Why in the News?
The Golaknath case (IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab, 1967) is one of the most important judgments in India’s constitutional history. It was the first time the Supreme Court said that Parliament cannot amend fundamental rights.
About the Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) Case:
- Case Name: IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) is a landmark case in Indian constitutional history.
- Background: The Golaknath family from Punjab challenged the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953, which declared their land surplus under land ceiling laws.
- Claim of Violation: They argued the law violated their Fundamental Right to property, protected under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31.
- Ninth Schedule Issue: The Act was placed under the Ninth Schedule by the 17th Constitutional Amendment, making it immune to judicial review.
- Main Legal Question: Could Parliament amend Fundamental Rights under Article 368, or are such amendments invalid under Article 13(2)?
- Arguments: The petitioners claimed Fundamental Rights are sacrosanct, while the government asserted Parliament’s full power to amend the Constitution.
- Supreme Court Verdict: On February 27, 1967, in a 6:5 majority, the Court held that:
- Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights.
- Amendments are “law” and subject to Article 13(2).
- The ruling would apply only prospectively, not to past amendments.
- Overruled Judgments: The decision overturned earlier rulings in Sankari Prasad (1951) and Sajjan Singh (1964) that allowed unrestricted amendments.
Legacy of the Golaknath Case:
- Judicial Restraint on Parliament: This was the first case to restrict Parliament’s power to amend Fundamental Rights.
- Judiciary’s Role Strengthened: It reinforced the Supreme Court’s duty to protect civil liberties and limit legislative overreach.
- Prospective Overruling: Introduced the concept to ensure legal stability without undoing past amendments.
- Constitutional Values Upheld: Affirmed that the Constitution has core values that must be protected, especially Fundamental Rights.
Influence on Future Cases:
- Indira Gandhi Election Case (1975): Built upon the idea that democracy is a basic feature of the Constitution.
- Minerva Mills Case (1980): Reaffirmed limits on Parliament’s amending power and emphasised judicial review.
- Foundational Impact: Although later rulings allowed some flexibility, the Golaknath case laid the foundation for the Basic Structure Doctrine.
- Lasting Message: It ensured that Fundamental Rights remain untouchable, securing the heart of Indian democracy against future misuse.
| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following statements:
1.The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
2.The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court, and no judgment can be made on it.
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?
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized six traditional farming systems from Brazil, China, Mexico, and Spain as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).
About the Newly Recognised GIAHS Systems:
- Deqing Pearl Mussel Fishery (China): 800-year-old integrated system of pearl farming, rice, and silk boosts ecotourism and water purification.
- Fuding White Tea Culture (China): Biodiverse tea gardens linked to rituals and livelihoods, supporting 18 tea and 41 vegetable varieties.
- Gaolan Pear Orchards (China): 600-year-old dryland system along the Yellow River yields 2 million kg of pears with native crop-livestock integration.
- Erva Mate Agroforestry (Brazil): Indigenous agroforestry under Araucaria forests preserves ecology and culture through erva-mate farming.
- Metepantle Terraces (Mexico): 3,000-year-old Nahua terrace farming ensures food sovereignty and conserves over 140 native species.
- Lanzarote Sand Farming (Spain): Volcanic and sea sand techniques grow crops without irrigation in one of Europe’s driest zones.
About GIAHS:
- Definition: GIAHS are living and evolving agricultural systems where communities maintain strong ties to their land through agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, resilient ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
- Purpose: The program works to identify, support, and safeguard agricultural systems that preserve genetic diversity, support rural livelihoods, and maintain cultural landscapes.
- Origins: The concept was launched in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
- Nodal Agency: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations leads the GIAHS initiative.
- Program Implementation:
-
- Global level: Identification, selection, and formal recognition of GIAHS.
- National level: Policy support and capacity building.
- Local level: Community empowerment and technical assistance for sustainable resource use.
India’s GIAHS-Recognized Farming Systems:
India, known for its diverse agro-ecological zones and rich farming heritage, has 3 GIAHS sites:
- Koraput Traditional Agriculture (Odisha): Practised by tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats, this system conserves over 1,200 indigenous rice varieties; integrates millets and pulses in shifting and terraced cultivation; and supports community seed banks and organic methods vital for agro-biodiversity and food security.
- Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System (Kerala): Located in the Vembanad wetland area, it is the only below-sea-level farming system in India; farmers use polders and bunds to grow paddy, practice rice–fish rotation, and manage seasonal flooding through indigenous water control systems.
- Saffron Heritage of Kashmir (UT of Jammu & Kashmir): Found in the Pampore plateau, saffron is cultivated at 1,600–1,800 metres using traditional methods on Karewa soils; the crops are known for its high crocin content, aroma, and colour strength, making it a key product for local economy, export, and cultural heritage.
| [UPSC 2016] The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?
1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities
3. The provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identifies GIAHS Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
US President Donald Trump announced that he has shortlisted a design for a powerful new missile defence shield called the ‘Golden Dome’.
About the Golden Dome Project:
- Project Launch: It is a proposed missile defence shield announced by Donald Trump.
- Development: It is being led by Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force, with support from SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril.
- Timeline: The system is projected to cost $175 billion and is expected to be operational by January 2029.
- Purpose: It aims to protect the US from long-range missile threats, particularly ICBMs from China and Russia.
- Defence Layers: The system will combine technologies deployed on land, at sea, and in space for comprehensive coverage.
Key Features:
- Space-Based Interceptors: Thousands of orbiting satellites will carry and launch interceptors from space, offering global missile defence.
- Missile Tracking: Real-time detection using space-based sensors will allow the system to track enemy launches within seconds.
- Altitude and Reach: Drones and satellites operating at 15,000 meters or more will stay above many conventional air defences.
- Payload Flexibility: Capable of deploying surveillance drones, kamikaze UAVs, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles depending on mission needs.
- Modular Adaptability: The system is designed for multiple applications, including military operations, public security, and maritime surveillance.
Parallel Examples:
- Iron Dome (Israel): A short-range missile defence system using ground-based radar and Tamir interceptors for protection against rockets and UAVs.
- “Star Wars” Initiative (1980s): President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) aimed to destroy nuclear missiles from space using lasers and interceptors.
- DARPA’s Gremlins Project: Explored mother ship-launched drones; Golden Dome builds on this idea at a larger and space-based scale.
| [UPSC 2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
Options: (a) An Israeli radar system (b) India’s 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?
China has unleashed its unmanned aerial “mother ship” drone named ‘Jiu Tian,’ capable of launching and coordinating over 100 drones in a single mission.
About the Jiu Tian Mother Ship Drone:
- Type and Capability: It is a jet-powered, super-high-altitude, long-range drone designed for advanced aerial missions.
- First Appearance: It was first showcased at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024.
- Size and Range: The drone is 82 feet wide, has a wingspan of 25 metres, and can fly up to 15,000 metres (50,000 feet) with a maximum range of 7,000 km.
- Weight and Payload: It has a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes and can carry up to 6 tonnes of weapons and drones.
- Altitude Advantage: It is designed to fly above medium-range air defence systems, improving survivability in contested zones.
Key Capabilities and Features:
- Drone Deployment: It can release up to 100 small drones or loitering munitions, including kamikaze drones, from both sides of its belly.
- Weapon Compatibility: It features eight external hardpoints that can carry surveillance drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles like the PL-12E.
- Mission Flexibility: Its modular interior allows for quick reconfiguration to suit different missions such as military strikes, border defence, maritime surveillance, emergency rescue, public security, and high-risk logistics.
| [UPSC 2020] Consider the following activities: (1) Spraying pesticides on a crop field (2) Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes (3) Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis
At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?
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?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a pilot project for the e-Zero FIR (First Information Report) system in Delhi to help police take faster action in high-value cyber financial frauds.
What is Zero FIR?
- Purpose: Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognisable offence without assigning a regular FIR number initially.
- No diary: Whereas FIRs have serial numbers assigned to them, zero FIRs are assigned the number ‘0’. Hence the name.
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About the e-Zero FIR System:
- Launch and Objective: The MHA has launched a pilot e-Zero FIR project in Delhi to speed up action in cyber financial frauds over ₹10 lakh.
- System Developer: It has been developed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the MHA.
- How It Works: Victims can file complaints via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or by calling the 1930 helpline.
- FIR Process: The e-Crime Police Station in Delhi registers the FIR digitally, which is then transferred electronically to the correct local police station.
- Legal Basis: The project is implemented under Section 173(1) and 173(1)(ii) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
- Jurisdiction-Free Filing: Victims can report crimes without worrying about police station limits.
- Digital Integration: The system connects the I4C’s NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR portal, and NCRB’s CCTNS platform.
Key Features and Victim Support:
- Automatic Registration: FIRs are automatically registered for cyber frauds involving over ₹10 lakh.
- Anywhere Access: Victims can file from any location, ensuring jurisdiction-free access.
- Fast FIR Transfer: FIRs are sent electronically to the appropriate police station for follow-up.
- Mandatory Visit: Victims must visit a cybercrime police station within 3 days to convert the Zero FIR into a regular FIR.
- Improved Recovery: Early registration improves the chances of recovering lost funds in time-sensitive fraud cases.
- Simplified Process: The system makes legal action easier and more accessible for cybercrime victims.
[UPSC 2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
- Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such an accused is locked up in a police station, not in jail.
- During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Option: (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 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asked to resubmit his excavation report on the Keeladi site near Madurai after making necessary corrections.
ASI’s Concerns with the Report:
- The ASI asked for better scientific justification for the period of 8th century BCE to 5th century BCE.
- It said the earliest period could be more accurately dated to pre-300 BCE.
- The ASI said that depth data alone was not enough — each scientific date should also mention the layer number to allow for stratigraphic consistency.
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About Keezhadi Excavations:
- Location: Keezhadi is a village in Sivaganga district, located about 12 km southeast of Madurai, along the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu.
- Excavations: Excavations began in 2014, led by archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, to uncover urban signs from the Sangam Age.
- Period Link: The site is associated with the Sangam period (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE), and findings may push it back to 800 BCE.
- Civilisation Context: Keezhadi is now seen as part of the Vaigai Valley Civilisation, with evidence of urbanisation, trade, and early literacy.
Key Findings from Keezhadi:
- Period: Charcoal samples dated to around 200 BCE; some artefacts range between the 6th century BCE and 1st century BCE using the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating.
- Tamil Brahmi Inscriptions: Over 120 potsherds with early Tamil Brahmi script indicate literacy during the Sangam period.
- Pottery and Craftsmanship: Discovery of pottery, gold ornaments, copper tools, shell bangles, and ivory combs show local industry and artistic skill.
- Trade and Imports: Agate and carnelian beads suggest access to imported materials and long-distance trade.
- Recreational Items: Dice and game pieces were found, indicating leisure activities in the society.
- Industrial Activity: Evidence of dyeing units and bead-making points to a flourishing economy.
- Cultural Continuity: Artefacts show a transition from the Iron Age to the Early Historic Period.
- Possible Indus Link: Some symbols on potsherds resemble Indus Valley signs, hinting at cultural connections, despite a 1,000-year gap.
| [UPSC 2013] Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.
[UPSC 2023] Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?
Options: (a) Kings employing women bodyguards (b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters (c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals (d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death* |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INSV Kaundinya
Why in the News?
The Indian Navy has formally inducted a traditional stitched sail ship, named INSV Kaundinya, at a ceremony held at the Naval Base in Karwar.
About INSV Kaundinya:
- Induction: It is a newly inducted, stitched sail ship of the Indian Navy, formally inducted at Karwar Naval Base.
- Design: The ship is based on a 5th-century design shown in a painting from the Ajanta Caves.
- Construction Method: Built using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, including coconut fibre stitching, wooden joinery, coir ropes, natural resins, and cotton sails.
- No Modern Additions: It has no metal parts, no modern rudder, and is powered by square sails and steering oars.
- Cultural Symbols: Features include the Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle of the Kadamba dynasty), a Simha Yali on the bow, and a Harappan-style stone anchor.
- Sail Plan: The vessel has 3 masts — the main mast, mizzen mast, and bowsprit mast.
- Planned Voyage: A 15-member Indian Navy crew will sail it to Oman by late 2025, retracing ancient maritime trade routes.
- Project Partners: This heritage revival project is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations Pvt. Ltd.
Legend of Kaundinya and Queen Soma:
- Kaundinya is regarded as the first known Indian sailor to cross the seas over 2,000 years ago.
- He is credited with founding the kingdom of Funan (in present-day Cambodia and South Vietnam) through a historic alliance with Queen Soma.
- Their story is recorded in Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Chinese sources, though not in Indian texts.
- Future dynasties like the Khmer and Cham traced their origins to this union.
| [UPSC 2003] Consider the following statements:
1. The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular India in the early medieval times.
2. The Cholas sent an expedition against Sailendra empire of South East Asia and conquered some of the areas.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
Options: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-inducts-stitched-sail-ship-as-insv-kaundinya/article69601911.ece
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Why in the News?
India has celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 in Udaipur.
About International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB):
- Annual Observance: The IDB is celebrated every year on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
- Significance: The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992.
- 2025 Theme: ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development’.
- Key Highlights: India showcased its global leadership through:
Back2Basics: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- Adoption: The CBD was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and came into force on December 29, 1993.
- Membership: Its secretariat is located in Montreal, Canada, and the convention has been ratified by 196 countries. The USA has signed but NOT ratified it.
- India and CBD:
- India became a party to the CBD on February 18, 1994, and is recognised as a leader among developing countries in biodiversity conservation and policy implementation
- India hosted the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP-11) to the CBD in Hyderabad in 2012, showcasing its commitment and capacity in biodiversity governance
- Core Objectives:
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Sustainable use of its components
- Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources
- Functioning: The CBD is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP), which meets every 2 years.
- Latest Development (COP16, 2024): Held in Cali, Colombia, COP16 introduced a benefit-sharing mechanism for Digital Sequence Information (DSI) to ensure rewards for local communities.
- Related Protocols:
- Cartagena Protocol (2000): Regulates cross-border movement of living modified organisms (LMOs); effective from 2003.
- Nagoya Protocol (2010): Ensures fair access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources.
India’s Biodiversity Profile:
- India is one of 17 mega-diverse countries in the world.
- It covers an area of 329 million hectares and is the 9th largest country globally.
- India is home to:
- Over 1,00,000 animal species.
- Around 55,000 plant species.
- Ten bio-geographic regions.
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| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
A new ETH Zurich study warns that under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 5-8.5 scenario, warming could make cyclones more intense and hit unusual regions with greater damage.
What are Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)?
- Definition: SSPs are 5 global scenarios that show how changes in society, economy, and technology might influence climate adaptation and mitigation.
- Purpose: They complement Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) by adding socioeconomic context to climate models.
- Development: Created in the late 2000s, published in 2016, and used in the IPCC 6th Assessment Report and CMIP6 models.
- Function: SSPs assume no new climate policies, helping scientists explore how global trends affect emissions and climate action.
- The Five Pathways:
-
- SSP1: Sustainable and equitable world
- SSP2: Continuation of current trends
- SSP3: Regional rivalry with high population growth
- SSP4: Unequal world with high disparities
- SSP5: Fossil-fuel-based rapid economic growth
- Usage: SSPs are used with RCPs to explore how different futures could affect the 1.5°C or 2°C warming targets.
- Significance: They help policymakers assess how societal choices impact climate risks, emissions, and the feasibility of global goals.
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About SSP5-8.5 and Cyclone Risks:
- Scenario Summary: SSP5 shows rapid economic growth fuelled by fossil fuels.
- Radiative Forcing: SSP5-8.5 implies 8.5 W/m² of energy, compared to about 2.7 W/m² today.
- Climate Target Gap: To limit warming below 2°C, forcing must stay around 2.6 W/m².
- Cyclone Projections: Using the CLIMADA (climate adaptation) AI model, scientists studied past cyclone patterns and projected risks from 2015–2050.
- Ecoregion Types:
-
- Resilient: Often affected, but recover quickly
- Dependent: Moderately impacted and adaptive
- Vulnerable: Rarely hit but slow to recover
- Findings:
- Time between severe cyclones in resilient areas may drop from 19 to 12 years.
- East Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean will face stronger, more frequent cyclones.
- Madagascar, Oceania, and the Philippines will face unprecedented cyclone activity.
Impact on Mangroves and Coastal Ecosystems:
- Mangrove Risk: By 2100, up to 56% of global mangroves could be at high to severe risk.
- Most Affected Region: Southeast Asia, with 52–78% of mangroves at risk.
- Other Scenario Impact (SSP3-7.0): Even under less severe warming, 97–98% of protective mangroves in Southeast Asia could still face critical threats.
- Environmental Concern: These losses would severely weaken coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon storage.
| [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:
1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only* (d) 1 and 3 only |
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Why in the News?
Scientists have discovered that a massive solar storm hit Earth around 12,350 BC, making it the most powerful solar event ever detected.
What are Solar Particle Storms?
- About: A solar storm is a disturbance caused by solar flares or coronal mass ejections that release charged particles into space.
- Solar Particle Storm: It is a type of solar storm where high-energy particles travel toward Earth, producing cosmogenic isotopes like radiocarbon.
- Detection: These isotope spikes are recorded in tree rings and are known as Miyake events, which act as cosmic timestamps.
- Impact: Though rare, solar particle storms can severely affect satellites, communication systems, and power grids.
- Historical Events: Major solar particle storms were identified in AD 994, 663 BC, 5259 BC, and 7176 BC.
- Carrington Event (1859): This was a major solar storm, but not a particle storm—it resulted from a different solar mechanism.
How was the ancient storm detected?
- Methodology: A solar storm from 12,350 BC was discovered using tree-ring data from the French Alps.
- Event Strength: This storm was over 500 times stronger than the 2005 solar storm, the largest in the satellite era.
- What are its implications?
- Significance: This is the first known extreme solar event before the Holocene, predating the last 12,000 years of stable climate.
- Modern Relevance: The discovery highlights the risks of future extreme solar activity on Satellite infrastructure and Space Application.
- Significance: Miyake events improve the precision of archaeological dating, helping better understand ancient human history.
| [UPSC 2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
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, 3, 4, 6 and 7*
Tap to know more about the answer. |
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Why in the News?
In a major move to fight cyber fraud and financial crime, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) as a part of the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP).
Back2Basics: Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)
- DIP is developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as a secure, integrated platform for real-time intelligence sharing.
- Stakeholders Involved: It connects Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), law enforcement agencies (LEAs), banks, financial institutions, social media platforms, and identity document issuers.
- Functionality: The platform contains information on telecom resource misuse and supports case tracking and coordinated action.
- Sanchar Saathi Integration: DIP acts as a backend system for citizen requests submitted through the Sanchar Saathi portal.
- Access Control: DIP is available only to authorized stakeholders via secure connections and is NOT accessible to public.
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What is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)?
- Purpose: FRI is a risk-based tool that flags mobile numbers as Medium, High, or Very High risk for financial fraud.
- Data Sources: It pulls inputs from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), DoT’s Chakshu Platform, and banking institutions.
- Beneficiaries: Helps banks, NBFCs, and UPI service providers implement added security for high-risk numbers.
- How It Works:
- The Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) shares a Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) with reasons like cybercrime, failed verification, or excess usage.
- The tool performs multi-dimensional analysis and assigns a fraud risk level.
- Risk status is shared in real-time via DIP, enabling early action before fraud occurs.
Case Study: PhonePe’s use of FRI System
- PhonePe was one of the first adopters of the FRI system.
- It uses FRI to:
- Block transactions linked to Very High-risk numbers.
- Display alerts using the PhonePe Protect feature.
- For Medium-risk numbers, PhonePe is working on showing proactive user warnings before transactions.
- The tool has proven highly accurate in identifying numbers involved in cyber fraud.
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| [UPSC 2021] Which one of the following effects of the creation of black money in India has been the main cause of worry to the Government of India?
Options: (a) Diversion of resources to the purchase of real estate and investment in luxury housing (b) Investment in unproductive activities and purchase of precious stones, jewelry, gold, etc. (c) Large donations to political parties and the growth of regionalism (d) Loss of revenue to the State Exchequer due to tax evasion* |
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Why in the News?
The Shirui Lily Festival has commenced in Manipur after a two-year gap caused by the ongoing conflict in the state.
About Shirui Lily Festival
- Organiser: The festival is conducted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur.
- Launch: It was first held in 2017 and is now one of Manipur’s two major tourism festivals (the other being the Sangai Festival).
- Origin: Named after the Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), the State Flower of Manipur.
- Location: The event is held in Ukhrul district, home to the Tangkhul Naga community.
- Purpose: It aims to raise awareness about the Shirui Lily and promote eco-tourism in the hill regions of Ukhrul.
- Key Activities: The festival includes cultural performances, music concerts, a beauty pageant, a cooking competition, and a trash collection marathon.
About the Shirui Lily Flower:
- Habitat: The Shirui Lily grows only in the upper reaches of the Shirui Hill range in Ukhrul district, at an altitude of 2,673 metres.
- Local Name: It is locally known as ‘Kashong Timrawon’, named after a mythical hill guardian.
- Discovery: British botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward identified it in 1946 and named it Lilium mackliniae after his wife Jean Macklin.
- Conservation Status: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN. (It is not listed by CITES or Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Shirui National Park is named after it.
- Threats: The flower faces threats from climate change, human encroachment, resource exploitation, and invasion by wild dwarf bamboo.
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| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following pairs:
Tradition– State
1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram
2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur
3. Thong-To dance — Sikkim
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2* (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
On May 20, 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs celebrated World Metrology Day, marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in Paris on May 20, 1875.
About the Metre Convention:
- Inception: Also called the Treaty of the Metre, it was signed in Paris on May 20, 1875, to establish a global system of standardised measurements.
- 17 Founding Members: Argentina, Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Norway, Switzerland, Ottoman Empire (Turkiye), USA, and Venezuela.
- Institutions Created: The treaty established the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), and two governing bodies—CGPM (General Conference on Weights and Measures) and CIPM (International Committee for Weights and Measures).
- Early Prototypes: It created international prototypes of the metre and kilogram, stored at the BIPM; member countries received national copies for comparison.
- Expansion in 1921: The Convention was extended to cover all physical quantities, forming the basis for the International System of Units (SI).
- Global Reach: As of October 2024, there are 64 member states in the Convention.
- Collaboration: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), European Space Agency (ESA) participate in the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
India and the Convention:
- Membership: India joined the Metre Convention in 1957 after passing the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956.
- Participation Benefits: India gained the ability to participate in BIPM work, align with global systems, and ensure international recognition of its standards.
- Recent Milestone: India is now the 13th country authorized to issue OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology) Certificates.
| [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:
1. The series of the International Paper Sizes is based on A0 size whose area is 0.5 m² (approximately).
2. The area of A4 size paper is 1/8th of that of the A0 size paper.
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?
Jayant Narlikar, renowned Indian astrophysicist and Padma Vibhushan awardee, who co-developed the Hoyle–Narlikar Theory to refine Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, passed away in Pune at the age of 87.
About Jayant Narlikar and His Contributions:
- Early Life: Born in 1938 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and pursued a PhD at Cambridge University under Fred Hoyle.
- Scientific Influence: Hoyle had earlier developed the steady-state theory with Bondi and Gold and coined the term “Big Bang” sarcastically in 1948.
- Narlikar’s Belief: He argued that the universe always looks the same, as new matter fills the gaps created by expansion.
- Critique of Big Bang: He believed the Big Bang theory includes unproven assumptions, especially about the sudden origin of all matter and energy.
- Enduring Work: Despite steady-state theory’s decline, Narlikar’s contributions remain respected for their scientific depth and originality.
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What Is the Hoyle–Narlikar Theory?
Fred Hoyle and Jayant Narlikar developed a theory to answer one of the most basic questions: Why do things have mass, and how are they connected to the rest of the universe?
- Based on Mach’s Principle: They believed your mass isn’t just something you have on your own. Instead, it depends on your connection to everything else in the universe. That means even faraway stars and galaxies play a role in what you weigh.
- Inertia Explained: In simple terms, when you feel resistance while trying to move (inertia), it’s because of the gravitational pull of all the matter in the universe acting on you at once.
- Mass is Relative: Earth, the Sun, or even you don’t have a fixed mass. That mass is influenced by everything else that exists out there, no matter how far away it is.
- C-field and Steady-State Model
- New Idea – C-Field: They introduced the “creation field”, which creates new matter in space.
- Universe Without a Start: Their steady-state theory says the universe has no beginning or end, is always expanding, and keeps its density constant.
- Against the Big Bang: They believed the Big Bang couldn’t explain everything we see today.
- Hydrogen Creation: They said hydrogen atoms form in space to fill in the gaps as the universe grows.
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- CMB Discovery (1965): Scientists found cosmic microwave background radiation, strong proof of the Big Bang.
- Other Evidence: Later discoveries like young, chaotic galaxies and studies by Hawking and Penrose supported the Big Bang.
- Current View: The Big Bang theory became more accepted, but Hoyle and Narlikar’s ideas are still respected for their scientific value.
| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following phenomena:
1. Light is affected by gravity.
2. The Universe is constantly expanding.
3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.
Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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Why in the News?
The RBI has released revised draft guidelines for investments made by Regulated Entities (REs) in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to ensure better regulatory oversight, prevent misuse of funds, and align with the rules already set by SEBI.
What are Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)?
- Definition: They are unique investment vehicles that are privately pooled and invested in alternative asset classes such as venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, commodities, real estate, and derivatives.
- Regulation: They are governed by SEBI under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.
- Working: It can be formed as a trust, company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or any other SEBI-permitted structure.
- Legal Structure: They can be set up as trusts, companies, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or other legally permitted forms.
- Investor Base:
- AIFs are meant for High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) and institutional investors, NOT small retail investors.
- Resident Indians, NRIs, and foreign nationals can invest.
- Minimum Investment Requirement:
- The minimum investment size is ₹1 crore (SEBI, May 2024), except for accredited investors as defined by SEBI.
- For employees or directors of the AIF or its manager, the minimum investment is ₹25 lakh.
- An AIF must have a minimum corpus of ₹20 crore (₹10 crore for Angel Funds).
Types of AIFs:
- Category I: These funds invest in early-stage unlisted companies in the form of equity or debt (venture capital). These alternative asset funds can also invest in infrastructure-based projects or social ventures.
- Category II: These types of funds invest in equity or debt of unlisted companies that are in the mid or late stage of growth and are known as private equity or pre-IPO, respectively.
- Category III: This category of funds invests in the shares of listed companies. These alternative strategy funds can be for any period, long only or a combination of long and short.
| [UPSC 2014] What does Venture Capital mean?
Options: (a) A short-term capital provided to industries. (b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs* (c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses. (d) Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries. |
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Why in the News?
India is likely to become the world’s largest potato producer, overtaking China, by 2050, according to experts from the International Potato Center (CIP) based in Peru.
Back2Basics: International Potato Center (CIP)
- The CIP is a research-for-development organisation founded in 1971, focused on improving potato, sweet potato, and Andean root and tuber crops.
- Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP operates in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- It maintains the world’s largest Potato Gene Bank, safeguarding biodiversity for future use in research and breeding.
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Potato Cultivation in India:
- About: Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is known as the “King of Vegetables” and is India’s fourth most important food crop after rice, wheat, and maize.
- Origin: Introduced to India by Portuguese traders in the 17th century.
- Geographic Spread: Grown in 23 states, but 85% of production comes from the Indo-Gangetic plains in North India.
- Top Producing States:
- Uttar Pradesh: ~30% of total output
- West Bengal: ~23.5%
- Bihar: ~17%
- Other contributors: Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
- Climate Needs: Potato is a cool-season crop.
- Ideal growth temp: 24°C
- Ideal tuber formation temp: 20°C
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils with moisture retention.
- Planting Seasons:
- Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand: Spring (Jan–Feb), Summer (May)
- Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar, Bengal: Main crop in October
- MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka: Both kharif and rabi seasons
- Seed Management: Use disease-free, sprouted seeds (30–50g);
- Popular varieties: Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj, and Kufri Chandramukhi.
- Fertilization & Irrigation: Apply balanced nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium; drip irrigation is recommended.
- Harvesting: Ready in 90–120 days, harvested manually or mechanically.
Global Comparison and Future Outlook:
- Global Rank: India is the second-largest producer after China.
- Production Volume: Over 50 million tonnes/year currently; projected to reach 100 million tonnes by 2050 (CIP experts).
- Growth Drivers: Expansion is due to large cultivation area, strong domestic demand, and government support.
- Tuber Crop Potential: Promoting crops like sweet potato can improve nutrition, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Policy measure for Potato Farmers: Operation Greens
- It is a scheme launched by the GoI in 2018, modelled after Operation Flood, with the aim to stabilize the supply and prices of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops.
- The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and was initially allocated a budget of ₹500 crore.
- Objectives:
- Stabilize the supply and prices of potatoes (along with tomato and onion) to protect both farmers and consumers from extreme price fluctuations.
- Reduce post-harvest losses of potatoes by improving storage, processing, and logistics infrastructure
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| [UPSC 2014] In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance.
Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?
Options: (a) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics. (b) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas.* (c) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of antihistamines. (d) It is a source of high quality biodiesel. |
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Why in the News?
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status of a notable British-Indian academic has been cancelled due to involvement in anti-India activities.
About Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI):
- Launch: Introduced in August 2005 to give Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) a long-term connection to India.
- Eligibility: Open to those who were citizens of India on/after January 26, 1950, or eligible for Indian citizenship on that date.
- Nature: OCI is not full citizenship but offers lifelong visa and residency benefits.
- Benefits: Includes a multiple-entry, lifelong visa and exemption from police registration.
- Administered by: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Global Numbers (2023): Over 45 lakh OCI holders from 129 countries — top sources include the USA (16.8 lakh), UK (9.34 lakh), Australia (4.94 lakh), and Canada (4.18 lakh).
Who are the Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)?
- The PIO category was abolished in 2015 and merged with the OCI category. However, existing PIO cards are valid till December 31, 2023.
- PIO referred to a:
- Foreign citizen (except a national of Pakistan, Afghanistan Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal) who at any time held an Indian passport, or
- Who or either of their parents/ grandparents/great grandparents was born and permanently resided in India as defined in Government of India Act, 1935, or
- Who is a spouse of a citizen of India or a PIO.
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Rules, Amendments & Privileges:
- 2021 Rule Change: Special permission required for visiting restricted areas, conducting research, journalism, or religious work.
- FEMA Status: Treated as foreign nationals under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (2003).
- Earlier Privileges:
- 2005: Life-long visa, no FRRO (Foreigners Registration Office) registration
- 2007: Parity with NRIs for adoption, domestic airfare
- 2009: Parity for monument entry and access to regulated professions
Limitations and Ineligibility:
- Not Eligible:
- Individuals with parents/grandparents from Pakistan or Bangladesh
- Foreign military personnel, active or retired
- Spouse Clause: Foreign spouse eligible if legally married for at least two years.
- No Political Rights: OCI holders cannot vote, contest elections, hold constitutional posts (President, Vice President, or Supreme Court/High Court Judge), or work in Indian government services.
| [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements:
1.There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
2.A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
3.A foreigner, once granted citizenship, cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
As of February 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) protected a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during their mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha.
About Operation Olivia:
- Launch: Operation Olivia is an annual conservation mission by the Indian Coast Guard, started in the early 1980s.
- Main Objective: It aims to protect Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting season, from November to May.
- Primary Locations: The operation focuses on Odisha’s coast, especially Gahirmatha Beach, Devi River mouth, and Rushikulya River mouth.
- Turtle Nesting Scale: Over 8 lakh turtles arrive annually at these sites to nest.
- Surveillance Efforts: The Coast Guard has conducted more than 5,387 surface patrols and 1,768 aerial missions.
- Community Engagement: Fishermen are encouraged to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) that allow turtles to escape fishing nets.
About Olive Ridley Turtles:
- Appearance: Named for their olive-green shell, or carapace.
- Diet: They are Omnivores, though feeding mainly on jellyfish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
- Nesting Behaviour: Known for Arribada, a phenomenon where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.
- Habitat Range: Found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
- Major Nesting Sites in India:
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha (largest site)
- Devi River mouth (discovered in 1981)
- Rushikulya River mouth (discovered in 1994)
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- IUCN Red List: Listed as Vulnerable.
- CITES: Included in Appendix I, banning international trade.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I, offering the highest legal protection in India.
| [UPSC 2002] The sea coast of which one of the following states has become famous as a nesting place for the giant Olive Ridley turtles from South America?
Options: (a) Goa (b) Gujarat (c) Odisha* (d) Tamil Nadu |
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Why in the News?
Scientists now believe the Moon’s near side looks different from its far side due to its internal structure and volcanic past, revealed by NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission.
About the GRAIL Mission:
- Launch: NASA launched the GRAIL mission in 2011 to study the moon’s internal structure.
- Spacecraft Used: It used two spacecraft, Ebb and Flow, flying in tandem to detect gravity variations.
- Objectives: The mission measured tiny changes in distance between the two spacecraft caused by differences in the moon’s gravitational field.
- Scientific Outcome: The data revealed important details about the moon’s crust thickness, interior composition, and subsurface features.
Key Findings: Reasons for the Moon’s Asymmetry
- Tidal Deformation: The nearside bends more than the farside due to Earth’s gravity, a process called tidal deformation.
- Internal Activity: The nearside is geologically warmer and more active, suggesting internal structural differences.
- Volcanic History: Ancient volcanic activity on the nearside formed large basaltic plains, while the farside remained rugged and less active.
- Heat Distribution: Elements like thorium and titanium accumulated on the nearside, making it 100–200°C hotter than the farside.
- Crust Thickness: The nearside has a thinner crust, allowing magma to escape, while the farside’s thicker crust trapped heat and blocked eruptions.
- Thermal Contrast: The thinner crust also allowed more heat-producing elements to concentrate, increasing the temperature gap between the two sides.
Why do these findings matter?
- Support for Lunar Missions: Insights from GRAIL help design better navigation and timing systems for future lunar operations.
- Applications: GRAIL’s method can be applied to other moons like Enceladus and Ganymede, which may hold potential for life.
| [UPSC 2007] NASA’S Deep Impact space mission was employed to take detailed pictures of which comet nucleus?
Options: (a) Halley’s Comet (b) Hale-Bopp (c) Hyakutake (d) Tempel 1 * |
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Why in the News?
A protest has erupted in Goa after a scientific paper on water availability and diversion in the Mahadayi basin reignited its long-standing dispute with Karnataka.
About the Mahadayi River:
- Origin: The Mahadayi River (Mhadei in Goa) originates in Bhimgad, Karnataka, in the Western Ghats.
- Length and Flow: It flows 81 km, passing through Karnataka (35 km), Goa (45 km), and Maharashtra (1 km) before reaching the Arabian Sea.
- Basin Area: Covers 2,032 sq km—78% in Goa, 18% in Karnataka, and 4% in Maharashtra.
- Significance: Forms the Mandovi River, essential for drinking water, agriculture, and navigation in Goa.
- Tributaries: Kalasa Nala, Surla Nala, Haltar Nala, Poti Nala, Mahadayi Nala, Pansheer Nala, Bail Nala, Andher Nala and many more. It has a catchment area of 2032 sq.km.
- Topography: Elevation ranges between < 0m and > 980m w.r.t Mean Sea Level, slope of the catchment varies up to 150%. Very high slope we observed in the Ghats (Braganja Ghats).
- Waterfalls: Variations in the terrain has led to formation of various water falls such as the Doodhsagar falls,Vajra poha falls etc.
- Ecology: Supports rich biodiversity, including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
- Mineral Ores found: Iron, limestone, bauxite, quartz, limestone, sand, clay, lime shell, Manganese, Asbestos, Mica, Lead, Cadmium.
Mahadayi Water Dispute:
- Karnataka’s Project: Proposed the Kalasa-Banduri Nala to divert water to the Malaprabha basin.
- Tribunal Setup: The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (2010) addressed disagreements.
- 2018 Verdict:
- Karnataka: 13.42 tmcft (1.72 from Kalasa, 2.18 from Bhandura).
- Goa: 24 tmcft (plus 9.395 tmcft for existing use).
- Maharashtra: 1.33 tmcft.
- Concerns: Goa feared impacts on Mandovi navigation; the tribunal cited tidal flow ensures stability.
- Legal Status: Both states have challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court.
Controversy Over CSIR-NIO Report:
- Study Findings: Claimed Karnataka’s diversions would have minimal impact on Goa’s water or estuarine navigation.
- Institutions: Report authored by CSIR-NIO (Goa) and INCOIS (Hyderabad).
- Recommendations: Suggested check dams and a Tillari-style agreement for shared water use and ecological balance.
Tap to read more about Interstate Water Disputes in India.
| [UPSC 2013] Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. |
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