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Type: Prelims Only

  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Why A23a is spinning in its place?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: A23a Iceberg

    Why in the News?

    • A23a, the world’s largest iceberg, has recently started spinning in place after drifting away from Antarctica in 2020.
      • Now it is near South Orkney Islands, about northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula.

    What is A23a?

    • A23a is an iceberg, about 3,855 square kilometers in area, which is 5 times the size of New York City.
    • It was originally part of an even larger iceberg called A23.
    • It broke off from the Filchner Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 1986.

    What is happening with A23a?

    • It is now trapped over a seamount, and is spinning slowly in place.
    • It is completing a full spin approximately in 24 days.
    • Reason behind the spinning: Icebergs spin in Iceberg Alley because they get pulled by the strong Antarctic Circumpolar Current, moving into warmer waters where they melt.

    Implications

    • A23a’s melting does not contribute to global sea level rise since it is already floating.
    • Its extended stay in this vortex could impact marine life in the area, especially plankton and other organisms in the food chain.
    • The situation also provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study how such large icebergs behave in the ocean.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:

    1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.

    2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.

    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

     

    [2021] How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. 

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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    [pib] Winners at Olympics, 2024

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2:

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Winners at Olympics, 2024

    Why in the News?

    India has won a total of 6 medals at the 33rd Summer Olympic Games in Paris, with 5 bronze medals and 1 silver medal.

    Full List of Medal Winners

    Game Medal Details
    Manu Bhaker 10m Air Pistol Women’s Bronze Secured a bronze medal with a score of 221.7 after 22 attempts.

     
    Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Bronze It was a team event.

    Manu now is the first Indian woman to win two medals in a single Summer Games.
    Swapnil Kusale 50m Rifle 3 Position Bronze First-ever Indian medal in this event.
    Men’s Hockey Team  Hockey Bronze Defeated Spain by 2-1 in the third-place playoff, with skipper Harmanpreet Singh scoring both goals.
    Neeraj Chopra Men’s Javelin Throw Silver Secured medal with a distance of 89.45m.

    Became first Indian to win two Olympic medals in track-and-field.
    Aman Sehrawat Men’s Wrestling Freestyle 57kg Bronze Men’s Freestyle 57kg category by defeating Darian Toi Cruz of Puerto Rico 13-5.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000 :​

    1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.​

    2. The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.​

    3. Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others.​

    Which of the above statements are correct?​

    (a) 1 and 2 only ​

    (b) 2 and 3 only​

    (c) 1 and 3 only ​

    (d) 1, 2 and 3 other​

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Opposition to move No-Confidence Motion against VP

    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: No-Confidence Motion

    Why in the News?

    As many as 50 Opposition MPs have reportedly signed a resolution to bring a no-confidence motion against Vice-President (Rajya Sabha Chairman) Jagdeep Dhankhar.

    No-Confidence Motion against Vice President of India

    Details
    Provision Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution
    Who Can Initiate Can only be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, not the Lok Sabha.
    Notice Requirement At least 14 days’ advance notice must be given before moving the resolution.
    Voting in Rajya Sabha Requires an effective majority (majority of all members present and voting) in the Rajya Sabha.
    Voting in Lok Sabha Requires a simple majority (more than 50% of members present and voting) in the Lok Sabha.
    Grounds for Removal Constitution does not specify any grounds or justifications for the removal of the Vice President.
    Temporary Vacancy If the Vice President is removed -> Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha assumes the role of Chairman.
    Historical Context No Vice President has ever been removed under this Article in Indian parliamentary history.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.

    2. 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

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Tuberculosis Elimination Strategy

    India to roll out BPaL Regimen for Drug-Resistant TB

    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: BPaL Regimen

    Why in the News?

    India is preparing to introduce the BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid) regimen for all patients with multi/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB).

    What is BPaL Regimen? 

    Details
    Purpose
    • Treatment for multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB).
    • Provides a potent, shorter, and more effective treatment option for patients resistant to standard TB drugs.
    Components of the regimen Bedaquiline (Bdq):

    • Targets ATP synthase enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, disrupting energy production.
    • Key drug in combating drug-resistant TB.
    Pretomanid (Pa):

    • Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and kills bacteria under anaerobic conditions.
    • Enhances effectiveness when combined with other TB drugs.
    Linezolid (Lzd):

    • Inhibits protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth.
    • Effective against MDR and XDR TB strains.

     

    Significance of BPaL Regimen

    • Studies and trials have shown that the BPaL regimen has higher success rates in treating MDR and XDR TB compared to older regimens.
    • It reduces treatment duration for MDR/XDR-TB from the traditional 18-24 months to 6 months approx.  
    • It is entirely oral with NO injectable, making it easier for patients to adhere to the treatment.
    • It reduces number of drugs patients need to take daily from up to 14 to just 3.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Opposition moves Privilege Motion against Education Minister

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Privilege Motion, Parliamentary Privileges

    Why in the News?

    • The opposition has submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha to initiate privilege proceedings against Union Education Minister.
      • It is alleged that the Minister ‘misled’ the House regarding the issue of the Preamble to the Constitution being ‘dropped’ from certain NCERT textbooks.

    What is a Privilege Motion?

    Details
    What is it?
    • A formal notice by an MP when rights or privileges of Parliament or its members are breached.
    • Parliamentary privilege refers to the right and immunity enjoyed by legislatures (Article 105).
    Who can move such motion? Any Member of Parliament (MP) from Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
    Governing Rules
    • Lok Sabha Rule book: Rule 222, Chapter 20
    • Rajya Sabha Rule book: Rule 187, Chapter 16
    Procedure
    • Requires consent from Speaker/Chairperson;
    • Notice must concern a recent incident needing House intervention.
    Role of Speaker/Chairperson
    • First level of scrutiny;
    • Can decide on the motion or refer it to the Privileges Committee.
    Privileges Committee
    • Lok Sabha: 15 members, nominated by Speaker
    • Rajya Sabha: 10 members, headed by Deputy Chairperson
    Outcome
    • Committee submits a report;
    • House may debate and pass a resolution based on the report.
    Historical Example 1978: Privilege motion against Indira Gandhi, leading to her expulsion from the Lok Sabha.
    Legal Implications
    • If a breach of privilege is established, the Parliament has the authority to impose penalties. 
    • These can range from a reprimand to expulsion from the House, depending on the severity of the breach.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:

    1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.

    2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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

    Why Silica Dust could become the ‘New Asbestos’ Health Risk?

    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: Silicosis and its health implications

    Why in the News?

    UK researchers suggest stricter daily silica dust exposure limits in industries could save 13,000 lives as per British Medical Journal Thorax.

    What is Silicosis?

    • Silicosis is a lung disease that results in the hardening of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling silica dust or crystals, commonly found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.
    • Silicosis is a chronic disease that develops slowly, often after 10 to 20 years of exposure.
    • Silicosis can lead to other severe conditions, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
    Note: Silicosis is a recognized disease under the Mines Act (1952) and the Factories Act (1948).

    Causes of Silicosis:

    • Workers in industries such as construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting are at high risk.
    • The cutting, drilling, or breaking down of materials containing silica releases fine dust into the air.

    As per National Programme on Elimination of Silicosis in India

    Remedies for Silicosis:

    Currently, there is no cure for silicosis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.

    Preventive measures:

    • Water Suppression Techniques: Using water or foam to suppress dust at the source.
    • Proper Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow in work environments to reduce dust accumulation.
    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with masks and respirators that filter out fine particles.
    • Regular Monitoring: Implementing regular health checks for workers and monitoring air quality in workplaces.

    Case study related to reducing Silica Dust Exposure

    • United States: Implemented stricter regulations on silica dust, resulting in a significant reduction in silicosis cases.
    • Australia: Banned the use of engineered stone due to its propensity to release high levels of silica dust when cut or drilled.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?

    (a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

    (b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.

    (c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.

    (d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

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

    Trichophyton indotineae: A drug resistant fungal infections   

    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: Trichophyton indotineae

    Why in the News?

    The increase in drug-resistant fungal infections, especially Trichophyton indotineae, is becoming a major health problem in India.

    What Is Trichophyton Indotineae?

    • Trichophyton indotineae is a dermatophyte commonly known as ringworm or jock itch.
    • First identified in India, this fungus has now spread to several countries worldwide.
    • It belongs to genotype VIII within the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species complex, found in regions including Australia and Oman.

    Factors causing its spread 

    • Patients often present with persistent, treatment-resistant rashes that can be mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions.
    • Misdiagnosis leads to the use of ineffective treatments, prolonging patient suffering and allowing the infection to worsen.
    • Trichophyton indotineae has shown resistance to terbinafine due to genetic mutations, with growing resistance to itraconazole also a concern.
    • The unregulated sale of steroid-containing combination creams further complicates treatment efforts.

    Treatments available

    • Alternative to terbinafine and Itraconazole are available but often come with significant side effects, requiring close monitoring by healthcare providers.
    • Integrating comprehensive skin care regimens can enhance treatment efficacy, including maintaining skin hydration and using barrier creams.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:

    (a) algae and bacteria

    (b) algae and fungi

    (c) bacteria and fungi

    (d) fungi and mosses

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Buddhadeb Bhattacharya (1944-2024)

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Buddhadeb Bhattacharya (1944-2024) and His contributions

    Why in the News?

    Former CM of West Bengal and leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away at 80.

    Who was Buddhadeb Bhattacharya?

    • Bhattacharya was a politician who served as CM of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011.
    • He was known for his attempts to modernize and industrialize West Bengal while navigating the challenges of maintaining communist ideology.
    • In 2022, Bhattacharya was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, which he declined, citing his political principles.

    Key Contributions: 

    Category Details
    Political Reforms
    • Attempted to reduce the influence of powerful trade unions in the state, particularly in the industrial sector, to attract investments and improve work culture.
    Social-Cultural Reforms
    • Played a key role in establishing the Kolkata International Film Festival and promoted Bengali literature.
    • Authored several books and translated works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Vladimir Mayakovsky into Bengali, enriching the state’s cultural heritage.
    • Introduced measures to eliminate corruption in school recruitments by ensuring all hiring was conducted through transparent exams.
    • Initiated reforms to integrate mainstream subjects into madrassa education.
    Economic Reforms
    • Led efforts to industrialize West Bengal by attracting investments in IT, steel, and special economic zones (SEZs), including the Tata Nano project in Singur.
    • Faced significant opposition and protests in Singur and Nandigram over land acquisition, which ultimately contributed to the political decline of the Left Front.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories?

    (a) Empirical liberalism

    (b) Existentialism

    (c) Darwin’s theory of evolution

    (d) Dialectical materialism

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    [pib] Project PARI  

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Project PARI

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Culture recently launched Project PARI (Public Art of India) coincided with the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting, held in New Delhi.

    About Project PARI

    Details
    Launched by Ministry of Culture
    Nodal Agency Lalit Kala Akademi, National Gallery of Modern Art
    Objective Enhance New Delhi’s cultural and aesthetic outlook
    Key Themes Nature tributes, Natyashastra, Gandhi ji, Toys of India, Hospitality, Ancient knowledge, Naad (Primeval Sound), Harmony of Life, Kalpataru (Divine Tree).
    Artist Participation Over 200 visual artists; significant participation from women artists
    Artforms included Phad paintings (Rajasthan), Thangka painting (Sikkim/Ladakh), Miniature painting (Himachal Pradesh), Gond art (Madhya Pradesh), Tanjore paintings (Tamil Nadu), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Alpona art (West Bengal), Cheriyal painting (Telangana), Pichhwai Painting (Rajasthan), Lanjia Saura (Odisha), Pattachitra (West Bengal), Bani Thani Painting (Rajasthan), Warli (Maharashtra), Pithora Art (Gujarat), Aipan (Uttarakhand), Kerala Murals (Kerala), Alpana art (Tripura).

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the:

    (a) Bundi school

    (b) Jaipur school

    (c) Kangra school

    (d) Kishangarh school

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  • Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

    Country’s third largest tiger reserve to come up in Chhattisgarh

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Tiger Reserves in India;

    Mains level: Reason for the declining population of Tigers;

    Why in the News?

    Facing a significant decline in its tiger population in recent years, Chhattisgarh on Wednesday approved a long-awaited proposal to establish a new tiger reserve, which will be the third largest in the country.

    Process of Notification of Tiger Reserves

    • Proposal and Evaluation: The state government initiates the process by proposing an area to be designated as a tiger reserve. This proposal is then evaluated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
    • Cabinet Approval: After NTCA’s recommendations, the state cabinet must approve the notification of the tiger reserve.
    • Integration of Areas: The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve integrates the existing Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 2,829 square kilometers.
    • Note: Once a tiger reserve is notified, it cannot be easily denotified. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, allows for denotification only under exceptional circumstances and with approval from the NTCA and the National Board for Wildlife.

    About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

    • It is Chhattisgarh’s fourth tiger reserve, following Indravati, Udanti-Sitanadi, and Achanakmar.
    • The reserve spans four districts: Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Koriya, Surajpur, and Balrampur.
    • It aims to bolster conservation efforts and provide a protected habitat for tigers, thereby promoting eco-tourism and creating employment opportunities for local communities.
    • It aims to bolster conservation efforts and provide a protected habitat for tigers by Providing additional budgetary resources from the National Project Tiger Authority for its operations.
    • It would promote eco-tourism and create employment opportunities for local communities.

    Tiger Reserves in India 

    • As of June 2024, India has 55 tiger reserves. This number has increased from 9 reserves in 1973 when Project Tiger was initiated. India is home to around 75% of the global tiger population.
    • The latest addition to the list is the Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, which is the 55th reserve established in the country.
    • These reserves are crucial for the conservation of the Bengal tiger, which is a keystone species in India’s ecosystems, and they collectively support around 80% of the world’s tiger population.
    • Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers at 785, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444).

    The initiative was taken by the Government: 

    • Strengthening Legal Framework: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides a legal framework for tiger conservation, establishing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and critical tiger habitats. The 2006 amendment led to the creation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
    • Anti-Poaching Measures: Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) has been deployed in tiger reserves to combat poaching. Modern surveillance technologies like camera traps and drones are used to monitor tiger populations and deter poaching activities.
    • To avoid human-tiger conflict: As of 2023, 12,327 families from 173 villages have been successfully relocated from tiger reserves to reduce human-tiger conflict.

    Way forward: 

    • Undertake habitat restoration measures in the tiger reserves, including prey base management and removal of invasive species, to improve the quality of tiger habitats.
    • Deploy the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in the newly notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve to curb poaching.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?  (UPSC IAS/2018)

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