Why in the News?
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of an alleged gang rape in Odisha.
About the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
- Legal Status: The NHRC is a statutory body, established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
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- Mandate: It functions as the national watchdog for human rights, aiming to ensure that state institutions respect and protect fundamental human dignity.
- Objective: To strengthen institutional mechanisms for addressing human rights concerns.
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- Core Members: It consists of a Chairperson and 4 full-time members.
- Chairperson: The Chairperson must be a former Chief Justice or Judge of the Supreme Court.
- Other Members: Other members include retired judges, human rights experts, and at least one woman.
- Ex-Officio Members: There are 7 ex-officio members—Chairpersons of the SC, ST, Women, Minorities, Backward Classes, Child Rights Commissions, and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
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- Investigation Role: To inquire into human rights violations or failure to prevent them, either suo motu, on a petition, or through court direction.
- Custodial Oversight: To visit jails and detention centres to examine conditions.
- Legal Reform Advice: To review legal protections for human rights and recommend reforms.
- Awareness Promotion: To promote awareness and literacy around human rights issues.
- NGO and Research Support: To support NGOs and academic research on human rights.
- Global Alignment: To study international treaties and suggest implementation strategies.
Appointment and Tenure:
- Selection Process: Appointments are made by the President of India based on the recommendation of a 6-member committee headed by Prime Minister and including the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Opposition leaders, Home Minister, and others.
- Term Limits: The Chairperson and members serve for 3 years or until the age of 70, whichever comes first.
Removal and Service Conditions:
- Grounds for Removal: The President can remove a member for reasons like insolvency, misconduct, or infirmity, subject to inquiry by the Supreme Court in some cases.
- Salary and Benefits: Salaries and service conditions are fixed by the Central Government and cannot be altered to the disadvantage of the appointees after their appointment.
Working Procedure and Limitations:
- Quasi-Judicial Powers: The NHRC operates with civil court powers, can summon reports, and has an investigative staff.
- Inter-Agency Support: It can request help from Central or State agencies for investigation.
- No Enforcement Authority: Its role is recommendatory, with no power to punish violators or grant relief. Governments must respond within one month to its recommendations.
- Time and Jurisdiction Limits: It cannot investigate violations reported after 1 year of the alleged act and has a limited role in probing armed forces misconduct in human rights issues.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following organizations/bodies in India:
1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
2. The National Human Rights Commission
3. The National Law Commission
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above are constitutional bodies?
Options: (a) Only one* (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has launched the NAVYA initiative.
About the ‘NAVYA’ Initiative:
- Overview: NAVYA stands for Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.
- Nodal Agencies: It is a joint pilot initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- Target Beneficiaries: It targets adolescent girls aged 16–18 years who have completed at least Class 10, particularly from under-served regions.
- Implementation: The pilot phase will be implemented in 27 districts across 19 states, including Aspirational Districts and those from North-Eastern regions.
- Objective: To build skills, confidence, and employability among young girls in sectors beyond traditional roles.
Key Features:
- Focus on Non-Traditional Skills: Girls will receive training in emerging fields like electronics repair, drone technology, solar energy, and more.
- Certification Support: Beneficiaries will receive skill certificates under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma.
- Post-Training Pathways: Designed to ensure employment, entrepreneurship, or further education opportunities for girls.
- Inclusive Development Goal: Empowers girls to be agents of socio-economic change, aligning with India’s growth trajectory toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.
| [UPSC 2017] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?
1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only* (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
Pilgrims have begun arriving in Guwahati, Assam, for the Ambubachi Mela, held annually at the Kamakhya Temple, one of the most sacred centres of Tantric Shaktism in India.
About Ambubachi Mela:
- Festival Overview: Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu fertility festival celebrated at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
- Timing and Season: It is held during the Assamese month of Ahaar (mid-June), coinciding with the monsoon season.
- Religious Significance: The festival marks the annual menstruation of Goddess Kamakhya symbolising fertility and life-giving power.
- Ritual Closure: During the festival, the sanctum sanctorum (innermost sacred chamber) of the temple is closed for three days to observe the goddess’s retreat.
- Ceremonial Reopening: The temple reopens ceremonially on the fourth day, when lakhs of devotees gather for darshan.
- Pilgrim Footfall: It is considered the largest religious gathering in Northeast India, with pilgrims arriving from across the country.
- Etymology: The name ‘Ambubachi’ literally means ‘water flowing’ (denoting menstruation and the flow of life).
- Spiritual Tradition: The practice is rooted in Tantric traditions (esoteric spiritual practices focusing on divine feminine energy).
- Cultural Observance: During this time, agricultural activities are halted to honour the goddess’s rest and align with nature’s rhythms.
Notable Features:
- No Idol Worship: No idol is worshipped; instead, the process of menstruation itself (biological and divine function) is venerated.
- Sacred Tokens: Devotees receive pieces of red cloth as sacred amulets.
- Spiritual Discipline: The mela includes ritual abstentions (temporary renunciation of daily activities), devotional silence, and spiritual observance (religious discipline).
About Kamakhya Temple:
- Mythology: It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (sacred sites where body parts of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen).
- Location: It is located on Nilachal Hill beside the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam.
- Architectural Style: Architecturally, the temple follows the Nilachala Style (a blend of North Indian Nagara and Mughal Saracenic architecture).
- Structural Layout: The structure includes 5 chambers:
- Garbhagriha (sanctuary where the main deity resides),
- Antarala (vestibule or connecting passage),
- Jaganmohan (main audience hall),
- Bhogmandir (ritual chamber where offerings are made), and
- Natmandir (hall for performances and religious gatherings).
- Sacred Symbol: Instead of an idol, the temple houses a yoni-shaped stone (symbol of the goddess’s womb and creative energy).
- Tantric Centre: It is one of the most revered Tantric pilgrimage sites (destinations for practitioners of spiritual and mystical rituals).
- Cultural Depth: The temple’s rituals and legends have deep mythological (related to ancient stories and beliefs), astronomical, and cultural significance, especially during Ambubachi.
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| [UPSC 2017] Consider the following pairs : Traditions Communities
1. Chaliha Sahib Festival — Sindhis
2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra — Gonds
3. Wari-Warkari — Santhals
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Options: (a) 1 only *(b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above |
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Why in the News?
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has released its “State of the Climate in Asia, 2024” report.
About the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO):
- Overview: It is a specialised agency of the United Nations that deals with meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
- Historical Origin: It was established in 1950, evolving from the International Meteorological Organisation (IMO), which was founded in 1873.
- Headquarters Location: The headquarters of WMO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Global Coordination Role: WMO plays a key role in coordinating international efforts for climate data collection, forecasting, disaster preparedness, and climate change assessment.
- Members: It has a membership of 193 members (187 member states + 6 Territories), including India.
- Flagship Reports: WMO publishes annual climate reports such as the “State of the Climate” to highlight key trends and extreme weather impacts.
Key Highlights of the State of the Climate in Asia – 2024 Report:
- Record Warmth: 2024 was the warmest year on record in Asia, with heatwaves, extreme rainfalls, cyclones, and droughts devastating the region.
- Global Temperature Spike: The global mean temperature reached its highest level since 1850, surpassing the 2023 record of 1.45°C.
- Glacier Loss: 23 out of 24 monitored glaciers in the Himalayas and Tian Shan suffered mass loss, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
- Marine Heatwaves: Marine heatwaves of unprecedented extent and intensity affected Asian oceans, particularly around India, Japan, and China.
- Major Cyclones: Cyclone Remal struck Bangladesh and India with 111 km/h winds and 2.5-metre-high storm surges; Asna and Fengal also caused major damage in Oman, Sri Lanka, and India.
- Flash Floods and Landslides: Flash floods and landslides in Kerala, Nepal, and Sri Lanka resulted in hundreds of deaths and mass displacement.
- Extreme Heatwaves: Heatwaves broke records across East and South Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, and India. Myanmar set a new national record at 48.2°C.
- Severe Drought in China: Drought in China affected 4.8 million people, damaged over 335,000 hectares of crops, and caused losses of CNY 2.89 billion.
| [UPSC 2018] Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by
Options: (a) The Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change (b) The UNEP Secretariat (c) The UNFCCC Secretariat* (d) The World Meteorological Organization |
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Why in the News?
The 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) Society, chaired by the Prime Minister, was recently held.
About the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML)
- Overview: The PMML, earlier called the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML), is located at Teen Murti House, just south of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
- Origin: Built in 1929–30 as the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of British India, it was designed by Robert Tor Russel as part of Lutyens’ Delhi.
- Nehru’s Residence: After independence, it became the home of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru from 1948 to 1964 and was later dedicated to him following his death.
- Establishment: The PMML Society was founded on April 1, 1966, while the original museum was inaugurated on November 14, 1964, by President Dr S. Radhakrishnan to commemorate Nehru’s 75th birth anniversary.
- Renaming in 2023: The name was changed from NMML to PMML to reflect a broader mandate — documenting and honouring all Indian Prime Ministers, not just Nehru.
- Administrative Structure: PMML is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, with the Prime Minister of India as the head of the Society.
- Mission and Scope: The institution promotes advanced research in modern and contemporary Indian history, especially related to Prime Ministers, governance, and the evolution of Indian democracy.
- Key Institutions: PMML includes:
- The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Museum).
- A world-class library.
- The Centre for Contemporary Studies.
- The Nehru Planetarium.
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Why in the News?
Iran’s Parliament has approved a motion to block the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns worldwide.
About the Strait of Hormuz:
- Geographic Location: The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and eventually to the Arabian Sea.
- Dimensions: It is about 167 km long and 33 km wide at its narrowest, making it one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.
- Bordering Countries: The strait lies between Iran (north) and Oman (south), with nearby cities such as Bandar Abbas, Khasab, and Dubai.
- Shipping Lanes: It contains designated lanes just 3 km wide in each direction to manage heavy oil tanker traffic.
- Key Islands: Important islands include Qeshm, Hormuz, and Hengam (controlled by Iran) and disputed ones like Abu Musa and the Tunbs, claimed by both Iran and the UAE.
- Naval Depth Advantage: Waters near the Musandam Peninsula reach depths over 650 feet, ideal for deep-draft oil tankers.
- Security Risks: Due to its narrowness, the strait is vulnerable to disruption from mining, military action, or cyber interference.
- Historical Tensions: It has witnessed frequent maritime tensions, especially during Iran–West conflicts but has never been fully blocked.
Its significance:
- Global Oil Flow: Over 20 million barrels of crude oil per day pass through the strait, accounting for 25% of seaborne oil trade and 20% of global consumption.
- Gas Exports: It is vital for LNG exports, especially from Qatar, reaching markets across the globe.
- Asian Dependence: Countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea import 69% of the oil that flows through the strait.
- Market Sensitivity: Any disruption can spike global oil prices, increasing fuel and commodity costs worldwide.
- Limited Alternatives: Overland pipelines like Saudi Arabia’s East-West (5 million bpd) and UAE’s Habshan-Fujairah (1.8 million bpd) offer only partial alternatives.
Implications of Blockade:
- Shipping Costs: During geopolitical tensions, insurance and freight charges for using the strait surge significantly.
- India’s Vulnerability: India relies heavily on the region for oil imports, so instability could raise inflation, disrupt energy supplies, and impact the trade balance.
- Strategic Response: A full blockade could trigger direct military action, particularly from the US 5th Fleet based in Bahrain.
- Mutual Economic Impact: Disruption would affect both exporters and importers, including Iran and its major customer, China.
| [UPSC 2010] Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?
Options: (a) Bali (b) Brunei (c) Java (d) Singapore* |
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Why in the News?
The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Tamal, a stealth multi-role frigate and the last warship commissioned outside India, on July 1, 2025, at Kaliningrad, Russia.
About INS Tamal:
- Overview: It is the 8th Krivak-class and 2nd Tushil-class stealth frigate from Russia.
- Last to be imported: Final Indian Navy ship to be commissioned abroad, under the 2016 India-Russia IGA.
- Built at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad; sister ship INS Tushil was commissioned in Dec 2024; designed by Severnoye Bureau; overseen by the Indian Navy.
- Etymology: Name inspired by a mythical sword of Indra; mascot blends Jambavant and Eurasian Brown Bear.
- Motto: “Sarvada Sarvatra Vijaya” – Victorious Always, Everytime.
Important Features:
- Indigenous components: It uses Indian-made parts in 26% of its systems, including those from companies like BEL and Tata.
- Stealth capacity: It has radar, sonar, and electronic systems to detect enemy ships and submarines.
- Patrol features: It can carry helicopters that help in sea patrol and rescue missions.
- Size: It is 125 metres long, weighs about 3,900 tonnes, and can move very fast, over 30 knots.
- Digital warfare: It has modern control systems that allow all its weapons and sensors to work together.
| [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier |
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Why in the News?
The ICMR has launched the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is further planning to integrate the RDRI with the e-Rakt Kosh Digital platform.
What are Rare Blood Types?
- Rare blood groups are defined by the absence of high-frequency antigens (HFAs) or negative combinations of multiple common antigens.
- In India, examples include Bombay (hh), P-null, Rh-null, and rare profiles like S-s-U-.
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About the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI):
- Launch: It was launched by the ICMR–National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in collaboration with four regional medical institutes.
- Purpose: It aims to address the shortage of rare blood types such as Bombay (hh), Rh-null, and P-Null, critical for patients with thalassemia, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease.
- Uniqueness: Over 4,000 donors have been screened using multiplex PCR, suited for Indian genetic diversity, and catalogued using 300+ rare blood markers.
- Rare Phenotypes Tracked: The registry focuses on rare phenotypes defined by the absence of high-frequency antigens; already 170 Bombay group donors have been identified.
- Key Features:
- DNA-Based Testing: Molecular assays are used for accurate donor typing, enabling a centralised national database accessible through a dedicated web portal.
- Integration with e-Rakt Kosh: RDRI is designed to be integrated with e-Rakt Kosh, enabling cross-platform donor search and matching by medical professionals nationwide.
- Real-Time Support: The platform allows secure data access, real-time requisitions, and timely transfusion support for patients requiring rare blood types.
- Global Linkages: The initiative aims to connect with International Rare Donor Panels and develop a frozen rare blood inventory to ensure long-term availability.
- Challenges: Key challenges include low awareness, shortage of trained personnel, and lack of antibody screening at decentralised blood banks.
What is E-Rakt Kosh?
- Overview: e-Rakt Kosh is a national digital platform developed by C-DAC under the National Health Mission, launched in 2016.
- Real-Time Information: It offers live updates on blood availability, donor records, and donation camp details across India via a centralised interface.
- National Coverage: The system covers over 3,800 blood centres across 29 states and 8 Union Territories, integrated with UMANG, e-Hospital, and the National Health Portal.
- Notable features include:
- Donor Safety and Tagging: It maintains traceable donor databases, including health history and rare blood group tagging, ensuring safe and verified transfusions.
- Inventory Monitoring: e-Rakt Kosh manages stock levels, tracks expired units, and ensures safe disposal, thereby improving quality control.
- Camp Management: It facilitates registration and scheduling of blood donation camps, sends alerts for shortages, and streamlines resource planning.
- Critical Access Role: Once integrated with RDRI, it will allow direct access to rare blood group data, crucial during emergency transfusions.
- Transparency and Logistics: The system enhances transparency, strengthens blood logistics, and improves communication between blood banks, hospitals, and donor groups.
| [UPSC 2001] A man whose blood group is not known meets with a serious accident and needs blood transfusion immediately. Which one of the blood groups mentioned below and readily available in the hospital will be safe for transfusion?
Options: (a) O, Rh- * (b) O, Rh+ (c) AB, Rh- (d) AB, Rh+ |
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Why in the News?
Prime Minister led the celebrations for the 11th International Day of Yoga on 21st June.
About International Day of Yoga:
- Celebration: The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on June 21 across the world since 2015, following a UN resolution in 2014.
- Proposed by India at UN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea during his UN address in September 2014, highlighting yoga’s global relevance.
- UN Recognition: The resolution was introduced by India’s Permanent Representative and was adopted without a vote, supported by 177 countries.
- First Observance: The first celebration was held on June 21, 2015, with events in cities like New York, Paris, Beijing, and New Delhi.
- Purpose of the Day: The day recognizes Yoga’s health benefits, including physical fitness, stress relief, and spiritual well-being.
Back2Basics: Yoga
- Origin: Yoga originated in ancient India and is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, spirituality, and culture.
- Meaning of Yoga: The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj”, meaning “to join or unite” the mind, body, and spirit.
- Historical References:
- Rig Veda and Upanishads: Yoga-like practices are mentioned in the Rig Veda (c. 1500 BCE) and further developed in the Upanishads (800–400 BCE).
- Patanjali’s Contribution: Sage Patanjali, considered the father of classical yoga, compiled the Yoga Sutras around the 2nd century BCE, outlining a systematic philosophy.
- Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (Yoga Sutras)
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- Yama – Ethical principles (e.g., non-violence, truth).
- Niyama – Personal observances (e.g., cleanliness, contentment).
- Asana – Physical postures.
- Pranayama – Breath control.
- Pratyahara – Withdrawal of senses.
- Dharana – Concentration.
- Dhyana – Meditation.
- Samadhi – State of spiritual absorption or self-realization.
- Schools and Styles of Yoga:
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- Multiple Traditions: Yoga is practiced in various schools, each with distinct methods and focus.
- Popular Styles: These include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, Bikram, and Yin Yoga, catering to both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Why was 21st June chosen for this day?
- The date of June 21 was chosen because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising spiritual significance across various cultures.
- In Hindu mythology, this day marks the transition to Dakshinayana and is associated with the first yogi, Shiva, who began teaching yoga to humanity.
Tap to read more about Summer Solstice (June 21). |
| [2014] Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Sankhya and Yoga |
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Why in the news?
The Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurated the National Conference of Estimates Committees of Parliament and State/UT Legislative Bodies in Mumbai.
About the Estimates Committee:
- Overview: The Estimates Committee is one of the 3 major financial standing committees of Parliament, along with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU).
- Objective: It examines the budgetary estimates of ministries and departments and works to enhance economy, efficiency, and accountability in public expenditure.
- Other name: Known as the “Continuous Economy Committee” because of its ongoing scrutiny of how public money is spent.
- Legal Basis: The committee functions under Rule 310 of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
- History: It was set up in 1950, based on a suggestion by then Finance Minister John Mathai.
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- Lok Sabha Exclusive: The committee has 30 members, all from the Lok Sabha; there is NO representation from the Rajya Sabha.
- Election and Chairperson: Members are elected annually through proportional representation using a single transferable vote, and the Speaker appoints the Chairperson, typically from the ruling party.
- Ministers are NOT eligible: If a member becomes a minister, he/she automatically vacate the seat on the committee.
- Term Limit: Each member serves for a one-year term.
Key Functions and Powers:
- Scrutiny of Estimates: It reviews the budget estimates to suggest ways to reduce expenditure without affecting policy outcomes.
- Suggesting Reforms: It recommends alternative administrative practices to minimise waste and improve efficiency.
- Project Review: It undertakes study visits and reviews the implementation status of major public sector projects.
- Report Submission: The committee submits detailed reports and suggestions to the Lok Sabha, which may lead to policy or format changes.
- Follow-Up Mechanism: Ministries are required to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the committee’s recommendations.
- Jurisdictional Limits: The committee CANNOT examine PSUs, as this role belongs exclusively to the Committee on Public Undertakings.
| [UPSC 2014] Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?
Options: (a) The committee on Public Accounts. (b) The committee on Estimates* (c) The Committee on Public Undertakings (d) The committee on Petition |
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Why in the News?
BSNL announced the soft launch of Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband in Hyderabad.
About Quantum 5G FWA:
- Overviews: It is India’s first SIM-less, fixed wireless access broadband service.
- Development: It delivers fibre-like internet over 5G radio and was developed entirely by Indian vendors under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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- Customers are provided with a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) device that connects wirelessly to the nearest BSNL 5G base station.
- The CPE auto-authenticates without requiring a SIM card, using Direct-to-Device technology.
- Internet is delivered over the air, eliminating the need for trenching or fibre installation.
- The service currently reaches 85% of Hyderabad households using BSNL’s existing tower infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Indigenous: Includes core network, RAN, and CPE, all developed by Indian vendors.
- High Performance: Achieves up to 980 Mbps download, 140 Mbps upload, and <10 ms latency—ideal for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
- Quick Setup: Customers can self-install the device with no need for physical fibre connections.
- Enterprise Capability: Supports network slicing and Service Level Agreement (SLA)-backed links for MSMEs and industrial clusters.
- Strategic Vision: Positions BSNL as a leader in next-generation broadband and enhances rural and urban connectivity.
| [UPSC 2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?
1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G, and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
2. LTE is data-only technology, and VoLTE is voice-only technology.
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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Why in the News?
The first Indian inscriptional reference to Halley’s Comet has been discovered on a copper plate dated 1456 CE, from the Vijayanagar Period.
What does the inscription say?
- The inscription was found on a copper plate dated June 28, 1456 CE, during the Vijayanagar Empire, preserved at the Sri Mallikarjunaswamy temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh.
- Written in Sanskrit using the Nagari script, it describes the sighting of a comet (dhūmaketu) and a meteor shower, which coincide with the documented appearance of Halley’s Comet that year.
- The inscription records a village grant made by King Mallikarjuna of Vijayanagar to a Vedic scholar named Limgaṇarya from Kaḍiyalapura (likely present-day Kaḍiyapulanka, Kadapa district).
- The grant’s purpose is explicitly mentioned: “to mitigate the great calamity believed to arise due to the appearance of a comet and meteor shower”—a reference to traditional beliefs of such celestial events being inauspicious.
- The Sanskrit phrase “Prakāśyāya mahōtpāta śāntyartham dattavān vibhuḥ” translates to “this grant was made in order to pacify the calamities that may arise due to the illuminating comets and meteor shower upon the king and his kingdom.”
- Though dhūmaketus (comets) are referenced in ancient Indian astronomical texts, this is the earliest inscriptional record linking a comet to a specific historical date and royal response.
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About Halley’s Comet:
- Periodicity: It is one of the most famous periodic comets, visible from Earth approximately once every 76 years.
- Behind its name: It is named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who correctly predicted its return in 1758 using Newton’s laws of motion.
- Early observations: The comet has been recorded by observers around the world for over 2,000 years, including in Babylonian, Chinese, and mediaeval European sources.
- Latest appearance: Halley’s Comet last appeared in 1986 and is expected to return in 2061.
- Visibility: It is visible to the naked eye and appears as a bright streak of light with a glowing tail, caused by solar radiation vaporising its icy surface.
- Significance: Its 1456 CE appearance was especially bright and visible across Europe and Asia, and now, for the first time, it has been identified in an Indian epigraphical record.
| [UPSC 2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Defence Ministry announced a breakthrough as IIT-Delhi and DRDO scientists successfully demonstrated quantum communication over 1 km in free space.
What is Quantum Communication?
- It is a new way of sending messages so safely that no one can secretly listen in.
- It uses the laws of quantum physics, especially something called quantum entanglement, to make sure that if someone tries to spy on your message, you’ll know immediately.
- In quantum entanglement, two tiny particles (like photons of light) are connected in a mysterious way—whatever happens to one instantly affects the other, even if they’re far apart.
- Because of this, if someone tries to distort one particle, it changes, and the system knows the message isn’t safe anymore.
- This makes quantum communication perfect for defence, banking, and sensitive messages that must stay secret.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) – Explained Simply:
- Imagine you want to lock a box and send it to your friend, but you also want them to have the key—without anyone else being able to copy it.
- QKD is a special way to share that key safely, using quantum particles instead of metal keys.
- Two people use entangled particles to create the same secret key, without anyone else knowing it.
- If someone tries to intercept the key while it’s being shared, the particles will show signs of disturbance, and the system will know to discard it and try again.
- Once both people have the same key, they can use it to lock and unlock messages using regular encryption tools.
- QKD doesn’t send the actual message—it just safely shares the key that keeps messages secret.
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What did the IIT-Delhi team achieve?
- A team led by IIT-Delhi, in collaboration with DRDO, successfully demonstrated entanglement-based quantum communication over 1 km in free space.
- This was done within the IIT-Delhi campus and marks a key advancement from previous experiments using only optical fibre.
- The demonstration achieved a secure key rate of 240 bits per second and maintained a quantum bit error rate (QBER) of under 7%, which is considered acceptable for real-world QKD.
- This capability is a step toward achieving satellite-to-ground quantum communication, enabling encrypted keys to be distributed across vast regions without physical links.
India’s Quantum Communication Journey So Far:
- In 2022, Prof. Kanseri’s team first demonstrated quantum communication between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj.
- In 2023, they expanded this capability to 380 km using standard telecom fibre, achieving a low QBER of 1.48%.
- By 2024, the team established a QKD link spanning over 100 km of optical fibre, further pushing the reliability and reach of India’s quantum infrastructure.
- These achievements are part of India’s larger effort under the National Quantum Mission (2023–2031), which has a budget of ₹6,000 crore to support R&D and deployment in quantum computing, sensing, and communication.
- India now joins an elite group of nations—alongside China and the US—actively building toward a quantum-secure internet, with potential applications in defence, finance, telecom, and cybersecurity.
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| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:
I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing. II. Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS). III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) I and only I (b) II and III only (c) I and III only* (d) I, II and III |
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Why in the News?
Union Transport Minister announced a new FASTag-based Annual Pass system for private non-commercial vehicles (cars, jeeps, vans) to ensure smoother travel across National Highways.
What are FASTags?
- FASTag is a contactless toll payment system that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable automatic toll collection at National Highway toll plazas.
- Managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), it was launched in 2014 and became mandatory in 2021 for all four-wheeled vehicles.
- It is a sticker affixed on a vehicle’s windshield, linked to a prepaid wallet or savings account. Toll charges are automatically deducted when the vehicle passes through an electronic toll gate.
- It enhances convenience, reduces traffic congestion, and promotes digital payments across India’s highway network.
- As per the Motor Vehicles Rules, FASTags are mandatory for all new four-wheelers and necessary for renewal of fitness certificates and national permits.
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About the FASTag Annual Pass Scheme:
- Overview: It is a new initiative announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to provide cost-effective and hassle-free travel for private non-commercial vehicles.
- Implementation: The pass will be effective from August 15, 2025, and is optional, intended for cars, jeeps, and vans (not for commercial vehicles).
- Objectives: The scheme is designed to reduce per-trip costs (as low as ₹15/toll) and provide savings of up to ₹7,000 annually for frequent travelers.
- Benefits: It allows unlimited passage at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) toll plazas for either:
- One year, or
- 200 toll crossings, whichever is earlier.
Key Features:
- Eligibility: Applicable only for non-commercial private vehicles with a valid, active FASTag linked to a registered vehicle number.
- Activation: Can be activated via the Rajmargyatra mobile app or NHAI website with a one-time payment of ₹3,000 for FY 2025–26.
- Validity: Covers 200 trips or one year and then reverts to regular FASTag mode unless renewed.
- Trip Count:
- Point-based plazas: Each pass counts as one trip per crossing.
- Closed toll systems: Entry and exit combined count as one trip.
- Transfer Restrictions: The pass is non-transferable and valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is registered.
- Coverage: Valid only at NH and NE toll plazas managed by the Centre. It does not apply to state highway or local toll plazas.
- Fee Revision: The base fee may be revised annually starting April 1 every year.
- Existing Users: No need for a new FASTag if one is already affixed and active. The pass can be added on top of the existing tag after eligibility verification.
| [UPSC 2023] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements:
1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
3. Bangladesh-China -India -Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China. How many of the above statements are correct? Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None* |
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Why in the News?
INS Arnala, the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was officially commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
About INS Arnala:
- What is it: INS Arnala is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command on June 18, 2025, at Visakhapatnam.
- Behind the name: It is named after the historic Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra.
- Development: The vessel was designed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and built in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
- Project: It marks the beginning of the induction of 16 ASW-SWC class ships, aimed at enhancing India’s shallow water anti-submarine capabilities.
Key Features:
- Propulsion: 77.6 metres long; first Indian Navy warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.
- Indigenous Content: Over 80% indigenous systems, with contributions from BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, and over 55 MSMEs.
- Arsenal: Equipped with a single centreline rocket launcher, lightweight torpedoes, anti-torpedo decoys, and mine-laying systems.
- Sensor Suite: Incorporates Hull-Mounted Sonar (Abhay), Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS), and Underwater Acoustic Communication System (UWACS).
- Multi-role Capability: Designed for ASW operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), low-intensity maritime operations, and subsurface surveillance in shallow coastal waters.
Significance:
- Strategic Defence Upgrade: Replaces ageing Abhay-class corvettes and significantly strengthens India’s anti-submarine warfare posture.
- Enhanced Coastal Security: Ideal for detecting midget submarines and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) in waters less than 30 metres deep, where larger warships struggle to operate.
- Make-in-India Milestone: Demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and contributes to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
| [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier |
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Why in the News?
SEBI has introduced key regulatory relaxations to ease IPO norms and incentivize startups to shift their legal base back to India through reverse-flipping.
About Reverse-Flipping:
- Reverse-flipping refers to the process by which Indian startups that were earlier incorporated abroad shift their domicile back to India, making India their legal and operational headquarters.
- It allows Indian companies to access domestic capital markets, reduce compliance complexity, and align with the evolving global tax and regulatory environment.
- This shift helps startups tap Indian stock exchanges, reduce reliance on foreign jurisdictions, and benefit from a favorable Indian regulatory ecosystem.
Types of Reverse-Flipping
- Share Swap Arrangement:
-
- In this structure, shareholders of the foreign parent company exchange their shares for shares in the Indian subsidiary.
- This process may trigger capital gains tax under the Income Tax Act, 1961, especially for Indian shareholders.
- Inbound Merger (Cross-Border Merger):
-
- The foreign parent company merges with its Indian subsidiary, with the Indian entity becoming the surviving legal structure.
- If all conditions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), the Companies Act, 2013, and National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) are met, this merger route can be tax-neutral.
Key Features:
- Domestic Listing Access: Startups gain access to Indian IPO markets and valuations.
- Simplified Compliance: Reduced legal and regulatory complications from operating across jurisdictions.
- Investor Incentives: SEBI now allows foreign venture funds and AIFs to be counted towards minimum promoter contribution in public issues.
- ESOP Relaxation: SEBI has allowed promoters/founders to retain Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) granted one year prior to the filing of the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP).
- Capital Market Boost: The move supports India’s goal to become a global startup and financial hub by encouraging reverse-flipping.
- Tax & Legal Alignment: Shifting domicile can help startups comply better with Indian tax and business laws.
Note:
Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) are structured benefit schemes that grant employees the right to purchase shares of their company at a predetermined price—known as the exercise price—after completing a specific period. |
| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:
Statement I: As regards returns from an investment in a company, generally, bondholders are considered to be relatively at lower risk than stockholders.
Statement II: Bondholders are lenders to a company whereas stockholders are its owners.
Statement III: For repayment purpose, bondholders are prioritized over stockholders by a company.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I *
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement I explains Statement II
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct |
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Why in the News?
The Government of India has mandated the use of Indian Standard Time (IST) across all legal, commercial, digital, and administrative sectors.
About Indian Standard Time (IST):
- It is the official time zone of India, set at Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) +5:30 and based on the 82.5° E longitude passing through Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.
- Neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka also use the same UTC+5:30 offset.
- IST meridian passes through 5 Indian states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
- It was established in 1906, replacing older regional time zones like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras Time.
- It is maintained by the National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) using ultra-precise atomic clocks, which lose only one second in millions of years.
- India does NOT observe daylight saving time; IST remains constant throughout the year.
Back2Basics:
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT):
- GMT is the mean solar time at the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) located at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London.
- It was established in 1884 during the International Meridian Conference as the world’s time standard.
- It is based on astronomical observations, specifically the mean position of the Sun over time.
- It does not change with the seasons and does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).
- Although now largely replaced by UTC in scientific and civil contexts, GMT is still used in some regions (e.g., the UK during winter months).
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC):
- UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time.
- It was established in 1960 and is maintained by a network of high-precision atomic clocks worldwide.
- UTC is adjusted periodically by leap seconds to compensate for the Earth’s irregular rotation speed.
- It is used in aviation, computing, space science, and by international organisations like the UN and ITU.
- Unlike GMT, which is purely solar-based, UTC combines atomic time (TAI) with occasional corrections for Earth’s rotation.
IST in Context:
- IST = GMT + 5:30
- IST = UTC + 5:30
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Steps to Implement One Nation, One Time:
[1] Time Dissemination Project:
- It is a government initiative to ensure accurate, synchronised, and secure timekeeping across India.
- It is led by the Department of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with CSIR-NPL and ISRO.
- Five Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs) are being established in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Faridabad, and Guwahati.
- These labs use atomic clocks and protocols like Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP) to maintain accuracy within microseconds.
[2] Legal Metrology (IST) Rules, 2025: Key Provisions
- Mandatory Use of IST: IST, as maintained by CSIR-NPL, becomes the sole legally recognized time standard in India.
- Prohibition of Foreign Time Sources: Use of foreign systems like GPS time will be banned unless specifically approved by the government.
- Sync Requirements: All government bodies, financial institutions, power grids, and telecom operators must synchronize their systems with IST.
- Audit and Compliance: The system will be monitored through periodic audits and penalties will be imposed for violations.
- Special Exemptions: Activities such as scientific research, astronomy, and national security operations may use alternative time sources after government approval.
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| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following countries:
I. United Kingdom II. Denmark III. New Zealand IV. Australia V. Brazil How many of the above countries have more than four time zones?
(a) All the five (b) Only four * (c) Only three (d) Only two |
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Why in the News?
On June 15, 1215, King John of England agreed to a seminal document called the Magna Carta, laying down principles that would help establish the foundations of modern democracies.
About Magna Carta:
- Overview: The Magna Carta, meaning “Great Charter” in Latin, was signed on June 15, 1215, at Runnymede near London by King John of England under pressure from rebel barons.
- Content: The charter originally had 63 clauses, with two of the most important being:
- Clause 39: Protection against arbitrary arrest and imprisonment.
- Clause 40: Guarantee of justice without delay or denial.
- Context: It was created in response to military defeats and excessive taxation, particularly following England’s loss at the Battle of Bouvines (1214).
- Initial Setback: Though annulled by Pope Innocent III, it was reissued multiple times, especially under King Henry III, and became part of English statutory law.
- How it dealt with the masses: Magna Carta was initially meant to protect free men—mainly land-owning nobles and barons, excluding women, serfs, and commoners.
- Radical Impact: Despite its narrow scope, historians regard it as Europe’s most radical early check on monarchical authority.
- Legal Influence: The charter influenced future legal systems, including the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and principles like habeas corpus.
- Modern Relevance: Clauses 39 and 40 remain part of UK law today.
- Significance: It is considered one of the earliest documents to limit royal power and lay the foundation for the rule of law and constitutional governance.
Magna Carta of the Indian Constitution: Part III (Fundamental Rights)
- Part III (Articles 12 to 35) of the Indian Constitution is often called the “Magna Carta of India”.
- It guarantees justiciable Fundamental Rights, protecting citizens against arbitrary state action and forming the core of Indian democracy.
- Why it’s called India’s Magna Carta?
- Historical Parallel: Like the 1215 charter, Part III limits government power and guarantees individual freedoms.
- Inspired by the U.S. Bill of Rights, it offers one of the most comprehensive rights charters in the world.
- Legal enforceability empowers courts to uphold citizens’ rights and strike down unconstitutional laws.
- Six Categories of Fundamental Rights:
-
- Right to Equality (Articles 14–18): Equality before law and prohibition of discrimination.
- Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22): Freedom of speech, movement, assembly, etc.
- Right against Exploitation (Articles 23–24): Ban on forced labour and child labour.
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25–28): Freedom to practice and propagate religion.
- Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29–30): Rights of minorities to preserve culture and run institutions.
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of rights.
| [UPSC 2010] The ‘Instrument of Instructions’ contained in the Government of India Act 1935 have been incorporated in the Constitution of India in the year 1950 as:
Options: (a) Fundamental rights (b) Directive Principles of State Policy* (c) Extent of executive power of State (d) Conduct of business of the Government of India |
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Why in the News?
In Assam’s Makum Coalfield, BSIP scientists found 24–23 million-year-old fossil leaves resembling today’s Nothopegia, now limited to the Western Ghats.
![[pib] Ancient Assam Fossils Link to Western Ghats Biodiversity](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/assam-fossil.jpg)
About the Nothopegia Fossil Discovery
- Overview: Palaeo-scientists from Lucknow discovered fossil leaves in the Makum Coalfield of Assam. It dates back 24–23 million years to the late Oligocene epoch.
- Oldest Known Record: These are the oldest known fossils of the Nothopegia genus, a tropical plant now endemic to the Western Ghats, not found in Northeast India today.
- Identification Methods: Researchers used morphological analysis, herbarium comparisons, and cluster analysis to identify the fossil leaves.
- Tropical Legacy: Nothopegia belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and reflects ancient tropical ecosystems that once existed in Northeast India.
- Climate Reconstruction: Using the Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program (CLAMP), scientists confirmed that the region once had a warm and humid climate, similar to the present-day Western Ghats.
Why did Nothopegia disappear from the Northeast?
- Tectonic Disruption: The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates led to the rise of the Himalayas, drastically altering climate, rainfall, and wind patterns in Northeast India.
- Habitat Loss: These shifts caused the region to cool and dry, rendering it unsuitable for tropical flora like Nothopegia.
- Southward Migration: Over time, the plant spread to the Western Ghats, which offered a climatically stable refuge and allowed its survival.
Significance of the Study:
- Climate Lessons: The extinction and migration pattern of Nothopegia illustrates a deep-time example of species response to long-term climate change.
- Scientific Value: Understanding ancient plant resilience aids in predicting survival pathways under current global warming scenarios.
- Refuge Significance: The study highlights how climate refuges like the Western Ghats help preserve ancient lineages during major environmental changes.
| [UPSC 2025] Which of the following are the evidence of the phenomenon of continental drift?
I. The belt of ancient rocks from the Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa. II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side. III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) I and III only (b) I and II only (c) I, II and III *(d) II and III only |
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Why in the News?
India is set to test the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM), an advanced hypersonic missile developed by DRDO under the secretive Project Vishnu.
What is Project Vishnu?
- Overview: Project Vishnu is a top-secret initiative by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop hypersonic missile technologies.
- Strategic Purpose: The project aims to enhance India’s strategic deterrence by delivering high-speed missiles capable of both conventional and nuclear roles.
- Focus: It is specifically designed to counter threats from China and Pakistan, reinforcing regional strike capability.
- Platform Flexibility: A core feature is multi-platform deployment, allowing the missile to be launched from land, air, and naval systems.
- Integrated Technologies: It brings together scramjet propulsion, materials science, and precision guidance into a single hypersonic weapons system.
- Doctrinal Alignment: It reflects India’s shift toward technology-driven warfare and supports its credible minimum deterrence doctrine.
About the ET-LDHC Hypersonic Missile:
- Overview: It is the flagship missile system under Project Vishnu.
- Speed and Range: It reaches Mach 8 (~11,000 km/h) and has a strike range of 1,500 km, making it nearly impossible to intercept with current defence systems.
- Payload Versatility: It can carry 1,000–2,000 kg of conventional or nuclear warheads, allowing mission-specific configurations.
- Propulsion: Powered by an indigenously developed scramjet engine, it uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, improving fuel efficiency and endurance.
- Strike Capabilities: With evasive manoeuvrability and a flat trajectory, the missile is ideal for deep-penetration and precision attacks.
- Next-Gen Materials: It is built from materials that withstand 2,000°C+ temperatures, ensuring oxidation resistance and structural integrity.
- Launch Platforms: The missile is compatible with land systems, fighter jets, and naval vessels, offering operational flexibility.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
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 * |
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