From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BRICS-11, New members of BRICS
Why in the News?
Turkey has officially applied to join the BRICS group after Russia supported its entry. Russia is set to hold the BRICS Summit in Kazan from October 22 to 24, 2024.
Malaysia and Thailand had also expressed their interest in joining the expanded BRICS group of emerging economies.
Turkey’s Geopolitical Position:
Joining BRICS could signify Turkey’s foreignpolicy shift, possibly distancing the country further from its long-standing ambition to join the European Union (EU).
Turkey has faced Western criticism for its purchase of Russian S-400 defence systems, its ties with Russia, and its stance on sanctions.
Ankara is positioning itself as a middle power that can balance relationships between the West and the Global South.
What is BRICS?
Details
Members
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
Origin
Coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 as BRIC, formalised as BRICS in 2010
Formation
First meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers in 2006. South Africa was invited to join BRIC in December 2010
Global share of BRICS
Population: 41%
GDP: 24%
Global trade: 16%
Chairmanship
Rotated annually among members, following sequence B-R-I-C-S
India’s Hosting
Hosted the 2021 BRICS Summit
Key Initiatives
New Development Bank (NDB) established in 2014: Approved 70 infrastructure and sustainable development projects
Contingent Reserve Arrangement signed in 2014: Aims to forestall short-term balance of payments pressures and strengthen financial stability
Customs agreements signed for trade facilitation
BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation initiated in 2021: Involves six existing satellites developed by members
Expansion
Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates joined as new full members on January 1, 2024.
Argentina refused to join the BRICS group in 2024
Malaysia, Thailand and Turkey have bid for its membership.
PYQ:
[2014] With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements:
1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BHASKAR Platform
Why in the News?
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched the BHASKAR platform.
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Objective
To strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by centralizing resources and facilitating collaboration
Target Audience
Startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies
Key Features
Networking and Collaboration: Connects startups, investors, and mentors, enabling interaction across sectors.
Centralized Access to Resources: Provides instant access to critical tools, knowledge, and resources for startups, enhancing decision-making and growth.
Personalized BHASKAR IDs: Each stakeholder (startup, investor, mentor) receives a unique ID for tailored interactions and services.
Enhanced Discoverability: Users can easily search and find relevant resources, collaborators, and opportunities using powerful search features.
Access to Funding Opportunities: Facilitates connections between startups and potential investors for funding.
Global Outreach: Supports cross-border collaborations and fosters India’s global presence in the innovation ecosystem.
Impact
Promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation
Enhances India’s status as a global leader in startups
Growth of the Startup Ecosystem
As of May 2023, India boasts over 99,000 officially recognized startups, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. This growth reflects an increase from 84,012 startups in 2022 and a notable rise from just 452 in 2016.
The ecosystem has also produced 108 unicorns, startups valued at over $1 billion, collectively worth approximately $340.80 billion
PYQ:
[2015] “Success of ‘Make in India’ program depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cheetah Action Plan (CAP)
Why in the News?
The Cheetah Action Plan (CAP) which aimed to introduce African cheetahs into India’s Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs), is completing its two years.
About Cheetah:
The cheetah is a fast-running big cat, and there are two types of Cheetahs globally:
African (savannahs, arid mountains, and hilly deserts)
Asiatic (desert and semi-desert areas only in Iran)
Cheetahs live in three main groups: females with cubs, male coalitions, and solitary males. They hunt during the day, preferring dawn and dusk.
The global cheetah population was 6,500 mature individuals (IUCN, 2021).
IUCN Status: Vulnerable (Globally) and Critically Endangered (Asiatic Cheetah)
Cheetah Reintroduction in India:
In India, cheetahs disappeared in the early 1950s due to hunting and the loss of their habitat.
Cheetahs (i.e. Southeast African Cheetah) from Namibia were reintroduced in Kuno National Park(MP) under the Project Cheetah.
This area was deemed a habitat parallel to Maasai Mara (National Park) in Kenya, suitable for cheetahs.
Current Issues:
Despite the initial excitement, all of these cheetahs remain in captivity at Kuno.
Unfortunately, no cheetahs are currently roaming freely in the wild, raising concerns about the success of the reintroduction efforts.
What is Project Cheetah?
Aim: To conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions. It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The plan involves partnering with other countries to conserve cheetahs, enhancing conservation and eco-tourism in India’s dry forests.
The population should reach Kuno National Park’s capacity in 15 years, needing sustained support.
Sunset Clause: The concept of a sunset clause in the context of Project Cheetah refers to the long-term criteria (at least 30-40 years) for establishing a viable cheetah population in India.
PYQ:
[2012] Consider the following: (2012)
Black-necked crane
Cheetah
Flying squirrel
Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Typhoon Yagi
Why in the News?
India has launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance to Southeast Asian countries affected by Typhoon Yagi, including Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.
Typhoon Yagi: Origin and Impact
Typhoon Yagi began as a tropical storm in the western Philippine Sea on September 1, 2024.
Yagi, which means goat or the constellation ofCapricornus in Japanese.
It made landfall in the Philippines but intensified again due to warm waters in the South China Sea, reaching Category 3 winds by September 4.
Yagi further strengthened to a Category 5 typhoon with peak winds of 260 kmph, making it one of only four Category 5 storms recorded in the South China Sea.
Although downgraded to a tropical depression, it continued to bring heavy rains and floods to Myanmar and other areas.
What areTyphoons?
A Typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone that forms in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, particularly affecting East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Oceania.
They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and can cause severe flooding, storm surges, and damage to infrastructure.
Key Features of Typhoons:
Formation Region: Typhoons form in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, primarily between 100°E and 180°E.
Wind Speed: To be classified as a typhoon, sustained winds must exceed 119 km/h.
Structure: Like hurricanes, typhoons have a central eye (calm area) surrounded by a violent eyewall where the strongest winds and heaviest rains occur.
Season: Typhoons typically occur from May to October, with a peak from August to September.
Global Terminology:
Typhoon: Northwest Pacific Ocean.
Hurricane: North Atlantic, Central and Eastern North Pacific Oceans.
Cyclone: South Pacific and Indian Ocean.
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following statements:
1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Jute Board (NJB)
Why in the News?
Jute production is expected to declineby 20% this financial year, as per the National Jute Board.
Jute cultivation in West Bengal and Assam was severely affected by natural calamities, including floods, damaging crops in some areas.
About National Jute Board (NJB)
The NJB was established in 2008 under the National Jute Board Act, 2008 (w.e.f. 2010), and operates under the Ministry of Textiles.
Its primary objective is to promote the development of the jute sector by supporting modernization, productivity enhancement, and domestic as well as international marketing of jute products.
It implements various initiatives, such as Jute-ICARE, aimed at improving jute cultivation practices, and promotes Jute Geotextiles for infrastructure projects.
HQ: Kolkata (West Bengal)
NJB implements the Jute Technology Mission (JTM) aimed at improving the productivity, quality, and diversification of jute products.
JTM 2.0 presently focuses on further enhancing the productivity, quality, and diversification of jute.
About the Jute Industry in India
Jute, often referred to as the ‘golden fibre’, is considered safe for packaging due to its natural, renewable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly properties.
The Jute Industry in India is over 150 years old, with approximately 93 jute mills currently in operation, as per the Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA).
India’s first jute mill was established in 1854 at Rishira, near Kolkata.
However, after independence, India faced challenges as the jute-growing areas remained in Bangladesh while the jute factories were located in India.
The jute industry is a vital sector in East India, particularly in West Bengal.
It supports about 40 lakh agricultural families, employing 1.4 lakh people in the tertiary sector and 2.6 lakh in manufacturing.
India is the largest producer of jute, followed by Bangladesh and China. However, Bangladesh leads in global jute trade, accounting for 75% of exports, while India accounts for 7%.
Jute Cultivation in India
Jute cultivation is mainly concentrated in 3 Indian states: West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar which together produce 99% of the country’s jute.
Conditions Required:
Temperature: 25-35°C
Rainfall: 150-250 cm
Soil Type: Well-drained alluvial soil
This is due to the rich alluvial soil in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta.
Jute is versatile and used to produce gunny bags, mats, ropes, yarn, carpets, and various artefacts.
Jute seeds are planted between April and May and harvested between July and August.
The leaves can be sold in vegetable markets for nearly two months of the four-month jute crop cycle.
The tall, hardy grass shoots up to 2.5 metres and each part of it has several uses.
The outer layer of the stem produces the fibre that goes into making jute products.
The government fixes the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute procurement from farmers.
PYQ:
[2020] “The crop is subtropical. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimetres 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?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Central Pollution Control Board, NGT
Why in the News?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit a fresh report on the generation and treatment of electronic waste by states and Union territories (UTs).
AboutCentral Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
Details
Constitution
Established in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Additional Powers
Empowered under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Also works under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Nodal Ministry
Functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Main Objective
To promote the prevention, control, and abatement of water and air pollution across India.
Collects and disseminates technical and statistical data on water and air pollution.
Key Programs
National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP)
National Water Quality Monitoring Program (NWQMP)
Oversees the National Air Quality Index (NAQI) to provide real-time data on air quality.
Initiatives
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
Clean Air Campaign
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-?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Edible Oil Trade in India
Why in the News?
India has increased the basic import tax on crudeand refined edible oils by 20% to protect domestic farmers suffering from low oilseed prices.
The move could push up edible oil prices, reduce demand, and potentially lower imports of palm oil, soyoil, and sunflower oil.
Edible Oil Scenario in India
India imports more than 70% of its vegetable oil demand, mainly sourcing:
Palm oil from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, and
Soyoil and sunflower oil from Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.
Palm oil constitutes over 50% of India’s edible oil imports.
NITI Aayog Report on Edible Oil Self-sufficiency: Key Highlights
NITI Aayog, along with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders, released a report titled “Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils Towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta.”
Details
Consumption Details
India consumes 19.7 kg/year per capita edible oil, with 16.5 million tonnes of imports in 2022-23; only 40-45% of demand met through domestic production.
Projections
Domestic production could reach 16 MT by 2030
26.7 MT by 2047 under Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario
Strategic Interventions
Crop Retention and Diversification
Horizontal Expansion (increase cultivation area)
Vertical Expansion (improve yield through technology)
Self-sufficiency Targets
Edible oil production of 36.2 MT by 2030
70.2 MT by 2047
Key Recommendations
Focus on seed quality, modern processing infrastructure, and public-private partnerships for growth
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following statements
1. The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years.
2. The Government does not impose any customs duty on all imported edible oils a special case.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sri Vijaya Puram, Chola Empire
Why in the News?
Union Home Minister announced that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram.
On December 30, 2018, three islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago were renamed by the Government of India to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and to commemorate India’s independence struggle:
Ross Island renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island
Neil Island renamed as Shaheed Dweep
Havelock Island renamed as Swaraj Dweep
Historical Importance of Port Blair
The city was named after Lieutenant Archibald Blair, a British naval officer who served during the early 18th century.
The infamous Cellular Jail, known as Kaala Paani, was established in 1906.
Many prominent freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were incarcerated here under oppressive circumstances.
It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our ‘Tiranga’ by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Behind the new name ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’: Chola History
The Chola Empire, under Rajendra Chola I, used the Andaman Islands as a strategic naval base in the 11th century.
He launched a naval expedition to attack the Srivijaya Empire in present-day Indonesia.
His victory over Srivijaya resulted in the capture of the king Sangrama Vijayottunggavarman and looting valuable treasures, further cementing the Chola dominance.
The Thanjavur inscriptions(1050 CE) refer to the islands as Ma-Nakkavaram (great open land), later evolving into the name Nicobar Islands.
PYQ:
[2014] Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: OpenAI o1
Why in the News?
OpenAI has introduced OpenAI o1, the first in a series of advanced AI models under its ‘Project Strawberry’ initiative.
This new model is designed for tackling more complex tasks in science, coding, and maths.
About OpenAI o1
This model has been built to approach problems like humans, carefully considering various angles before arriving at an answer.
It improves its performance by learning from different perspectives and checking its output for errors.
In trials, the upcoming version of the o1 model performed on par with PhD students in areas like physics, chemistry, and biology, and excelled particularly in maths and coding.
For instance, it solved 83% of problems in a math contest, compared to earlier versions which solved just 13%.
In coding, the model ranked higher than 89% of participants.
Key Features and Offerings
OpenAI is also releasing OpenAI o1-Mini, an economical version designed for developers, offering similar reasoning capabilities at 80% lower cost compared to the o1-preview version.
The o1 model excels in generating and debuggingcomplex code and is expected to assist in software development, data analysis, and problem-solving tasks.
Safety Measures
OpenAI has introduced new training methods to ensure the safety of these models, improving their ability to follow safety guidelines and prevent AIjail-breaking.
Jailbreaking is a form of hacking that aims to bypass an AI model’s ethical safeguards and elicit prohibited information.
In safety tests, the new version scored 84/100, a significant improvement from the previous 22/100 score.
The company is collaborating with UK and US governments on AI safety and conducting red teaming to identify and address any weaknesses.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Stupa of Sanchi
Why in the News?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa in Berlin.
Aboutthe Great Stupa of Sanchi
Details
Establishment
Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Purpose
Built to enshrine the relics of Buddha and symbolise the Buddhist faith.
Construction
Overseen by Ashoka’s wife, Devi, from Vidisha.
Stupa is a simple hemispherical structure crowned by a chhatra (parasol), symbolizing high rank.
Development of the Sanchi complex was supported by the mercantile community of Vidisha.
Design
Follows a simple hemispherical dome structure.
Later, in the 1st century BCE, under the Satavahana dynasty, 4 ornamental gateways (toranas) were added in four cardinal directions.
Toranas (Gateways)
Each torana consists of 2 pillars supporting 3 architraves, adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and Buddhist symbols.
Artistic Features
The toranas are famous for their intricate carvings, depicting elephants, winged lions, peacocks, and shalabhanjikas (fertility symbols).
Symbolism
Upper architrave shows seven Manushi Buddhas (previous Buddhas), the middle depicts the Great Departure of Prince Siddhartha, and the lower shows Ashoka’s visit to the Bodhi tree.
Restoration
Rediscovered in 1818 by British officer Henry Taylor and restored by John Marshall (ASI director) in the early 1900s with financial aid from the Begums of Bhopal.
Replica of East Gate
A plaster cast of the East Gate was made in the 1860s by Henry Hardy Cole for the Victoria and Albert Museum.
A replica now stands in front of the Humboldt Forum Museum in Berlin.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following historical places:
1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
[2016] Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Battle of Saragarhi
Why in the News?
127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on September 12.
About the Battle of Saragarhi
The Battle of Saragarhi occurred on September 12, 1897, between 21 Sikh soldiers of the then 36th Sikh Regiment and around 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals.
The soldiers defended a communication post at Saragarhi, connecting Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (now Pakistan).
Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the Sikhs fought to the last man, marking one of the greatest last stands in military history.
Despite their bravery, the soldiers were eventually outnumbered and killed.
Their sacrifice gave the British time to strengthen positions at Fort Lockhart and Gulistan, halting enemy advances.
Implication of the Battle
The Sikh soldiers showed extraordinary courage, fighting against overwhelming odds.
The 21 soldiers killed around 200 militants and injured 600, holding the enemy for seven hours.
The British Government posthumously awarded all 21 soldiers the Indian Order of Merit.
The battle highlighted the importance of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice, and underscored the role of Sikh regiments in the British Indian Army.
PYQ:
[2020] Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because:
(a) He was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so
(b) He wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India
(c) He wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment
(d) He wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Why in the News?
Natural geographic separation is happening among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and there is no immediate need to relocate them, says the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance.
About Asiatic Lion
Asiatic Lion, part of the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies, is found only in India, with a distinct belly skin fold.
Once spread across West Asia and India, now limited to Gir National Park, where the population increased in 2020.
Asiatic lions face threats from diseases, natural disasters, poaching and retaliation for livestock attacks.
They are classified as Endangered(IUCN), listed in CITESAppendix I, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project (2018-2021) aims for scientific management and community involvement.
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Details
Objective
Protect and conserve 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
Initial Funding
₹150 crore from the Government of India for five years, with additional funding from global agencies.
Membership
Open to 96 range countries with natural big cat habitats.
Key Activities
Advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilization.
Governance
General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat. Secretary General appointed by the Assembly.
Governance Framework
Based on the International Solar Alliance (ISA); finalized by the International Steering Committee.
India’s Role
India is home to 5 of the 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
India hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population and has seen steady growth in its Asiatic lion population.
PYQ:
[2012] Consider the following:
Black-necked crane
Cheetah
Flying squirrel
Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: European Hydrogen Week
Why in the News?
India will be the exclusive partner for European Hydrogen Week in November 2024.
About European Hydrogen Week
European Hydrogen Week is an annual event organized by the European Commission, Hydrogen Europe, and others.
It serves as a platform to discuss the future of hydrogen technologies, policy developments, and their role in decarbonizing Europe’s economy.
It features conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
It focuses on the development, deployment, and scaling of green hydrogen as part of the European Green Deal and the EU’s climate-neutrality targets for 2050.
Significance of India’s Partnership
Strengthening Green Energy Goals: Aligns India with global initiatives in decarbonizing industries and energy systems, advancing its commitment to the Paris Agreement and Net Zero 2070 target.
Access to Advanced Hydrogen Technologies: Provides India with cutting-edge hydrogen technologies from Europe, enhancing production, storage, and transportation capabilities for Green Hydrogen.
Boosting Technological Innovation: Facilitates collaborative research and development, allowing India to create cost-effective hydrogen solutions and drive domestic innovation in clean energy.
Building Global Leadership: Establishes India as a global leader in the Green Hydrogen sector, reinforcing its commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
PYQ:
[2019] In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:
1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions
2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sakthan Thampuran
Why in the News?
Ministry of Tourism has pledged to replace the Sakthan Thampuran statue that was knocked over by a state transport bus in Thrissur.
Who was Sakthan Thampuran?
Sakthan Thampuran, born Raja Rama Varma IX in 1751, was a powerful ruler of the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805.
He was raised by anaunt who nicknamed him Sakthan, meaning powerful, reflecting his strong personality and leadership.
The title Thampuran is derived from the Sanskrit word samrat, meaning emperor.
The Cochin kingdom, a part of the Late Chera Empire, spanned regions from Ponnani (Malappuram) to Thottappally (Alappuzha) in modern-day Kerala.
At age 18, in 1769, he became heir apparent, advising the king to maintain friendly relations with both the Dutch and the English, who were competing for control of trade in the region.
He orchestrated the Mysore invasion of Travancore, which eventually led to the Powney treaty.
This treaty freed the Cochin kingdom from its allegiance to Mysore and formalized its relations with the British East India Company.
He ended the institution of the Yogiatirippads, spiritual heads of key temples. He shifted temple management to the government, earning a reputation as a fearsome leader who rid his kingdom of crime.
Sakthanand the Thrissur Pooram Festival
Sakthan relocated the capital of his kingdom from Thrippunithura toThrissur.
He developed Thekkinkadu Maidanam and the surrounding Swaraj Round, which became the foundation for Thrissur’s infrastructure.
He invited merchants from all religions and British officials to settle in Thrissur, and personally managed the kingdom’s finances.
In 1797, he started the Thrissur Pooram as an alternative to Arattupuzha Pooram, uniting major temples in Thrissur to pay respects to Lord Shiva, the deity at Vadakkumnathan Temple.
It is held every year on the Pooram day – the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam Calendar month of Medam.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanangara Empire.
3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AB PM-JAY and its beneficiaries
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved health coverage of ₹5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, offering ₹5 lakh of coverage per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.
It was launched in February 2018.
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having central sector component under the Ayushman Bharat Mission.
It covers surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics.
It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses.
It currently covers 55 crore people from 12.34 crore families, providing comprehensive health benefits regardless of the family members’ age.
7.37 crore hospital admissions have been covered under the scheme, with 49% of the beneficiaries being women.
Eligibility Criteria:
All senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for the scheme, receiving a ₹5 lakh health cover on a family basis.
Additional Benefits:
Senior citizens belonging to families already under AB PM-JAY will get an extra top-up of ₹5 lakh, exclusively for their personal healthcare.
Those with private health insurance can also avail of the scheme.
Senior citizens covered under other public health insurance schemes, like CGHS, ECHS, or CAPF, must choose between their current plan and AB PM-JAY.
All eligible beneficiaries will be issued a distinct healthcard for easy access to the scheme’s benefits.
PYQ:
[2012] With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of Asha, a trained community health worker?
1. Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkups
2. Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
3. Providing information on nutrition and immunization
4. Conducting the delivery of baby
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wallace Line
Why in the news?
The Wallace Line, a distinct transition zone between Asia and Australia, has long fascinated researchers due to its unique characteristics.
What is Wallace Line?
Details
What is it?
A bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Asia and Australia.
It was identified by British explorer Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863 during his explorations.
It is an imaginary line that intersects the Lombok Strait between the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok to the south, and extends north through the Makassar Strait between Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sulawesi.
Unique Features
Divides species with distinct evolutionary histories.
Asiatic species (tigers, elephants) are found to the west; Australian fauna (kangaroos, marsupials) dominate the east.
Despite their geographical proximity, these species evolved separately.
Impact on Wildlife
Birds and mammals are particularly influenced, with few species crossing the line.
Flora is less affected, though species like Eucalyptus stay on the Australian side.
Impact on Marine Species
While the Wallace Line is a barrier for terrestrial species, it doesn’t stop marine life.
The area between the Wallace Line and the Sahul Shelf (near Australia) is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth.
Formation
Result of Australia’s drift from Antarctica and subsequent collision with Asia around 35 million years ago.
Climate shifts led to cooler, drier Australia and tropical Asia.
This collision created a deep-water channel that still acts as a natural barrier for species migration.
Pleistocene Epoch Influence
During the Pleistocene epoch, lower sea levels exposed land bridges.
Deep waters between Asia and Australia prevented species migration, maintaining the boundary.
Note:
Weber Line more accurately defines the balance point where the influence of Asian and Australian species is nearly equal, whereas the Wallace Line marks a sharper divide.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Elongated Tortoise
Why in the News?
The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata), a critically endangered species, was recently spotted in Haryana’s Damdama area during a research survey in the Aravalli hills.
About Elongated Tortoise:
Details
Physical Features
Medium-sized body with a yellowish-brown or olive-colored shell
Black blotches at the center of each scute
Pink ring around nostrils during breeding season
Habitat
Found in Sal deciduous and hilly evergreen forests
Distribution includes Southeast Asia, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and other regions
Indian Range
Present in the Chhota Nagpur plateau and Himalayan foothills at elevations up to 1,000 meters
Threats
Human exploitation for food and traditional medicine
Hunting, often with the help of dogs
Habitat degradation and illegal wildlife trade
Ecological Role
Significant species in its ecosystems but highly vulnerable to environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures
Population Decline
Significant population decline due to hunting, habitat degradation, and illegal wildlife trade, despite its wide distribution
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Shabd Portal
Why in the News?
The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT), under the Union Education Ministry, has launched a unique website, shabd.education.gov.in, providing technical terms in all 22 official Indian languages.
About Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)
The Union Education Ministry established the CSTT in December1960 to develop scientific and technical terminology in Hindi and other Indian languages.
It works to evolve, define, and standardizescientific and technical terms in Hindi and other Indian languages.
It publishes textbooks, monographs, and glossaries, and releases quarterly journals like Vigyan Garima Sindhu and Gyan Garima Sindhu.
It has developed over 450 glossaries, creating more than 3 million standardized words in Indian languages.
It prepares administrative glossaries for government departments and institutions to ensure consistent terminology in official documents.
About the Shabd Portal
The portal aims to serve as a central repository for technical terminologies across Indian languages, hosting glossaries from CSTT as well as other institutions and agencies.
The portal currently hosts 450 dictionaries comprising 3 million words, making it a vast resource for users seeking scientific and technical terms in Indian languages.
Search Features:
Users can search for equivalent terms by language, subject, dictionary type, or language pairs.
Specific searches can also be made within a particular glossary or across the entire collection.
The platform also allows users to provide feedback on the terms prepared by the CSTT.
Significance of the Portal
The launch comes amid efforts to promote technical education in Indian languages, including fields like medicine and engineering.
The portal is an essential step in ensuring accessibility of scientific and technical education in regional languages, supporting the vision of multilingual education.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following languages:
1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu
Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?
