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Type: Prelims Only

  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower and how it can be spotted

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower, Halley’s Comet

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, an annual event, will reach its peak on May 5 and 6.
    • This meteor shower is a result of Earth intersecting with the debris trail left by Halley’s Comet during its orbit.

    Halley’s Comet

    • Halley’s Comet is a short-period comet visible from Earth every 75–79 years.
    • It was last seen in Earth’s skies in 1986 and was met in space by an international fleet of spacecraft. It will return in 2061 on its regular journey around the Sun.

    What are Meteoric Showers?

    • Meteors, fragments of dust, rock and ice, are expelled from comets during their celestial orbits around the sun.
    • The Earth’s atmosphere heats these space rocks as they descend, leaving luminous streaks of gas in their way.
    • NASA’s records confirms existence of over 30 meteor showers annually.

    Origin of Meteor Showers:

    • Meteor showers originate from comets, remnants of the solar system’s formation composed of dust, rock, and ice.
    • Comets orbit the Sun in highly elliptical paths, and as they approach, they heat up, releasing gases and dust to form a glowing head and a tail stretching millions of miles.
    • When Earth traverses through the debris left behind by comets along their orbital plane, we witness meteor showers.

    About Eta Aquariids

    • Known for their rapid speed, Eta Aquariid meteors produce long, glowing tails lasting several minutes.
    • Observers in the Southern Hemisphere can witness approximately 30 to 40 meteors per hour during the peak, while those in the Northern Hemisphere may see around 10 meteors per hour.
    • They seem to originate from the Aquarius constellation, hence the name ‘Eta Aquariid.’

    PYQ:

    [2014] What is a coma, in the content of astronomy?

    (a) Bright half of material on the comet

    (b) Long tail of dust

    (c) Two asteroids orbiting each other

    (d) Two planets orbiting each other

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’: India’s First Newspaper

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: 'Hicky’s Bengal Gazette' and related facts

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, underscores the significance of journalism in society, tracing its roots back to pivotal moments in history.
    • Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, founded by James Augustus Hicky in 1780, marked the inception of Indian journalism, serving as a platform for social discourse and political critique.

    Who was James Augustus Hicky?

    • Born in Ireland in the 1730s, James Augustus Hicky ventured to India, then known as the “Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire“, in search of better opportunities.
    • Faced with initial setbacks, including debts that led to his imprisonment, Hicky demonstrated resilience by setting up a printing press within the jail premises.

    Establishment of ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’:

    • ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’ was the first newspaper ever published in India (indeed in Asia), with its inaugural edition released on January 29, 1780.
    • Hicky served as its founder-editor, aiming to cater primarily to the European community in Calcutta.
    • He initially focusing on local issues such as road repairs and maintenance.
    • The newspaper later delved into broader societal concerns, including government corruption and civic issues.
    • Despite its reputation for gossip and salacious content, the Gazette also published articles critical of the British East India Company and advocated for infrastructure development and sanitation improvements.
    • Hicky’s newspaper was printed once a week on Saturday, and retailed for Rs 1.
    • Its circulation was estimated to be around 400 copies per week, although possibly more.

    Challenges and Legal Battles:

    • The Gazette faced legal challenges, including multiple libel lawsuits filed by prominent figures such as Governor General Warren Hastings in 1780s and missionary Johann Zacharias Kiernander.
    • He described Hastings in an article as being Robert Clive’s “miserable successor”.
    • Hicky’s bold stance against powerful figures, including scathing critiques of Hastings’ expansion policies, led to his imprisonment and financial ruin due to legal fees and penalties.
    • The publication was ceased on 30 March 1782.

    Legacy and Impact:

    • Despite its eventual closure due to legal pressure and financial constraints, ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’ left an indelible mark on Indian journalism.
    • Hicky’s pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for the development of a vibrant media landscape in India, inspiring subsequent generations of journalists and press pioneers.
    • The Gazette’s brief but impactful existence demonstrated the power of the press in advocating for societal change and holding the powerful to account.

    PYQ:

    [2020] The Vital-Vidhwansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by:

    (a) Gopal Baba Walangkar

    (b) Jyotiba Phule

    (c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

    (d) Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

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  • Women Safety Issues – Marital Rape, Domestic Violence, Swadhar, Nirbhaya Fund, etc.

    Financial Relief in Domestic Violence Cases

    Bills/Act/LawsPrelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: DV Act 2005 and its key provisions

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • A recent question before the Supreme Court compelled it to deliberate on whether damages for domestic violence should be determined based on the injuries sustained by the victim or the perpetrator’s ability to pay.
    • The petitioner contested orders from the Bombay High Court and a trial court directing him to pay Rs 3 crore to his wife under Section 22 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

    Domestic Violence Law: An Overview

    • The DV Act, 2005 aims to safeguard women’s rights by addressing violence within the family.
    • Key Features of the DV Act:
    Details
    Background Introduced in 2005 to address limitations in civil and criminal courts regarding domestic violence (under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code).
    Definitions of Violence
    • Includes physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological, and economic abuse (Section 3).
    • Even a single act of harm or injury qualifies as domestic violence.
    Beneficiaries
    • Any woman in a domestic relationship (Section 2).
    • Children can also file complaints, and any person can file on their behalf (Section 2).
    Respondents
    • Adult male members in domestic relationships (Section 2).
    • Relatives of the husband or male partner can also be respondents (Section 2).
    Rights to Residence Women cannot be denied access to resources during legal proceedings (Section 17).
    Other Rights
    • Access to police, shelter, medical aid, and legal assistance.
    • Can obtain various court orders, including protection, residence, and compensation orders (Section 18).
    Remedial Measures
    • Victims entitled to medical facilities, counseling, and shelter (Section 12).
      • Both parties may receive counseling as directed by the court (Section 14).
    • Respondents required to provide compensation for losses incurred by the victim (Section 20).
    • Courts to order respondents to pay damages for injuries, including mental and emotional trauma, resulting from domestic violence (Section 22).
    Protection Officers Appointment of officers in each district, preferably women, with necessary qualifications (Section 8).
    Fixed Timeline All complaints must be heard and disposed of within 60 days (Section 12).

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships.

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Mapping: Garo Hills

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Garo Hills

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • Geological Survey of India (GSI) explorers have made a breakthrough, uncovering ancient fossils in Tolegre, South Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
    • It is speculated that the fossils could be linked to the genera Rhodocetus or Amulocetus (now extinct), considered ancestors of modern whales.

    About Garo Hills

    • The Garo Hills, located in Meghalaya, are part of the Garo-Khasi range, one of the hill ranges in the northeastern region of India.
    • They are situated in the western part of Meghalaya, bordering Bangladesh to the south and west.
    • The terrain of the Garo Hills is rugged and hilly, characterized by dense forests, steep slopes, and deep valleys.
    • The Nokrek is highest Peak, which stands at approximately 1,415 meters (4,642 feet) above sea level.
    • The climate in the Garo Hills is typically humid subtropical, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which usually lasts from June to September.
    • Numerous rivers and streams, including the Brahmaputra, Someshwari, and Jinjiram rivers crisscross this region.
    • The region is also known for its picturesque waterfalls, such as the Pelga Falls, located near Tura, the largest town in the Garo Hills.
    • The Nokrek National Park, located within, is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to various endangered species, including the Asian elephant and the red panda.
    • The Garo Hills are inhabited predominantly by the Garo tribe, one of the major ethnic groups in Meghalaya.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following pairs:

    1. Nokrek Bio-Sphere Reserve : Garo Hills

    2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range

    3. Namdapha National Park: Daphla Hills

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

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

    National Council for Agriculture and Rural Transformation (NCART): A New Vision for Agriculture Sector

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: NCART

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The Centre is contemplating the establishment of the National Council for Agriculture and Rural Transformation (NCART), envisioned as a federal body to formulate policies and programs for the agricultural sector.

    What is NCART?

    • The NCART is a proposed federal body aimed at coordinating and driving actions in the agriculture sector in India.
    • It would have representation of both the Centre and States.
    • The idea for NCART has been proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as part of its 100-day action plan for the new government.
    • It draws inspiration from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council.

    Terms of Reference of NCART:

    • Policy Formulation: NCART is envisioned as an overarching federal body responsible for devising policies and programs to promote agricultural and rural development.
    • Coordination: One of the key objectives of NCART is to ensure coordinated actions across various stakeholders involved in the agriculture sector, including the central government, state governments, and other relevant entities.
    • Consultative Body: NCART is expected to include representation from both the central and state governments, similar to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, to ensure a consultative approach in decision-making.
    • Legal Status: While the GST Council is a constitutional body, the exact status of NCART is yet to be finalized.

    India’s Agriculture Expenses:

    • Despite agriculture being a state subject, the Centre has significantly increased budgetary allocations for the Agriculture Ministry.
    • Budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare surged from Rs. 27,662.67 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,25,035.79 crore in 2023-24 BE.

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Moon occulting the Antares (Jyeshtha)

    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: Antares (Jyeshtha), Occultation

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) captured the moon passing in front of Antares, a bright red star.
    • Moon occasionally occults bright stars such as Antares and planets as it orbits the Earth once a month.

    About Antares (Jyeshtha)

    • Antares is a red supergiant star also called ‘Alpha Scorpii,’ located in the constellation of Scorpius.
    • It is visible in the southern sky during the summer months in the northern hemisphere.
    • It is often referred to as the “heart of the scorpion” due to its location within the Scorpius constellation and its striking red color.
    • It is a massive star, with a diameter estimated to be around 700 times that of the Sun.
    • It has a relatively low surface temperature compared to other stars, which gives it its distinctive red color.
    • The distance to Antares from Earth is approximately 550 light-years, making it one of the closest red supergiant stars to our solar system.

    What is Occultation?

    • An occultation is a total or a partial cut-off of the light of a celestial body due to its passage behind another body.
    • The finest example of an occultation is the solar eclipse.
    • Strictly speaking, it is not an eclipse, but a lunar occultation of the sun.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] A person stood alone in a desert on a dark night and wanted to reach his village, which was situated 5 km East of the point where he was standing. He had no instruments to find the direction, but he located the pole-star. The most convenient way now to reach his village is to walk in the _______.

    (a) Direction facing the pole-star

    (b) Direction opposite to the pole-star

    (c) Direction keeping the pole-star to his left

    (d) Direction keeping the pole-star to his right

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    [pib] 57th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57)

    IOCRPrelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Commission on Population and Development (CPD)

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    India’s Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) are participating in the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57) 57th session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

    About Commission on Population and Development (CPD)

    Details
    Establishment Established by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution 18(IV) in 1946 to advise on population and development issues.
    Mandate Provides guidance and recommendations on population and development policies to ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
    Membership Comprises 47 member states elected by ECOSOC for 4-year terms, based on geographic representation and expertise.
    Meetings Holds annual sessions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, typically in April.
    Themes Focuses each session on specific population and development themes, such as youth empowerment and gender equality.
    Reports and Resolutions Prepares reports and adopts resolutions containing recommendations for action by ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
    Linkage to SDGs Closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, 5, 10, and 17.
    Regional Collaboration Collaborates with regional commissions and expert groups to analyze population trends and develop strategies at regional and national levels.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.

    [2017] With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct?

    1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.

    2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.

    3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1 only

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    [pib] 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Antarctic Treaty

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) in Kochi, Kerala.

    About Antarctic Treaty

    Details
    Signing and Entry into Force
    • Signed on December 1, 1959 at Washington DC.
    • Entered into force on June 23, 1961.
    • 12 Initial Countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the USSR, the UK, and the US.
    Objective Ensure Antarctica remains exclusively for peaceful purposes, free from international discord.
    Key Provisions
    • Art. I: Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only
    • Art. II: Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation
    • Art. III:  Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available

     
    Territorial Claims
    • Prohibits new territorial claims.
    • Preserves existing territorial sovereignty claims.
    Disarmament
    • Prohibits testing of nuclear weapons.
    • Prohibits disposal of radioactive waste
    Consultative Meetings Annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM) where member states discuss treaty implementation and cooperation
    Environmental Protection
    • Promotes protection of Antarctic environment.
    • Prohibits activities causing pollution or environmental damage
    Mineral Resource Exploitation
    • Bans mining activities until at least 2048.
    • Requires consensus for any review or modification
    Membership
      • 54 parties as of 2024.
      • 29 Consultative Parties actively participate in decision-making.
      • 25 Non-Consultative Parties.
    • India ratified the treaty in 1983.
    Madrid Protocol
    • Adopted in 1991.
    • Entered into force in 1998.
    • Strengthens environmental protection measures in Antarctic.

     

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Studies Suggest More Water Ice on Moon: ISRO 

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Water Ice on Moon

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    A study has revealed evidence for enhanced possibility of sub-surface water ice occurrence in the polar craters of the Moon, according to ISRO.

    Water Ice on Moon: ISRO’s Findings 

    • The research indicates that the amount of sub-surface ice within the first few meters is significantly greater, about 5-8x more, than that found on the lunar surface.
    • Moreover, the study reveals that the Northern Polar region harbors twice as much water ice as the southern polar region.
    • It highlights the necessity of drilling to access this ice for future missions and sustained human presence on the Moon.

    Origin of Water Ice:

    • The study validates the hypothesis that sub-surface water ice in lunar poles originated from out-gassing during volcanic activity in the Imbrian period.
    • It suggests that Lunar Mare Volcanism and preferential impact cratering govern the distribution of water ice on the Moon.

    Methodology:

    • The research team utilized seven instruments aboard the NASA robotic spacecraft Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), including radar, laser, optical, neutron spectrometer, ultra-violet spectrometer, and thermal radiometer. LRO hovers over Lunar South Pole.
    • These instruments provided crucial data to understand the origin and distribution of water ice on the lunar surface.

    Significance of the findings

    • Accurate knowledge of water ice distribution and depth is vital for identifying suitable landing and sampling sites for future lunar missions.
    • The study supports ISRO’s future plans for in-situ volatile exploration on the Moon, aligning with its broader lunar exploration objectives.

    PYQ:

    Q. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development? (2016)

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  • Start-up Ecosystem In India

    10 Years of Street Vendors Act, 2014

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Notable features of the Street Vendors Act, 2014

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • It has been a decade since the enactment of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act on May 1, 2014.
    • It marks a significant milestone in the recognition of the rights and contributions of street vendors across India.

    About Street Vendors Act, 2014

      • The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, was enacted
        • Objective: To regulate street vendors in public areas and protect their rights.
      • It was introduced in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Parliament of India) on 6 September 2012 by then Union Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Selja.
      • The Act came into force from 1 May 2014.
    • History:
      • 2004: The bill aimed at providing social security and livelihood rights to street vendors, has its origins in the ‘National Policy for Urban Street Vendors’ introduced in 2004.
      • 2009: It was later revised as ‘National Policy on Urban Street Vendors’ in 2009.
    • 3 Recognized categories of street vending:

    Key Provisions of the Bill:

    Details
    Town Vending Committee
    • Responsible for conducting surveys of all vendors, issuance of certificates of vending, and designation of vending zones.
    • Surveys to be conducted every 5 years.
    • No eviction until certificates are issued.
    • TVCs to have 40% representation of street vendor representatives and 33% of women street vendors.
    Designated Vending Zones
    • All street vendors to be accommodated in designated vending zones.
    • Allocation of space by drawing lots if necessary.
    • Those unable to secure space in the same zone to be accommodated in adjoining zones.
    Certificate of Vending
    • Granted to street vendors above 14 years of age.
    • Can be transferred to family members in certain circumstances.
    • Can be cancelled if conditions are breached.
    No-Vending Zones
    • Prohibits vending activities in designated no-vending zones.
    • Relocation provisions for affected vendors.
    • Notice period of at least 30 days for relocation.
    • Failure to vacate may result in penalties.
    Dispute Resolution Body Consists of a Chairperson (civil judge or judicial magistrate) and two other professionals.
    Responsibility of Local Authorities for Implementation Responsibility for creating schemes and implementation delegated to local municipalities.
    Role of Town Vending Committee Each zone or ward of the local authority to have a Town Vending Committee.
    Relocation and Penalties Vendors failing to relocate from no-vending zones after notice may face penalties, including fines.
    Representation and Legal Ambiguities Criticisms include lack of adequate representation of street vendors in decision-making bodies and legal ambiguities.

     

    Also read about: PM SVANidhi Scheme

    PYQ:

    [2016] How has globalization led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?

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