species affected: CWD does not naturally infect cows, other livestock, or pets.
Although no strong evidence exists that it can spread to humans, officials advise against eating meat from infected animals.

Symptoms of CWD:

Symptoms: Drastic weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, listlessness, and excessive thirst. Infected animals may also show drooping ears and lose their fear of humans.
- Prevention: To prevent the spread of CWD, avoid handling or eating sick animals, use synthetic lures, dispose of carcass waste in landfills, and report any sick or unusual deer to local wildlife authorities.

PYQ:

[2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to:

(a) The destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species

(b) A drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle

(d) A widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Mount Fuji

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji

Why in the News?

Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has set a new record for the longest delay in snowfall since records began in 1894.

Why delay in snowfall at Mount Fuji?

Higher Temperatures: Japan’s hottest summer on record and above-average October temperatures have delayed the cooling needed for snow.
Heatwave: Japan experienced numerous “extremely hot” days with temperatures exceeding 35°C, even into September.
Jet Stream Shift: A northerly shift in the sub-tropical jet stream brought warmer air over Japan, further hindering snow formation.

About Mount Fuji:

	Details
Location	Honshu Island, Japan, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo.
Height	3,776 meters (12,389 feet), making it the tallest mountain in Japan.
Type of Volcano	Stratovolcano, characterized by a conical shape formed from alternating layers of lava flow, ash, and tephra.
Eruptions	Last major eruption occurred in 1707 (Hoei eruption), causing ash to fall on Edo (now Tokyo).
Geological Formation	Formed through volcanic eruptions over thousands of years; current shape solidified around 300,000 years ago.
Climate	Varied climate with decreasing temperatures at higher altitudes; snow caps the summit from November to May.
Surrounding Area	Part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park; surrounded by five lakes: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu.
Cultural Significance	• National symbol of Japan • Sacred in Shintoism, associated with the deity Konohanasakuya-hime • Known as one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains
Art and Literature	A popular subject in traditional Japanese art (e.g., Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji), referenced in poetry and literature.
UNESCO World Heritage Site	Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its cultural significance and beauty.
Cultural Festivals	Hosts various festivals, such as the Fuji Shiba-sakura Festival, celebrating local flora.

PYQ:

[2021] Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Who were Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal?

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal

Who were Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal?

Why in the News?

Superstar Thalapathy Vijay launched his new party with speech highlighting his inspirations from Rani Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal.

Contributions of Velu Nachiyar (1730-1796)

Born in 1730 to King Chellamuthu Sethupathy and Queen Sakandhimuthal of the Ramnad kingdom (now Tamil Nadu).
Trained in horse riding, archery, kalaripayattu, and silambam (South Indian martial arts).
Educated as a polyglot, fluent in Tamil, Urdu, English, and French, with a strong grasp of military strategy.
Married Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar in 1746, supporting him as Queen of Sivagangai.
In 1772, Sivagangai was invaded by the British East India Company in alliance with the Nawab of Arcot; her husband was killed in battle.
Fled with her daughter Vellachi to Dindigul under the protection of Hyder Ali of Mysore.
Formed alliances with Hyder Ali and Gopala Naicker of the Marudu brothers to reclaim her kingdom.
Successfully fought against the British and reclaimed Sivagangai in 1780.
Ruled for a decade before passing the throne to her daughter in 1790.
Known as Tamil Nadu’s ‘Veeramangai’ (Brave Lady) and celebrated as an early Indian queen who resisted British colonialism.

Significant role played by Anjalai Ammal (1890-1961)

Born in 1890 in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, to a weaver family.
Married Murugappan in 1908, and both joined the freedom struggle inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles.
Became active in the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921, marking the beginning of her political involvement.
Played a significant role in:
- Neil Statue Satyagraha, protesting a statue of Colonel James Neil.
- Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Served as President of the All India Women’s Congress in Madras in 1931.
Arrested multiple times for her activism; gave birth to her youngest son while serving a six-month prison term.
Prevented by the British from meeting Gandhi in 1934; met him in disguise, and he called her “South India’s Rani of Jhansi”.
First woman elected to the Madras legislature as a Congress representative.
Remained politically active until her death in 1961, remembered as a pioneer for women’s rights and freedom.

PYQ:

[2016] Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.

[2015] Consider the following statements:

1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.

2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

What is DANA?

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: DANA
Why in the News?

The extreme conditions in eastern Spain which saw Valencia get a year’s worth of rain in just 8 hours can be blamed on an event locally known as Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA).

What is DANA?
- Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA), is commonly referred to as the “cold drop” in English.
- It is a meteorological phenomenon in the western Mediterranean region that brings intense rainfall and flooding.
- The term “DANA” was coined by Spanish meteorologists to specifically describe this weather phenomenon.
Features and Location:
- DANA occurs when cold air from the Polar Regions separates from the polar jet stream and descends over the warmer Mediterranean Sea.
- The contrast between cold air aloft and warm, moist air near the surface causes atmospheric instability, leading to the rapid formation of cumulonimbus clouds and intense thunderstorms.
- It primarily affects Spain and Portugal but can also impact Italy, France, and other areas around the Mediterranean Sea.
- This occurs in autumn and spring, as temperature variations are more pronounced during these seasons.
PYQ:

[2014] The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of:

(a) Equatorial climate

(b) Mediterranean climate

(c) Monsoon climate

(d) All of the above climates
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Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

[pib] Four replicas of Konark Wheels at Rashtrapati Bhavan

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Konark Wheels, Sun Temple, Kalinga Architecture

Why in the News?

Four replicas of the Konark wheels, made of sandstone, have been installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.

About Konark Wheels

	Details
Design	The temple is designed in the shape of a huge chariot drawn by 7 horses and features 24 wheels.
Dimensions of Wheels	Each wheel has a diameter of 9 feet 9 inches with 8 wider spokes and 8 thinner spokes.
Symbolism of Wheels	The wheels represent various time-related aspects: • 7 horses symbolize the days of the week. • 12 pairs of wheels signify 12 months. • 24 wheels represent 24 hours in a day. • 8 spokes symbolize prahars (three-hour periods).
Architectural Features	• The wheels are intricately carved, showcasing designs of foliage, animals, and figures of women in various poses. • Rims of the wheels have decorative carvings.
Sun Dial Functionality	Two of the wheels function as a sundial, accurately indicating time from sunrise to sunset using the shadow cast by the axel.
Modern Representation	Featured in Indian currency, specifically in the old Rs. 20 and new Rs. 10 notes, representing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. Rs. 10 note released by the RBI on January 5, 2018, features the Konark Wheel on its reverse side.

Its significance

The Konark Wheel, serving as an ancient sundial, symbolizes the advanced understanding of timekeeping and astronomy in 13th-century India.
Its intricate carvings reflect exceptional craftsmanship and cultural significance, embodying the cycle of life and the worship of Surya, the Sun God.
Its depiction on Indian currency highlights its enduring legacy and significance in promoting national identity and tourism in Odisha.

Back2Basics: Konark Sun Temple

konark

Approximately 64 km from Bhubaneswar.
Built in the 13th century (around 1250 CE) during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
Dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.
Exemplifies Kalinga architecture, known for its intricate stone carvings and elaborate sculptures.
Constructed from Khondalite stone, which is durable and intricately carved.
Designed as a chariot with 7 horses and 24 wheels.
Structure originally included a sanctum (deul) and a jagamohan (assembly hall) that have largely collapsed but were once adorned with exquisite carvings.

PYQ:

[2017] Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?

1. Arasavalli

2. Amarakantak

3. Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Languages and Eighth Schedule

Maithili missed out on Classical Status

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Maithili; Eighth Schedule

Why in the News?

While five languages were granted classical status earlier this month, Maithili was not considered as the Bihar government had not officially forwarded the proposal, despite ongoing demands for its inclusion.

Maithili missed out on Classical Status

About Maithili Language

Maithili belongs to the eastern sub-group of the Indo-Aryan branch of languages.
- It is believed to have evolved from Magadhan Prakrit.
- The poet Vidyapati (14th century) popularized Maithili, establishing its importance in literature and folk culture.
It was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003, making it one of the 22 officially recognized languages of India.
- It is an optional subject in the UPSC exams, providing an opportunity for candidates to take it as a paper.
- It was granted second official language status in Jharkhand in 2018.
It is spoken primarily in Bihar and Jharkhand in India, with a significant presence in Nepal.
- According to the 2011 Census, there are around 12 million Maithili speakers in India.
- It is the second most spoken language in Nepal, especially in the Terai region.
Mithilakshar, also known as Tirhuta, is the original script used for writing Maithili.
- It belongs to the same family as Bangla, Assamese, Odia, Tibetan, and Nepali scripts.
- The script’s oldest records date back to 950 AD, found in Sahodara stone inscriptions.

About Eighth Schedule:

	Details
Purpose	Lists the official languages of India as recognized by the Constitution.
Relevant Articles	Part XVII (Articles 343 to 351) of the Constitution outlines provisions for official languages.
Key Constitutional Provisions	• Article 344(1): Mandates the formation of a Commission by the President to recommend steps to promote Hindi after five years of the Constitution’s commencement. • Article 351: Promotes the development of Hindi as a medium to represent India’s composite culture.
Languages in the Eighth Schedule	Currently includes 22 languages: Initially Included (14 languages): Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Later Additions: Sindhi (21st Amendment, 1967), Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (71st Amendment, 1992), Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali (92nd Amendment, 2003).
Official Language Status	Hindi (in Devanagari script) is the official language of India, with English as an additional official language for administrative purposes.

PYQ:

[2014] Consider the following languages:

Gujarati
Kannada
Telugu

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

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Recent Findings on OSA and Dementia Risk

Why in the news?

About the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Note:

About Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR:

Why in the News?

About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Symptoms of CWD:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Why delay in snowfall at Mount Fuji?

About Mount Fuji:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Contributions of Velu Nachiyar (1730-1796)

Significant role played by Anjalai Ammal (1890-1961)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is DANA?

Features and Location:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Konark Wheels

Its significance

Back2Basics: Konark Sun Temple

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Maithili Language

About Eighth Schedule:

PYQ: