💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (June Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Antibiotics Resistance

    Antibiotic Pollution from the Manufacturing Process

    6 September 2024 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Antibiotic Pollution

    Why in the News?

    The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever global guidance on managing antibiotic pollution from manufacturing processes.

    What is Antibiotic Pollution?

    • Antibiotic pollution refers to the contamination of natural environments, particularly water and soil, by antibiotics.
    • This pollution occurs when antibiotics are released into ecosystems through various sources, leading to the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
    • AMR happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, making infections harder to treat and posing a significant threat to global health.

    How does Antibiotic Pollution occur from the Manufacturing Process?

    • Wastewater Discharge: Antibiotic plants release wastewater with residual antibiotics and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) into local water bodies, contributing to drug-resistant bacteria.
    • Improper Solid Waste Disposal: Unused antibiotics, raw materials, and by-products are often disposed of improperly, contaminating soil and groundwater.
    • Inadequate Treatment: Many facilities lack effective systems to treat pharmaceutical waste, allowing antibiotics to enter the environment.
    • Mass Balance Calculations: Inefficient systems or mismanagement can lead to unintentional antibiotic discharge during recycling and waste estimation.
    • Leaks and Spills: Accidental leaks or spills during manufacturing, transportation, or storage introduce antibiotics into ecosystems.
    • Runoff: Rainwater can carry antibiotics from waste into nearby rivers, lakes, or agricultural land, further contaminating the environment.

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

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

    Ancient India Temple Music: Haveli Sangeet

    5 September 2024 | Prelims Only | History
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Haveli Sangeet

    Why in the News?

    Haveli Sangeet is a unique form of classical music rooted in ancient temple traditions in India.

    About Haveli Sangeet:

    Details
    Origin Linked to the Pushti Margiya temples of the Vaishnava Tradition; rooted in ancient temple music traditions.
    Historical Background Revived during the Bhakti movement; declined during the medieval period due to socio-political changes.
    Founder Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, 16th century, founder of Pushti Marg and proponent of devotional worship (Bhakti).
    Key Elements Involves Raga (melody), Bhog (offering), and Shringar (adornment) as part of sewa (service) in temples.
    Musical Styles Includes Prabandh, Dhrupad, Dhamar, Khyal, Kirtana, and Bhajan; not limited to Dhrupad style alone.
    Languages Used Songs are performed in Brij Bhasha, Sanskrit, Punjabi, and Marwari.
    Significant Figures Vallabhacharya, Shri Vitthalnathji (Shri Gusaiji), Astachaps poets (e.g., Kumbhandas, Surdas), Pandit Jasraj.
    Role in Vaishnavism Serves as a vehicle for Kirtan Bhakti, focusing on collective singing and emotional devotion to Lord Krishna.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their:

    (a) Martial arts in North-East India

    (b) Musical tradition in North-West India

    (c) Classical vocal music in South India

    (d) Pietra dura tradition in Central India

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

  • Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

    Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR)

    5 September 2024 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR)

    Why in the News?

    An elephant was rescued from a rail barricade in the Maddur range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

    About the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR):

    Details
    Location Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts, Karnataka; at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
    Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Geography “Ecological confluence” of the Western and Eastern Ghats (along with Mudumalai and Wayanad)
    History Established as Venugopala Wildlife Park in 1931; expanded as Bandipur Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973.
    Surrounding Reserves Bordered by Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (NW), Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (S), and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (SW).
    Rivers Surrounded by River Kabini (North) and River Moyar (South).
    Climate Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
    Flora Dry deciduous to tropical mixed deciduous forests; includes rosewood, sandalwood, Indian laurel, and bamboo species.
    Fauna Home to the largest population of wild Asian elephants in South Asia; also includes Bengal tiger, gaur, sloth bear, dhole, and others.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?

    (a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

    (b) Nallamala Forest

    (c) Nagarhole National Park

    (d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

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

  • Civil Aviation Sector – CA Policy 2016, UDAN, Open Skies, etc.

    [pib] HIM- DRONE-A-THON-2 & HIMTECH-2024

    5 September 2024 | Prelims Only | Internal Security
    Mains Paper 3

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Read the attached story

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army has announced two significant events, HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 and HIMTECH-2024, aimed at advancing military technologies for operations in high-altitude areas.

    About HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 

    • HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 is scheduled to take place at Wari La, near Leh on 17-18 September 2024.
    • This event serves as a platform for the Indian Drone Industry to demonstrate drone solutions tailored for high-altitude areas, where the Indian Army frequently operates.
    • The event will be conducted under actual terrain and environmental conditions at altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 meters to test the drones’ performance in realistic scenarios.
    • Indigenous drone manufacturers are invited to participate, demonstrating various drone types, including:
      • Surveillance drones
      • Loitering munitions
      • Logistics drones
      • Swarm drones
      • Drones with specialized roles and payloads, such as Electronic Warfare, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Communication Intelligence, and Electronic Intelligence.

    HIMTECH-2024: Advancing High-Altitude Technologies

    • HIMTECH-2024 will follow HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2.
    • It is conceptualized to discuss, demonstrate, and explore new opportunities for the development and integration of technologies for high-altitude military operations.
    • It has been organized in collaboration with FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry).
    • It will highlight the latest technologies and systems developed to meet the operational requirements along India’s Northern Borders.

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

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    Project Strawberry by OpenAI

    5 September 2024 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Project ‘Strawberry’; LLMs.

    Why in the News?

    OpenAI has planned to release its most powerful AI model likely as part of ChatGPT-5. Initially called Project Q* (Q-star), it is now codenamed Project Strawberry.

    What is Project Strawberry?

    • Nearly six months ago, OpenAI’s secretive Project Q* (Q-Star) gained attention for its innovative approach to AI training.
    • OpenAI is now working on a new reasoning technology under the code name “Strawberry” believed to be the new name for Project Q*.
    • Strawberry aims to enable AI models to plan ahead, autonomously search the internet, and conduct deep research.

    What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?

    • LLMs are advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems designed to understand, generate, and process human language.
    • They are built using deep learning techniques, particularly neural networks, and are trained on vast amounts of text data.

    Difference from Existing AI Models

    • Existing Large Language Models (LLMs) can summarize texts and compose prose but struggle with common sense problems and multi-step logic tasks.
    • Current LLMs cannot plan ahead effectively without external frameworks.
    • Strawberry models are expected to enhance AI reasoning, allowing for planning and complex problem-solving.
    • These models could enable AI to perform tasks that require a series of actions over an extended time, potentially revolutionizing AI’s capabilities.

    Potential Applications of Strawberry Models

    • Advanced AI models could conduct experiments, analyze data, and suggest new hypotheses, leading to breakthroughs in sciences.
    • In medical research, AI could assist in drug discovery, genetics research, and personalized medicine analysis.
    • AI could solve complex mathematical problems, assist in engineering calculations, and participate in theoretical research.
    • AI could contribute to writing, creating art and music, generating videos, and designing video games.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?

    1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units.
    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs.
    3. Disease diagnosis.
    4. Text-to-Speech Conversion.
    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2, 4 and 5 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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

  • Judicial Pendency

    What is a Review Petition?

    5 September 2024 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-01. Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Review Petition

    Why in the News?

    Some medical students have filed a review petition against the Supreme Court’s dismissal of their plea to cancel NEET UG 2024 over alleged malpractices.

    What is a Review Petition?

    Details
    Constitutional Provision Article 137 of the Constitution allows the Supreme Court to review any of its judgments or orders.
    Scope of Review
    • Corrects “patent errors” and not minor mistakes.
    • It is not an appeal; it does not involve re-evaluating the entire case but correcting grave errors resulting in a miscarriage of justice.
    Filing Review Petition
    • Can be filed by any person aggrieved by a ruling, not necessarily a party to the case.
    • Must be filed within 30 days of the judgment or order.
    • Delay can be condoned if justified with strong reasons.
    Grounds for Review
    • Discovery of new and important evidence not available earlier despite due diligence.
    • Mistake or errors apparent on the face of the record.
    Procedure in the Court
    • Review petitions are usually heard through circulation without oral arguments.
    • In exceptional cases, oral hearings may be allowed, especially in death penalty cases. 
    • Heard by the same bench of judges who delivered the original judgment or order.
    Option After Review Fails If a review petition is dismissed, a curative petition can be filed as per the Roopa Hurra v. Ashok Hurra (2002) ruling, on very narrow grounds similar to a review petition.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] In India, Judicial Review implies:

    (a) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders.

    (b) the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures.

    (c) the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President.

    (d) the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases.

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

  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    World Heritage City of Jaipur

    4 September 2024 | Prelims Only | History
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Jaipur, World Heritage Sites in India

    Why in the News?

    The Walled City of Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, is set for heritage conservation and development with a budget of ₹100 crore.

    About the World Heritage City of Jaipur:

    • Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was designed as a commercial capital with a grid layout that reflects Vedic architectural principles. 
    • Unlike many other Indian cities built in hilly terrains, Jaipur was established on a plain, allowing for a systematic urban design characterized by wide streets and public squares known as chaupars.

    Architectural Significance

    • Jaipur’s urban planning is notable for its geometric structure, which integrates traditional Hindu concepts with modern Western influences.
    • The city is divided into nine blocks, with two reserved for state buildings and the remaining for public use. Known for its distinctive pink-colored buildings, which give it the nickname “Pink City.”
    • The architecture features uniform facades along the main streets. Key monuments include:
      • Hawa Mahal: A palace known for its intricate façade and numerous windows.
      • City Palace: A royal residence that blends Mughal and Rajput architecture.
      • Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh II.
      • Govind Dev Temple: A significant religious site reflecting the city’s cultural heritage.

    Jaipur’s (Pink City) Criteria for UNESCO Recognition

    • Criterion (ii): Exhibiting an important interchange of human values in architecture and urban planning.
    • Criterion (iv): Representing a significant example of a planned city that reflects the cultural traditions of its time.
    • Criterion (vi): Being directly associated with events or living traditions of universal significance, particularly in the context of its festivals and cultural practices.

     

    Other Important Places Contributing to World Heritage Status

    Amber Fort (Amer Fort)
    • A majestic fort known for its artistic Hindu and Mughal architectural style, located on a hill overlooking Maota Lake.
    • Famous for its intricate carvings, mirror work, and expansive courtyards.
    City Palace
    • A complex of palaces, courtyards, and museums in the heart of Jaipur, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
    • Combines Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, showcasing royal artifacts, costumes, and weapons.
    Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
    • A five-story palace with 953 small windows (jharokhas), designed to allow royal women to observe street activities while remaining unseen.
    • An iconic example of Rajput architecture with intricate latticework and unique design.
    Jantar Mantar
    • An astronomical observatory with 19 large instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial.
    • A separate UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the scientific achievements of the 18th century.
    Nahargarh Fort
    • Built in 1734, located on the Aravalli Hills, offering panoramic views of Jaipur city.
    • Served as a retreat and defensive structure for the royal family, showcasing the military architecture of the period.

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

  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Study confirms the existence of a Dockyard at Lothal

    4 September 2024 | Prelims Only | History
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Lothal and other IVC Sites

    Why in the News?

    A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar (IITGn) has presented new evidence supporting the presence of a dockyard (222 x 37 metres) at Lothal, which was earlier debated.

    Evidence of Lothal’s Dockyard

    • The discovery of Lothal, located in the Bhal region of Gujarat during the 1950s, initiated debates among archaeologists about the existence of a dockyard.
    • The IITGn study reveals that the Sabarmati River once flowed close to Lothal during the Harappan period, contrasting its current course, which is 20 km away.
    • The study suggests a trade route linking Ahmedabad, through Lothal, Nal Sarovar, and the Little Rann, to Dholavira, another prominent Harappan site.
    • Satellite imagery and multi-sensor data analysis have uncovered the ancient channels of the Sabarmati River, confirming Lothal’s strategic location on a significant riverine route.
    • The study also suggests that traders might have arrived in Gujarat via the Gulf of Khambhat, collected materials from Ratanpura, and transported them to Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

    About Lothal:

    Details
    Location Bhal region, Gujarat, India
    Historical Significance Built around 2200 BC; major trade centre for beads, gems, and ornaments
    Name Meaning “Lothal” means “the mound of the dead” in Gujarati (Similar to Mohenjodaro)
    Discovery Discovered by S.R. Rao; excavated from 1955 to 1960
    Port City Evidence Earliest known dock; connected to the ancient Sabarmati River
    Key Features Tidal dockyard, marine microfossils, and a basin for sailing boats
    Heritage Status Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014; only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelling water into connected reservoirs?

    (a) Dholavira

    (b) Kalibangan

    (c) Rakhigarhi

    (d) Ropar

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

  • Internal Security Trends and Incidents

    Anti-Naxal Operation in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh

    4 September 2024 | Prelims Only | Internal Security
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-21.Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Anti-Naxal Operations in India

    Why in the News?

    • In a significant anti-Naxal operation, nine Maoists were killed by security forces in the forests along the border of Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada.
      • This operation was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate Naxalite influence in the region.

    Anti-Naxal Operation in Dantewada

    • Dantewada, a district in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, India, is known as a hotbed of Naxal (Maoist) insurgency. 
    • The region has seen numerous anti-Naxal operations over the years due to its dense forests, rugged terrain, and the presence of significant Naxalite (Maoist) cadres.

    Important security operations against Naxalism:

    Details
    Operation Greyhounds 1989 – Ongoing: A specialized anti-Naxal force created to combat Naxal insurgency in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
    Operation Green Hunt 2009 – Ongoing: To flush out Naxalite insurgents in the “Red Corridor ” from their strongholds.
    Operation Thunderstorm 2010: To target Naxal cadres in the dense forest regions of Lalgarh, West Bengal.
    Operation Octopus 2014: To clear Maoist influence from the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh.
    Operation All Out 2015 – Ongoing: To launch coordinated offensive operations against Naxalites in Jharkhand and Bihar.
    Operation Samadhan 2017 – Ongoing: A comprehensive strategy to combat LWE by addressing both security and developmental issues.
    Operation Prahar 2017 – Ongoing: To eliminate top Maoist leaders and dismantle support networks in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
    Operation Monsoon 2018: To target Maoist groups during the monsoon season when their activities are restricted.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multi-layered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.

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

  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    [pib] SCOMET List

    4 September 2024 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-12.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: SCOMET List

    Why in the News?

    The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has released the updated SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) list for the year 2024.

    What is the SCOMET List?

    Details
    Purpose To regulate the export of dual-use items that can be used for both civilian and military applications, particularly those that could contribute to the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and their delivery systems.
    Regulatory Authority Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
    Notification Notified by DGFT under Appendix 3 to Schedule 2 of the ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import Items.
    Legal Framework Governed by Chapter IVA of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, as amended in 2010.

    This chapter provides the legal basis for export control of dual-use items and outlines penalties for non-compliance.
    Policy and Procedures Outlined in Chapter 10 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023.

    These documents provide the detailed procedure for licensing, application, and compliance for exporting SCOMET items.
    Categories The SCOMET List includes multiple categories:
    1. Category 0: Nuclear materials and nuclear-related dual-use items.
    2. Category 1: Toxic chemical agents and precursors.
    3. Category 2: Materials and materials processing equipment.
    4. Category 3: Electronics.
    5. Category 4: Computers.
    6. Category 5: Telecommunications and information security.
    7. Category 6: Sensors and lasers.
    8. Category 7: Navigation and avionics.
    9. Category 8: Marine.
    10. Category 9: Aerospace and propulsion.
    New Licensing Authority for Category 6 Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence is the new licensing authority for the export of items under Category 6 (Sensors and Lasers).
    Export Licensing Exporters must obtain a specific license from DGFT (or DDP for Category 6) to export SCOMET items.

    The licensing process includes a comprehensive review to ensure that exports do not contribute to the proliferation of WMDs or unauthorized military use.

     

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