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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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

(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

(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?

Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
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?

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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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.

(d) Carbon present in atmosphere.

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

PresVu: India’s First Eye Drop for Presbyopia

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: PresVu

Why in the News?

Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals has announced that the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved its new eye drop, PresVu, aimed at reducing the dependency on reading glasses for individuals with presbyopia.

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects, typically developing after the age of 40.
Spectacles are one of the most commonly recommended solutions for managing presbyopia.

How does PresVu work?

The active ingredient in PresVu is pilocarpine, a compound that contracts the iris muscles, controlling the size of the pupil and helping individuals focus better on nearby objects.
PresVu also uses an advanced dynamic buffer technology to adapt to the pH levels of tears, ensuring consistent efficacy and safety for extended use over the years.
However, PresVu’s effects are temporary, typically lasting between four to six hours, and it is prescription-only.

PresVu should not be used by individuals with iris inflammation.
Regular use may lead to side effects such as:
- Itching and redness
- Eyebrow pain
- Muscle spasms in the eyes

Is this a Novel Therapy?

Although Entod claims PresVu is novel, the main compound, pilocarpine, has been available in India for decades and is commonly used as a first-line therapy for cataracts.
Pilocarpine’s ability to temporarily improve the depth of focus has been explored in other countries, including the United States, where the FDA approved a pilocarpine eye drop for presbyopia in 2021.
In India, the government regulates the ceiling price of pilocarpine in 4% and 2% concentrations, whereas PresVu contains 1.25%.

PYQ:

[2018] Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.

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Goods and Services Tax (GST)

[pib] Recommendations during 54th meeting of GST Council

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: 54th meeting of GST Council

Why in the News?

The 54th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister was held recently.

Recommendations from the 54th GST Council Meeting:

GST Rate Changes for Goods
Namkeens and Savory Products	GST on extruded/expanded savoury products reduced from 18% to 12%; 5% GST on un-fried or uncooked snack pellets continues.
Cancer Drugs	GST on cancer drugs like Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab reduced from 12% to 5%.
Metal Scrap	Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) introduced for metal scrap supplies by unregistered persons; 2% TDS applied on B2B metal scrap supplies by registered persons.
RMPU Air Conditioning Machines	RMPU air conditioning machines for railways classified under HSN 8415, attracting a 28% GST rate.
Car and Motorcycle Seats	GST on car seats (HSN 9401) increased from 18% to 28%, aligning with the rate for motorcycle seats.
GST Rate Changes for Services
Life and Health Insurance	Group of Ministers (GoM) to be constituted to study GST issues related to life and health insurance. Report expected by October 2024.
Transport by Helicopters	GST on passenger transport by helicopters (seat share basis) set at 5%; 18% GST continues for charter helicopter services.
Flying Training Courses	DGCA-approved flying training courses conducted by Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) will be exempt from GST.
Preferential Location Charges	Preferential Location Charges (PLC) in construction services to be taxed as composite supply.
Affiliation Services	Affiliation services provided by boards like CBSE taxable; services provided to government schools by state/central boards will be exempt.
Import of Services by Branches	Import of services by foreign airlines’ branch offices from related persons will be exempt from GST if made without consideration.
Compliance Measures
B2C E-invoicing	Pilot project for B2C e-invoicing introduced to improve business efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Invoice Management System (IMS)	Invoice Management System to allow taxpayers to accept, reject, or keep invoices pending for claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC).
Waiver of Interest/Penalty	Special procedure to waive interest/penalty for tax demands from FY 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 under section 73 of CGST Act.
Clarifications via Circulars	Clarifications on place of supply for advertising services, ITC on demo vehicles, and place of supply for data hosting services to be issued.

PYQ:

[2018] Consider the following items:

1. Cereal grains hulled

2. Chicken eggs cooked

3. Fish processed and canned

4. Newspapers containing advertising material

Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About Mission Mausam

Critical Components of the Mission:

Benefits and Applications

PYQ:

Why in the news?

What is Wallace Line?

Note:

Why in the News?

About Elongated Tortoise:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)

About the Shabd Portal

Significance of the Portal

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Polaris Dawn Mission?

What are the Van Allen Belts?

Why are the Van Allen Belts dangerous for Humans?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Why in the News?

About Exercise Yudh Abhyas

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Highlights of the Study

What is Teal Carbon?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Presbyopia?

How does PresVu work?

Is this a Novel Therapy?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Recommendations from the 54th GST Council Meeting:

GST Rate Changes for Goods

GST Rate Changes for Services

Compliance Measures

PYQ: