PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.
Linkage: Increasing urbanisation and the consequent challenges in large cities, such as traffic congestion and strain on infrastructure, which active mobility can help alleviate by providing alternative modes of transport. |
Mentor’s Comment: Active mobility is getting more attention in India because of growing traffic jams, pollution, health problems, and more deaths of people walking on the roads. The government is now focusing more on sustainable transport through policies like the National Transit Oriented Development (NTOD) policy and the Smart Cities Mission. At the same time, global efforts like the Paris Agreement are pushing countries to cut carbon emissions and support environment-friendly ways of travel.
Today’s editorial highlights why active mobility is important for India. This topic is useful for UPSC Mains preparation, especially for GS Paper 2 (governance, health, and urban planning) and GS Paper 3 (environment, infrastructure, and sustainable development).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Accidental deaths and injuries of pedestrians, cyclists, street vendors, and others are increasing in metro cities of India.
What is Active Mobility?
Active mobility refers to human-powered transportation modes like walking, cycling, and skateboarding used for commuting, promoting sustainability, public health, and reduced pollution, without relying on motorised vehicles or fuel.
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Why are accidental deaths and injuries of pedestrians, cyclists increasing in metro cities of India?
- Encroachment of Dedicated Lanes: Even when cities build footpaths or cycling tracks, they are often occupied by motor vehicles, street vendors, or parked cars, making them unsafe. Eg: In Delhi and Bengaluru, two-wheelers and cars frequently use cycle lanes during traffic jams, forcing cyclists onto busy roads.
- Lack of Proper Infrastructure and Road Design: Many urban roads lack continuous, well-marked, and safe pedestrian crossings or protected bike lanes, leading to risky road usage. Example: Mumbai’s arterial roads have few safe pedestrian crossings, leading to frequent jaywalking and accidents.
- Poor Enforcement of Traffic Rules: Drivers often ignore speed limits, red lights, and pedestrian right-of-way due to weak law enforcement, increasing accident risks for non-motorised users. Example: In Chennai, despite designated zebra crossings, vehicles rarely stop for pedestrians, leading to unsafe road conditions.
Why is active mobility gaining attention in urban planning and national policies?
- Rising Traffic Congestion and Air Pollution: Active mobility offers a sustainable solution to reduce vehicle load and emissions in crowded cities. Eg: Delhi’s EV Policy promotes cycling and walking infrastructure to curb air pollution and decongest roads.
- Public Health and Lifestyle Benefits: Walking and cycling improve physical and mental health, reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Eg: WHO supports active transport to combat lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart ailments.
- High Rates of Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities: Inadequate infrastructure has made Indian roads unsafe for non-motorised users, triggering urgent reforms. Eg: Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, 2022 was drafted after the state reported the highest pedestrian deaths in 2020 (13%).
- Climate Change Commitments and Sustainable Goals: Active mobility helps reduce carbon emissions and supports international commitments like the Paris Agreement. Eg: The National Transit Oriented Development (NTOD) Policy integrates eco-friendly transport in urban planning.
- Inclusion in Smart Cities and Urban Missions: Government schemes now prioritise walkable, cyclist-friendly cities for better liveability and accessibility. Eg: Pune developed over 300 km of dedicated cycle lanes under its Comprehensive Bicycle Plan.
What has WHO said about Active mobility?
- Health Benefits: Active mobility helps combat physical inactivity, which leads to nearly 1 million deaths annually in the WHO European Region. Regular walking and cycling lower the chances of developing noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, type-2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Eg: Just 20 minutes of cycling or 30 minutes of walking a day can reduce the risk of death by over 10%.
- Environmental Impact: Opting for active transport instead of motorised vehicles helps curb greenhouse gas emissions, cuts down air pollution—which is responsible for over 500,000 deaths in Europe each year—and reduces energy use and noise. Eg: Cities prioritising cycling and pedestrian zones experience cleaner air and quieter surroundings.
- Economic and Social Benefits: Active mobility drives green job creation and lowers the economic burden of healthcare related to lifestyle diseases. It also improves inclusivity by offering affordable, accessible mobility options to people across income groups. Eg: Investment in pedestrian zones often boosts local economies and enhances community interaction.
- Global Initiatives: WHO leads programs like the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity and regional collaborations such as THE PEP (Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme). These aim to reduce global physical inactivity by 15% by 2030 through integrated, measurable efforts.
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Where have Indian cities taken steps to improve infrastructure for active mobility?
- Chennai’s Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) Policy: Chennai was the first Indian city to adopt a dedicated NMT policy in 2014, allocating 60% of its transport budget to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The city has transformed over 100 km of streets with better footpaths, improved access to bus stops, and inaugurated the Pondy Bazaar Pedestrian Plaza, a model public space. with underground utilities and seating areas.
- Coimbatore’s NMT Network Plan: Coimbatore developed a comprehensive NMT network plan focusing on creating 290 km of safe roads for walking and cycling. This initiative aims to improve safety, increase the share of non-motorized transport, and benefit approximately 1 million residents by 2035.
- India Cycles4Change and Streets4People Challenges: Launched under the Smart Cities Mission, these initiatives have inspired 33 cities to implement over 570 km of walking and cycling projects, with an additional 1,400 km under development. These programs have encouraged cities to prioritize active mobility as part of their urban planning.
- Surat and Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Active Mobility Efforts: Surat and Pimpri-Chinchwad have created dedicated public transport funds that support walking and cycling infrastructure. These cities are integrating active mobility into their broader urban development plans to make streets more people-centric.
How do other countries like the Netherlands and Germany promote active mobility successfully?
| Key Factor |
Description |
Example |
| Extensive Dedicated Infrastructure |
Safe, continuous networks of cycling and walking paths. |
Netherlands – Over 35,000 km of cycling lanes for daily and commuter use. |
| Pro-Pedestrian and Cycling Laws |
Legal systems prioritize non-motorised users with right of way and protection. |
Germany – Berlin Mobility Act gives cyclists and pedestrians legal priority. |
| Speed Regulations & Traffic Calming |
Low-speed zones in urban areas to reduce accidents and promote walking/cycling. |
Germany – Urban areas enforce 30 km/h speed limits. |
| Integration with Public Transport |
Active mobility combined with public transport through parking, rentals, and policies. |
Netherlands – Railway stations offer bicycle parking and rental services. |
| Cultural Normalisation & Education |
Awareness campaigns and education embed active mobility in daily life. |
Netherlands – Children are taught cycling and road safety from an early age. |
Way forward:
- Institutional Integration and Funding: Mandate dedicated NMT (Non-Motorised Transport) cells and budget allocations in all urban local bodies to ensure planning, execution, and maintenance of active mobility infrastructure.
- Behavioural Change and Awareness: Launch nationwide campaigns and school-based programs to promote cycling and walking as safe, healthy, and aspirational choices for daily commute.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to the Governor;
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court criticised Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, calling his actions “unconstitutional.” The court said he did nothing for months about 10 important Bills, and then suddenly sent them to the President only after the State Assembly passed them again and the matter reached the court.
What did the SC rule on the TN Governor’s reservation of Bills for the President in Nov 2024?
- Action declared illegal: The Court ruled that the Governor’s act of reserving 10 Bills for the President after they were already reconsidered and passed again by the Tamil Nadu Assembly was unconstitutional. Eg: If a state legislature passes a Bill, and the Governor returns it, but the legislature passes it again, the Governor must either give assent or withhold it—he cannot send it to the President at that stage.
- Violation of Article 200: According to Article 200, a Bill can be reserved for the President only when it is first presented to the Governor—not after it is passed again following reconsideration. Eg: The Governor had no authority to reserve the 10 Bills in November 2024 because they had already been returned, reconsidered, and passed again.
- Presidential action also invalid: The Court held that since the Governor’s action was unconstitutional, any decision taken by the President based on that action is also invalid. Eg: Even if the President had accepted or rejected those Bills, it would not be valid because the referral itself was flawed.
Why did the SC invoke Article 142 to grant assent to the 10 Bills?
- Undue delay by the Governor: The Bills were kept pending for an excessively long time without any decision by the Governor, causing a constitutional deadlock. Eg: Some Bills were pending since January 2020, which hindered the functioning of the state legislature and governance.
- Violation of constitutional spirit and conventions: The Governor showed disregard for established constitutional conventions and the Supreme Court’s earlier rulings by not acting in a timely or respectful manner. Eg: The Court said the Governor displayed “scant respect” for constitutional procedures by withholding assent without valid reason.
- To ensure justice and restore balance: The Court used Article 142 (which allows it to do complete justice in any matter) to directly grant assent to the 10 Bills to break the impasse and uphold democratic functioning. Eg: Since the Governor failed in his duty, the Court stepped in to protect the will of the people as expressed through their elected legislature.
| Note: Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court the power to pass any decree or order necessary to do “complete justice” in any case or matter pending before it, allowing it to transcend the limitations of existing laws and statutes. |
When can a Governor constitutionally reserve a Bill for the President’s consideration?
- Only at the first instance of presentation (Article 200): Under Article 200 of the Constitution, the Governor may reserve a Bill for the President only when it is presented to him for the first time. Eg: If a state Assembly passes a Bill and the Governor receives it for the first time, he can reserve it for the President instead of giving or withholding assent.
- Not after Assembly reconsideration (Article 200 – First Proviso): If the Governor returns a Bill to the Assembly and it is re-passed (with or without changes), the Governor must act—either grant or withhold assent—and cannot reserve it again unless it is substantially changed. Eg: In the Tamil Nadu case, the Governor reserved the Bills after they were reconsidered by the Assembly, which the Supreme Court ruled was unconstitutional.
- Exception – If the Bill is materially different (Article 200 – Judicial Interpretation): If the Bill, after being reconsidered by the legislature, is substantially or materially different from the original, reservation may be allowed. Eg: If new provisions are added that affect national interest or conflict with Union laws, reservation might be justified, even after reconsideration.
How did the SC define the Governor’s expected role and conduct under the Constitution?
- Respect for Parliamentary Democracy and the Will of the Legislature: The Governor must act in accordance with the democratic spirit and not undermine the decisions of the elected legislature. Eg: Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab (1974) — The SC ruled that the Governor is a constitutional head and must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in specific situations.
- Facilitator, Not an Obstructionist: The Governor should enable smooth functioning of governance and not stall legislative processes. Eg: Samsher Singh case (1974) and reaffirmed in the 2024 SC ruling on Tamil Nadu Bills — The Court held that the Governor’s prolonged inaction amounted to a constitutional failure and disruption of state functioning.
- Bound by Constitutional Oath and Values:The Governor is duty-bound to uphold the Constitution and work for the welfare of the people. Eg: Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016) — The SC observed that the Governor must act within the “four corners” of the Constitution and not misuse discretionary powers.
Way forward:
- Time-bound Action Framework for Governors: A clear timeline should be laid down—either by Parliament or through judicial interpretation—for the Governor to act on Bills (assent, withhold, or reserve). Eg: A fixed period (like 4–6 weeks) can ensure that legislative processes are not indefinitely delayed, maintaining the balance between constitutional roles and democratic governance.
- Institutional Clarity and Accountability: The role and powers of the Governor should be revisited to reduce ambiguity and misuse of discretion. Regular communication protocols between the Governor’s office and the elected government can also be institutionalized. Eg: Like in the case of money Bills where the Governor has limited scope, similar clarity must be applied to regular Bills to avoid conflict or misuse.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2018] Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.
Linkage: The broader theme of the relationship between an unelected head of state (or administrator) and an elected government in a democratic setup.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: BIMSTEC; Regional Issues;
Why in the news?
The sixth BIMSTEC summit was held last week in Bangkok, where leaders from seven neighbouring countries came together. At a time when the world is facing many challenges, the summit gave a chance to restart and strengthen the BIMSTEC group, which had been inactive for a long time.
What is the BIMSTEC?
- BIMSTEC was established in the year 1997. It is a group of 7 countries around the Bay of Bengal that work together to boost regional cooperation in areas like trade, transport, energy, security, and disaster management.
- It connects South Asia (like India, Bangladesh, Nepal) with Southeast Asia (like Myanmar, Thailand), helping in regional development and integration, especially where SAARC has been inactive.
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What was the significance of the sixth BIMSTEC summit held in Bangkok amidst global turbulence?
- Revitalisation of BIMSTEC Platform: The summit marked a renewed push to activate BIMSTEC after years of stagnation. Eg: Despite challenges like the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake, the summit was successfully held.
- Advancement in Connectivity Projects: It accelerated infrastructure and connectivity plans across the region. Eg: The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway was highlighted as a key BIMSTEC initiative.
- Strengthening Economic Cooperation: Economic integration was prioritised through trade and commerce mechanisms. Eg: A BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and plans for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were discussed.
- Focus on Disaster Management: The region’s vulnerability to natural disasters was acknowledged with steps toward collective preparedness. Eg: The summit called for a joint disaster management mechanism for BIMSTEC countries.
- Platform for Crucial Bilateral Engagements: It provided leaders a forum to address bilateral tensions diplomatically. Eg: PM of India met Bangladesh and Nepal leaders to discuss border issues and political concerns.
Why has BIMSTEC gained importance over SAARC and other regional groupings in recent years?
- Exclusion of Pakistan: BIMSTEC avoids the India-Pakistan rivalry that has long paralyzed SAARC. Eg: The 19th SAARC summit (2016) was cancelled after India pulled out due to the Uri attack; BIMSTEC continues to function without such deadlocks.
- Regional Connectivity: BIMSTEC focuses on tangible infrastructure and economic integration projects across member states. Eg: The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway enhances trade and links India’s Northeast with Southeast Asia.
- Act East Policy Alignment: BIMSTEC aligns with India’s strategic aim of connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia. Eg: Inclusion of Thailand and Myanmar allows India to implement its Act East Policy, which SAARC cannot facilitate.
- Multi-sectoral Functional Cooperation: BIMSTEC has a broader and more practical agenda covering trade, security, energy, and disaster management. Eg: The 2024 BIMSTEC summit advanced plans for a joint disaster management mechanism and free trade agreements.
- India’s Strategic Diplomatic Shift: India has redirected its focus from SAARC to BIMSTEC as a preferred platform for regional cooperation. Eg: India hosted the BIMSTEC outreach summit during BRICS 2016, signaling its priority shift away from SAARC.
What is the importance of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway?
- Enhances Regional Connectivity: The highway links India’s North-East with Southeast Asia, boosting physical and economic integration. Eg: It connects Moreh (India) to Mae Sot (Thailand) via Myanmar.
- Promotes Trade and Commerce: It facilitates smoother movement of goods and services, reducing transport costs and time. Eg: Indian exporters can access new markets in Thailand and beyond with greater ease.
- Boosts Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Improved road connectivity encourages people-to-people contact and tourism flows. Eg: Tourists from India can travel by road to explore Myanmar and Thailand’s heritage sites.
- Strategic and Geopolitical Value: Strengthens India’s Act East Policy and counters the influence of China in the region. Eg: The highway gives India a direct land route to ASEAN, reducing dependence on maritime routes.
- Development of India’s North-East: Integrates the North-Eastern states into regional value chains and boosts local economies. Eg: States like Manipur and Assam benefit from increased trade and infrastructure development.
What was outlined in the ‘Vision 2030’ document?
- Negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Plans to push forward a comprehensive BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement to enhance regional economic integration and trade cooperation.
- Customs Cooperation: Emphasis on Customs agreements to facilitate smoother and faster movement of goods across borders within the region.
- Disaster Management Mechanism: Given the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, the document stresses the importance of building a joint disaster management system.
- Connectivity Infrastructure: Support for ongoing projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, aimed at improving physical connectivity, particularly with India’s North-East as a BIMSTEC “hub”.
- Institutional Strengthening: Proposals to establish a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce to enhance business-to-business ties and private sector collaboration across the member states.
What are the challenges of all regional groups with India?
- Political Tensions: Regional groupings often get stalled due to bilateral political disputes involving India. Eg: SAARC remains non-functional due to India-Pakistan tensions, especially post-Uri attack (2016).
- Asymmetry in Size and Power: India’s economic and geopolitical dominance leads to perceptions of hegemony by smaller neighbours. Eg: In BBIN, Bhutan’s Parliament rejected the Motor Vehicles Agreement over concerns of being overwhelmed by Indian traffic and influence.
- Slow Implementation of Projects: Despite grand plans, execution of connectivity and trade projects is slow due to bureaucratic delays and lack of coordination. Eg: The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway has faced repeated delays due to funding and infrastructure gaps.
- Security and Border Issues: Unresolved border disputes and cross-border issues hinder trust-building and cooperation. Eg: India-Nepal tensions over the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura border issue affected ties and stalled broader regional engagement.
- Divergent National Interests: Different domestic priorities and political transitions often reduce commitment to collective goals. Eg: In BIMSTEC, Myanmar’s internal conflict and military rule have made coordination on democratic and humanitarian issues more complex.
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Way forward:
- Institutional Strengthening and Timely Implementation: Regional groupings must develop stronger institutional frameworks to ensure accountability, faster execution of projects, and reduced dependence on political goodwill. Eg: Establishing a BIMSTEC Secretariat with enhanced powers and resources can streamline coordination, monitor progress, and push for timely completion of initiatives like the Trilateral Highway and FTA.
- Mutual Trust and Inclusive Diplomacy: India should promote inclusive dialogue, address concerns of smaller neighbours, and adopt a consultative rather than prescriptive approach to regional leadership Eg: Reviving BBIN talks with Bhutan through confidence-building measures or sustained bilateral dialogues with Nepal and Bangladesh can reduce friction and enhance collaboration.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?
Linkage: BIMSTEC and its relationship with SAARC, which is central to the context of article about BIMSTEC being conceived as a bridge and gaining importance due to SAARC’s inactivity.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Iron Inside the Sun
Why in the News?
Recent findings have revealed that iron’s opacity inside the Sun may be much higher than previously predicted, challenging current solar models.
Iron Inside the Sun:
- Iron makes up approximately 0.14% of the Sun’s mass, which is significantly less than hydrogen (~74%) and helium (~24%).
- Despite its small percentage, iron plays a crucial role in the Sun’s opacity. In the Sun, opacity influences how energy moves from the core to the surface.
- The higher the opacity, the more energy is trapped, impacting the Sun’s temperature, density, and fusion rates.
Highlights of the New Study:
- A 2025 study published in Physical Review Letters revealed that iron’s opacity in the Sun’s interior is 30-400% higher than previously predicted by models.
- Researchers exposed a thin iron sample to X-rays and used spectrometers to measure the shadow cast by the sample.
- By analyzing how strongly the iron absorbed the radiation, they were able to infer the element’s opacity.
- Significance:
- This discovery has important implications for how solar models are constructed.
- By correcting the opacity of iron, models of the Sun’s temperature profile, fusion rates, and energy distribution may need to be revised.
- This will lead to a more accurate understanding of stellar behaviour and energy transfer.
Back2Basics: Composition of the Sun
- The Sun primarily comprises hydrogen and helium, but other elements such as oxygen, carbon, neon, and iron also play significant roles.
|
Element
|
Composition by Mass (%)
|
Key Role
|
| Hydrogen (H) |
74% |
The primary fuel for nuclear fusion in the Sun’s core. It undergoes fusion to form helium, releasing energy that powers the Sun. |
| Helium (He) |
24% |
A byproduct of hydrogen fusion, helium helps maintain the Sun’s stability and supports continued fusion processes. |
| Oxygen (O) |
~0.8% |
Oxygen contributes to the Sun’s opacity, assisting in the transport of energy within the star. It also plays a role in nucleosynthesis, where heavier elements are formed in the Sun’s core. |
| Carbon (C) |
~0.3% |
Carbon is involved in nucleosynthesis and plays a significant role in determining the Sun’s opacity and energy transport mechanisms. |
| Neon (Ne) |
~0.2% |
Neon is found in the Sun’s atmosphere and is involved in the absorption of radiation, affecting the Sun’s energy output and behavior. |
| Iron (Fe) |
~0.14% |
Although small in mass, iron significantly impacts the Sun’s opacity, scattering and absorbing radiation, which influences energy transfer. Iron’s opacity affects the Sun’s temperature, density, and fusion rates. |
| [UPSC 2002] Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to our solar system?
(a) The Earth is the densest of all the planets in our solar system
(b) The predominant element in the composition of Earth is silicon
(c) The Sun contains 75 per cent of the mass of the solar system
(d) The diameter of the Sun is 190 times that of the Earth |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Maternal Mortality trends, Schemes
Why in the News?
In 2023, India had the second-highest maternal deaths globally, with 19,000 deaths, tied with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and second only to Nigeria. This equated to 52 fatalities daily according to the UN Report.
About the UN Report
- The report, titled ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000-2023’, was prepared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, UN Population Fund, World Bank, and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (population division).
- It provides global data on maternal mortality and highlights the countries with the highest rates of maternal deaths.
Note:
- Maternal Mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days after delivery, due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth, as per WHO.
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) refers to the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in a given time period, usually over a year.
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Key Highlights of the Report:
- Nigeria had the highest number of maternal deaths with 75,000 deaths, accounting for 28.7% of global deaths in 2023.
- The top four countries (India, Nigeria, DRC, Pakistan) accounted for 47% of global maternal deaths.
- Despite a population similar to India, China had only 1,400 maternal deaths in 2023.
- Maternal mortality globally declined by 40% between 2000 and 2023, due to improved healthcare access.
- COVID-19 caused an additional 40,000 maternal deaths in 2021 due to service disruptions.
- The global MMR remained high, with 260,000 maternal deaths in 2023, one death every two minutes.
India’s Progress in Reducing Maternal Mortality:
- India’s MMR declined by 78% from 362 in 2000 to 80 in 2023 (NFHS 2019-21).
- Institutional deliveries increased from 79% in 2015-16 to 89% in 2019-21, with Kerala achieving 100%.
- Eight states (including Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu) reduced MMR to below the SDG target of 70 per 100,000 live births.
Various Schemes for Maternal Health in India:
| Scheme |
Launched |
Objective |
Notable Features |
Target Beneficiaries |
| Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) |
2005 |
To reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries. |
Cash incentives, Focus on rural areas, Increased access to institutional deliveries. |
Pregnant women from poor socio-economic backgrounds. |
| Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) |
2017 |
To provide maternity benefits and promote institutional deliveries. |
Cash benefit of ₹5,000 for the first child, Additional incentives for girl child under PMMVY 2.0. |
Women pregnant with their first child after 01.01.2017. |
| Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) |
2011 |
To eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for pregnant women and sick infants. |
Free delivery services, Free transport, Free post-delivery services. |
Pregnant women and sick infants in public health institutions. |
| Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) |
2019 |
To provide assured, dignified, and quality healthcare at no cost. |
Zero denial policy, Quality of care, Focus on respectful care. |
All pregnant women and newborns visiting public health institutions. |
| LaQshya |
2017 |
To improve the quality of care in labor rooms and maternity operation theatres. |
Focus on improving infrastructure, Monitoring and evaluation, Quality assurance. |
Pregnant women receiving care in labor rooms and maternity OT. |
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna:
1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Biomass Mission
Why in the News?
The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch Biomass Mission to map the world’s forests and enhance our understanding of their crucial role in the global carbon cycle.
About the Biomass Mission by ESA
- The ESA will launch the Biomass mission on April 29, 2025, aboard the Vega C rocket from French Guiana.
- The mission aims to map the world’s forests, gathering data on their role in the carbon cycle and how they change over time.
- It will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at around 666 km, optimizing sunlight for observations.
- It is the 7th mission in ESA’s Earth Explorer Program, focusing on data related to Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and land surface.
Features of the Biomass Mission:
- Biomass uses a P-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor (70 cm frequency), capable of penetrating forest canopies to measure carbon storage in trees and the forest floor.
- It will be the first satellite to use this cutting-edge P-band SAR technology, offering unprecedented forest biomass data.
- Equipped with a 12-meter antenna, the satellite will deploy upon launch to conduct broad Earth observations.
- It will create 3D images of forests, from canopy to roots, providing detailed insights into forest health and carbon storage.
Significance of the Biomass Mission:
- The mission will fill critical gaps in forest biomass and height data, improving understanding of forests’ role in the carbon cycle and climate change.
- Biomass will measure carbon storage in forests and track changes due to deforestation and human activity.
- The mission’s data will aid climate change mitigation strategies by tracking carbon fluxes between forests and the atmosphere.
- It will support environmental monitoring, assist policymakers, and contribute to global climate change strategies.
| [UPSC 2010] Consider the following statements:
The Satellite Oceansat-2 launched by India helps in
1. estimating the water vapour content in the atmosphere.
2. predicting the onset of monsoons.
3. monitoring the pollution of coastal waters.
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: Metallo-Nanozymes
Why in the News?
Researchers from the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai has developed a new nanozyme, Cu-Phen, using a catalyst-by-design strategy. A nanozyme is a type of synthetic enzyme made from nanomaterials (extremely tiny particles) that can mimic the function of natural enzymes in biological systems.
About the Metallo-Nanozymes
- Cu-Phen (Copper-Phenylalanine) is a type of metallo-nanozyme developed by Indian researchers.
- It is a synthetic enzyme that mimics the functions of natural enzymes in the body, particularly in controlling the flow of energy at the cellular level.
- It is made by combining copper ions (Cu²⁺) with phenylalanine, an amino acid, using a special design method called “catalyst-by-design”.
- It forms a self-assembled nano-structure with a well-defined active site, which is where the enzyme’s function occurs.
- This structure helps Cu-Phen control the electron transfer process, which is important for many biological functions.
- Unlike traditional nanozymes, which often have poorly defined active sites, Cu-Phen has a precisely structured active site, allowing it to work more efficiently like natural enzymes in the body.
- Cu-Phen interacts with cytochrome c, a protein that plays a key role in the electron transport chain, which is part of how our body generates energy.
- It helps reduce oxygen to water without producing harmful substances called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cells.
Potential Applications
- Cu-Phen could be used to make energy systems more efficient, like in bioenergy (energy from living things), by mimicking natural energy-making processes.
- It could help treat diseases like neurodegenerative diseases and cancer by controlling energy production in cells and reducing harmful effects on the body.
- These nanozymes can help clean water and make energy systems work better, while reducing pollution and harmful by-products.
- Cu-Phen can also be used in factories to help make useful products like medicines and chemicals by working like artificial enzymes.
- This new nanozyme is a step forward in creating artificial enzymes that could be used in many areas like medicine, energy, and manufacturing.
| [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements :
1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mesoscale Convective System
Why in the News?
A recent study in Nature Geoscience suggests that soil moisture levels could help predict severe thunderstorms, like mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), especially in regions like India.
About Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS):
- MCSs are larger than individual thunderstorms but smaller than larger weather systems like cyclones.
- They typically cover areas between 100 to 1,000 km in diameter.
- They form when warm, moist air rises, creating storms that feed off each other, growing in size and intensity as they move across the region.
- They can cause flash floods, damaging winds, and severe thunderstorms, and are often responsible for large-scale weather events.
- In tropical regions, MCSs account for 50 to 90 % of total rainfall, making them a major cause of severe weather-related damage.
- A notable example is the March 2024 thunderstorm in West Bengal, which caused significant property damage and loss of life.
Soil Moisture’s Role in MCS as per the Study:
- Shifts in soil moisture can be detected two to five days before the formation of storms, providing critical lead time for early warnings in vulnerable regions.
- Contrasting soil moisture levels over large areas (hundreds of kilometers) lead to changes in atmospheric conditions, including A notable example is the March 2024 thunderstorm in West Bengal, which caused significant property damage and loss of life.
- Larger contrasts in moisture content between dry and wet regions cause greater temperature differences, which in turn lead to changes in wind direction and speed.
- These variations contribute to turbulence, making storms more intense and spreading rainfall over a wider area.
| [UPSC 2013] During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the
1. meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky 2. lightning that separates the nimbus clouds 3. violent upward movement of air and water particles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) None of the above produces the thunder |
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