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Type: Prelims Only

  • Judicial Reforms

    Removal of High Court Judges

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    Lok Sabha Speaker has initiated removal proceedings against a Judge of the Allahabad High Court by admitting a motion signed by 146 members and forming a three-member inquiry committee.

    About Appointment of High Court Judges:

    • Constitutional Basis: Article 217 of the Constitution of India.
    • Appointing Authority: President of India, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Governor of the concerned State, and Chief Justice of the concerned High Court.
    • Collegium System: The proposal is initiated by the High Court’s Chief Justice, forwarded through the Chief Minister and Governor, and decided by the CJI along with the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
    • Chief Justice Posting Policy: Chief Justices are appointed from outside the State to ensure impartiality.
    • Transfers: The CJI and senior-most judges of the Supreme Court decide transfers to maintain judicial independence.

    Removal Process:

    • Grounds: Proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
    • Procedure: Impeachment process under Articles 124(4) and 217, and Section 3(2) of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
    • Initiation: Motion signed by at least 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs.
    • Inquiry: 3-member committee comprising a Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a High Court, and a distinguished jurist investigates the charges.
    • Voting Requirement: Two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament for removal.
    • In-House Mechanism: CJI can initiate internal inquiries and advise resignation in serious cases.

    Other Notable Cases:

    • Justice V. Ramaswami (1993): Faced impeachment for financial misconduct; motion failed in Lok Sabha.
    • Justice Soumitra Sen (2011): Resigned after Rajya Sabha voted for removal over fund misappropriation.
    • Justice K. Veeraswamy: Corruption case remained unresolved until his death.
    • Justice Shamit Mukherjee (2003), Justice Nirmal Yadav (2008), Justice S.N. Shukla (2017): Faced criminal charges for corruption after in-house inquiries.
    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. The mode of removal of a Judge of a High Court in India is the same as that of the removal of a Judge of the Supreme Court.

    2. After retirement from office, a permanent Judge of a High Court cannot plead or act in any court or before any authority in India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

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  • Jallikattu Debate

    Dhiri Bull Fighting Festival of Goa

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    Many legislators of the Goa Assembly across party lines demanded the legalisation of Dhiri Bull Fighting in Goa.

    About Dhiri Bull Fighting:

    • Overview: Goan sport where two bulls lock horns in paddy fields or grounds.
    • Cultural Link: Associated with post-harvest feasts and church celebrations.
    • Nature of Contest: Bulls push until one retreats; no matadors or killing involved.
    • Event: Bulls given unique names, treated like local icons.
    • Betting: High-stakes wagers involve locals and Goan diaspora.

    Recent Controversy:

    • Legal Ban: Banned in 1997 under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act after a fatality.
    • Judicial Position: Supreme Court upheld the ban; events continue secretly.
    • Political Push: Lawmakers (2024–25) seek legalisation for cultural/tourism value.
    • Proposed Model: Advocates want regulated events, citing Jallikattu’s example.

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

    [pib] State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH)

    PIBPrelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

    Why in the News?

    The Union Health Ministry has launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH), a first-of-its-kind national framework to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems.

    About State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH):

    • Purpose: National initiative by Union Health Ministry to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems.
    • Developer: Designed by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
    • Objective:  To benchmark and improve the performance of state-level drug regulatory authorities across India through a transparent, data-driven framework.
    • Method: Uses a transparent, data-driven framework and acts as a virtual gap assessment tool for maturity certification.

    Key Features:

    • State Categories: Manufacturing states assessed on 27 indices; distribution-focused states/UTs assessed on 23 indices.
    • Evaluation Themes: Human resources, infrastructure, licensing, surveillance, and responsiveness.
    • Data Submission: Monthly metric data submitted by the 25th; scores shared on the 1st of the next month.
    • Performance Benchmarking: Rankings encourage cross-learning and adoption of best practices.
    • Capacity Building: Workshops, joint trainings, and regulatory audits to strengthen state systems.
    • Digital Integration: Dashboards like Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) for real-time monitoring.
    • Global Standards: Supports India’s goal to meet WHO-equivalent medicine quality norms, building on WHO Maturity Level-3 vaccine status.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    Statement-I: India’s public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabiliative care.

    Statement-II: Under India’s decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    Options: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I *

    (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

    (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

     

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  • Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

    Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

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

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court has raised a key question—whether the “potentiality of abuse” of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which punishes acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, could be a ground to declare the provision unconstitutional.

    Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

    About Section 152 BNS:

    • Deals with: Acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
    • Origin: Introduced in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, effective 1 July 2024, replacing Section 124A IPC (sedition).
    • Scope: Criminalises purposeful or knowing acts that:
      • Excite secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities.
      • Encourage separatist feelings.
      • Endanger sovereignty, unity, or integrity of India.
    • Means Covered: Words (spoken/written), signs, visible representation, electronic communication, financial means, or any other method.
    • Punishment: Life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 7 years + fine.
    • Nature of Offence: Cognizable, non-bailable, triable by Court of Session.
    • Exception Clause: Lawful criticism of government measures to seek change—without inciting rebellion/secession—is not an offence.
    • Key Difference from Section 124A IPC: Focus shifted from “disaffection against Government” to direct threats against the nation’s unity and sovereignty, with explicit recognition of digital-era methods.

    Issues with Section 152 BNS:

    • Potential for Misuse: Broad and subjective terms like “endangering sovereignty” can be stretched to target political dissent, journalism, and activism.
    • Vagueness: Undefined concepts (e.g., “sovereignty” in context of speech) create uncertainty, enabling arbitrary interpretation by authorities.
    • Similarity to Sedition Law: Despite rewording, its core effect mirrors Section 124A IPC, which is under constitutional challenge for curbing free speech.
    • Chilling Effect on Free Speech: Risk of self-censorship among journalists, activists, and citizens due to fear of prosecution.
    • High Punishment and Cognizability: Harsh penalties combined with arrest without warrant heighten scope for harassment before judicial scrutiny.
    • Digital Surveillance Concerns: Explicit coverage of electronic communication and financial means may widen investigative reach into personal digital activities.
    • Judicial Burden: Courts will need to repeatedly interpret the law to balance Article 19(1)(a) freedom of speech with state security.
    [UPSC 2025] Sedition has become my religion” was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of:

    (a) the Champaran Satyagraha (b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi* (c) attending the Second Round Table Conference in London (d) the launch of the Quit India Movement

     

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  • Electronic System Design and Manufacturing Sector – M-SIPS, National Policy on Electronics, etc.

    India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

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

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved four new projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), adding to the country’s push for a robust semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem.

    About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):

    • Overview: Launched in 2021; Operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
    • Purpose: Develop a sustainable semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India.
    • Scope: Supports the entire value chain — from chip design to fabrication, assembly, testing, packaging, and display manufacturing.
    • Administrative Role: Receives and evaluates applications for schemes under the Semicon India Programme and engages with industry stakeholders to attract investment.

    Key Components:

    • Semiconductor Fabs Scheme: Fiscal support for setting up semiconductor wafer fabrication plants in India.
    • Display Fabs Scheme: Incentives for manufacturing TFT LCD and AMOLED display panels.
    • Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors Fab & ATMP/OSAT Scheme: Support for advanced semiconductor technologies and packaging facilities.
    • Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: Incentives and infrastructure support for IC, SoC, chipset, and semiconductor-linked design projects; administered by CDAC; includes support for startups.
    • Modernisation of Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali: Upgrading as a brownfield fab.
    • Comprehensive Coverage: Includes manufacturing, R&D, packaging, and design support.
    [UPSC 2012] Recently there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called rare earth metals. Why?

    1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.

    2. Other than China, Australia, Canada, Chile, these elements are not found in any country.

    3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is growing demand for these elements.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Muon g-2 Experiment

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

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at Fermilab in the USA have made an ultra-precise measurement of the muon’s magnetic behaviour, a finding that could hint at new physics beyond current laws.

    Muon g-2 Experiment

    Understanding Muon and G-2:

    • Overview: A muon is a subatomic particle like an electron but about 200 times heavier.
    • Behaviour: It has spin, making it act like a tiny magnet.
    • g-Factor: The magnet’s strength is measured by the g-factor. In simple theory, g = 2, but quantum effects make it slightly different — this difference is called g-2 (g minus 2).
    • Physics Relevance: Measuring g-2 can reveal unknown forces or particles beyond the Standard Model.

    The Fermilab Breakthrough:

    • Precision Record: Fermilab (USA) measured muon’s g-2 to an accuracy of 0.127 parts per million — comparable to detecting a 4-gram change on a 4-tonne elephant.
    • Method: Muons were sent into a large magnetic ring, measuring the gap between spin rate and orbital rate.
    • Results: Matches earlier experiments; disagreement with theory depends on calculation method used.
    • Next Steps: Japan’s upcoming experiment will independently test results.

    Significance:

    • Potential New Physics: If the gap is real, it may signal undiscovered forces or particles.
    • Refining Theory: If not, calculations will improve, sharpening known physics.
    • Broader Impact: Advances precision science and deepens global understanding of fundamental physics.
    • Lesson: Ultra-precise measurements can uncover hidden truths about nature.
    [UPSC 2013] The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is/are the importance/importances of discovering this particle?

    1. It will enable us to under-stand as to why elementary particles have mass.

    2. It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology of transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them.

    3. It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

     

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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    [pib] MSS+ Technology in Road Construction

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the News?

    The CSIR–Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi, has developed MSS+ (Modified Mix Seal Surfacing Plus) technology for eco-friendly, durable, and low-cost road surfacing.

    About MSS+ Technology:

    • Developer: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR–CRRI), New Delhi.
    • Year of Development: 2021 (in collaboration with J.M.V.D. Industries).
    • Pilot Project: First road in Uttar Pradesh built near Lucknow in 2022; Used for 202 km of roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in 2025.
    • Composition: Crushed natural aggregate, customised modified bitumen emulsion, mineral admixture.
    • Preparation: Mix made at ambient temperature, eliminating heating of aggregate or bitumen.
    • Laying: 25–30 mm thickness using conventional asphalt pavers.

    Benefits Offered:

    • Eco-Friendly: No thermal process → significantly reduces carbon emissions.
    • Durable: Provides strong wearing course, enhanced skid resistance, and prevents water infiltration.
    • Cost-Effective: Reduced energy requirement lowers construction costs.
    • All-Weather Use: Can be laid in varied weather conditions due to ambient temperature application.
    [UPSC 2020] In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint?

    1. Copper slag 2. Cold mix asphalt technology 3. Geotextiles 4. Hot mix asphalt technology 5. Portland cement

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    In news: Dardanelles Strait

    Prelims OnlyWorld Mapping | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the News?

    The Dardanelles Strait in northwestern Turkey has been temporarily closed to maritime traffic due to forest fires near Canakkale, prompting evacuations and firefighting operations.

    About Dardanelles Strait:

    • Location: Northwestern Turkey; separates Gallipoli Peninsula (Europe) from Troad/Biga Peninsula (Asia).
    • Connection: Links Aegean Sea → Sea of Marmara → Bosporus → Black Sea.
    • Dimensions: Length 61 km, width 1.2–6.5 km, average depth 55 m, max depth 103 m.
    • Historical Name: Hellespont, named after mythical princess Helle; current name from ancient city of Dardanus.
    • Currents: Surface current flows from Sea of Marmara to Aegean; saline undercurrent in reverse.
    • Ports: Gallipoli, Eceabat, Çanakkale.

    Strategic & Economic Importance:

    • Part of Turkish Straits system with Bosporus; only maritime link between Black Sea and Mediterranean.
    • Critical for Black Sea nations’ trade (Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, etc.).
    • Major route for grain, oil, energy shipments from Black Sea region to global markets.
    • Governed by Montreux Convention (1936) for warship passage.
    • Vital for NATO naval strategy and maritime security.
    [UPSC 2008] Through which one of the following Straits does a tunnel connect the United Kingdom and France?

    Options: (a) Davis Strait (b) Denmark Strait (c) Strait of Dover* (d) Strait of Gibraltar

     

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  • Tribes in News

    In news: Kerala’s Muthuvan Tribe

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Salient features of Indian Society

    Why in the News?

    The Muthuvan Adivasi Samudaya Sangam organised a convention on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

    In news: Kerala’s Muthuvan Tribe

    About Muthuvan Tribe:

    • Location: Indigenous tribe recognized as STs of the Anaimalai Hills (Kerala & Tamil Nadu); concentrated in Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur districts.
    • Etymology: Name means “one who carries weight on the back”, linked to migration from Madurai carrying children and the king.
    • Origins: Traced to the Pandya Kingdom; divided into Malayalam Muthuvan and Pandi Muthuvan dialect groups.
    • Settlements: “Kudis” deep in hill forests; houses made from reeds, leaves, mud.
    • Population: Around 15,000–25,000; among Kerala’s least educated tribes.
    • Governance: Kani System (village headman) and Chavadis (dormitory for unmarried youth).

    Distinct Features:

    • Language: Tamil-related dialect; endangered; preservation efforts underway.
    • Livelihood: Traditionally shifting cultivation (“Virippukrishi”); now grow cardamom, ginger, pepper, lemongrass.
    • Religion: Animism & spirit worship; reverence for Subramanya, Hindu deities, and Kannagi tradition.
    • Customs: Matrilineal descent, tribe endogamy & clan exogamy; collective eating (“koodithinnuthu”); herbal medicine knowledge kept within tribe.
    • Culture: Distinct attire; strong ecological ethics, harmonious forest–wildlife coexistence.
    • Festivals: Thai Pongal is main religious & harvest festival.
    [UPSC 2014] Which one of the following statements is not correct about Scheduled Tribes in India?

    (a) There is no definition of the Scheduled Tribe in the Constitution of India. (b) North-East India accounts for a little over half of the country’s tribal population. (c) The people known as Todas live in the Nilgiri area. (d) Lotha is a language spoken in Nagaland

     

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  • Nuclear Energy

    COCO 4.9 Ocean Circulation Model

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

    Why in the News?

    Researchers used the COCO (Center for Climate System Research Ocean Component) 4.9 ocean model to predict how tritium from Fukushima’s 30-year wastewater release will spread across the Pacific under current and future climates.

    Tap to read more about the Fukushima Disaster.

    About COCO 4.9 Ocean Circulation Model:

    • Purpose: Computer-based ocean simulator to study how seawater moves, mixes, and changes over time.
    • Method: Divides oceans into layers and grids; calculates current flows and mixing patterns.
    • Resolution: Can run in low detail (large grid blocks) or high detail (small swirling eddies).
    • Climate Link: Can model impacts of warming oceans, altered currents, and changing circulation.
    • Fukushima Application: Created a “virtual Pacific Ocean” to track tritium spread over decades.

    Utility in Nuclear Waste Disposal:

    • Predicts where, how fast, and how much nuclear contaminants will disperse.
    • Maps dispersion pathways for radioactive materials like tritium.
    • Estimates arrival times to different ocean regions.
    • Models long-term concentrations under various climate scenarios.

    Key Findings – Fukushima Study

    • Tritium levels projected well below natural background radiation across the Pacific.
    • Global warming may speed up some currents, but levels remain undetectable.
    • Tritium’s natural 12-year half-life ensures minimal long-term impact.

     

    [UPSC 2024] With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:

    1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors. 2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts. 3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

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