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  • Patalpani-Kalakund Heritage Railway

    Why in the News?

    The 155-year-old Patalpani–Kalakund heritage train services has resumed after a temporary halt.

    About the Patalpani–Kalakund Heritage Line:

    • Route: 9.5 km metre-gauge section between Patalpani and Kalakund in Madhya Pradesh.
    • Section: Part of the Dr. Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow)–Khandwa route.
    • Restoration Year: Revived in 2018 as a heritage line after being excluded from gauge conversion due to difficult terrain.
    • Operational Details:
      • Average speed: 5–10 km/h.
      • Features scenic gorges, tunnels, embankments, Patalpani waterfall, and natural springs.
    • Historical Origins:
      • Proposed by Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar II in 1870.
      • First constructed as part of Holkar State Railways, completed in 1878.
      • Became part of Rajputana–Malwa Railway in 1881–82.
    • Cultural Significance:
      • Patalpani station named after Tantia Bhil, a tribal revolutionary.
      • Kalakund station named after a local sweet delicacy.

    Other Heritage Railways of India:

    Name & Route Details
    Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
    • Location: West Bengal
    • UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1999)
    • Built: 1879–81
    • Highlights: Batasia Loop, zigzags, colonial-era steam engines
    • Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (88 km, narrow gauge)
    Nilgiri Mountain Railway
    • Location: Tamil Nadu
    • UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (2005)
    • Highlights: Only rack-and-pinion railway in India, steep climbs, vintage locomotives
    • Route: Mettupalayam to Ooty (46 km, metre gauge)
    Kalka–Shimla Railway
    • Location: Himachal Pradesh
    • UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (2008)
    • Built: 1898–1903
    • Highlights: 102 tunnels, 800+ bridges; access to British summer capital
    • Route: Kalka to Shimla (96 km, narrow gauge)
    Matheran Hill Railway
    • Location: Maharashtra
    • UNESCO Status: Tentative World Heritage Site
    • Built: 1907
    • Highlights: Zigzags, tight curves, eco-sensitive, vehicle-free destination
    • Route: Neral to Matheran (21 km, narrow gauge)
    Kangra Valley Railway
    • Location: Himachal Pradesh
    • UNESCO Status: Tentative World Heritage Site
    • Highlights: 971 bridges, 2 tunnels; scenic Dhauladhar views, access to ancient temples
    • Route: Pathankot to Joginder Nagar (163 km, narrow gauge)

     

    [UPSC 2009] Recently, which one of the following was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list?

    Options: (a) Dilwara Temple (b) Kalka-Shimla Railway* (c) Bhiterkanika Mangrove Area (d) Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley railway line

     

  • Piprahwa Relics of Buddha

    Why in the News?

    The Union Culture Ministry has successfully retrieved the sacred ‘Piprahwa’ Buddhist relics, which were set to be auctioned in Hong Kong.

    Piprahwa Relics of Buddha

    About the Piprahwa Relics:

    • Discovery: Unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppe, a British engineer, at Piprahwa (Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh), near the Nepal border.

    • Historical Significance: Identified as ancient Kapilavastu, capital of the Shakya republic, where Prince Siddhartha (Buddha) lived before renunciation.

    • Findings at the Site: A buried stupa yielded a large stone coffer containing:

      • Bone fragments believed to be Buddha’s relics
      • Caskets made of soapstone and crystal
      • A sandstone coffer
      • Over 1,800 ornaments: pearls, rubies, sapphires, gold sheets

    • Legal Custody:

      • The British Crown claimed the relics under the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878.
      • Most artifacts were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata.

    Stupas with Buddha’s Relics:

    • After the Buddha’s death (Mahaparinirvana), his cremated relics were divided among 8 kingdoms and a Brahmin named Drona, who coordinated their distribution.
    • Each recipient built a Stupa to enshrine their share of the relics, creating important pilgrimage sites and early centers of Buddhist worship.
    • The 9 stupas were located in Rajagriha, Vaishali, Kapilavastu, Allakappa, Ramagrama, Vethadipa, Pava, Kushinagar, and Pippalivana.
    • Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE) redistributed the relics from these stupas into thousands of new stupas across his empire.
    • The stupa at Ramagrama is unique because it is believed to remain untouched and still holds the original relics.
    • A typical early Buddhist stupa included a hemispherical mound (anda), a square railing (harmika), a central pillar (yashti) with umbrellas (chatra), and a path for circumambulation (pradakshinapatha).
    [UPSC 2023] With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:

    1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.

    2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.

    3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition. How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • IMF releases World Economic Outlook (WEO)

    Why in the News?

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released the July 2025 update to its World Economic Outlook (WEO).

    IMF releases World Economic Outlook (WEO)

    About World Economic Outlook (WEO):

    • Published By: International Monetary Fund (IMF)
    • Frequency: Biannual (April, October) + updates in January and July
    • Purpose: Provides global forecasts on GDP, inflation, trade, and policy trends
    • Data Sources: IMF consultations with member nations and internal models
    • Audience: Governments, institutions, investors, researchers
    • July 2025 Update Title: “Global Economy: Tenuous Resilience amid Persistent Uncertainty”

    Key Highlights – July 2025 Update:

    • Global Growth Projections:
      • 2025: 3.0% (↑ from 2.8% in April)
      • 2026: 3.1% (↑ from 3.0%)
    • Despite multiple shocks—COVID-19, the Ukraine war, tariff increases—global growth continues.
      However, resilience remains fragile due to:

      • US–China tariff tensions and rising protectionism
      • Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East
      • High public debt in advanced economies is raising interest rates
    • Country Forecasts for 2025:  United States: 1.9%,  China: 4.8% (↑ from 4.0%),  Euro Area: 1.0%,  Germany: 0.1%,  United Kingdom: 1.2%,  Japan: 0.7%,  Russia: 0.9%,  Pakistan: 2.7%.

    India – The Bright Spot:

    • Growth Rate: 2023: 9.2%;  2024: 6.5%;  2025: 6.4% (strongest among major economies).
    • Drivers of Growth:
      • Robust domestic demand
      • Strong services and manufacturing output
      • Effective inflation and monetary policy management
    • Strategic Position:
      • Set to overtake several advanced economies in GDP size
      • Viewed globally as a “bright spot” amid persistent uncertainties
    [UPSC 2014] Which of the following organisations brings out the publication known as ‘World Economic Outlook?

    Options: (a) The International Monetary Fund * (b)The United Nations Development Programme (c) The World Economic Forum (d) The World Bank

     

  • What are Skill Impact Bonds (SIB)?

    Why in the News?

    Skill Impact Bonds (SIB) were recently highlighted by the Skill Development Ministry.

    About the Skill Impact Bond:

    • Launched: November 2021
    • Nature: India’s first Development Impact Bond (DIB) focused on employment-linked skill development
    • Lead Agency: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
    • Collaborators: British Asian Trust, HSBC India, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
    • Target: Train and place 50,000 youth over 4 years, with 62% women participation
    • How it Works:
      • Risk Investors: Provide upfront capital to training providers
      • Training Providers: Deliver skill training and ensure job placements
      • Outcome Funders: Repay investors only if job outcomes are achieved
      • Evaluators: Independently assess outcomes via CATI surveys and document verification

    Key Features:

    • Outcome-Focused Approach: Measures success by certification, placement, and 3-month retention, not just enrolment
    • Eligibility Criteria:
      • Age: 18–40 years; Education: Undergraduate or below
      • Status: Unemployed or earning below ₹15,000/month, or household income below ₹25,000/month
    • Sectoral Coverage: Retail, Healthcare, Apparel, Logistics, Information Technology & IT-enabled Services, Banking, Financial Services & Insurance.
    • Women-Focused Design: Ensures 62% female participation to bridge the gender employment gap
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:

    1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.

    3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • [pib] Digital Payments Index (DPI)

    Why in the News?

    According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), digital payments registered a 12.6% year-on-year rise as of March 31, 2024, as measured by the RBI’s Digital Payments Index (DPI).

    About RBI’s Digital Payments Index (DPI):

    • Launched by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in January 2021
    • Purpose: Measures the extent of digital payment adoption across India
    • Base Period: March 2018 (Index value = 100)
    • Release Frequency: Semi-annually (with a 4-month lag)
    • Objective: Track usage, infrastructure, and growth in digital payments
    • Key Parameters (with Weightage): These evaluate infrastructure readiness, transaction volume, user adoption, and innovation.
      1. Payment Enablers – 25%
      2. Payment Infrastructure – Demand Side – 10%
      3. Payment Infrastructure – Supply Side – 15%
      4. Payment Performance – 45%
      5. Consumer Centricity – 5%

    Growth Highlight:

    • Growth Trends in RBI-DPI: DPI grew nearly 5 times from 100 in March 2018 to 493.22 in March 2025, reflecting India’s rapid digital payment adoption.
    • Nearly 5× increase from the base value in 7 years
    • Driven by rapid expansion of Unified Payments Interface (UPI), mobile wallets, and QR code infrastructure
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following countries:

    I. United Arab Emirates II. France III. Germany IV. Singapore V. Bangladesh

    How many countries amongst the above are there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI?”

    Options: (a) Only two (b) Only three* (c) Only four (d) All the five

    Answer: (b) Only three (UAE, France, Singapore)

     

  • National Cooperation Policy (NCP), 2025

    Why in the News?

    The National Cooperation Policy (NCP) 2025 recently unveiled by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has drawn criticisms from SKM (Samyukt Kisan Morcha).

    Also in news:

    • The Union Cabinet has also approved a ₹2,000 crore Central Sector Scheme to aid National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) from 2025–26 to 2028–29.
    • NCDC was established in 1963 as a statutory Corporation under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (now functions under the Ministry of Cooperation since 2021).

     

    About Cooperatives in India:

    • What is it: A cooperative is a voluntary, autonomous association of individuals who unite to meet common economic, social, or cultural needs through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.
    • Key Principles:
      • One member, one vote: Equal say in governance, regardless of financial contribution.
      • Based on collective benefit, democratic control, and mutual aid.
    • Historical Evolution:
      • 1904 & 1912: Cooperative Acts laid the foundation for the cooperative movement in India.
      • Post-independence: Emphasis on rural credit, dairy, and agriculture cooperatives (e.g., Amul).
      • Key Institutions: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), NCDC (National Cooperative Development Corporation).
    • Constitutional & Legal Backing:
      • 97th Constitutional Amendment (2011):
        • Article 19(1)(c): Right to form cooperative societies.
        • Article 43B: Directive Principle promoting cooperative societies.
        • Part IXB (Articles 243ZH to 243ZT): Provides governance framework.
      • MSCS Act, 2002: Governs multi-state cooperatives (under Central Registrar).
      • State List (Entry 32): State legislatures regulate intra-state cooperatives.
    • Scale:
      • India has over 8.42 lakh cooperatives with 29 crore members (~27% of global total).
      • Leading states: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, MP, Karnataka.
      • Notable cooperatives: IFFCO, Amul — ranked among top 300 cooperatives globally.

    National Cooperation Policy (NCP) 2025:

    • Launch: Introduced by Union Minister Amit Shah on July 24, 2025.
    • Vision: “Sahakar se Samriddhi” — promoting prosperity through cooperatives.
    • Objective:
      • Establish a comprehensive national framework for cooperative growth (2025–2045).
      • Replace the 2002 policy and drive inclusive development through grassroots cooperatives.
    • Key Features:
      • 2 lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in 5 years
      • Scheme convergence: e.g., PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, NPDD
      • Inclusive focus: Women, Dalits, Adivasis, youth
      • Sector expansion: Into 25+ areas—dairy, fisheries, exports, technology
      • Education: First cooperative university—Tribhuvan Sahkari University
      • Export support: Through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL)
      • Digital thrust: Emphasis on digitisation and platform integration

    Issues with NCP, 2025:

    • Federalism Undermined
      • Entry 32: Cooperatives are a State Subject
      • SC Verdict (2021): Centre cannot regulate intra-state cooperatives
      • Criticism: Policy lacks ratification by half the states (Article 368(2))
    • Corporate Entry Fears
      • Emphasis on digital platforms may enable indirect corporatisation
      • Potential marginalisation of small farmers and FPOs
    • Weak Social Inclusion
      • Lacks focus on Minimum Support Price (MSP), surplus sharing
      • No robust support for producer cooperatives or fair wages
      • Inclusion of tribals, Dalits, women remains rhetorical
    [UPSC 2021] With reference to ‘Urban Cooperative banks’ in India, consider the following statements:

    1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.

    2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares.

    3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?”

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

     

  • Tsunami Waves triggered by quakes in Kamchatka Peninsula

    Why in the News?

    An 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering 16-foot tsunamis that reached Hawaii and northern California in the US.

    About Earthquakes:

    • Overview: Sudden ground shaking caused by release of stored energy in Earth’s crust due to tectonic stress.
    • Cause: Occurs when tectonic plates slip at fault lines where stress had built up due to friction.
    • Seismic Waves: Energy travels as:
      • Primary Waves (P-waves): Fastest, compressional.
      • Secondary Waves (S-waves): Slower, shear motion.
    • Key Terms:
      • Focus (Hypocenter): Underground origin point.
      • Epicenter: Surface point directly above the focus.
    • Measurement:
      • Magnitude: Energy released (Richter Scale, logarithmic).
      • Intensity: Observed ground shaking (varies by location).
      • Seismograph: Records seismic wave activity.

    How Earthquakes Trigger Tsunamis?

    • Underwater Epicenter: Must occur beneath oceans to displace water.
    • Shallow Depth: Quakes at <70 km transfer energy more efficiently to water surface.
    • Reverse Faulting: One tectonic plate pushes over another, vertically shifting the seafloor.
    • Rapid Displacement: Sudden seafloor uplift/downthrust generates massive water waves.
    • High Magnitude: Quakes >7.0 (especially >8.0) likely to trigger tsunamis.

    About the Kamchatka Region:

    • Overview: Russian Far East; borders the North Pacific Ocean.
    • Tectonic Zone: Sits on the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench—Pacific Plate subducting under Okhotsk Plate at ~86 mm/year.
    • Seismic Hotspot: Historical major quakes in 1841, 1923, 1952, 2006, and 2020.
    • Ring of Fire: Part of the 40,000 km Pacific Ring of Fire , known for quakes and volcanoes.
    • 2025 Earthquake:
      • Depth:3 km (shallow)
      • Impact: Triggered tsunami waves up to 16 ft—one of the strongest earthquakes since 1900.
    [UPSC 2004] Consider the following geological phenomena:

    1. Development of a fault 2. Movement along a fault 3. Impact produced by a volcanic eruption 4. Folding of rocks

    Which of the above cause earthquakes?

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

     

  • New Guidelines for Management of Contaminated Sites

    Why in the News?

    The Union Environment Ministry has notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    About the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025:

    • Nodal Agency: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
    • Legal Basis: Framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    • Purpose: India’s first dedicated legal framework to identify, clean up, and monitor contaminated sites.
    • Goal: Prevent environmental degradation, enforce clean-up, and ensure polluter accountability.
    • Funding Pattern:
      • Himalayan & Northeast states: 90% Centre – 10% State
      • Other states: 60% Centre – 40% State
      • Union Territories: 100% Centre

    Key Features:

    • Site Classification: Sites categorized as suspected, potentially contaminated, or confirmed, based on scientific evidence.
    • Exclusions: Sites involving radioactive waste, mining, marine oil spills, or municipal solid waste (regulated separately).
    • Transparency & Tracking: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to maintain a real-time online portal with public access.
    • Public Participation:
      • 60-day window for stakeholder feedback post-listing.
      • Final site lists must be published in regional newspapers.
    • Polluter Pays Principle:
      • Identified polluters must bear full remediation cost and repay within 3 months.
      • Land use changes or ownership transfers restricted during/post clean-up.
    • Orphan Sites (No Known Polluter): Clean-up funded through:
      • Environment Relief Fund
      • Environmental violation penalties
      • Government budgetary support
    • Voluntary Remediation: Private entities with technical capacity may remediate sites with landowner consent.
    • Monitoring Committees: State and Central-level bodies to oversee implementation and submit annual compliance reports.

    Back2Basics: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

    • Enactment: In response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy; derives authority from Article 253 of the Constitution.
    • Objective: To protect and improve the environment and prevent hazards to life and property.
    • Significance: Acts as India’s umbrella environmental legislation, coordinating with the Water Act (1974) and Air Act (1981).
    • Key Provisions:
      • Pollution standards via Environment (Protection) Rules.
      • Hazardous Waste Rules, 1989 – manage toxic waste.
      • Chemical Safety Rules – control handling of hazardous chemicals.
      • Cells Rules, 1989 – govern gene tech and genetically modified organisms.
    • Power: Empowers the Central Government to act directly for environmental protection.

     

    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:

    The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to:

    1. State the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought.

    2. Lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources.

    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

     

  • Grassland Bird Census in Kaziranga

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister recently highlighted a first-of-its-kind grassland bird census in Kaziranga National Park, Assam.

    About the Bird Census:

    • Significance: India’s first-ever dedicated census of grassland birds
    • Led by: Chiranjib Bora (PhD scholar), supported by INSPIRE Fellowship from the Department of Science & Technology
    • Organised by: Park authorities, scientists, and conservationists
    • Objective:
      • Document rare, endemic, and threatened grassland bird species
      • Focused on 10 priority species endemic to the Brahmaputra floodplains

    Methodology Used:

    • Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM):
      • Recording devices placed in tall trees during breeding season
      • Recordings captured across 29 locations over 3 days
      • Ideal for detecting small, shy, camouflaged birds not easily visible
    • Sound Identification Tools:
      • BirdNet: Machine learning tool used to identify bird calls
      • Spectrograms: Visual analysis of sound patterns; Final identifications verified by ornithologists

    Key Findings:

    • Total Species Recorded: 43 grassland bird species
    • Priority Species Identified: Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin, Finn’s Weaver, Jerdon’s Babbler, Black-breasted Parrotbill, among others
    • Major Discovery: A breeding colony of over 85 Finn’s Weaver nests—first-ever documentation
    [UPSC 2014] If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

    1. Painted Stork  2. Common Myna  3. Black-necked Crane

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

     

  • CERT-In makes Annual Cybersecurity Audit Mandatory for Companies

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has mandated annual third-party cybersecurity audits for both private and public-sector organisations operating digital infrastructure.

    Cybersecurity Directive: Key Highlights:

    • Annual third-party cyber audits are mandatory for all digital infrastructure.
    • Sectoral regulators may require more frequent checks based on risk.
    • Audits must be risk-based, domain-specific, and aligned with business context.

    About the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In):

    • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
    • Established: January 2004
    • Constituency: All entities operating in Indian cyberspace
    • Core Responsibilities:
      • Collect, analyse, and disseminate cybersecurity incident data
      • Forecast and alert about emerging cyber threats
      • Provide emergency response support to affected entities
      • Issue security guidelines, advisories, and best practices
    • International Role: Signs MoUs with other countries to:
      • Share real-time cyber threat intelligence
      • Collaborate on incident response and recovery
      • Exchange knowledge on global cybersecurity practices

    India’s Cybersecurity Ecosystem:

    • Institutional Framework:
      • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC): Protects key sectors like telecom, banking, and power
      • National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): Monitors real-time cyber threats across public and private domains
      • National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC): Ensures coordination across ministries and departments
      • Sector-Specific Response Teams (CSIRTs): For domains like finance (CSIRT-Fin), power (CSIRT-Power)
    • Legal and Policy Measures:
      • Information Technology Act, 2000: Core law for cybercrime and electronic governance
      • National Cyber Security Policy, 2013: Strategic vision for securing cyberspace
      • Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Ensures privacy, mandates breach reporting
      • Cyber Crisis Management Plan: Framework for cyber incident response in government agencies
    • Capacity Building Programs:
      • Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Promotes digital literacy in rural areas
      • Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative: Trains Chief Information Security Officers of public sector organisations
      • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Multi-agency platform to handle cybercrimes
    [UPSC 2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? 1. Service providers 2. Data Centres 3. Body corporate Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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