Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Why in the News?

India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha).

Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

What are Ballistic Missiles?

Powered by: Solid propellant rocket motors; thrust generated by exhaust gases forces missile upward.
Three phases:
- Boost Phase – missile consumes propellant; trajectory fixed.
- Midcourse Phase – missile coasts in space on momentum.
- Terminal Phase – warheads re-enter atmosphere and strike target.

About Agni-5:

Type: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed by DRDO.
Range: 5,000–5,500 km (upgrade under development up to 7,500 km).
Propulsion: Three-stage, solid-fuel rocket motors.
Payload: ~1.5 tonnes, nuclear-capable.
Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) Technology: Can carry multiple nuclear warheads that target different locations.
Features: Fire-and-forget system, advanced navigation, guidance and propulsion technologies.
First Test: 2012 from Wheeler Island (Odisha).
Strategic Role: Strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence posture, especially vis-à-vis China.

Back2Basics: Agni Series and its Development

Origins: Began in 1983 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) led by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Evolution: Started as technology demonstrators for re-entry vehicles; later developed into full-fledged strategic missiles.
Variants:
- Agni-I: 700–1,200 km range, inducted 2007.
- Agni-II: 2,000–3,000 km range, inducted 2010.
- Agni-III: 3,500 km range, highly accurate, tested 2007.
- Agni-IV: 4,000 km range, advanced avionics, tested 2011.
- Agni-V: 5,000+ km range, ICBM, MIRV capable.
- Agni Prime (Agni-P): 1,000–2,000 km, lighter, tested 2021.
- Agni-VI: Under development, 6,000–10,000 km, MIRV + submarine launch capable.
Significance: Backbone of India’s nuclear triad, enhancing deterrence against regional and global adversaries.

[UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.

2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

Bistability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the glpD Gene

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

German researchers found that P. aeruginosa bacteria can switch a key gene (glpD) on or off, even though the bacteria are genetically identical — a survival trick called epigenetic bistability.

Bistability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the glpD Gene

About Pseudomonas aeruginosa:

Nature: Rod-shaped bacterium found in soil, water, and hospital environments.
Pathogen Type: Opportunistic; infects mainly those with weakened immunity.
Resistance: Forms biofilms (protective layers), making it highly resistant to antibiotics.
Genetic Flexibility: Large genome (~6,000 genes) allows adaptation to diverse environments.

Impact on Humans:

Hospital Infections: Leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
Vulnerable Groups: Burn patients, catheter users, cystic fibrosis patients.
Diseases Caused: Keratitis (eye infection), urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections.
Mortality: Strong antibiotic resistance makes treatment difficult, leading to high hospital deaths.

Recent Research Findings:

Discovery: German researchers identified bistable expression of the glpD gene (active in some cells, inactive in others).
Survival Advantage: This variability helps bacteria survive hostile conditions and trigger infections even from small populations.
Experiments:
- Cells with glpD active were more lethal in moth larvae and mouse immune models.
- Cells without glpD showed reduced infection ability.
Significance: On–off switching of glpD is a survival and infection strategy; targeting this mechanism may lead to new treatments for resistant infections.

[UPSC 2010] Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolated by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?

Options: (a) Agrodbacterium (b) Clostridium (c) Nitrosomonas (d) Pseudomonas*

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The Crisis In The Middle East

In news: International Criminal Court (ICC)

IOCR Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

Why in the News?

The Trump administration sanctioned judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over arrest cases involving Israeli leaders and past probes into U.S. officials.

About the International Criminal Court (ICC):

Established: 2002 under the Rome Statute (1998); headquartered at The Hague, Netherlands.
Nature: First permanent international court to try individuals for grave crimes.
Jurisdiction over 4 core crimes:

1. Genocide
2. Crimes against humanity
3. War crimes
4. Crime of aggression

Members: 124 States Parties
- NON-members: India, China, USA, Russia, Israel, Ukraine
Structure:
- Office of the Prosecutor – investigates and prosecutes cases.
- 18 Judges – elected for 9 years.
- Assembly of States Parties – governs ICC administration.
- Trust Fund for Victims, Detention Centre
Languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish
Funding: Annual budget (2025) ~ €195 million (mostly from member states)

Jurisdiction and Reach of an ICC Warrant:

Applicability:
- Crimes by nationals of member states
- Crimes committed on member state territory
- UNSC referrals can extend jurisdiction to non-member states (e.g., Libya, Darfur)
Obligations on States:
- Member states must execute arrest warrants and cooperate fully.
- Non-compliance can be reported to Assembly of States Parties or UN Security Council (for UNSC referrals)
Challenges:
- ICC lacks an independent enforcement mechanism
- Non-members (e.g., US, Russia) are not bound to cooperate
- Political and diplomatic constraints hinder the execution of warrants
Special Mechanisms: ICC established an Arrest Working Group (2016) to enhance warrant enforcement through better intelligence-sharing.

[UPSC 2022] Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news ?

Options:

(a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.

(b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea. *

(d) Though International Court of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.

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Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

‘Creamy Layer’ condition in OBC Quota

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Why in the News?

The government is considering measures to ensure uniform application of the ‘creamy layer’ condition in OBC reservations across central and state government jobs, public sector enterprises, universities, and autonomous bodies.

About the Concept of Creamy Layer:

Origin: Emerged from Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992); excluded affluent Other Backward Class (OBC) groups from reservations.
1993 DoPT Rules: Defined creamy layer – children of Group A/Class I officers, early-promoted officials, Group B parents, senior armed forces, high constitutional functionaries, professionals, traders, and large landowners.
Income Criteria:
- Ceiling: ₹1 lakh in 1993, revised to ₹8 lakh in 2017.
- Exclusions: Salary and agricultural income not counted.

2004 Clarification & Implementation Issues:

Clarification: DoPT directed separate assessment of salary and other income (except agriculture).
Rule: If either exceeded limit (₹2.5 lakh then) for 3 consecutive years → creamy layer.
Problem: Poor enforcement (2004–14) due to political sensitivities; stricter checks after 2014.
Impact: Between CSE 2015–23, over 100 OBC caste certificates rejected under new interpretations.

Equivalence Efforts:

Consultations: Involved Social Justice, Education, Law, Labour Ministries, DoPT, NITI Aayog, NCBC.
Goal: Standardise creamy layer rules across universities, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bodies.
Proposal: Retrospective relief suggested by Home Minister Amit Shah and NCBC.

Key Proposals Under Consideration:

University Teachers: Salaries start at Group A-equivalent → children to be creamy layer.
Autonomous Bodies: Posts aligned with central pay scales.
Non-Teaching Staff: Categorisation based on equivalence with government jobs.
PSU Executives: Already included since 2017; those ≤₹8 lakh excluded.
Aided Institutions: Staff categorised based on parity with govt. employees.

Likely Beneficiaries:

Lower Govt. Staff: Children of employees earning just above ₹8 lakh gain most.
Correction of Anomalies: Ensures parity between teachers and aided staff.
State PSU Issues: Fixes cases like fuel pump attendants in PSUs being declared creamy layer.
Private Sector: No change; creamy layer based only on income/wealth criteria.

[UPSC 2023] Consider the following organizations/bodies in India:

1. The National Commission for Backward Classes

2. The National Human Rights Commission

3. The National Law Commission

4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

How many of the above are constitutional bodies?

Options: (a) Only one *(b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

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Electoral Reforms In India

Office of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Representation Of People’s Act

Why in the News?

The Opposition (INDI Alliance bloc) is considering moving a motion of removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in Parliament.

About Election Commission of India (ECI):

Establishment: Permanent constitutional body set up on 25 January 1950 (National Voters Day).
Constitutional Basis: Articles 324–329, Part XV of the Constitution.
Mandate: Conducts elections to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of President and Vice President.
Structure: Since 1993, functions as a three-member body with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners.
Status of CEC: Same salary, status, and perks as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.

Appointment to ECI:

Law: Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (replaced 1991 Act).
Appointing Authority: President of India.
Selection Committee: Prime Minister (Chairperson), Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
Eligibility: Must have served as a Secretary-level officer in Government of India with proven integrity and election management experience.
Tenure: 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.

Removal:

CEC: Removed like a Supreme Court judge (Article 324(5)) on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Requires a motion passed by two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and Presidential order.
Other Election Commissioners: Removed only on recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

[UPSC 2012] Consider the following statements with reference to India:

1. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners enjoy equal powers but receive unequal salaries

2. The Chief Election Commissioner is entitled to the same salary as in provided to a judge of the Supreme Court

3. The Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court

4. The term of office of the Election Commissioner is five years from the date he assumes his office or till the day he attains the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier

Which of these statements are correct?

Options: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3* (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 4

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Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

[pib] “Anna-Chakra” Supply Chain Optimisation Tool for PDS

PIB Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

Why in the News?

The Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has provided crucial information regarding the Anna-Chakra Tool to the Parliament.

About Anna-Chakra:

Purpose: Digital tool to optimise supply chain of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Developed by: World Food Programme (WFP) and Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (IIT-Delhi).
Implementation: Adopted in 30 States/UTs, except Manipur.
Coverage: Supports 4.37 lakh Fair Price Shops and 6,700 warehouses.
Savings: Reduces logistics/fuel costs, saving about ₹250 crore annually.
Environmental Impact: Route optimisation reduces travel distance by 15–50%, cutting CO₂ emissions.

Back2Basics: Public Distribution System (PDS) in India:

Objective: Provides subsidised food grains to poor households, ensuring food security.
History: Originated in inter-war years; expanded after 1960s food shortages.
Reforms: Revamped PDS (1992) extended coverage to rural and poverty-prone areas.
Structure:
- Centre (FCI) – procurement, storage, transportation, bulk allocation.
- States – distribute food grains to families via Fair Price Shops.
Coverage: Serves ~800 million people through 5 lakh+ Fair Price Shops.
Items Distributed: Wheat, rice, sugar, kerosene; some states add pulses and oils.
Significance: Shields poor households from food price shocks and economic distress.

[UPSC 2008] Consider the following statements:

1. Regarding the procurement of food grains, Government of India follows a procurement target rather than an open-ended procurement policy.

2. Government of India announces minimum support prices only for cereals.

3. For distribution under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), wheat and rice are issued by the Government of India at uniform Central issue prices to the States/Union Territories.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?”

Options: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3* (d) 3 only

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Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Why in the News?

SEBI has released a consultation paper proposing changes in Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) and Minimum Public Offer (MPO) norms for listed companies.

What is Minimum Public Offer (MPO)?

Meaning: When a company launches an Initial Public Offer (IPO), it must sell a minimum number of shares to the public.
Analogy: Like a new shop ensuring enough goods are displayed for customers — otherwise trading is thin and controlled by a few.

What is Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)?

Concept: A company is like a cake. Promoters (founders/owners) usually keep most of it, but SEBI mandates at least 25% must be shared/sold with the public.
Purpose:
- Broader ownership and participation.
- Fairer prices by reducing manipulation.
- Greater accountability of companies.

What SEBI is proposing?

Flexibility: Large companies find it difficult to release big chunks of shares at once; rules will be eased.
Extended Timelines:
- Companies valued at ₹50,000–1,00,000 crore now get up to 10 years (instead of 5) to meet 25% MPS.
- They must reach 15% in 5 years first, then 25% in 10 years.
Reduced Burden: For very large companies, the initial Minimum Public Offer (MPO) will be lowered.

Significance of the Move:

Market Stability: Selling too many shares too quickly is like flooding the market — prices may fall even if the company is strong.
Benefits:
- More big companies will list in India.
- Investors can enter gradually without sudden shocks.
- Encourages fund-raising while maintaining fair trading.

[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

I. India accounts for a very large portion of all equity option contracts traded globally, thus exhibiting a great boom.

II. India’s stock market has grown rapidly in the recent past, even overtaking Hong Kong’s at some point in time.

III. There is no regulatory body either to warn small investors about the risks of options trading or to act on unregistered financial advisors in this regard.

Which of the statements given above are correct?”

Options: (a) I and II only * (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Young Bengal Movement and Henry Derozio

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Why in the News?

This newscard is an excerpt from the article originally published in The Hindu.

Young Bengal Movement and Henry Derozio

Who was Henry Vivian Louis Derozio?

Birth–Death: Born 1809, died- 22 in 1831; Indo-Portuguese origin.
Identity: Radical thinker, poet, and educator in British India.
Recognition: Called the first national poet of modern India; pioneer of Anglo-Indian poetry.
Influences: Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and the French Revolution.
Career: Became lecturer at Hindu College, Calcutta in 1826 at just 17.
Role: Inspired students with rationalism, liberty, and free thought.
Writings: Poems (1827), The Fakeer of Jungheera (1828), and To India – My Native Land (first modern patriotic poem in English).
Themes: Expressed India’s decline with images of a caged eagle and a broken instrument; advocated freedom and abolition of slavery.
Dismissal: Removed from Hindu College in 1831 on charges of spreading atheism.

The Young Bengal Movement:

Formation: Radical group of his students, also called Derozians.
Association: Founded the Academic Association, debating social and political reform.
Ideals: Advocated rationalism, women’s rights, freedom of thought; opposed caste, superstition, idolatry.
Political Role: In 1843, with George Thompson, formed India’s first political party – Bengal British India Society.
Notable Member: Radhanath Sikdar, mathematician who first calculated Mount Everest’s height and openly resisted colonial injustices.
Perception: Described by missionary Alexander Duff as a “new race of men”; historian Rosinka Chaudhuri called them India’s “first radicals.”
Legacy and Intellectual Impact:
- Awakening: Though short-lived, the movement sparked Bengal’s intellectual revolution.
- Seeds of Reform: Laid foundation for later reformist and nationalist currents.
- Independence of Mind: Marked a sharp break from Macaulay’s vision of Anglicised Indians — Derozians were assertive and original.

[UPSC 2021] Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

Options: (a) Annie Besant (b) Debendranath Tagore (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar * (d) Sarojini Naidu

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Saltwater Crocodile Population Survey in Sundarbans

Prelims Only Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

A 2025 survey by the West Bengal Forest Department shows an increase in saltwater crocodile population in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR).

Saltwater Crocodile Population Survey in Sundarbans

About Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus):

Largest living reptile and the largest of all crocodilians.
Males grow much larger than females; females usually 2.5–3 m in length.
Habitat: mangrove forests, swamps, rivers, and coastal waters; tolerant of varying salinity.
Distribution in India: Odisha, West Bengal (Sundarbans), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Behaviour: Apex predator, feeds on carcasses and diverse prey; communicates through barks, hisses, growls, chirps.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
- CITES: Appendix I (except populations of Australia, Indonesia, PNG → Appendix II).
- Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule I.
Conservation Efforts: Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (1976, West Bengal) – breeding and conservation programme; 577 crocodiles released till 2022.

Other Crocodile Species in India:

Gharial: Critically Endangered; survives in only 2% of former range; Found in small stretches of Chambal and a few other rivers.
Mugger/Marsh Crocodile: Vulnerable; found in freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes.

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Electoral Reforms In India

The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025

Bills/Act/Laws Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Why in the News?

The Union Home Minister is set to introduce three bills in the Lok Sabha to provide legal framework for removal of the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Ministers in States and UTs who are “arrested and detained in custody on account of serious criminal charges.”

Which are the three Bills?

130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025 (discussed below)
Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Provides clarity on removal of CM and Ministers in J&K.
Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Defines similar provisions for Puducherry and other UTs.

About the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025:

Scope: Applies to Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers at Union, State, and Union Territory levels.
Grounds for Removal: Arrest and detention for 30 consecutive days for an offense punishable by five years or more.
Reappointment: Possible after release from custody.
Objective: Prevent prolonged tenure of arrested leaders in office (e.g., recent case involving Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal).

Amendments proposed to the following Articles:

	Current Provision	Limitation	Changes Proposed
Article 75 (Union – PM & Union Ministers)	PM appointed by President; Ministers appointed on PM’s advice. They hold office during the pleasure of the President. Removal is political (loss of confidence, resignation, dismissal).	No explicit mechanism to remove PM/Ministers if detained/arrested for long periods.	New provision: If PM or any Union Minister is detained in custody for 30 consecutive days for a serious offense (≥5 years punishment), they must resign by 31st day or automatically cease to hold office. They may be reappointed after release.
Article 164 (States – CM & State Ministers)	CM appointed by Governor; Ministers appointed on CM’s advice. They hold office during the pleasure of the Governor. Council of Ministers collectively responsible to State Assembly.	No clear rule for automatic removal if CM/Ministers remain in custody.	Similar to Union level: If CM or Minister is detained in custody for 30 consecutive days under serious charges (≥5 years punishment), they automatically lose office. Reappointment allowed after release.
Article 239AA (Union Territory of Delhi – CM & Ministers)	Special status for Delhi (NCT). CM and Council of Ministers aid & advise LG. They hold office as per political responsibility to the Assembly.	No explicit provision for automatic removal on detention.	A new Section 5A to be inserted: CM/Ministers of NCT of Delhi cease office if detained for 30 days under serious charges (≥5 years). Reappointment possible after release.

Rationale and Significance:

At present, the Constitution has no provision for automatic removal of ministers in custody.
Bill ensures that office bearers uphold public trust and do not undermine governance during detention.
The statement of objects emphasized that elected representatives must rise above political interests and maintain conduct beyond suspicion.
Promotes integrity of democracy by aligning ministerial positions with constitutional morality and accountability.

[UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:

1. According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.

2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

What are Ballistic Missiles?

About Agni-5:

Back2Basics: Agni Series and its Development

Why in the News?

About Pseudomonas aeruginosa:

Impact on Humans:

Recent Research Findings:

Why in the News?

About the International Criminal Court (ICC):

Jurisdiction and Reach of an ICC Warrant:

Why in the News?

About the Concept of Creamy Layer:

2004 Clarification & Implementation Issues:

Equivalence Efforts:

Key Proposals Under Consideration:

Likely Beneficiaries:

Why in the News?

About Election Commission of India (ECI):

Appointment to ECI:

Removal:

Why in the News?

About Anna-Chakra:

Back2Basics: Public Distribution System (PDS) in India:

Why in the News?

What is Minimum Public Offer (MPO)?

What is Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)?

What SEBI is proposing?

Significance of the Move:

Why in the News?

Who was Henry Vivian Louis Derozio?

The Young Bengal Movement:

Why in the News?

About Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus):

Other Crocodile Species in India:

Why in the News?

Which are the three Bills?

About the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025:

Rationale and Significance: