Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Natural Farming;
Mains level: Significance of Natural Farming; National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF);
Why in the News?
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the “National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)”, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Agriculture Ministry to promote natural farming nationwide in mission mode.
What is Natural Farming?
- Natural farming is defined by the Agriculture Ministry as a chemical-free agricultural system that relies solely on inputs derived from livestock and plant resources. This approach emphasizes the use of local agroecological principles and traditional knowledge, integrating crops, trees, and livestock to enhance biodiversity and soil health.
- Aim: The goal is to rejuvenate soil quality while minimizing external inputs, thus reducing costs for farmers and promoting healthier food production.
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How is the NMNF Different from Earlier Interventions?
The NMNF represents an evolution of previous initiatives, particularly the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP), which was launched in 2019.
- Higher Budgetary Outlay: The NMNF has a total financial outlay of ₹2,481 crore, with ₹1,584 crore from the central government and ₹897 crore from states until 2025-26.
- Targeting More Farmers: The mission aims to engage over one crore farmers, significantly expanding its reach compared to earlier efforts.
- Establishment of Standards: It seeks to create scientifically supported standards and streamlined certification processes for naturally grown produce, along with a national brand for such products.
Why is it Necessary to Diversify the Farming Basket?
- Environmental Sustainability: Reducing chemical inputs helps restore soil health and biodiversity, making agriculture more resilient to climate change.
- Economic Viability: By promoting local inputs and reducing dependency on purchased fertilizers, farmers can lower their costs and increase their profitability.
- Food Security: A diverse agricultural system can lead to improved food quality and nutritional security for communities.
Why a Mission on Natural Farming is Needed?
- Excessive Fertilizer Use: The initiative targets districts with high fertiliser consumption, aiming to shift practices towards more sustainable methods that rejuvenate soil health and reduce environmental degradation.
- Health Risks: By eliminating synthetic chemicals from farming, the mission aims to lower health risks associated with pesticide exposure for both farmers and consumers.
- Climate Resilience: Natural farming practices enhance resilience against climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods by improving soil structure and water retention capabilities.
Way forward:
- Policy and Infrastructure Support: Strengthen institutional frameworks by expanding Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs), offering financial incentives, and ensuring easy access to natural farming resources and certification systems.
- Awareness and Capacity Building: Conduct large-scale training programs for farmers on natural farming practices, promote successful models through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and foster collaborations with agricultural universities for research and innovation.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is an Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges related to Egalitarian Social Order;
Why in the News?
On November 26, 2024, India celebrated 75 years of its Constitution, honouring how leaders from different viewpoints worked together in the Constituent Assembly to build a nation that respects the rights and interests of all cultural groups.
Why Did Constitution Makers Agree to Create a Liberal Political State in India?
- Emphasis on Liberty: The Constitution-makers embraced liberalism, which prioritizes individual freedom and the belief that citizens should operate without state interference. This was seen as essential for realizing human potential in intellectual, moral, and physical dimensions.
- Positive State Role: Recognizing the severe social and economic inequalities at Independence, the framers concluded that a purely liberal approach without state intervention would exacerbate these disparities. Thus, they envisioned a state that actively works to reduce inequality through affirmative action and policies designed to uplift marginalized groups.
- Egalitarian Vision: The Constitution reflects principles of egalitarian liberalism, aiming to create an inclusive society where equal opportunities are available to all. This is evident in the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which advocate for reducing inequalities and ensuring fair access to resources.
How Does the Neoliberal Ideological Order Shadow the Constitutional Vision of Creating an Egalitarian Social Order in India?
- Concentration of Wealth: The neoliberal agenda has facilitated wealth concentration among a small elite, undermining constitutional provisions intended to prevent such disparities.
- The report that indicates that by 2022-23, 90% of billionaire wealth was held by upper castes in India is titled “Towards Tax Justice and Wealth Redistribution in India” (2024), prepared by the World Inequality Lab at the Paris School of Economics.
- Shift in Economic Focus: Since the adoption of neoliberal reforms in the 1990s, there has been a marked shift towards prioritizing private capital investment over welfare state interventions.
- Rising Inequality: Research indicates that income inequality has surged post-reforms, with the top 1% of earners capturing an increasing share of total income rising from 6% in the 1980s to approximately 22% by 2022-23.
What Policy Measures Can Be Implemented to Address Inequality Effectively? (Way forward)
- Strengthening Welfare Policies: Reinvigorating welfare state mechanisms to ensure basic needs are met for all citizens can help bridge the gap between different socio-economic groups. This includes enhancing social security systems and public health initiatives.
- Affirmative Action: Expanding affirmative action policies can help uplift marginalized communities by ensuring their representation in education, employment, and political spheres.
- Progressive Taxation: Implementing a more progressive tax system can redistribute wealth more equitably. Higher taxes on the wealthy can be used to fund social programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare.
- Community Resource Management: Encouraging community-based management of resources can empower local populations and ensure equitable distribution of wealth generated from local economies.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Establishing robust regulatory frameworks that prevent monopolistic practices and ensure fair competition can help mitigate wealth concentration and promote economic equity.
Mains PYQ:
Q COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cyclone Fengal
Why in the News?
- A depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is likely to further intensify into Cyclone Fengal.
- The system is currently close to an area with higher sea surface temperatures (SST), contributing to its potential intensification into a cyclonic storm.
Origin of the Name ‘Fengal’
- The name ‘Fengal’ was proposed by Saudi Arabia and is rooted in Arabic.
- It reflects a combination of linguistic tradition and cultural identity.
Cyclone Naming Process:
- Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) panel.
- This panel includes 13 member countries, such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, among others.
- Each member country submits a list of potential cyclone names, and these names are used sequentially as cyclones form in the region.
- This system, in place since 2004, ensures easy identification and effective communication of storms to the public.
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PYQ:
[2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?
(a) Sea Surface temperature are low
(b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs
(c) Coriolis force is too weak
(d) Absence of land in those regions |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Notable Women in the Constituent Assembly
Why in the News?
On Constitution Day (November 26), President Murmu acknowledged the significant role of women members in the Constituent Assembly of India.
5 Notable Women in the Constituent Assembly
| Name |
Their Contributions |
| Ammu Swaminathan (1894-1978) |
• Co-founded the Women’s India Association in 1917 with leaders like Annie Besant.
• Advocated for women’s education and rights.
• Spoke on the Hindu Code Bill and gender equality in the Constituent Assembly.
• Became the first woman elected to the Madras legislature.
• After independence, served as India’s goodwill ambassador to countries like Russia, China, and the US. |
| Annie Mascarene (1902-1963) |
• Born in Travancore to a Latin Christian family considered at the bottom of the caste system.
• Advocated for universal adult franchise and against caste-based voting rights.
• Joined the Travancore State Congress and fought for political representation of marginalized communities.
• As a member of the Constituent Assembly, called for a strong Centre and autonomy for local governments.
• Elected as an independent candidate in 1952 from Thiruvananthapuram. |
| Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul (1909-2001) |
• Hailing from a prominent family in Punjab, she faced resistance for her education, with a fatwa issued against her convent schooling.
• Fought for women’s rights and opposed separate electorates based on religion.
• Stayed in India post-partition and joined the Indian National Congress.
• Elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1952.
• Helped promote women’s hockey in India. |
| Dakshayani Velayudhan (1912-1978) |
• First Dalit woman to graduate in science and the first Dalit woman in the Cochin Legislative Council.
• Advocated for nationalism and opposed separate electorates for Dalits.
• Strongly committed to social justice despite facing discrimination.
• After independence, remained involved in the Dalit movement and continued advocating for social justice. |
| Renuka Ray (1904-1997) |
• Came from an affluent family with a civil servant father and a progressive mother.
• Joined the freedom struggle after meeting Mahatma Gandhi in 1920.
• Advocated for women’s rights, particularly on divorce and inheritance.
• Represented women’s organizations in the Central Legislative Assembly in 1943.
• Opposed women’s reservation in legislatures, seeing it as a hindrance to women’s growth.
• After losing the 1952 elections, returned to politics and worked on women’s empowerment. |
| PYQ:
[2011] With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for:
(a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement
(b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference
(c) Leading a contingent of Indian National Army
(d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Milk Day
Why in the News?
National Milk Day on November 26 commemorates the birth anniversary of ‘The Milkman of India’, Dr Verghese Kurien, who was credited with making India self-reliant in milk production.
About National Milk Day:
| Details |
• Observed on November 26 to honor Dr. Verghese Kurien’s contributions to India’s dairy industry and the White Revolution.
• Celebrates India’s transformation into the world’s largest milk producer. |
| Contributions made by Varghese Kurien |
• Born on November 26, 1921, in Kozhikode, Kerala.
• Played a key role in establishing Amul (1949) and transforming it into a global dairy brand.
• Inaugural chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
• Led Operation Flood, which revolutionized India’s dairy industry and made it self-sufficient in milk production.
• Received numerous awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (1963). |
| About the White Revolution and Milk Production in India |
• Initiated in 1970 through Operation Flood to increase milk production and reduce dependence on milk powder imports.
• Empowered dairy farmers by promoting a cooperative-based model for milk production.
• By the late 1990s, India became the world’s largest milk producer, surpassing the US.
• Milk production grew threefold, from 21.2 million tonnes in 1968-69 to over 55 million tonnes by 1991-92.
• Helped build the infrastructure for milk supply chains, processing plants, and storage facilities, making milk more accessible.
• Significantly improved the income and livelihood of rural farmers, boosting employment and economic development.
| India is ranked 1st in milk production, contributing 24% of global milk production, reaching 230.58 million tonnes in 2022-23. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pennaiyar River
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to submit the report on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka Pennaiyar River Water Dispute.
About Pennaiyar River
| Origin and Geological Composition |
• Also known as Thenpennai, originates on the eastern slope of Nandi Hills in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu into the Bay of Bengal.
• Length: 497 km (2nd longest in TN); Catchment area: 3,690 km².
• 77% of the drainage basin lies in Tamil Nadu.
• Bounded by the Velikonda, Nagari, Javadu, Shevaroy, Chitteri, and Kalrayan hills of the Eastern Ghats.
• Lies in the tropical monsoon zone with monsoon (June–December) and non-monsoon (January–May) periods. |
| Tributaries |
• Tributaries include Markandanadhi, Kambainallur, Pambar, Vaniyar, Kallar, Valayar Odai, Pambanar, Aliyar, Musukundanadhi, and Thurinjalar.
• Supported by monsoonal rains and reservoirs like Kelavarapalli, Krishnagiri, and Sathanur Dams. |
| Important Sites along its Basin |
• Mentioned in Sangam literature for its lush vegetation.
• Important temples include Penneswaraar Temple, Dakshina Tirupati, Veerateshwarar Temple, and Kabilar Kundru.
• Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is a key protected area near the river.
• Used for irrigation in districts such as Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Viluppuram, and Cuddalore. |
PYQ:
[2004] Assertion (A): West- flowing rivers of Peninsular India have no deltas:
Reason (R): These Rivers do not carry any alluvial sediments.
- Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
- Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
- A is true but R is false
- A is false but R is true
|
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Green Tribunal
Why in the News?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alarming rise in the number of Himalayan glacial lakes due to rising temperatures, highlighting the growing risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides.
Central Water Commission’s (CWC) report on Glacial Lakes
- Glacial lakes in the Himalayas have expanded by 10.81% in 13 years due to glacier melting caused by rising temperatures.
- Between 2011 and 2024, India’s glacial lakes grew by 33.7%, highlighting the escalating threat.
- The NGT noted that 67 lakes in India saw a surface area increase of over 40%, marking them as high-risk for GLOFs.
- Key areas of expansion include Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
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About National Green Tribunal (NGT):
| About |
Establishment:
• Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory body.
• Aimed at addressing environmental issues and ensuring speedy implementation of decisions.
• Known for making significant decisions, including addressing air pollution in Delhi and cancelling coal block clearances.
Composition:
• Headquartered in Delhi.
• Chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge.
• Includes Judicial Members and Expert Panel.
Benches:
• Principal bench in Delhi.
• Additional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai. |
| Powers and Functions of NGT |
• Empowered to decide on cases related to various environmental laws and hear civil cases concerning environmental issues.
• Responsible for enforcement of:
– The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
– The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
– The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and more.Exceptions:
• Not authorized to hear cases under:
– The Indian Forest Act, 1927
– The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
– State laws related to the protection of trees, forests, etc.
Governing Principles:
• Governed by principles of natural justice, not bound by the Indian Evidence Act.
• Applies the principles of sustainable development, precautionary approach, and the polluter pays principle.
Review and Challenge:
• NGT orders can be reviewed under Rule 22 of NGT Rules.
• Orders can be challenged before the Supreme Court within ninety days. |
| PYQ:
[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
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 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Constitutional Principles and Morality;
Why in the News?
Referring to the framers of India’s Constitution solely as “founding fathers” reflects patriarchal bias, overlooking the pivotal contributions of the “founding mothers” who co-authored its progressive vision like UCC (Uniform Civil Code).
What are the implications of the UCC for women’s rights in a diverse society?
- Equality Across Personal Laws: The UCC aims to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set governing every citizen.
- Legal Protection Against Patriarchal Religious Law: By establishing a uniform framework, the UCC could provide women with equal rights in matters traditionally dominated by patriarchal interpretations of religious laws.
- Cultural Resistance: The implementation of the UCC faces resistance due to India’s diverse cultural landscape. Many communities view it as an infringement on their religious freedoms.
How does feminist constitutionalism challenge traditional interpretations of the Indian Constitution?
- Challenging Patriarchal Narratives: Feminist constitutionalism critiques traditional interpretations that often marginalise women’s contributions and rights.
- For example, while the Indian Constitution guarantees equality, its application has frequently been undermined by personal laws that perpetuate women’s subordination.
- Reinterpreting Constitutional Provisions: Feminist legal theorists argue for a reinterpretation of constitutional provisions to ensure they align with contemporary understandings of gender equality.
- Historical background of the Constitution: The historical context of the Constitution’s framing reveals that while women like Amrit Kaur and Hansa Mehta fought for equal rights, their efforts were often compromised by the need to secure broader political consensus.
- For example, Hansa Mehta and Amrit Kaur strongly advocated for the inclusion of the UCC under the Fundamental Rights to ensure gender equality in personal laws.
What role does historical context play in shaping contemporary gender jurisprudence in India?
- Legacy of Founding Mothers: The contributions of women in the Constituent Assembly have been historically overlooked, yet their advocacy for fundamental rights laid a foundation for future gender jurisprudence.
- Impact on Contemporary Legislation: Historical struggles against patriarchal norms inform today’s feminist movements and legal battles. The ongoing discourse around the UCC is rooted in these historical contexts, highlighting both progress made and obstacles remaining in achieving true gender equality.
- Intersectionality: The intersectional experiences of women from diverse backgrounds during the Constitution’s framing underscore the need for inclusive legal frameworks that address not only gender but also caste, class, and community-specific issues.
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In what ways can feminist legal theory contribute to redefining concepts of justice and equality in India? (Way forward)
- Redefining Justice and Equality: Feminist legal theory advocates for a broader understanding of justice that encompasses social, economic, and cultural dimensions rather than merely legalistic definitions. This perspective encourages policies that address systemic inequalities faced by women.
- Promoting Inclusive Dialogue: By emphasizing women’s voices and experiences in legal discourses, feminist theory fosters inclusive dialogue about rights and justice, challenging dominant narratives that often exclude marginalized groups.
- Encouraging Legislative Reforms: Feminist legal scholars push for legislative reforms that reflect an understanding of gender as a social construct influenced by cultural norms, thereby advocating for laws that protect women’s rights comprehensively across all spheres.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Population Issues; Religious challenges in India; Places of Worship Act, 1991;
Why in the News?
The petition in Sambhal is like those filed for Varanasi’s Gyanvapi Mosque and Mathura’s Shahi Idgah. The main issue is how the law – ‘Places of Worship Act, 1991’, is understood.
What were the causes of the strikes?
- The district court in Sambhal ordered a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid based on a plea claiming it was built on a Hindu temple site. This order led to protests from local Muslim residents who viewed it as an attack on their religious rights and heritage.
- Protests escalated into violence when a large crowd gathered to oppose the survey. Reports indicate that protesters clashed with police, resulting in injuries and fatalities among both protesters and law enforcement officials.
- The ongoing disputes over religious sites in India, particularly those involving claims of historical conversions, have heightened communal sensitivities.
- Similar cases in Varanasi and Mathura have set precedents that contribute to public unrest when surveys or legal actions are perceived as threatening the status quo of religious sites.
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What Does the Law Say About the Petitioners’ Claim?
- Civil Suit Framework: The petitioners filed a civil suit seeking to establish their claim over the mosque site. In civil suits, initial claims are generally accepted at face value (prima facie), allowing for further evidence to be presented later if the suit is deemed maintainable.
- Challenges Under Places of Worship Act: However, any claim that seeks to alter the religious character of a place of worship is barred under the Places of Worship Act, 1991.
- This Act aims to maintain the status quo of religious sites as they existed on August 15, 1947.
What Does the Places of Worship Act, 1991 Say?
- Preservation of Religious Character: The Act prohibits any conversion of places of worship and mandates that their religious character must remain as it was on August 15, 1947. Specifically, Section 3 bars any conversion in full or part into a place of worship of a different denomination or sect.
- Legal Proceedings: Section 4 states that any legal proceedings regarding changes to a place’s religious character that existed on that date are abated (terminated), preventing new suits from being filed regarding such conversions.
- Exemptions: Notably, the Act does not apply to disputes already sub-judice at its enactment, such as the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case, which has complicated its application in contemporary disputes.
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How have Courts allowed these Title Suits?
- Judicial Interpretations: Despite the provisions of the Places of Worship Act, courts have allowed title suits related to places like Gyanvapi and Mathura by ruling them maintainable. This has occurred even while constitutional challenges to the Act are pending before higher courts.
- Supreme Court Observations: A significant observation by the Supreme Court indicated that while changing a place’s religious nature is prohibited under the Act, inquiries into its historical character may still be permissible. This interpretation has provided grounds for district courts to entertain such petitions without directly contravening the Act’s intent.
- Sambhal Case Specifics: In Sambhal’s case, the court ordered a survey before determining whether the civil suit was maintainable. This ex-parte decision (made without hearing both sides) has led to further disputes regarding its legality and fairness.
Way forward:
- Strict Adherence to the Places of Worship Act: Courts must uphold the intent of the 1991 Act by ensuring that disputes challenging the religious character of sites as of August 15, 1947, are dismissed, avoiding unnecessary surveys or actions that could inflame communal tensions.
- Fostering Interfaith Dialogue: Governments and local authorities should facilitate interfaith discussions to address historical grievances peacefully and promote mutual understanding, reducing the risk of violent clashes and fostering communal harmony.
Mains PYQ:
[2019] What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of Secularism?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) Scheme
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the “One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme” aims to provide nationwide access to scholarly research articles and journals.
One Nation One Subscription (ONOS): Everything you need to know
| About |
• Fully digital and user-friendly Central Sector Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet. |
| Aims and Objectives |
• Provide unified access to scholarly journals and research articles for government HEIs and R&D labs.
• Support research through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and other government initiatives, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
• Centralize subscriptions to reduce the financial burden on individual institutions.
• Align with Viksit Bharat@2047, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and National Research Foundation (NRF). |
| Structural Mandate |
• Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under UGC, will coordinate ONOS and ensure seamless access to research materials.
• 6,300 institutions under central and state government management, including universities, colleges, and R&D labs.
• A dedicated digital portal for easy access, designed for wide accessibility. |
| Provisions and Eligibility Criteria |
• All government-run HEIs and R&D institutions are eligible.
• 13,000 journals from 30 international publishers are available free of cost.
• ₹6,000 crore allocated for 2025-2027; payments to publishers made centrally by INFLIBNET. |
PYQ:
[2013] To obtain full benefits of demographic dividend, what should India do?
(a) Promoting skill development
(b) Introducing more social security schemes
(c) Reducing infant mortality rate
(d) Privatization of higher education |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs)
Why in the News?
The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided information about the Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) in Lok Sabha.
About Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs):
| About |
• Set up by the Ministry of Culture to promote and preserve cultural heritage.
• Established in 1985, with operations beginning in 1986-87.
• Seven ZCCs located in Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur, and Thanjavur. |
| Aims and Objectives |
• Preserving and promoting regional folk, tribal, and traditional arts.
• Enhancing and celebrating India’s cultural diversity.
• Encouraging folk & tribal arts and promoting cultural education.
• Involving youth in creative cultural programs.
• Strengthening linkages between different regions of India to showcase their contribution to Indian culture. |
| Implementation and Structural Mandate |
• Government allocated Rs. 10 crore to each ZCC during the 7th and 10th Plans.
• Free land provided by state governments for ZCC headquarters.
• Organizes Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM) and regional festivals to promote cultural engagement.
• 42 regional festivals organized annually, 14 RSMs since 2015. |
| Significance |
• Strengthens cultural unity across India and preserves regional cultures.
• Provides platforms for youth to engage in cultural activities.
• Promotes national integration through events bringing together artists from different regions.
• Contributes to economic development through tourism and employment. |
PYQ:
[2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?
1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MACE Telescope
Why in the News?
The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope was inaugurated on October 4th in Hanle, Ladakh.
About MACE Telescope:
|
Details |
| Details and Working |
• World’s highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, located in Hanle, Ladakh, at 4.3 km above sea level.
• It has a 21-meter-wide mirror-dish, the largest in Asia.
• Developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL), and Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
• Cherenkov radiation is captured using mirrors and analyzed with photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). Cherenkov radiation is the blue glow emitted when charged particles travel faster than light in a medium.
• Equipped with a high-resolution camera and movable base. |
| Aims and Objectives of MACE |
• Detects high-energy gamma rays (greater than 20 giga-electron volts) emitted by cosmic phenomena.
• Detect Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) for dark matter research.
• Contribute to multi-messenger astronomy by complementing data from other telescopes. |
| How Do Gamma Rays Work in DNA Mutation? |
• Cause ionization, which can break chemical bonds in DNA, leading to mutations.
• Mutations may result in cancers or genetic disorders if not repaired.
• DNA damage from gamma rays can lead to chromosomal aberrations and contribute to carcinogenesis. |
PYQ:
[2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:
- It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
- It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
- It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Portuguese rule and liberation of Goa
Why in the News?
- On November 25, the Portuguese conquered Goa, establishing first territorial possession in India by any colonists.
- This marked the beginning of Portugal’s 400-year colonial rule in the region, which ended only in 1961, making them the last colonial power to leave India.
Why the Portuguese came to Goa?
- Vasco da Gama’s voyage in 1498 revealed the thriving trade networks in the Indian Ocean.
- The Portuguese aimed to capitalize on the wealth from the Indian Ocean trade routes.
- Rivalry with Muslim-controlled trade routes prompted the Portuguese to establish a military presence in the region.
- In 1505, the Portuguese State of India was formally established, six years after Vasco da Gama’s arrival.
- Francisco de Almeida, the first Viceroy, set up the first base in Fort Manuel (now part of Kochi).
- The Portuguese controlled the Island of Bom Bahia (later Bombay) until it was ceded to England in 1661.
How Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa?
- Albuquerque (Viceroy, 1509-1515) understood that Goa was essential for controlling the maritime trade routes in the East.
- The decision to attack Goa was influenced by Timmayya, a debated figure, either a Malabari pirate or an aristocrat with links to the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Albuquerque’s first attack on Goa (February-March 1510) was largely successful due to the unpopularity of Sultan Yusuf Adil Shah’s rule among Goa’s Hindu population.
- Many locals supported the Portuguese against the Sultan’s rule.
- After being stranded on the Mandovi River during the monsoon season, Albuquerque received reinforcements from Portugal.
- In November 1510, with reinforcements, Albuquerque launched a successful attack and retook Goa.
Who Was Timmayya?
- Timmayya, a key figure in the conquest of Goa, is described in various sources as a pirate from Malabar.
- However, other historians argue that he was of noble birth and held a prestigious position in the Vijayanagara Empire.
- According to historians, Timmayya was actually a high-ranking admiral in the Vijayanagara navy.
- Though the Portuguese regarded him as a corsair or pirate, he was in fact executing orders from the Vijayanagara Empire, attacking Portuguese and rival merchant ships on his empire’s behalf.
- While some historians argue that Timmayya’s counsel was pivotal in the timing of the attack on Goa, others suggest that Albuquerque may have already planned the assault, with Timmayya’s advice simply solidifying the decision.
Why did Timmayya want Goa conquered?
- The rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire had long eyed Goa after it was lost to the Sultan of Bijapur.
- Timmayya’s personal motivations were likely shaped by the empire’s strategic interest in regaining control of the region, as Goa was seen as a valuable territory in both military and economic terms.
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PYQ:
[2021] Consider the following statements:
1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince.
2. It was during the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AbKoiBahanaNahi Campaign
Why in the News?
The #AbKoiBahanaNahi national campaign was launched in New Delhi to empower women and end gender-based violence.
About the #AbKoiBahanaNahi Campaign:
| About |
• Launched By:
– Ministries of Women and Child Development
– Ministries of Rural Development
– Support from UN Women |
| Aims and Objectives |
• End Gender-Based Violence: Create awareness and urgency to end violence against women and girls across India.
• Dignity and Equality: Promote women’s dignity by empowering them to report violence and fight for their rights.
• Gender Equality in Economy: Ensure full, equal participation of women in all sectors for building a developed India (Viksit Bharat). |
| Implementation and Structural Mandate |
• National Call to Action: urging all stakeholders—citizens, NGOs, and government agencies—to actively work towards ending gender-based violence.
• Alignment with Global Campaigns: The campaign aligns with the UN’s #NoExcuse global initiative, which calls for accountability and action against rising violence.
• Supportive Interventions: Government measures to reduce women’s drudgery, ensure financial inclusion, bridge the gender digital divide, and provide safe spaces for women. |
| Significance |
• Empowerment for Dignity: The campaign empowers women to fight for their dignity, free from societal constraints.
• Women’s Role in National Development: Reinforces that achieving gender equality is crucial for India’s development by 2047.
• Support to Women’s Rights: Promotes a holistic approach to women’s rights, ensuring gender-sensitive laws, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. |
PYQ:
[2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:
1. Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
2. Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.
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 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Health Issues; Challenges faced by society due to NCDs;
Why in the News?
On International Diabetes Day (November 14), the Lancet shared a global study showing over 800 million adults have diabetes, and more than half aren’t receiving proper treatment.
What is the controversy over the numbers and the difference in Testing Methodology?
- The Lancet study reported that diabetes was significantly higher in number than the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates (just over 100 million). This stark contrast raises questions about the accuracy and methodology used in both studies.
- The primary reason for the discrepancy lies in the methodologies used to measure blood sugar levels:
- The Lancet study utilized various methods including fasting glucose and HbA1C (a three-month glycated hemoglobin average) from data across 200 countries.
- The ICMR study relied on fasting and two-hour post-prandial blood sugar tests using an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), which is considered the gold standard in India.
- Experts argue that using HbA1C can lead to inflated numbers due to its sensitivity to factors like age and anemia.
- For instance, a person without diabetes might still show elevated HbA1C levels based on their physiological characteristics, which can skew prevalence estimates.
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What are the issues raised in the Lancet study?
- Global Inequalities in Treatment: The study highlighted significant disparities in diabetes treatment access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where treatment rates are stagnating despite rising diabetes cases. This raises concerns about long-term health complications for untreated individuals.
- Rising Rates of Diabetes: The findings underscore that diabetes rates have increased dramatically, especially Type 2 diabetes, which poses a growing public health challenge. This trend is alarming given that many affected individuals are younger and at risk for severe complications.
- Complications and Healthcare Burden: With a large number of individuals requiring treatment, there is a looming healthcare crisis regarding complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and vision loss, which could overwhelm healthcare systems.
What steps need to be taken? (Way forward)
- Enhanced Awareness and Education: There is a pressing need for widespread education on diabetes prevention through nutrition and physical activity. Public health campaigns should focus on promoting healthy lifestyles to mitigate risk factors associated with diabetes.
- Policy Changes: Governments must implement policies that restrict unhealthy food options while making healthy foods more affordable. This includes subsidies for nutritious foods and initiatives to create safe spaces for physical activity.
- Targeted Interventions for Vulnerable Populations: Special attention should be directed towards vulnerable groups, particularly women who may be at higher risk post-pregnancy or during menopause. Tailored interventions can help address specific risk factors prevalent in these populations.
- Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure: To effectively manage the rising burden of diabetes, there must be significant investment in healthcare infrastructure, especially in low- and middle-income countries where resources are limited.
- Long-Term Strategic Planning: A comprehensive long-term strategy is essential to combat the growing diabetes epidemic, requiring collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure sustainable health outcomes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Global Conventions on War Crimes;
Why in the News?
UNGA committee approved a resolution to initiate negotiations for the first-ever treaty to prevent and punish crimes against humanity after Russia withdrew potentially obstructive amendments.
What are the present laws governing the conflict?
- The 1949 Geneva Conventions provide the foundational legal framework for humanitarian protection during armed conflicts. These treaties outline the responsibilities of states to protect civilians and ensure humane treatment for non-combatants.
- While the International Criminal Court (ICC) addresses war crimes and genocide, there is currently no specific treaty that comprehensively covers crimes against humanity. The ICC recognizes crimes against humanity as acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians, which include offenses such as murder, torture, and sexual violence.
- The ICC operates as a court of last resort, intervening only when national courts are unable or unwilling to prosecute these crimes
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Why there is a need for a treaty dealing with the Crimes Against Humanity Treaty?
- Legal Gaps: Existing international treaties cover war crimes and genocide but do not specifically address crimes against humanity. This lack creates a legal void that allows perpetrators to evade accountability for serious offenses committed against civilian populations.
- Increasing Incidence of Crimes: There has been a notable rise in crimes against humanity globally, with reports of such offenses in countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, and Myanmar. A dedicated treaty would facilitate international cooperation in prosecuting these crimes and provide a framework for justice.
- Strengthening International Law: A new treaty would reinforce the international justice framework by imposing obligations on states to prevent and punish these crimes, thereby enhancing global standards for human rights protection.
What would be the step towards a Crimes Against Humanity Treaty?
- Preparatory Sessions: Scheduled for 2026 and 2027, these sessions will prepare the groundwork for formal discussions on the treaty.
- Formal Negotiating Sessions: Three-week sessions are planned for 2028 and 2029 to finalize the treaty’s text.
- Broad International Support: The initiative is backed by Mexico, Gambia, and 96 other countries, indicating a strong international commitment to addressing these serious human rights violations
Way forward:
- Adopt a Survivor-Centric and Inclusive Approach: Ensure the treaty prioritizes the rights of victims, incorporates survivor input, and mandates comprehensive support mechanisms while maintaining a robust, enforceable legal framework.
- Strengthen Global Collaboration: Mobilize international cooperation, with developed nations providing financial and technical assistance, to build national capacities for prosecuting crimes against humanity and preventing impunity.
Mains PYQ:
Q At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Pollution; Plastic waste;
Why in the News?
Over 170 countries will meet in Busan, South Korea, starting for the fifth and final round of negotiations on a legally binding global treaty to combat plastic and marine pollution by 2024.
Why is a Global Plastic Treaty required?
- Massive Increase in Plastic Production: Global plastic production has rapidly increased from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019, with expectations to reach 700 million tonnes by 2040. Asia is the largest producer, contributing nearly half of global plastic production.
- Environmental and Health Impact: Plastic takes 20 to 500 years to decompose, and less than 10% is recycled. Around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, which is expected to rise by 62% by 2050. Much of this waste enters rivers and oceans, breaking down into microplastics that harm marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
- Human Health Risks: Chemicals in plastics can disrupt hormones and cause diseases like cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurodevelopmental impairments.
- Contribution to Climate Change: Plastic production generates 3.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with most emissions coming from the production process, which relies on fossil fuels.
- Global Plastic Pollution: India contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, accounting for 20% of the world’s total plastic waste, with emissions of 9.3 million tonnes.
What is on the Negotiating table?
- Comprehensive Global Rules: The primary goal is to develop a legally binding global treaty to address plastic pollution throughout its life cycle, including its production from fossil fuels, waste management, and disposal.
- Production and Waste Management Caps: Countries are debating the introduction of production caps, which have been opposed by oil-rich and plastic-producing nations, including India.
- Types of Plastic and Chemical Additives: Discussions are ongoing regarding banning specific types of plastic, plastic products, and harmful chemical additives used in their production.
- Recycling and Content Targets: The treaty might include legally binding targets for recycling and recycled content in consumer goods.
- Just Transition for Affected Communities: There will be talks on supporting workers and communities whose livelihoods depend on plastic production and industries, ensuring a fair transition.
- Financial and Technical Assistance: A key agenda item is how to mobilize private and public funding to meet the treaty’s goals, especially for developing countries.
What is India’s position?
- India does not support caps on plastic production, arguing that such measures go beyond the scope of the UNEA resolution adopted in 2022. India insists that the treaty must include provisions for financial and technical support, including technology transfer for developing countries.
- India maintains that decisions regarding harmful chemicals in plastic production should be based on scientific studies and that regulation should be handled at the National level.
- India has banned 19 categories of single-use plastics domestically but insists that decisions on banning other plastic products should be “pragmatic” and consider national circumstances.
- India advocates for the establishment of a mechanism to assess the infrastructure needs and financial resources required for safe and scientific waste management.
- It also emphasizes the need for adequate, timely, and predictable financial resources to support waste management and other treaty objectives.
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Way forward:
- Global Collaboration with National Flexibility: The treaty should foster global collaboration on plastic pollution while allowing flexibility for countries to implement solutions based on their unique socio-economic contexts and developmental priorities.
- Enhanced Financial and Technological Support: Developed countries must provide financial and technological assistance to developing nations to ensure equitable implementation of the treaty’s provisions, especially for waste management infrastructure and transitioning away from plastic reliance.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Guru Tegh Bahadur and his Contributions
Why in the News?
November 24 is commemorated as the Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th guru of the Sikhs, who was executed on the orders of Aurangzeb in 1675.
Guru Tegh Bahadur: Everything you need to know
|
Details |
| Who was Guru Tegh Bahadur? |
- Born on April 1, 1621 in Amritsar, Punjab to Guru Hargobind (6th Sikh Guru), Mata Nanaki
- Death: November 11, 1675, executed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb
- Became 9th Guru (1665 to 1675)
- Promoted the idea of Nirbhau (fearless) and Nirvair (without enmity) and emphasized the oneness of God.
- Referred to as ‘Hind Ki Chadar’ (Shield of India).
|
| What was his historical contribution? |
- Guru stood up for the Hindu Kashmiri Pandits, defending their right to practice their religion against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s oppressive policies.
- Refused to convert to Islam despite facing torture and persecution, ultimately leading to his execution.
- Advocated for the principle of one God, rejecting idol worship and preaching about the unity of all religions.
- Emphasized meditation, self-discipline, moral living, and serving others. He urged Sikhs to remain spiritually committed while defending the rights of the innocent.
- His hymns are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, with 115 hymns attributed to him.
- Many Gurdwaras are dedicated to him, including Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, built on the site where he was executed.
- Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, was born to Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1666.
|
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
- Dadu Dayal
- Guru Nanak
- Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
Why in the News?
Delhi has been experiencing severe air pollution for 10 days, leading the Supreme Court to criticize the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its poor response.
About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
|
Details |
| About |
-
- A statutory body for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
- Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021, replacing the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) (formed in 1998).
- It came into effect in 2020 through an ordinance.
Structure:
- Chairperson: Senior government official (Secretary or Chief Secretary)
- 5 ex-officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh; 3 full-time technical members
- 3 members from NGOs
- Technical support from CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog
|
| Functions |
- Monitor and coordinate air quality management efforts in NCR and adjoining areas
- Research sources of air pollution and propose mitigation strategies
- Implement air quality policies with state agencies
- Raise public awareness and engage communities in air quality management
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| Powers |
Jurisdiction: Over air quality issues in NCR, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Powers:
- Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals
- Restrict activities impacting air quality
- Investigate and enforce environmental pollution measures
- Take strict actions against non-compliance under the CAQM Act, 2021
- Initiate complaints and enforce regulations
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PYQ:
[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
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 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex
Why in the News?
PM recently highlighted Lothal’s importance in India’s maritime history as the site of the world’s first dockyard, now home to the National Maritime Heritage Complex under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
About Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex:
| Facts about Lothal |
- Dockyard Evidence: Recent IITGn study confirms existence of a dockyard (222 x 37 meters).
- River Shift: Sabarmati River’s old course closer to Lothal during Harappan period, now 20 km away.
- Trade Route: Linked Ahmedabad, Lothal, Nal Sarovar, Little Rann, and Dholavira.
- Satellite Imagery: Revealed ancient channels of Sabarmati River, confirming Lothal’s strategic location.
- Trade Connections: Traders might have used the Gulf of Khambhat, collecting materials from Ratanpura and transporting them to Mesopotamia.
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| Historical Significance |
- Built around: 2200 BC as a major trade center for beads, gems, and ornaments.
- Lothal means “mound of the dead” in Gujarati similar to Mohenjodaro.
- Discovered by S.R. Rao, excavated from 1955 to 1960.
- World’s earliest known dock; connected to the ancient Sabarmati River.
- Nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014; only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization.
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| Features of the Present Complex |
- Location: Bhal region, Gujarat, India.
- Objective: Showcase India’s 5,000-year-old maritime history, focusing on the first dockyard at Lothal.
- Developed by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
- Components: Exhibition halls, maritime park, amphitheater, and educational spaces.
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PYQ:
[2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelling water into connected reservoirs?
(a) Dholavira
(b) Kalibangan
(c) Rakhigarhi
(d) Ropar |
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