From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nankai Trough
Why on the News?
Japanese authorities have warned its citizens of a âmegaquakeâ and large tsunamis along the Nankai Trough.
What is the Nankai Trough?
The Nankai Trough is an extensive subduction zone, nearly 900 km long.
It is the place of collision of the Eurasian Plate over the Philippine Sea Plate.
This trough has a history of producing large earthquakes approximately every 100 to 150 years.
The most recent Nankai Trough quake happened in 1946 with magnitude 8.0 tremor and 6.9 metre tsunami, killing 1,330 people.
Potential for a Megaquake:Â
Japanâs researchers estimated in January 2022 that there is a roughly 70% chance of a magnitude 8-9 megaquake striking the Nankai Trough within next 30 years.
Such a quake could affect a vast region stretching from central Shizuoka, about 150 km south of Tokyo, to southwestern Miyazaki.
PYQ:
[2014] Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Perseid Meteor Shower
Why in the News?
The Perseid meteor shower, which began in July, is currently at its peak activity from August 11 to 13, 2024.
About Perseid Meteor Shower
Details
Origin
Named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to originate.
Cause
Caused by debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle as it orbits the Sun.
How It Occurs
Consists of ice, rock, and dust particles shed by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
Earth passes through this debris field annually between mid-July and late August.
Particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at around 214,000 km/h, causing them to heat up and create bright streaks of light.
Discovery
The connection between the Perseid meteor shower and Comet Swift-Tuttle was established in 1862 by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle.
Historical Observations
Observed for centuries, with records dating back to ancient Chinese, Japanese, and European civilizations.
Impact of Earth’s Gravity
Earthâs gravity pulls particles from the debris field, causing them to enter the atmosphere.
Larger particles can create fireballsâbright meteors that are more intense and last longer.
Note: In the 1990s, scientists feared comet Swift-Tuttle might hit Earth or the Moon in 2126, but later calculations confirmed safety for two millennia.
PYQ:
[2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Diamond Imprest Licence
Why in the News?
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry has introduced Diamond Imprest Licence at the 40th edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2024.
The event was organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
What is the Diamond Imprest Licence?
The Diamond Imprest Licence is a regulatory framework introduced by the Indian government to facilitate the import of diamonds for exporters, particularly benefiting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the diamond industry.
It will allow Indian diamond exporters who meet a certain export turnover threshold to import up to 5% of their average export turnover over the preceding three years.
This policy aims to create a level-playing field for MSME diamond exporters, enabling them to compete more effectively with larger industry peers.
About the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC )
Details
Establishment
Established in 1966 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
Granted an autonomous status in 1998.
Headquarters
Mumbai, India
Regional offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat, Jaipur
Membership
Represents almost 7,000 exporters from across India.
Role and Functions
Promotes exports of gems and jewellery
Presents industry issues to the government and recommends policy interventions.
Common Facility Centers (CFCs)
Established in Amreli, Visnagar, Palanpur, and Junagadh in Gujarat.
Services include planning, laser sawing, and cutting facilities to process diamonds.
Awards
Organizes premier jewellery design competitions and awards, celebrating creativity and innovation in jewellery design.
Key Events
Hosts the Design Inspirations seminar annually in Mumbai, educating jewellers, designers, and students about upcoming trends in India, Europe, and the US.
Educational Institutes
Operates 7 educational institutes across five cities, including the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) in Mumbai, Jaipur, Delhi, Varanasi, and Udupi.
Gemmological Laboratories
Gemmological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai: Established in 1971, focusing on gemological training, research, and certification.
Gem Testing Laboratory, Jaipur: Specializes in grading and certifying colored gemstones.
Indian Gemological Institute, New Delhi: Provides gem testing and certification services, particularly for the North Indian market.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following foreign travelers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: A23a Iceberg
Why in the News?
A23a, the worldâs largest iceberg, has recently started spinning in place after drifting away from Antarctica in 2020.
Now it is near South Orkney Islands, about northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
What is A23a?
A23a is an iceberg, about 3,855 square kilometers in area, which is 5 times the size of New York City.
It was originally part of an even larger iceberg called A23.
It broke off from the Filchner Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 1986.
What is happening with A23a?
It is now trapped over a seamount, and is spinning slowly in place.
It is completing a full spin approximately in 24 days.
Reason behind the spinning: Icebergs spin in Iceberg Alley because they get pulled by the strong Antarctic Circumpolar Current, moving into warmer waters where they melt.
Implications
A23aâs melting does not contributetoglobal sea level rise since it is already floating.
Its extended stay in this vortexcould impact marine life in the area, especially plankton and other organisms in the food chain.
The situation also provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study how such large icebergs behave in the ocean.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:
1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.
2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Â
[2021] How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.Â
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: No-Confidence Motion
Why in the News?
As many as 50 Opposition MPs have reportedly signed a resolution to bring a no-confidence motion against Vice-President (Rajya Sabha Chairman) Jagdeep Dhankhar.
No-Confidence Motionagainst Vice President of India
Details
Provision
Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution
Who Can Initiate
Can only be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, not the Lok Sabha.
Notice Requirement
At least 14 days’ advance notice must be given before moving the resolution.
Voting in Rajya Sabha
Requires an effective majority (majority of all members present and voting) in the Rajya Sabha.
Voting in Lok Sabha
Requires a simple majority (more than 50% of members present and voting) in the Lok Sabha.
Grounds for Removal
Constitution does not specify any grounds or justifications for the removal of the Vice President.
Temporary Vacancy
If the Vice President is removed -> Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha assumes the role of Chairman.
Historical Context
No Vice President has ever been removed under this Article in Indian parliamentary history.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following statements:
1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the
Presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BPaL Regimen
Why in the News?
India is preparing to introduce the BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid)regimenfor all patients with multi/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB).
What is BPaL Regimen?Â
Details
Purpose
Treatment for multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB).
Provides a potent, shorter, and more effective treatment option for patients resistant to standard TB drugs.
Components of the regimen
Bedaquiline (Bdq):
Targets ATP synthase enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, disrupting energy production.
Key drug in combating drug-resistant TB.
Pretomanid (Pa):
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and kills bacteria under anaerobic conditions.
Enhances effectiveness when combined with other TB drugs.
Linezolid (Lzd):
Inhibits protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth.
Effective against MDR and XDR TB strains.
Significance of BPaL Regimen
Studies and trials have shown that the BPaL regimen has higher success rates in treating MDR and XDR TB compared to older regimens.
It reduces treatment duration for MDR/XDR-TB from the traditional 18-24 months to 6 months approx. Â
It is entirely oral with NO injectable, making it easier for patients to adhere to the treatment.
It reduces number of drugs patients need to take daily from up to 14 to just 3.
PYQ:
[2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctorâs prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
The opposition has submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha to initiate privilege proceedings against Union Education Minister.
It is alleged that the Minister âmisledâ the House regarding the issue of the Preamble to the Constitution being ‘dropped’ from certain NCERT textbooks.
What is a Privilege Motion?
Details
What is it?
A formal notice by an MP when rights or privileges of Parliament or its members are breached.
Parliamentary privilege refers to the right and immunity enjoyed by legislatures (Article 105).
Who can move such motion?
Any Member of Parliament (MP) from Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
Governing Rules
Lok Sabha Rule book: Rule 222, Chapter 20
Rajya Sabha Rule book: Rule 187, Chapter 16
Procedure
Requires consent from Speaker/Chairperson;
Notice must concern a recent incident needing House intervention.
Role of Speaker/Chairperson
First level of scrutiny;
Can decide on the motion or refer it to the Privileges Committee.
Privileges Committee
Lok Sabha: 15 members, nominated by Speaker
Rajya Sabha: 10 members, headed by Deputy Chairperson
Outcome
Committee submits a report;
House may debate and pass a resolution based on the report.
Historical Example
1978: Privilege motion against Indira Gandhi, leading to her expulsion from the Lok Sabha.
Legal Implications
If a breach of privilege is established, the Parliament has the authority to impose penalties.Â
These can range from a reprimand to expulsion from the House, depending on the severity of the breach.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:
1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Silicosis and its health implications
Why in the News?
UK researchers suggest stricter daily silica dust exposure limits in industries could save 13,000 lives as per British Medical Journal Thorax.
What is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a lung disease that results in the hardening of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling silica dust or crystals, commonly found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.
Silicosis is a chronic disease that develops slowly, often after 10 to 20 years of exposure.
Silicosis can lead to other severe conditions, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Note: Silicosis is a recognized disease under the Mines Act (1952) and the Factories Act (1948).
Causes of Silicosis:
Workers in industries such as construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting are at high risk.
The cutting, drilling, or breaking down of materials containing silica releases fine dust into the air.
As per National Programme on Elimination of Silicosis in India
Remedies for Silicosis:
Currently, there is no cure for silicosis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Preventive measures:
Water Suppression Techniques: Using water or foam to suppress dust at the source.
Proper Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow in work environments to reduce dust accumulation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with masks and respirators that filter out fine particles.
Regular Monitoring: Implementing regular health checks for workers and monitoring air quality in workplaces.
Case study related to reducing Silica Dust Exposure
United States: Implemented stricter regulations on silica dust, resulting in a significant reduction in silicosis cases.
Australia: Banned the use of engineered stone due to its propensity to release high levels of silica dust when cut or drilled.
PYQ:
[2019] Why is there a great concern about the âmicrobeadsâ that are released into environment?
(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trichophyton indotineae
Why in the News?
The increase in drug-resistant fungal infections, especially Trichophyton indotineae, is becoming a major health problem in India.
What Is Trichophyton Indotineae?
Trichophyton indotineae is a dermatophyte commonly known as ringworm or jock itch.
First identified in India, this fungus has now spread to several countries worldwide.
It belongs to genotype VIII within the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species complex, found in regions including Australia and Oman.
Factors causing its spreadÂ
Patients often present with persistent, treatment-resistant rashes that can be mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions.
Misdiagnosis leads to the use of ineffective treatments, prolonging patient suffering and allowing the infection to worsen.
Trichophyton indotineae has shown resistance to terbinafine due to genetic mutations, with growing resistance to itraconazole also a concern.
The unregulated sale of steroid-containing combination creams further complicates treatment efforts.
Treatments available
Alternative to terbinafine and Itraconazole are available but often come with significant side effects, requiring close monitoring by healthcare providers.
Integrating comprehensive skin care regimens can enhance treatment efficacy, including maintaining skin hydration and using barrier creams.
PYQ:
[2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Buddhadeb Bhattacharya (1944-2024) and His contributions
Why in the News?
Former CM of West Bengal and leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away at 80.
Who was Buddhadeb Bhattacharya?
Bhattacharya was a politician who served as CM of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011.
He was known for his attempts to modernize and industrialize West Bengal while navigating the challenges of maintaining communist ideology.
In 2022, Bhattacharya was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, which he declined, citing his political principles.
Key Contributions:Â
Category
Details
Political Reforms
Attempted to reduce the influence of powerful trade unions in the state, particularly in the industrial sector, to attract investments and improve work culture.
Social-Cultural Reforms
Played a key role in establishing the Kolkata International Film Festival and promoted Bengali literature.
Authored several books and translated works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Vladimir Mayakovsky into Bengali, enriching the state’s cultural heritage.
Introduced measures to eliminate corruption in school recruitments by ensuring all hiring was conducted through transparent exams.
Initiated reforms to integrate mainstream subjects into madrassa education.
Economic Reforms
Led efforts to industrialize West Bengal by attracting investments in IT, steel, and special economic zones (SEZs), including the Tata Nano project in Singur.
Faced significant opposition and protests in Singur and Nandigram over land acquisition, which ultimately contributed to the political decline of the Left Front.
PYQ:
[2011] Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories?
Lalit Kala Akademi, National Gallery of Modern Art
Objective
Enhance New Delhi’s cultural and aesthetic outlook
Key Themes
Nature tributes, Natyashastra, Gandhi ji, Toys of India, Hospitality, Ancient knowledge, Naad (Primeval Sound), Harmony of Life, Kalpataru (Divine Tree).
Artist Participation
Over 200 visual artists; significant participation from women artists
Artforms included
Phad paintings (Rajasthan), Thangka painting (Sikkim/Ladakh), Miniature painting (Himachal Pradesh), Gond art (Madhya Pradesh), Tanjore paintings (Tamil Nadu), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Alpona art (West Bengal), Cheriyal painting (Telangana), Pichhwai Painting (Rajasthan), Lanjia Saura (Odisha), Pattachitra (West Bengal), Bani Thani Painting (Rajasthan), Warli (Maharashtra), Pithora Art (Gujarat), Aipan (Uttarakhand), Kerala Murals (Kerala), Alpana art (Tripura).
PYQ:
[2018] The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tiger Reserves in India;
Mains level: Reason for the declining population of Tigers;
Why in the News?
Facing a significant decline in its tiger population in recent years, Chhattisgarh on Wednesday approved a long-awaited proposal to establish a new tiger reserve, which will be the third largest in the country.
Process of Notification of Tiger Reserves
Proposal and Evaluation: The state government initiates the process by proposing an area to be designated as a tiger reserve. This proposal is then evaluated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Cabinet Approval: After NTCA’s recommendations, the state cabinet must approve the notification of the tiger reserve.
Integration of Areas: The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve integrates the existing Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 2,829 square kilometers.
Note: Once a tiger reserve is notified, it cannot be easily denotified. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, allows for denotification only under exceptional circumstances and with approval from the NTCA and the National Board for Wildlife.
About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
It is Chhattisgarh’s fourth tiger reserve, following Indravati, Udanti-Sitanadi, and Achanakmar.
The reserve spans four districts: Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Koriya, Surajpur, and Balrampur.
It aims to bolster conservation efforts and provide a protected habitat for tigers, thereby promoting eco-tourism and creating employment opportunities for local communities.
It aims to bolster conservation efforts and provide a protected habitat for tigers by Providing additional budgetary resources from the National Project Tiger Authority for its operations.
It would promote eco-tourism and create employment opportunities for local communities.
Tiger Reserves in IndiaÂ
As of June 2024, India has 55 tiger reserves. This number has increased from 9 reserves in 1973 when Project Tiger was initiated. India is home to around 75% of the global tiger population.
The latest addition to the list is the Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, which is the 55th reserve established in the country.
These reserves are crucial for the conservation of the Bengal tiger, which is a keystone species in India’s ecosystems, and they collectively support around 80% of the world’s tiger population.
Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers at 785, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444).
The initiative was taken by the Government:Â
Strengthening Legal Framework: The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides a legal framework for tiger conservation, establishing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and critical tiger habitats. The 2006 amendment led to the creation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Anti-Poaching Measures:Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) has been deployed in tiger reserves to combat poaching. Modern surveillance technologies like camera traps and drones are used to monitor tiger populations and deter poaching activities.
To avoid human-tiger conflict: As of 2023, 12,327 families from 173 villages have been successfully relocated from tiger reserves to reduce human-tiger conflict.
Way forward:Â
Undertake habitat restoration measures in the tiger reserves, including prey base management and removal of invasive species, to improve the quality of tiger habitats.
Deploy the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in the newly notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve to curb poaching.
Mains PYQ:
Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? Â (UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is Weight Cutting?
Mains level: Issues related to Weight Cutting ;
Why in the News?
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after the official weigh-in on Wednesday morning, before her scheduled gold medal bout in the evening, leaving her without a medal.
What is Weight Cutting?
Weight cutting is the process by which athletes systematically reduce their body weight before a competition. This typically involves a combination of dietary restrictions and intensive physical activity aimed at shedding a specific amount of weight, often over a period of weeks leading up to the event.
Wrestlers often employ extreme measures such as skipping meals, limiting water intake, and engaging in intense exercise, including sauna sessions and wearing heavy clothing to promote sweating. This can lead to rapid weight loss primarily through fluid loss.
Why Do Combat Athletes Cut Weight?
Combat sports like wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) are organized by weight classes to ensure fair competition. Athletes aim to compete in lower weight classes to gain a size and strength advantage over their opponents, as they can often regain weight after the weigh-in.
By cutting weight, athletes believe they can compete against opponents who are lighter and potentially less strong, thus increasing their chances of success in the competition.
Should Weight Cutting Be Banned?
The practice of weight cutting poses significant health risks, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and energy depletion, which can impair performance and lead to serious medical issues. Athletes may experience severe fatigue and reduced physical capabilities after extreme weight cuts.
There is an ongoing debate about whether weight cutting should be banned or regulated more strictly. Critics argue that the health risks outweigh the competitive advantages, while supporters maintain that it is a part of the sport’s culture and can be managed safely with proper guidance.
Some suggest that instead of banning weight cutting, sports organizations should implement better regulations and educate athletes about safe practices for weight management, including gradual weight loss and hydration strategies.
Way forward:Â
Implement Hydration Testing: Regular hydration tests can prevent severe dehydration, ensuring athletes remain within safe hydration levels.
Weight Class Monitoring: Monitor athletes’ weight throughout the training period to discourage rapid weight loss just before competition.
Set Minimum Weight Limits: Establish minimum weight thresholds based on athletes’ natural body weight to prevent extreme weight cuts.
Mains PYQ:
Q An athlete participates in the Olympics for personal triumph and the nationâs glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state-sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (UPSC IAS/2014)
âOsteoporosisâ is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, with over 10 million cases annually in India.
It predominantly affects ageing women due to decreased oestrogen levels post-menopause.
A recent study in Nature by researchers at the Universities of California uncovered a brain-derived hormone, CCN3, which increases bone mass in postpartum lactating mothers.
What is Oestrogen?
Oestrogen is a primary female sex hormone essential for reproductive and sexual development.
It regulates the menstrual cycle and is crucial for the development of secondary sexual characteristics like breast development.Â
Oestrogen also plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health.
It is produced mainly in the ovaries but also in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and fat tissue.Â
The hormone influences various tissues, including the brain, heart, skin, and bones.
Imbalances in oestrogen levels can lead to various health issues, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Role of Oestrogen in Bone Growth
Oestrogen is crucial for bone growth and formation, acting as a manager signalingthe bone construction crew.
During breastfeeding, oestrogen production dropsto focus on milk production, which should weaken bones.
Contrary to expectations, mothers’ bones become stronger to meet their babies’ high calcium demands.
How does the âHiddenâ Hormone Keep Mice Mothersâ Bones Healthy?
During breastfeeding, the body suppresses oestrogen production to focus on milk production, which should weaken bones.
Despite low oestrogen, mothers’ bones strengthen.
Researchers found that KISS1 neurons in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) release the CCN3 hormone, which helps maintain and even increase bone mineralisation.
Experimental Findings:
In experiments with genetically modified mice, those lacking the oestrogen receptor alpha still maintained healthy bones due to CCN3.
When CCN3 wasintroduced to skeletal stem cells, it significantly increased bone formation, showing its potential to strengthen bones independently of oestrogen.
PYQ:
[2019] âRNA interference (RNAi)â technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?
It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to virtual pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Evolution of Cooperatives in India, Various Schemes
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Cooperation, since its inception on 6th July 2021, has taken many initiatives to strengthen and deepen the cooperative movement at the grassroots level.
What is a Co-operative?
A cooperative is âan autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned enterpriseâ.
Cooperatives are democratically owned by their members, with each member having one vote in electing the board of directors.
Evolution of Cooperatives in India:
Pre-Independence Era:
First Cooperative Act (1904): Enacted after the Indian Famine Commission (1901) suggested cooperative credit societies to tackle rural debt.
Cooperative Societies Act (1912): Amended the 1904 Act to include non-credit societies and support the cooperative movement.
Maclagan Committee (1915): Evaluated the cooperative movement’s economic and financial stability.
Montague-Chelmsford Reforms (1919): Made cooperation a provincial subject, boosting regional cooperative initiatives.
Post Economic Depression (1929): Various committees in regions like Madras, Bombay, Travancore, Mysore, Gwalior, and Punjab restructured cooperatives.
Gandhian Influence: Gandhi promoted cooperatives for a socialistic society and decentralization. Established the Phoenix Settlement and Tolstoy Farm as cooperative settlements in South Africa.
Post-Independence Era:
First Five-Year Plan (1951-56): Emphasized cooperatives for comprehensive community development.
Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act (2002): Regulated the formation and functioning of multi-state cooperatives.
Amendment (2022): Introduced the Co-operative Election Authority to oversee board elections in multi-state cooperatives.
97th Constitutional Amendment (2011): Made the right to form cooperatives a fundamental right under Article 19.
Added Part IX-B to the Constitution, establishing “The Co-operative Societies” (Articles 243-ZH to 243-ZT).
Empowered Parliament to legislate for multi-state cooperative societies and state legislatures for other cooperatives.
Union Ministry of Cooperation (2021): Created to oversee cooperative affairs, previously under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Initiatives Making Primary Cooperatives Economically Vibrant and Transparent
Details
Model Bye-Laws for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
Prepared and circulated to all States/UTs.
Enables PACS to undertake over 25 business activities.
Adopted by 32 States/UTs.
Establishing New Multipurpose PACS/Dairy/Fishery Cooperatives
Plan to cover all Panchayats/villages in 5 years.
6,844 new PACS, Dairy, and Fishery cooperative societies registered.
Worldâs Largest Decentralized Grain Storage Plan
Create warehouses and agri-infrastructure at PACS level.
Pilot project extended to 500 additional PACS.
Formation of New Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by PACS
1,100 additional FPOs to be formed by PACS.
992 FPOs formed by NCDC.
PACS Given Priority for Retail Petrol/Diesel Outlets
Included in Combined Category 2 (CC2) for allotment.
270 PACS from 25 States/UTs applied online.
PACS Eligible for LPG Distributorship
Allowed to apply for LPG distributorships.
31 PACS from four States/UTs submitted applications.
PACS as Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra
Promote PACS to operate Janaushadhi Kendras.
2,594 PACS given initial approval, 674 received drug licenses.
PACS as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK)
Ensure easy accessibility of fertilizer and related services.
38,141 PACS functioning as PMKSK.
Convergence of PM-KUSUM at PACS Level
Farmers can adopt solar agricultural water pumps and install photovoltaic modules.
Micro-ATMs to Bank Mitra Cooperative Societies
Provide doorstep financial services.
2,700 micro-ATMs distributed in Gujarat.
Rupay Kisan Credit Card to Members of Milk Cooperatives
Provide credit at lower interest rates.
48,000 Rupay KCC distributed in Gujarat.
Formation of Fish Farmer Producer Organization (FFPO)
69 FFPOs registered by NCDC.
Department of Fisheries allocated work to convert 1000 fisheries cooperative societies into FFPOs.
Initiatives Strengthening Urban and Rural Cooperative Banks
Details
Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) Allowed to Open New Branches
Open up to 10% (max 5 branches) without prior RBI approval.
Doorstep Services by UCBs
Provide banking facilities at home.
Extended Time Limit for Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Targets
Timeline extended to March 31, 2026.
Nodal Officer in RBI for UCBs
Designated for regular interaction.
Increased Housing Loan Limit by RBI
Doubled for UCBs to Rs. 60 lakhs.
Increased to Rs. 75 lakhs for Rural Cooperative Banks.
Rural Cooperative Banks Lending to Real Estate/Residential Housing
Diversify business to benefit Housing cooperative societies.
Non-scheduled UCBs, StCBs, and DCCBs Notified as MLIs in CGTMSE Scheme
Risk coverage up to 85% on loans.
Doubled Monetary Ceiling for Gold Loan by RBI
Increased from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 4 lakh.
Umbrella Organization for UCBs
Approval given to NAFCUB for formation, providing IT infrastructure and operational support.
PYQ:
[2011] In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
Why in the News?
G Padmanabhan, the Chandrayaan-3 team, Annapurni Subramaniam, and 30 others have been chosen for the inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), Indiaâs new national science awards established last year.
What is Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar?
The RVP comprises four awards:
Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement.
Vigyan Shri for scientists of all ages.
Vigyan Yuva for scientists under 45 years.
Vigyan Team for collaborative research work.
These awards were instituted last year, replacing all existing science awards, including the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize.
The Vigyan Yuva now serves as a replacement for the Bhatnagar Prize, which also recognized outstanding scientists below 45 years.
Ceremony Details:
These awards shall be announced on the National Technology Day (11th May) every year.
The Award Ceremony for all categories of awards shall be held every year on the National Space Day on 23rd August.
The Hon’ble President of India / The Hon’ble Vice President of India may confer the Awards.
Notable Awardees
G Padmanabhan: At 86, G Padmanabhan, a renowned biochemist known for his work on the malaria parasite, has been named a Vigyan Ratna, recognizing his lifetime achievement in science. Padmanabhan is a towering figure in Indian science and has been honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
Chandrayaan-3 Team: The team behind Chandrayaan-3, which successfully landed Indiaâs first spacecraft on the Moon last year, has been awarded the Vigyan Team award for their collaborative research work.
Vigyan Yuva Puraskar Recipients:
Vivek Polshettiwar (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai): A chemist working on carbon capture technologies.
Urbasi Sinha (Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru): A leading expert in quantum research.
Roxy Mathew Koll (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune): A climate scientist.
Annapurni Subramaniam:
Among the 13 scientists selected for the Vigyan Shri award, Annapurni Subramaniam’s main research focuses on the formation and evolution of star clusters and galaxies.
Other Vigyan Shri Recipients:
Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar: A biologist and former director of IISER Pune.
Naba Kumar Mondal: A particle physicist from Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata.
PYQ:
[2009] For outstanding contribution to which one of the following fields is Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize given?
