💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Archives: News

  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    K-9 Vajra Howitzers and Su-30 MKI Fighter Aircraft Engines                                  

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

    Why in the news?

    Several critical ‘Make in India’ defence projects, including acquisitions of K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft engines, are pending final approval from the Centre post-elections.

    About K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Howitzers:

    • It is a self-propelled howitzer.
    • Technology: It incorporates technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense based on its K9 Thunder.
    • Development: The K9 gun has been developed under the ‘Buy Global’ programme of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) where foreign companies are allowed to participate.
    • Features: The platform boasts all-welded steel armour protection. Initially intended for desert use, it has been deployed in mountainous regions due to the India-China standoff.
    • Winterisation: To ensure optimal performance in extreme cold conditions, the Army procured winterisation kits for the regiment deployed in mountainous areas.

    About Su-30MKI:

      • The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a two-seater, twinjet multirole air superiority fighter. It is built under license by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
    • Design: 
      • It was designed by Russia’s Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
      • The first squadron was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2002.
    • Characteristics:
      • It is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter with a highly integrated twin-finned airframe.
      • The construction materials include titanium and high-strength Aluminium alloy.

    Engine Upgrade:

    India’s “Super Sukhoi” Program aims to enhance the performance and longevity of AL-31F engines, addressing long-standing engine failure issues and deficiencies.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship
    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine
    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD)

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

    Why in the News?

    Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up from Chennai, made history by launching the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine, named Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from Sriharikota.

    About 3D Printed PS4 Engine

    • The PS4 engine, which forms the uppermost stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), comprises two Earth-storable liquid engines.
    • It uses a bipropellant combination of nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer and monomethyl hydrazine as the fuel, both developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
    • This same engine is employed in the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the first stage (PS1) of PSLV.
    • ISRO redesigned the PS4 engine for production using 3D printing technology.
    • The technology helped ISRO bring down the number of parts in the engine from 14 to a single piece.
    • ISRO was able to eliminate 19 weld joints and saved 97% of raw material.
    • It also reduced the overall production time by 60%.

    What is Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator)?

    • Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
    • In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated manoeuvres during flight.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

    1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3
    (c) 1 and 2
    (d) 3 only

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    [pib] India Hosts Digital Health Side Event at World Health Assembly

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    • India hosted a side event on Digital Health during the 77th World Health Assembly.The event saw participation from Quad countries (Australia, Japan, and the United States of America) and delegates from over 100 countries.

    Key Highlights of the 7th WHA:

    • Transformative Role: India highlighted digital health’s role in ensuring equitable and accessible healthcare services, contributing to Universal Health Coverage and SDG 3.
    • India’s Advancements: WHA noted India’s success in implementing digital public infrastructure at scale, including Aadhaar for digital identities, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for financial transactions, and Co-WIN for health service delivery during the pandemic.
    • Transition to UWIN: Co-WIN is being transformed into UWIN for the National Immunization Programme, facilitating immunization records for millions of newborns and mothers, as well as Anganwadi and school health records.
    • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): India highlighted efforts under ABDM to create a robust national digital health ecosystem, with over 618 million Unique Health IDs (ABHA IDs) generated, 268,000 registered health facilities, and 350,000 healthcare professionals enlisted.
    • National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX): GoI is launching NHCX as part of ABDM to transform the insurance payments ecosystem, enabling real-time settlements with auto adjudication of claims through public-private partnerships leveraging digital public infrastructure.

    About World Health Assembly (WHA):

    Details
    Establishment Established in 1948 as the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO)
    Frequency Typically meets annually in Geneva, Switzerland
    Membership Includes all 194 member states of the WHO, as well as certain international organizations as observers
    Role and Functions
    • Setting Health Policies
    • Adoption of Resolutions
    • Reviewing Reports
    • Collaboration and Partnerships
    Decision-Making Process Decisions made by a simple majority vote of member states present and voting
    Themes and Agendas Each session focuses on specific global health priorities, addressing a wide range of health topics
    Notable Achievements Development and adoption of international health instruments and initiatives, including:

    • International Health Regulations (IHR),
    • Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC),
    • Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and
    • Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health.
    Challenges Resource constraints, geopolitical tensions, need for greater inclusivity and transparency in decision-making

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] ‘Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, often in the news, is

    (a) A division of World Health Organization.

    (b) A non-governmental international organization.

    (c) An inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union.

    (d) A specialized agency of the United Nations.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

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

    Dispelling population myths triggered by a working paper

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    The working paper released by the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the Prime Minister makes an erroneous assertion regarding the growth of the Muslim population.

    Composition of the Population of various communities highlighted by EAC:

    • Absolute Increase in Population (1950-2015): Hindu population grew by 701 million. The Muslim population increased by 146 million.
    • Proportional Changes: The proportion of Hindus in the population fell by 6.64 percentage points (from 84.7% in 1950 to 78.06% in 2015). The proportion of Muslims increased by 4.25 percentage points (from 9.84% in 1950 to 14.09% in 2015).
      • Despite these changes, the Muslim population remains significantly smaller compared to the Hindu population.

    What does the 2011 census say?

    • The proportion of the Hindu population to the total population in 2011 declined by 0.7 percentage points (PP); the proportion of the Sikh population declined by 0.2 PP and the Buddhist population declined by 0.1 PP during the decade 2001-2011.
    • The proportion of the Muslim population to the total population has increased by 0.8 PP. There has been no significant change in the proportion of Christians & Jains.

    Issue of Misinterpretation and Sensationalism of Data:

    • Misleading Media Reports: Many media reports and politicians have sensationalized the findings of the EAC-PM working paper inaccurately suggesting that the Muslim population in India is growing rapidly while posing a threat to the Hindu population.
      • Such interpretations contribute to a divisive political narrative and misinform the public about population issues.
    • Limitations of the Paper: The working paper itself states that understanding changes in religious demography is a multivariate phenomenon. However, the paper does not contain sufficient evidence to support this claim.

    The true story behind this Data::

    • Influence of Socio-Economic Factors: Population growth is significantly influenced by socio-economic conditions such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Higher fertility rates in a community often reflect lower levels of socio-economic development rather than religious factors.
    • Policies and Development Indicators: The Muslim community in India has a higher population growth rate primarily because it lags in some of the Population and Marriage policies that affect socio-economic development indicators as compared to the Hindu community.

    Need for Exact Data:

    • Contextual Analysis: Detailed analysis is essential to avoid misinterpretation of demographic changes. Understanding the multi-faceted reasons behind population changes requires considering socio-economic, cultural, and political factors.
      • Religious Composition: According to the Pew Research Center (2021), the proportion of India’s six largest religious groups has remained relatively stable since Partition.
      • Fertility Rates: Recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS) rounds indicate significant declines in Muslim fertility rates.

    Conclusion: Accurate and comprehensive analysis is necessary to understand population trends and avoid fueling divisive narratives.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled, and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (UPSC IAS/2016)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Urban Transformation – Smart Cities, AMRUT, etc.

    An overview of the AMRUT scheme | Explained

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    By 2047, over 50% of India’s population will be urban. The AMRUT scheme launched in 2015 and updated in 2021, addresses urban infrastructure needs.

    About Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation -AMRUT:

    • It is a flagship urban development scheme launched by the Government of India in June 2015.
    • The mission is being operated as a Central Sponsored Scheme.
    • Aim: To provide basic urban infrastructure to improve the quality of life in cities and towns.
    • Objectives:  
      • Ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured water supply and a sewerage connection.
      • Increase the green areas in the cities.
      • Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and constructing facilities for non-motorized transport.
    • Funding: It is divided among States/UTs in an equitable formula in which 50:50 weightage.
    • The Mission covers 500 cities including all cities and towns with a population of over one lakh with notified Municipalities.
    • Revenue Set Aside for the Scheme:
      • AMRUT 1.0: Total outlay was ₹50,000 crore for five years from FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20.
      • AMRUT 2.0: Total outlay is ₹2,99,000 crore, with a central outlay of ₹76,760 crore for five years, starting from October 1, 2021.

    Achievements by AMRUT Mission:

      • Financial Utilization: As of May 19, 2024, a total of ₹83,357 crore has been disbursed under the AMRUT scheme, combining contributions from the Central Government, States, and cities.
    • Infrastructure Achievements:
      • Tap Connections: A total of 58,66,237 households have been provided with tap connections, ensuring access to a reliable water supply.
      • Sewerage Connections: 37,49,467 households have been connected to the sewerage system, improving sanitation and hygiene.
      • Parks Development: 2,411 parks have been developed, enhancing urban green spaces and recreational areas.
      • LED Street Lights: 62,78,571 LED street lights have been replaced, contributing to energy efficiency and better urban lighting.

    Present Challenges:

    • Public Health Crisis: Approximately 2,00,000 deaths annually due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. The disease burden from unsafe water and sanitation in India was 40 times higher per person than in China as of 2016.
    • Water and Sanitation Issues: Significant untreated wastewater increases vulnerability to diseases. Major reservoirs are at just 40% capacity, threatening water supply for drinking, irrigation, and hydro-electricity.21 major cities are projected to run out of groundwater soon.

    Causes for the present shortcomings:

    • Non-Comprehensive Approach: The scheme adopted a project-oriented rather than a holistic approach, failing to integrate comprehensive urban planning.
      • For example, cities had no significant participation in the scheme’s design or implementation, reducing its effectiveness.
      • Secondly, the governance was led by bureaucrats and private interests with little involvement of elected city governments, violating the 74th constitutional amendment.
    • Inadequate Water Management: The scheme did not adequately factor in local climate, rainfall patterns, or existing infrastructure, leading to inefficient water and sewage management.
      • Urban planning became dominated by real estate development interests, resulting in the disappearance of water bodies, disrupted stormwater flows, and poor drainage systems.
      • Continued inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene contribute to significant public health problems, including high disease burden and mortality rates.

    Way Forward:

    • Comprehensive Approach: Shift from a project-oriented to an extensive urban planning approach that includes all aspects of infrastructure development.
      • Ensure active participation of city governments and local bodies in planning and implementation to reflect local needs and conditions.
      • Strengthen the role of local elected representatives in decision-making processes to ensure accountability and community involvement.
    • Nature-Based Solutions: Incorporate sustainable urban planning, including preserving and restoring water bodies and green spaces.
      • Integrate climate and rainfall pattern considerations into water and sewage management to enhance efficiency and resilience.
      • Prioritize water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure improvements to reduce disease burden and improve public health outcomes.

    Conclusion: The need to take a balanced approach combining holistic urban planning, enhanced city participation, empowerment of local bodies, nature-based solutions, climate-responsive strategies, and a strong public health focus is essential for sustainable urban development.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)

    Q What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2016)

    Q With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.” (UPSC IAS/2016)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    Open access is crucial for self-reliance in science

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

    Why in the News?

    As per Nature Index” India’s scientific prowess is rising but lacks essential research infrastructure. Initiatives like I-STEM aim to bridge this gap by democratizing access to advanced facilities.

    The Indian Science Ecosystem:

    • Growth in Research: India ranks third globally in research output and eleventh in research quality according to the “Nature Index”.
    • Infrastructure Shortfalls: Despite an increase in the number of universities from 760 in 2014 to 1,113 in 2021, many lack essential resources such as advanced labs, instrumental access, and research literature.

    Why is the Open Access Crucial for Self-Reliance in Science?

    • Open Access (OA) ensures that scientific knowledge is freely available to all, regardless of geographical or financial barriers.
    • It promotes inclusivity and allows researchers from diverse backgrounds to access the latest research findings, fostering collaboration and innovation.

    Initiatives to Address Gaps:

    • I-STEM: Catalogues all publicly funded research facilities nationwide and makes them available to researchers based on need.
    • One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS): Proposes a centralized model of subscription to scientific journals to make them universally available to all publicly funded institutions, addressing the high cost of accessing commercial journals.

    What is the Optimal Solution?

    • The optimal solution lies in prioritizing Open Access (OA) initiatives. With a global shift towards OA and increasing mandates from major funding bodies, India should leverage this trend to reduce dependency on costly subscriptions and ensure widespread access to scientific literature.
      • Major funding bodies and countries are pushing for OA, with the U.S. mandating immediate open accessibility of publicly funded research by 2025.
    • Challenges with ONOS: The high cost and oligopolistic academic publishing market make negotiation difficult. OA reduces the necessity of a costly unified subscription. ONOS does not ensure long-term access or global accessibility of Indian research.
    • The Green Open Access: Green Open Access allows authors to deposit a version of their work in a university repository, making it freely accessible globally. Ensures long-term preservation and accessibility of research funded by taxpayer money.

    Limitations:

    • Indian funding agencies have mandated green OA, but it has not been enforced effectively.
    • Recent issues should catalyze a stronger push for green OA.

    Conclusion: India should enhance its journal system, avoiding payment burdens on authors or readers. Utilise digital technology capabilities to create and share low-cost, high-quality scientific publishing infrastructure for the global south.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open-source licensing. (UPSC IAS/2015)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Genetically Modified (GM) crops – cotton, mustards, etc.

    What is Golden Rice?

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Why in the News?

    • The Court of Appeals in the Philippines revoked biosafety permits for GM Golden Rice and BT eggplant, citing safety violations and ordering a halt until issues are resolved.

    Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant in the Philippines 

    What is Golden Rice? 

    • Golden Rice is a variety of rice (Oryza sativa) developed through genetic engineering to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of the rice.
    • This modification aims to address vitamin A deficiency, particularly in areas where it’s prevalent.
    • The Philippines approved its commercial production in 2021.
    • The Philippines became the first country to officially issue a biosafety permit for commercially propagating golden rice in July 2021.

    Bt Eggplant: Developed by the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), Bt eggplant is engineered to resist pests, aiming to enhance farmer productivity and reduce environmental impact.

     

    Development of Golden Rice:

    • Research for golden rice began as a Rockefeller Foundation initiative in 1982.
    • Peter Bramley discovered in the 1990s that a single phytoene desaturase gene (bacterial CrtI) could be used to produce lycopene from phytoene in genetically modified tomato.
    • Ingo Potrykus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg published the scientific details of golden rice in 2000 after an eight-year project.

    Genetics:

    • Golden rice incorporates Psy and CrtI genes from daffodils and a soil bacterium into the rice genome to enhance beta-carotene production in the endosperm.

    Field Trials and Approvals:

    • The first field trials of golden rice cultivars were conducted by Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in 2004.
    • Additional trials were conducted in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Bangladesh.
    • In 2018, Canada and the United States approved golden rice as safe for consumption.
    • In 2019, the Philippines approved golden rice for use as human food, animal feed, or for processing.

    In the context of India 

    • Currently, there is no cultivation or commercialization of Golden Rice in India. Growing and selling GM brinjal remains banned in India.
    • Recently, the Supreme Court has also intervened on the issue of stubble burning and paddy cultivation in India esp, Punjab and Haryana states.
      • India has approved commercial cultivation of only one GM crop, Bt cotton. No GM food crop has ever been approved for commercial cultivation in the country.
      • We can have some lessons from the Philippines.

    Controversy over its Use

    • Legal challenges emerged in the Philippines in 2023 and 2024, leading to a halt in commercial propagation.
    • Critics have raised concerns about its safety, environmental impact, and efficacy compared to other interventions like supplements and dietary diversification.
    • Greenpeace opposes the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture and opposes the cultivation of golden rice.
    • Vandana Shiva, an Indian anti-GMO activist, has argued against golden rice, citing potential issues with loss of biodiversity and availability of diverse and nutritionally adequate food.

    Golden Rice 2:

    • In 2005, researchers at Syngenta developed Golden Rice 2, which contains the phytoene synthase (psy) gene from maise combined with the crtl gene from the original golden rice.
    • Golden Rice 2 produces significantly higher levels of carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, compared to the original golden rice.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest resistance to a wide variety of pests.
    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridisation.
    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2021] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • RBI Notifications

    RBI launches PRAVAAH, Retail Direct mobile app and FinTech Repository

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently introduced three significant initiatives: the PRAVAAH portal, the RBI Retail Direct mobile application, and the FinTech Repository.
      • These initiatives aim to streamline regulatory processes, empower retail investors, and provide insights into the fintech sector.

    1. PRAVAAH Portal:

    • The PRAVAAH portal (Platform for Regulatory Application, VAlidation, and AutHorisation) serves as a centralised web-based platform for individuals and entities to seek regulatory approvals from the RBI.
    • Offering features like online application submission and status tracking, the portal covers 60 different application forms across various regulatory departments, ensuring efficiency and transparency in the authorisation process.

    2. RBI Retail Direct Mobile App:

    • The RBI Retail Direct Mobile App provides retail investors with convenient access to government securities (G-Secs) trading directly from their smartphones.
    • Accessible on both Android and iOS platforms, the app simplifies transactions in both primary and secondary markets, empowering retail investors to participate more actively in the securities market.

    3. FinTech Repository:

    The FinTech Repository aims to provide comprehensive data on Indian fintech firms, facilitating better regulatory understanding and policy formulation in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

    Other initiatives launched:

    • EmTech Repository: It focuses on RBI-regulated entities’ adoption of emerging technologies like AI, ML, Cloud Computing, and Quantum, providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
    • Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH): Both repositories are managed by the RBIH, underscoring the central bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the financial sector.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] In the context of the Indian economy, ‘Open Market Operations’ refers to:

    (a) borrowing by scheduled banks from the RBI

    (b) lending by commercial banks to industry and trade

    (c) purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI

    (d) None of the above

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Kanyakumari’s Vivekananda Rock

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his plan to visit and meditate at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu marking the culmination of the Lok Sabha election campaign.

    About Vivekananda Rock:

    • Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located in Kanyakumari’s Vavathurai beach, Tamil Nadu.
    • It is situated on a rock island at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet.
    • The memorial consists of two main structures: the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam.

    Historic Significance of Kanyakumari:

    • Swami Vivekananda is said to have meditated on this rock for two days in December 1892, as he journeyed across India after his return from the West.
    • Eknath Ranade, the founder of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee, proposed the idea of constructing a memorial on the rock.
    • The foundation stone for the memorial was laid on September 1, 1964, by then-President of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
    • The memorial was inaugurated on September 2, 1970, by then-President of India, V. V. Giri.

    About Swami Vivekananda

    Details
    Birth and Death Narendranath Datta (1862-1902)
    Message Spread Ramakrishna’s message, reconciled it with contemporary Indian society, preached neo-Hinduism
    Spiritual Foundation Based on the spiritual experiences of Ramakrishna, teachings of Upanishads and Gita, examples of Buddha and Jesus
    Philosophical Beliefs Subscribed to Vedanta, believed in fundamental oneness of God, advocated for blending of Hinduism and Islam
    Advocacy for Social Action Emphasised social action, criticised religion’s approval of oppression of the poor, called for secular and spiritual knowledge for upliftment
    Balance between Spiritualism and Materialism Advocated for a healthy balance between spiritualism and materialism, called for a blend of Western materialism and Eastern spiritualism for global happiness
    Establishment of Ramakrishna Mission Founded Ramakrishna Mission in 1897, used it for humanitarian relief and social work, stands for religious and social reform, advocated service as worship, not a proselytizing body
    Philosophy of Ramakrishna Mission Believes in using technology and modern science for mankind’s service, recognizes the utility of image worship, emphasizes Vedanta philosophy as a unifying force for all religions, open to all men regardless of caste or creed
    Physical Establishment Acquired land at Belur in 1898, shifted Ramakrishna Math there.

     

    PYQ:

    What does each of the following quotations mean to you?

    1. [2021] Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.- Swami Vivekananda.
    2. [2020] Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way. – Swami Vivekananda. (2020)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    In news: Sharavathi River

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the News?

    The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the mines and geology department to stop any unlawful/illegal sand mining in the Sharavathi River coastal zone.

    About National Green Tribunal (NGT)

    Description
    Establishment Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory body.
    Objective
    • To deal with cases related to environmental issues and ensure speedy implementation of decisions.
    • Responsible for giving many prominent decisions aimed at environmental protection, including addressing air pollution in Delhi and canceling coal block clearances.
    Composition
    • Headquartered in Delhi, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge
    • Included Judicial Members and Expert Panel.
    Powers Empowered to decide on questions related to various environmental laws and hear civil cases concerning environmental issues:

    1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;
    2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977;
    3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
    4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;
    5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
    6. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
    7. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
    Exceptions Prohibited to hear any issues which are covered under:

    1. The Indian Forest Act, 1927,
    2. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and
    3. Any other laws made by States which are related to protection of trees, forests, etc.
    Places
    • Principal bench in Delhi;
    • Additional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
    Governing Principles
    • Governed by principles of natural justice, not bound by Indian Evidence Act.
    • Applies principles of sustainable development, precautionary, and polluter pays.
    Review and Challenge
    • NGT orders can be reviewed as per Rule 22 of NGT Rules.
    • Can be challenged before the Supreme Court within 90 days.
    Jurisdiction
    • Jurisdiction over all civil cases involving a substantial question relating to environment.
    • Powers vested are the same as in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
    • Decisions are binding.
    Disposal of Cases Disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

    About Sharavathi River

    • It originates and flows entirely within Karnataka.
    • It is among the few westward-flowing rivers in the country and a significant part of its basin lies in the Western Ghats.
    • Origin: The river originates at Ambutheertha in the Thirthahalli taluk.
    • Legend: According to ancient legend, the god Rama shot an arrow (Ambu) into the ground to quench his wife Sita’s thirst. The water that poured out was named “Thirtha,” hence the river’s name “Sharavati,” with “Shara” meaning arrow.

    Geography and Length:

    • The river stretches about 128 km (80 mi) and joins the Arabian Sea at Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district.
    • Jog Falls, formed by the Sharavati River, is located approximately 25 km from Siddapura.

    Tributaries and Basin:

    • Major tributaries: Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole, Hurlihole, and Nagodihole.
    • River basin: divided between Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts.
    • Pre-Cambrian rocks, including the Dharwar system and peninsular gneiss, dominate the basin.

    Soils and Agriculture:

    • Soils in the basin are predominantly lateritic and tend to be acidic, ranging from clay loamy to loamy.
    • Four soil orders are found: ultisols, alfisols, inceptisols, and entisols.

    Dams:

    • The Linganamakki Dam, constructed in 1964, spans the Sharavati River, with a catchment area of nearly 1,991.71 km2.
    • The Gerusoppa Dam, completed in 2002, primarily serves for electricity generation.

    Flora and Fauna:

    • The Sharavati Valley Wildlife Sanctuary declared in 1972, protects diverse ecosystems and endangered species.
    • The river basin is rich in biodiversity, home to rare species of flora and fauna.

    Regulation of Sand Mining in India:

    Mines and Minerals Act, 1957
    Definition of Sand as a Minor Mineral Sand is categorized as a minor mineral under section 3(e) of the MMDR Act.
    State Governments’ Role Section 15 empowers state governments to regulate mineral concessions for minor minerals, leading to the formulation of state-specific concession rules.
    Control of Illegal Mining Section 23C places the jurisdiction over controlling illegal mining under the purview of state governments.

    Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016
    Purpose Released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aims to promote scientific and environmentally friendly sand mining practices.
    Recommendations Emphasizes sustainable sand extraction, monitoring, and district-wise mapping of sand availability.

    Sand Mining Framework, 2018
    Issued by Released by the Ministry of Mines, provides states with guidance for policy formulation and combating illegal sand mining.
    Recommended Measures Suggests geo-fencing, GPS-enabled transportation tracking, price control, involvement of women’s self-help groups, and exploration of alternative sand sources.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds?

    1. Decreased salinity in the river
    2. Pollution of groundwater
    3. Lowering of the water-table

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2019] With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements :

    1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
    2. State governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
    3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

    Attend Now

Join the Community

Join us across Social Media platforms.