Why in the News?
The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has reported major structural and operational defects in Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), citing “irreparable damage” to three key barrages, including Medigadda.
About Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP)
- KLIP, located on the Godavari River in Telangana, is the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project, inaugurated on June 21, 2019.
- The project aims to irrigate 45 lakh acres, supply drinking water to Hyderabad, and support industrial use.
- It plans to lift 240 TMC of water, with 195 TMC from Medigadda, 20 TMC from Sripada Yellampalli, and 25 TMC from groundwater.
- The infrastructure includes 7 links, 28 packages, a 500 km span, 1,800+ km canal network, 20 reservoirs, and Asia’s largest pump house at Ramadugu.
- Estimated cost: ₹80,000 crore to ₹1.2 lakh crore.
Issues with the Project
- In October 2023, Pillar No. 20 of the Medigadda barrage sank, causing flood-related damages.
- NDSA’s April 2024 report identified structural distress in all 3 barrages (Medigadda, Annaram, Sundilla) due to poor design, lack of geotechnical studies, and inadequate safety protocols.
- Overloading of barrages (10 TMC water stored instead of 2 TMC) caused foundation damage.
- The state incurs ₹16,000 crore annually in loan and interest repayments, despite the project being criticized as a “man-made disaster.”
Back2Basics: Godavari River
- The Godavari, also known as Dakshin Ganga, is the largest peninsular river in India.
- Originates from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, flowing 1465 km to the Bay of Bengal.
- Its basin spans: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Puducherry.
- Right bank tributaries include Pravara, Manjira, and Maner; Left bank tributaries include Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, and Sabari.
|
| [UPSC 2024] Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?
Options: (a) Irrigation of terraced crop fields (b) Lift irrigation of cereal crops (c) Long duration energy storage* (d) Rainwater harvesting system |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
NASA has released an image of a fractured structure in the Milky Way’s galactic centre. The feature, named G359.13, was captured using X-ray data from Chandra and radio data from South Africa’s MeerKAT array.
What is G359.13?
- G359.13 is a long, linear structure near the centre of the Milky Way.
- It is often referred to as a cosmic bone due to its shape and density.
- It stretches about 230 light-years in length, making it one of the longest and brightest features of its kind in the galaxy.
- It lies about 26,000 light-years from Earth, close to the Milky Way’s centre.
- For context, over 800 stars exist within a radius of 230 light-years from Earth—the same length as this cosmic bone.
New Discovery: A Fracture in G359.13
- Astronomers identified a distinct break or fracture in the structure’s continuous body.
- An X-ray and radio source was also detected precisely at the location of the fracture.
- Scientists believe a pulsar—a magnetised, rotating neutron star—collided with G359.13.
- The pulsar was likely moving at a speed of 1–2 million miles per hour at the time of impact.
- The collision disrupted the structure, creating a visible fracture.
Back2Basics: What is a Pulsar?
- A pulsar is a neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation from its magnetic poles.
- Though only about 20 km in diameter, it is more massive than the Sun.
- Pulsars rotate extremely rapidly, some spinning hundreds of times per second.
- When their radiation beam crosses Earth’s line of sight, we observe pulses of radiation, hence the name.
|
| [UPSC 2003] The time taken by the sun to revolve around the centre of our galaxy is
Options: (a) 25 million years (b) 100 million years (c) 250 million years* (d) 500 million years |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
A study published in Nature reveals that microplastics have deeply infiltrated the ocean, affecting the planet’s biogeochemical and carbon cycles.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Microplastics (1–100 micrometres) dominate the ocean’s water column, especially below surface layers, unlike larger plastic fragments (100–5,000 micrometres) which remain near the surface.
- Subsurface microplastics were found as deep as 100 metres within ocean gyres—rotating currents that trap and accumulate debris.
- Data was compiled from 1,885 ocean stations (2014–2024), focusing on 50 cm below surface (subsurface layer).
- Over 56 polymer types were detected; buoyant polymers, common in global plastic production, were most prevalent.
- Sources identified:
- Fishing gear, including nylon and polyester nets, was a significant contributor to deep-sea microplastics.
- Plastics sampled often had production dates from the 20th century, highlighting their long degradation timelines.
- Atmospheric deposition contributes 0.013–25 million tonnes annually, with polyester dominant in airborne microplastics.
About Allochthonous Carbon:
- Allochthonous carbon is carbon from external sources introduced into an ecosystem, not produced within it.
- In oceans, plastics are a major source of allochthonous carbon, as they come from land-based human activities.
- Microplastics contribute measurable carbon mass to marine systems, altering natural carbon ratios in ocean layers.
- This distorts the marine carbon pump by affecting the flow and composition of particulate organic carbon (POC).
- Impacts:
- Plastic-derived carbon lacks radiocarbon, which may cause marine POC samples to appear around 420 years older.
- It disrupts microbial activity, nutrient cycling like nitrification and denitrification, and organic matter decomposition.
- Marine microbes ingest plastic-C, affecting food chains and altering biological processes at the base of ecosystems.
| [UPSC 2012] What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?
Statements:
1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only* (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released new rules to regulate access to biological resources and ensure fair and equitable benefit sharing, as approved by the Central Government.
About New Biodiversity Regulation, 2025:
- It governs how benefits from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge or digital sequence information (DSI) are to be shared.
- It introduces a tiered benefit-sharing structure based on annual turnover of the user:
- No sharing for turnover up to ₹5 crore.
- 0.2% for turnover between ₹5–50 crore.
- 0.4% for ₹50–250 crore, and 0.6% above ₹250 crore.
- Users must submit resource usage statements annually if turnover exceeds ₹1 crore.
- Cultivated medicinal plants are exempt, aligning with the Biodiversity (Amendment) Act, 2023.
- For high-value or threatened species like red sanders, agarwood, and sandalwood, sharing must be at least 5%, rising to 20% or more for commercial use.
- The Regulation covers researchers, IP right seekers, and includes digital data as part of benefit sharing for the first time.
Back2Basics: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
- CBD was adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit; it came into force since 29 December 1993 with secretariat in Montreal, Canada.
- It is ratified by 196 countries, excluding the US.
- Key objectives:
-
- Conservation of biological diversity.
- Sustainable use of biodiversity components.
- Fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
- It is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP), meeting biennially.
- COP16 (2024) in Colombia established a multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism for Digital Sequence Information (DSI).
- It ensures fair reward for communities protecting biodiversity when their knowledge or genetic data is used commercially.
Nagoya Protocol on ABS:
- It was adopted in 2010, enforced in 2014, it supplements the CBD.
- It provides a legal framework for fair benefit-sharing from the use of genetic resources with the country of origin or local communities.
- It strengthens the global framework for responsible biodiversity use.
|
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining acces and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Tensions escalated between Punjab and Haryana after the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) decided to release an extra 4,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra dam to Haryana, sparking political and legal opposition from Punjab.
About the Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute:
- The dispute dates back to 1966 when Haryana was created from Punjab and was promised a share of river waters from the Ravi and Beas rivers.
- The Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal was proposed to deliver Haryana’s share but remains incomplete due to Punjab’s resistance.
- The current issue involves Punjab and Haryana over the release of additional water from the Bhakra dam, managed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
- On April 30, 2025, BBMB ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana for drinking needs, which Punjab opposed, claiming Haryana had already withdrawn 104% of its annual share.
- Water levels in the Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams are low due to poor snowfall in the Himalayas.
- Punjab argues that BBMB’s decision is unilateral and has refused to open the Nangal dam sluice gates.
Inter-State Water Dispute Resolution in India:
- Article 262 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to legislate on inter-state river water disputes and bar courts from intervening in such matters.
- River Boards Act, 1956 allows creation of boards for inter-state river management, but no such board has ever been constituted.
- Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 provides for:
- Conciliation by the Centre among aggrieved states.
- Tribunal formation if conciliation fails.
- The 2002 amendment mandates:
- Formation of a tribunal within 1 year.
- Tribunal decision within 3 years.
- Supreme Court cannot question the award of a tribunal but can examine procedural issues.
- Other prominent disputes include Krishna, Cauvery, and the Satluj Yamuna Link canal disputes.
| [UPSC 2006] Recently Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the linking of two rivers as a link project. Which are these two rivers?
Options: (a) Betwa and Chambal (b) Betwa and Ken* (c) Chambal and Son (d) Ken and Narmada |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
India’s Agriculture Minister has introduced ‘Kamala’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’, the country’s first genome-edited rice varieties, developed by ICAR. These are also the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties.
About ‘Kamala’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’:
- Kamala (DRR Dhan 100): Developed by ICAR-IIRR Hyderabad, derived from Samba Mahsuri; shows higher yield, early maturity, drought tolerance.
- Pusa DST Rice 1: Developed by ICAR-IARI Delhi, based on MTU1010; improves drought and salinity tolerance.
- Agencies involved: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ICAR-IIRR, ICAR-IARI.
- They were created using CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing, specifically Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1). It has NO foreign DNA inserted.
- It has been approved by Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC) and Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) under relaxed genome-edit rules.
Specific Benefits Offered:
- Yield boost:
- Kamala: +19% over Samba Mahsuri (avg. 5.37 t/ha, max. up to 9 t/ha).
- Pusa DST Rice 1: +9.6% to +30.4% over MTU1010 under stress conditions.
- Climate resilience:
- Kamala: Drought tolerance, early maturity.
- Pusa DST: Salt and drought tolerance for saline/alkaline/coastal soils.
- Water saving: Kamala matures 20 days early → saves 3 irrigations, i.e., 7,500 million m³ water.
- Emission reduction: Cultivation over 5 million ha may reduce 32,000 tonnes GHG emissions (20% drop).
- Food security support: Improved paddy output enhances India’s average yield, critical for 40% of total foodgrain basket.
| [UPSC 2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:
1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
2.GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
3.GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The Committee formed to design India’s Repairability Index (RI) framework has submitted its report to Department of Consumer Affairs.
About Repairability Index (RI):
- The RI is a standardized label that indicates how easily a product can be repaired by assessing multiple parameters.
- It is designed to empower consumers to make informed decisions and promote sustainable consumption.
- The RI is applicable initially to smartphones and tablets and uses a 5-point numeric scale for scoring.
- The six key parameters used to calculate RI are:
-
- Disassembly Depth
- Repair Information
- Spare Parts Availability
- Software Updates
- Tools Required
- Fasteners Used
- The scoring covers priority components such as battery, display, cameras, charging port, microphone, speaker, and hinge mechanism.
- RI labels must be displayed at the point of sale, on e-commerce platforms, and via QR code on packaging.
Recommendations of the RI Framework:
- The RI framework must align with global best practices while maintaining ease of doing business for manufacturers.
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will self-declare RI scores based on standard criteria, with no extra compliance burden.
- A clear scoring methodology has been developed, with weightages assigned to each parameter for key parts.
- The committee identified smartphones and tablets as the initial focus under the RI framework.
- Stakeholder consultations included manufacturers, consumer groups, academic bodies, and government departments.
- The framework complements the existing Right to Repair Portal (launched in 2022), which provides repair-related information across four sectors.
- The committee emphasized the need for a robust post-sale ecosystem for both urban and rural consumers.
| [UPSC 2021] R2 Code of Practices’ constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of:
Options: (a) environmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry*
(b) ecological management of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention
(c) sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded land
(d) ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ in the exploitation of natural resources |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Japanese companies, along with other global players, are increasingly turning to India under the China Plus One strategy, aiming to diversify supply chains and reduce overdependence on China.
About China Plus One Strategy:
- It is a global business model introduced in 2013 to reduce dependence on China by adding another country to the manufacturing or sourcing base.
- It emerged due to concerns about geopolitical risks, trade tensions, and regulatory unpredictability in China.
- The strategy gained momentum after the US–China trade war, China’s Zero-Covid policy, and increasing labour and compliance costs.
- Its goal is to create resilient and diversified supply chains by operating in China and one or more alternative countries.
- Vietnam, Mexico, and Taiwan have become early beneficiaries in sectors like machinery, electronics, and transport.
Benefits for India:
- India offers a large market, skilled labor, and cost advantages, making it an attractive destination for diversification.
- The growing digital infrastructure and industrial corridors support the relocation of manufacturing, with government schemes like PLI and Make in India aligning with the China Plus One goals.
- Challenges:
- India faces limited integration into global value chains, logistics inefficiencies, and regulatory bottlenecks.
- Historical protectionist trade policies and lack of participation in trade agreements like RCEP hinder its full potential.
- To compete with nations like Vietnam or Mexico, India needs labour reforms, improved ease of doing business, and better trade facilitation.
| [UPSC 2021] Consider the following:
1.Foreign currency convertible bonds 2.Foreign institutional investment with certain conditions 3.Global depository receipts 4.Non-resident external deposits Which of the above can be included in Foreign Direct Investments?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3* (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 4 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Prime Minister has formally commissioned India’s first deep-sea transshipment port at Vizhinjam in Kerala.
About Vizhinjam Port
- Vizhinjam Port is India’s first deep-sea transshipment port located near Thiruvananthapuram.
- Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the port cost ₹8,900 crore to build.
- It is operated by Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt. Ltd., with a 61.5% stake held by Kerala’s government and 9.6% by the Central government.
- Commercial operations began in December 2024, following a trial run in July 2024.
- The port has handled 285 ships and processed 5.48 lakh TEUs since its operational launch.
- Positioned just 10 nautical miles from a major international shipping route, it provides quick access to global trade lanes.
Notable Features of the Port:
- It is India’s first semi-automated port, utilizing AI-powered control rooms and the Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS).
- Its deep natural draft (up to 24 meters) allows it to accommodate Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
- The current infrastructure includes a 3,000-meter breakwater and an 800-meter container berth, with full capacity expected by 2028–29 at 6.2 million TEUs annually.
- The port is designed as a multi-purpose, green port, ensuring year-round operations.
- Positioned 20 kilometers from Trivandrum International Airport, it offers seamless air-sea connectivity.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:
Port—–Well known as
1. Kamarajar Port—-First major port in India registered as a company
2. Mundra Port—–Largest privately owned port in India
3. Visakhapatnam—-Largest container port in India
Options: (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs* (c) All three pairs (d) None of the pairs |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
About Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS):
- GHCS aims to certify that hydrogen produced in India meets the criteria to be labelled as “green hydrogen”, based on verified emissions data.
- The scheme enhances transparency, credibility, and traceability in hydrogen production and supports India’s goal of becoming a global hub for green hydrogen exports.
- The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the nodal agency responsible for the implementation of this scheme.
- Certification under GHCS also helps producers access carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), subject to additional requirements.
- The scheme covers hydrogen produced using electrolysis with renewable energy or biomass conversion.
Key Features of GHCS:
- Hydrogen will be certified as “green” if its non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions are ≤ 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen, averaged over 12 months.
- The certification process includes four stages:
- Concept Certificate (project design stage)
- Facility-Level Certificate (infrastructure readiness)
- Provisional Certificate (early production data)
- Final Certificate (verified emissions based on actual production)
- Only the Final Certificate is mandatory for producers seeking government incentives or selling hydrogen in the domestic market.
- Producers must appoint Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agencies for independent verification, recognized by the BEE.
- The scheme is aligned with international standards like ISO 19870:2023, ensuring global credibility.
- Certificates are issued in multiples of 100 kg of hydrogen, containing details on emission intensity and production sources.
| [UPSC 2023] With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:
1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation . 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How may of the above statements are correct?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three * (d) None |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Heavy rainfall and strong winds disrupted life in Delhi due to a fresh splash of Western Disturbances over North India.
What are Western Disturbances?
- Western Disturbances are extra-tropical weather systems that originate near the Mediterranean region.
- They carry moisture from the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and Arabian Sea.
- These disturbances are embedded within the subtropical westerly jet stream, a fast-moving air current in the upper atmosphere.
- They bring rain, snow, and fog, especially from December to March, as they encounter the Himalayas, causing rainfall in the plains and snowfall at higher altitudes.
- They are responsible for most of the winter and pre-monsoon rainfall in Northwest India and are critical for rabi crops like wheat.
Recent Changes in its Pattern:
- Recent observations show an increase in frequency, particularly from late January onwards, with disturbances now occurring outside the winter season.
- These disturbances have been observed even in May, June, and July, where they were once rare.
- The geographic spread of these disturbances is widening, affecting larger parts of North and Northwest India.
- Reasons behind:
- The strengthening of the subtropical westerly jet stream, likely influenced by rising global temperatures, is a key factor.
- The delayed retreat of the jet stream is affecting the timing of the summer monsoon, leading to overlapping weather patterns.
- The warming of the Arabian Sea (by 1.2°C to 1.4°C over recent decades) is increasing moisture, intensifying rainfall.
| [UPSC 2015] Consider the following statements:
1. The winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies. 2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of westerlies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only * (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for the 2025-26 sugar season, raising it from ₹340 per quintal to ₹355 per quintal.
About Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP):
- The FRP for sugarcane is set under the Sugarcane Control Order, 1966.
- It replaced the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) in 2009-10 to better align with economic conditions and improve farmers’ welfare.
- It represents the minimum price sugar mills must pay to farmers for sugarcane.
- It is determined by the central government based on Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommendations, with discussions involving state authorities and sugar industry associations.
- Factors Influencing FRP:
-
- Cost of production: ₹173 per quintal for 2025-26.
- Return from alternative crops: Comparison of potential earnings from other crops.
- Consumer sugar prices: Affects sugar production costs.
- Sale price of sugar: Influences the FRP.
- Sugarcane-to-sugar recovery rate: Efficiency of conversion.
- Income from by-products: Including molasses and bagasse.
- Profit margins for farmers: Ensures financial viability.
- State Agreed Price (SAP): States can set SAP, often higher than the FRP, based on local conditions.
- Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for sugar was introduced in 2018 to protect farmers, including FRP and conversion costs.
Sugarcane Cultivation in India:
- Sugarcane is India’s highest production-value crop, key for producing sugar, jaggery, and khan sari.
- Major states: Uttar Pradesh (contributes 50% of total production), Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Sugarcane thrives in a tropical climate (21°C – 27°C), with 75cm-150cm rainfall. It needs well-drained soil and a cool, dry winter for ripening.
- India has the largest global sugarcane cultivation area after Brazil.
- The ratooning method reduces costs by allowing a second crop from the same roots.
| [UPSC 2015] The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the:
Options: (a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs* (b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture (d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has ruled that inclusive and meaningful Digital Access to e-governance and welfare systems is a part of the Fundamental Right to Life and Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Key Highlights of the Judgment:
- Inclusive Digital Access: The Court ruled on April 30, 2025, that access to e-governance and welfare systems is a fundamental right under Article 21, requiring inclusive digital ecosystems, especially for marginalised groups.
- Focus on KYC Processes: It issued 20 directions to make digital KYC processes more accessible for acid attack survivors and the visually impaired.
- Digital Divide: It recognised the digital divide as a constitutional issue, emphasising the need for equal access to digital platforms for essential services and opportunities.
About Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and its Scope:
- Article 21 reads: “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”
- Initially focused on protecting life from arbitrary state action, it has been expanded to include living with dignity.
- Key Judicial Expansions:
- Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India (1978): Right to live with dignity, requiring a fair, just, and reasonable procedure.
- Sunil Batra vs. Delhi Administration (1978): Right to live a healthy life and preserve cultural heritage.
- Bandhua Mukti Morcha vs. Union of India (1984): Linking Article 21 with the Directive Principles of State Policy, ensuring abolition of forced labour.
- Subramaniam Swamy vs. Union of India (2016): Recognized right to reputation as part of Article 21.
- Olga Tellis vs. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985): Recognized right to livelihood as part of Article 21.
- Aruna Shanbaug case (2011): Recognized the right to die with dignity as part of Article 21.
- K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017): Right to privacy recognized as an essential part of Article 21.
Other Judgments Related to Digital Empowerment
- Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): Laid the foundation for inclusive digital rights, stating that procedures restricting fundamental rights must be fair, just, and reasonable.
- Faheema Shirin RK v. State of Kerala (2019): Recognized right to access the internet as part of Article 21 and Article 21A (Right to Education). Denying students internet access in hostels was held unconstitutional.
- Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020): SC held that Article 19(1)(a) protects the freedom of speech and expression via the internet, and Article 19(1)(g) safeguards the right to trade online. Restrictions on these rights must meet the tests of reasonableness and proportionality.
|
| [UPSC 2024] Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy?
Options: (a) Article 15 (b) Article 16 (c) Article 19 (d) Article 21* |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
Scientists working on the world’s largest nuclear fusion project ITER has completed its main magnet system with India playing a key role in building critical infrastructure.
About ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor):
- ITER is the world’s largest nuclear fusion research project, aimed at demonstrating that nuclear fusion can be a safe, carbon-free, and sustainable energy source.
- It involves 35 nations, including the EU, US, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Russia.
- It uses deuterium and tritium (hydrogen isotopes) to undergo fusion at temperatures over 150 million °C, 10 times hotter than the sun’s core, producing large amounts of energy.
- Its goal is to achieve a fusion gain (Q) of 10, producing 500 megawatts of fusion power from just 50 megawatts of input heating power, a 10x gain.
- Launched in 1985 and officially founded in 2006, the project began construction in 2007 and is expected to start its operations in 2033.
- The tokamak is a doughnut-shaped magnetic fusion device used to contain the hot plasma required for nuclear fusion.
- It uses powerful superconducting magnets to confine plasma and prevent it from touching the reactor walls.
India’s Role in ITER/Tokamak:
- India has been a full partner in ITER since 2005, contributing expertise and technology to key aspects of the project.
- It has designed and manufactured the cryostat, a 30-meter-high, 30-meter-diameter vacuum shell made of stainless steel that houses the ITER tokamak and maintains the ultra-cold environment needed for superconducting magnets.
- It has developed in-wall shielding to protect ITER’s components from heat generated during fusion reactions.
- It provides cryogenic systems to cool the superconducting magnets and RF heating systems to heat the plasma to fusion temperatures.
- It has contributed to developing the superconducting magnets, which are essential for plasma confinement inside the tokamak.
Note:
- India manages ITER-India, a project under the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), overseeing key contributions, including diagnostics, power supplies, and other infrastructure.
- It is also working on the development of a tritium breeding module for future fusion reactors, ensuring self-sufficiency in this critical fuel.
|
| [UPSC 2016] India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
Options: (a) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation (b) It attain a global role in satellite-navigation (c) It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation (d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation* |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
A recent survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered eleven inscriptions in Telangana’s Gundaram Reserve Forest, offering key insights into the region’s ancient history, particularly during the Satavahana period.
Key Findings about the Inscriptions:
- One inscription mentions a person from the Haritiputra lineage, indicating a connection between the Satavahanas and Chutu dynasty.
- The site includes religious symbols such as a trident and damaru, marking the first known religious iconography in early inscriptions of South India.
- The inscriptions reinforce findings from Mukkutraopet and Kotilingala, identifying Telangana as part of the Asmaka Mahajanapada.
About the Satavahana Dynasty:
- The Satavahana dynasty emerged after the fall of the Mauryan Empire around 60 BCE, ruling over Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Simuka, the founding king, reigned from 60 BC to 37 BC and was succeeded by his brother Kanha.
- Notable Rulers:
- Satakarni I (70–60 BC) conquered western Malwa from the Shungas.
- Gautamiputra Satakarni (106–130 AD) expanded the empire and patronized Brahmanism and Buddhism.
- Vashishtaputra Pulamayi (130–154 AD) extended his reign to the mouth of the Krishna River.
- Yajna Sri Satakarni (165–194 AD) was the last great ruler, expanding the empire to Kokan and Malwa.
- Art and Architecture: The Amaravati School of Art flourished during this period, with marble sculptures depicting Buddhist narratives. The Satavahanas promoted rock-cut architecture, including Chaityas and Viharas (e.g., Karle Caves, Ajanta Caves).
- Economic and Administrative Contributions: The Satavahanas fostered trade with the Romans, promoted agriculture, and implemented a mixed revenue system. They also introduced tax-free villages for Brahmins and Buddhist monks.
- Religious and Social Structure: The Satavahanas promoted Brahmanism and Vedic sacrifices and supported Buddhism. The Varna system governed social structure.
- Decline of the Satavahana Dynasty: The empire weakened due to weak rulers after Yajna Sri Satakarni and was eventually fragmented by feudatories and invasions from the Shakas.
- Military Organization: The Satavahanas maintained a large military with 100,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry, and 1,000 elephants.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga. 2. The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne. 3. The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhras.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 2 (c) Only 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
In a landmark move, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the 2025 population census for the first time since India’s independence.
What is Caste Census?
- A caste census is the process of recording individuals’ caste identities during a national census.
- It aims to gather data on the distribution and socio-economic status of different caste groups, helping inform policies related to affirmative action, social justice, and welfare programs in India.
- Caste plays a significant role in the country’s social, economic, and political life.
- History of Caste Census:
- British India (1881–1931): Caste enumeration was part of the decennial census under British rule, used for administrative purposes.
- Post-Independence (1951): After independence, the Indian government, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, discontinued caste enumeration to promote national unity and avoid social divisions.
- 1961 Directive: States were allowed to collect their own data on Other Backward Classes (OBCs), leading to fragmented caste data collection at the state level.
- 1980 Mandal Commission: The commission recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs, fuelling the demand for caste-based data. The lack of national caste data made the implementation of such policies contentious.
- 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC): The SECC collected caste data, but it was not officially integrated into the census, and its findings were not fully released, drawing criticism for lack of transparency and application.
Implications of Caste Census:
- Political: It can help improve representation for marginalized groups and ensure better-targeted welfare programs.
- Social: Unveils intersectional disparities, helping identify gaps in services like education, healthcare, and social protection.
- Policy: Aids in shaping reservation policies and resource allocation for poverty alleviation.
- Opposition and Concerns: Some worry it may reinforce caste-based divisions, particularly among upper-caste groups and certain political factions.
- Electoral and Governance: Accurate data influences electoral strategies, helping parties address community-specific needs.
- Legal and Administrative Impact: The 2025 caste enumeration raises issues regarding data collection, classification, and use, ensuring it is applied effectively without reinforcing caste-based disparities.
| [UPSC 2008] Amongst the following States, which one has the highest percentage of rural population (on the basis of the Census, 2001)?
Options: (a) Himachal Pradesh* (b) Bihar (c) Odisha (d) Uttar Pradesh |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
The Union Government has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing Alok Joshi, former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), as its new chairman.
About National Security Advisory Board (NSAB):
- The NSAB is a high-level advisory body to the National Security Council (NSC).
- It plays a crucial role in shaping national security policies and responses to both internal and external threats.
- Composition: The NSAB includes eminent individuals from sectors like the armed forces, IPS, IFS, academia, and civil society, selected for expertise in areas such as defense, foreign affairs, internal security, economic affairs, and science & technology.
- Key Functions:
- Provide expert analysis on long-term security issues to the NSC.
- Recommend solutions and policies on matters referred by the NSC.
- Contribute significantly to India’s Nuclear Doctrine, Strategic Defence Reviews, and other critical policy frameworks.
Back2Basics: National Security Council (NSC)
- The NSC is the apex body advising the Prime Minister on national security and foreign policy matters, coordinating the government’s efforts to ensure the nation’s security.
- It was established on 19 November 1998 by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Members: National Security Advisor (NSA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Home, and Finance, Deputy NSA, Additional NSAs, and the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog.
- Three-Tier Structure:
- Strategic Policy Group (SPG): Highest decision-making body.
- NSAB: Provides advisory support.
- NSCS: Implements NSC decisions.
- In July 2024, the NSCS was revamped to fill the Additional NSA post, delegating internal security management and threat analysis to enhance the NSA’s focus on broader challenges.
|
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances. 2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to person being held for preventive detention 3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
New research suggests that understanding the “clumpiness” of matter, measured by Sigma-8 (S8) Tension, could unlock key insights into the universe’s structure and complexity.
What is S8?
- S8 is a measure used by scientists to understand the distribution of matter across the universe, indicating how “clumpy” or evenly spread out the matter (like galaxies, stars, and dark matter) is.
- High S8 tension means matter is clumped together in certain regions, while low S8 means it’s evenly distributed.
- Scientists use S8 to study matter, including dark matter, which is invisible but makes up most of the universe.
- The measurement of S8 helps explain how the universe fits together and has evolved since the Big Bang.
- Recently, conflicting measurements of S8 have caused confusion, raising questions about our understanding of the universe.
Implications for the ΛCDM Model:
- The ΛCDM model (Lambda Cold Dark Matter) is the standard model explaining the universe’s structure, suggesting it’s mainly composed of dark matter and dark energy.
- This model assumes that dark energy is causing the universe’s accelerating expansion.
- S8 discrepancies may challenge the ΛCDM model, indicating a potential gap in our understanding of dark energy or dark matter.
- Possible Implications:
- Revised Theories: Scientists may need to adjust their model of the universe due to conflicting S8 values.
- Re-thinking Dark Energy: If S8 measurements don’t align with predictions, dark energy might not behave as expected.
- New Discoveries: The S8 tension could suggest undiscovered forces or particles influencing matter behavior.
- Better Observations: Improved telescopes and surveys, like the Rubin Legacy Survey, may help clarify why S8 measurements conflict with predictions.
| [UPSC 2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:
(1) It is he world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic km of ice. (2) It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter. (3) It is buried deep in the ice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
On Earth Day, April 22, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration (AIM4NatuRe) Initiative aimed at accelerating nature restoration.
About the AIM4NatuRe Initiative:
- AIM4NatuRe is a global initiative launched by the FAO aimed at enhancing countries’ ability to monitor and report ecosystem restoration efforts.
- With £7 million (approximately USD 9.38 million) from the United Kingdom, the initiative will run from 2025 to 2028, focusing on restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems globally by 2030, in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
- Key aspects:
- Utilizes advanced technology and data frameworks for ecosystem restoration monitoring.
- Targets restoration across forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and agricultural landscapes.
- Integrates Indigenous knowledge in restoration efforts.
- Develops tools like the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM) and builds a unified global dataset for transparency.
Key Stakeholders:
- FAO: Leads the initiative, providing tools, data, and frameworks to support restoration.
- UK: Provides financial backing and focuses on helping countries achieve the 30×30 target.
- Indigenous Communities: Contribute traditional knowledge and participate in restoration efforts.
- World Resources Institute (WRI): Supports global restoration initiatives, including the Kham River Restoration Mission in India.
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Shapes the biodiversity framework for monitoring progress on 30% ecosystem restoration by 2030.
- World Bank: Provides funding and technical expertise for financing and implementing ecosystem restoration.
| [UPSC 2014] Consider the following international agreements:
1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. 2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. 3. The World Heritage Convention.
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 * |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Why in the News?
A recent study by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior suggests that locusts do not behave like gas particles but instead make cognitive decisions based on their perception of nearby motion.
About Locust Swarms
- Locusts are large grasshoppers capable of forming massive swarms, consuming up to their body weight in food daily, and traveling 150 km/day with favourable winds.
- They are highly destructive, stripping crops and threatening food security. A single swarm can consume food equivalent to the daily needs of 35,000 people.
- In India, Locust Control and Research (LC&R) oversees locust management.
- The Locust Warning Organisation (LWO), established in 1939, monitors and controls locust activity in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
- The 2019-2022 desert locust outbreak was one of the worst in decades, devastating India, Pakistan, and East Africa, destroying over 200,000 hectares of crops.
- Despite existing control measures, locust outbreaks remain difficult to manage due to their rapid breeding capabilities.
Key Highlights of New Research:
- Traditional models assumed locusts moved collectively by aligning with neighbours.
- However Max Planck Institute reveals that locusts make cognitive decisions based on visual cues.
- The study introduced a new mathematical model using neural ring attractor networks, showing that locusts decide on movement based on multiple visual cues, leading to coordinated swarms through decentralised decision-making.
- This understanding provides a more accurate model for predicting locust swarm behaviour, crucial for early intervention.
| [UPSC 2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?
Options: (a) Butterflies (b) Dragonflies (c) Honeybees* (d) Wasps |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now