Rivers, Dams, and Headworks of Punjab

28 August 2025 | Prelims Only | Geography

Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Why in the news?

Floods hit Punjab villages due to heavy rain in Himachal, high dam discharges (Bhakra, Pong, Ranjit Sagar), and regulated headworks flow.

Rivers, Dams, and Headworks of Punjab

About the Rivers, Dams, and Headworks of Punjab:

River	Origin & Entry into Punjab	Major Dam (Location & Key Facts)	Headworks & Functions
Sutlej	Origin: Rakshastal Lake (Tibet); enters India at Shipki La (HP); enters Punjab at Rupnagar; joins Beas at Harike, then Chenab in Pakistan.	Bhakra Dam (near Nangal, HP–Punjab border). One of India’s highest gravity dams; reservoir = Gobind Sagar Lake; irrigation + hydropower.	Ropar: Feeds Sirhind & BML canals (Punjab + Haryana). Harike: Diverts Sutlej–Beas water to Rajasthan & Punjab canals. Hussainiwala: Feeds Bikaner & Eastern Canals (Punjab + Rajasthan).
Beas	Origin: Beas Kund (Rohtang Pass, HP); enters Punjab near Mukerian (Hoshiarpur); flows via Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar.	Pong Dam (Maharana Pratap Sagar), HP (Kangra). Major irrigation + power dam; supplies Harike.	Harike: Regulates Beas + Sutlej water; feeds Rajasthan & Punjab canals.
Ravi	Origin: Bara Banghal (Rohtang Pass, HP); enters Punjab near Pathankot; flows via Pathankot, Gurdaspur; Enters Pakistan and joins Chenab.	Ranjit Sagar Dam (Thein Dam), Pathankot (Punjab–J&K border). Irrigation + hydropower.	Madhopur: Feeds UBDC canal (Punjab). Madhopur–Beas Link: Transfers surplus Ravi to Beas before Pakistan.

[UPSC 2021] With reference to the Indus river system, among the following four rivers, one of them joins the Indus directly:

Options: (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutlej*

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Monsoon Updates

Mawsynram and Cherrapunji no longer Wettest Places in India

27 August 2025 | Prelims Only | Geography

Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Why in the News?

Cherrapunji and Mawsynram have recorded about 50% below normal rainfall this year.

About the Wettest Places in India:

Cherrapunji (Sohra, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya) and Mawsynram (same district) are globally known as the wettest places on Earth.
Average annual rainfall: ~11,000–12,000 mm.
World record events:
- Highest annual rainfall: Mawsynram holds the record for highest annual rainfall.
- Heaviest rainfall: Cherrapunji recorded 2,493 mm in 48 hours (June 1995), one of the heaviest rainfalls ever documented.

Comparative Rainfall Data (for 2025 Monsoon Season):

Cherrapunji (Sohra): ~3,500 mm (≈50% deficit from normal).
Surlabbi (Kodagu, Karnataka): ~7,300 mm (highest in India this year).
Tamhini (Maharashtra): 5,788 mm (June–July).
Trend: At least 32 stations across India received more rainfall than Cherrapunji in June–July 2025.
Historical Low for Sohra: 5,401 mm in 1962 → 2025 may break this record if deficit continues.

Why Mawsynram /Cherrapunji receive such high rainfall?

Geographical Location: Lies on the southern slopes of the Khasi Hills, directly facing the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon.
Orographic Effect: Moist monsoon winds hit the steep hills, rise rapidly, and cause heavy orographic rainfall.
Monsoon Duration: Receives rainfall almost continuously from June to September, with frequent cloudbursts.
Topography: Steep hills + valleys act as a trap for moisture-laden winds, leading to intense rainfall concentration.
Climatic Setting: Part of the Humid Subtropical/Monsoonal climate zone of Northeast India, with high moisture inflow.

[UPSC 2015] Consider the following States:

1. Arunachal Pradesh 2. Himachal Pradesh 3. Mizoram

In which of the above States do ‘Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests’ occur?

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

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Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

[pib] India hosts 3GPP RAN Working Group Meetings on 6G Standardization

27 August 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology

Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

The Telecommunications Standards Development Society (TSDI) of India has hosted the 3GPP Radio Access Networks (RAN1–RAN5) Working Group Meetings focusing on 6G standardization for the first time, in Bengaluru.

About 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project):

Overview: Global body established in 1998 for mobile telecom standards (2G → 6G).
Partners: Collaboration of ARIB (Japan), ATIS (USA), CCSA (China), ETSI (Europe), TSDSI (India), TTA (South Korea), and TTC (Japan).
Output: Publishes technical specifications, forming the global benchmark for telecom operators, equipment makers, and regulators.
Focus Areas:

1. RAN (Radio Access Network) – towers & radios connecting users to the network.
2. Core Network – switching, routing, internet connectivity.
3. Services & System Aspects – apps, charging, security.

What is RAN (Radio Access Network)?

Definition: The wireless part of a mobile network that links user devices (phones, IoT) to the core network using radio waves.
Components:
- Base Stations (Node B in 3G, eNodeB in 4G, gNodeB in 5G).
- Antennas & radios.
- Controllers (e.g., RNC in 3G).
Functions:
- Transmits & receives radio signals.
- Allocates spectrum.
- Manages coverage, speed, call/data quality, and handovers.
Importance: Defines network performance (speed, latency, capacity).
3GPP RAN Working Groups (RAN1–RAN5): Develop physical layer, radio protocols, performance testing, ensuring smooth migration from 4G → 5G → 6G.

Back2Basics: Evolution of Mobile Standards

3G (UMTS – Universal Mobile Telecommunications System): Introduced in early 2000s; based on WCDMA; enabled video calls, MMS, and mobile internet (up to 2 Mbps).
4G (LTE – Long-Term Evolution): All-IP, OFDMA-based; provided high-speed broadband (hundreds of Mbps), VoLTE, and seamless video streaming.
5G (NR – New Radio): Flexible OFDM-based; delivers ultra-high speeds (Gbps), ultra-low latency, supports IoT, automation, AR/VR, and network slicing.
6G (Sixth Generation – under research): Expected by ~2030; aims for terabit-class speeds, AI-native networking, holographic communication, and satellite–terrestrial integration.

[UPSC 2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference / differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.

2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

Discovery of Rare Quadruple Star System with Brown Dwarfs

27 August 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology

Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

Scientists have identified UPM J1040−3551 AabBab, a rare quadruple star system with two brown dwarfs orbiting two red dwarfs.

Discovery of Rare Quadruple Star System with Brown Dwarfs

About UPM J1040−3551 AabBab:

Overview: Newly discovered quadruple star system in the Milky Way.
Composition: Two cold T-type brown dwarfs orbiting a pair of young red dwarf stars.
Uniqueness: First known system of its kind; extremely rare as brown dwarfs usually exist alone, with less than 5% chance of companions.
Significance: Offers new insights into the formation and evolution of low-mass stars and sub-stellar objects.

What are Brown Dwarfs?

Overview: Celestial objects between stars and planets in characteristics.
Formation: Form like stars from collapsing gas and dust but lack sufficient mass for sustained hydrogen fusion.
Nickname: Often called “failed stars” due to absence of sustained nuclear fusion.
Mass Range: Can reach up to about 70 times the mass of Jupiter.
Atmosphere: Similar to gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, with molecules and water vapor clouds.
Detection: Very faint and cold; usually identified in multiple-star systems where brighter stars help estimate their properties.
Astronomical Importance: Help define the boundary between stars and planets; provide clues to conditions necessary for stellar and planetary formation.
Cosmological Role: Studying their abundance and distribution aids in understanding mass distribution in the universe and connections to dark matter.

[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars.

Statement-II: Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions.

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 explains Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

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

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First Human Case of New World Screwworm in US

27 August 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology

Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

The US authorities have reported the first human case of the flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm.

About New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax):

Overview: Called “man-eater” larvae in Latin; South America and the Caribbean.
Larval Stage: Eggs hatch into maggots that burrow into wounds of warm-blooded animals (including humans) and feed on living flesh in a screw-like motion.
Life Cycle: After feeding, larvae fall to soil, pupate, and emerge as adult Blue-grey blowfly.
Human Infestation (Myiasis): Causes painful non-healing wounds, bleeding, foul odour, sensation of movement; may lead to sepsis or death if untreated.
Eradication in USA: Eliminated in 1966 using Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) by mass release of sterile males.

Current Spread and Concerns:

Recent Outbreaks: Detected in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
Cause of Spread: Likely linked to movement of infested cattle across regions.
Possible Weakness in SIT: Current strain of sterilized flies may be less effective than earlier strains.
New Human Case: First travel-associated screwworm myiasis reported in the United States in 2025.
Livestock Threat: Serious danger to cattle industry; risk of animal suffering and economic loss.
Biosecurity Risk: Reemergence could undo decades of eradication efforts if uncontrolled.

[UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:

1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.

2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.

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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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Origins of the modern Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

27 August 2025 | Prelims Only | History

Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Why in the News?

This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the Indian Express.

How did the Public Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Start?

May 1894: Governor George Robert Canning Harris issued a circular regulating music in religious processions in Poona with a communal bias.
July 1894: During the palkhi procession of saints Dnyanoba & Tukaram, disturbances occurred near a dargah in Poona.
Newspapers (Kalpataru, Mumbai Vaibhav, Indu Prakash, Deenbandhu, Subodh Patrika) urged people to reduce participation in Moharram that year.
July 22, 1894: Reports indicated preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi on a larger public scale in Poona.
September 13, 1894: For the first time, large Ganesh idols were taken out in public processions with immersion ceremonies, modeled on the style of tabut processions.
Press Accounts: The Times of India and The Mahratta noted the transformation of Ganpati celebrations from private household worship to community-wide public processions.

Role of Lokmanya Tilak:

Newspapers:
- Through Kesari (Marathi) and The Mahratta (English), Lokmanya Tilak promoted Ganpati as a social and cultural festival.
1894–95: Advocated that the festival be used to foster unity and collective identity.
September 1895 (Kesari editorial): Stated that a nation requires common laws, a common language, and a shared cultural identity.
Contribution:
- Popularised Ganesh Chaturthi as a community celebration, open to all sections of society.
- Created a platform for mass participation, bridging the gap between political movements (Congress) and ordinary people.
Impact: Helped transform Ganesh Chaturthi into an instrument of socio-political mobilisation, while retaining its religious character.

[UPSC 2016] What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?

Options: (a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics b Lord Minto

(b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government*

(d) Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to the elected as the President of the Indian National Congress

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ISRO Missions and Discoveries

What is the Air Drop Test (ADT-1) conducted by ISRO?

27 August 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology

Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Why in the News?

ISRO has successfully conducted IADT-1, a key milestone for India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.

What is the Air Drop Test (ADT-1) conducted by ISRO?

About Air Drop Test (ADT-1):

Test Setup: A dummy crew module weighing nearly 5 tonnes was dropped from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at an altitude of about 3 km.
Purpose: To test the parachute-based deceleration system that will slow the crew module during re-entry and ensure a safe splashdown.
Parachute Sequence: Parachutes deployed in order — first drogue chutes, followed by three main parachutes — slowing the capsule to about 8 metres per second before landing.
Outcome: The touchdown matched expectations, successfully validating the design for human re-entry and landing.

Roadmap for Gaganyaan:

Objective: The ultimate goal is to send Indian astronauts to low-earth orbit on a human-rated LVM3 rocket.
Validation Tests: A series of safety validation tests are planned before the crewed mission.
Crew Escape System (CES): Already tested with TV-D1 in October 2023; TV-D2 will demonstrate a more complex abort scenario.
First Uncrewed Mission (G1): Will carry the humanoid robot Vyommitra to simulate astronaut operations.
Parallel Trials: Multiple air drop tests and subsystem validations, including parachute trials and life-support system checks, will continue.
Key Technologies: Critical systems under development include the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), the Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS), and a strengthened human-rated LVM3 rocket.
Timeline: The first human spaceflight (H1) is currently targeted for 2027, though delays are possible due to complexity in human-rating systems.

Long-term Goals:

Foundation: Gaganyaan marks the beginning of India’s long-term human spaceflight programme.
Space Station: The GoI has announced the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) to be established by 2035.
Lunar Mission: India aims to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2040.
Critical Technologies: Capabilities such as in-orbit docking, demonstrated by the SpaDeX mission in 2025, will be essential for future missions.

[UPSC 2025] Consider the following space missions:

I. Axiom-4 II. SpaDeX III. Gaganyaan

How many of the space missions given above encourage and support microgravity research?

Options:

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three* (d) None

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Vithalbhai Patel and the Legacy of India’s Legislative Traditions

26 August 2025 | Prelims Only | History

Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Why in the News?

The Delhi Assembly has hosted a two-day All India Speakers’ Conference to mark 100 years since Vithalbhai Patel became the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly, the precursor to today’s Parliament.

Vithalbhai Patel and the Legacy of India’s Legislative Traditions

Who was Vithalbhai Patel?

Early Life: Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (1873–1933), Elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; trained lawyer (studied law in England, practiced in Bombay).
Political career:
- Member, Bombay Legislative Council (1912).
- Member, Imperial Legislative Council (1918).
- Elected to Central Legislative Assembly in 1924 from Bombay city.
First Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly (1925), equivalent to today’s Lok Sabha Speaker under British rule.

His Political Legacy:

Associated with Swaraj Party (1923): Co-founded by him, Motilal Nehru, Chittaranjan Das, Subhas Chandra Bose, opposing Gandhi’s suspension of Non-Cooperation Movement.
Strengthening Speaker’s Authority: Asserted that the Assembly President (Speaker) was paramount, even over the Viceroy inside the House.
Parliamentary Security: Insisted on keeping Assembly security under Speaker’s control, even after Bhagat Singh’s 1929 bomb incident. This autonomy lasted until 2024 when CISF took over.
Independent Parliament Secretariat: Established a staff system reporting only to the Speaker, ensuring independence from executive interference.
Institution Builder: Motilal Nehru and Lala Lajpat Rai supported his push, leading to creation of a separate Legislative Assembly Department in 1929.
Freedom Struggle Role: Critic of Gandhian withdrawal strategy; collaborated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose abroad to internationalize India’s cause.
Controversial Will: Left part of his wealth to support Bose’s political work, later overturned in court after family challenge.

[UPSC 2016] For the Karachi session of Indian National Congress in 1931 presided over by Sardar Patel. Who drafted the Resolution Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme?

Options: (a) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Pt Jawaharlal Nehru* (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (d) Dr. BR Ambedkar

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Indian Army Updates

Exercise Maitree

26 August 2025 | Prelims Only | Internal Security

Mains Paper 3

Why in the News?

The 14th Maitree Exercise between Indian and Thai Army will be held in Umroi, Meghalaya returning to India after five years.

About Exercise Maitree:

Overview: A bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.
Started: 2006, as a collaborative initiative to deepen defense ties.
Frequency: Held annually, alternating between India and Thailand.
Participants: Company-level contingents (approx. 70–80 soldiers each); Indian units have included Ladakh Scouts, while Thai units have included Infantry Regiments.
Objective: To build interoperability, mutual trust, and cooperation in counter-terrorism, insurgency management, and peacekeeping operations.

Key Features:

Counter-Terrorism Focus: Joint training for counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations, especially in semi-urban and jungle terrain.
UN Mandate Training: Exercises designed to simulate peacekeeping operations under UN Charter VII.
Humanitarian Drills: Includes disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and urban evacuation operations.
Strategic Relevance:
- Strengthens India–Thailand defense cooperation under the 2012 MoU.
- Supports India’s Act East Policy and shared maritime/strategic interests in the Bay of Bengal–Andaman Sea region.
- Enhances interoperability for multinational operations and regional stability.

[UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).

3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.

4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the answer using the code given below:

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

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Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0

26 August 2025 | 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 Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to further the government’s agenda of decriminalisation and rationalisation of laws.
This is the second Jan Vishwas Bill; the first (2023) decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Acts.

About the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0:

Introduced in Lok Sabha (August 2025) as the second Jan Vishwas reform.
Seeks to amend 16 Central Acts across 10 ministries/departments.
Builds on the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Acts.
Aims to promote trust-based governance, ease of living, and ease of doing business.
Currently referred to a Lok Sabha Select Committee for examination.

Key Features of the Bill:

Scope: Proposes amendments to 355 provisions:
- 288 decriminalised (technical/procedural defaults).
- 67 rationalised (ease of living).
Acts covered: RBI Act (1934), Drugs & Cosmetics Act (1940), Motor Vehicles Act (1988), Electricity Act (2003), Legal Metrology Act (2009), MSME Development Act (2006), Apprentice Act (1961), and others.
First-time Offences: Introduces “warning” and “improvement notice” in 76 offences (e.g., non-standard weights, MVA violations).
Decriminalisation: Removes imprisonment clauses for minor defaults, replacing them with fines or warnings.
- Example: Electricity Act → imprisonment replaced with fines between ₹10,000 and ₹10 lakh.
Penalty Rationalisation: Automatic 10% increase in penalties every 3 years for repeat offences.
Objective: Ensure deterrence without overburdening courts and without repeated legislative amendments.

Why was the Bill brought in?

Over-criminalisation in Indian laws:
- 882 central laws; 370 contain criminal provisions for 7,305 offences (Vidhi Centre).
- Many are trivial or outdated (e.g., penalties for routine acts like exercising pets incorrectly).
Business barriers:
- ORF (2022) → Over 50% of 1,536 business laws carry jail terms; 37.8% of 69,233 compliances carry imprisonment clauses.
- Creates fear among entrepreneurs, stifling growth.
Judicial pendency:
- 3.6 crore criminal cases pending in district courts (Aug 2025).
- 2.3 crore are over 1 year old.
- Minor offences clog the system, delaying trials of serious crimes.
Governance reform agenda:
- Aligns with PM Modi’s commitment to remove “unnecessary laws” (reiterated in Independence Day 2025 speech).
- Supports ease of living and ease of doing business as core NDA governance planks.

[UPSC 2012] What is/are the recent policy initiative(s)of Government of India to promote the growth of the manufacturing sector?

1. Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones

2. Providing the benefit of ‘single window clearance’

3. Establishing the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund

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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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the news?

About the Rivers, Dams, and Headworks of Punjab:

Why in the News?

About the Wettest Places in India:

Comparative Rainfall Data (for 2025 Monsoon Season):

Why Mawsynram /Cherrapunji receive such high rainfall?

Why in the News?

About 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project):

What is RAN (Radio Access Network)?

Back2Basics: Evolution of Mobile Standards

Why in the News?

About UPM J1040−3551 AabBab:

What are Brown Dwarfs?

Why in the News?

About New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax):

Current Spread and Concerns:

Why in the News?

How did the Public Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Start?

Role of Lokmanya Tilak:

Why in the News?

About Air Drop Test (ADT-1):

Roadmap for Gaganyaan:

Long-term Goals:

Why in the News?

Who was Vithalbhai Patel?

His Political Legacy:

Why in the News?

About Exercise Maitree:

Key Features:

Why in the News?

About the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0:

Key Features of the Bill:

Why was the Bill brought in?