Why in the News?
The Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned citing health reasons, creating a rare mid-term vacancy in India’s second-highest constitutional office.
What happens if VP resigns?
- The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides in his absence. No provision exists for an “acting” Vice-President.
- Unlike the President, whose vacancy must be filled within six months, the VP election must be held “as soon as possible.”
- The Election Commission will notify the schedule.
- Election governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
- The elected candidate will serve a full 5-year term, not the remainder of Dhankhar’s term.
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About Vice-President (VP) of India
- Position: Second-highest constitutional post; deputy to the President.
- Parliamentary Role: Serves as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- Succession: Ranks second in order of precedence and first in line to become President.
- Membership: Is a member of Parliament, not directly elected by the people.
- Qualifications:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
- Age: Minimum 35 years.
- Office of Profit: Should not hold any.
- Parliamentary Eligibility: Must qualify for election to Rajya Sabha (unlike President, who must qualify for Lok Sabha) due to the VP’s role in the Upper House.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Rajya Sabha Chairmanship: Presides over sessions and ensures order.
- Bill Classification: Refers money bills to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
- No Independent Powers: Has no executive or legislative powers unless acting as President.
Election Procedure:
- Constitutional Basis: Governed by Article 66.
- Electoral College: Comprises 543 Lok Sabha MPs, 233 elected Rajya Sabha MPs, and 12 nominated Rajya Sabha members.
- Voting Method: Proportional representation by single transferable vote and secret ballot.
- No Whip Allowed: Parties cannot issue voting whips.
- Conduct: Managed by the Election Commission; Returning Officer is the Secretary-General of either House (on rotation).
- Winning Quota: Requires 50% of valid votes + 1; votes are transferred in rounds if no candidate secures majority in the first round.
Resignation and Removal:
-
- Article 67(a): VP submits his/her resignation to the President. Parliamentary approval is NOT needed, and the resignation takes effect immediately upon receipt.
- No Acting VP: Constitution doesn’t provide for an acting Vice-President.
- Presiding in Absence: Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides in VP’s absence (currently Harivansh Narayan Singh).
- Example: Dhankhar, who took office in 2022, is only the third VP in Indian history to resign before completing his term, after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman.
-
- Article 67(b): Removal process begins in Rajya Sabha with 14 days’ notice.
- Voting Requirement: Needs effective majority in Rajya Sabha and simple majority in Lok Sabha.
- No Grounds Specified: Constitution doesn’t list specific removal grounds.
- Judicial Immunity: Article 122 bars courts from questioning parliamentary proceedings related to removal.
- No Precedent: No VP has been removed so far.
| [UPSC 2013] With reference to Parliament, consider the following statements:
1.The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
2.While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
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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Why in the News?
Five strong offshore earthquakes hit Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, the strongest measuring 7.4 in magnitude.
About Kamchatka Peninsula:
- Location: Situated in Far Eastern Russia, bordered by the Sea of Okhotsk (west) and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea (east).
- Size and Shape: Stretches about 1,200 km north to south and 480 km at its widest point.
- Area: Covers approximately 370,000 square kilometers—comparable in size to New Zealand.
- Ethnic Composition: Majority are ethnic Russians; around 13,000 belong to the indigenous Koryak community.
- Climate: Harsh with long, snowy winters and wet, cool summers.
- Topography: Highest peak is Klyuchevskaya Sopka, an active volcano in the Eastern Mountain Range.
- Global Recognition: Hosts the “Volcanoes of Kamchatka,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tectonic Significance:
- Geological Setting: Lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it a global hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity.
- Volcanic Density: Contains over 150 volcanoes, 29 of which are currently active.
- Kuril–Kamchatka Trench: Located just offshore, reaches depths of about 10,500 meters and drives regional seismicity.
- Tectonic Cause: Caused by subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
| [UPSC 2004] Consider the following geological phenomena:
1. Development of a fault 2. Movement along a fault
3. Impact produced by a volcanic eruption 4. Folding of rocks
Which of the above cause earthquakes?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4* |
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Why in the News?
The Prime Minister will attend a function in Tamil Nadu marking 1000 years since King Rajendra Chola I’s conquest of the Gangetic plains.
About Rajendra Chola I:
- Reign & Dynasty: Ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, succeeding his father Rajaraja Chola I.
- Titles:
- Gangaikonda Cholan (“Bringer of the Ganges”) – adopted after his victorious northern campaign.
- Kadaram Kondan (“Conqueror of Kedah (Malaysia)”) – earned following his Southeast Asian naval expeditions.
- Capital Foundation: Established Gangaikonda Cholapuram, shifting the capital from Thanjavur to the Kollidam River area.
- Temple Building: Built the Gangaikondacholeshwaram (Shiva) Temple to commemorate his conquests.
- Succession: Succeeded by his son, Rajadhiraja I.
- Religious Policy:
- Devout Shaivite, but practiced religious pluralism—patronised Buddhism, including building stupas in South India and Southeast Asia.
- Diplomacy & Trade: Strengthened international ties with Song Dynasty China and Arab merchants.
- Administration: Pioneered local self-governance, showcasing notable administrative sophistication.
His Legend:
- Northern Conquest: Rajendra led a military campaign to the Gangetic plains, defeating the Pala ruler Mahipala of Bengal and Bihar, and commemorated this victory by bringing Ganga water to his capital.
- Overseas Expeditions: He commanded what is considered the largest blue-water navy in Indian history. Successfully conducted naval expeditions to:
- Srivijaya Empire (covering parts of modern-day Sumatra, Java, and Malaysia)
- Burma, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives, and Pegu Islands
- Extracted tribute from Thailand and the Khmer kingdom of Cambodia.
- First Indian king to undertake large-scale overseas military campaigns.
- Trade and Diplomacy: Established trade and diplomatic links with Song China and Arab merchants.
- Administration: Promoted local self-governance, showcasing the Cholas’ administrative efficiency.
- Wealth and Power: Under his reign, the Chola Empire became one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires of the time.
| [UPSC 2025] Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime state, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?
Options: (a) Amoghvarsha (Rashtrakuta) (b) Prataprudra (Kakatiya) (c) Rajendra I (Chola) * (d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala) |
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Why in the News?
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s (CAG) audit has flagged ₹573 Crore irregularities in Indian Railways.
About Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India:
- Foundation: Established under Article 148 of the Constitution of India.
- Independence: A constitutional authority, not subject to executive control.
- Appointment: Appointed by the President of India.
- Tenure: Holds office for 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Removal: Can be removed by the President in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
- Post-Retirement Bar: Ineligible for further office under the Government of India or any State after demitting office.
- Funding: Administrative expenses are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring financial autonomy.
- Parliamentary Independence: No minister can represent the CAG in Parliament.
- Role: Known as the guardian of the public purse and a key pillar of Indian democracy.
Powers and Functions:
-
- Fund Audits: Audits expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India, State Consolidated Funds, and Union Territory funds.
- Other Fund Audits: Audits Contingency Fund and Public Account at both Central and State levels.
- Departmental Audits: Reviews profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and subsidiary accounts of government departments.
- Authority Audits: Audits bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government.
- Company Audits: Examines accounts of government-owned companies and corporations.
- Special Audits: Audits other authorities when requested by the President or Governor.
- Parliamentary Role: Acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
- Public Accountability: Exposed major scams such as the 2G spectrum and coal block allocation cases.
- Sectoral Reviews: Highlighted inefficiencies in defence, railways, and other public enterprises.
Limitations of the office of CAG:
- Lack of Real-Time Control: Cannot stop or approve withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund; cheques can be issued without CAG’s prior clearance.
- Opaque Appointment: No prescribed qualifications or transparent procedure for selection; appointment is entirely executive-controlled.
- Limited Audit Scope:
- Excludes certain public entities like Life Insurance Corporation and public sector banks.
- Cannot audit public-private partnerships and funds like Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund and Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
- Off-budget borrowings (e.g., through National Investment and Infrastructure Fund) remain outside audit scope.
- Post-Facto Nature: Audits occur after expenditure, limiting preventive or real-time oversight.
| [UPSC 2012] In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the great freedom fighter Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary.
Who was Mangal Pandey?
- Birth: Born on 19 July 1827 in Nagwa village, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Military Service: Joined the British East India Company’s army in 1849 as a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry at Barrackpore.
- Trigger of Revolt: Opposed the use of Enfield rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, offensive to religious beliefs.
- Rebellion: On 29 March 1857, attacked British officers and encouraged sepoys to rise in revolt.
- Punishment: Arrested, tried, and executed by hanging on 8 April 1857.
- Legacy: Regarded as the “Hero of the First War of Indian Independence” and a symbol of resistance.
Back2Basics: 1857 War of Independence
- Overview: The First War of Indian Independence or the Great Rebellion of 1857.
- Sepoy Composition: Indians made up over 87% of the British Indian Army but faced severe discrimination.
- Root Causes:
- Military Discontent: Unequal pay, poor promotion prospects, denial of allowances.
- Religious Insensitivity: Use of animal fat-greased cartridges insulted Hindu and Muslim beliefs.
- Economic Hardship: Heavy land taxes, decline in traditional crafts, and rising unemployment.
- Political Grievances: Annexation of Indian states and enforcement of oppressive laws.
- Outbreak:
- Barrackpore: Mangal Pandey’s defiance on 29 March 1857 marked the beginning.
- Meerut: On 10 May 1857, sepoys rebelled after refusing cartridges and were imprisoned.
- Delhi: Rebels marched to Delhi and declared Bahadur Shah II as Emperor.
- Spread of Revolt: Uprising expanded to Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Bihar, Bareilly, Faizabad, and beyond.
- Mass Participation: Involved sepoys, peasants, landlords, and regional rulers.
Suppression and Its Aftermath:
- Brutal Suppression: Rebellion was crushed by 1859; Delhi was recaptured in September 1857.
- Administrative Shift: British East India Company was dissolved; India came under direct British Crown rule, initiating the British Raj.
- Military Reorganization: Indian representation in the army was reduced and reorganized to prevent future revolts.
- Increased Repression: Racial discrimination and harsh policies intensified post-revolt.
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| [UPSC 2006] Who was the Governor-general of India during the Sepoy Mutiny?
Options: (a) Lord Canning* (b) Lord Dalhousie (c) Lord Hardinge (d) Lord Lytton |
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Why in the News?
Gujarat has launched India’s first Tribal Genome Sequencing Project to map tribal genetic data, contributing to the national Genome India Project (GIP).
About the Gujarat Tribal Genome Project:
- Launch & Duration: Announced in Gujarat’s 2025–26 budget; spans 5 years under Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).
- Target Population: Focuses on genome sequencing of tribal communities forming ~15% of Gujarat’s population (~1 crore).
- Objective: Addresses under-representation in Genome India Project (GIP), which had only ~100 tribal samples from Gujarat.
- Sample Size: Involves 4,158 individuals, including 378 trio families, to create a 2,000-sample reference genome panel.
- Data Collection: Includes blood, stool, genealogical, physiological, and lifestyle information.
Key Features:
- Precision Medicine Applications
-
- Early Detection: Enables screening for sickle cell anaemia, G6PD deficiency, BRCA-linked cancers.
- Gene-Trait Mapping: Explores genetic links to traits like agility and archery.
- Genomic Sampling Protocol
-
- Filtering: Uses SNP genotyping to remove closely related samples.
- Sequencing: Conducts Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) on 2,000 diverse samples via Illumina NovaSeq 6000.
- Data Security: Employs double encryption for privacy and anonymity.
About the Genome India Project (GIP):
- Launch: Initiated in January 2020 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- Structure: Multi-institutional consortium involving top Indian research bodies.
- Objectives
- Diversity Mapping: Decode genetic variation across Indian population.
- Reference Panel: Build Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) -based haplotype database for Indian genomes.
- Biobank Creation: Establish DNA reserves for research and therapy development.
- Key Achievements
- Sequencing Scale: 10,074 genomes sequenced from 99 ethnic groups.
- Data Storage: Securely stored at Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), Faridabad.
- Insights: Revealed rare traits aiding affordable diagnostics and predictive tools.
- Significance
- Global Impact: Offers India-specific insights to global genomics research.
- Healthcare Value: Enables evidence-based, genetically informed policy and diagnosis.
| [UPSC 2017] With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?
1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
In a breakthrough, scientists have developed BioEmu—an AI tool that predicts the full range of protein shapes, offering faster and scalable insights into protein dynamics.
What is BioEmu?
- Overview: It is a deep learning tool that predicts the equilibrium ensemble of a protein — meaning all the different shapes a protein can naturally take.
- It works like diffusion models, starting with random/noisy inputs and learning to rebuild protein shapes.
- Training: It was trained on-
- AlphaFold structures (millions of predicted proteins)
- Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation data (200 ms)
- 500,000 mutant sequences from lab experiments
- Speed: Once trained, BioEmu can quickly create thousands of 3D protein structures on a single GPU in just minutes to hours.
Key Features of BioEmu:
- Flexibility Capture: Shows how proteins change shape, fold/unfold, or form hidden binding pockets.
- Accuracy:
- Detects 83% of large and 70–81% of small shape changes.
- Predicts open/closed forms of enzymes like adenylate kinase.
- Mutation Analysis: Helps see how mutations affect protein structure and stability.
- Fast & Scalable: Much faster than traditional MD simulations; works on thousands of proteins using less computing power.
- Snapshots Only: Gives static 3D shapes, not full motion timelines.
- Limitations: Can’t handle membrane proteins, drug molecules, or multi-chain complexes.
Why is BioEmu Important?
- Improves Protein Modelling: Adds to what AlphaFold does by showing how proteins move, not just what they look like.
- Helps Drug Discovery: Finds hidden drug binding sites — speeding up the search for new medicines.
- More Accessible: Works on basic hardware, making advanced protein modelling available to more researchers.
- Combines with Other Tools: Can be used with molecular dynamics for deeper study.
- Future of Research: Encourages students and scientists to learn a mix of AI, biology, and physics.
| [UPSC 2020] Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?
1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do.
3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole vacuoles.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only, (b) 2 and 3 only, (c) 1 and 3 only * (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
Observed every year on July 20, the International Moon Day marks the historic first human landing on the Moon by the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
About International Moon Day:
- Date & Purpose: Observed annually on July 20 to mark the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969.
- UN Recognition: Declared by the UN General Assembly in 2021 on the recommendation of COPUOS.
- First Observance: Officially celebrated for the first time on July 20, 2022.
- Activities: Includes sky-gazing, science outreach, and student competitions to promote space awareness.
- Date Controversy: While the lunar module landed on July 20, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon at 2:56 UTC on July 21—yet July 20 remains the official date.
Significance:
- Historic Milestone: Celebrates Apollo 11 and humanity’s first step on the Moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
- Peaceful Space Use: Promotes the Moon as a shared heritage and fosters international cooperation in outer space.
- Sustainability Focus: Encourages responsible and eco-friendly exploration of lunar resources.
- Global Unity: Reflects the UN’s vision of peaceful space collaboration under themes like “One Moon, One Vision, One Future”.
| [UPSC 2009] India has recently landed its Moon Impact Probe on the Moon. Among the following countries, which one landed such probe on the Moon earlier?
Options: (a) Australia (b) Canada (c) China* (d) Japan |
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Why in the News?
Indian scientists from INST Mohali, IIT-Dharwad, and IIT-Kharagpur have developed a low-cost, reusable water filter that removes toxic industrial dyes using a process called piezo-photocatalysis.
About the Light-Induced Water Filter:
- Material Used: Built using 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) sheets (a biodegradable plastic); Sheets coated with bismuth ferrite (BFO) nanoparticles.
- Working: It works in two ways. Together, this is called piezo-photocatalysis.
- Photocatalysis: Uses sunlight to break dye molecules.
- Piezoelectric effect: Uses vibrations (ultrasound) to work even in the dark.
- Reusable: Can be used 5 times with only 3% loss in performance.
- Lab tests showed:
- 99% Congo Red removal
- 74% Methylene Blue removal (in 90 minutes)
Significance:
- Eco-Friendly Solution: Removes harmful dyes without harmful chemicals or electricity.
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper and safer than ozone or chemical-intensive treatments.
- Green Energy Use: Operates using sunlight and mechanical vibrations—no external power needed.
- Policy Alignment: Supports Namami Gange, Jal Nigam, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat missions.
- Scalability: Ideal for deployment near textile treatment plants as a sustainable technology.
| [UPSC 2023] With reference to the role of biofilters in the Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements:
1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed
2.Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate
3.Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None |
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Why in the News?
The completion of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has reignited tensions over Nile water rights, with Egypt and Sudan fearing reduced water flows.
About Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD):
- Overview: Gravity dam on the Blue Nile near Ethiopia–Sudan border.
- Construction Timeline: Under construction since 2011, led by Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation.
- Capacity: Set to become Africa’s largest hydropower plant with 6.45 GW output.
- Reservoir Size: Holds 74 billion cubic metres; filling may take 5–15 years.
- Key Features: 145 m tall dam, 16 turbines, and a supporting saddle dam.
- Purpose: Aims to power Ethiopia (65% population lacks electricity) and export surplus to neighbouring countries.
- Disputes Around GERD:
- Egypt’s Concern: Fears reduced water flow; Relies 90% on Nile; demands a binding filling agreement.
- Sudan’s Worry: Concerns over flood risks and water regulation.
- Ethiopia’s Stand: Asserts sovereign rights; began filling without consensus.
- Stalled Talks: Tripartite negotiations have failed; Egypt warns of possible conflict.
Back2Basics: Nile River
- Overview: North-flowing, longest river in Africa at ~6,650 km.
- Drainage Basin: Covers 11 countries—Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.
- Main Tributaries:
- White Nile: Recognized as the headstream, its most remote source is the Kagera River in Burundi, flowing through Rwanda into Lake Victoria. It officially begins at Jinja, Uganda, where it exits Lake Victoria.
- Blue Nile: Originates from Lake Tana in Ethiopia and merges with the White Nile at Khartoum, Sudan. Supplies over 80% of total Nile flow by the time it reaches Egypt.
- Lifeline Status: Vital for Egypt and Sudan’s drinking water, irrigation, and energy needs.
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| [UPSC 2008] Ogaden region has been a source of conflict between which countries?
Options: (a) Morocco and Algeria (b) Nigeria and Cameroon (c) Angola and Zambia (d) Ethiopia and Somalia* |
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Why in the News?
Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV).
![[pib] INS Nistar Diving Support Vessel](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/nistar.jpg)
About INS Nistar:
- Project Origin: First of two Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) ordered by the Navy in 2018.
- Developer: Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd with input from 120 Indian MSMEs.
- Commissioning: Inducted at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
- Legacy Name: Named after the Soviet-origin INS Nistar (1971–1989).
- Indigenization: Over 80% indigenous content, in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Sister Ship: INS Nipun, launched in 2022, will join soon.
Key Features:
- Rescue Depth: Supports diving and submarine rescue operations up to 300 metres.
- Rescue Equipment: Equipped with ROVs, Hyperbaric Lifeboats, and Diving Chambers.
- DSRV Role: Functions as mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles.
- Size: 120 metres long with a displacement of ~10,500 tonnes.
- Endurance: Can stay at sea for over 60 days.
- Utility Gear: Fitted with a 15-tonne subsea crane and helipad facilities.
- Medical Support: Includes OT, ICU, hospital beds, and hyperbaric treatment units.
Significance for India:
- Submarine Rescue: Provides independent submarine rescue capability.
- Operational Autonomy: Ends reliance on leased rescue platforms.
- Strategic Status: Places India among 12 countries with full submarine rescue capability.
- Regional Role: Strengthens India’s position as Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean.
| [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?
Recently a volcano erupted in south-west Iceland, continuing a pattern of recurring geological activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
About the Reykjanes Peninsula:
- Location: Situated in southwest Iceland along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where tectonic plates diverge.
- Volcanic Reawakening: Dormant for centuries until 2021; now sees recurring eruptions.
- Eruption Type: Known for fissure eruptions—lava flows from cracks, not a central crater.
- Key Sites: Includes Grindavik (evacuated), Blue Lagoon spa, and Svartsengi power plant.
- Volcanic Importance: Part of Iceland’s 30+ active volcanic zones.
Key Features:
- Eruption Style: Produces steady lava flows with minimal ash output.
- Flight Safety: Air traffic remains unaffected due to lack of stratospheric ash.
- Evacuation Impact: Grindavik largely abandoned after 2023 lava threat.
- Long-Term Activity: Eruptions may persist for decades or longer.
- Iceland Snapshot: Population ~400,000; similar in size to Kentucky.
- Tourism Appeal: Attracts visitors like other volcanic hotspots—Mexico, Indonesia, Sicily, and New Zealand.
| [UPSC 2014] Consider the following geological phenomena:
1. Development of a fault 2. Movement along a fault
3. Impact produced by a volcanic eruption 4. Folding of rocks
Which of the above cause earthquakes?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4* |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is preparing for India’s 8th Economic Census by integrating it with the upcoming 16th Population Census.
About the Economic Census:
- Conducting Body: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- Purpose: Creates a detailed database of non-agricultural economic establishments in India.
- Key Data Captured: Covers location, clustering, ownership, employment size, and type of economic activity.
- Unorganised Sector Inclusion: Includes informal units, vital for understanding employment dynamics.
- Historical Background:
- Economic Enquiry Committee: Proposed by Visvesvaraya Committee (1925); Setup by Bowley-Robertson Committee (1934).
- Outcome: Led to the creation of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in 1951 and national statistical systems.
- First Census: Conducted in 1977 (excluding Lakshadweep), targeting non-agricultural units with at least one hired worker.
- Timeline of Economic Censuses:
- Years Conducted: 1980, 1990, 1998, 2005, 2013, and 2019–21 (7th Census).
- Integration with Population Census: 2nd and 3rd rounds were aligned with the 1981 and 1991 Population Censuses.
- 7th Census Status: Completed in 2021, but results pending due to COVID-related data quality issues.
- Execution Support: MoSPI partnered with the CSC (Common Service Centre) network for grassroots-level implementation.
Integration with the 16th Population Census:
- Objective: Improve efficiency and reduce costs by leveraging shared field operations.
- Data Collection: Enumerators will note household-based economic activity for MoSPI processing.
- Census Schedule:
- Oct 1, 2026: Snow-bound and remote regions (e.g., Ladakh, J&K, HP, Uttarakhand).
- Mar 1, 2027: Rest of the country.
- Preparatory Work: State and district committees have been formed to plan the 8th Census.
| [UPSC 2018] As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agriculture Households”, consider the following statements:
1.Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agriculture households among its rural households.
2.Out of the total households in the country, a little over 60 percent being to OBCs.
3.In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agriculture households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agriculture activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The new NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook omits Tipu Sultan, Haidar Ali, and the Anglo-Mysore Wars from its chapter on India’s colonial era.
Legend of Tipu Sultan and Haidar Ali:
- Rise of Haidar Ali: Started as a horseman in the Mysore army and became de facto ruler by 1761 through military skill.
- Military Reforms: Introduced Western training, built arms factories with French help, and strengthened cavalry and artillery.
- Tipu Sultan: Born in 1751, trained by French officers and well-versed in Islamic law, Persian, Arabic, and science.
- Administrative Innovations: Introduced a new calendar, land revenue reforms, and coins in gold, silver, and copper with Persian inscriptions.
- Governance and Industry: Created seven departments, promoted silk industry, and envisioned the future Kannambadi Dam.
- French Alliance: Maintained strong ties with France, alarming the British amid global Anglo-French rivalry.
- Technological Advancement: Deployed iron-cased Mysorean rockets, which inspired British Congreve rockets.
- Moral Governance: Banned liquor, gambling, and prostitution to enforce discipline.
- Religious Policy: Though devoutly Islamic, he patronized temples and mathas, but faced criticism for intolerance in annexed regions.
About the Anglo-Mysore Wars:
First Anglo-Mysore War (1767–69)
- Alliance Against Mysore: British, Marathas, and Nizam formed a coalition against Haidar Ali.
- Diplomatic Victory: Haidar neutralized the Marathas and secured Nizam’s support.
- Outcome: Treaty of Madras (1769) restored the status quo and mutual restitution of territories.
Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780–84)
- Trigger: British violation of the Treaty of Madras and occupation of French port Mahe.
- Coalition Formation: Haidar allied with Marathas and Nizam against the British.
- Major Battle: Captured Arcot and defeated Col. Baillie; Haidar died in 1782.
- Conclusion: Tipu continued the fight; Treaty of Mangalore (1784) was the last time an Indian power dictated terms to the British.
Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790–92)
- Cause: Tipu’s attack on Travancore, a British ally.
- British Response: Cornwallis led a coordinated campaign with Maratha and Nizam support.
- Result: Tipu ceded half his territory and paid ₹3 crore under the Treaty of Seringapatam (1792).
Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799)
- British Strategy: Wellesley isolated Tipu diplomatically over his French ties.
- Final Battle: Tipu was killed defending Seringapatam on May 4, 1799, ending native resistance in South India.
Aftermath of the Wars:
- Fall of Resistance: Tipu’s death marked the end of organized native military opposition in the South.
- British Control: Wodeyars reinstated as puppet rulers under Subsidiary Alliance; key territories annexed by the British.
- Territorial Division: Nizam received Gooty and Gurramkonda; Marathas declined British land offer.
- Administrative Changes: Mysore came under direct British rule in 1831 due to alleged misrule; restored to Wodeyars in 1881 by Lord Ripon under a constitutional monarchy.
- Legacy: Anglo-Mysore Wars showed how native resistance could challenge colonial power through modernization, alliances, and tactical innovation.
- Rocketry Influence: Tipu’s military rocketry was studied and adapted by the British into European warfare.
| [UPSC 2014] With reference to the Anglo-Mysore Wars, consider the following statements:
1. In the Third Battle of Panipat, Ahmed Shah Abdali defeated Ibrahim Lodi.
2. Tipu Sultan was killed in the Third Anglo-Mysore War.
3. Mir Jafar entered in a conspiracy with the English for the defeat of Nawab Siraj-ud-daulah in the Battle of Plassey.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 only* (c) 2 and 3 (d) None |
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Why in the News?
India successfully tested the Akash Prime Missile System in Ladakh, neutralizing two high-speed aerial targets at high altitude.
About Akash Prime:
- What It Is: Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system.
- High-Altitude Capability: Designed to operate effectively above 4,500 metres.
- Development: Developed by DRDO with BDL, BEL, and Army Air Defence.
- Operational Use: Proven in Operation Sindoor against aerial threats.
- Production Trials: Validated through First of Production Model (FoPM) firing trials.
- Deployment: Already in use at IAF bases and forward posts along the LAC in Ladakh.
Key Features:
- Seeker Upgrade: Equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for better accuracy.
- Altitude Adaptability: Engineered for high-altitude, cold-climate operations.
- Multi-Target Engagement: Capable of engaging multiple aerial threats at once.
- Speed & Accuracy: Travels at Mach 2.5 with up to 90% kill probability.
- Electronic Warfare: Equipped with ECCM features to resist electronic jamming.
- Radar Integration: Uses Rajendra radar for detection, targeting, and tracking.
- Operational Range: Effective engagement range of 25–30 km.
Other Variants of Akash:
- Akash Mark-I (1990–2005): First version under IGMDP; achieved successful dual-target intercepts by 2005.
- Akash-1S (2019): Enhanced version with 30 km range and 60 kg warhead; effective against aircraft and drones; tested successfully in May 2019.
- Akash Prime (2021 onwards): Added active RF seeker and altitude/weather resistance; tested on September 27, 2021.
- Akash-NG (Next Generation): Approved in 2016 with ₹470 crore funding; offers faster response and improved aerial threat protection.
|
| [UPSC 2009] In the context of Indian defence, consider the following statements:
1. The Shourya missile flies with a speed of more than 8 Mach. 2. The range of Shourya missile is more than 1600 km. 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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Why in the News?
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) has detected radio emissions with circular polarisation near a massive young protostar, IRAS 18162-2048.
About Protostars:
- Definition: Early-stage stars formed by the gravitational collapse of dense regions in molecular clouds.
- Accretion Phase: They actively gather gas and dust but have not yet begun sustained nuclear fusion.
- Jet Ejection: Bipolar jets—high-speed streams of particles—are commonly emitted from their poles.
- Massive Protostars: Expected to evolve into stars with masses over 8–10 times that of the Sun.
- Role of Magnetism: Magnetic fields likely influence both jet formation and ejection mechanisms.
|
About the Protostar IRAS 18162-2048:
- Overview: Situated about 4,500 light years away in the Milky Way.
- Jet Feature: Powers the HH80-81 jet—one of the galaxy’s largest and brightest protostellar jets.
- Magnetic Detection: First direct evidence of magnetic fields from the protostar itself, not just its jet.
- Observation Challenges: Heavily shrouded in dense gas and dust, making traditional observation difficult.
- Jet Dynamics: Suggests that magnetic fields and rotational energy drive its development.
Recent Observations:
- Detection Method: Observed circular polarisation in radio waves—where electromagnetic fields rotate along their path.
- Rarity: Circular polarisation is extremely faint and seldom detected, even in intense sources like active galactic nuclei.
- Scientific Milestone: First-ever estimation of magnetic field strength near a massive protostar using circular polarisation.
- Magnetic Field Strength: Estimated to be 100 times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field.
- Theoretical Support: Findings reinforce the theory that magnetic fields power jets from both stars and black holes.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:
Objects in space :: Description
1. Cepheids : Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
2. Nebulae : Stars which brighten and dim periodically
3. Pulsars : Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Options: (a) Only one* (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
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Why in the News?
Machilipatnam, once a flourishing ancient port city on India’s east coast, is witnessing a major transformation with the construction of a modern Greenfield port.
About Machilipatnam:
- Alternate Names: Also known as Masulipatnam, Maisolia, or Manjarika.
- Geographic Location: Located in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, on the southeastern Coromandel Coast, at the mouth of River Krishna, ~70 km east of Amaravati.
- Historical Importance:
- One of the most significant east coast port cities for ~1,700 years.
- Played a key role in maritime trade across ancient, medieval, and early modern periods.
- Global Trade Connections:
- Attracted traders from Rome, Arabia, Persia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
- Known for exporting high-quality Muslin textiles prized in Roman markets.
- The term “muslin” likely derives from “Maisolia,” an ancient name of the city.
- Cultural Contributions:
- Known for Kalamkari art, a traditional textile art featuring hand-painted or block-printed designs.
- Dynastic Port Usage:
- Satavahanas (1st BCE – 2nd CE): Used as a major trade gateway.
- Vishnukundins (4th–6th CE): Trade wealth supported Buddhist monument construction (e.g., Nagarjunakonda).
- Qutb Shahis (16th–17th CE): Transformed it into a global hub for diamonds, muslin, and Kalamkari.
- Nizams of Hyderabad (18th century): Controlled the port until partial cession to the British.
- Mentions in Ancient Texts:
- Appears as Maisolia in Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
- Listed as Maisolos in Ptolemy’s Geographia.
- Colonial Involvement:
- Dutch built a fort in the 17th century.
- British East India Company established its first Bay of Bengal factory here in 1611.
- Between 1686–1759, it changed hands among French, Dutch, and British; seized by British from the French in 1759.
- Decline of the Port:
- Anchorage Issue: Unsuitable for large ships, with anchorage 5 miles offshore.
- Cyclone Damage: A severe cyclone in 1779 killed ~20,000 and destroyed Dutch structures.
- Trade Shift: Decline due to growing prominence of Madras (Chennai) and Visakhapatnam under British rule.
- Post-Independence Claim:
- In 1947, 7th Nizam of Hyderabad attempted to reclaim it for sea access to an independent Hyderabad state.
- Modern Revival:
- A Greenfield port at Manginapudi is under construction, expected to be operational by 2026.
- Aims to restore Machilipatnam’s historical maritime legacy.
| [UPSC 2023] With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as:
(a) capital cities (b) ports* (c) centres of iron and steel making (d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras |
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Why in the News?
The Behdienkhlam Festival of Pnar (Jaintia) community in Meghalaya was recently celebrated.
About Behdienkhlam Festival:
- Cultural Role: Major religious and cultural festival of the Pnar (Jaintia) community in Meghalaya.
- Location: Four-day festival held in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills.
- Meaning: Means driving away the plague or evil.
- Timing: Celebrated in mid-July after sowing season.
- Purpose: Prayers for a good harvest and community cleansing.
- Faith: Observed mainly by followers of the Niamtre religion.
- Women’s Role: Women offer food to ancestors but do not dance in rituals.
Key Features:
- Rituals: Dolois perform rites to drive away disease and evil.
- Symbolic Act: Youth beat rooftops with bamboo sticks to expel evil.
- Rots: 30–40 ft decorated bamboo structures with social themes.
- Khnong Ritual: Teams pull a large wooden beam and immerse it in mud.
- Dad-Lawakor: Traditional football-like game predicting harvest success.
- Celebrations: Mass dancing at Wah Aitnar pool with drums and pipes.
| [UPSC 2012] Chapchar Kut is a festival celebrated in the state of:
Options: (a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Assam (c) Mizoram* (d) Sikkim |
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices, and improving rural livelihoods.
About Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)
- Objective: Aims to transform agriculture in 100 low-performing districts by addressing productivity gaps.
- Inspiration: Modelled on NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme; first scheme focused solely on agriculture and allied sectors.
- Launch: Announced in Union Budget 2025–26 and approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
- Approach: Driven by convergence of schemes, collaboration across stakeholders, and healthy competition among districts.
Key Features:
- Scheme Integration: Merges 36 schemes from 11 ministries into one unified framework.
- Budget & Duration: ₹24,000 crore annual outlay for six years (starting 2025–26).
- District Selection:
- 100 districts with low productivity, cropping intensity, and credit access
- At least one district from each state/UT
- Focus Areas:
- Boosting productivity
- Promoting crop diversification and sustainability
- Improving irrigation and water efficiency
- Expanding post-harvest storage
- Enhancing credit access
- Performance Monitoring: Monthly ranking on 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPI) via centralized dashboard.
- Support Mechanism: NITI Aayog to provide capacity-building and reviews.
- Expert Note: Credit-based selection criteria may require refinement.
Implementation:
- District Planning: Each district to prepare an Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan.
- Plan Approval: Handled by District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, chaired by the Collector and including progressive farmers.
- National Alignment:
- Agricultural self-sufficiency
- Soil and water conservation
- Promotion of organic/natural farming
- Governance: Committees at district, state, and national levels to guide execution.
- Monitoring: Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) to conduct field visits and track progress.
- Technical Support: Agricultural universities to serve as knowledge partners.
- Expected Outcomes: Boost farm income, create local livelihoods, and support Atmanirbhar Bharat through enhanced agri-productivity.
| [UPSC 2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?
1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini truck
3. Consumption requirements of farm households
4. Post-harvest expenses
5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only* (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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Why in the News?
Researchers have reported the detection of an exceptionally massive black hole merger, labelled GW231123.
About Black Holes and Black Hole Merger:
- Overview: Black holes are extremely dense celestial objects whose gravitational pull is so strong that even light cannot escape.
- Types of Black Holes:
-
- Stellar-mass: Around 20 times the mass of the Sun or more.
- Intermediate-mass: Between 100 and 100,000 times the mass of the Sun.
- Supermassive: From 100,000 to several billion times the mass of the Sun.
- Black Hole Merger:
- Occurs when two black holes orbit each other, lose energy via gravitational waves, and merge into a larger black hole.
- The GW231123 event involved black holes of approximately 140 and 100 solar masses, forming a final black hole of 225 solar masses — the largest detected through gravitational waves.
- Scientists suggest such massive black holes may form via hierarchical mergers (successive black hole mergers).
- Supports theories on the formation of supermassive black holes, often found at galactic centers.
Recent Observations:
- Event Timing: The GW231123 event was detected on November 23, 2023, though it occurred billions of years ago.
- Signal Characteristics:
- Lasted only a tenth of a second but matched Einstein’s predictions under General Relativity.
- Both black holes were rapidly spinning, hinting at a complex formation history.
- Scientific Significance:
- Involved intermediate-mass black holes, rarely observed in nature.
- Challenges existing models of black hole formation via stellar collapse.
- Indicates the presence of black holes in the so-called “forbidden mass gap”.
- Conference Presentation:
- Findings to be presented at the 24th International Conference on General Relativity and Gravitation (GR24) and the 16th Edoardo Amaldi Conference on Gravitational Waves, held in Glasgow, UK (July 14–18, 2025).
- Broader Implications:
- Opens new questions about the origin of massive black holes.
- Offers insights into gravitational physics, cosmology, astrophysics, and potentially particle physics or cosmic string theory.
- Model refinements are ongoing to better understand such extreme cosmic phenomena.
Gravitational Wave Detection Network:
- Nature of Gravitational Waves: Invisible ripples in spacetime caused by cataclysmic cosmic events like black hole collisions; predicted by Einstein in 1916.
- Global Detection Network (LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA):
- Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO):
- Operates two detectors in the United States (in the states of Louisiana and Washington).
- First detected gravitational waves in 2015, leading to a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2017.
- Virgo Observatory: Located near Pisa, Italy and operated by the European Gravitational Observatory.
- Kamioka Gravitational Wave Detector (KAGRA): Located underground in the Kamioka mine, Japan, and notable for its cryogenic mirror technology.
- LIGO-India:
- Under construction in Hingoli, Maharashtra in partnership with the US National Science Foundation.
- Involves scientists from 17 Indian institutions.
| [UPSC 2019] Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth.
What is the significance of this observation?
Options: (a) Higgs boson particles’ were detected. (b) Gravitational waves’ were detected * (c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed. (d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’. |
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