Why in the News?
A Ground Penetrating Radar survey in Topra Kalan, Haryana, has uncovered signs of a 1,500 BCE settlement, with painted grey ware (PGW), stamped pottery, moulded bricks, and a possible Buddhist stupa.
About Topra Kalan Excavation:
- Agencies: Haryana Archaeology and Museums Department with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
- Method: Ground Penetrating Radar survey in January 2025 to map subsurface features without extensive digging.
- Purpose: Assess archaeological significance and preserve ancient heritage sites in Haryana.
- Location: Topra Kalan, Yamunanagar district — believed to be the original site of the Delhi-Topra Ashokan pillar moved by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century.
- Estimated Age: ~1,500 BCE, indicating continuous habitation and possible Buddhist presence.
Key Findings:
- Structures: Buried walls, platforms, and room-like enclosures at 4–5 m depth.
- Religious Feature: Dome-like structure possibly a Buddhist stupa.
- Material Culture: Painted grey ware, black-and-red ware, black-on-red ware, black ware, stamped pottery, moulded bricks, beads.
- Discovery Sources: Both official surveys and artifacts unearthed by locals during construction.
- Historical Links: Accounts by Sir Alexander Cunningham and Hiuen Tsang identify the site as a Buddhist centre.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following information:
Archaeological Site :: State :: Description
1. Chandraketugarh : Odisha : Trading Port town
2. Inamgaon : Maharashtra : Chalcolithic site
3. Mangadu : Kerala : Megalithic site
4. Salihundam : Andhra Pradesh : Rock-cut cave shrines
In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) on plastic pollution has opened in Geneva, Switzerland.
About Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC):
- Formation: Created by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in March 2022 to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution.
- Nature: UN-mandated body with equal participation of all member states.
- Output: Produces consensus-based treaties, sometimes including voluntary provisions.
- Precedents: Similar to the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992).
- Mandate: By 2024, draft a legally binding treaty covering plastic’s full life cycle—production, design, use, and disposal.
Negotiation Process & Timeline:
- Method: Plenary sessions, technical groups, and stakeholder consultations.
- Sessions:
-
- Uruguay (Nov–Dec 2022)
- France (May–June 2023)
- Kenya (Nov 2023)
- Canada (Apr–May 2024)
- South Korea (Nov–Dec 2024, final session)
- Key Debates: Scope, binding vs. voluntary rules, financing, compliance, and differentiated responsibilities.
- Outcome: Treaty text refined until consensus or majority approval.
Goals on Plastic Pollution:
- Standards: Global production and waste management norms.
- Targets: Combination of binding goals and voluntary approaches.
- Financing: Creation of funding mechanisms for treaty implementation.
- Sustainability: Promotion of circular economy and efficient resource use.
- Participation: Inclusion of governments, industry, civil society, Indigenous groups, and waste pickers.
| [UPSC 2021] The ‘Common Carbon Metric,’ supported by UNEP, has been developed for:
(a) Assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world* (b) Enabling commercial farming entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading (c) Enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries (d) Assessing the overall carbon footprint caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time |
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Why in the News?
Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have developed a District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) to aid flood planning using past data and human impact indicators.
About the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI):
- Objective: To provide a comprehensive, data-based assessment of flood severity across Indian districts.
- Focus: District-level analysis, as districts are the core units for planning and implementation of disaster management in India.
- Based on long-term data (since 1967): Collected annually by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on major flood events.
- Significance: Responds to the lack of an official national index that incorporates human impact, not just flood magnitude.
Key Parameters Used in DFSI:
The index incorporates multiple indicators to measure both the scale and impact of flooding:
- Mean duration (in days) of flood events per district.
- Percentage of district area historically affected by floods.
- Total deaths and injuries due to floods.
- Population of the district — used to assess per capita impact.
- 40-year curated dataset developed at IIT Delhi used for historical flood mapping.
Key Insights from the Index:
- Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Recorded the highest number of flood events (231), but does not feature in the top 30 most severely impacted districts as per DFSI.
- Patna (Bihar): Ranked #1 on the severity index due to higher population impact and flood spread.
- Assam districts like Dhemaji, Kamrup, and Nagaon consistently face high flood frequency (178+ events), but ranking depends on combined indicators.
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| [UPSC 2014] What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?”
1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
With haemophilia care evolving globally, the shift from reactive to preventive treatment has brought Prophylaxis Therapy to the forefront of modern clinical practice.
About Haemophilia:
- What is it: Rare genetic bleeding disorder due to deficiency of clotting factors, mainly Factor VIII (Haemophilia A).
- Effect: Causes prolonged bleeding, even from minor injuries; can lead to internal bleeds in joints, muscles, or brain.
- Key Symptoms: Excessive bleeding, painful joint swelling, risk of disability or brain hemorrhage.
- Prevalence: Estimated 1–1.5 lakh cases in India; only ~29,000 diagnosed (~20%).
- Underdiagnosis Causes: Low awareness, poor access to diagnostics, and socio-economic challenges.
- Impact if Untreated: Each untreated bleed may reduce lifespan by ~16 days; leads to pain, disability, missed school/work, and job loss.
Prophylaxis (Regular Replacement Therapy) and its Benefits:
- What It Is: Regular infusion of clotting factors or non-factor therapies to prevent bleeds.
- Global Standard: Replaces on-demand therapy; adopted as best practice in developed countries.
- Joint Protection: Prevents recurrent bleeds, avoids deformities and long-term disability.
- Quality of Life: Reduces pain and fear, enables normal schooling, work, and social life.
- Healthcare Savings: Cuts emergency visits, hospital stays, and long-term costs.
- Global Status: ~90% of haemophilia patients in developed countries are on prophylaxis.
- India’s Progress: On-demand remains common; some states offer prophylaxis for children under 10.
| [UPSC 2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:
1.Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.
2.A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Social Forestry Department of Vadodara rescued an Albino Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) from a freshwater lake in Chikhodra, Gujarat.
About Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata):
- Type: Small, freshwater softshell turtle native to South Asia
- Unique Feature: Named for femoral flaps on the plastron that cover the limbs when retracted
- Geographic Range: Found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar
- River Systems: Occurs in the Indus, Ganges, Irrawaddy, and Salween basins
- Habitat: Prefers shallow, quiet freshwater bodies like rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, tanks, and canals with muddy or sandy bottoms for burrowing
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES Listing: Appendix II
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (maximum protection)
- Major Threats:
- Poaching for meat, blood-based potions, aphrodisiacs, and traditional medicine
- Illegal trade for fishing bait, livestock feed, leather, and exotic pets
- Habitat loss due to pollution, encroachment, and waterbody destruction
- Albino individuals especially targeted in the illegal pet market
| [UPSC 2013] Consider the following fauna of India:
1. Gharial 2. Leatherback turtle 3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are endangered?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3* (d) None |
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Why in the News?
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched “Yashoda AI”, an AI literacy program to empower women with skills in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices, promoting digital inclusion across India.
About Yashoda AI:
- Launch: Introduced in May 2025 as an Artificial Intelligence Literacy Program for women.
- Organisers: Joint initiative by the NCW and Future Shift Labs.
- Objective: To train women in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices.
- Focus Areas: Covers AI-driven crimes, digital safety, and practical risk mitigation strategies.
- Reach: Over 2,500 women trained to date.
- Beneficiaries: Includes Self-Help Group members, local representatives (Sarpanchs, Pradhans, Mayors, Members of Legislative Assemblies), and frontline workers like Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers).
Back2Basics: National Commission for Women
- Status: Statutory body established in 1992 under the NCW Act, 1990.
- Composition: Consists of a Chairperson, 5 Members, and a Member-Secretary—appointed by the Central Government.
- Term: All members serve for a term of 3 years.
- Powers: Holds civil court powers during inquiries:
- Can summon individuals and enforce attendance
- Examine witnesses under oath
- Demand records and receive affidavits
- Issue commissions for examination of witnesses or documents
|
| [UPSC 2017] What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana’?
1. To enable the famous foreign campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 2 only * (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only |
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Why in the News?
The Chhattisgarh High Court acquitted a double murder convict citing legal insanity under Section 84 of the IPC (Section 22 BNS), stressing the need to distinguish it from medical insanity and improve mental health investigations.
About Legal Insanity:
- Definition: Legal insanity refers to a mental condition where the accused cannot understand the nature of the act or distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offence.
- Legal Basis: Codified under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860); based on the Mc’Naughten Rule (1843) from English law.
- Presumption of Sanity: Law presumes every person is sane unless proven otherwise; burden of proof lies on the accused (Section 105, Indian Evidence Act).
- Timing Requirement: Insanity must be present at the time of the offence—not before or after.
- Legal vs. Medical Insanity: Legal insanity (court-recognised) is different from medical insanity (clinical diagnosis); only the former is valid for defence.
- Terminology: Section 22 BNS uses the phrase “unsoundness of mind” instead of “insanity”.
- Exclusions: Mental illness, abnormal behaviour, or psychiatric history alone do not qualify.
- Test Applied: Based on cognitive incapacity—whether the person knew the nature, consequences, or wrongfulness (legal or moral) of the act.
- Underlying Principle: Based on “Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea” – no crime without a guilty mind.
Important Judicial Precedents:
- Jai Lal v. Delhi Administration (1969): Insanity defence rejected—accused made rational statements and showed no mental disorder post-crime.
- Shrikant Anandrao Bhosale v. State of Maharashtra (2002): Accused had paranoid schizophrenia and was found incapable of understanding the act—acquitted under Section 84.
- Surendra Mishra v. State of Jharkhand (2011): Court held that not all mentally ill persons qualify; only proven legal insanity is valid.
- Kamala Bhuniya v. State of West Bengal (2015): Acquittal granted—prosecution failed to prove sanity; accused’s conduct supported unsoundness of mind.
| [UPSC 2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1.When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such a prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right. 2.State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
Indian mathematician Dr. Rajula Srivastava has received the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize for her groundbreaking work in harmonic analysis and number theory.
About the Indian Laureate: Dr. Rajula Srivastava
- Affiliation: Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, University of Bonn and Max Planck Institute of Mathematics, Germany.
- Field of Work:
- Dr. Srivastava studied how to break down complex mathematical functions into simpler parts using advanced math tools.
- She worked on finding how close certain numbers can get to specific points on curved shapes in higher dimensions.
|
About the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize:
- Purpose: Recognises early-career women mathematicians (within two years of PhD completion) for outstanding research contributions.
- Named After: Maryam Mirzakhani — first woman and first Iranian to win the Fields Medal; known for her work on geometry and Riemann surfaces.
- Objective: To honour Mirzakhani’s legacy, encourage more women in mathematics, and elevate early-career contributions.
- Established: November 2019 by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation.
- Prize Amount: $50,000, may be shared by multiple recipients in a year.
- Eligibility: Women mathematicians who have:
- Recently completed their PhD (within 2 years)
- Shown exceptional promise and innovation in mathematical research.
Other Important Prizes in Mathematics:
- Fields Medal: Awarded every four years to mathematicians under 40, the Fields Medal is the most prestigious global mathematics award, established in 1936, and presented by the International Mathematical Union to recognize outstanding contributions to the field.
- Abel Prize: Instituted by the King of Norway in 2001, the Abel Prize is an annual international award recognizing lifetime achievement in mathematics, often considered the closest equivalent to the Nobel Prize in the discipline.
- Wolf Prize in Mathematics: Awarded annually since 1978 by the Wolf Foundation in Israel, the Wolf Prize honours exceptional achievements across all branches of mathematics and is ranked just below the Fields and Abel Prizes in prestige.
| [UPSC 2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of
Options: (a) S. Ramanujan* (b) S. Chandhrashekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. Raman |
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Why in the News?
The Great Barrier Reef is facing its sharpest coral decline in 40 years, with the 2024 mass bleaching—driven by climate change, cyclones, and coral predators—severely damaging large reef areas.
About Great Barrier Reef:
- Location: Coral Sea, off the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia.
- Length & Area: Extends ~2,300 km; comprises ~3,000 reefs and 900 islands, covering ~350,000 square kilometers (about 10% of global coral reef ecosystems).
- Biodiversity:
- Hosts 400 coral species, 1,500 fish species, and 4,000 mollusk species.
- Habitat for endangered species like the dugong and green turtle.
- Reef Types: Includes platform reefs, wall reefs, and fringing reefs.
- Protection Status:
- Managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
- Declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1981.
- Mass Bleaching Years: Notable events occurred in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025.
Coral Decline and Bleaching Events:
- Main Cause: Heat stress due to climate change, particularly during marine heatwaves.
- 2024 Event: Fifth major bleaching since 2016; had the widest spatial impact recorded in the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s 39-year monitoring program.
- Additional Damage: Cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Jasper) and flood plumes caused physical damage and freshwater stress.
- Biological Threats: Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks intensified coral predation, especially in the Swains sector.
- 2025 Survey Findings:
- 48% of 124 surveyed reefs showed coral decline.
- Only 10% recorded an increase in coral cover.
- Regional Impact: Southern Great Barrier Reef saw a 30.6% drop in hard coral cover—the sharpest annual decline ever recorded in that zone.
| [UPSC 2014] The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 0 C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 30 C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source. 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur. 3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear. 4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only* (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
Since 2013, over 5 billion starfish have died along North America’s Pacific coast due to a wasting disease now linked to Vibrio pectenicida, a cholera-related bacterium.
About Starfish (Sea Stars):
- Taxonomy: Belong to phylum Echinodermata; exclusively marine organisms.
- Species: Brisingida, Forcipulatida, Velatida, Valvatida, Spinuloside
- Body Structure:
- Radial symmetry (adults), bilateral symmetry (larvae)
- Calcareous exoskeleton for protection
- Water vascular system for respiration and circulation
- Unique Features:
- Regeneration: Can regrow lost limbs
- No blood or brain: Seawater circulates nutrients
- Eyespots: At arm tips, help sense light
- Tough skin: Made of calcium carbonate
- Feeding: Carnivorous, detritivorous, and scavengers
Reasons for Mass Deaths (2013–2025):
- Causal Agent: Identified in 2025 as Vibrio pectenicida, a bacterium related to cholera-causing strains.
- Symptoms: Limb detachment; Tissue disintegration; Melting into a pile of gunk.
- Most Affected Species: Sunflower sea stars, which saw a 90% population decline.
- Geographical Spread: Along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico.
- Ecological Consequences:
- Starfish are keystone predators, especially of sea urchins.
- Their decline led to urchin population explosions, which overgrazed kelp forests.
- Resulted in biodiversity loss and reduced carbon sequestration.
| [UPSC 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 disease among them (b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle persistent and fatal (c) scarcity of food available to them (d) a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them |
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Why in the News?
The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art, was inaugurated in New Delhi.
About Lalit Kala Akademi:
- Establishment: Located in New Delhi, as an autonomous organisation.
- Inauguration: Launched on 5 August 1954 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Minister for Education.
- Legal Status: Granted statutory status in 1957 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Funding: Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
- Structure: Operates through the General Council, Executive Board, and various Committees.
- Regional Centres: Present in Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, and Garhi (New Delhi).
- Functions:
- Scope of Work: Promotes modern, contemporary, folk, and tribal visual arts of India.
- Art Collection: Maintains a permanent collection of Indian visual art.
- International Role: Facilitates global cultural exchange through international cultural agreements.
Key Events and Initiatives:
- National Exhibition of Art: Annual flagship event since 1955, showcasing artists from across India.
- 64th Edition (2025): Held from 5 August to 15 September at Kamani Auditorium and Lalit Kala Art Galleries, New Delhi.
- Triennale India: Major international art exhibition featuring global artists.
- Print Biennale India: Dedicated to printmaking; 3rd edition scheduled for 2025–26.
- Artist Promotion: Provides platforms for both emerging and established artists; strengthens India’s soft power through cultural diplomacy.
| [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:
1. The National School of Drama was set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959.
2. The highest honour conferred by the Sahitya Akademi on a writer is by electing him its Fellow.
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 |
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Why in the News?
Parliament has passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, replacing the nearly century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
About Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025:
- Replaces: The colonial-era Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
- Purpose: Regulates the rights, duties, liabilities, and immunities of parties involved in shipping goods by sea from Indian ports to domestic or international destinations.
- International Alignment: Retains consistency with the Hague Rules (1924), which also formed the basis of the 1925 Act.
- Objective: Modernises maritime law in line with global standards and boosts India’s ease of doing business in the maritime sector.
Key Features:
- Bills of Lading Defined: It outlines the details of the shipment, including the type and quantity of goods, the origin and destination, and the terms of the agreement between the shipper and the carrier.
-
- Includes details on goods’ type, quantity, condition, and destination.
- Serves as a legally binding contract between the shipper and carrier.
- Central Government Powers:
- May issue directions for implementation.
- Can amend the Schedule of Rules related to bills of lading.
- Part of Broader Maritime Reforms:
- Supports port development and coastal trade.
- Encourages creation of State Maritime Boards and a Maritime State Development Council.
- Covers port safety, disaster response, pollution control, and dispute resolution.
- Global Compliance: Aligns India’s shipping laws with evolving international conventions and practices.
| [UPSC 2016] The term ‘import cover’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to
(a) It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country
(b) It is the total value of imports of a country in a year
(c) It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries
(d) It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country’s international reserves* |
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Why in the News?
India met its 20% ethanol blending (E20) target in petrol by March 2025 — five years early. Talks are now on to raise the blending ratio further in the immediate future.
About Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme:
- Launched in 2003 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Objective: Promote use of renewable, domestically produced ethanol in petrol.
- Nationwide rollout (except A&N and Lakshadweep) since April 2019.
- Feedstock:
- 1G Ethanol: From sugarcane molasses, maize, rice.
- 2G Ethanol: From agricultural residues like rice straw, bamboo, bagasse.
- Blending Progress:
- 1.6% in 2013–14
- 11.8% in 2022–23
- 20% achieved in March 2025 (E20)
- Future Plans:
- Discussions on E27 blending target by 2030.
- Government exploring flex-fuel vehicles (e.g., E85-capable (dual-fuel) cars).
India’s Achievements:
- Environmental Gains: 19.2 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided (2014–2021).
- Economic Impact: ₹26,000 crore saved in foreign exchange via reduced oil imports.
- Industrial Growth:
- Distillery capacity scaled up with interest subvention support.
- Flex-fuel vehicles showcased by major automakers in 2025.
- Farmer Benefit: Creates demand for sugarcane and grains, increasing farm income.
Limitations:
-
- Lower mileage with E20 due to reduced energy content.
- Older vehicles may face engine compatibility issues.
- Flex-fuel technology adoption still limited.
-
- No drop in fuel prices despite ethanol savings.
- Consumer hesitation due to lack of visible benefits.
-
- High land and water use for ethanol crops (especially sugarcane).
- Food security risks from diverting food crops for fuel.
-
- Majority of ethanol still from sugarcane; limited 2G ethanol usage.
- Need to promote biomass-based ethanol (wood chips, crop residue).
| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter.
Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct * |
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Why in the News?
To align ancient Indian diets with modern nutrition, FSSAI and the Ministry of Ayush have released an official list of food items under the Ayurveda Aahara category.
About Ayurveda Aahara:
- Definition: Refers to food products based on Ayurvedic dietary principles—focused on balance, seasonality, and natural, therapeutic ingredients.
- Objective: Ensures standardisation, safety, and consumer trust in Ayurvedic dietary practices.
- Legal Framework: Regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s Ayurveda Aahara Regulations (2022).
- Textual Basis: Product list notified under Note (1) of Schedule B, grounded in classical Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A.
- Standards: Foods must follow authentic Ayurvedic recipes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- New Product Inclusion: Food Business Operators (FBOs) can propose additions by citing authoritative Ayurvedic sources.
- Institutional Support: Endorsed by the National Institute of Ayurveda and the Ministry of Ayush; the Ayush Aahara Compendium offers scientifically validated formulations for industry use.
Significance:
- Health Benefits: Supports preventive health, digestion, and immunity through time-tested dietary wisdom.
- Cultural Revival: Reconnects with India’s ancient food traditions, including those from the Sangam era; recognised globally alongside Yoga and Millets.
- Regulatory Clarity: Provides structured guidelines to manufacturers, enabling ease of business and consumer confidence in authenticity.
| [UPSC 2017] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?
1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only* (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
India’s Mutual Fund (MF) industry has witnessed exponential growth, with Assets Under Management (AUM) reaching ₹74.40 lakh crore as of June 2025, a sevenfold increase over the past decade.
What are Assets Under Management (AUM)?
- Definition: AUM refers to the total market value of financial assets (stocks, bonds, etc.) managed by an investment firm on behalf of clients.
- Growth Drivers:
- Net investor inflows and redemptions
- Market performance
- Dividend reinvestments
- Importance:
- Indicates fund size, investor confidence, and fund stability
- Reflects fund manager performance and popularity
- Higher AUM allows better liquidity and portfolio diversification
- Impacts management fees and minimum investment limits
What is a Mutual Fund?
- Definition: A mutual fund pools money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio.
- Management: Handled by professional fund managers to balance risk and return.
- Unit-Based Investment: Investors purchase fund units; each unit’s value is called the Net Asset Value (NAV), which changes with market movement.
Classification of Mutual Funds
a. Based on Asset Class:
- Equity Funds: Invest in stocks; includes large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
- Debt Funds: Invest in bonds and other fixed-income instruments.
- Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt for balanced risk-return.
b. Based on Investment Objective:
- Growth Funds: Focus on capital appreciation; suitable for long-term investors.
- Income Funds: Aim for regular income via bonds/dividends.
- Liquid Funds: Invest in short-term debt; low risk and high liquidity.
- Tax-saving Funds (Equity Linked Savings Scheme): Offer Section 80C tax benefits; equity-focused.
- Pension Funds: Meant for retirement; long-term return-focused.
c. Based on Structure:
- Open-ended Funds: Investors can enter or exit anytime; highly liquid.
- Closed-ended Funds: Fixed maturity; investments only during the initial offer period.
- Interval Funds: Allow purchase/redemption only at specific intervals.
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| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:
I. India accounts for a very large portion of all equity option contracts traded globally, thus exhibiting a great boom. II. India’s stock market has grown rapidly in the recent past, even overtaking Hong Kong’s at some point in time. III. There is no regulatory body either to warn small investors about the risks of options trading or to act on unregistered financial advisors in this regard.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) I and II only * (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III |
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Why in the News?
To support India’s net-zero transport goal by 2070, NITI Aayog launched the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) to track and rank States/UTs on their shift to electric mobility.
![[pib] India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI)](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/imei.jpg)
About India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI):
- Launched by: NITI Aayog in 2024.
- Purpose: To evaluate and benchmark the progress of Indian States and Union Territories (UTs) in achieving their electric mobility and transport decarbonization goals.
- Scoring: States and UTs are scored out of 100 using 16 indicators grouped under 3 core themes.
- Core Themes:
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- Transport Electrification Progress – Measures EV adoption across segments (2W, 3W, 4W, buses, etc.)
- Charging Infrastructure Readiness – Assesses public charging station density, coverage, and policy support.
- EV Research & Innovation Status – Tracks EV startups, R&D activity, patents, and skilling efforts.
- Significance:
- Supports tailored policymaking and cross-learning.
- Enables transparency and healthy competition among states.
- Aligns with India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.
- Methodology: Based on VAHAN data, charging infrastructure maps, and stakeholder consultations.
- Accessibility: Publicly available dashboard and report for rankings, scores, and methodology.
Key Highlights (2024 Edition):
- Top Performers: Delhi, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh lead overall in EV readiness.
- Category Leaders:
- Transport Electrification: Delhi and Maharashtra.
- Charging Infrastructure: Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh.
- Research & Innovation: Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Haryana.
- EV Policy Status: 29 States/UTs have formal EV policies; 4 are in the draft stage.
- EV Adoption Data:
- EVs make up 5.3% of private vehicle sales in 2024.
- Over 12 lakh EVs registered in India during the year.
- Public Charging Network: India has over 25,000 public EV charging stations.
- State Categories:
- Performers: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Haryana, Goa.
- Aspirants: Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Kerala, North-East states.
| [UPSC 2024] Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles powered by hydrogen?
Options: (a) Hydrogen peroxide (b) Hydronium (c) Oxygen (d) Water vapour* |
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Why in the News?
After suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, India is asserting water control in J&K by reviving the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project — the UT’s largest planned hydro project.
About Sawalkote Hydro Project:
- Location: Ramban and Udhampur districts, Jammu and Kashmir.
- River: Built on the Chenab River (a western river under the Indus Waters Treaty).
- Agency: Implemented by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.
- History: Proposed in the 1960s; delayed due to Pakistan’s objections, environmental issues, and red tape. Revived after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty post the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
- Status (2025): Forest clearance granted; tenders floated on 29 July 2025; declared a project of national importance.
- Timeline: 96 months post-clearance; expected commissioning by or after 2032.
Key Features:
- Type: Run-of-the-river (utilizes the natural flow and elevation drop of a river) hydroelectric project.
- Capacity: 1,856 Megawatts (8 × 225 MW + 1 × 56 MW).
- Dam: 192.5 m high, roller-compacted concrete gravity dam; reservoir holds 550 million cubic meters.
- Powerhouse: Underground, with Francis turbines.
- Cost: ₹22,704.8 crore (~2.6 billion United States Dollars).
| [UPSC 2009] Gandhi Sagar Dam is a part of which one of the following?
Options: (a) Chambal Project * (b) Kosi Project (c) Damodar Valley Project (d) Bhakra Nangal Project |
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Why in the News?
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has empowered Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) across India with the authority to impose and collect restitutionary and compensatory damages under the Water and Air Acts.
Key Highlights of Supreme Court Ruling:
- Key Powers Granted:
- Impose and collect restitutionary and compensatory damages.
- Demand bank guarantees in anticipation of environmental harm.
- Legal Basis:
- Section 33A, Water Act, 1974: Power to issue directions for closure/regulation of industries and stoppage of utilities to enforce water pollution norms.
- Section 31A, Air Act, 1981: Similar binding powers to control air pollution; non-compliance is a legal violation.
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About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
- Established: September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Also empowered under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
- Role: Statutory technical body to promote clean air and water; provides services under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Key Functions:
- Control and abate water and air pollution; promote stream and well cleanliness.
- Advise the Central Government on pollution-related issues.
- Coordinate with and assist State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs); resolve disputes.
- Monitor pollution in Union Territories via delegated powers under Water, Air, and Water Cess Acts.
- Develops and revises:
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
- Water Quality Criteria from various sources.
- Emission/Discharge Standards under Environment Protection Rules, 1986.
- Bio-Medical Waste Incineration Norms.
- Noise/Emission Limits for diesel, LPG, and CNG generators.
- Minimal National Standards (MINAS) Issuance:
- Covers effluent, emission, noise, and solid waste across industries.
- Mandatory for State adoption as baseline standards.
- Publishes COINDS (Comprehensive Industry Documents), manuals, and codes for pollution treatment and control systems.
About State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs):
- Constitution: Formed by State Governments under the Water and Air Acts.
- Functions:
- Monitor and control local pollution.
- Inspect industries and enforce compliance.
- Advise state governments.
- Conduct awareness campaigns.
- Implement control programmes and collaborate with CPCB and local bodies.
| [UPSC 2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only * (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
A recent breakthrough demonstrated use of quantum science, blockchain, and cryptography to create truly random and secure numbers used in encryption for secure communication.
About the Technology:
- Encryption: Converts readable data into unreadable code using a “key”; only someone with the correct key can decrypt the message.
- Importance of Randomness: Secure encryption depends on unpredictable keys—predictable keys can be guessed or hacked.
- Issue with Computers: Most keys are generated using pseudo-random algorithms, which appear random but are predictable if the method is known.
About the Breakthrough Lava Lamp Method:
- Setup: 100 lava lamps placed on a wall at Cloudflare’s San Francisco office; a camera takes periodic photos of the moving blobs.
- Process: Each photo is converted into numerical data, creating a random seed to generate encryption keys.
- Why Lava Lamps? The heat-driven movement of wax blobs is unpredictable and creates unique images.
- Limitations: Movements follow physics, so not truly random. Also, the algorithm that converts images is deterministic—reproducible if known.
Quantum Random Number Generation Protocol:
- Why Quantum Physics: Subatomic particles like photons behave randomly; for example, a photon’s polarization is unknown until measured.
- How It Works: Scientists used lasers to generate entangled photons and measured them millions of times to produce random results.
- Data Conversion: The raw data (in binary) was biased, so a randomness extractor was used to generate a clean 512-bit unbiased number using a second random seed.
- Blockchain Role: Each step was recorded on blockchain for transparency, with digital fingerprints (hashes) to ensure data integrity.
- Team Involvement: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), University of Colorado, and DRAND each handled separate parts to ensure decentralization and trust.
- Public Use: The final random numbers are shared via CURBy, a public distribution service.
- Significance: Though still emerging, this method shows strong potential for future ultra-secure encryption systems.
| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:
I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing. II. Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS). III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) I and only I (b) II and III only (c) I and III only* (d) I, II and III |
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Why in the News?
New research shows that rain can reduce ocean buoyancy and stabilize tropical waters, challenging the belief that rain always enhances mixing.
About Buoyancy:
- What is it: It is the upward force exerted by a fluid (e.g., water) on an object submerged in it.
- It determines whether an object floats, sinks, or stays suspended.
- Buoyancy in Oceans: It depends on density differences in water.
- Lighter water above → unstable → mixing happens.
- Heavier water above → stable → mixing stops.
- Buoyancy Flux: Measures changes in buoyancy at the ocean surface over time.
- Freshwater from rain → makes surface lighter → positive flux → promotes mixing.
- Heat loss → cools surface → makes water denser → negative flux → resists mixing.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Light Rain (0.2–4 mm/hr): Often leads to positive buoyancy flux → supports ocean mixing.
- Heavy Rain:
- Usually results in negative buoyancy flux → surface becomes stable.
- Caused by cold pools that enhance heat loss.
- Day vs. Night Effect:
- Night: Rain destabilizes surface → mixing increases.
- Day: Rain promotes stability → due to added heat loss from sunlight blockage.
- Geographical Insights:
- Cold Rain Zones (Western Pacific, Indian Ocean): More stabilization.
- Hot Rain Zones (Central Pacific): More prone to mixing.
Significance of the Study
- Scientific Implications:
- Refutes the general belief that rain always increases buoyancy.
- Shows rain can both stabilize or destabilize the ocean surface depending on conditions.
- Climate Relevance:
- Ocean mixing is key to heat, carbon, and nutrient cycling.
- Misreading rainfall’s role can skew climate and weather models.
- Practical Impact:
- Improves forecasting accuracy in oceanography and climate science.
- Aids in understanding the climate-ocean feedback loop more precisely.
| [UPSC 2020] With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the southwestern Indian Ocean during January — March.
2. OMT collected during January — March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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