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Type: Prelims Only

  • National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

    Why in the News?

    The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the apex body responsible for tiger conservation, recently issued directives urging 19 States to prioritize the relocation of villagers residing in core tiger zones.

    NTCA’s Directive:

    • According to the NTCA, 591 villages, comprising 64,801 families, reside in the core tiger zone, posing a significant concern for tiger conservation.
    • The core zone refers to the part of a tiger reserve where human activities such as hunting and forest produce collection are PROHIBITED, and tribals CANNOT reside.
      • Outside the core zone is the buffer zone, where certain activities are allowed but regulated.

    About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):

    Details
    Constitution Statutory body under MoEFCC, constituted under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
    Chairmanship Chaired by the Minister for Environment and Forests.
    Structure • 8 experts in wildlife conservation and tribal welfare.
    • 3 MPs.
    • Inspector General of Forests as ex-officio Member Secretary.
    Objectives • Provide statutory authority to Project Tiger.
    • Enhance Centre-State accountability in managing Tiger Reserves.
    • Provide parliamentary oversight.
    • Address livelihood concerns of local communities.
    Powers and Functions • Approve state-prepared tiger conservation plans.
    • Prevent unsustainable land use in Tiger Reserves.
    • Set standards for tourism and tiger conservation guidelines.
    • Conduct tiger censuses (via M-STrIPES app).
    • Support biodiversity conservation through eco-development and people’s participation.
    Key Initiative • Project Tiger, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for in-situ conservation of tigers, launched on April 1, 1973.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following statements:

    1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.

    3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d)1, 2 and 3

  • Yellow Food Dye can improve Cancer Treatment

    Why in the News?

    Recent research reveals that FD&C Yellow 5, a common food dye, can temporarily make tissue transparent, with potential implications for cancer treatment and medical procedures.

    About Yellow Food Dye 

    • FD&C Yellow 5, also known as Tartrazine, is a widely used synthetic food dye found in various snacks, drinks, and processed foods.
    • Approved by the FDA, it is commonly used to give products a vibrant yellow color.

    How does it work?

    • The dye has the ability to make tissue transparent is based on its interaction with light, specifically through the Kramers-Kronig relations, a principle in physics.
    • It absorbs blue light, leaving only the red-orange spectrum visible.
    • This alters the refractive index of water, causing it to match the refractive index of fats and proteins in tissue.
    • When the refractive indices match, light can pass through tissue with less scattering, creating the appearance of transparency.

    Potential Medical Applications of Yellow Food Dye

    • Cancer Treatment: By making tissues transparent, FD&C Yellow 5 could enhance photodynamic and photothermal therapies, allowing laser light to reach deeper tissues and target cancerous cells more effectively.
    • Vein Visibility: Transparent tissues could help make veins more visible, aiding in procedures like venepuncture for blood draws or injections, particularly in patients with hard-to-see veins.
    • Non-invasive Diagnostics: The dye could allow doctors to visualize internal organs and structures without the need for invasive procedures like biopsies or expensive imaging technologies like CT scans or MRIs.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.

    2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

    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

  • Madeira River in Amazon’s State of Brazil

    Why in the News?

    Communities near Brazil’s Madeira River in the Amazon rainforest are experiencing record low water levels due to a severe drought.

    About Madeira River

    Details
    Formation Formed by the confluence of the Mamore and Beni rivers at Villa Bella, Bolivia.

    Meets the Amazon River 145 km east of Manaus, Brazil.
    Length 3,352 km from the upper reaches of the Mamore.
    Geographic Path Flows along the Bolivia-Brazil border for 100 km, then through Rondonia and Amazonas states in Brazil.
    Navigability Navigable by seagoing vessels for 1,300 km upstream until Cachoeira de Santo Antonio.
    Climate Varies from arid to humid, with the river overflowing during the rainy season, submerging nearby forests.
    Historical Inhabitants Traditionally inhabited by indigenous communities and mestizos; later joined by farmers and ranchers.
    Name Origin Named “Madeira” (Portuguese for “Wood River“), previously called the Cuyari River.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following pairs?

    River: Flows into

    1. Mekong: Andaman sea

    2. Thames: Irish Sea

    3. Volga: Caspian Sea

    4. Zambezi: Indian Ocean

    Which of the pairs above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 3 and 4 only

    (d) None of the above/More than one of the above

  • Centre notifies the constitution of the 23rd Law Commission

    Why in the News?

    The Union government has notified the constitution of the 23rd Law Commission of India with effect from September 1.

    Terms of Reference of the 23rd Law Commission:

    • The 23rd Law Commission has been tasked with addressing similar objectives as previous Commissions, such as:
      1. Identifying outdated laws that can be repealed.
      2. Creating Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) for the periodic review of laws.
      3. Identifying laws that are not in harmony with economic needs and suggesting amendments.
    • Like its predecessors, it will examine laws in light of the DPSP and suggest improvements or new legislation to fulfill the objectives outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
    • PM’s call for a uniform civil code reflects the need to implement, a Directive Principle outlined in the Constitution.

    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

  • New Flag and Insignia of the Supreme Court of India

    Why in the News?

    President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the new flag and insignia of the Supreme Court of India during the National Conference of District Judiciary in New Delhi.

    About New Flag and Insignia of the Supreme Court of India:

    Details
    Designed by National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi
    Flag Design Blue flag featuring three symbols:

    1. Ashoka Chakra (Symbol of India’s legal and cultural heritage)
    2. Supreme Court Building (Represents the institution of justice in India)
    3. Constitution of India (Highlights the role of the Supreme Court as the guardian of the Constitution)
    Insignia 
    • Includes the Sanskrit phrase “Yato Dharmastato Jayah“ inscribed in Devanagari script.
    • Translates to “Where there is Dharma, there is victory“, symbolizing the Supreme Court’s dedication to justice and righteousness.
    • Occurs 13 times in the epic the Mahabharata.
    Flag Formats Available in cross table flat, single table flag, pole flag, and wooden frame versions

     

    PYQ:

    [2023] Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002:

    Statement-I: One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm * 400 mm.
    Statement-II: The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

    b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

    c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

    d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

  • [pib] VisioNxt Fashion Forecasting Initiative

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Textiles has launched India’s first fashion forecasting initiative ‘VisioNxt’.

    About VisioNxt Initiative

    Details
    Launched By National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
    Objective To provide India-specific fashion trend insights and reduce dependence on global forecasting agencies.
    Significance India’s first initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) to forecast fashion trends.
    Key Features
    • Delivers localized fashion trend insights tailored for Indian designers, manufacturers, and retailers.
    • Provides forecasts reflecting India’s cultural diversity and socio-economic nuances.
    • Designed to support the Indian fashion and retail market with consumer-focused trend data.
    AI Model Used “DeepVision” – AI-based model that decodes Indian fashion patterns, analyzing attributes like style, color, and regional influences.
    Accessibility Bilingual resources (Hindi and English) through a web portal, making the insights accessible to a broader range of stakeholders in the Indian fashion industry.
    Goal To empower Indian fashion professionals with India-specific data, reducing reliance on international forecasting systems.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] What makes the Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss.

  • Article 370, Article 35A, and J&K’s Statehood

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of assembly elections, many political parties are vowing for restoration of Article 370, Article 35A and Statehood in their manifestoes.

    About Articles 370 and 35(A) of the Indian Constitution

    [1] Article 370: 

    Description
    Provision Granted special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
    Nature Initially intended as a temporary provision, subject to eventual change or abrogation.
    Powers of State Allowed J&K to have its own Constitution and autonomy over internal matters except defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications.
    Presidential Order President of India could extend or modify the application of Indian laws to J&K with the concurrence of the state government.
    Autonomy Details Provides a degree of autonomy to the state and permits the state to give some special privileges to its “permanent residents”.
    Emergency Provisions Emergency provisions are not applicable to the state on the grounds of “internal disturbance” without the concurrence of the State.
    State Boundaries Name and boundaries of the State cannot be altered without the consent of its legislature.
    Separate Institutions State has its own constitution, a separate flag, and a separate penal code (Ranbir Penal Code).
    Assembly Duration Duration of the state’s Assembly is 6 years, unlike five in the rest of India.
    Parliamentary Jurisdiction
    • Indian Parliament can pass laws regarding J&K in the matters of defense, external affairs, and communication only.
    • Any other law formed by Union will only be applicable in J&K by presidential order if it concurs with the state assembly.
    Abolishment Condition President may, by public notification, declare that this Article shall cease to be operative but only on the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the State.
    Abolishment In August 5, 2019, through a Presidential Order and a resolution passed by the Indian Parliament.
    Impact of Abrogation
    • J&K’s special status was revoked.
    • It was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

     

    [2] Article 35A:  

    Description
    Provision Empowers the J&K legislature to define permanent residents of the state and provide them with special rights and privileges.
    Insertion Added to the Constitution through a Presidential Order in 1954.
    Permanent Residents Defined by the state as those who were state subjects on May 14, 1954, or have been residents for 10 years, and lawfully acquired immovable property.
    Special Rights Permanent residents were given exclusive rights to employment under the state government, acquisition of immovable property in the state, and scholarships.
    Constitutionality Debate Debated on the grounds that it was not added via an amendment procedure.
    Criticism Criticized for being discriminatory and creating a sense of separation from the rest of India.
    Revocation Along with Article 370, Article 35A was effectively nullified on August 5, 2019.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss The future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.

  • Antibiotic Pollution from the Manufacturing Process

    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.

  • Ancient India Temple Music: 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

  • 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