From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Western Honey Bees
Why in the News?
Western Honey Bees widely used for boosting pollination has led to unintended ecological consequences.
Now they inadvertently carry and transmit Thai Sacbrood Virus to native bee colonies.
AboutWestern Honey Bees
Scientific Name: Apis mellifera
Introduced globally for their pollination abilities and honey production. In India, they were introduced in 1983 to enhance honey yield.
Widely used in agriculture, particularly for pollination of crops like fruit trees, crops, and vegetables.
Thai Sacbrood Virus Outbreak
The Thai Sacbrood Virus (TSBV) outbreak in China and Vietnam has severely impacted honey bee populations.
In 1991-1992, a Thai sacbrood virus outbreak devastated around 90% of Asiatic honey bee colonies in South India and re-emerged in 2021 in Telangana.
The virus primarily infects honey bee larvae, leading to their high mortality rates.
As a result, the affected regions experienced significant declines in bee colonies, which in turn affected pollination services and honey production.
The movement of bee colonies for commercial pollination and honey production has facilitated the spread of the virus.
AboutIndian Bees and Their Habitat
Indian bees are predominantly Apis cerana indica, a species of Asian honey bee.
They are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, agricultural land, and urban environments.
They thrive in areas with abundant flowers and nectar sources.
Indian bees are important for pollination, especially for local flora, and contribute to the ecosystem by supporting biodiversity and food production.
They face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition from Western Honey Bees, which may outcompete them for food and nesting sites.
Significance of Honey Bee:
Pollination and Food Security: Honey bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, ensuring global food security and agricultural sustainability.
Biodiversity Conservation: By facilitating plant reproduction, honey bees support ecosystem health and biodiversity, maintaining the balance of natural habitats and enhancing the resilience of ecosystems.
PYQ:
[2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kaalinga Specie
PC: The Hindu
Why in the News?
The Western Ghats’ king cobra, commonly called ‘Kalinga Sarpa’, will soon be recognized in the scientific community as Ophiophagus kaalinga.
AboutKaalinga (Ophiophagus kaalinga):
Details
Geographical Location
• Native to the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, and extends to adjacent regions within the Western Ghats.
• Prefers dense tropical forests and hilly terrains.
Physical Features
• Can grow up to 10-12 feet.
• Carnivorous, feeding on snakes, small mammals, and lizards.
• Potent neurotoxic venom capable of killing several humans or an elephant in a single bite.
Uniqueness
• Known for territorial behaviour and intelligence.
• Females build and fiercely guard nests (4 ft x 3 ft) with 23-43 eggs per clutch.
Conservation Status
• At risk due to habitat fragmentation, human-animal conflict, and the absence of specific anti-venom.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
WPA, 1972:Schedule II (accorded protection but with lesser restrictions compared to Schedule I)
PYQ:
[2010] King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?
(a) It is a snake-eater and the nest helps attract other snakes
(b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth to its offspring
(c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched
(d) It is a large, cold-blooded animal and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Press Council of India
Why in the News?
National Press Day is celebrated annually on November 16 to honour the critical role of a free and responsible press in society.
It marks the start of the Press Council of India in 1966, established as a moral watchdog to uphold press standards and protect it from undue influence or threats.
About the Press Council of India (PCI):
Details
Historical Background
• Constituted on July 4, 1966, as an autonomous, statutory, and quasi-judicial body.
• Established to act as a moral watchdog over the press to ensure it operates with ethics and independence.
• First Press Commission of India (1954) recommended forming a council to uphold professional standards in journalism.
• Initially governed by the Press Council Act of 1965, later replaced by the Press Council Act of 1978.
Composition of PCI
• Comprises 28 members and a Chairperson.
• Chairperson appointed by a committee that includes the Chief Justice of India, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and a representative of the President.
• Member Representation:
– 13 working journalists representing different news organizations.
– 6 members from editors and newspaper owners.
– 5 members from Parliament (3 from Lok Sabha, 2 from Rajya Sabha).
– 1 nominee each from the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Bar Council of India (BCI), and Sahitya Akademi.
• Term: Each member serves a 3-year term and can be re-elected.
Powers and Functions of PCI
• Quasi-Judicial Authority: PCI has statutory powers to hold inquiries into complaints against the press or journalists for professional misconduct.
• Inquiry Powers: PCI can summon witnesses and call for documents if necessary.
• Disciplinary Action: PCI has the authority to censure or admonish newspapers, editors, or journalists for violating professional ethics.
• Recommendations: Although PCI cannot enforce laws or impose penalties, it can recommend actions to the relevant authorities in case of serious violations.Functions:
• Upholding Press Freedom: Ensures that the press in India is free from undue influence and performs its duties with responsibility.
• Protecting Journalists: Investigates complaints of harassment or threats against journalists and defends their rights.
• Policy Advisory Role: Advises the government on policy issues that affect press freedom and media laws.
• Studies and Reports: Conducts studies on media issues, such as election reporting, defense coverage, and journalist safety, to provide guidelines on responsible reporting.
PYQ:
[2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?
(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.
(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bose-Einstein Statistics
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Bose-Einstein Statistics at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences.
Bose-Einstein Statistics
Bose-Einstein statistics describe how certain particles called bosons (like photons and helium-4 atoms) behave, especially at low temperatures.
This concept was developed by Satyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein.
It explains the behavior of bosons, which are particles that can exist in the same state as others.
Unlike other particles, bosons can “share” a quantum state, meaning multiple bosons can exist in the same place with the same energy.
It is used to understand particles that don’t follow the Pauli Exclusion Principle (which states that two fermions, like electrons, cannot occupy the same state).
Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)
A BEC is a special state of matter formed when bosons are cooled down to almost absolute zero (-273°C). In this state, the particles behave as one single quantum entity.
Bosons, when cooled to near absolute zero, lose their individual properties and combine to form a single quantum state.
It was achieved in 1995 by Eric Cornell and Carl Wieman using rubidium atoms.
This discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics.
BECs exhibit unique quantum behaviors like zero viscosity (flow without friction) and act as a “super atom” that is extremely sensitive to any outside influence.
Significance of Bose-Einstein Statistics
Bose-Einstein statistics are essential for understanding quantum mechanics, particularly the behavior of particles in quantum states.
These statistics led to the discovery of Bose-Einstein Condensates, which have unique properties not seen in normal states of matter.
BECs are useful in atomic clocks, superconductors, and quantum computing due to their sensitivity and unique quantum properties.
Bose’s work was crucial in explaining light’s particle nature (photons), which helped develop the concept of wave-particle duality in quantum theory.
Bose-Einstein statistics paved the way for studying low-temperature physics, allowing scientists to observe quantum effects in larger systems.
These statistics and the discovery of BECs continue to inspire new fields of research, including quantum fluids and quantum phase transitions.
PYQ:
[2018] Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionised the field of Physics.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)
Why in the News?
The RBI designated SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2024.
Current D-SIBs in India:
As of 2024, the State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank are classified as D-SIBs.
SBI was classified as a D-SIB in 2015, ICICI Bank in 2016, and HDFC Bank in 2017.
What are Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)?
D-SIBs are banks that are critical to the stability of a country’s financial system.
They are often termed “Too Big To Fail” (TBTF) because their failure could lead to significant disruptions in the economy.
The RBI identifies D-SIBs annually.
The framework for recognizing these banks was issued in July 2014.
The RBI has been publishing an annual list of D-SIBs since 2015.
D-SIBs are placed in different buckets based on systemic importance scores. Higher bucket rankings require greater capital requirements to absorb losses.
SBI is in Bucket 4.
HDFC Bank is in Bucket 3.
ICICI Bank is in Bucket 1.
D-SIBs must maintain additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital based on their bucket.
SBI: 0.80% of Risk Weighted Assets (RWAs).
HDFC Bank: 0.40%
ICICI Bank: 0.20%
Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs):
On the global stage, G-SIBs are designated by the Financial Stability Board (FSB).
G-SIBs include large international banks such as JP Morgan Chase and HSBC.
Foreign banks in India that qualify as G-SIBs are required to hold additional CET1 capital in India, proportional to their global risk-weighted assets.
Benefits of D-SIB Classification
It ensures financial stability by requiring additional capital buffers for resilience during economic stress.
It increases public confidence through enhanced monitoring and regulation.
It receives improved supervisory attention, leading to better governance and controls.
It prepares D-SIBs for financial shocks with additional CET1 and stress-testing requirements.
It often benefits from higher credit ratings, lowering borrowing costs and improving access to capital.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ADB
Why in the News?
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will boost climate-related lending by up to $7.2 billion following an agreement by the United States and Japan to provide risk guarantees for some existing loans.
This marks the first-ever use of sovereign guarantees for climate finance.
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
About
ADB was founded in 1966 following the Conference on Asian Economic Cooperation organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East.
Headquarters: Located in Manila, Philippines.
Status: Official UN Observer.
Aims and Objectives
Reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific region.
Provide Program Assistance that provides loans (hard/soft), technical assistance, and grants.
Enhances effectiveness through policy dialogues, advisory services, and co-financing to mobilize additional financial resources.
Goals and Targets
ADB raises funds primarily through bond issues on global capital markets.
The ADB has set a climate finance target of $100 billion from 2019 to 2030. The U.S. will guarantee $1 billion of existing ADB loans, while Japan will underwrite $600 million.
Advantages of the Guarantee Structure:
Expands ADB’s lending capacity.
Lending space will be used over 5 years, while the guarantees will last for 25 years.
Example: A sustainable aviation fuel initiative in Pakistan using cooking oil, with ADB covering about half of the $90 million cost.
Membership
Total Members: 67 countries, with 48 from Asia and the Pacific.
Membership Eligibility: Includes members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and non-regional developed countries.
Major Shareholders: Japan and the United States (Each hold 15.607% of shares), China ( 6.444%), India (6.331%), Australia (5.786%).
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Barak River
Why in the News?
Police found dead bodies floating in the Barak River (inflicted due to Manipur Violence).
About the Barak River:
Details
Geographical Location
• Originates from Japvo mountain in Manipur hills at 3,015 m altitude.
• Flows south, forming the border between Assam and Manipur up to Jirimat.
• Flows for 524 km in India, and then enters Bangladesh as Surma and Kushiyara, later becoming Meghna River.• The river is navigable in parts, with National Waterway 6 (121 km).
Physical Features
• Length: 564 km in total, with 524 km in India.
• Drainage area in India: 41,157 sq. km (1.38% of India’s total area).
• Tributaries: Jiri, Dhaleswari, Singla, Longai, Sonai, and Katakhal.
Flora and Fauna/Important Sites
• Fauna: Home to over 2,000 species of fish and rare creatures like the Siamese crocodile, susu dolphin, smooth-coated otter, and black mugger crocodile.
• Flora: Includes Varzea forest, Los llamjao, tidal forests (mangroves), Pats (flat-topped table mountains), and large tropical swamps.
• Wetlands support farming and biodiversity.
• Hydropower projects: Tipaimukh Dam, Tista Champamati, Dhansiri Barrages.
• Affected by flooding and soil erosion, especially during monsoon.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following rivers:
1. Barak
2. Lohit
3. Subansiri
Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?
Since 2021, November 15th is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor the contributions of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle.
This day commemorates the birth anniversary of the legendary SriBirsa Munda.
Who was Birsa Munda?
Born on November 15, 1875, in the Chotanagpur region (now Jharkhand), during a period of significant changes for the Munda community.
He spent his early years traveling with his parents; received primary education under Jaipal Nag.
He was influenced by the Sardari agitation, a peaceful movement against British rule, Birsa emerged as a leader advocating tribal rights.
Causes of the Rebellion:
British policies like the Permanent Settlement Act (1793) disrupted traditional land systems, leading to displacement and exploitation of tribal communities.
The Mundas’ khuntkatti land rights system was eroded by jagirdars and thikadars, resulting in land alienation.
Increased migration of non-tribals under British rule led to exploitation through high-interest money lending and forced labor.
Missionary-led education raised awareness among tribals, creating social divides but also sparking movements for tribal rights.
Historical Background:
Birsa started the Birsait faith to counter Christian missionary conversions among tribals. It became a challenge to British conversion efforts.
Members of the Munda and Oraon communities joined the Birsait sect.
The Mundas honored him as Dharati Aaba (Father of the Earth).
The Ulgulan Movement: Also known as the Munda Rebellion, led by Birsa Munda in 1899-1900.
Concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada, and Bandgaon.
The goal was to establish Munda Raj (self-rule) and independence, known as Ulgulan or the “Great Tumult.”
The rebellion was ultimately suppressed by British forces, leading to Birsa Munda’s capture and death.
Birsa Munda’s mobilization left a lasting impact, prompting government reforms like the repeal of the Begar system and enactment of the Tenancy Act (1903).
The movement was violently suppressed, and Birsa Munda died in jail on June 9, 1900.
Significance:
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is significant in preserving the legacy of tribal resistance leaders and advocating for tribal rights.
It promotes a more inclusive society that values the contributions of all communities in India’s historical and cultural fabric.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Student Direct Stream visa
Why in the News?
Canada hasdiscontinued the Student Direct Stream (SDS), ending faster processing for students from specific countries, including India.
What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa?
The SDS is a fast-track visa processing program introduced by Canada in 2018 to expedite study permits for students from certain countries, including India.
Under SDS, applicants typically experienced processing times of around 20 days.
This stream was designed to simplify and speed up the application process for eligible students by requiring proof of financial stability (such as a Guaranteed Investment Certificate) and specific educational documentation.
The SDS applied to students from 14 countries, including: India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
Since its launch, SDS has been popular among Indian students, with a high approval rate for study permits in recent years.
Why was SDS discontinued?
Fair Access: Moving to a single, standardized process aims to provide equal opportunity for all applicants.
Strengthened Protection: Canada intends to address student vulnerability by improving safeguards in its regular process.
The changes are part of Canada’s broader immigration reforms, which also update financial requirements and study permit caps.
How does the discontinuation affect Indian Students?
Indian students will face:
Longer Processing Times: Visa approvals may now take longer under the standard process.
Additional Financial Proof: More financial documentation will be required.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes: New rules from November 1, 2024 may impact work options after graduation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’
Why in the News?
The Indian Army is conducting a high-intensity tri-services exercise named Poorvi Prahar from November 10 to 18 in Arunachal Pradesh’s forward areas.
About Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’
It is a joint effort of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to improve combat effectiveness for Integrated Joint Operations in challenging mountainous terrain.
It features a broad range of advanced military platforms:
Aircraft and Helicopters: Includes fighter aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, Chinook helicopters, and the Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra).
Artillery: Deployment of M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
Capabilities: These assets provide high mobility, firepower, and precision suited to the region’s tough terrain.
Significance:
It emphasizes the Indian Armed Forces’ readiness to conduct multi-domain operations across land, air, and sea, reinforcing India’s strategic deterrence capabilities in the region.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 6.4, ITMOs
Why in the News?
At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the adoption of Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement has paved the way for global carbon trading under UN supervision.
This new development allows UN member countries to trade carbon credits globally.
What is Article 6.4?
Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a global carbon market to facilitate carbon credit trading between countries.
It is part of Article 6, which outlines mechanisms for international cooperation in achieving net-zero emissions.
Objective: Enable countries to offset their emissions by investing in emission reduction projects in other countries.
It establishes a global carbon market overseen by a UNFCCC SupervisoryBody.
This body would develop rules, monitors credit issuance, and ensures compliance with international standards.
It allows countries to generate and trade Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs), which represent reductions in CO₂ or equivalent greenhouse gases.
Credits are earned from approved climate projects and can be traded globally.
Through subsections like Article 6.2, countries can use ITMOs (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes) to meet their NDCs, which are tradeable units representing emissions reductions.
Significance of Article 6.4
Cost-Effective Climate Action: By enabling global carbon markets, Article 6.4 could save an estimated $250 billion annually in implementing climate plans, providing a cost-efficient path to emission reductions.
Support for NDCs: The mechanism helps countries meet their NDC targets under the Paris Agreement, allowing more flexibility and incentivizing investments in green projects worldwide.
Economic Growth and Climate Mitigation: Carbon markets foster investments in clean energy, create jobs in climate-focused sectors, and link economic growth with climate action.
Encourages Sustainable Development: Article 6.4 incentivizes sustainable projects in developing countries, promoting green technology transfer and supporting local economies.
Types of Carbon Credit Projects under Article 6.4
Emission Reduction Projects
Energy Efficiency Improvements: Reducing energy consumption (e.g., efficient lighting, better insulation).
Renewable Energy: Replacing fossil fuels with solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.
Emission Removal Projects
Reforestation and Afforestation: Increasing forest cover to absorb CO₂.
Soil Carbon Sequestration: Storing carbon in soil through agricultural practices.
Carbon Storage Projects
Geological Storage: Storing CO₂ in deep underground formations.
Biochar Production: Locking carbon in biochar, enhancing soil fertility.
Technological Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Direct Air Capture: Capturing CO₂ from the air and storing it underground or using it industrially.
Ocean-Based Solutions: Enhancing ocean CO₂ absorption, such as through algae cultivation.
Issues with Article 6.4
Carbon Offsetting Criticisms: Critics argue that offsetting doesn’t reduce global emissions but shifts responsibility, allowing countries to continue emitting while claiming neutrality.
Carbon Accounting Challenges: Unreliable carbon accounting can lead to “phantom credits,” where emissions reductions are overstated or inaccurately recorded, failing to match actual reductions.
Greenwashing Risks: Some countries and companies may use carbon credits as a form of greenwashing, claiming carbon neutrality while continuing to pollute.
Equity and Climate Justice Concerns: Developing nations, which contribute less to global emissions, are the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Potential for Reversal Risks: Projects that store carbon in natural reservoirs risk releasing it back into the atmosphere. Some standards allow projects to end monitoring if reversal risk is considered “negligible,” which remains undefined and problematic.
PYQ:
[2011] Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol.
(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.
(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission.
(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD)
Why in the News?
India and the US are set to hold the firstUS-India Indian Ocean Dialogue on November 14 strengthening cooperation over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
About theIndian Ocean Dialogue:
The Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) was established during the 13th Council of Ministers’ meeting in November 2013 in Perth, Australia, and is a flagship initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
It functions as a Track 1.5 discussion, combining officials and non-officials for a more inclusive dialogue, with the latest (9th edition) held in May 2023 at Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Key areas discussed in 2024 Edition:
Strengthening Maritime Security: Enhances coordination on maritime freedom and security, crucial for trade routes and energy supply.
Economic and Environmental Cooperation: Supports trade, blue economy, and addresses climate change impacts on the region.
Significance in India-U.S. Relations
Indo-Pacific Partnership: Reinforces Quad cooperation and aligns both nations’ strategic interests.
Power Balance in the Region: Counters influence from other powers, fostering an open Indo-Pacific.
Defense and Technology Collaboration: Expands ties in emerging tech and defense, enhancing India’s security role.
Disaster Preparedness: Builds climate resilience and sustainable resource management efforts.
PYQ:
[2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: African Elephants
Why in the News?
Savanna elephants have experienced a significant population decline of around 70% across surveyed sites, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss.
Decline in African Elephants Population
Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of these species using data from 475 sites in 37 countries between 1964 and 2016.
Savanna Elephants: Populations declined by about 70% on average at surveyed sites.
Forest Elephants: Populations fell by about 90% on average at surveyed sites.
The total population of African elephants decreased by 77% on average at surveyed sites.
Features of African Elephants:
African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their size, intelligence, and complex social structures.
They are divided into savanna (bush) elephants (larger, with bigger tusks and open grassland habitat) and forest elephants (smaller, with straighter tusks and dense forest habitats).
Highly intelligent, African elephants display memory, empathy, and intricate social bonds within herds.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Artificial Reef
Why in the News?
20,000 pompano fingerlings were released into the sea off Vizhinjam as part of an artificial reef project aimed at replenishing marine fishery resources and promoting sustainable fishing.
About the Artificial Reef Project in Kerala:
Details
Location
• Covers 42 fishing villages in Thiruvananthapuram district, from Pozhiyoor to Varkala.
Aims and Objectives
• Enhance fish resources along Kerala’s coast.
• Support sustainable fishing and improve fishing community livelihoods.
• Implemented by KSCADC (Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation).
• Technical support from CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute).
Future Expansion Plans:
• Phase II: Proposed to cover 96 villages in Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts (₹29.76 crore).
• Phase III: Proposed to cover 96 villages in northern districts (₹25.82 crore).
Significance
• Boosts marine biodiversity.
• Increases fish stocks and supports breeding environments.
• Promotes sustainable fishing practices.
• Enhances livelihoods of local communities.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NISAR Satellite
Why in the News?
The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite is aimed at advancing our understanding of Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes.
Set to be launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), NISAR will act as a comprehensive Earth observation observatory.
About NISAR Satellite:
Details
Collaboration
• Joint mission between NASA (United States) and ISRO (India).
Purpose
• Designed to monitor Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes, contributing to disaster preparedness, climate research, and sustainable management.
Launch Date
• Planned for early 2025.
Launch Location
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Launch Vehicle
• ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II).
Orbit
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Dual-Band Radar System
• L-band radar (provided by NASA): Penetrates dense vegetation and tracks ground motion.
• S-band radar (provided by ISRO): Enhances precision for surface monitoring.
Day and Night Functionality
• Operates 24/7, unaffected by weather conditions.
Large Antenna
• Diameter: 12 meters.
• Structure: 39-foot reflector made from gold-plated wire mesh to focus radar signals effectively.
Features
• Scans Earth’s entire surface every 12 days.
• Measures surface changes with accuracy down to fractions of an inch.
• Can penetrate vegetation and soil layers, providing 3D reconstructions of subsurface structures.
Areas of Study
• Ecosystems and Environmental Changes (forest biomass, deforestation, wetlands, agricultural lands, glaciers, and ice sheets).
• Natural Disasters (seismic shifts, volcanic bulging, landslides, and tsunamis).
Benefits and Applications
• Disaster Preparedness: Early warning data for natural disasters.
• Infrastructure Monitoring: Tracks structural changes in critical infrastructure.
• Environmental and Climate Research: Studies carbon storage, vegetation dynamics, and climate change impacts.
Unique Advantages
• Largest collaboration between NASA and ISRO.
• Successfully tested in thermal vacuum conditions in Bengaluru in 2023.
PYQ:
[2015] The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news, is the name of?
(a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.
(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.
(c) A scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region.
(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region.
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: Inter-State Council and its functioning
Why in the News?
The Inter-State Council has been reconstituted with Prime Minister as its chairman, all CMs and 9 Union ministers as members and 13 Union ministers as permanent invitees.
About the Inter-State Council (ISC):
Details
Formation
Established on May 28, 1990, by a presidential order following the Sarkaria Commission (1988) recommendations.
Headquartered in New Delhi.
The Council has met 12 times since its formation in 1990.
Constitutional Provisions
Not a permanent body nor a constitutional body;
Created by the President under Article 263 of the Constitution.
Powers and Functions
Investigate and discuss subjects of common interest.
Make recommendations for better coordination on subjects.
Deliberate on matters referred by the Chairman.
Composition
PM as Chairman.
Chief Ministers of all states and union territories with legislative assemblies.
Lieutenant Governors/Administrators of union territories without assemblies.
6 Union Cabinet Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister.
Governors of states under President’s rule.
Standing Committee:
Union Home Minister as Chairman.
5 Union Cabinet Ministers and 9 Chief Ministers.
PYQ:
[2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?
1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gotti Koya Tribals
Why in the News?
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribeshas asked the Union Home Ministry and the states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha to submit a detailed report on the condition of Gotti Koya tribals.
Why did the NCST urge the Centre and States?
An estimated 50,000 Gotti Koya tribals were displaced due to Left-Wing Extremismand now live in 248 settlements across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
Reports indicate that Telangana has reclaimed land from internally displaced persons (IDPs) in 75 settlements, impacting the tribals’ livelihoods and increasing their vulnerability.
About the Gotti Koya Tribe:
Details
Location
Multi-racial and multi-lingual communities found in the forests, plains, and valleys on both sides of the Godavari River in AP, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
Migrated from Bastar, northern India.
Society and Culture
Koya language (Koyi) is a Dravidian language related to Gondi and influenced by Telugu.
Most speak Gondi or Telugu alongside Koyi.
Divided into five subdivisions (gotrams).
Patrilineal and patrilocal family structure, with a focus on monogamous, nuclear family.
Worship their own ethnic religion alongside Hindu gods, with Mother Earth being a significant deity.
Burial or cremation of the dead, with the erection of menhirs in memory.
Pastoralists and shifting cultivators (Podu), are now engaged in settled cultivation, animal husbandry, and seasonal forest collection.
Grow Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, and other millets.
Maintain community funds and grain banks for food security.
Festivals
Vijji Pandum (Seeds charming festival) and KondalaKolupu (Festival to appease hill deities).
Perform the Permakok (Bison horn dance) during festivals and marriages.
Sammakka Saralamma Jatra, held once every two years on the full moon day of Magha Masam (January/February) at Medaram village, Warangal district.
Challenges Faced
Many fled to Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana) in the mid-2000s due to violent conflicts between Maoist insurgents and Salwa Judum (Govt backed tribal militia).
Salwa Judum was later banned by the Supreme Court of India in 2011.
PYQ:
[2014] Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/ tribes?
(a) Bhutia and Lepcha
(b) Gond and Korku
(c) Irula and Toda
(d) Sahariya and Agariya
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: LignoSat Satellite
Why in the News?
The world’sfirst wood-panelled satellite, LignoSat, was recently launched to test the use of timber as a renewable material for future space missions.
AboutLignoSat Satellite:
Details
Purpose
To test the potential of wood as a renewable building material in space applications.
Developed By
Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry of Japan.
Launch Details
Launched on November 5 aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule.
Mission Duration
Spend a month at the International Space Station (ISS) before being deployed into Earth’s orbit for six months to test its performance.
Size and Weight
Measures 4 inches (10 cm) per side and weighs 900 grams.
Material
Built with magnolia wood panels, using a traditional Japanese technique that avoids screws and glue.
Construction
Combines wood-panel casings with aluminium structures and standard electronic components.
Durability Testing
Designed to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations in space, ranging from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minutes.
LignoSat as a Renewable Solution for Space Construction
Reduced Environmental Impact: Unlike conventional aluminium-based satellites, LignoSat reduces pollutants like aluminium oxides that damage the ozone layer upon re-entry.
Sustainable Material: Wood is a renewable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material in space, as there is no water or oxygen to accelerate degradation.
Long-Term Vision: The satellite could pave the way for sustainable space construction, with future plans to use wood in building structures on the Moon and Mars.
Mitigating Orbital Congestion: As satellite constellations grow, sustainable materials like wood could help reduce space debris and pollution in Earth’s orbit.
PYQ:
[2016] With reference to ‘AstroSat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
2. AstroSat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: APOBEC
Why in the News?
Since smallpox was eradicated in 1980, research on mpox has highlighted how the virus mutates, particularly through the APOBEC family of immune system proteins.
AboutAPOBEC
APOBEC (Apolipoprotein B mRNA Editing Enzyme, Catalytic Polypeptide-Like) is a family of proteins involved in regulating the genetic material of viruses and cells.
They are part of the human immune system and play a crucial role in protecting against viral infections by editing RNA and DNA.
APOBEC consists of several enzymes, with APOBEC1, APOBEC3 family members being the most well-known.
There are 11 identified members of the APOBEC family, primarily named APOBEC1, APOBEC2, and APOBEC3, with APOBEC3 being the most studied due to its antiviral properties.
It has a Zinc Finger Domain, which is essential for their enzymatic activity and ability to bind to DNA or RNA.
APOBEC proteins are found in various tissues and cells, but they are notably present in the immune cells such as T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages.
Role in Immune Defense:
APOBEC proteins contribute to the innate immune response by editing viral genomes, preventing the replication of viruses, and reducing the ability of viruses to establish infections.
They are known to be cytosine deaminases, which means they modify cytosine bases in nucleic acids to uracil, leading to mutations that can prevent successful viral replication.
APOBEC proteins target the genomes of several viruses, including retroviruses (like HIV), hepatitis B virus, and poxviruses (such as mpox and smallpox).
Functions of APOBEC Proteins:
DNA Editing: APOBEC proteins can deaminate cytosine bases in single-stranded DNA, converting them into uracil, which can lead to mutations.
This introduces errors in the viral genome and inhibits replication.
RNA Editing: Some APOBEC proteins, like APOBEC1, are involved in editing mRNA. In the case of APOBEC1, it helps edit the mRNA of apolipoprotein B, which is crucial for lipid metabolism.
Antiviral Activity: APOBEC3 proteins, particularly APOBEC3G, inhibit the replication of HIV and other retroviruses by editing viral DNA during reverse transcription.
They also reduce the replication of poxviruses (such as mpox), making them crucial in controlling infections caused by these viruses.
Cytosine Deamination in Viral RNA: APOBEC proteins induce mutations in viral RNA, reducing the virus’s ability to efficiently replicate and spread. This helps prevent viral evolution and adaptation.
Inhibition of Viral Resistance: By causing mutations in viral genomes, APOBEC proteins prevent viruses from easily developing resistance to the immune system’s defenses.
Interaction with Other Immune Mechanisms: APOBEC proteins work in concert with other immune mechanisms, like interferons, to enhance antiviral responses and limit infections.
PYQ:
[2016] In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to:
(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Asia Tea Alliance, Tea Cultivation in India
Why in the News?
The Asia Tea Alliance (ATA) resolved to reject Genetically Modified (GM) Tea in response to climate challenges affecting global tea production.
With India’s tea production down by 10% this year due to climate change, certain companies have advocated for GM tea.
About Asia Tea Alliance (ATA)
Founded: April 19, 2019, in Guizhou, China.
5 Members: India, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Japan.
Goals: Enhance tea trade, cultural exchange, and globally promote tea.
About Indian Tea Industry:
India is the second-largest tea producer and largest black tea producer after China, and also the fourth-largest tea exporter worldwide.
India is the largest consumer of black tea, accounting for 18% of global tea consumption.
The Indian tea industry directly employs 1.16 million workers, with an equal number indirectly associated.
It is governed by the Tea Board of India and under Union Government control by an Act of Parliament.
Geographical conditions:
Northeast India (including Assam), north Bengal (such as Darjeeling, Terai and the Dooars), and the Nilgiris in south India.
Tropical and subtropical climates, with regions concentrated in Asia, Africa, and South America favours tea cultivation.
It requires cool to warm temperatures (15–23°C) with at least 5 hours of sunlight daily; annual rainfall should be 150-200 cm.
Darjeeling Tea known as the “Champagne of teas,” for its aroma was the first to GI tag in 2004–05.
PYQ:
[2020] “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop?
