From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise KAZIND
Why in the News?
The 8th edition of Exercise KAZIND-2024 has commenced in Uttarakhand.
About Exercise KAZIND-2024
Exercise KAZIND is an annual joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan.
It was first initiated as Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK in 2016 and later renamed Exercise KAZIND after the second edition.
The exercise involves Army contingents from both countries and, since 2023, also includes Air Force personnel, making it a Bi-service Exercise.
Focus Areas:
It focuses on Counter Terrorism operations in sub-conventional environments under the United Nations mandate.
Tactical drills practiced include Raid, Search and Destroy Operations, Small Team Insertion and Extraction, and Counter Unmanned Aerial System Operations.
Significance:
The exercise aims to develop skills, resilience, and coordination for joint military operations in semi-urban and urban environments.
It allows both countries to share best practices, enhance mutual cooperation, and strengthen military ties.
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
Why in the News?
Following complaints from Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders about being reclassified as “foreigners,” the Ministry of External Affairs clarified, that no changes have been made to the rules governing OCI status.
AboutOverseas Citizen of India (OCI)
Details
About
OCI scheme, introduced in August 2005, allows Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India after January 26, 1950 or were eligible for Indian citizenship on that date, to register for OCI status.
Serves as a form of dual citizenship for the Indian diaspora.
The Ministry of Home Affairs defines an OCI.
OCI Card Benefits
OCI cardholders receive a multiple-entry, life-long visa to visit India and are exempt from registering with local authorities for extended stays.
OCI card holders need permission to visit protected, restricted, or prohibited areas.
Special permits are also required for activities such as conducting research, undertaking missionary or journalistic work, and visiting areas like Jammu & Kashmir.
OCI vs NRI Rights
Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 2003, OCI card holders are now on par with foreign nationals regarding economic, financial, and educational rights, reversing earlier parity with NRIs.
Significant Changes to OCI Rules
2005: Lifelong visas and exemption from FRRO registration
2007: Parity with NRIs for inter-country adoption and domestic airfare
2009: Parity with NRIs for entry fees to monuments and professions like doctors and architects
Eligibility Restrictions
Individuals with parents or grandparents from Pakistan or Bangladesh cannot apply for an OCI card.
Foreign military personnel (retired or active) are also not eligible.
Spouse Eligibility
Spouses of Indian citizens or OCI card holders, whose marriage has been registered for at least two years, can apply for an OCI card.
OCI Card Restrictions
OCI card holders cannot vote, hold constitutional positions, or be elected as a members of Parliament or Legislative Assembly.
They are also restricted from holding government employment in India.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021)
There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Neutrino Fog
Why in the News?
The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment revealed that as we continue to push the boundaries of dark matter detection, the issue of neutrino fog becomes increasingly significant.
What is theLUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Experiment?
The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment is a cutting-edge dark matterdetection project located deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, USA.
It is one of the most sensitive experiments in the world designed to detect dark matter particles, which are believed to make up about 85% of the matter in the universe but have not yet been directly observed.
The heart of the LZ experiment is a tank filled with 10 tonnes of liquid xenon, a very dense and pure material.
The idea is that if a dark matter particle collides with a xenon atom, it will produce a tiny burst of light and free electrons.
These interactions are then detected by sensitive equipment surrounding the xenon.
The experiment is located 1.5 km below the Earth’s surface.
What is Neutrino Fog?
Neutrinos, often referred to as “ghost particles,” are subatomic particles with nearly zero mass and no electric charge.
“Neutrino Fog” refers to the interference caused by neutrinos—subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter—in dark matter detection experiments.
Neutrinos are produced naturally in the Sun’s core, supernovae, and even Earth’s atmosphere.
Though they pass through most matter undetected, their weak interactions can cause small disturbances in highly sensitive detectors.
As dark matter detectors become larger and more sensitive, they are more likely to detect neutrinos, leading to a “fog” of signals that can obscure or mimic potential dark matter interactions.
PYQ:
[2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:
1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)
Why in the News?
Recent research indicates that pigs may act as a transmission vehicle for a strain of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) commonly found in rats, known as Rocahepevirus ratti, or rat HEV.
Role of Pigs in Transmission
HEV Reservoir: Pigs naturally carry hepatitis E virus (HEV), particularly strains that can infect humans.
Transmission via Pork: Humans can contract HEV by consuming raw or undercooked pork from infected pigs.
Environmental Contamination: Infected pigs shed HEV in faeces, contaminating the environment and water sources, potentially spreading the virus to humans.
Poor sanitation in pig farms facilitates HEV transmission between pigs and increases the risk of human infection through the food chain.
Cross-Species Transmission: Pigs may also act as intermediaries for rat HEV, transmitting the virus from rats to humans in farm environments.
AboutHepatitis E Virus (HEV):
Hepatitis E is caused by the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV), which is a positive-sense, single-stranded, non-enveloped RNA virus.
HEV is classified under the family Hepeviridae, genus Orthohepevirus.
It was first identified during an outbreak among Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan in 1983.
The earliest well-documented HEV epidemic occurred in New Delhi, India, in 1955, retrospectively identified as HEV.
Transmission:
The primary route of transmission is fecal-oral, especially through contaminated water and food.
Zoonotic transmission is possible with genotypes 3 and 4, commonly spread through undercooked meat or direct animal contact.
Symptoms:
Jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes.
Severe cases can lead to liver failure, especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
Prevention and Cure:
A vaccine, HEV 239, is approved for use in China, but no vaccine is widely available or approved in most countries, including the United States.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for acute HEV.
Prevention relies on improved sanitation, safe drinking water, and proper food handling.
PYQ:
[2019] Which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Coral Bleaching and Coral Regeneration
Why in the News?
A study conducted at Moorea, French Polynesia, has revealed that the network of dead coral skeletons left behind by bleaching events prevents reefs from regenerating.
About Corals
Corals are marine invertebrates made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
Polyps have a mutualistic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues.
Zooxanthellae perform photosynthesis, providing the corals with carbohydrates, while the corals offer compounds needed for photosynthesis.
Corals have calcium carbonate skeletons, which help in building the reef structure.
Thousands of polyps combine to form coral colonies, which multiply and grow over time.
Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate skeletons from corals.
Known as the “rainforests of the seas”, they provide habitat and protection for a wide variety of marine life.
Coral reefs are built by both hard and soft corals and grow over time as more corals attach to the reef structure.
They are the largest living structures on the planet, vital for marine biodiversity.
Challenges due to Dead Corals
Shelter for Seaweed: Dead coral skeletons create a complex structure that offers protection to macroalgae (seaweed) from herbivores. This allows seaweed to colonize the reef quickly, outcompeting young coral.
Impeded Herbivory: The complex landscape of dead corals prevents herbivores, which normally graze on algae, from accessing the macroalgae effectively. This leads to unchecked algae growth.
Increased Competition: Macroalgae grow faster and reproduce more frequently than coral, leading to increased competition for space, light, and nutrients, which further inhibits young coral from settling and growing.
Annual Coral Reproduction: Coral typically spawns only once a year, while algae reproduce continuously. This gives algae a competitive advantage in newly available spaces left by dead coral skeletons.
Altered Ecosystem Balance: The presence of dead coral shifts the balance between herbivores, algae, and coral, making it difficult for the reef to regenerate naturally.
Conditions for Reef Regeneration
Flat Substrate: After events like cyclones, which remove coral but leave behind a flat surface, reefs tend to recover more easily, as young coral can settle and regrow without much competition from macroalgae.
Herbivore Activity: Active herbivory is crucial for reef recovery, as herbivores control the growth of macroalgae, allowing space for coral recruits to settle and thrive.
Clear Space for Coral Recruits: To regenerate effectively, coral needs open space free from excessive algae. Removing dead coral skeletons might help create these conditions.
Frequent Disturbances: Coral reefs are better adapted to recover from frequent but non-lethal disturbances like storms, which scrape off coral and allow for fresh regrowth, compared to bleaching events, which leave the dead coral structure intact.
Water Quality and Temperature: Coral recovery depends on optimal water conditions, including the absence of pollutants and suitable temperatures.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following statements
Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
Why in the News?
The “Arogya Sanjeevani Policy” serves as a reference point for choosing health insurance for hospitalisation.
AboutArogya Sanjeevani Policy:
Details
Launch Date
April 2020
Issued by
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
Objective
To provide basic and affordable health insurance coverage to all citizens
Sum Insured
₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh per policy year
Coverage
Hospitalization, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures, AYUSH treatments, COVID-19 coverage
Pre-Existing Conditions
Coverage after 4 years of continuous policy renewal
Co-Payment
5% co-payment on all claims
Premium
Varies based on age, sum insured, and insurer
Waiting Period
30 days for new policies; 48 months for pre-existing diseases
Daycare Procedures
Covers over 50+ daycare treatments
Room Rent Limit
Up to 2% of the sum insured per day (maximum ₹5,000 per day)
ICU Room Rent
Up to 5% of the sum insured per day (maximum ₹10,000 per day)
AYUSH Treatments
Covers Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy treatments
Maternity Coverage
Not covered
Network Hospitals
Cashless facility in network hospitals
Eligibility
Individuals aged 18 to 65 years
PYQ:
[2019] Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process – Discuss.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNSC, Permanent Membership
Why in the News?
UK PM Keir Starmer has expressed strong support for India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
About United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Details
Establishment
By the UN Charter in 1945 as one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
Other UN Organs
General Assembly, Trusteeship Council, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice, Secretariat
Primary Responsibility
Maintaining international peace and security
Headquarters
New York City, USA
Members
15 members: 5 permanent members (US, UK, Russia, China, France) and 10 non-permanent members (elected for two-year terms)
Permanent Members
US, UK, Russia, China, France
Non-permanent Members
10 elected members; require two-thirds majority in the General Assembly to be elected
Presidency Rotation
Every month among the 15 members
Voting and Veto Power
Permanent members have veto power; non-permanent members have no veto but resolutions require at least 7 non-permanent members’ votes for approval, even with unanimous permanent support
India’s Participation
India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times: 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92, 2011-12, 2021-22
Responsibilities & Powers
Mediation, dispatching UN missions, appointing envoys, issuing ceasefire directives, peacekeeping, sanctions, arms embargo, and issuing binding resolutions
UNSC Reforms Process
Stage 1: Requires a two-thirds majority (128 votes) in the General Assembly (193 member states) for approval. Stage 2: Amended Charter must be ratified by at least two-thirds of member states, including all five permanent members, who may exercise veto power. Their national parliaments also influence the ratification process.
PYQ:
[2009] The Security Council of UN consists of 5 permanent members, and the remaining 10 members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of:
(a) 1 year
(b) 2 years
(c) 3 years
(d) 5 years
[2015] Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Param Rudra Supercomputer
Why in the News?
PM has dedicated three “PARAM Rudra” Supercomputers along with High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’, to the nation.
What areHigh-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems?
HPC systems are powerful computational systems that perform large-scale and complex computations at incredibly high speeds.
HPC Arka system at IITM has 11.77 Peta Flop capacity and will, for the first time, help improve the country’s horizontal resolution of its global weather prediction models to 6 km from the existing 12 km.
HPC Arunika comes with 8.24 Peta Flop capacity. This HPC will prove beneficial in upgrading weather forecast resolution at block levels.
What is PARAM Rudra?
PARAM Rudra is a high-performance computing (HPC) system and part of India’s PARAM series of supercomputers.
It is developed indigenously by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
Applications of PARAM Rudra
Astronomy: Used by the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune to study Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena.
Atomic Physics and Material Science: The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi uses PARAM Rudra for research in these areas.
Physics, Cosmology, and Earth Sciences: The supercomputer at the SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata supports advanced studies in these domains.
Weather Forecasting and Agriculture: The supercomputers enhance weather forecasting, benefiting industries like agriculture, where improved predictions help farmers make informed decisions.
To enhance India’s research capacities by creating a Supercomputing grid supported by the National Knowledge Network (NKN)
To position India as a global leader in supercomputing technology by boosting research, development, and innovation
Nodal Agency
Department of Science and Technology (DST);
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Implementation Agencies
C-DAC, Pune and IISc, Bengaluru
Phases
1. Phase I: Assembling supercomputers
2. Phase II: Manufacturing components in India
3. Phase III: Designing an indigenous supercomputer
Historical Context
India’s supercomputer program began after the USA’s technology embargo in the late 1980s, leading to the creation of C-DAC and the unveiling of PARAM 800 in 1991 (second-fastest globally at the time)
Notable Supercomputers
AI Supercomputer’ AIRAWAT’ and PARAM Siddhi – AI are currently the fastest supercomputers in India.
AIRAWAT has been ranked 75th in the world as of June 2023.
Global Context
Frontier (USA) is the world’s fastest supercomputer since December 2023.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nanjangud Rasabale Banana
Why in the News?
The “Nanjangud Rasabale banana” has been revived after a drastic decline in cultivation, despite receiving Geographical Indication (GI) certification in 2006 for its unique taste and aroma.
About Nanjangud Rasabale Banana
Details
Origin
Devarasanahalli village near Nanjangud, Mysore district, Karnataka
Unique Features
Unique taste, aroma, small size, buttery soft texture
5-8 cm in length, 2-3 cm in diameter
Cultivation
In 2006-07, 180 farmers cultivated on 100 hectares; dropped to 15 farmers on 10 hectares by 2019-20.
By the end of 2023-24, 200 farmers cultivating on 75 hectares.
Soil
Black saline alluvial soil along the banks of the Kapila River
Significance
Popular in traditional festivals, religious ceremonies, and Kannada literature
Cultural Reference
Mentioned in Kayyar Kinhanna Rai’s poem, a notable Kannada literary work
Challenges
Decline in quality due to heavy use of chemical fertilizers
Economic Impact
Significant for local farmers, high demand due to limited availability
PYQ:
[2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CAQM
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its lack of concrete action to curb stubble burning in states neighboring Delhi.
Key issues as per SC:
Non-Compliance and Ineffectiveness: The Supreme Court criticized the CAQM for failing to enforce the CAQM Act, highlighting a lack of concrete measures against stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
Lack of Accountability: The Court questioned the CAQM’s accountability, emphasizing the need for concrete actions and consequences for officials who fail to enforce anti-pollution laws.
Staffing and Representation Issues: The Court expressed concerns over staffing shortages in pollution control boards and inadequate representation in CAQM sub-committees, hindering effective operation.
Scepticism on Pollution Reduction Claims: Despite claims of improved air quality and reduced stubble burning, the Court remained doubtful, citing ongoing instances of stubble burning and demanding detailed explanations from the CAQM.
AbouttheCommission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
Details
Formation
Established in 2021;
Statutory body under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021
Objective
To manage air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas comprehensively
Composition
Headed by a full-time chairperson, with members from various states, ministries, and sectors like agriculture, industry, transport, and construction
Powers
Authority to issue directions, inspect industries, entertain complaints, restrict industries, and shut down non-compliant units
Jurisdiction
National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan
Functions
Coordinates and monitors air quality, sets pollution control parameters, identifies violators, monitors industries, and can overrule state directives
PYQ:
[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2022]The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
[2015] Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: WAM! Contest, WAVES Summit
Why in the News?
In an effort to promote anime and manga culture in India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has launched the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!).
About the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest
The WAM! is an innovative initiative launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI).
The contest is part of Create in India Challenge and is aimed at nurturing local creative talent in anime and manga production.
It provides a unique platform for Indian creators to produce localized versions of Japanese art styles, targeting both domestic and global audiences.
The contest offers marketing support and opportunities for global recognition, helping creators showcase their talent in manga, webtoon, and anime.
WAM! features 3 key categories:
Manga (Japanese style comics): Individual participation for both students and professionals.
Webtoon (Vertical comics for digital mediums): Individual participation for students and professionals.
Anime (Japanese style animation): Team participation (up to 4 members) for students and professionals.
About the Create in India Challenge
The Create in India Challenge aligns with Prime Ministers vision of “Design in India, Design for the World”, emphasizing the development of creative industries in India.
It is part of the broader effort to make India a global hub for design, innovation, and creative production.
It is a precursor to the WAVES Summit, a large-scale event aimed at promoting creativity and technology in media and entertainment.
PYQ:
[2014] Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kolkata Tram
Why in the News?
West Bengal has announced the discontinuation of the iconic 150 year old Kolkata trams, India’s last functioning tram system.
About Kolkata Tram
Introduced in 1873 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), the first trams were horse-drawn and operated along a 3.8 km route between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat Street.
In 1874, horse-drawn trams reached Bombay (now Mumbai), followed by their introduction in Nashik and Patna.
However, their dependency on horse labor made them unsustainable.
Revival and Modernization of Kolkata’s Trams
Lord Ripon revived trams in Calcutta in 1880 by experimenting with steam locomotives.
While the steam-powered trams improved speed, they introduced issues like pollution, which discouraged other states from adopting this technology.
In 1895, Madras (now Chennai) launched the country’s firstelectric tramcars, reducing noise and pollution.
Following this, Calcutta also transitioned to electric-powered trams by 1902, with routes between Esplanade and Kidderpore, and Esplanade and Kalighat.
Significance of Trams
Kolkata’s trams hold historical significance as India’s oldest running tram system, symbolizing the city’s colonial past and cultural identity.
They provide an environmentally friendly and affordable mode of transport, making them relevant even today.
As a symbol of resilience, Kolkata’s trams have survived while other cities phased them out.
They also serve as a unique tourist attraction, offering a nostalgic glimpse of the city.
PYQ:
[2020] Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
(a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.
(b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
(c) Railway line were laid in many parts of the country.
(d) Heavy duties were imposed on the import of British manufactures.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dhanauri Wetland
Why in the News?
The NGT has ordered the UP government to remove water hyacinth from “Dhanauri wetlands” and questioned its failure to designate the wetland as a Ramsar site.
AboutDhanauri Wetland
Details
Location
Dhanauri village near Dankaur, Uttar Pradesh;
Floodplains of Yamuna.
Key Species
Home to over 120 Sarus Cranes (state bird of Uttar Pradesh) and 217 bird species
Ecological Significance
Important birding and nesting site; recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International
Bird Population
Hosts over 50,000 waterfowls during migratory seasons (November to March)
Ramsar Criteria
Fulfills 2 Ramsar criteria:
1. Hosts over 1% of biogeographic Sarus Crane population
2. Congregation site for 20,000+ waterfowls
Conservation Status
Documented by BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society); crucial for supporting endangered species
Ramsar Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention, also known as the ‘Convention on Wetlands,’ is an intergovernmental environmental treaty founded by UNESCO in 1971.
It derives its name from the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was initially signed.
Ramsar sites are wetlands of global significance recognized under this treaty.
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the brink of ecological changes and in need of close monitoring under the Ramsar Convention.
Ramsar Site Designation Criteria:
Ramsar site designation hinges on several factors:
Representing rare or unique natural wetland types.
Supporting endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
Maintaining biodiversity in specific biogeographic regions.
Offering refuge during adverse conditions.
Regularly accommodating 20,000 or more waterbirds.
Sustaining 1% of a population of a single water-bird species.
Serving as a critical source of food, spawning grounds, nurseries, and migration paths for fish.
Regularly supporting 1% of a population of non-avian wetland-dependent animal species.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhagat Singh
Why in the News?
September 28th marks 117th birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter “Bhagat Singh”.
Who wasBhagat Singh?
Details
Birth
September 28, 1907; Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
Family
Came from a family involved in anticolonial activities; his father Kishan Singh and uncle Ajit Singh were active freedom fighters.
Affiliations
• Hindustan Republican Association (1924)
• Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (1928)
• Naujawan Bharat Sabha (1926)
Revolutionary Actions
• Played a key role in the Lahore Conspiracy Case (1928) by avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death and mistakenly killing J.P. Saunders
• Threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly on April 8, 1929, with B.K. Dutt, to protest oppressive British laws.
Ideologies and Principles
• Advocated Marxist and socialist ideologies
• Rejected religion in his essay Why I Am an Atheist
• Emphasized rationalism, equality, and justice.
Arrest and Trial
Arrested in 1929 for throwing a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly; later rearrested for the Lahore Conspiracy Case (murder of J.P. Saunders).
Jinnah opposed a 1929 Bill allowing trials in absentia, delivering a strong speech in the Central Assembly.
Execution
Hanged on March 23, 1931, along with Sukhdev and Rajguru, in Lahore for his revolutionary activities.
Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose visited Bhagat Singh in prison.
Literary Works
Bhagat Singh was fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and English, and familiar with Sanskrit.
His jail notebook referenced thinkers like Karl Marx, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, and others, reflecting his intellectual diversity.
At 17, he wrote Vishwa Prem (Universal Love), advocating for universal brotherhood and equality.
He urged the oppressed classes to rebel against the social order and spoke about the philosophy of revolution in his writings, such as What is Revolution? (1929).
In his series What is Anarchism? he described organized religion and the state as forms of mental and physical slavery.
He wrote about the power of love in a 1929 letter to Sukhdev, emphasizing its role in personal and political strength.
PYQ:
[2020] Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
27 sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, and services
Government as a facilitator, partnering with industries for economic development
Success of the Project
India is now the second-largestmobile phone producer globally.
The PLI Schemes have attracted ₹1.97 lakh crore in investment across 14 key sectors, generating 8 lakh jobs.
The PM GatiShakti initiative has improved logistics and transport connectivity, while India received $667.41 billion in FDI from 2014-2024.
Indigenous projects like INS Vikrant and Vande Bharat Trains have showcased India’s growth in manufacturing.
India improved its Ease of Doing Business ranking, moving from 142nd to 63rd.
Limitations:
The share of manufacturing in GDP has remained flat at 17.3% in 2023-24, the same level as in 2013-14, despite rising briefly to 18.5% in 2021-22.
Employment has declined, with manufacturing’s share in total employment falling from 11.6% in 2013-14 to 10.6% in 2022-23.
India’s share inglobal exports grew from 1% in 2005-06 to 1.6% by 2015-16, but only increased marginally to 1.8% by 2022-23.
Additionally, imports as a share of GDP have risen back to 25% in 2023-24, similar to 27% in 2013-14, after a dip to 21.2% in 2020-21 during the pandemic.
PYQ:
[2017] “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-reform period.” Give reasons. How far are the recent changes in Industrial-Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Deendayal Upadhyaya
Why in the News?
September 25 marks the 108th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, one of the most influential thinkers of India’s right-wing movement.
AboutPandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916-1968)
Details
Born
• September 25, 1916 in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
• Antyodaya Diwas is observed on this day since 2014.
Affiliations
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS)
Political Role
• One of the key leaders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS)
• Served as President of BJS
Key Contributions
• Founder of the Integral Humanism philosophy
• Introduced the concept of Antyodaya for the upliftment of the poorest
• Promoted self-reliance (Swadeshi) and decentralization of power
Doctrine of ‘Antyodaya’
• Antyodaya means “upliftment of the last person in society.”
• It focuses on improving the living conditions of the poorest and most marginalized sections of society.
• Upadhyaya believed that true development can only be measured by the welfare of the weakest sections, promoting policies aimed at economic, social, and educational inclusion of these groups.
Legacy
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana inspired by his ideas
• In 2015, NRLM was renamed Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM.
Death
February 11, 1968, under mysterious circumstances in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chang’e-5 Mission and its outcomes
Why in the News?
Scientists long believed that volcanic activity on the moon ceased about a billion years ago.
However, a study based on China’s Chang’e-5 missionsamples has questioned this belief with evidence suggesting the moon had active volcanoes as recently as 120 million years ago.
Chang’e-5 Mission: Overview and Recent Findings
Chang’e-5 is a mission launched in November 2020 as part of the Chang’e lunar exploration program.
It was designed to:
Collect samples from the moon’s surface and bring them back to Earth for analysis.
Study the geologyand mineral composition of the moon.
It successfully landed on the “Mons Rumker region”, a volcanic complex in the Oceanus Procellarum (the ‘Ocean of Storms’) area on the moon’s near side, and returned about 1.7 kgof lunar material to Earth in December 2020.
Recent Findings Based on Chang’e-5 Mission
Recent studies of samples have revealed evidence of volcanic activity on the moon as recently as 116-135 million years ago.
It challenges the previous belief that the moon’s volcanic activity ceased about a billion years ago.
The analysis of lunar glass beads collected by Chang’e-5 has provided insights into both volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts that shaped the moon’s surface.
What are the Beads on the Moon?
Lunar glass beads are small, spherical or egg-shaped glass particles found on the moon’s surface.
These beads are formed in two main ways:
Volcanic Activity: During volcanic eruptions, molten lava fragments are thrown into the air, where they cool rapidly and form glass beads.
Impact Events: When asteroids or meteorites hit the moon’s surface, the intense pressure and heat melt the surface material. The molten material cools quickly, forming glass beads as it lands back on the surface.
These beads are important because they:
Provide clues about the moon’s geological history.
Help scientists determine the age of volcanic eruptions.
Offer insights into the formation of the moon’s surface and its volcanic and impact events.
Key characteristics of Lunar Glass Beads
Composition: These beads are primarily made of silicon, magnesium, and iron, with trace amounts of other elements such as potassium, titanium, and uranium.
Volcanic vs. Impact Beads: Volcanic glass beads tend to be more uniform, while impact beads may show fractures or deformations caused by high-energy impacts. Volcanic beads often contain more volatile elements like sulphur, which are released during eruptions.
PYQ:
[2012] What do you understand by the term Aitken basin?
(a) It is a desert in the southern Chile which is known to be the only location on earth where no rainfall takes place.
(b) It is an impact crater on the far side of the Moon.
(c) It is a Pacific coast basin, which is known to house large amounts of oil and gas.
(d) It is a deep hyper saline anoxic basin where no aquatic animals are found.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AH-64E Apache Helicopters
Why in the News?
The Indian Army is set to receive its first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in December.
About AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters:
Details
Name and Origin
AH-64E Apache (Apache Guardian) is a highly advanced multi-role combat helicopter and lies in a heavy category.
Manufactured by Boeing, originating from the US.
India’s Acquisition
In February 2020, India signed a deal for six AH-64E helicopters, with an additional six contracted later.
Countries Operating
Operated by India, Egypt, Israel, Japan, South Korea, UAE, UK, and others.
Indigenous Production
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a joint venture, produces fuselages in Hyderabad, set to become the sole global producer, sourcing 90% of parts from India.
Combat Features
Features open architecture for advanced systems, enhanced thrust and lift, digital interoperability, improved survivability, and advanced infrared and night vision capabilities.
Deployment Plans for Apache
The Apaches are primarily suited for countering armour and will be deployed in desert regions.
However, due to their operational limitations at high altitudes, they won’t be used in regions like Ladakh.
Instead, the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., will be deployed in Ladakh by 2024-25.
The LCH is designed specifically for high-altitude conditions.
PYQ:
[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Oscar Awards, Film Federation of India (FFI)
Why in the News?
India has announced its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy (Oscar) Awards, set to take place early next year.
About the Film Federation of India (FFI)
The FFI is the main body representing the interests of the Indian film industry, including producers, distributors, and exhibitors.
It was established in 1951.
The FFI’s primary goal is to promote and protect the Indian film industry, both in India and internationally.
It plays a key role in selecting India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category attheOscar Awards.
How does the FFI make the choice?
Submission Process: The FFI invites filmmakers to submit their films for consideration. To be eligible, the film must:
Be at least 40 minutes long.
Have more than 50% of its dialogue in a non-English language.
Have had a theatrical release of at least seven days between November 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024.
Jury Selection: The FFI appoints a 13-member jury made up of experienced individuals from the creative field, who evaluate the films and select India’s entry.
The jury chairperson is nominated by the FFI and oversees the selection process.
Screening and Voting: The jury watches all the submissions and conducts discussions before making a final decision via voting.
Why has the FFI come under criticism?
All-Male Jury: The FFI’s current jury has drawn criticism for being composed entirely of men. This led to public discussions about the absence of women on the jury, especially since India’s official entry for the 97th Oscars focuses on women’s issues.
Arbitrary Process: FFI’s selection process can be arbitrary, and there have been calls for greater transparency and inclusiveness in choosing films for international awards like the Oscars.
PYQ:
[2014] What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Spices Board of India, Spices traded by India
Why in the News?
The Spices Board of India aims to achieve $25 billion in annual exports of spices and spice-based products by 2047, a significant increase from the current $4.4 billion.
Current consumption is 10 million tonnes, with 1.42 million tonnes exported annually. By 2047, the export target is 2.7 million tonnes.
AboutSpices Board of India
The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986 led to the formation of the Spice Board of India.
The Board functions as an International link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad with a nodal Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
It is headed by a Chairman, a rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the GoI.
Headquartered in Kochi, it has regional laboratories in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Tuticorin, Kandla and Guntur.
Main Functions:
It promotes organic production, processing, and certification of spices.
Responsible for the overall development of Cardamom.
It focuses on post-harvest improvement programs to improve the quality of the 52 scheduled spices for export.
These programs are included under the head ‘Export Oriented Production’.
Present Scenario of Spices
Production:
Major producing states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
During 2022-23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion, up from US$ 3.46 billion in 2021-22.
India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Out of these spices, chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander make up about 76% of the total production.
Chilli is the leading export earner, generating $1.1 billion annually.
Ginger exports have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%.
Export:
In 2023-24, India’s spice exports totalled $4.25 billion, accounting for a 12% share of the global spice exports (till February 2024 data).
India exported spices and spice products to 159 destinations worldwide as of 2023-24. The top destinations were China, the USA, Bangladesh, the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UK, and Sri Lanka. These countries accounted for more than 70% of total exports.
PYQ:
[2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?
