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Type: Prelims Only

  • Railway Reforms

    What is KAVACH Collision Avoidance System (CAS)?

    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: KAVACH Collision Avoidance System (CAS)

    Why in the News?

    Indian Railways expects to launch Kavach CAS on Mumbai-Delhi-Kolkata routes by March 2025.

    About Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

    Details
    Development
    • Development started in 2011 by Indian Railways and Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO).
    • Key developer: B. Rajaram, known for the Skybus Metro system.
    • Field trials began in 2014, and final approval was granted in 2019.
    Safety Parameters Certified for Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4) operations
    Working Mechanism
    • Components: Trackside RFID tags, onboard locomotive equipment, radio infrastructure.
    • Functionality: Real-time monitoring, driver alerts, and automatic braking to prevent collisions.
    • Data Inputs: Location, direction, time.
    • Event Recorders: Retain records for post-incident analysis.
    Collision Prevention
    • Alert Mechanism: Alerts the locomotive pilot if a ‘red signal’ is missed.
    • Automatic Braking: If speed exceeds 15 kmph after a red signal, Kavach applies brakes to halt the train.
    Issues
    • High Cost: ₹50 lakh per kilometer for deployment.
    • Low Coverage: Covers only 1,500 kilometers out of the total 68,000-kilometer rail network (as of November 2023).

    How does CAS work in ships and aircraft?

    Key Systems Functions
    Ships AIS (Automatic Identification System) Sends and receives data on location, speed, and direction between ships and land-based stations.
    LRIT (Long Range Identification and Tracking)
    • Requires ships to report location, time, and equipment every 6 hours to authorities.
    • Data shared with contracting governments and rescue operators via International LRIT Data Exchange.
    Aircraft Transponders Respond to radio-frequency pings to build a 3D view of surrounding air traffic.
    Alerts and Resolution Issues alert if another aircraft is within 48 seconds (traffic advisory) or 30 seconds (resolution) of a collision.
    Radar Altimeters and Obstacle Detection Monitors distance to the ground and alerts pilots about tall obstacles like towers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:

    1. The decomposition of human waste in the biotoilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
    2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.

    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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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    August 23rd declared as National Space Day

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Space Day

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has officially declared August 23rd as “National Space Day” in honor of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission’s historic achievement.

    About the National Space Day:

    • It is set to be celebrated on August 23rd every year.
    • It marks the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover on the Moon.
    • Theme for 2024:
      • “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga” highlights space exploration’s impact on society and technology.
    • Significance:
      • India became the fourth country to land on the Moon and the first to land near the Moon’s southern polar region.

    About Chandrayaan-3 Mission:

    Details
    Launch
    • India’s third lunar mission, second attempt at soft landing on the Moon.
    • Launched on July 14, 2023. Landed on August 23.
    Landing Site Near the Lunar South Pole (Coordinates: 69.373°S 32.319°E)
    Mission Objectives
    • Demonstrate safe and soft landing on the Moon.
    • Rover mobility on lunar surface.
    • Conduct in-situ scientific experiments.
    Components
    • Propulsion Module: Carries lander and rover to 100 km lunar orbit; includes SHAPE payload.
    • Lander Module (Vikram): Instruments: ChaSTE, ILSA, Langmuir Probe, Laser Retroreflector Array.
    • Rover Module (Pragyan): Instruments: APXS, LIBS.
    Major Findings
    • Lunar Surface Temperature: Recorded up to 70°C, higher than expected.
    • Elemental Composition: Sulphur, aluminum, calcium, iron, chromium, titanium, manganese, silicon, and oxygen confirmed.
    Landing Site Name Named by PM as ‘Shiv Shakti’ (Sanctioned by IAU as “Statio Shiv Shakti”).

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Consider the following statements:

    The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

    1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
    2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
    3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    What is the Nankai Trough?  

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Nankai Trough

    Why on the News?

    Japanese authorities have warned its citizens of a ‘megaquake’ and large tsunamis along the Nankai Trough.

    What is the Nankai Trough?

    • The Nankai Trough is an extensive subduction zone, nearly 900 km long.
    • It is the place of collision of the Eurasian Plate over the Philippine Sea Plate.
    • This trough has a history of producing large earthquakes approximately every 100 to 150 years.
    • The most recent Nankai Trough quake happened in 1946 with magnitude 8.0 tremor and 6.9 metre tsunami, killing 1,330 people.

    Potential for a Megaquake: 

    • Japan’s researchers estimated in January 2022 that there is a roughly 70% chance of a magnitude 8-9 megaquake striking the Nankai Trough within next 30 years.
    • Such a quake could affect a vast region stretching from central Shizuoka, about 150 km south of Tokyo, to southwestern Miyazaki.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    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?

    1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
    2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
    3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 1 and 3 only
    (c) 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • 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

    1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
    2. Threatened plant and animal species.
    3. 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

    (c) 2 and 3

    (d) 3 only

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  • 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

    (c) Jean de Thevenot

    (d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre

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  • 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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