Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Navika Sagar Parikrama
Why in the News?
The second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama, a global circumnavigation by sailboat was flagged off by Navy Chief at INS Mandovi in Goa.
About Navika Sagar Parikrama:
|
Details |
| Expedition |
- Navika Sagar Parikrama, a maritime expedition by the Indian Navy, aimed at circumnavigating the globe in a sailboat crewed by women officers.
- Symbolizes women’s empowerment and Indian maritime traditions.
|
| Objective |
Promotes women’s empowerment, gender equality, oceanic research, and Indian maritime traditions. |
| First Edition |
- Began on September 10, 2017, with an all-women crew of six officers aboard INSV Tarini.
- Completed on May 21, 2018.
|
| Second Edition |
Launched on October 2, 2024, with two women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A., setting sail from INS Mandovi, Goa. |
| Agencies Involved |
- Indian Navy: Leading the initiative.
- National Institute of Oceanography (NIO): Marine research on microplastics and ferrous content.
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Research on large sea mammals.
- Sagar Defence: Providing drones for documentation.
- Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL): Supplying meals.
- Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF) and Piramal Foundation: Supporting logistics and research.
|
| Route |
Divided into five legs with four stopovers:
1. Goa to Fremantle, Australia
2. Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand
3. Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
4. Port Stanley to Cape Town, South Africa
5. Cape Town to Goa, India |
PYQ:
[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Psychedelic Drugs
Why in the News?
Researchers from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in collaboration with researchers from Cornell, Yale, and Columbia has uncovered how a psychedelic drug interacts with the brain to alleviate anxiety.
About Psychedelic Drugs
- Psychedelic drugs are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes.
- These drugs often induce hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and enhanced sensory experiences.
- They are typically associated with spiritual experiences and have historically been linked with counterculture movements, but they are now being studied for their potential in medical therapies.
- Examples of Psychedelic Drugs:
- LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): Known for causing intense visual hallucinations and altering thoughts, it is one of the most potent psychedelics.
- Psilocybin: The active compound found in magic mushrooms, known for creating visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as a deep sense of connection to the environment.
- MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): Often associated with recreational use, but is also being researched for its therapeutic potential, especially in treating PTSD.
- DMT (Dimethyltryptamine): Produces powerful, short-lived hallucinatory experiences, sometimes referred to as the “spirit molecule.”
- Mescaline: Found in the peyote cactus, mescaline induces hallucinations and altered states of reality.
|
How do they work?
Psychedelics primarily affect the brain by interacting with the serotonin system, a network of neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood, perception, and cognition.
- Serotonin Receptors: Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin bind to 5-HT2A receptors, a type of serotonin receptor. This interaction leads to altered perception, enhanced mood, and hallucinations.
- Brain Connectivity: They increase communication between different regions of the brain, breaking down normal patterns of activity. This leads to heightened creativity, altered sensory experiences, and a sense of connectedness.
How Psychedelics hold promise for treating Anxiety and Depression?
- Resetting Neural Circuits: Psychedelics may “reset” dysfunctional brain circuits, helping treat mood disorders.
- Reduced Anxiety: They reduce overthinking by dampening activity in the brain’s default mode network.
- Emotional Release: Patients experience emotional breakthroughs during psychedelic therapy sessions.
- Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics may promote adaptive brain connections, aiding in recovery from chronic stress and depression.
| PYQ:
[2018] India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same? (250 Words, 15 Marks) |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Golden Langur
Why in the News?
The construction of wildlife passages and artificial canopy bridges along the India-Bhutan border has been prompted by increased deaths of the endangered golden langur due to road accidents.
About Golden Langur
|
Details |
| Identification |
- Recognizable by the color of their fur, which gives them their name.
- Fur color changes with the seasons.
- Young langurs are almost pure white.
|
| Geographic Range |
- Found in Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan year-round.
- Inhabits an area bordered by the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).
|
| Habitat |
- Occupies moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, along with some riverine areas and savannahs in Assam and Bhutan.
- Prefers living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and temperate forests in the north.
|
| Conservation Status |
- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
|
| Habitat |
- Ripu Reserve Forest and Chakrashila WLS serve as vital habitats.
- Fragmented habitats face instability and threats.
|
PYQ:
[2012] Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fluorescent Nano-Diamonds (FND)
Why in the News?
Scientists at Purdue University have figured out how to levitate and spin Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs) in a vacuum.
What are FNDs?
- Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FNDs) are stable, non-toxic carbon nanoparticles that emit consistent fluorescence, have a lifespan over 10 nanoseconds, and can be levitated and spun for advanced quantum research applications.
|
What are their Applications?
- Medical Diagnostics: FNDs are used for high-resolution imaging and tracking cells over extended periods due to their non-toxic nature.
- Temperature Sensing: FNDs can measure temperatures at the microscale, making them useful for scientific experiments.
- Correlative Microscopy: Their fluorescent properties make them ideal for combining different types of imaging techniques.
- Sensor Technologies: Due to their sensitivity to acceleration and electric fields, FNDs can be used in industry sensors and gyroscopes for rotation sensing.
- Quantum Computing: FNDs doped with nitrogen can be used for quantum superposition experiments and future quantum computing applications.
PYQ:
[2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: FandO Trading
Why in the News?
SEBI has introduced a six-step framework to protect investors and curb speculative trading, specifically targeting futures and options (F&O) trading by reducing volumes on expiry days and limiting retail participation.
What are the Future and Options (F&O)?
- Futures are contracts to buy or sell an asset (like stocks, indexes, or commodities) at a predetermined price on a future date.
- Options give the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a set price before a certain date.
SEBI’s Six-Step F&O Framework (Effective November 2024 – April 2025):
In response to concerns about rising speculative trading, SEBI has outlined six key measures aimed at reducing retail interest in F&O trading:
- Upfront collection of options premiums
- Intraday monitoring of position limits
- Removing calendar spread benefits on expiry day
- Increasing the contract size for index derivatives
- Rationalizing weekly index derivatives to one benchmark per exchange
- Enhancing margin requirements on options expiry days
|
Key Changes for Retail Investors:
- Upfront Collection of Options Premiums: Retail investors must now pay the full premium upfront, limiting their ability to use high leverage in options trading.
- Increased Contract Size: The minimum contract size for index derivatives is raised to ₹15 lakhs, reducing speculative retail participation by making it costlier to enter.
- Rationalization of Weekly Expiries: Only one benchmark index per exchange can have weekly expiries, lowering speculative trading opportunities and intraday volatility.
- Removal of Calendar Spread Benefits: Calendar spreads are no longer allowed on expiry days, discouraging aggressive trading strategies.
Impact on Brokers and Revenue:
- Decline in Trading Volumes: Brokers reliant on F&O trading will see reduced volumes due to fewer retail participants and higher barriers to entry.
- Revenue Drop in Options Trading: Firms like Zerodha may face a 30-50% revenue drop as retail participation in options decreases.
- Shift to Equity Trading: Retail investors may move towards equity trading, causing brokers to adapt their offerings.
- Adaptation for Brokers: Brokers with a balanced mix of cash and derivatives will be less impacted, while those focused on F&O need to shift strategies.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1. Retail investors through demat account can invest in ‘Treasury Bills’ and ‘Government of India Debt Bonds’ in primary market.
2. The ‘Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching’ is a government securities trading platform of the Reserve Bank of India.
3. The ‘Central Depository Services Ltd.’ Is jointly promoted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gram Sabha
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing special Gram Sabhas across 750 Gram Panchayats on 2nd October 2024, marking Gandhi Jayanti.
Vision to Achieve Gram Swaraj Through People’s Participation
- These special Gram Sabhas will embody Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj—a vision of self-reliant villages driven by people’s participation in decision-making.
- It emphasizes community-led governance, where elders, women, and youth collaborate to develop Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP).
Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Legacy
- The event also coincides with the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister.
- Shastri championed the values of simplicity, self-reliance, and community development.
- Shastri’s slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” emphasized the strength of India’s rural economy and its farmers, making his vision a key component of this grassroots initiative.
|
About Gram Sabha
|
Details |
| Role and Significance |
• Centerpiece of the Panchayati Raj system
• Responsible for village development and local governance |
| Constitutional Provision |
• Defined under Article 243(b) of the Indian Constitution
• Primary body in the Panchayati Raj system
• A permanent body |
| Members |
• Individuals above 18 years of age
• Must be residing in the village
• Listed in the electoral rolls |
| Meetings |
• Must meet 2 to 4 times annually as per State Panchayat Raj Acts
• Common meeting dates:
1. Republic Day (26th Jan)
2. Labour Day (1st May)
3. Independence Day (15th Aug)
4. Gandhi Jayanti (2nd Oct)
• Panchayats may choose other dates for meetings |
| Organizing Body |
• Organized by the Panchayat Secretary (Gram Sevak)
• Done with approval of the Sarpanch |
| Conditions for Convening |
• 10% of members or 50 people (whichever is greater) can request a meeting
• A written request must be submitted 5 days prior to the meeting |
| Decision-Making Process |
• All decisions of the Panchayat require the approval and validation of the Gram Sabha |
| Purpose |
• Discuss local governance and development issues
• Make need-based plans for the village |
PYQ:
[2012] In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, what is the role/power of Gram Sabha?
- Gram Sabha has the power to prevent alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas.
- Gram Sabha has the ownership of minor forest produce.
- Recommendation of Gram Sabha is required for granting prospecting licence or mining lease for any mineral in the Scheduled Areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BRCA1Testing
Why in the News?
Angelina Jolie’s case highlighted hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) after she underwent preventive surgeries due to a BRCA1 gene mutation.
What is BRCA Testing?
- BRCA testing is a genetic test that looks for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- These genes normally help repair DNA, but when they are mutated, they increase a person’s risk of developing certain cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancers.
- BRCA testing identifies whether a person has inherited these mutations, which can lead to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) and other cancers.
- The test is done using a blood or saliva sample, which is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- In the lab, next-generation DNA sequencing or other genetic analysis methods are used to examine the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for harmful mutations.
- The test results can show whether a person has inherited a harmful mutation in these genes.
- If the result is positive, it means they are at a higher risk for developing certain cancers.
Issues with BRCA Testing
- BRCA testing in India is expensive, costing between ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, which makes it unaffordable for many, particularly in lower-income populations.
- Testing is often only offered to individuals with a family history of cancer, which misses about 50% of people who may have the mutations but no known family history.
Significance for India
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for 27% of all cancer cases.
- Women with BRCA mutations have up to a 72% risk of developing breast cancer.
- Early identification allows for preventive measures, such as regular screenings or surgeries, which can reduce cancer incidence by up to 100%.
- By increasing access to population-wide BRCA testing, India can improve early detection and reduce the burden of cancer on its healthcare system.
- Early identification can also lower treatment costs and improve outcomes.
PYQ:
[2019] ‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?
- It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
- It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
- It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
- It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1 and 4 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arun River, Isostatic Rebound
Why in the News?
The Arun River, which flows across Nepal and Tibet, is eroding rock and soil in its basin, leading to the rise of Mount Everest by up to 2 mm a year.
How is Arun River making the Everest taller?
The Arun River is contributing to the rise of Mount Everest through a process called isostatic rebound. Here’s how it works:
1. River Incision:
- The Arun River, which flows about 75 km from Mount Everest, is eroding large amounts of rock and soil from the surrounding landscape.
- This process of erosion reduces the weight on the Earth’s crust in the Arun River basin.
- A study by UCL suggests that the Arun River’s ability to carve out large amounts of rock and other materials may be due to it capturing another river or water system in Tibet.
- This process is known as River Incision, where the river cuts downward into its bed, deepening its channel.
- The erosion began to accelerate around 89,000 years ago when the Arun River merged with the Kosi River, removing large amounts of landmass and further reducing the weight on the region’s crust.
2. Isostatic Rebound:
- When the weight of the land (due to rocks, soil, or even ice) decreases, the Earth’s crust rises to balance the change.
- This is similar to how a boat rises in water when heavy cargo is removed.
- The removal of landmass in the Arun River basin allows the crust underneath Mount Everest to rise.
|
About Arun River
- The Arun River originates in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, where it is known as Phung Chu or Bum-chu in Tibetan.
- It flows into Nepal and confluences with the Sun Koshi and Tamur River at Tribenighat, forming the Sapta Koshi River.
- Tributaries:
- Left tributaries: Yeru Tsanpo, Trakar-chu.
- Right tributary: Barun River.
- At the Nepal border, the Arun River is approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) above sea level.
- The river drains into the Koshi River, significantly contributing to the Sapta Koshi River system in Nepal.
- It is the largest trans-Himalayan river in Nepal, playing a crucial role in supporting the region’s hydrology and ecosystems.
- It provides around 37% of the total water in the Sapta Koshi system, following the Sun Koshi which contributes 44%.
- Recently, the Arun-III Hydro Power Project (900 MW), which constructed with $6.95b Indian assistance, achieved a milestone with a tunnel breakthrough.
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Physical Geography (Annular Solar Eclipse)
Why in the News?
An annular solar eclipse will be visible in parts of South America on October 2, 2023. It, however, will not be visible from India.
What is a Solar Eclipse?
- A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light either fully or partially, casting a shadow on certain parts of the Earth.
- There are four types of solar eclipses:
-
- Total Solar Eclipse: When the Moon completely blocks the Sun, turning the sky dark. People in the path of a total solar eclipse can witness the Sun’s corona (its outer atmosphere), which is normally hidden by the bright sunlight.
- Annular Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth. The Moon does not fully cover the Sun, leaving a visible ring of fire around the Moon. This is what people in parts of South America will witness on October 2, 2023.
- Partial Solar Eclipse: Happens when the Moon blocks only a part of the Sun, giving it a crescent shape. During both partial and annular eclipses, areas outside the Moon’s umbra (the darkest part of its shadow) experience a partial eclipse. It is the most common type of solar eclipse.
- Hybrid Solar Eclipse: The rarest type, where the eclipse shifts between total and annular as the Moon’s shadow moves across the Earth. Some places see a total solar eclipse, while others see an annular one.
Frequency of Solar Eclipses
- A solar eclipse can only occur during the new moon, when the Moon and Sun are aligned on the same side of the Earth.
- A new moon happens approximately every 29.5 days because that is the time it takes for the Moon to orbit the Earth.
- However, solar eclipses don’t happen every month. They occur two to five times annually, but not every new moon results in an eclipse.
- Why don’t they occur every month:
- The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is tilted by about 5 degrees compared to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
- This means the Moon’s shadow usually misses the Earth.
- A solar eclipse only occur when the Moon crosses specific points in its orbit, called nodes, where the Moon’s orbit intersects the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
- When a new moon occurs at one of these nodes, a solar eclipse is possible.
PYQ:
[2019] On 21st June, the Sun
(a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
(b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
(c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
(d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Why in the News?
Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty will be conferred with the 2022 Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Mithun Chakraborty to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award
- Mithun Chakraborty has played a wide range of roles throughout his career, from a tribal in ‘Mrigayaa’ (1976) to an action hero and a dancing star, becoming one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema.
- His performance in ‘Disco Dancer’ (1982) made him an international sensation, with the movie being a massive hit across Asia, then Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and other regions after Raj Kapoor.
- He has worked in more than 350 films across multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, Tamil, and Punjabi, demonstrating his wide-ranging influence.
- Mithun has won three National Film Awards for his outstanding performances in films like ‘Mrigayaa’ (1976), ‘Tahader Katha’ (1992), and ‘Swami Vivekananda’ (1998).
- He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, in 2023, recognizing his contributions to the arts.
- As the chairperson of the Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union (FSSAMU) for three decades, Mithun has been actively involved in improving the welfare of film industry workers.
|
About Dadasaheb Phalke Award
|
Details |
| Organized by |
- Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Presented by the President of India.
|
| First Presented |
1969 |
| Purpose |
To honor individuals (filmmakers, actors, singers etc.) for their “great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema” |
| Named After |
- Dadasaheb (Dhundiraj Govind) Phalke, “Father of Indian Cinema”.
- He directed and produced India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913.
- This landmark film is considered the starting point of the Indian cinema.
|
| Notable Recipients |
Devika Rani (1969), Prithviraj Kapoor (1971), Satyajit Ray (1985), Raj Kapoor (1987), Lata Mangeshkar (1989), Asha Bhosle (2000), Yash Chopra (2001), Rajinikanth (2019), Amitabh Bachchan (2018) , Waheeda Rehman (2021). |
| Components of the Award |
- ₹1,000,000 (US$12,000) cash prize;
- Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl.
|
| Selection Criteria |
Awarded to individuals for their “great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”. |
| Selection Committee |
A committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry. |
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. |
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Note4Students
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.
-
- 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.
-
- 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.
- Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4 |
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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.
About Overseas 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. |
| Population (as of 2023) |
USA: 16.8 lakh > UK: 9.34 lakh > Australia: 4.94 lakh> Canada: 4.18 lakh |
| Recent Rules (2021 Notification) |
- 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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
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 the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Experiment?
- The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment is a cutting-edge dark matter detection 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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only |
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Note4Students
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.
|
About Hepatitis 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.
-
- 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.
-
- Jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes.
- Severe cases can lead to liver failure, especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
-
- 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. |
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Note4Students
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?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
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.
About Arogya 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. |
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Note4Students
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. |
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Note4Students
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 are High-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.
Back2Basics: National Supercomputing Mission (NSM):
|
Details |
| Launch Year |
2015 |
| Objective |
- 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. |
|
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Note4Students
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?
(a) Andaman Islands
(b) Anaimalai Forests
(c) Maikala Hills
(d) Tropical rain forests of northeast |
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Note4Students
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.
About the Commission 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? |
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