What is the Perseid Meteor Shower?

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Perseid Meteor Shower

Why in the News?

The Perseid meteor shower, which began in July, is currently at its peak activity from August 11 to 13, 2024.

About Perseid Meteor Shower

	Details
Origin	Named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to originate.
Cause	Caused by debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle as it orbits the Sun.
How It Occurs	Consists of ice, rock, and dust particles shed by *Comet Swift-Tuttle. Earth passes through this debris* field annually between mid-July and late August. Particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at around 214,000 km/h, causing them to heat up and create bright streaks of light.
Discovery	The connection between the Perseid meteor shower and Comet Swift-Tuttle was established in 1862 by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle.
Historical Observations	Observed for centuries, with records dating back to ancient Chinese, Japanese, and European civilizations.
Impact of Earth’s Gravity	Earth’s gravity pulls particles from the debris field, causing them to enter the atmosphere. Larger particles can create fireballs—bright meteors that are more intense and last longer.

Note: In the 1990s, scientists feared comet Swift-Tuttle might hit Earth or the Moon in 2126, but later calculations confirmed safety for two millennia.

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

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Neelakurinji included in Red List of threatened species

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Neelakurinji

Why in the News?

Neelakurinji has been categorized as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of threatened species for the first time under Criteria A2c.

**About Neelakurinji (*Strobilanthes kunthiana***)

	Details
Blooming Cycle	Blooms once every 12 years. Some bloom once every 7 years.
Physical Description	Shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. Vibrant purplish-blue flowers bloom synchronously over large areas. Named after Kunthi River which flows through Kerala’s Silent Valley National Park.
Habitat and Distribution	Endemic to high-altitude *Shola grasslands* of the Western Ghats. Found at elevations between 1,340 to 2,600 meters. Key regions: Nilgiris, Munnar, Palani-Kodaikanal, Anamalai mountains, and some isolated populations in the Eastern Ghats (Yercaud, Shevaroy Hills).
Historical Blooming Records	Documented blooming in 1838, 1850, 1862, 1874, 1886, 1898, 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018.
Cultural Significance	Nilgiri Hills named after its purplish-blue flowers. Paliyan tribal people of Tamil Nadu used it to calculate their age.
Ecological Importance	Critical for the biodiversity of montane grasslands. Provides nectar for pollinators during mass flowering.

PYQ:

[2011] The “Red Data Books” published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of

Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
Threatened plant and animal species.
Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 only

(d) 3 only

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

Diamond Imprest Licence

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Diamond Imprest Licence

Why in the News?

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry has introduced Diamond Imprest Licence at the 40th edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2024.
- The event was organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

What is the Diamond Imprest Licence?

The Diamond Imprest Licence is a regulatory framework introduced by the Indian government to facilitate the import of diamonds for exporters, particularly benefiting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the diamond industry.
It will allow Indian diamond exporters who meet a certain export turnover threshold to import up to 5% of their average export turnover over the preceding three years.
This policy aims to create a level-playing field for MSME diamond exporters, enabling them to compete more effectively with larger industry peers.

About the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC )

	Details
Establishment	Established in 1966 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Granted an autonomous status in 1998.
Headquarters	Mumbai, India Regional offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat, Jaipur
Membership	Represents almost 7,000 exporters from across India.
Role and Functions	Promotes exports of gems and jewellery Presents industry issues to the government and recommends policy interventions.
Common Facility Centers (CFCs)	Established in Amreli, Visnagar, Palanpur, and Junagadh in Gujarat. Services include planning, laser sawing, and cutting facilities to process diamonds.
Awards	Organizes premier jewellery design competitions and awards, celebrating creativity and innovation in jewellery design.
Key Events	Hosts the Design Inspirations seminar annually in Mumbai, educating jewellers, designers, and students about upcoming trends in India, Europe, and the US.
Educational Institutes	Operates 7 educational institutes across five cities, including the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) in Mumbai, Jaipur, Delhi, Varanasi, and Udupi.
Gemmological Laboratories	Gemmological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai: Established in 1971, focusing on gemological training, research, and certification. Gem Testing Laboratory, Jaipur: Specializes in grading and certifying colored gemstones. Indian Gemological Institute, New Delhi: Provides gem testing and certification services, particularly for the North Indian market.

PYQ:

[2018] Which one of the following foreign travelers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?

(a) Francois Bernier

(b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier

(d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

(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.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

(d) 1, 2 and 3 other

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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.

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

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

(d) fungi and mosses

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About Perseid Meteor Shower

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Diamond Imprest Licence?

About the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC )

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is A23a?

What is happening with A23a?

Implications

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Full List of Medal Winners

PYQ:

Why in the News?

No-Confidence Motion against Vice President of India

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is BPaL Regimen?

Significance of BPaL Regimen

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is a Privilege Motion?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Silicosis?

Causes of Silicosis:

As per National Programme on Elimination of Silicosis in India

Remedies for Silicosis:

Preventive measures:

Case study related to reducing Silica Dust Exposure

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What Is Trichophyton Indotineae?

Factors causing its spread

Treatments available

PYQ:

**About Neelakurinji (*Strobilanthes kunthiana***)