Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Major Dhyan Chand (1905-1979): India’s first sporting superstar

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Major Dhyan Chand and his contributions to hockey

Why in the News?

National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29 in India to honor the memory of “Major Dhyan Chand”, widely regarded as the first superstar of Indian hockey and arguably India’s first sporting superstar.

About Major Dhyan Chand:

	Details
Birth	Born on August 29, 1905, in Allahabad, India
Olympic Achievements	Led India to three Olympic gold medals in 1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles), and 1936 (Berlin).
Career Goals	Scored 33 goals in 12 Olympic matches, nearly averaging a hat-trick per game.
Signature Skill	Renowned for his exceptional dribbling and ball control.
Anecdotes	Famous for his *stick work so effective that his hockey stick was checked for magnets;* *Declined an offer from Adolf Hitler to change nationality after the 1936 Olympics.*
National Recognition	In honour of his contributions, August 29 is celebrated as National Sports Day in India. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was renamed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021. It is the highest sporting award given by the *Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports* for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over four years. The award comes with a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. The *Khel Ratna Award* was instituted in 1991-1992 and the first recipient was Chess legend Viswanathan Anand. Winners: Leander Paes, Sachin Tendulkar, Dhanraj Pillay, Pullela Gopichand, Abhinav Bindra, Anju Bobby George, Mary Kom and Rani Rampal in 2020.
Legacy	Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi is named after him, underscoring his impact on Indian sports infrastructure.

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Indian Army Updates

[pib] Project NAMAN

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Project NAMAN

Why in the News?

The Indian Army has launched the first phase of Project NAMAN, aimed at providing comprehensive support and services to Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families.

About Project NAMAN:

	Details
Launched By	*Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA)*
Purpose	To provide dedicated support and services to Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families.
Core Implementation	Centered on the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha) digital pension system, which streamlines pension-related processes.
Key Features	Establishment of Common Service Centres (CSCs) for offering SPARSH-enabled pension services, Government to Citizen (G2C) services, and Business to Consumer (B2C) services.
Initial Deployment	14 CSCs established across key locations in India including New Delhi (first center), Jalandhar, Leh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jodhpur etc.
Expansion Plans	Approximately 200 centers are planned nationwide over the next 2-3 years.
Infrastructure Support	HDFC Bank provided the necessary IT infrastructure for the CSCs, while local military stations contributed essential physical infrastructure and facilities.
Community Impact	Enhances access to essential services for veterans and their families like grievance redressal and also provides entrepreneurial opportunities for Veterans and Next of Kin (NOKs), who manage the CSCs.
Support for Operators	Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), selected from among the veterans or NOKs, manage each CSC. Comprehensive training and a monthly monetary grant of ₹20,000 from HDFC Bank for the first 12 months to assist in stabilization.

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Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

[pib] Novel Nanopolymer developed by INST Mohali

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: Novel Nanopolymer

Why in the News

Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, have developed novel electrochemical and optical sensors using a new group of nano polymer materials.

About the Novel Nanopolymer:

Novel nanopolymers are innovative polymer materials that incorporate nanostructures or nanoparticles to impart unique properties.

They are prepared using various methods like vapor condensation, vacuum evaporation, electrospinning, and chemical synthesis to create nanofibers, core-shell structures, hollow fibers, and tubes with diameters down to a few nanometers.
Examples: Silicon nanospheres that are much harder than regular silicon, with hardness between sapphire and diamond, and bio-based N-heterocyclic poly(aryl ether ketone) with high biomass content and superior properties
Applications of Novel Nanopolymers:
- Biosensors and optoelectronics utilizing the fluorescence and magnetic properties of nanoparticles.
- Drug delivery, tissue engineering, and gene therapy using biodegradable nanoparticle systems.
- Forensics for drug detection, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and sensors.
- High-temperature-resistant plastics with improved properties.

These are the Novel Nanopolymers developed by INST:

	Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)	2-dimensional (2D) Materials
Details	Crystalline materials with metal ions and organic ligands form porous structures.	Materials a few atomic layers thick with unique electrical, optical, and mechanical properties.
Surface Area	Extremely high (over 10,000 m²/g), ideal for adsorption.	High surface-to-volume ratio, enhancing interactions for sensing and energy storage.
Versatility	Customizable for *gas storage, separation, catalysis, and sensing.*	Functionalizable for *bio-sensing and environmental monitoring.*
Properties	High porosity and stability in harsh environments.	Excellent conductivity, flexibility, and strength, useful in electronics and optoelectronics.
Sensing Applications	Detects gases, toxins, and biomarkers with high sensitivity.	Detects gases, biomolecules, and pollutants quickly and efficiently.
Examples	Various MOFs designed for specific uses.	Includes graphene, MoS2, MXenes.

PYQ:

[2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.

2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

The term of the 22nd Law Commission ends

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: 22nd Law Commission

Why in the News?

The term of the 22nd Law Commission has ended, with its key report on the Uniform Civil Code still in progress.

About the Law Commission of India:

	Details
Nature	*Non-statutory body* periodically constituted by the Government of India. It is an *Executive Body.*
Establishment	• First Commission During British India: Established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833, chaired by Lord Macaulay, Focused on the codification of laws like the *Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.* • First Commission in Independent India: Established in 1955, chaired by M. C. Setalvad, then Attorney-General of India.
Primary Role	Advises the Ministry of Law and Justice on legal reform and reviews existing laws to suggest improvements and draft new legislation. Recommendations are advisory and NOT binding on the government.
Composition	Headed by a Chairperson (usually a retired Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice of a High Court), 4 full-time members (including a Member-Secretary), ex-officio members (Secretaries of the Departments of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department), and Up to 5 part-time members.
Tenure	3 years, with provisions for reconstitution or extension as required by the government.
Key Functions	• Undertakes legal research. • Review existing laws for reforms. • Recommends repeal of obsolete laws. • Suggest amendments and new legislations. • Examines laws that affect the poor and marginalized.
Notable Recommendations by 22nd law Commission	• Uniform Civil Code. • Amendments to the sedition law. • Repeal of obsolete laws. • Gender equality in personal laws. • Improvements in judicial administration.
Reports Submitted	Over 277 reports on various legal issues including the implementation of international conventions, compulsory registration of marriages, etc.
Recent Activity	The 22nd Law Commission is focusing on issues like the *Uniform Civil Code* and amendments to the sedition law (Section 124A), among other legislative reforms.

PYQ:

[2014] The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in:

(a) the President of India

(b) the Parliament

(d) the Law Commission

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ISRO Missions and Discoveries

Study reveals intriguing Magnetic behavior on Mars

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: Magnetic Anomalies of Mars

Why in the News?

A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) revealed significant variations in the strength of Mars’ crustal magnetic field between day and night.

Notable facts about Mars:

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second-smallest in the Solar System, larger only than Mercury.
Named after the Roman god of war, Mars is often called the “Red Planet” due to its reddish appearance from iron oxide on its surface.
It is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere, featuring surface characteristics like impact craters, valleys, deserts, and polar ice caps.
Mars shares similar days and seasons to Earth because of its comparable rotational period and axial tilt.
It hosts Olympus Mons, the largest volcano and highest mountain on any planet, and Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons in the Solar System.
- NASA recently found water frost over the Olympus Mons.

Key Findings on Mars’s Magnetic

Mars’ crustal magnetic field is significantly stronger during the daytime and nearly non-existent at night-time.
- This suggests a diurnal variation in the magnetic field strength on the Martian surface.
The crustal magnetic field of Mars is primarily located in the southern hemisphere, specifically poleward of 30°S latitude.
The magnetic fields are scattered within a region between 120° E and 240° E, indicating uneven distribution across the Martian surface.
The daytime crustal magnetic field plays a crucial role in controlling the ionosphere in Mars’ southern hemisphere.
This influence impacts communication and navigation systems of future missions.

Data Utilization from MAVEN Satellite:

The study utilized data from the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) Satellite, which has been orbiting Mars since 2014.
MAVEN’s data on electron density and magnetic field were critical in investigating how Mars’ crustal magnetic field affects its plasma environment and ionosphere.

Significance of the Study

Understanding Mars’ crustal magnetic field is essential for future robotic and manned missions, as it provides natural magnetic shielding against space radiation.
The insights from the study can help in developing strategies to mitigate the effects of space weather on spacecraft and astronauts.

PYQ:

[2016] The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission.
made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

[pib] Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Program

Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: RESET Programme

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports launched the “RESET Programme” to empower retired sportspersons with career skills on National Sports Day.

What is RESET Programme?

	Details
Launch Date	August 29, 2024 (National Sports Day)
Nodal Ministry	Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Objective	To empower retired sportspersons with skills and knowledge for career development and employability
Eligibility	– Retired athletes aged 20-50 years – Winners/participants in international events, national/state medallists – Recognized by *National Sports Federations/IOA/Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports*
Programme Levels	Two levels based on educational qualifications: – Class 12th and above – Class 11th and below
Implementation	Lead institute: Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE)
Learning Mode	Hybrid mode: Self-paced online learning and on-ground training
Additional Support	Placement assistance, guidance for entrepreneurial ventures

PYQ:

[2017] Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’:

1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India.

2. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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

Land-Based Deep Depression causing extreme floods in Gujarat

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Land-Based Deep Depression

Why in the News?

Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan are facing severe flooding caused by a land-based deep depression.
- The unusual formation of this deep depression over land was intensified by moisture influx from soils or the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

What is Land-Based Deep Depression?

A land-based deep depression is a type of cyclonic system characterized by a significant drop in atmospheric pressure leading to sustained wind and significant weather impact.
They form and intensify over land, which is relatively rare due to the limited availability of moisture.
Characteristics:
- It forms over land or water.
- Wind Speed ranges from 51 to 62 km/h, just below the threshold for a tropical cyclone (62-88 km/h).
- Relies on moisture from soil and surrounding environments rather than oceanic sources.
- It often has an unpredictable path and can cause significant rainfall and localized flooding.

Implications of Land-Based Deep Depressions

These systems can bring prolonged and intense rainfall, leading to widespread flooding, especially in regions unaccustomed to high levels of precipitation.
Heavy rainfall can lead to significant soil erosion, affecting agricultural productivity and altering landscapes.
Prolonged flooding can cause waterlogging in agricultural fields, leading to soil salinization and reduced fertility.

PYQ:

[2012] Consider the following statements:

1. The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India.

2. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Species in News: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Why in the News?

The Atlantic bluefin tuna, already heavily overfished, now faces a new threat from warming seas, causing it to migrate further north.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)

	Details
Scientific Classification	Family: Scombridae; Species: Thunnus thynnus.
Common Names	Northern bluefin tuna, Giant bluefin tuna (for individuals over 150 kg), formerly known as “tunny”.
Habitat and Range	Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea; extinct in the Black Sea.
Size	Can weigh up to 680 kg; one of the largest Perciformes.
Commercial Importance	Highly valued in the Japanese market for sushi and sashimi; foundation of a major global fishery.
Conservation Status	Overfished; dramatic stock declines (72% in Eastern Atlantic, 82% in Western Atlantic); Moved to “Least Concern” by IUCN in 2021 due to some population recovery; Proposed for CITES Appendix I.

PYQ:

[2015] With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments

2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.

3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.

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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Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

Rajya Sabha Elections

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Rajya Sabha Elections

Why in the News?

Results of the latest round of Rajya Sabha elections are out.

Elections to the Rajya Sabha:

	Details
Election Method	Members are elected indirectly by the *elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and the electoral college for UTs* (Delhi and Pondicherry). Using the *proportional representation system via the Single Transferable Vote (STV)* method and Open Ballot.
Composition	• Total Members: Up to 250 members, with 238 elected and 12 nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services. • Current Strength: 245 members (233 elected, 12 nominated).
Voting Requirements for Candidates	Candidates must be proposed by at least 10 members of the State Assembly or 10% of the party’s strength in the Assembly.
Voting Process	• Single Transferable Vote: Voters rank candidates based on preference. Votes are transferable if a preferred candidate is eliminated or achieves the quota. • Open Ballot System: Employed to facilitate transparency in the voting process.
Election Procedure	• Quota System: To win, a candidate must obtain a quota of votes calculated as [Total Votes / (Number of Vacancies + 1)] + 1.
Powers and Functions	• Legislative Powers: Can introduce and pass bills except Money Bills. • Special Powers: Can pass resolutions to create all-India services, make laws on state list subjects under certain conditions, and approve proclamations of emergency.
Sessions	3 regular sessions each year: the Budget session, Monsoon session, and Winter session. Special sessions can be convened as required.
Tenure	A permanent body that is not subject to dissolution; *One-third of its members retire every two years*.
Chairmanship	Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. House also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members.
Eligibility for Membership	Candidates must be *Indian citizens, at least 30 years old*, and comply with other conditions set by the Constitution.
Disqualification Criteria	Members can be *disqualified for defection, certain criminal convictions, or if declared bankrupt,* among other reasons.
Special Features	• Nominated Members: Up to *12 members can be nominated by the President.* • No dissolution: Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved but operates as a continuous body.
Key Sessions and Administrative Details	• First Sitting: Conducted on May 13, 1952. • Secretary General: Acts as the chief executive officer and the administrative head of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following statements:

The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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

India, Russia sign working plan to handle emergencies

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: India Russia IGA

Why in the News?

India and Russia signed the working plan of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026.

Background of the Cooperation:

The meeting held in Moscow aimed to strategize the execution of previous agreements between India and Russia, including:
- The Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for cooperation in the field of Emergency Management was signed in December 2010.
- The regulation was established in 2013 to create the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation in the prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
The first meeting of this commission was held in New Delhi in 2016.

About the Joint Commission on the Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026

It is an initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration between India and Russia in the area of disaster management and emergency response.
The plan covers a two-year period from 2025 to 2026 and focuses on several key areas:
- Use of Space Monitoring Technologies: To improve risk forecasting and emergency response capabilities.
- Exchange of Experiences: On responding to large-scale disasters to enhance preparedness and response strategies.
- Training of Specialists: In fire and rescue operations to build a robust capacity for emergency management.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held in India in 2026 to facilitate cooperation and strategic planning in emergency management.

About the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation

Established in 2013, it seeks to formalize and enhance cooperation between India and Russia in the prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
It was formed under the framework of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management, signed in December 2010.
The commission serves as a platform for India and Russia to collaborate on various aspects of disaster management, including:
- Prevention and Preparedness: Developing strategies and sharing expertise to prevent and prepare for potential disasters.
- Response and Recovery: Coordinating efforts to respond to emergencies and support recovery efforts following disasters.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills and knowledge of personnel involved in emergency management through joint training programs and knowledge exchange.
It facilitates a structured approach to managing disasters by leveraging the strengths and resources of both countries.

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About Major Dhyan Chand:

Why in the News?

About Project NAMAN:

Why in the News

About the Novel Nanopolymer:

These are the Novel Nanopolymers developed by INST:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Law Commission of India:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Notable facts about Mars:

Key Findings on Mars’s Magnetic

Data Utilization from MAVEN Satellite:

Significance of the Study

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is RESET Programme?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Land-Based Deep Depression?

Implications of Land-Based Deep Depressions

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Elections to the Rajya Sabha:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Background of the Cooperation:

About the Joint Commission on the Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026

About the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation

Query Monitor