Why in the News?
This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the Indian Express.
Women in Revolutionary Movements:
Pritilata Waddedar:
- Early Life: Born on 5 May 1911 in Chittagong. One of the first Bengali women to lead an armed revolutionary group.
- Education: Graduated in philosophy from Bethune College, Kolkata; became a school teacher.
- Inspiration: Influenced by revolutionary literature and women’s activism; joined Deepali Sangha.
- Role: Collected bomb cases, distributed pamphlets, gathered jail intelligence by posing as relatives.
- Legacy: Left a suicide note explaining her cause; remembered as a fearless martyr.
Kalpana Datta:
- Early Life: Born in 1913 in Sripur, Chittagong; studied at Bethune College, joined Chhatri Sangha.
- Activities: Conducted reconnaissance before the European Club attack; arrested a week earlier.
- Later Role: Joined bombing attempt to free Surya Sen; sentenced to life, released in 1939.
- Post-freedom: Became a Communist Party leader, focused on social activism.
Bina Das:
- Early Life: At 21, attempted assassination of Governor Stanley Jackson (1932) with a revolver supplied by Kamala Das Gupta.
- Networks: Part of secret revolutionary student circles.
- Court Statement: Famous for her passionate resistance plea before Calcutta High Court.
Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain:
- Early Life: Born on 9 December 1880; pioneer of women’s rights and education.
- Writings: Authored “Sultana’s Dream” (1908), envisioning a feminist utopia.
- Institutions: Founded the first school for Muslim girls in Kolkata; formed Muslim Women’s Association (1916).
- Activism: Led women’s conferences, challenged purdah, advocated education.
Kamala Das Gupta:
- Early Life: Born in Dhaka; completed MA in history at Kolkata. Initially Gandhian, later joined Jugantar.
- Role: Provided shelter, weapons, and materials; arrested multiple times.
- Connection: Supplied Bina Das with revolver for her assassination attempt.
- Legacy: Wrote “Rakter Akshare” and “Swadhinata Sangrame Nari”; led refugee relief and vocational training.
Nanibala Devi:
- Early Life: Disguised as a revolutionary’s wife; spied in prisons for intelligence.
- Sacrifice: Endured brutal police torture (including red chili powder) without revealing secrets.
- End: Died in poverty but symbolised courage and resilience.
Labanya Prabha Ghosh:
- Early Life: Born on 14 August 1897, Purulia.
- Contribution: Helped establish Shilpashram, hub of revolutionaries like Subhas Bose, C.R. Das.
- Political Role: First woman MLA from Purulia; wrote and edited nationalist journals.
- Later Activism: Led movements for land rights, justice for the poor.
Matangini Hazra (“Gandhi Buri”):
- Early Life: Born in 1870, Hogla village, Midnapore; widowed young, lived in poverty.
- Freedom Struggle: Joined Salt Satyagraha, arrested for making salt; resisted chowkidari tax.
- Repression: Imprisoned and beaten; served the sick during epidemics.
- Martyrdom: Killed by police firing while leading Quit India procession (1942), holding the tricolour until death.
| [UPSC 2009] During the freedom struggle, Aruna Asaf Ali was a major woman organizer of underground activity in
Options:
(a) Civil Disobedience Movement
(b) Non-Cooperation Movement
(c) Quit India Movement*
(d) Swadeshi Movement |
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Why in the News?
The Registrar General of India (RGI) has announced that the same definition of “urban area” used in Census 2011 will be retained in Census 2027 to ensure comparability of data and analysis of urbanisation trends.
Background and Urbanisation Trends:
- Census 2011 Data: India’s population was 121 crore – 68.8% rural (83.3 crore) and 31.2% urban (37.7 crore).
- Trend: Urban share grew from 17.3% in 1951 to 31% in 2011, showing rapid urbanisation.
- Units: 6,40,867 villages and 15,870 urban units recorded in 2011.
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Definition of Urban Area:
- Statutory Towns: Include municipal corporations, nagar palikas, town panchayats, cantonment boards, and notified town area committees.
- Census Town Criteria:
- Minimum population of 5000;
- Population Density ≥ 400 persons per sq. km;
- Workforce: ≥ 75% of male workers in non-agricultural activities.
- District HQs: Headquarters not legally notified as towns will be Census Towns only if they meet criteria.
- Exclusions: Plantations and orchards outside statutory towns will not be treated as “forests” under this definition.
Special Features of Census 2027:
- Caste Data: For the first time, caste enumeration included (approved April 2024).
- Worker Classification: Male agricultural workers (cultivators, labourers, livestock, forestry, fishing, hunting, plantations) excluded when calculating non-agricultural engagement.
- Error Correction: Grouping multiple villages into one Census Town discontinued; identification now at village level.
Preparatory Work and Timelines:
- Jurisdiction Updates: All changes in villages/towns/wards updated till 31 December 2025.
- Boundary Freeze: Administrative boundaries fixed on 1 January 2026.
- Village Review: Villages with 4,000+ population in 2011 re-examined to meet 5,000 threshold by 2027.
- Phases:
- Houselisting & Housing Census (HLO) – April 2026.
- Population Enumeration (PE) – February 2027.
| [UPSC 2002] Consider the following statements about the megacities of India:
I. Population of each megacity is more than 5 million.
II. All the megacities are important sea ports.
III. Megacities are either national or State capitals.
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) I, II and III
(b) I and II
(c) II and III
(d) I and III * |
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Why in the News?
Recent research by IISc on Asgard archaea — the closest living relatives of eukaryotes — has shed new light on how simple prokaryotic cells evolved into complex eukaryotic cells with nuclei, cytoskeletons, and organelles.
About Asgard Archaea:
- Nature: Tiny microbes living in deep-sea mud and extreme environments.
- Evolutionary Link: Closest relatives of eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, humans).
- Importance: Help explain how simple prokaryotic cells (bacteria/archaea) evolved into complex eukaryotic cells.
- Significance: Considered the “missing link” in the origin of complex life.
Findings from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Study:
- Focus: Scientists studied a subgroup called Odinarchaeota.
- Discovery: Found two FtsZ genes (most microbes have one) and a tubulin-like gene.
- FtsZ1: Works like bacterial proteins → forms straight filaments and attaches to cell membranes.
- FtsZ2: Builds spiral structures but needs helper proteins to stick to membranes.
- Division of Labour: Cooperation of FtsZ1 and FtsZ2 shows early signs of cellular specialisation.
- Clue for Evolution: Suggests Asgard microbes were already experimenting with primitive “cytoskeleton” systems, paving way for complex cells.
| [UPSC 2012] Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?
Options:
(a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium
(b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen*
(c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus
(d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium |
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Why in the News?
The DRDO has successfully conducted the maiden flight-tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.
About the Indigenous Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS):
- Overview: A multi-layered indigenous system developed to neutralise a wide spectrum of aerial threats.
- Integration: Combines 3 components viz. Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
- Control: All systems are networked through a Command-and-Control Centre developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
Key Components of IADWS:
- QRSAM:
- Short-range missile system for protecting moving Army armoured formations.
- Range: 3–30 km.
- Equipped with 360° surveillance and tracking radars.
- Fully automated, mobile, and capable of “search on move” and “track on move.”
- VSHORADS:
- Fourth-generation man-portable air defence system (MANPAD).
- Range: 300 m – 6 km.
- Targets include drones, UAVs, and low-altitude aerial threats.
- Deployable across Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW):
- Vehicle-mounted laser system.
- Range: <3 km.
- Proven in field trials against UAVs and drone swarms.
Strategic Significance:
- Multi-Layer Defence: Provides aerial protection up to 30 km against threats from drones to fighter jets.
- Self-Reliance: Enhances indigenous capability, reducing dependence on imported defence systems.
- National Security: Strengthens preparedness for Mission Sudarshan Chakra — India’s planned national air defence shield.
- Technological Integration: Demonstrates India’s leap in combining missile and laser-based defence on a single platform.
- Geostrategic Importance: Seen as a milestone in India’s path to advanced, self-reliant defence systems.
| [UPSC 2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
Options:
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system*
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea |
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Why in the News?
Nepal has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led global initiative to protect seven species of big cats.
About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- Overview: A global multi-country, multi-agency alliance of 95 countries (range and non-range) focused on conserving big cats and their habitats.
- Launch: Proposed by PM Modi in 2019; officially launched in April 2023 on Project Tiger’s 50th anniversary.
- Conservation Scope: Works to protect 7 species of big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
- Functions: Operates through advocacy, knowledge-sharing, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilisation.
- Conflict Mitigation: Aims to reduce human–wildlife conflict and restore degraded habitats.
- Institutional Structure:
- Governance: Managed by a General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat headed by a Secretary-General.
- Headquarters: Permanent base established in India following ratification of the HQ agreement.
Global Participation
- Membership: Includes 95 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe/Central Asia. Examples:
- Asia: India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran.
- Africa: Kenya, Congo, Ghana.
- Americas: Brazil, Ecuador, United States.
- Europe/Central Asia: Russia, Kazakhstan.
- Ratification: Bhutan, Eswatini, Cambodia, Guinea, India, Liberia, Nicaragua, Somalia, and Suriname have deposited ratification instruments.
India’s Role:
- Biodiversity Hub: India hosts 5 of the 7 big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah — and holds 70% of global tiger population.
- Funding: Government committed ₹150 crore for 2023–2028; mobilising international contributions.
- Leadership: India sets global benchmarks in wildlife conservation and ecological stewardship, positioning itself as a leader in big cat protection.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 2 |
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Why in the News?
For the first time, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced Indian classical music, dance, theatre, and visual arts into primary and middle school textbooks (Classes 3 to 8).
About Classical Arts in School Textbooks
- For the first time, NCERT has integrated Indian classical arts (music, dance, theatre, and visual arts) into textbooks for Classes 3 to 8.
- The reform aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates rooting education in India’s ethos and cultural heritage.
- Music content includes swar, laya, shabd, Sanskrit shloka recitations, folk songs, ragas from Hindustani & Carnatic music.
- Dance content covers 8 classical dance forms — Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya.
- Draws from ancient texts like Natyashastra, Brihaddeshi, Sangita Damodara, Abhinaya Darpanam.
- Pedagogy: Emphasis on exposure, appreciation, and creativity rather than mastery. Includes storytelling, abhinaya (expressions), theatre, group performances.
Classical Dance Forms Mentioned:
| Dance Form |
Details |
| Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu) |
Oldest dance form; temple origins; fixed torso, bent legs, intricate footwork; emphasis on abhinaya and mudras; devotional themes (Bhakti rasa). |
| Kathak (North India) |
Storytelling tradition (katha = story); features fast spins (chakkars) and rhythmic footwork; evolved in temples & Mughal courts; uses ghungroo. |
| Kathakali (Kerala) |
Dance-drama with elaborate costumes, makeup, masks; based on Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas; strong gestures, expressions (navarasas). |
| Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) |
Blend of dance & drama with dialogue; famous Tarangam item (dance on brass plate); Vaishnav themes (Krishna stories); brisk, graceful movements. |
| Manipuri (Manipur) |
Graceful, devotional form linked to Ras Lila of Krishna; lyrical movements, cylindrical skirt for women; avoids forceful footwork; spiritual style. |
| Mohiniyattam (Kerala) |
“Dance of the enchantress”; soft, feminine style; gentle swaying movements; solo, mostly by women; white-golden costume; mood of lasya (grace). |
| Odissi (Odisha) |
Temple dance linked to Jagannath worship; tribhangi posture and chauka stance; sculptural quality like temple carvings; strong Vaishnava themes. |
| Sattriya (Assam) |
Introduced by Srimanta Sankardev in monasteries (sattras); devotional Vaishnava themes; combines dance, drama, music; recognised as classical in 2000. |
| [UPSC 2012] How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
Options:
(a) 1 only*
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing its heaviest-ever rocket, the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV).
About Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV):
- Overview: India’s heaviest rocket under development by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Purpose: Designed mainly for lunar exploration, including India’s first human mission to the Moon by 2040.
- Strategic Role: Replaces the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) plan and will support India’s space station programme.
- Scale: As tall as a 40-storey building, far larger than the current LVM-3.
Key Features:
- Payload Capacity: Can carry 80 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 27 tonnes to the Moon, suitable for human-rated spacecraft.
- Three-stage: Partially reusable super heavy-lift vehicle with:
- First two stages using liquid propellants.
- Third stage using cryogenic propellant.
- Strap-on boosters taller than the entire LVM-3 rocket.
- 27 engines in the first stage (core + boosters).
- Timeline: Expected completion by 2035.
- Indigenous Development: Conceived by ISRO within months; aligned with India’s long-term space exploration goals.
Future Missions based on LMLV:
- Human Lunar Mission (2040 target): Capable of carrying 18–20 tonne crew modules for India’s first astronaut landing on the Moon.
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): Will deploy heavy modules for India’s planned five-module space station by 2035.
- Lunar Cargo Missions: Can transport ~27 tonnes to the Moon, supporting logistics and lunar infrastructure.
- Deep Space Exploration: Its heavy-lift capacity could enable interplanetary missions in the 2040s, extending beyond lunar exploration.
| [UPSC 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-stage 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?
Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 only |
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Why in the News?
India has rejected Nepal’s objection to resumption of India–China border trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
About Lipulekh Pass:
- Location: High-altitude Himalayan pass (~17,000 ft) near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China (Tibet).
- Connectivity: Links Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region with Taklakot in Tibet.
- Cultural Role: Serves as the shortest route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- Trade Importance: Historic India–China trade route since 1954; disrupted during COVID-19 but later resumed.
- Strategic Significance: Crucial for India due to its proximity to the India–China–Nepal border.
What is Limpiyadhura–Lipulekh–Kalapani Dispute?
- Origin: Rooted in the 1815 Treaty of Sugauli (Nepal–British East India Company), fixing Nepal’s western boundary at the Kali (Mahakali) River.
- India’s Position: Claims Kali River originates near Lipulekh, placing Lipulekh and Kalapani within India.
- Nepal’s Position: Claims Kali River originates at Limpiyadhura, extending Nepal’s boundary east to include Lipulekh and Kalapani.
- Disputed Area: About 370 sq. km., under Indian administration since the 19th century.
- Recent Development: In 2020, Nepal issued a new map showing Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani as its territory; India rejected the claim citing lack of historical basis.
Back2Basics: India–Nepal Border Disputes
- Border Length: India and Nepal share a 1,770 km long open border across five Indian states – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim.
- Key Disputes:
- Kalapani–Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura (Uttarakhand): Discussed above.
- Susta (Uttar Pradesh–Nepal border): Caused by Gandak River’s shifting course, leading to encroachments and overlapping claims.
- Tensions: Despite close ties, disputes often cause diplomatic strains.
- Positions: India relies on historical treaties and long-standing administration, while Nepal asserts sovereignty and constitutional recognition of disputed territories.
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| [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?
Options : (a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La* (d) Shipki La |
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Why in the News?
A recent movie depicted the 1946 “Great Calcutta Killing” — four days of communal riots on Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946), spotlighting Gopal Patha’s role in mobilising Hindu youth.
About Direct Action Day:
- Declaration: Called by the All-India Muslim League to press for Partition and creation of Pakistan.
- Bengal Role: Muslim League’s H. S. Suhrawardy (then Bengal Premier) declared 16 August a public holiday.
- Mass Rally: Nearly 1,00,000 gathered at the Maidan, Calcutta; addressed by Suhrawardy and Khwaja Nazimuddin.
- Violence: Immediate communal clashes broke out, remembered as the Great Calcutta Killing.
- Casualties: 5,000–10,000 killed; ~15,000 injured.
- Spread: Violence lasted four days (16–19 August), army intervention required; later spread to Bombay, Noakhali, Bihar, Punjab.
Who was Gopal Patha (Gopal Mukherjee)?
- Background: Born 1916 in Bowbazar, Calcutta; nicknamed Patha (goat) since family ran a College Street mutton shop.
- Gang Leader: Headed a street group of ~800 men; mobilized masses for defense during riots.
- Approach: Declared aim was to retaliate against rioters but forbade harm to women, children, or ordinary people.
- Links: Associated with revolutionary groups like Atma Unnati Samiti; influenced by Subhas Chandra Bose.
| [UPSC 2002] The last opportunity to avoid the partition of India was lost with the rejection of:
Options: (a) Cripps Mission (b) Rajagopalachari Formula (c) Cabinet Mission* (d) Wavell Plan |
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Why in the News?
- The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation has accepted the Centre’s proposal to simplify GST into a two-rate structure.
- The recommendation will now be placed before the GST Council for final approval.
About Goods and Services Tax (GST):
- Nature: Comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax on goods and services.
- Introduction: Launched July 1, 2017, via the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
- Replaced Taxes: Subsumed excise duty, value-added tax (VAT), service tax, etc.
- Objectives: One Nation–One Tax, reduce cascading taxation, simplify compliance, expand tax base.
- Structure: Five slabs – 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%, with cess on luxury/sin goods (tobacco, cars, online gaming).
- Exemptions: Essential goods (food, medicines, education items) in 0% slab. Petroleum, alcohol, and electricity remain outside GST.
Proposed Two-Rate GST Structure:
- Reforms: Removal of 12% and 28% slabs; only 5% and 18% to remain.
- Reclassification: 99% of 12% items → 5% slab; 90% of 28% items → 18% slab.
- New Slab: 40% rate for demerit goods (tobacco, luxury cars, real-money gaming).
- Cess: Compensation cess on 28% items to end.
- Timeline: Implementation expected October 2025 (Diwali).
Policy Rationale & Concerns:
- Simplification: From four slabs to two, easing compliance and transparency.
- Consumption Boost: Lower rates on daily goods to benefit households and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Compliance Gains: Less scope for disputes, litigation, and evasion.
- Economic Signal: Projects confidence in domestic consumption as growth driver.
- State Concerns: States, including Kerala, warn of revenue loss; call for compensation mechanism.
| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following items:
1. Cereal grains hulled 2. Chicken eggs cooked 3. Fish processed and canned 4. Newspapers containing advertising material
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only *(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is scheduled to achieve criticality in March 2026 and reach full power generation by December 2026.
What is a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)?
- A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of nuclear reactor that generates more fuel than it consumes, essentially “breeding” more nuclear material to power itself and future reactors.
- It does this by using high-energy, or “fast,” neutrons to convert abundant, non-fissile uranium (U-238) into fissile plutonium (Pu-239) for fuel.
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About India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR):
- Design began: 1980s as prototype for future 600 MWe FBRs.
- Timeline: Construction began in 2004, faced delays; cost escalated from ₹3,500 crore to ₹7,700 crore.
- Capacity: 500 MWe, sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor.
- Predecessors: It builds on India’s earlier reactors: KAMINI and Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR).
- Technology: Completely indigenous, designed by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
- Fuel: Uranium-Plutonium mixed oxide (MOX); later stages to use Thorium-232 to breed fissile U-233.
- Burnup: 100 GWd/t, reactor life ~40 years.
- Coolant: 1,750 tonnes of liquid sodium; pool-type design with high thermal inertia.
- Construction agencies: Uranium-Plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel fabricated by BARC Tarapur; reactor equipment by BHEL.
- Site: Kokkilamedu, near Kalpakkam (next to Madras Atomic Power Station).
Significance in India’s Nuclear Programme:
- PFBR is the second stage of India’s three-stage programme:
- Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium.
- Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors producing plutonium and U-233 from thorium.
- Stage 3: Thorium-based U-233 fuel cycle.
- Enables closed fuel cycle: recovery and recycling of fissile and fertile material from spent nuclear fuel (SNF).
- Enhances energy security by optimally utilising limited uranium and vast thorium reserves.
- Reduces radioactive waste through recycling.
| [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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Why in the News?
Haryana has notified the dictionary meaning of “forest” as per Supreme Court directions.
Haryana’s definition of Forest:
- Definition: A patch of land is deemed a forest if:
- Minimum area: 5 hectares (isolated) or 2 hectares (contiguous with notified forest).
- Minimum canopy density: 0.4 (40%) or more.
- Exclusions: Linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards outside government-notified forests.
- Aim: Create a uniform standard for identifying forests under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA).
Issues with Haryana’s Definition:
- High thresholds:
- 40% canopy cover excludes scrub forests and dry deciduous vegetation like the Aravallis.
- 2–5 hectare size requirement too high for an arid state with fragmented green cover.
- Exclusion of Aravallis: Sensitive ridge areas risk exposure to illegal mining, encroachment, and real estate development.
- Contradiction with Godavarman judgment (1996): SC had ruled that “forest” must be understood in its dictionary meaning, regardless of size, ownership, or canopy density.
- Dilution of protection under FCA 1980: Narrows the scope of land eligible for forest safeguards.
Godavarman Case & FCA Background:
- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Restricted dereservation/diversion of forest land without Centre’s approval.
- T N Godavarman v Union of India (1996): Court ruled “forest” must be understood in its dictionary meaning, covering all forested lands regardless of ownership or official status.
- 2023 FCA Amendment: Limited scope to notified forests and recorded forest lands.
- Amendment challenged by retired IFS officers and NGOs for diluting FCA protections.
- SC in February 2024 directed States/UTs to continue using Godavarman definition while case is ongoing.
|
| [UPSC 2005] The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India is
Options: (a) 0.25 (b) 0.33* (c) 0.43 (d) 0.53 |
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Why in the News?
The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) conducted a public hearing for the proposed 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Anjaw district.
About Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project:
- Location: Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, on the Lohit River (tributary of the Brahmaputra).
- Capacity: 1,200 MW (six turbines of 190 MW each + one unit of 60 MW).
- Project Type: Run-of-river with pondage.
- Key Features: Concrete gravity dam, diversion tunnels, underground powerhouse, surge chamber, and tailrace tunnel.
- Power Generation: Estimated 4.85 TWh annually; free power worth ₹318 crore/year for the state.
- Equity: Arunachal Pradesh holds 26% stake.
Strategic Importance:
- Energy Security: Expands India’s renewable energy portfolio and hydropower capacity in the North-East.
- Geopolitical Context: Strengthens India’s presence in the sensitive Brahmaputra basin bordering China.
- Economic Boost: Contributes to state revenues through free power and Local Area Development Fund (~₹2.2 crore/year).
- Part of Larger Push: One of 13 stalled hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh revived through MoAs with central PSUs, aligning with India’s clean energy targets.
| [UPSC 2008] On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located?
Options: (a) Alaknanda (b) Bhagirathi *(c) Dhauliganga (d) Mandakini |
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Why in the News?
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently issued a clarification limiting tiger corridors primarily to 32 “least cost pathways” identified in 2014.
About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
- Statutory body: Under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Establishment: Created in 2006 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Functions: Provides legal backing to Project Tiger, ensures Centre–State accountability via MoUs, and enables Parliamentary oversight.
- Community Role: Addresses livelihood concerns of people around tiger reserves.
- Composition: Chaired by MoEFCC Minister, Vice-Chairperson MoS, 3 Members of Parliament, MoEFCC Secretary, and others.
What are Tiger Corridors?
- Definition: Landscape linkages between tiger habitats that allow safe passage, genetic flow, and survival.
- Need: Prevent isolation of tiger populations and human–tiger conflicts.
- Examples of Macro-Corridors:
- Shivalik–Gangetic Plains: Corbett–Dudhwa, Dudhwa–Kishanpur–Katerniaghat.
- Central India & Eastern Ghats: Ranthambhore–Kuno–Madhav, Kanha–Pench, Bandhavgarh–Achanakmar.
- Western Ghats: Sahyadri–Konkan–Radhanagari–Goa–Karnataka.
- Northeast & Brahmaputra: Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong, Manas–Buxa.
- Sundarbans Landscape.
NTCA’s Policy Reversal:
- July 25 Affidavit: Said corridor identification must use multiple data sources – protected areas, 2014 NTCA pathways, Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs), Wildlife Institute of India (WII) studies (2016, 2021), and All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) data.
- August 21 Clarification: Limited definition only to 2014 least-cost pathways (32 corridors) and TCP corridors.
- Exclusions: WII studies and AITE data dropped, despite 2014 report itself warning that listed corridors were “minimal requirement.”
| [UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
Options: (a) Corbett (b) Ranthambore (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam* (d) Sunderbans |
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Why in the News?
The African Union (AU) has endorsed the Correct the Map campaign to replace the 16th-century Mercator projection with more accurate maps.
About the African Union (AU):
- Establishment: Formed in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (1963).
- Membership: 55 African countries.
- Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Vision: “An Integrated, Prosperous, and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.”
- Agenda 2063: Blueprint for socio-economic growth and continental unity.
- Main Organs: Assembly, Executive Council, AU Commission, Peace and Security Council.
What is a Mercator Map?
- Creation: Designed in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator.
- Projection: Cylindrical map with straight longitude and latitude lines intersecting at 90°.
- Purpose: Enabled sailors to plot straight-line courses for compass navigation.
- Adoption: Became the standard map in schools, atlases, and wall charts by the 19th century.
Issues with the Mercator Map:
- Distortion: Enlarges high-latitude regions (Europe, Russia, North America) while shrinking Africa and South America.
- Example: Greenland appears equal to Africa, though Africa is ~14 times larger.
- Colonial Bias: Reinforced Western dominance narratives and downplayed Africa’s size and importance.
- Impact: Supported marginalisation and exploitation during colonialism.
- Alternatives: Gall-Peters (1970s) and Equal Earth (2018) projections show continents in correct proportion.
- AU Stand: Advocates replacing Mercator maps to restore Africa’s rightful global image.
| [UPSC 2024] The longest border between any two countries in the world is between:
Options: (a) Canada and the USA * (b) Chile and Argentina (c) China and India (d) Kazakhstan and Russian Federation |
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Why in the News?
China has launched the Xinjiang–Xizang Railway Line, a strategic, economic, and engineering milestone, connecting Xinjiang with Tibet.
About the Xinjiang–Xizang Railway Line:
- Overview: A major high-altitude railway project connecting Hotan in Xinjiang to Shigatse and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang).
- Total length planned: ~2,000 km, part of China’s larger 5,000 km rail grid in Tibet by 2035.
- Construction is phased:
- Shigatse–Pakhuktso section (by 2025)
- Pakhuktso–Hotan section (by 2035).
- Terrain: Himalayas, Karakoram, Kunlun ranges, deserts, glaciers, and permafrost — average altitude above 4,500m.
- Significance: Seen as one of China’s most advanced and difficult transport projects, comparable to the Qinghai–Tibet Railway (2006).
Strategic Implications of the Project:
- Military Mobility: Proximity to Aksai Chin and Line of Actual Control (LAC) enhances Chinese troop deployment and logistics capabilities.
- Regional Integration: Links Xinjiang (Uyghur region) and Tibet (Buddhist region) with mainland China, supporting Sinicisation and demographic shifts.
- Economic Role: Opens remote high-altitude areas to trade, energy transport, and tourism, reducing isolation of minority regions.
- Political Control: Strengthens Beijing’s hold over restive border provinces and suppresses separatist tendencies.
- India Factor: Raises security concerns as India is also upgrading border infrastructure post-2020 Galwan clash.
- Part of “Go West Strategy” (2000): Long-term plan to develop western provinces with infrastructure and integrate them into China’s national economy.
| [UPSC 2023] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements :
1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
3. Bangladesh-China -India -Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China. How many of the above statements are correct?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None* |
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Why in the News?
India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha).
What are Ballistic Missiles?
- Powered by: Solid propellant rocket motors; thrust generated by exhaust gases forces missile upward.
- Three phases:
- Boost Phase – missile consumes propellant; trajectory fixed.
- Midcourse Phase – missile coasts in space on momentum.
- Terminal Phase – warheads re-enter atmosphere and strike target.
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About Agni-5:
- Type: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed by DRDO.
- Range: 5,000–5,500 km (upgrade under development up to 7,500 km).
- Propulsion: Three-stage, solid-fuel rocket motors.
- Payload: ~1.5 tonnes, nuclear-capable.
- Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) Technology: Can carry multiple nuclear warheads that target different locations.
- Features: Fire-and-forget system, advanced navigation, guidance and propulsion technologies.
- First Test: 2012 from Wheeler Island (Odisha).
- Strategic Role: Strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence posture, especially vis-à-vis China.
Back2Basics: Agni Series and its Development
- Origins: Began in 1983 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) led by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
- Evolution: Started as technology demonstrators for re-entry vehicles; later developed into full-fledged strategic missiles.
- Variants:
- Agni-I: 700–1,200 km range, inducted 2007.
- Agni-II: 2,000–3,000 km range, inducted 2010.
- Agni-III: 3,500 km range, highly accurate, tested 2007.
- Agni-IV: 4,000 km range, advanced avionics, tested 2011.
- Agni-V: 5,000+ km range, ICBM, MIRV capable.
- Agni Prime (Agni-P): 1,000–2,000 km, lighter, tested 2021.
- Agni-VI: Under development, 6,000–10,000 km, MIRV + submarine launch capable.
- Significance: Backbone of India’s nuclear triad, enhancing deterrence against regional and global adversaries.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
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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Why in the News?
German researchers found that P. aeruginosa bacteria can switch a key gene (glpD) on or off, even though the bacteria are genetically identical — a survival trick called epigenetic bistability.
About Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
- Nature: Rod-shaped bacterium found in soil, water, and hospital environments.
- Pathogen Type: Opportunistic; infects mainly those with weakened immunity.
- Resistance: Forms biofilms (protective layers), making it highly resistant to antibiotics.
- Genetic Flexibility: Large genome (~6,000 genes) allows adaptation to diverse environments.
Impact on Humans:
- Hospital Infections: Leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- Vulnerable Groups: Burn patients, catheter users, cystic fibrosis patients.
- Diseases Caused: Keratitis (eye infection), urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections.
- Mortality: Strong antibiotic resistance makes treatment difficult, leading to high hospital deaths.
Recent Research Findings:
- Discovery: German researchers identified bistable expression of the glpD gene (active in some cells, inactive in others).
- Survival Advantage: This variability helps bacteria survive hostile conditions and trigger infections even from small populations.
- Experiments:
- Cells with glpD active were more lethal in moth larvae and mouse immune models.
- Cells without glpD showed reduced infection ability.
- Significance: On–off switching of glpD is a survival and infection strategy; targeting this mechanism may lead to new treatments for resistant infections.
| [UPSC 2010] Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolated by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?
Options: (a) Agrodbacterium (b) Clostridium (c) Nitrosomonas (d) Pseudomonas* |
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Why in the News?
The Trump administration sanctioned judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over arrest cases involving Israeli leaders and past probes into U.S. officials.
About the International Criminal Court (ICC):
- Established: 2002 under the Rome Statute (1998); headquartered at The Hague, Netherlands.
- Nature: First permanent international court to try individuals for grave crimes.
- Jurisdiction over 4 core crimes:
-
- Genocide
- Crimes against humanity
- War crimes
- Crime of aggression
- Members: 124 States Parties
- NON-members: India, China, USA, Russia, Israel, Ukraine
- Structure:
- Office of the Prosecutor – investigates and prosecutes cases.
- 18 Judges – elected for 9 years.
- Assembly of States Parties – governs ICC administration.
- Trust Fund for Victims, Detention Centre
- Languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish
- Funding: Annual budget (2025) ~ €195 million (mostly from member states)
Jurisdiction and Reach of an ICC Warrant:
- Applicability:
- Crimes by nationals of member states
- Crimes committed on member state territory
- UNSC referrals can extend jurisdiction to non-member states (e.g., Libya, Darfur)
- Obligations on States:
- Member states must execute arrest warrants and cooperate fully.
- Non-compliance can be reported to Assembly of States Parties or UN Security Council (for UNSC referrals)
- Challenges:
- ICC lacks an independent enforcement mechanism
- Non-members (e.g., US, Russia) are not bound to cooperate
- Political and diplomatic constraints hinder the execution of warrants
- Special Mechanisms: ICC established an Arrest Working Group (2016) to enhance warrant enforcement through better intelligence-sharing.
| [UPSC 2022] Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news ?
Options:
(a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.
(b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea. *
(c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
(d) Though International Court of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them. |
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Why in the News?
The government is considering measures to ensure uniform application of the ‘creamy layer’ condition in OBC reservations across central and state government jobs, public sector enterprises, universities, and autonomous bodies.
About the Concept of Creamy Layer:
- Origin: Emerged from Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992); excluded affluent Other Backward Class (OBC) groups from reservations.
- 1993 DoPT Rules: Defined creamy layer – children of Group A/Class I officers, early-promoted officials, Group B parents, senior armed forces, high constitutional functionaries, professionals, traders, and large landowners.
- Income Criteria:
- Ceiling: ₹1 lakh in 1993, revised to ₹8 lakh in 2017.
- Exclusions: Salary and agricultural income not counted.
2004 Clarification & Implementation Issues:
- Clarification: DoPT directed separate assessment of salary and other income (except agriculture).
- Rule: If either exceeded limit (₹2.5 lakh then) for 3 consecutive years → creamy layer.
- Problem: Poor enforcement (2004–14) due to political sensitivities; stricter checks after 2014.
- Impact: Between CSE 2015–23, over 100 OBC caste certificates rejected under new interpretations.
Equivalence Efforts:
- Consultations: Involved Social Justice, Education, Law, Labour Ministries, DoPT, NITI Aayog, NCBC.
- Goal: Standardise creamy layer rules across universities, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bodies.
- Proposal: Retrospective relief suggested by Home Minister Amit Shah and NCBC.
Key Proposals Under Consideration:
- University Teachers: Salaries start at Group A-equivalent → children to be creamy layer.
- Autonomous Bodies: Posts aligned with central pay scales.
- Non-Teaching Staff: Categorisation based on equivalence with government jobs.
- PSU Executives: Already included since 2017; those ≤₹8 lakh excluded.
- Aided Institutions: Staff categorised based on parity with govt. employees.
Likely Beneficiaries:
- Lower Govt. Staff: Children of employees earning just above ₹8 lakh gain most.
- Correction of Anomalies: Ensures parity between teachers and aided staff.
- State PSU Issues: Fixes cases like fuel pump attendants in PSUs being declared creamy layer.
- Private Sector: No change; creamy layer based only on income/wealth criteria.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following organizations/bodies in India:
1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
2. The National Human Rights Commission
3. The National Law Commission
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
How many of the above are constitutional bodies?
Options: (a) Only one *(b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
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