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Type: Prelims Only

  • Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

    [pib] DoT notifies Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Digital Bharat Nidhi Rules, 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has published the first set of rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), titled ‘Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024.’

    About Telecommunications (Administration of Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024:

    Description
    Legislation Introduced under the Telecommunications Act, 2023
    Fund Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN): Replaces the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
    Role of Administrator Responsible for overseeing the implementation and administration of DBN
    Key Focus Areas • Enhancing telecommunication services in underserved and remote areas
    • Promoting access to mobile and broadband services
    • Improving telecom security
    • Supporting next-generation telecom technologies
    Target Beneficiaries • Marginalized groups (e.g., women, persons with disabilities, economically weaker sections)
    • Remote and underserved regions
    Project Criteria • Provision of telecom services and equipment
    • Enhancing telecom security
    • Improving access and affordability
    • Promoting innovation, R&D, and indigenous technology
    • Supporting start-ups
    • Encouraging sustainable and green technologies
    Funding Conditions Entities receiving DBN funding must provide telecom services on an open and non-discriminatory basis
    Vision Alignment Aligned with Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047
    Sustainability Focus Emphasizes the promotion of green technologies in telecommunications

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] In India, which of the following review the Independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?

    1. Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament
    2. Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees
    3. Finance Commission
    4. Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
    5. NITI Aayog

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 1, 3 and 4

    (c) 3, 4 and 5

    (d) 2 and 5

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    What is Digital Agriculture Mission?

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: E-Technology In The Aid Of Farmers

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Digital Agriculture Mission

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the “Digital Agriculture Mission” with a budget of ₹2,817 Crore, including ₹1,940 Crore as the central share.

    About Digital Agriculture Mission

    Category Details
    Historical Context Originally planned for the financial year 2021-22 but delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Announced in the Union Budgets of 2023-24 and 2024-25.
    Funding Breakdown Total outlay: Rs 2,817 crore

    • Rs 1,940 crore from the Centre
    • Remaining amount from states and Union Territories (UTs)
    Objective To create Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the agriculture sector, similar to other e-governance initiatives like Aadhaar, DigiLocker, eSign, UPI, and electronic health records.
    Major Components of DPI 1. AgriStack:
    – A comprehensive digital platform integrating various agricultural services.
    – Facilitates access to information, services, and benefits related to farming and agricultural practices.
    – Centralizes agricultural data to improve accessibility and efficiency.
    2. Krishi Decision Support System (DSS):
    – Provides data-driven insights and recommendations for farmers.
    – Assists in decision-making related to crop management, pest control, and resource optimization based on real-time data.
    – Utilizes advanced analytics to enhance productivity and mitigate risks.
    3. Soil Profile Maps:
    – Detailed digital maps on a 1:10,000 scale covering approximately 142 million hectares.
    – Provides comprehensive information about soil characteristics and health.
    – Supports precision agriculture by offering targeted soil data for optimal crop planning.
    Additional Component Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES):
    – A tech-based system to provide accurate estimates of agricultural production.
    – Aims to offer reliable data for policy decisions, agricultural planning, and resource allocation.
    Impact on Farmers The mission will enable farmers to access a range of digital services, improve decision-making through data analysis, enhance productivity with detailed soil information, and provide accurate crop estimations to better manage agricultural practices.
    Timeline Rolled out across the country over the next two years (until 2025-26).

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of:

    (a) Digital security infrastructure

    (b) Food security infrastructure

    (c) Health care and education infrastructure

    (d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

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

    Methane’s Contribution in Climate Change

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Methane emission

    Why in the News?

    The European Union introduced a new regulation in May 2024 requiring fossil fuel companies to routinely measure, report, and reduce methane emissions.

    About Methane Emissions:

    Details
    Nature Colorless, Odourless.

    Considered a short-lived climate pollutant due to its shorter atmospheric lifetime compared to CO2.
    Global Warming Potential (GWP) 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a short term.
    GWP100: 28 (over 100 years)Accounts for approximately 30% of global warming.
    Atmospheric Lifetime Breaks down in about 12 years; shorter-lived compared to CO2.
    Major Sources – Cattle farming: 32% of human-caused methane emissions (includes manure and enteric fermentation)
    – Landfills: Approximately 20%
    – Wastewater treatment: Around 8%
    – Rice cultivation: About 10%
    – Industrial processes: Varied but significant
    Natural Non-Human Sources Includes wetlands and permafrost, which release methane through natural processes.
    Impact Compared to CO2 Traps 84 times as much heat as CO2 over a 20-year period.
    CO2 has a longer-term warming effect but is less potent.
    Key Initiatives Global Methane Pledge: Launched at UN COP26, signed by over 90 countries, led by the US and EU.

    India did not sign.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following:

    1. Carbon monoxide
    2. Methane
    3. Ozone
    4. Sulphur dioxide

    Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Gut molecule in C. Elegans Worms slows fat burning

    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: C. Elegans Worm

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have discovered a mechanism in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms that explains why fat loss slows down during fasting.

    Fasting and Fat Metabolism

    • The brain is known to regulate fat production and breakdown in humans, other mammals, and model organisms like C. elegans.
    • In 2017, researchers identified FLP-7 hormone in the brain that triggers fat burning in the gut of C. elegans.
    • However, it was unclear how the gut communicates back to the brain, as C. elegans lacks sensory nerves in their intestines.
    • The study reveals that during fasting, the gut produces a form of insulin called INS-7, which signals the brain to halt fat burning.
    • Unlike traditional insulin, which activates insulin receptors, INS-7 blocks these receptors, leading to a cascade of events that stop the production of the fat-burning hormone FLP-7.

    About Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans):

    Details
    Overview A small, free-living nematode (roundworm) used as a model organism in biological research.
    Size Approximately 1 millimeter in length.
    Habitat Found in soil environments worldwide.
    Reproduction Primarily self-fertilizing hermaphrodites; males make up a small percentage and can mate with hermaphrodites.
    Genome First multicellular organism to have its genome fully sequenced; about 20,000 genes.
    Chromosomes Six chromosomes (five autosomes, one sex chromosome).
    Body Plan Approximately 1,000 cells in an adult hermaphrodite; transparent body allows for easy microscopic observation.
    Lifespan Around 2 to 3 weeks under laboratory conditions.
    Research Contributions Instrumental in discoveries related to apoptosis, RNA interference, gene regulation, and human diseases.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by:

    (a) Bacteria

    (b) Protozoa

    (c) Moulds

    (d) Viruses

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

    In news: Thanjavur Veena

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Thanjavur Veena

    Why in the News?

    Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is renowned for making the Veena, the first musical instrument in India to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

    About Thanjavur Veena:

    Details
    Type Saraswati Veena (a classical stringed musical instrument)
    GI Tag Received in 2012.
    Crafting Materials Jackfruit wood, known for its resonance and tonal quality.
    Production Process – Wood is cut, carved, shaped, and assembled.
    – Takes 15-20 days to complete.
    – Involves three parts: resonator (kudam), neck (dandi), and tuning box.
    Other Types of Veena – Saraswati Veena (used in Carnatic classical music)
    – Rudra Veena and Vichitra Veena (used in Hindustani classical music)
    – Chitra Veena (used in Carnatic classical music)

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to​:

    (a) Dance forms of Northwest India​

    (b) Musical instruments​

    (c) Pre-historic cave paintings​

    (d) Tribal languages​

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  • LGBT Rights – Transgender Bill, Sec. 377, etc.

    [pib] Measures taken by Govt. for LGBTQI+ Community

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Various schemes mentioned

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has invited inputs to ensure that policies and initiatives regarding the LGBTQI+ community are inclusive and effective.

    Who are the LGBTQ+?

    • It is an umbrella term used to refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex.
    • LGBTQI+ people represent a subset of individuals among the broader category of sexual and gender diverse individuals.
    • Sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) is diverse and spans cultures across the world.

    Various policy initiatives for LGBTQI+ Community:

    Policy/Scheme Details
    Supreme Court Judgment on Section 377 (2018) • Decriminalized consensual same-sex relations by ruling that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized such acts, was unconstitutional.
    • Affirmed the right to privacy and equality, marking a historic victory for LGBTQI+ rights in India.
    Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act (2019) • Grants legal recognition to transgender individuals, prohibits discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare, and mandates the establishment of a national and state-level transgender welfare board.
    • Ensures protection of transgender rights, and access to welfare benefits, and facilitates legal recognition and equality.
    National Portal for Transgender Persons (2020) • An online platform launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for applying for a transgender certificate and identity card.
    • Streamlines the legal recognition process, enabling transgender individuals to obtain official documentation more easily.
    SMILE Scheme (2021) • “Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises” Central Sector scheme.
    • Provides financial assistance and support for the livelihood and enterprise development of marginalized individuals and beggars, including members of the LGBTQI+ community. 

     

    PYQ:

    [2023] Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

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

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Major Dhyan Chand and his contributions to hockey

    Why in the News?

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

    About Major Dhyan Chand:

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

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  • Indian Army Updates

    [pib] Project NAMAN

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Project NAMAN

    Why in the News?

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

    About Project NAMAN:

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

    Comprehensive training and a monthly monetary grant of ₹20,000 from HDFC Bank for the first 12 months to assist in stabilization.

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    [pib] Novel Nanopolymer developed by INST Mohali

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Novel Nanopolymer

    Why in the News

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

    About the Novel Nanopolymer:

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

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

    These are the Novel Nanopolymers developed by INST:

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

     

    PYQ:

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

    1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.

    2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    The term of the 22nd Law Commission ends

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: 22nd Law Commission

    Why in the News?

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

    About the Law Commission of India:

    Details
    Nature Non-statutory body periodically constituted by the Government of India. It is an Executive Body.
    Establishment • First Commission During British India: Established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833, chaired by Lord Macaulay, Focused on the codification of laws like the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.
    • First Commission in Independent India: Established in 1955, chaired by M. C. Setalvad, then Attorney-General of India.
    Primary Role Advises the Ministry of Law and Justice on legal reform and reviews existing laws to suggest improvements and draft new legislation.

    Recommendations are advisory and NOT binding on the government.
    Composition Headed by a Chairperson (usually a retired Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice of a High Court),

    4 full-time members (including a Member-Secretary), ex-officio members (Secretaries of the Departments of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department), and

    Up to 5 part-time members.
    Tenure 3 years, with provisions for reconstitution or extension as required by the government.
    Key Functions • Undertakes legal research.
    • Review existing laws for reforms.
    • Recommends repeal of obsolete laws.
    • Suggest amendments and new legislations.
    • Examines laws that affect the poor and marginalized.
    Notable Recommendations by 22nd law Commission • Uniform Civil Code.
    • Amendments to the sedition law.
    • Repeal of obsolete laws.
    • Gender equality in personal laws.
    • Improvements in judicial administration.
    Reports Submitted Over 277 reports on various legal issues including the implementation of international conventions, compulsory registration of marriages, etc.
    Recent Activity The 22nd Law Commission is focusing on issues like the Uniform Civil Code and amendments to the sedition law (Section 124A), among other legislative reforms.

     

    PYQ:

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

    (a) the President of India

    (b) the Parliament

    (c) the Chief Justice of India

    (d) the Law Commission

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