Why in the News?
ISRO has successfully conducted IADT-1, a key milestone for Indiaâs maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.
About Air Drop Test (ADT-1):
- Test Setup: A dummy crew module weighing nearly 5 tonnes was dropped from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at an altitude of about 3 km.
- Purpose: To test the parachute-based deceleration system that will slow the crew module during re-entry and ensure a safe splashdown.
- Parachute Sequence: Parachutes deployed in order â first drogue chutes, followed by three main parachutes â slowing the capsule to about 8 metres per second before landing.
- Outcome: The touchdown matched expectations, successfully validating the design for human re-entry and landing.
Roadmap for Gaganyaan:
- Objective: The ultimate goal is to send Indian astronauts to low-earth orbit on a human-rated LVM3 rocket.
- Validation Tests: A series of safety validation tests are planned before the crewed mission.
- Crew Escape System (CES): Already tested with TV-D1 in October 2023; TV-D2 will demonstrate a more complex abort scenario.
- First Uncrewed Mission (G1): Will carry the humanoid robot Vyommitra to simulate astronaut operations.
- Parallel Trials: Multiple air drop tests and subsystem validations, including parachute trials and life-support system checks, will continue.
- Key Technologies: Critical systems under development include the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), the Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS), and a strengthened human-rated LVM3 rocket.
- Timeline: The first human spaceflight (H1) is currently targeted for 2027, though delays are possible due to complexity in human-rating systems.
Long-term Goals:
- Foundation: Gaganyaan marks the beginning of Indiaâs long-term human spaceflight programme.
- Space Station: The GoI has announced the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) to be established by 2035.
- Lunar Mission: India aims to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2040.
- Critical Technologies: Capabilities such as in-orbit docking, demonstrated by the SpaDeX mission in 2025, will be essential for future missions.
| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following space missions:
I. Axiom-4 II. SpaDeX III. Gaganyaan
How many of the space missions given above encourage and support microgravity research?
Options:
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three* (d) None |
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Why in the News?
The Delhi Assembly has hosted a two-day All India Speakersâ Conference to mark 100 years since Vithalbhai Patel became the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly, the precursor to todayâs Parliament.
Who was Vithalbhai Patel?
- Early Life: Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (1873â1933), Elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; trained lawyer (studied law in England, practiced in Bombay).
- Political career:
- Member, Bombay Legislative Council (1912).
- Member, Imperial Legislative Council (1918).
- Elected to Central Legislative Assembly in 1924 from Bombay city.
- First Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly (1925), equivalent to todayâs Lok Sabha Speaker under British rule.
His Political Legacy:
- Associated with Swaraj Party (1923): Co-founded by him, Motilal Nehru, Chittaranjan Das, Subhas Chandra Bose, opposing Gandhiâs suspension of Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Strengthening Speakerâs Authority: Asserted that the Assembly President (Speaker) was paramount, even over the Viceroy inside the House.
- Parliamentary Security: Insisted on keeping Assembly security under Speakerâs control, even after Bhagat Singhâs 1929 bomb incident. This autonomy lasted until 2024 when CISF took over.
- Independent Parliament Secretariat: Established a staff system reporting only to the Speaker, ensuring independence from executive interference.
- Institution Builder: Motilal Nehru and Lala Lajpat Rai supported his push, leading to creation of a separate Legislative Assembly Department in 1929.
- Freedom Struggle Role: Critic of Gandhian withdrawal strategy; collaborated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose abroad to internationalize Indiaâs cause.
- Controversial Will: Left part of his wealth to support Boseâs political work, later overturned in court after family challenge.
| [UPSC 2016] For the Karachi session of Indian National Congress in 1931 presided over by Sardar Patel. Who drafted the Resolution Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme?
Options: (a) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Pt Jawaharlal Nehru* (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (d) Dr. BR Ambedkar |
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Why in the News?
The 14th Maitree Exercise between Indian and Thai Army will be held in Umroi, Meghalaya returning to India after five years.
About Exercise Maitree:
- Overview: A bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.
- Started: 2006, as a collaborative initiative to deepen defense ties.
- Frequency: Held annually, alternating between India and Thailand.
- Participants: Company-level contingents (approx. 70â80 soldiers each); Indian units have included Ladakh Scouts, while Thai units have included Infantry Regiments.
- Objective: To build interoperability, mutual trust, and cooperation in counter-terrorism, insurgency management, and peacekeeping operations.
Key Features:
- Counter-Terrorism Focus: Joint training for counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations, especially in semi-urban and jungle terrain.
- UN Mandate Training: Exercises designed to simulate peacekeeping operations under UN Charter VII.
- Humanitarian Drills: Includes disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and urban evacuation operations.
- Strategic Relevance:
- Strengthens IndiaâThailand defense cooperation under the 2012 MoU.
- Supports Indiaâs Act East Policy and shared maritime/strategic interests in the Bay of BengalâAndaman Sea region.
- Enhances interoperability for multinational operations and regional stability.
| [UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about âExercise Mitra Shakti-2023â are correct?
1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4* |
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Why in the News?
- The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to further the governmentâs agenda of decriminalisation and rationalisation of laws.
- This is the second Jan Vishwas Bill; the first (2023) decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Acts.
About the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0:
- Introduced in Lok Sabha (August 2025) as the second Jan Vishwas reform.
- Seeks to amend 16 Central Acts across 10 ministries/departments.
- Builds on the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Acts.
- Aims to promote trust-based governance, ease of living, and ease of doing business.
- Currently referred to a Lok Sabha Select Committee for examination.
Key Features of the Bill:
- Scope: Proposes amendments to 355 provisions:
- 288 decriminalised (technical/procedural defaults).
- 67 rationalised (ease of living).
- Acts covered: RBI Act (1934), Drugs & Cosmetics Act (1940), Motor Vehicles Act (1988), Electricity Act (2003), Legal Metrology Act (2009), MSME Development Act (2006), Apprentice Act (1961), and others.
- First-time Offences: Introduces âwarningâ and âimprovement noticeâ in 76 offences (e.g., non-standard weights, MVA violations).
- Decriminalisation: Removes imprisonment clauses for minor defaults, replacing them with fines or warnings.
- Example: Electricity Act â imprisonment replaced with fines between âš10,000 and âš10 lakh.
- Penalty Rationalisation: Automatic 10% increase in penalties every 3 years for repeat offences.
- Objective: Ensure deterrence without overburdening courts and without repeated legislative amendments.
Why was the Bill brought in?
- Over-criminalisation in Indian laws:
- 882 central laws; 370 contain criminal provisions for 7,305 offences (Vidhi Centre).
- Many are trivial or outdated (e.g., penalties for routine acts like exercising pets incorrectly).
- Business barriers:
- ORF (2022) â Over 50% of 1,536 business laws carry jail terms; 37.8% of 69,233 compliances carry imprisonment clauses.
- Creates fear among entrepreneurs, stifling growth.
- Judicial pendency:
- 3.6 crore criminal cases pending in district courts (Aug 2025).
- 2.3 crore are over 1 year old.
- Minor offences clog the system, delaying trials of serious crimes.
- Governance reform agenda:
- Aligns with PM Modiâs commitment to remove âunnecessary lawsâ (reiterated in Independence Day 2025 speech).
- Supports ease of living and ease of doing business as core NDA governance planks.
| [UPSC 2012] What is/are the recent policy initiative(s)of Government of India to promote the growth of the manufacturing sector?
1. Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones
2. Providing the benefit of âsingle window clearanceâ
3. Establishing the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund
Select the correct answer using the codes 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?
The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, Nilgiri-class frigates built under Project 17A, at Visakhapatnam.
About INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri:
| Feature |
INS Udaygiri |
INS Himgiri |
| Builder |
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai |
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata |
| Series / Class |
2nd ship of Project 17A;
100th vessel designed by Navyâs Warship Design Bureau |
1st Project 17A frigate from GRSE |
| Naming |
After Udaygiri mountain range (AP); earlier ship (1976â2007) |
Legacy of original INS Himgiri (1974â2005) |
| Displacement / Size |
~6,700 tonnes |
~6,670 tonnes; Length: 149 m |
| Propulsion |
CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) |
CODOG; speeds 28+ knots |
| Stealth Features |
Reduced radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures |
Enhanced radar & IR signature reduction |
| Armament |
BrahMos, Barak-8 SAMs, 76 mm gun, CIWS, advanced ASW weapons |
BrahMos, Barak-8, CIWS, ASW rocket launchers, torpedo tubes, EW systems |
| Aviation Facilities |
â |
Flight deck + hangar for MH-60 Romeo, ALH Dhruv Mk-III, Sea King helicopters |
| Indigenous Content |
~75% (local sensors, systems, IPMS) |
~75% |
| [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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Introduction
The first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a childâs second birthday, form a once-in-a-lifetime window for shaping lifelong health, learning, and productivity. Science shows that by age two, the brain reaches 80% of its adult size, and missing this phase leads to irreversible losses in nutrition and cognition. Despite progress, India still faces high levels of stunting and poor early learning, making early childhood investment a nation-building priority.
Why is this in the news?
India has reduced malnutrition since the 1990s, but progress is too slow, at the current pace, stunting will fall to 10% only by 2075. To meet the 2047 target, the pace must double. New initiatives like Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi and Navchetana reflect a fresh focus on integrating nutrition with cognitive development, but gaps remain in coverage, quality, and urban reach, making this issue urgent.
Scientific insights on first 1,000 days
- Brain Growth: By age two, the brain reaches 80% of adult size; synapse formation and frontal lobe spurts shape planning, memory, and regulation.
- Nutritional Deficits: Deficiencies before age three are often irreversible, with lifelong consequences.
- Cohort Study Evidence: A Tamil Nadu study linked early childhood iron deficiency to poor verbal performance, slower processing, and weaker expressive language.
- Neuroplasticity: Learning acquired in this phase is fast and permanent, e.g., acquisition of regional language or nursery rhymes.
Limits of nutrition-only interventionsÂ
- Integrated Development: Stand-alone nutrition programmes show only low-to-moderate outcomes.
- Combined Impact: Nutrition + stimulation interventions lead to stronger cognitive and health outcomes.
- Example: Birth-cohort studies show poor language skills when nutrition is not coupled with stimulation, underlining the âcut from the same clothâ nature of brain and body growth.
Indiaâs policy response to early childhood developmentÂ
- ICDS: Worldâs largest childcare scheme, focusing on nutrition and early learning.
- Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi: Seeks to integrate nutrition with learning stimulation.
- Navchetana Framework: Offers 140 age-based activities (0â3 years) through a 36-month stimulation calendar; relies on home visits by Anganwadi and caregivers.
- Home-based Play Learning: Encourages children to learn through activities, not formal teaching, improving social and cognitive skills.
Persistent challenges in ensuring holistic child care
- Stunting Persistence: At current rate, 10% stunting target may take till 2075.
- Service Saturation Gaps: ICDS yet to achieve full coverage and quality across states.
- Urban Challenges: Services weak in cities despite high demand.
- Workforce Empowerment: 14 lakh Anganwadi workers remain overburdened and undertrained.
- Women in Workforce: Limited crèche facilities constrain female labour participation; need public-private-community partnerships.
Urgency of investment in the age of automationÂ
- Automation Risk: Future job markets will offer fewer opportunities to low-skilled workers.
- Human Capital: Early investment ensures a workforce equipped with cognitive resilience and adaptability.
- Intergenerational Impact: Better child development empowers women, reduces poverty, and enhances societal well-being.
Conclusion
The first 1,000 days are the golden window of human development, missing it means irreversible losses. India has the policies, infrastructure, and scientific backing to act, but weak implementation, inadequate urban reach, and insufficient integration of nutrition with learning continue to limit outcomes. With 2047 as a national milestone, accelerating investment in childrenâs earliest years is not just a welfare necessity but an economic and ethical imperative.
UPSC PYQ Linkage
[2021, GS 2] âExamine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and evaluate its implementation.â
Linkage: Both focus on gaps in child-centric programmes and need for holistic approaches.
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Why in the News?
This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the Indian Express.
Women in Revolutionary Movements:
Pritilata Waddedar:
- Early Life: Born on 5 May 1911 in Chittagong. One of the first Bengali women to lead an armed revolutionary group.
- Education: Graduated in philosophy from Bethune College, Kolkata; became a school teacher.
- Inspiration: Influenced by revolutionary literature and womenâs activism; joined Deepali Sangha.
- Role: Collected bomb cases, distributed pamphlets, gathered jail intelligence by posing as relatives.
- Legacy: Left a suicide note explaining her cause; remembered as a fearless martyr.
Kalpana Datta:
- Early Life: Born in 1913 in Sripur, Chittagong; studied at Bethune College, joined Chhatri Sangha.
- Activities: Conducted reconnaissance before the European Club attack; arrested a week earlier.
- Later Role: Joined bombing attempt to free Surya Sen; sentenced to life, released in 1939.
- Post-freedom: Became a Communist Party leader, focused on social activism.
Bina Das:
- Early Life: At 21, attempted assassination of Governor Stanley Jackson (1932) with a revolver supplied by Kamala Das Gupta.
- Networks: Part of secret revolutionary student circles.
- Court Statement: Famous for her passionate resistance plea before Calcutta High Court.
Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain:
- Early Life: Born on 9 December 1880; pioneer of womenâs rights and education.
- Writings: Authored âSultanaâs Dreamâ (1908), envisioning a feminist utopia.
- Institutions: Founded the first school for Muslim girls in Kolkata; formed Muslim Womenâs Association (1916).
- Activism: Led womenâs conferences, challenged purdah, advocated education.
Kamala Das Gupta:
- Early Life: Born in Dhaka; completed MA in history at Kolkata. Initially Gandhian, later joined Jugantar.
- Role: Provided shelter, weapons, and materials; arrested multiple times.
- Connection: Supplied Bina Das with revolver for her assassination attempt.
- Legacy: Wrote âRakter Akshareâ and âSwadhinata Sangrame Nariâ; led refugee relief and vocational training.
Nanibala Devi:
- Early Life: Disguised as a revolutionaryâs wife; spied in prisons for intelligence.
- Sacrifice: Endured brutal police torture (including red chili powder) without revealing secrets.
- End: Died in poverty but symbolised courage and resilience.
Labanya Prabha Ghosh:
- Early Life: Born on 14 August 1897, Purulia.
- Contribution: Helped establish Shilpashram, hub of revolutionaries like Subhas Bose, C.R. Das.
- Political Role: First woman MLA from Purulia; wrote and edited nationalist journals.
- Later Activism: Led movements for land rights, justice for the poor.
Matangini Hazra (âGandhi Buriâ):
- Early Life: Born in 1870, Hogla village, Midnapore; widowed young, lived in poverty.
- Freedom Struggle: Joined Salt Satyagraha, arrested for making salt; resisted chowkidari tax.
- Repression: Imprisoned and beaten; served the sick during epidemics.
- Martyrdom: Killed by police firing while leading Quit India procession (1942), holding the tricolour until death.
| [UPSC 2009] During the freedom struggle, Aruna Asaf Ali was a major woman organizer of underground activity in
Options:
(a) Civil Disobedience Movement
(b) Non-Cooperation Movement
(c) Quit India Movement*
(d) Swadeshi Movement |
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Why in the News?
The Registrar General of India (RGI) has announced that the same definition of âurban areaâ used in Census 2011 will be retained in Census 2027 to ensure comparability of data and analysis of urbanisation trends.
Background and Urbanisation Trends:
- Census 2011 Data: Indiaâs population was 121 crore â 68.8% rural (83.3 crore) and 31.2% urban (37.7 crore).
- Trend: Urban share grew from 17.3% in 1951 to 31% in 2011, showing rapid urbanisation.
- Units: 6,40,867 villages and 15,870 urban units recorded in 2011.
|
Definition of Urban Area:
- Statutory Towns: Include municipal corporations, nagar palikas, town panchayats, cantonment boards, and notified town area committees.
- Census Town Criteria:
- Minimum population of 5000;
- Population Density ⼠400 persons per sq. km;
- Workforce: ⼠75% of male workers in non-agricultural activities.
- District HQs: Headquarters not legally notified as towns will be Census Towns only if they meet criteria.
- Exclusions: Plantations and orchards outside statutory towns will not be treated as âforestsâ under this definition.
Special Features of Census 2027:
- Caste Data: For the first time, caste enumeration included (approved April 2024).
- Worker Classification: Male agricultural workers (cultivators, labourers, livestock, forestry, fishing, hunting, plantations) excluded when calculating non-agricultural engagement.
- Error Correction: Grouping multiple villages into one Census Town discontinued; identification now at village level.
Preparatory Work and Timelines:
- Jurisdiction Updates: All changes in villages/towns/wards updated till 31 December 2025.
- Boundary Freeze: Administrative boundaries fixed on 1 January 2026.
- Village Review: Villages with 4,000+ population in 2011 re-examined to meet 5,000 threshold by 2027.
- Phases:
- Houselisting & Housing Census (HLO) â April 2026.
- Population Enumeration (PE) â February 2027.
| [UPSC 2002] Consider the following statements about the megacities of India:
I. Population of each megacity is more than 5 million.
II. All the megacities are important sea ports.
III. Megacities are either national or State capitals.
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) I, II and III
(b) I and II
(c) II and III
(d) I and III * |
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Why in the News?
Recent research by IISc on Asgard archaea â the closest living relatives of eukaryotes â has shed new light on how simple prokaryotic cells evolved into complex eukaryotic cells with nuclei, cytoskeletons, and organelles.
About Asgard Archaea:
- Nature: Tiny microbes living in deep-sea mud and extreme environments.
- Evolutionary Link: Closest relatives of eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, humans).
- Importance: Help explain how simple prokaryotic cells (bacteria/archaea) evolved into complex eukaryotic cells.
- Significance: Considered the âmissing linkâ in the origin of complex life.
Findings from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Study:
- Focus: Scientists studied a subgroup called Odinarchaeota.
- Discovery: Found two FtsZ genes (most microbes have one) and a tubulin-like gene.
- FtsZ1: Works like bacterial proteins â forms straight filaments and attaches to cell membranes.
- FtsZ2: Builds spiral structures but needs helper proteins to stick to membranes.
- Division of Labour: Cooperation of FtsZ1 and FtsZ2 shows early signs of cellular specialisation.
- Clue for Evolution: Suggests Asgard microbes were already experimenting with primitive âcytoskeletonâ systems, paving way for complex cells.
| [UPSC 2012] Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?
Options:
(a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium
(b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen*
(c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus
(d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium |
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Why in the News?
The DRDO has successfully conducted the maiden flight-tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.
About the Indigenous Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS):
- Overview: A multi-layered indigenous system developed to neutralise a wide spectrum of aerial threats.
- Integration: Combines 3 components viz. Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
- Control: All systems are networked through a Command-and-Control Centre developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
Key Components of IADWS:
- QRSAM:
- Short-range missile system for protecting moving Army armoured formations.
- Range: 3â30 km.
- Equipped with 360° surveillance and tracking radars.
- Fully automated, mobile, and capable of âsearch on moveâ and âtrack on move.â
- VSHORADS:
- Fourth-generation man-portable air defence system (MANPAD).
- Range: 300 m â 6 km.
- Targets include drones, UAVs, and low-altitude aerial threats.
- Deployable across Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW):
- Vehicle-mounted laser system.
- Range: <3 km.
- Proven in field trials against UAVs and drone swarms.
Strategic Significance:
- Multi-Layer Defence: Provides aerial protection up to 30 km against threats from drones to fighter jets.
- Self-Reliance: Enhances indigenous capability, reducing dependence on imported defence systems.
- National Security: Strengthens preparedness for Mission Sudarshan Chakra â Indiaâs planned national air defence shield.
- Technological Integration: Demonstrates Indiaâs leap in combining missile and laser-based defence on a single platform.
- Geostrategic Importance: Seen as a milestone in Indiaâs path to advanced, self-reliant defence systems.
| [UPSC 2018] What is âTerminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)â, sometimes seen in the news?
Options:
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) Indiaâs indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system*
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea |
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Why in the News?
Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led global initiative to protect seven species of big cats.
About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- Overview: A global multi-country, multi-agency alliance of 95 countries (range and non-range) focused on conserving big cats and their habitats.
- Launch: Proposed by PM Modi in 2019; officially launched in April 2023 on Project Tigerâs 50th anniversary.
- Conservation Scope: Works to protect 7 species of big cats â tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
- Functions: Operates through advocacy, knowledge-sharing, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilisation.
- Conflict Mitigation: Aims to reduce humanâwildlife conflict and restore degraded habitats.
- Institutional Structure:
- Governance: Managed by a General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat headed by a Secretary-General.
- Headquarters: Permanent base established in India following ratification of the HQ agreement.
Global Participation
- Membership: Includes 95 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe/Central Asia. Examples:
- Asia: India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran.
- Africa: Kenya, Congo, Ghana.
- Americas: Brazil, Ecuador, United States.
- Europe/Central Asia: Russia, Kazakhstan.
- Ratification: Bhutan, Eswatini, Cambodia, Guinea, India, Liberia, Nicaragua, Somalia, and Suriname have deposited ratification instruments.
Indiaâs Role:
- Biodiversity Hub: India hosts 5 of the 7 big cats â tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah â and holds 70% of global tiger population.
- Funding: Government committed âš150 crore for 2023â2028; mobilising international contributions.
- Leadership: India sets global benchmarks in wildlife conservation and ecological stewardship, positioning itself as a leader in big cat protection.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 2 |
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Why in the News?
For the first time, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced Indian classical music, dance, theatre, and visual arts into primary and middle school textbooks (Classes 3 to 8).
About Classical Arts in School Textbooks
- For the first time, NCERT has integrated Indian classical arts (music, dance, theatre, and visual arts) into textbooks for Classes 3 to 8.
- The reform aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates rooting education in Indiaâs ethos and cultural heritage.
- Music content includes swar, laya, shabd, Sanskrit shloka recitations, folk songs, ragas from Hindustani & Carnatic music.
- Dance content covers 8 classical dance forms â Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya.
- Draws from ancient texts like Natyashastra, Brihaddeshi, Sangita Damodara, Abhinaya Darpanam.
- Pedagogy: Emphasis on exposure, appreciation, and creativity rather than mastery. Includes storytelling, abhinaya (expressions), theatre, group performances.
Classical Dance Forms Mentioned:
| Dance Form |
Details |
| Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu) |
Oldest dance form; temple origins; fixed torso, bent legs, intricate footwork; emphasis on abhinaya and mudras; devotional themes (Bhakti rasa). |
| Kathak (North India) |
Storytelling tradition (katha = story); features fast spins (chakkars) and rhythmic footwork; evolved in temples & Mughal courts; uses ghungroo. |
| Kathakali (Kerala) |
Dance-drama with elaborate costumes, makeup, masks; based on Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas; strong gestures, expressions (navarasas). |
| Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) |
Blend of dance & drama with dialogue; famous Tarangam item (dance on brass plate); Vaishnav themes (Krishna stories); brisk, graceful movements. |
| Manipuri (Manipur) |
Graceful, devotional form linked to Ras Lila of Krishna; lyrical movements, cylindrical skirt for women; avoids forceful footwork; spiritual style. |
| Mohiniyattam (Kerala) |
âDance of the enchantressâ; soft, feminine style; gentle swaying movements; solo, mostly by women; white-golden costume; mood of lasya (grace). |
| Odissi (Odisha) |
Temple dance linked to Jagannath worship; tribhangi posture and chauka stance; sculptural quality like temple carvings; strong Vaishnava themes. |
| Sattriya (Assam) |
Introduced by Srimanta Sankardev in monasteries (sattras); devotional Vaishnava themes; combines dance, drama, music; recognised as classical in 2000. |
| [UPSC 2012] How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
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 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing its heaviest-ever rocket, the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV).
About Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV):
- Overview: Indiaâs heaviest rocket under development by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Purpose: Designed mainly for lunar exploration, including Indiaâs first human mission to the Moon by 2040.
- Strategic Role: Replaces the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) plan and will support Indiaâs space station programme.
- Scale: As tall as a 40-storey building, far larger than the current LVM-3.
Key Features:
- Payload Capacity: Can carry 80 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 27 tonnes to the Moon, suitable for human-rated spacecraft.
- Three-stage: Partially reusable super heavy-lift vehicle with:
- First two stages using liquid propellants.
- Third stage using cryogenic propellant.
- Strap-on boosters taller than the entire LVM-3 rocket.
- 27 engines in the first stage (core + boosters).
- Timeline: Expected completion by 2035.
- Indigenous Development: Conceived by ISRO within months; aligned with Indiaâs long-term space exploration goals.
Future Missions based on LMLV:
- Human Lunar Mission (2040 target): Capable of carrying 18â20 tonne crew modules for Indiaâs first astronaut landing on the Moon.
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): Will deploy heavy modules for Indiaâs planned five-module space station by 2035.
- Lunar Cargo Missions: Can transport ~27 tonnes to the Moon, supporting logistics and lunar infrastructure.
- Deep Space Exploration: Its heavy-lift capacity could enable interplanetary missions in the 2040s, extending beyond lunar exploration.
| [UPSC 2018] With reference to Indiaâs satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
1.PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2.Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3.GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 only |
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Why in the News?
India has rejected Nepalâs objection to resumption of IndiaâChina border trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
About Lipulekh Pass:
- Location: High-altitude Himalayan pass (~17,000 ft) near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China (Tibet).
- Connectivity: Links Uttarakhandâs Kumaon region with Taklakot in Tibet.
- Cultural Role: Serves as the shortest route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- Trade Importance: Historic IndiaâChina trade route since 1954; disrupted during COVID-19 but later resumed.
- Strategic Significance: Crucial for India due to its proximity to the IndiaâChinaâNepal border.
What is LimpiyadhuraâLipulekhâKalapani Dispute?
- Origin: Rooted in the 1815 Treaty of Sugauli (NepalâBritish East India Company), fixing Nepalâs western boundary at the Kali (Mahakali) River.
- Indiaâs Position: Claims Kali River originates near Lipulekh, placing Lipulekh and Kalapani within India.
- Nepalâs Position: Claims Kali River originates at Limpiyadhura, extending Nepalâs boundary east to include Lipulekh and Kalapani.
- Disputed Area: About 370 sq. km., under Indian administration since the 19th century.
- Recent Development: In 2020, Nepal issued a new map showing Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani as its territory; India rejected the claim citing lack of historical basis.
Back2Basics: IndiaâNepal Border Disputes
- Border Length: India and Nepal share a 1,770 km long open border across five Indian states â Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim.
- Key Disputes:
- KalapaniâLipulekhâLimpiyadhura (Uttarakhand): Discussed above.
- Susta (Uttar PradeshâNepal border): Caused by Gandak Riverâs shifting course, leading to encroachments and overlapping claims.
- Tensions: Despite close ties, disputes often cause diplomatic strains.
- Positions: India relies on historical treaties and long-standing administration, while Nepal asserts sovereignty and constitutional recognition of disputed territories.
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| [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?
Options : (a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La* (d) Shipki La |
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Why in the News?
A recent movie depicted the 1946 âGreat Calcutta Killingâ â four days of communal riots on Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946), spotlighting Gopal Pathaâs role in mobilising Hindu youth.
About Direct Action Day:
- Declaration: Called by the All-India Muslim League to press for Partition and creation of Pakistan.
- Bengal Role: Muslim Leagueâs H. S. Suhrawardy (then Bengal Premier) declared 16 August a public holiday.
- Mass Rally: Nearly 1,00,000 gathered at the Maidan, Calcutta; addressed by Suhrawardy and Khwaja Nazimuddin.
- Violence: Immediate communal clashes broke out, remembered as the Great Calcutta Killing.
- Casualties: 5,000â10,000 killed; ~15,000 injured.
- Spread: Violence lasted four days (16â19 August), army intervention required; later spread to Bombay, Noakhali, Bihar, Punjab.
Who was Gopal Patha (Gopal Mukherjee)?
- Background: Born 1916 in Bowbazar, Calcutta; nicknamed Patha (goat) since family ran a College Street mutton shop.
- Gang Leader: Headed a street group of ~800 men; mobilized masses for defense during riots.
- Approach: Declared aim was to retaliate against rioters but forbade harm to women, children, or ordinary people.
- Links: Associated with revolutionary groups like Atma Unnati Samiti; influenced by Subhas Chandra Bose.
| [UPSC 2002] The last opportunity to avoid the partition of India was lost with the rejection of:
Options: (a) Cripps Mission (b) Rajagopalachari Formula (c) Cabinet Mission* (d) Wavell Plan |
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Why in the News?
- The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation has accepted the Centreâs proposal to simplify GST into a two-rate structure.
- The recommendation will now be placed before the GST Council for final approval.
About Goods and Services Tax (GST):
- Nature: Comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax on goods and services.
- Introduction: Launched July 1, 2017, via the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
- Replaced Taxes: Subsumed excise duty, value-added tax (VAT), service tax, etc.
- Objectives: One NationâOne Tax, reduce cascading taxation, simplify compliance, expand tax base.
- Structure: Five slabs â 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%, with cess on luxury/sin goods (tobacco, cars, online gaming).
- Exemptions: Essential goods (food, medicines, education items) in 0% slab. Petroleum, alcohol, and electricity remain outside GST.
Proposed Two-Rate GST Structure:
- Reforms: Removal of 12% and 28% slabs; only 5% and 18% to remain.
- Reclassification: 99% of 12% items â 5% slab; 90% of 28% items â 18% slab.
- New Slab: 40% rate for demerit goods (tobacco, luxury cars, real-money gaming).
- Cess: Compensation cess on 28% items to end.
- Timeline: Implementation expected October 2025 (Diwali).
Policy Rationale & Concerns:
- Simplification: From four slabs to two, easing compliance and transparency.
- Consumption Boost: Lower rates on daily goods to benefit households and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Compliance Gains: Less scope for disputes, litigation, and evasion.
- Economic Signal: Projects confidence in domestic consumption as growth driver.
- State Concerns: States, including Kerala, warn of revenue loss; call for compensation mechanism.
| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following items:
1. Cereal grains hulled 2. Chicken eggs cooked 3. Fish processed and canned 4. Newspapers containing advertising material
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only *(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is scheduled to achieve criticality in March 2026 and reach full power generation by December 2026.
What is a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)?
- A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of nuclear reactor that generates more fuel than it consumes, essentially “breeding” more nuclear material to power itself and future reactors.
- It does this by using high-energy, or “fast,” neutrons to convert abundant, non-fissile uranium (U-238) into fissile plutonium (Pu-239) for fuel.
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About Indiaâs Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR):
- Design began: 1980s as prototype for future 600 MWe FBRs.
- Timeline: Construction began in 2004, faced delays; cost escalated from âš3,500 crore to âš7,700 crore.
- Capacity: 500 MWe, sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor.
- Predecessors: It builds on Indiaâs earlier reactors: KAMINI and Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR).
- Technology: Completely indigenous, designed by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
- Fuel: Uranium-Plutonium mixed oxide (MOX); later stages to use Thorium-232 to breed fissile U-233.
- Burnup: 100 GWd/t, reactor life ~40 years.
- Coolant: 1,750 tonnes of liquid sodium; pool-type design with high thermal inertia.
- Construction agencies: Uranium-Plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel fabricated by BARC Tarapur; reactor equipment by BHEL.
- Site: Kokkilamedu, near Kalpakkam (next to Madras Atomic Power Station).
Significance in Indiaâs Nuclear Programme:
- PFBR is the second stage of Indiaâs three-stage programme:
- Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium.
- Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors producing plutonium and U-233 from thorium.
- Stage 3: Thorium-based U-233 fuel cycle.
- Enables closed fuel cycle: recovery and recycling of fissile and fertile material from spent nuclear fuel (SNF).
- Enhances energy security by optimally utilising limited uranium and vast thorium reserves.
- Reduces radioactive waste through recycling.
| [UPSC 2024] With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:
1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors.
2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts.
3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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?
Haryana has notified the dictionary meaning of âforestâ as per Supreme Court directions.
Haryanaâs definition of Forest:
- Definition: A patch of land is deemed a forest if:
- Minimum area: 5 hectares (isolated) or 2 hectares (contiguous with notified forest).
- Minimum canopy density: 0.4 (40%) or more.
- Exclusions: Linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards outside government-notified forests.
- Aim: Create a uniform standard for identifying forests under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA).
Issues with Haryanaâs Definition:
- High thresholds:
- 40% canopy cover excludes scrub forests and dry deciduous vegetation like the Aravallis.
- 2â5 hectare size requirement too high for an arid state with fragmented green cover.
- Exclusion of Aravallis: Sensitive ridge areas risk exposure to illegal mining, encroachment, and real estate development.
- Contradiction with Godavarman judgment (1996): SC had ruled that âforestâ must be understood in its dictionary meaning, regardless of size, ownership, or canopy density.
- Dilution of protection under FCA 1980: Narrows the scope of land eligible for forest safeguards.
Godavarman Case & FCA Background:
- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Restricted dereservation/diversion of forest land without Centreâs approval.
- T N Godavarman v Union of India (1996): Court ruled âforestâ must be understood in its dictionary meaning, covering all forested lands regardless of ownership or official status.
- 2023 FCA Amendment: Limited scope to notified forests and recorded forest lands.
- Amendment challenged by retired IFS officers and NGOs for diluting FCA protections.
- SC in February 2024 directed States/UTs to continue using Godavarman definition while case is ongoing.
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| [UPSC 2005] The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India is
Options: (a) 0.25 (b) 0.33* (c) 0.43 (d) 0.53 |
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Why in the News?
The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) conducted a public hearing for the proposed 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Anjaw district.
About Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project:
- Location: Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, on the Lohit River (tributary of the Brahmaputra).
- Capacity: 1,200 MW (six turbines of 190 MW each + one unit of 60 MW).
- Project Type: Run-of-river with pondage.
- Key Features: Concrete gravity dam, diversion tunnels, underground powerhouse, surge chamber, and tailrace tunnel.
- Power Generation: Estimated 4.85 TWh annually; free power worth âš318 crore/year for the state.
- Equity: Arunachal Pradesh holds 26% stake.
Strategic Importance:
- Energy Security: Expands Indiaâs renewable energy portfolio and hydropower capacity in the North-East.
- Geopolitical Context: Strengthens Indiaâs presence in the sensitive Brahmaputra basin bordering China.
- Economic Boost: Contributes to state revenues through free power and Local Area Development Fund (~âš2.2 crore/year).
- Part of Larger Push: One of 13 stalled hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh revived through MoAs with central PSUs, aligning with Indiaâs clean energy targets.
| [UPSC 2008] On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located?
Options: (a) Alaknanda (b) Bhagirathi *(c) Dhauliganga (d) Mandakini |
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Why in the News?
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently issued a clarification limiting tiger corridors primarily to 32 âleast cost pathwaysâ identified in 2014.
About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
- Statutory body: Under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Establishment: Created in 2006 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Functions: Provides legal backing to Project Tiger, ensures CentreâState accountability via MoUs, and enables Parliamentary oversight.
- Community Role: Addresses livelihood concerns of people around tiger reserves.
- Composition: Chaired by MoEFCC Minister, Vice-Chairperson MoS, 3 Members of Parliament, MoEFCC Secretary, and others.
What are Tiger Corridors?
- Definition: Landscape linkages between tiger habitats that allow safe passage, genetic flow, and survival.
- Need: Prevent isolation of tiger populations and humanâtiger conflicts.
- Examples of Macro-Corridors:
- ShivalikâGangetic Plains: CorbettâDudhwa, DudhwaâKishanpurâKaterniaghat.
- Central India & Eastern Ghats: RanthambhoreâKunoâMadhav, KanhaâPench, BandhavgarhâAchanakmar.
- Western Ghats: SahyadriâKonkanâRadhanagariâGoaâKarnataka.
- Northeast & Brahmaputra: KazirangaâKarbi Anglong, ManasâBuxa.
- Sundarbans Landscape.
NTCAâs Policy Reversal:
- July 25 Affidavit: Said corridor identification must use multiple data sources â protected areas, 2014 NTCA pathways, Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs), Wildlife Institute of India (WII) studies (2016, 2021), and All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) data.
- August 21 Clarification: Limited definition only to 2014 least-cost pathways (32 corridors) and TCP corridors.
- Exclusions: WII studies and AITE data dropped, despite 2014 report itself warning that listed corridors were âminimal requirement.â
| [UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under âCritical Tiger Habitatâ?
Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans |
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