Archives: News

First Comprehensive Survey of River Dolphins in India

Why in the News?

India’s first-ever comprehensive river dolphin survey conducted under Project Dolphin (2020) has estimated a population of 6,327 dolphins, primarily across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus River basins.

First Comprehensive Survey of River Dolphins in India

River Dolphins in India:

Species	Habitat	Conservation Status	Key Features & Threats
Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)	Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna & Karnaphuli river systems (India, Bangladesh, Nepal)	IUCN: Endangered WPA, 1972: Schedule I	Known as “Susu”, India’s National Aquatic Animal in 2009. Faces threats from pollution, habitat fragmentation, and accidental bycatch. Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar) – Only dolphin sanctuary in India.
Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor)	Indus River (Pakistan) & Beas River (India)	IUCN: Endangered WPA, 1972: Schedule I	One of the rarest dolphins, facing population decline due to water diversion, dam construction, and habitat degradation. Beas Conservation Reserve (Punjab) – Focused on Indus River Dolphin protection.
Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)	Chilika Lake (India) & rivers of South & Southeast Asia	IUCN: Endangered WPA, 1972: Schedule I	Known for “spy-hopping” behavior (rising vertically to observe surroundings). Threatened by fishing nets and habitat destruction.

Key Highlights of the Survey

The survey estimated the Ganges River dolphin population at 6,324, with Uttar Pradesh (2,397) and Bihar (2,220) recording the highest numbers, while the Brahmaputra basin had 635 dolphins, indicating a stable population.
The Indus River dolphin population was found to be critically low, with only 3 individuals recorded in the Beas River in Punjab, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Key habitats were identified, with the highest dolphin concentrations observed in the Bhind-Pachnada stretch of the Chambal River and the Chausa-Manihari stretch of the Ganga.
Dolphins were found to prefer deep water zones, confluences, mid-channel islands, and meandering sections of rivers, indicating specific habitat requirements.

PYQ:

[2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial

March 4, 2025

MISHTI Scheme

Why in the News?

Gujarat has emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in just two years under the Central Government’s MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme.

About the MISHTI Scheme

The MISHTI scheme was launched on June 5, 2023, to restore 540 sq. km of mangrove forests.
It aims to restore and expand 540 sq. km mangrove forests across 9 states and 3 union territories over a 5-year period (2023–28).
It aligns with India’s commitment to the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) at COP27 (2022, Egypt).
The scheme is funded through MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and other sources, ensuring community participation.
It focuses on Sundarbans (West Bengal), Hooghly Estuary, and other coastal and wetland ecosystems.

Gujarat’s Leadership in Mangrove Afforestation

Gujarat has emerged as India’s top state in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares (190 sq. km) in just two years under MISHTI.
The Gulf of Kutch (799 sq. km) leads in coverage, followed by the Gulf of Khambhat and Dumas-Ubhrat belt (134 sq. km).
Gujarat’s 1,650 km-long coastline is home to mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses, making it an
It aims to expand mangrove cover by an additional 350 sq. km, strengthening climate resilience and coastal biodiversity.

PYQ:

[2015] Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest?

(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

March 4, 2025

What is Planetary Alignment?

Why in the News?

On February 29, 2024, skywatchers worldwide witnessed a rare planetary alignment (parade) with seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus—lining up in the night sky.

What is Planetary Alignment?

A planetary alignment occurs when multiple planets in the Solar System appear to line up in the sky as seen from Earth.
This phenomenon happens because planets orbit the Sun in a flat, disc-shaped plane called the ecliptic.
Although planets remain millions of kilometers apart, they seem to form a straight line from Earth’s perspective due to optical illusion and perspective.
The term “planet parade” is also used to describe this occurrence when multiple planets become visible in the sky at the same time.

Types of Planetary Alignments:

Conjunction: Two or more planets appear close to each other in the sky.
Small Alignment: Three planets align in a visible line.
Large Alignment: Four or more planets appear aligned from Earth’s perspective.
Full Alignment: All eight planets of the Solar System appear in a single line (very rare).

How often do Planetary Alignments occur?

Planetary alignments are not uncommon, but their rarity depends on the number of planets involved.
- Two- or Three-Planet Alignments: Occur multiple times a year.
- Four- or Five-Planet Alignments: Visible every few years.
- Six- or Seven-Planet Alignments: Appear every few decades.
- Full Alignment (All Eight Planets): Extremely rare, occurs once every 170–200 years.

Recent & Upcoming Alignments:

- August 2025: Expected four-planet alignment.
- May 2492: The next predicted full planetary alignment of all eight planets.

PYQ:

[2019] On 21st June, the Sun:

(a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
(b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
(c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
(d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

March 4, 2025

Research team takes big step towards making a Bose Metal

Why in the News?

Researchers have recently discovered a potential new state of matter, the Bose metal, found between a regular metal and a superconductor, with evidence of this phase in Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) by a team of Chinese and Japanese scientists.

What is a Bose Metal?

A Bose metal is a hypothetical anomalous metallic state where Cooper pairs (electron pairs) form but do not transition into a superconducting state.
This state exists between a normal metal and a superconductor, challenging traditional theories of condensed matter physics.
In simple terms, a Bose metal is a material where:
- Electrons pair up into Cooper pairs (like in superconductors).
- However, these Cooper pairs fail to achieve long-range coherence, meaning the material remains metallic instead of becoming superconducting.
- This results in partial electrical resistance, unlike superconductors that have zero resistance.
Recent experimental studies suggest their existence in materials like Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) when subjected to specific conditions, such as thin layers and applied magnetic fields.

Key Features:

Intermediate State: Exists between a metal and a superconductor.
Cooper Pair Formation: Electrons form pairs, but they don’t condense into superconductivity.
Anomalous Conductivity: Higher than normal metals but not infinite like superconductors.
Quantum Fluctuations: Strong phase fluctuations disrupt Cooper pair coherence.
Hall Resistance Vanishing: Indicates charge transport by Cooper pairs rather than individual electrons.
Observed in Thin 2D Materials: Seen in ultra-thin films of superconductors under specific conditions.

PYQ:

[2013] Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?

Beryllium
Cadmium
Chromium
Heptachlor
Mercury
Lead
Plutonium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

March 4, 2025

[3rd March 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The student and the three language debate

PYQ Relevance:

Q) Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC CSE 2021)

Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the main objectives of Population Education (2021) and National Education Policy 2020 (2020).

The main focus of this debate should be the public school students—they make up 55% of school enrolment in Tamil Nadu. Unlike children in private schools, who often get extra coaching or tuition, public school students cannot afford such support. The key question is: Does learning three languages instead of two really help public school students compete with wealthier peers in the job market and become productive citizens?

Today’s editorial discusses the introduction of a third language in academics and its potential impact. This topic is relevant for GS Papers 1 and 2 in the UPSC Mains examination.

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Forcing students to learn a third language has no academic benefit and may create a generation unable to compete at the national level.

What is the Three-Language Formula?

The third language typically refers to an additional language that students learn in school beyond their mother tongue (first language) and English (second language).
In India, the Three-Language Formula was introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) to promote multilingualism and national integration.

Does learning three languages instead of two really help public school students compete with wealthier peers in the job market and become productive citizens?

Limited Practical Advantage: Learning a third language may not directly improve job prospects if core skills like English proficiency and technical knowledge are weak. Example: In national-level exams like UPSC or banking tests, fluency in English is more valuable than knowing a third language like Hindi.
Unequal Access to Resources: Public school students often lack access to quality teaching and extra coaching for a third language, unlike wealthier peers in private schools.
Example: A private school student can afford Hindi tuition, while a public school student relying only on classroom instruction may fall behind.
Diverts Focus from Essential Skills: Adding a third language may reduce time spent on improving critical subjects like math, science, and literacy, which are key for future employment.
Example: According to ASER 2024, 88% of Class 3 students in Tamil Nadu lack basic literacy—introducing a third language could widen this gap.

What is the primary concern regarding the three-language formula for public school students in Tamil Nadu?

Increased Educational Burden: Public school students, who lack access to private coaching, face added pressure from learning a third language. Example: A child from a rural public school struggling with basic literacy in Tamil and English may find learning Hindi an additional challenge, reducing focus on core subjects.
Inequality in Educational Access: Privileged students from private schools can afford supplemental learning (e.g., tuition), while public school students cannot. Example: A private school student can attend Hindi tuition, but a public school student relying solely on classroom instruction may fall behind.
Poor Educational Infrastructure: Public schools lack qualified teachers to effectively teach a third language, which may lower educational quality. Example: Despite Tamil Nadu’s high education budget, 80-90% is spent on teacher salaries, leaving minimal funds for hiring new Hindi teachers or improving resources.
Impact on Learning Outcomes: Introducing a third language diverts time from improving essential skills like literacy and numeracy, especially when foundational learning is weak. Example: According to ASER 2024, 88% of Class 3 students in Tamil Nadu lack basic literacy skills—adding a third language may further dilute learning time.
Reduced National Competitiveness: Without strong English proficiency, public school students may struggle in national-level exams and job markets where English is dominant. Example: Tamil Nadu students competing for central services exams (UPSC) or jobs requiring English proficiency may be at a disadvantage if the focus shifts to Hindi instead of improving English skills.

Could learning a third language fail to improve cognitive abilities?

Arguments in favour:

Cognitive Overload: Introducing a third language can overwhelm students, especially when basic literacy in the first and second languages is weak. Example: Public school students struggling with Tamil and English may face cognitive strain, reducing their ability to master essential subjects.
Weak Foundation in Mother Tongue: Research suggests that proficiency in the mother tongue is crucial for cognitive development before introducing additional languages. Example: A child who lacks fluency in Tamil may struggle to grasp complex concepts in Hindi, leading to weaker overall comprehension.
Limited Evidence of Cognitive Gains: While bilingualism enhances cognitive skills, there is no conclusive evidence that learning a third language improves cognitive abilities proportionately. Example: Studies show that depth of understanding in one or two languages is more beneficial than surface-level knowledge of multiple languages.

Arguments against:

Cognitive Overload: Introducing a third language can overwhelm students, especially when basic literacy in the first and second languages is weak. Example: Public school students struggling with Tamil and English may face cognitive strain, reducing their ability to master essential subjects.
Weak Foundation in Mother Tongue: Research suggests that proficiency in the mother tongue is crucial for cognitive development before introducing additional languages. Example: A child who lacks fluency in Tamil may struggle to grasp complex concepts in Hindi, leading to weaker overall comprehension.
Limited Evidence of Cognitive Gains: While bilingualism enhances cognitive skills, there is no conclusive evidence that learning a third language improves cognitive abilities proportionately. Example: Studies show that depth of understanding in one or two languages is more beneficial than surface-level knowledge of multiple languages.

How can child development be balanced with political concerns about language education?

Optional Third Language Policy: Offer the third language as an optional subject rather than making it mandatory, allowing students to choose based on their interests and future needs. Example: Tamil Nadu could introduce Hindi as an optional third language from middle school, especially in urban areas where demand is higher.
Focus on Core Language Proficiency: Prioritize strong literacy in the mother tongue and English to ensure foundational learning before adding an additional language. Example: Strengthening Tamil and English instruction in public schools will help students succeed in national-level competitive exams.
Context-Sensitive Implementation: Implement language policies that reflect local realities and employment trends without compromising cultural identity. Example: In Tamil Nadu, where most job opportunities are available locally, bilingual education (Tamil and English) may be more practical than adding a third language.
Equity in Language Resources: Ensure adequate teacher training and educational materials for any third language to avoid disadvantaging public school students. Example: Hiring qualified Hindi teachers and providing multilingual textbooks can ensure that students receive quality education if they choose a third language.
Flexible Language Learning Pathways: Allow regional flexibility in adopting the three-language formula, adapting to the socio-political landscape while prioritizing student welfare. Example: Tamil Nadu could adopt a phased approach, starting with voluntary third-language instruction in district headquarters and expanding based on demand.

Way forward:

Strengthen Bilingual Education First: Focus on improving Tamil and English proficiency in public schools to ensure students develop strong foundational skills before introducing a third language.
Flexible and Inclusive Language Policy: Implement a voluntary third-language framework, allowing students the choice to learn an additional language based on regional needs and career aspirations.

March 3, 2025

Centring care in India’s economic policy

Why in the News?

The Union Budget for 2025 allocated ₹4,49,028.68 crore to the Gender Budget (GB), which is 37.3% more than the previous year and makes up 8.86% of the total Budget.

What is the primary reason for the significant increase in the Gender Budget (GB) for 2025?

Inclusion of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): This welfare scheme accounts for 24% of the total Gender Budget. Example: The free food grain distribution under PMGKAY, aimed at ensuring food security for vulnerable women-led households, significantly inflated the Gender Budget.
Broadening the Definition of Gender-Responsive Schemes: The inclusion of non-traditional gender-related welfare programs increases the allocation. Example: Programs like Poshan Abhiyaan (nutrition for women and children) and Ujjwala Yojana (LPG subsidies) are now categorized under the Gender Budget.
Increased Focus on Welfare Distribution Over Structural Investments: The rise is driven by consumption-based welfare rather than care infrastructure. Example: Higher allocations for schemes providing direct benefits like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (maternity support) rather than investment in childcare centers.
Political Commitment to “Nari Shakti”: Emphasis on women’s empowerment as a core pillar of economic growth. Example: The Budget’s narrative aligns with promoting women-led development under the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” (Women’s Reservation Bill).
Inclusion of Large-Scale Social Security Programs: Integrating social protection schemes under the Gender Budget increases the total value. Example: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) allocations, where a significant portion targets women beneficiaries, contribute to the budget rise.

How does it impact investments in care infrastructure?

Limited Direct Investment in Care Services: Despite the rise in overall allocation, no substantial funding is directed toward expanding childcare, eldercare, or healthcare services. Example: There is no new budgetary provision for increasing anganwadi centers or community-based eldercare facilities.
Invisibility of Unpaid Care Work: The focus on consumption-based schemes overlooks the need to reduce and redistribute unpaid care responsibilities. Example: While food security programs like PMGKAY provide relief, they do not alleviate the physical and time-intensive care work that women perform daily.
Missed Opportunity for Systemic Reform: The absence of targeted funding means there is no structural change in care-related infrastructure despite policy acknowledgments. Example: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which could reduce women’s water-fetching burden, faced a 4.51% budget cut, limiting its expansion.
Inadequate Support for Working Women: Without investments in affordable care services, women’s participation in the formal workforce remains restricted. Example: Lack of childcare facilities prevents many women from rejoining the labor market after childbirth.
Uneven Urban-Rural Access: Existing care infrastructure investments are urban-centric, leaving rural women without essential support systems. Example: The Urban Challenge Fund focuses on urban care models, while rural areas lack similar investments, exacerbating time poverty for women in low-income households.

Why do a majority of Indian women remain outside the labour force?

Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) Burden: Indian women perform a disproportionate share of unpaid care work, limiting their time and ability to engage in paid employment. Example: According to the ILO, 53% of Indian women remain outside the labour force due to care responsibilities, compared to just 1.1% of men.
Lack of Care Infrastructure: Inadequate access to childcare, eldercare, and basic services increases women’s household workload, preventing workforce participation. Example: Less than half of Indian villages have functional tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission, requiring women to spend hours fetching water.
Gendered Social Norms and Stereotypes: Deep-rooted cultural expectations frame women as primary caregivers, discouraging their entry or return to the workforce. Example: Women in low-income households juggle 17-19 hours of unpaid and paid work, reinforcing time poverty and limiting job opportunities.
Lack of Formal Sector Opportunities: There are limited job options offering flexible work and safe working conditions suited to women’s needs, particularly in rural areas. Example: Women’s participation in India’s formal economy remains low due to insecure jobs and a lack of family-friendly policies.

Which measures does the Economic Survey 2023-24 propose to reduce the unpaid care work burden?

Increased Public Investment in Care Infrastructure: Advocates for direct public investment equivalent to 2% of GDP to expand care services and reduce the unpaid care burden. Example: This investment could create 11 million jobs while providing essential care support like childcare and eldercare facilities.
Integration of Time-Use Surveys in Policy Planning: Recommends integrating Time-Use modules into existing household surveys to recognise and measure the extent of unpaid care work. Example: Data from India’s 2019 Time Use Survey revealed that women spend an average of 7 hours daily on unpaid care tasks.
Expanding Access to Time-Saving Technologies: Emphasizes improving access to time-saving infrastructure like clean water, sanitation, and energy to reduce the physical burden on women. Example: Extending the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to achieve 100% potable water coverage by 2028, easing the water-fetching burden.

Way forward:

Enhance Care Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize increased funding for community-based childcare, eldercare, and healthcare services, especially in rural areas, to reduce women’s unpaid care burden and improve workforce participation.
Implement Gender-Sensitive Policy Planning: Institutionalize time-use surveys for evidence-based policymaking and integrate care responsibilities into labor policies to promote equitable access to formal employment for women.

Mains PYQ:

Q Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (UPSC IAS/2016)

March 3, 2025

Women in South India, Delhi, Punjab have higher levels of obesity

Why in the News?

About 25% of men and women in India were overweight or obese in 2019-21, a 4% increase from 2015-16. Obesity is more common among women in South Indian states, Delhi, and Punjab, but it is rising faster among men.

What is the definition of “overweight” and “obese” based on BMI measurements in the National Family Health Survey?

Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9. Example: A person who is 1.65 m (5’5″) tall and weighs 70 kg would have a BMI of 25.7, categorizing them as overweight.
Obese: BMI of 30.0 or above. Example: A person who is 1.70 m (5’7″) tall and weighs 90 kg would have a BMI of 31.1, classifying them as obese.
Calculation Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ (Height in meters)². Example: If a person is 1.60 m tall and weighs 60 kg, their BMI would be: BMI=601.6×1.6=23.4\text{BMI} = \frac{60}{1.6 \times 1.6} = 23.4BMI=1.6×1.660=23.4 (Healthy range).

When did the share of overweight and obese individuals in India significantly increase?

Period of Increase (2015-16 to 2019-21): The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) recorded a significant rise in the share of overweight and obese individuals between 2015-16 (NFHS-4) and 2019-21 (NFHS-5).
Increase in Overweight Individuals: Women: Increased from 15.5% in 2015-16 to 17.6% in 2019-21 (a rise of 2.1 percentage points). Men: Increased from 15.9% in 2015-16 to 18.9% in 2019-21 (a rise of 3 percentage points).
- Example: In Delhi, the proportion of overweight men and women was among the highest in the country during 2019-21.
Increase in Obese Individuals: Women: Increased from 5.1% in 2015-16 to 6.4% in 2019-21. Men: Increased from 3% in 2015-16 to 4% in 2019-21. Example: Punjab recorded one of the sharpest increases in obesity among women during this period.

Which Indian states reported the highest increase in obesity levels?

Northern States with Sharp Increases: Delhi and Punjab recorded the highest increase in obesity levels for both men and women between 2015-16 and 2019-21. Example: Delhi had the largest proportion of obese and overweight men in the country by 2019-21.
Southern States with Persistent High Obesity Rates: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka consistently reported high obesity levels, with a notable rise over the survey period. Example: In Kerala, a significant portion of the population—both men and women—crossed the obesity threshold by 2019-21.
States with Accelerated Growth in Obesity: States in the South and North-West witnessed faster increases in obesity, reflecting a shift toward unhealthy dietary habits like increased consumption of fried foods and aerated drinks. Example: Punjab experienced a sharp increase in the share of obese women, making it one of the top states for rising obesity.

What are the steps taken by the Indian government?

Public Awareness Campaigns: The government promotes healthy lifestyle choices through initiatives like “Eat Right India” and “Fit India Movement” to encourage balanced diets and physical activity. Example: In Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister advised reducing oil consumption by 10% monthly to combat obesity.
School-Based Interventions: Implement nutrition guidelines in midday meal programs and ban junk food in and around school premises to promote healthy eating habits among children. Example: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued regulations to restrict high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) food sales in schools.
Policy and Regulation of Processed Foods: Introducing front-of-pack labeling for processed and packaged foods to inform consumers about high sugar, salt, and fat content. Example: FSSAI’s Eat Right Logo helps consumers identify healthier food options.
Lifestyle Disease Control Programs: The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) targets obesity, diabetes, and hypertension through screening and lifestyle modification programs. Example: Community health workers under Ayushman Bharat conduct health screenings for BMI and other risk factors.
Promotion of Traditional Wellness Practices: Encouraging the adoption of Yoga and Ayurveda through programs like International Yoga Day to promote holistic health and weight management. Example: The AYUSH Ministry organizes free Yoga sessions to spread awareness about natural ways to maintain healthy BMI levels.

Way forward:

Strengthen Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Enhance coordination between health, education, and food regulatory bodies to implement comprehensive obesity prevention programs. Example: Integrate nutrition education in school curricula and expand community-based health screenings.
Promote Sustainable Food Systems: Encourage the availability of affordable, nutritious foods and regulate ultra-processed foods through taxation and clear labeling. Example: Introduce subsidies for healthy food options and enforce strict advertising regulations for unhealthy products.

Mains PYQ:

Q The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC IAS/2022)

March 3, 2025

Study identifies sources of PM2.5 in northern India

Why in the News?

A recent study published in Nature Communications has analyzed the sources and health impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

About PM2.5

PM2.5 (Particulate Matter ≤2.5 microns) refers to tiny air pollutants small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
These fine particles come from both natural sources (like dust storms and wildfires) and human activities (like burning fossil fuels and industrial emissions).
PM2.5 poses severe health risks, contributing to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and reduced lung function.
The oxidative potential of PM2.5 is an important indicator of its toxicity and ability to cause cellular damage.

Key Findings of the Study

Major Sources of PM2.5 in Northern India:

The study analyzed PM2.5 pollution across five locations in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, including Delhi and Kanpur.
Delhi: PM2.5 is mainly from vehicular emissions, fossil fuel burning, and residential heating.
Outside Delhi: It consists of ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and biomass-burning aerosols.

PM2.5 Toxicity and Health Risks:

PM2.5 toxicity is linked to organic aerosols from inefficient combustion of biomass and fossil fuels.
Traffic emissions and residential fuel burning significantly contribute to PM2.5-related health risks.

Traffic as a Major Contributor:

Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOA) from vehicular emissions were highest at urban roadside sites in Delhi (8 μg/m³).
HOA accounts for 50% of fossil fuel-derived aerosols, increasing to 40% in warmer months.

Winter Pollution Due to Residential Heating and Cooking:

Cow dung combustion for heating and cooking in winter increases organic aerosols, with levels 10 times higher than in summer due to biomass burning and shallow boundary layers.

India’s PM2.5 Toxicity Among the Highest Globally:

The study found that PM2.5 oxidative potential (toxicity) in Indian cities is up to 5 times higher than in Chinese and European cities.

PYQ:

[2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index?

Carbon dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Sulphur dioxide
Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

March 3, 2025

Who was Amir Khusrau?

Why in the News?

Recently, PM Modi inaugurated the 25th edition of Jahaan-e-Khusrau, a Sufi music festival held at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, in Khusrau’s honor.

Who was Amir Khusrau?

Amir Khusrau was born in Patiyali, Uttar Pradesh, to a Turkish father and an Indian mother.
He served as a court poet to five Delhi Sultans:
- Muiz ud din Qaiqabad of Mamluk Dynasty (1287–1290)
- Jalaluddin Khalji (1290–1296)
- Alauddin Khalji (1296–1316)
- Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah (1316–1320)
- Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320–1325)
He was deeply influenced by Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, whose teachings shaped his spiritual and poetic journey.
He is fondly remembered as “The Parrot of India” (Tuti-e-Hind) for his eloquence.

Literary Contributions:

Wrote in Persian and Hindavi, pioneering Khari Boli, the precursor to Hindi and Urdu.
Created the first Hindi lexicon (Khalikbari), blending Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic words.

Notable works:

- Tughlaq Nama (historical epic)
- Nuh Sipihr (Nine Skies)
- In the Bazaar of Love (ghazals and poetry)
Invented the qawwali tradition, merging Indian and Persian musical elements.
Composed Chhap Tilak Sab Chheeni Re, Zehal-e-Miskeen, and Sakal Ban Phool Rahi Sarson.
Credited with developing the sitar and tabla, though debated by historians.
Most devoted disciple of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.
Upon his master’s death in 1325, Khusrau followed within 6 months.
His tomb lies beside Nizamuddin’s dargah in Delhi, symbolizing their eternal bond.
Pioneered Hindavi poetry and laid the foundation for Hindi and Urdu literature.
Inspired generations of ghazal and qawwali singers, including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen.
Festivals like Jahaan-e-Khusrau continue to honor his enduring cultural legacy.

PYQ:

[2012] With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?

1. Meditation and control of breath

2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place

3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

March 3, 2025

Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

Why in the News?

PM Modi recently questioned why the colonial-era Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, which allowed authorities to ban plays deemed seditious, defamatory, or obscene, remained in force 75 years after independence.

What is the Dramatic Performances Act, 1876?

The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, was a colonial-era law enacted by the British to suppress nationalist and anti-government sentiments in public performances.
The Act empowered the government to ban, regulate, or censor public plays, pantomimes, and dramas that were deemed:
- Scandalous or defamatory
- Seditious or inciting disaffection against the government
- Obscene or corrupting to public morality
It also allowed magistrates to search, seize, and arrest performers and organizers without a warrant.
The law prescribed up to three months of imprisonment and/or a fine for violations.

References to Article 19 and Article 372

Conflict with Article 19(1)(a) – Right to Free Speech:

- After independence, freedom of speech and expression was guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a).
- The Allahabad High Court (1956) ruled the Act unconstitutional, stating it restricted free speech beyond reasonable limits.

Exceptions Under Article 19(2):

- Article 19(2) allows reasonable restrictions on free speech for: Security of the state, public order, morality, and defamation.
- The court ruled that the Dramatic Performances Act exceeded these limits.

Article 372 and Colonial Laws:

- Article 372(1) of the Constitution states that laws in force before independence shall continue to be in effect unless repealed or modified by the Parliament.
- Though invalidated in 1956, the law was formally repealed in 2018 under the Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017.

PYQ:

[2014] What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

[2021] A legislation which confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India?

(a) Article 14

(b) Article 28

(d) Article 44

March 3, 2025