From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Major Dhyan Chand and his contributions to hockey
Why in the News?
National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29 in India to honor the memory of “Major Dhyan Chand”, widely regarded as the first superstar of Indian hockey and arguably India’s first sporting superstar.
About MajorDhyan Chand:
Details
Birth
Born on August 29, 1905, in Allahabad, India
Olympic Achievements
Led India to three Olympic gold medals in 1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles), and 1936 (Berlin).
Career Goals
Scored 33 goals in 12 Olympic matches, nearly averaging a hat-trick per game.
Signature Skill
Renowned for his exceptional dribbling and ball control.
Anecdotes
Famous for his stick work so effective that his hockey stick was checked for magnets;
Declined an offer from Adolf Hitler to change nationality after the 1936 Olympics.
National Recognition
In honour of his contributions, August 29 is celebrated as National Sports Day in India.
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was renamed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel RatnaAward in 2021.
It is the highest sporting award given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over four years.
The award comes with a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.
The Khel Ratna Award was instituted in 1991-1992 and the first recipient was Chess legend Viswanathan Anand.
Winners: Leander Paes, Sachin Tendulkar, Dhanraj Pillay, Pullela Gopichand, Abhinav Bindra, Anju Bobby George, Mary Kom and Rani Rampal in 2020.
Legacy
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi is named after him, underscoring his impact on Indian sports infrastructure.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project NAMAN
Why in the News?
The Indian Army has launched the first phase of Project NAMAN, aimed at providing comprehensive support and services to Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families.
About Project NAMAN:
Details
Launched By
Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA)
Purpose
To provide dedicated support and services to Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families.
Core Implementation
Centered on the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha) digital pension system, which streamlines pension-related processes.
Key Features
Establishment of Common Service Centres (CSCs) for offering SPARSH-enabled pension services, Government to Citizen (G2C) services, and Business to Consumer (B2C) services.
Initial Deployment
14 CSCs established across key locations in India including New Delhi (first center), Jalandhar, Leh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jodhpur etc.
Expansion Plans
Approximately 200 centers are planned nationwide over the next 2-3 years.
Infrastructure Support
HDFC Bank provided the necessary IT infrastructure for the CSCs, while local military stations contributed essential physical infrastructure and facilities.
Community Impact
Enhances access to essential services for veterans and their families like grievance redressal and also provides entrepreneurial opportunities for Veterans and Next of Kin (NOKs), who manage the CSCs.
Support for Operators
Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), selected from among the veterans or NOKs, manage each CSC.
Comprehensive training and a monthly monetary grant of ₹20,000 from HDFC Bank for the first 12 months to assist in stabilization.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Novel Nanopolymer
Why in the News
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, have developed novel electrochemical and optical sensors using a new group of nano polymer materials.
About the Novel Nanopolymer:
Novel nanopolymers are innovative polymer materials that incorporate nanostructures or nanoparticles to impart unique properties.
They are prepared using various methods like vapor condensation, vacuum evaporation, electrospinning, and chemical synthesis to create nanofibers, core-shell structures, hollow fibers, and tubes with diameters down to a few nanometers.
Examples: Silicon nanospheres that are much harder than regular silicon, with hardness between sapphire and diamond, and bio-based N-heterocyclic poly(aryl ether ketone) with high biomass content and superior properties
Applications of Novel Nanopolymers:
Biosensors and optoelectronics utilizing the fluorescence and magnetic properties of nanoparticles.
Drug delivery, tissue engineering, and gene therapy using biodegradable nanoparticle systems.
Forensics for drug detection, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and sensors.
High-temperature-resistant plastics with improved properties.
These are the Novel Nanopolymers developed by INST:
Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
2-dimensional (2D) Materials
Details
Crystalline materials with metal ions and organic ligands form porous structures.
Materials a few atomic layers thick with unique electrical, optical, and mechanical properties.
Surface Area
Extremely high (over 10,000 m²/g), ideal for adsorption.
High surface-to-volume ratio, enhancing interactions for sensing and energy storage.
Versatility
Customizable for gas storage, separation, catalysis, and sensing.
Functionalizable for bio-sensing and environmental monitoring.
Properties
High porosity and stability in harsh environments.
Excellent conductivity, flexibility, and strength, useful in electronics and optoelectronics.
Sensing Applications
Detects gases, toxins, and biomarkers with high sensitivity.
Detects gases, biomolecules, and pollutants quickly and efficiently.
Examples
Various MOFs designed for specific uses.
Includes graphene, MoS2, MXenes.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
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: 22nd Law Commission
Why in the News?
The term of the 22nd Law Commission has ended, with its key report on the Uniform Civil Code still in progress.
About the Law Commission of India:
Details
Nature
Non-statutory body periodically constituted by the Government of India. It is an Executive Body.
Establishment
• First Commission During British India: Established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833, chaired by Lord Macaulay, Focused on the codification of laws like the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.
• First Commission in Independent India: Established in 1955, chaired by M. C. Setalvad, then Attorney-General of India.
Primary Role
Advises the Ministry of Law and Justice on legal reform and reviews existing laws to suggest improvements and draft new legislation.
Recommendations are advisory and NOT binding on the government.
Composition
Headed by a Chairperson (usually a retired Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice of a High Court),
4 full-time members (including a Member-Secretary), ex-officio members (Secretaries of the Departments of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department), and
Up to 5 part-time members.
Tenure
3 years, with provisions for reconstitution or extension as required by the government.
Key Functions
• Undertakes legal research.
• Review existing laws for reforms.
• Recommends repeal of obsolete laws.
• Suggest amendments and new legislations.
• Examines laws that affect the poor and marginalized.
Notable Recommendations by 22nd law Commission
• Uniform Civil Code.
• Amendments to the sedition law.
• Repeal of obsolete laws.
• Gender equality in personal laws.
• Improvements in judicial administration.
Reports Submitted
Over 277 reports on various legal issues including the implementation of international conventions, compulsory registration of marriages, etc.
Recent Activity
The 22nd Law Commission is focusing on issues like the Uniform Civil Code and amendments to the sedition law (Section 124A), among other legislative reforms.
PYQ:
[2014] The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Magnetic Anomalies of Mars
Why in the News?
A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) revealed significant variations in the strength of Mars’ crustal magnetic field between day and night.
Notable facts about Mars:
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second-smallest in the Solar System, larger only than Mercury.
Named after the Roman god of war, Mars is often called the “Red Planet” due to its reddish appearance from iron oxide on its surface.
It is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere, featuring surface characteristics like impact craters, valleys, deserts, and polar ice caps.
Mars shares similar days and seasons to Earth because of its comparable rotational period and axial tilt.
It hosts Olympus Mons, the largest volcano and highest mountain on any planet, and Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons in the Solar System.
MAVEN’s data on electron density and magnetic field were critical in investigating how Mars’ crustal magnetic field affects its plasma environment and ionosphere.
Significance of the Study
Understanding Mars’ crustal magnetic field is essential for future robotic and manned missions, as it provides natural magnetic shielding against space radiation.
The insights from the study can help in developing strategies to mitigate the effects of space weather on spacecraft and astronauts.
PYQ:
[2016] The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission.
made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt.
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
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: RESET Programme
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports launched the “RESET Programme” to empower retired sportspersons with career skills on National Sports Day.
What is RESET Programme?
Details
Launch Date
August 29, 2024 (National Sports Day)
Nodal Ministry
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Objective
To empower retired sportspersons with skills and knowledge for career development and employability
Eligibility
– Retired athletes aged 20-50 years
– Winners/participants in international events, national/state medallists
– Recognized by National Sports Federations/IOA/Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Programme Levels
Two levels based on educational qualifications:
– Class 12th and above
– Class 11th and below
Implementation
Lead institute: Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE)
Learning Mode
Hybrid mode: Self-paced online learning and on-ground training
Additional Support
Placement assistance, guidance for entrepreneurial ventures
PYQ:
[2017] Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’:
1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India.
2. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Land-Based Deep Depression
Why in the News?
Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan are facing severe flooding caused by a land-based deep depression.
The unusual formation of this deep depression over land was intensified by moisture influx from soils or the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
What is Land-Based Deep Depression?
A land-based deep depression is a type of cyclonic system characterized by a significant drop in atmospheric pressure leading to sustained wind and significant weather impact.
They form and intensify over land, which is relatively rare due to the limited availability of moisture.
Characteristics:
It forms over land or water.
Wind Speed ranges from 51 to 62 km/h, just below the threshold for a tropical cyclone (62-88 km/h).
Relies on moisture from soilandsurrounding environments rather than oceanic sources.
It often has an unpredictable path and can cause significant rainfall and localized flooding.
Implications of Land-Based Deep Depressions
These systems can bring prolonged and intense rainfall, leading to widespread flooding, especially in regions unaccustomed to high levels of precipitation.
Heavy rainfall can lead to significant soil erosion, affecting agricultural productivity and altering landscapes.
Prolonged flooding can cause waterlogging in agricultural fields, leading to soil salinization and reduced fertility.
PYQ:
[2012] Consider the following statements:
1. The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India.
2. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Why in the News?
The Atlantic bluefin tuna, already heavily overfished, now faces a new threat from warming seas, causing it to migrate further north.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
Details
Scientific Classification
Family: Scombridae; Species: Thunnus thynnus.
Common Names
Northern bluefin tuna, Giant bluefin tuna (for individuals over 150 kg), formerly known as “tunny”.
Habitat and Range
Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea; extinct in the Black Sea.
Size
Can weigh up to 680 kg; one of the largest Perciformes.
Commercial Importance
Highly valued in the Japanese market for sushi and sashimi; foundation of a major global fishery.
Conservation Status
Overfished; dramatic stock declines (72% in Eastern Atlantic, 82% in Western Atlantic);
Moved to “Least Concern” by IUCN in 2021 due to some population recovery;
Proposed for CITES Appendix I.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
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: Rajya Sabha Elections
Why in the News?
Results of the latest round of Rajya Sabha elections are out.
Elections to the Rajya Sabha:
Details
Election Method
Members are elected indirectly by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and the electoral college for UTs (Delhi and Pondicherry).
Using the proportional representation system via the Single Transferable Vote (STV) method and Open Ballot.
Composition
• Total Members: Up to 250 members, with 238 elected and 12 nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services.
• Current Strength: 245 members (233 elected, 12 nominated).
Voting Requirements for Candidates
Candidates must be proposed by at least 10 members of the State Assembly or 10% of the party’s strength in the Assembly.
Voting Process
• Single Transferable Vote: Voters rank candidates based on preference. Votes are transferable if a preferred candidate is eliminated or achieves the quota.
• Open Ballot System: Employed to facilitate transparency in the voting process.
Election Procedure
• Quota System: To win, a candidate must obtain a quota of votes calculated as [Total Votes / (Number of Vacancies + 1)] + 1.
Powers and Functions
• Legislative Powers: Can introduce and pass bills except Money Bills.
• Special Powers: Can pass resolutions to create all-India services, make laws on state list subjects under certain conditions, and approve proclamations of emergency.
Sessions
3 regular sessions each year: the Budget session, Monsoon session, and Winter session.
Special sessions can be convened as required.
Tenure
A permanent body that is not subject to dissolution;
One-third of its members retire every two years.
Chairmanship
Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
House also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members.
Eligibility for Membership
Candidates must be Indian citizens, at least 30 years old, and comply with other conditions set by the Constitution.
Disqualification Criteria
Members can be disqualified for defection, certain criminal convictions, or if declared bankrupt, among other reasons.
Special Features
• Nominated Members: Up to 12 members can be nominated by the President. • No dissolution: Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved but operates as a continuous body.
Key Sessions and Administrative Details
• First Sitting: Conducted on May 13, 1952.
• Secretary General: Acts as the chief executive officer and the administrative head of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following statements:
The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India Russia IGA
Why in the News?
India and Russia signed the working plan of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026.
Background of the Cooperation:
The meeting held in Moscow aimed to strategize the execution of previous agreements between India and Russia, including:
The Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for cooperation in the field of Emergency Management was signed in December 2010.
The regulation was established in 2013 to create the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation in the prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
The first meeting of this commission was held in New Delhi in 2016.
About the Joint Commission on the Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026
It is an initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration between India and Russia in the area of disaster management and emergency response.
The plan covers a two-year period from 2025 to 2026 and focuses on several key areas:
Use of Space Monitoring Technologies: To improve risk forecasting and emergency response capabilities.
Exchange of Experiences: On responding to large-scale disasters to enhance preparedness and response strategies.
Training of Specialists: In fire and rescue operations to build a robust capacity for emergency management.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held in India in 2026 to facilitate cooperation and strategic planning in emergency management.
About the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation
Established in 2013, it seeks to formalize and enhance cooperation between India and Russia in the prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
It was formed under the framework of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management, signed in December 2010.
The commission serves as a platform for India and Russia to collaborate on various aspects of disaster management, including:
Prevention and Preparedness: Developing strategies and sharing expertise to prevent and prepare for potential disasters.
Response and Recovery: Coordinating efforts to respond to emergencies and support recovery efforts following disasters.
Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills and knowledge of personnel involved in emergency management through joint training programs and knowledge exchange.
It facilitates a structured approach to managing disasters by leveraging the strengths and resources of both countries.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Salar de Atacama
Why in the News?
A recent study published in journal IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing has found that Chile’s Atacama salt flat (Salar de Atacama) is sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 centimetres per year due to lithium brine extraction.
Lithium brine extraction involves pumping salt-rich water to the surface and letting it evaporate in ponds to collect lithium.
About Salar de Atacama
The Salar de Atacama in Chile boasts the highest lithium concentration (0.15% by weight) among all brine sources worldwide.
Argentina boasts more than half of the world’s total lithium resources.
It holds the distinction of having the 2nd-largest lithium resources, the 3rd-largest lithium reserves, and the 4th-largest lithium production in the world.
It is a part of the Lithium Triangle comprising of Uyuni (Bolivia) and Hombre Muerto (Argentina).
Key Findings of the Study:
Researchers analyzed satellite data from 2020 to 2023 to observe deformations in the Earth’s crust in the salt flat.
The area experiencing subsidence measures approximately 8 km north to south and 5 km east to west.
The study indicates that subsidence occurs because the rate of lithium brine pumping is faster than the recharge rate of aquifers, leading to the ground sinking.
What is Lithium?
Lithium is an alkali metal, often referred to as ‘white gold’ due to its value and color.
It is a soft, silvery-white metal, and notably, it is the lightest metal on the periodic table.
It is typically found in various minerals like spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite, from which it is extracted and refined.
The leading producers of lithium are Australia, Chile, China, and Argentina.
Effects of Lithium Mining on Environment:
Water Use: Lithium mining, especially from salt flats and brine pools, requires substantial water usage, which can deplete local water resources in arid areas.
Ecological Disruption: The extraction process can alter the chemical balance of the natural environment, affecting local flora and fauna.
Pollution: Mining and processing lithium can release harmful chemicals into the environment, impacting air and water quality.
PYQ:
[2008] Which one of the following pairs of metals constitutes the lightest metal and the heaviest metal, respectively?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ANUBHAV AWARDS, 2024
Why in the News?
The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions has conferred the Anubhav Awards 2024.
ANUBHAV Awards
Details
Purpose
To recognize the contributions of retired officials to nation-building and document the administrative history of India through their written narratives.
Portal Launch
Launched in March 2015.
Organizing Body
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.
Objectives
– Create a database of significant suggestions and work experiences.
– Utilize the experience of retiring employees for nation-building.
– Enable Ministries/Departments to consider useful and replicable suggestions.
Criteria
Retiring Central Government employees and pensioners, who can submit their Anubhav write-ups 8 months prior to retirement and up to 1 year post-retirement.
Award Process
Write-ups are assessed by the concerned Ministries/Departments, published, and then shortlisted for the Anubhav Awards and Jury Certificates.
Awards and Recognition
– ANUBHAV Awardees: Receive a medal, certificate, and a prize of ₹10,000.
– Jury Certificate Winners: Receive a medal and a certificate.
PYQ:
[2021] Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards :
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Why in the News?
PM Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) on 28th August 2014. It has now completed a decade of successful implementation.
About PMJDY
Details
Objective
• Banking the Unbanked: Open basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) accounts with minimal paperwork, relaxed KYC, e-KYC, account opening in camp mode, zero balance & zero charges.
• Securing the Unsecured: Issue Indigenous Debit cards with free accident insurance coverage of ₹2 lakh.
• Funding the Unfunded: Provide micro-insurance, overdraft, micro-pension, and micro-credit facilities.
Initial Features
• Universal Access to Banking Services: Access through branches and BCs.
• Basic Savings Bank Accounts: With an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000 for every eligible adult.
• Financial Literacy Program: Promote savings and credit usage.
• Insurance: Accident cover up to ₹1 lakh and life cover of ₹30,000 for accounts opened between Aug 2014 to Jan 2015.
• Pension Scheme: For the unorganized sector.
• Creation of Credit Guarantee Fund.
Key Provisions
• Inter-operability: Through RuPay debit card or Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS).
• Fixed-point Business Correspondents.
• Simplified KYC / e-KYC.
Extension and New Features (Post-2018)
• Focus Shift: From ‘Every Household’ to ‘Every Unbanked Adult’.
• RuPay Card Insurance: Increased accidental insurance cover to ₹2 lakh for new accounts.
• Overdraft Facilities Enhanced: Limit doubled from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000; up to ₹2,000 without conditions.
• Increase in upper age limit for OD: From 60 to 65 years.
Eligibility for Other Programs
PMJDY accounts are eligible for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
Successes of PMJDY
Financial Inclusion: PMJDY is recognized as the largest financial inclusion initiative globally, with over 53 crore bank accounts opened as of August 2024.
It has facilitated access to credit for individuals without a formal financial history, as evidenced by the rise in Mudra loan sanctions at a compounded annual rate of 9.8% from FY 2019 to FY 2024.
Social Empowerment: 55.6% of Jan Dhan account holders are women, and 66.6% of accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas, demonstrating the program’s reach among marginalized communities.
Deposit Growth: The total deposits in PMJDY accounts have reached Rs. 2.31 lakh crore, showing a 15-fold increase since August 2015.
Digital Transaction Growth: Digital transactions under PMJDY have surged, with UPI financial transactions growing from 535 crore in FY 2018-19 to 13,113 crore in FY 2023-24.
Effective DBT Mechanism: The Jan-Dhan Aadhaar Mobile (JAM) trinity has enabled a diversion-proof subsidy delivery mechanism, with subsidies and social benefits directly transferred into the bank accounts of the underprivileged.
Savings and Financial Discipline: The average deposit in the PMJDY account has increased 4 times since August 2015, indicating improved saving habits among account holders.
PYQ:
[2015] ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for
(a) Providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates.
(b) Promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas.
(c) Promoting financial inclusion in the country.
(d) Providing financial help to the marginalized communities.
[2016] Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Plea Bargaining
Why in the News?
According to a report by the Ministry of Law and Justice, only 0.11% of cases were settled through “plea bargaining” in 2022.
Key Findings of the Report:
In 2022, only 19,135 out of 1,70,52,367 cases (about 0.11%) in Indian courts were disposed of through plea bargaining, indicating its minimal use.
Despite legal restrictions, 119 cases of crimes against women and only4 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) were resolved through plea bargaining in 2022, showing a deviation from the intended exclusions.
What is Plea Bargaining?
Details
Definition
Plea bargaining allows an accused person to negotiate with the prosecution for a lesser punishment by pleading guilty to a less serious offence.
This involves pre-trial negotiations on the charge or the sentence.
Provision in India
• Introduced in 2006 as part of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2005 under Chapter XXI-A (Sections 265A to 265L).
• Limited to offences thatdo not attract the death sentence, life sentence, or a term above seven years.• Not applicable to offences affecting socio-economic conditions or committed against women or children under 14. (applies only to offences punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment)
Procedure in India
• Only the accused can initiate plea bargaining.
• The accused must apply to the court to start the process. If permitted, a meeting involving the prosecutor, investigating officer, and victim (if any) is held for a satisfactory case disposition.
• Includes possible reduced sentences and compensationpayments to the victim by the accused.
Benefits Offered
• Speeds up trials, reduces litigation costs and ends uncertainty over case outcomes.
• Helps reduce prison overcrowding and the number of prolonged imprisonments of undertrials.
• Offers a chance for offenders to make a fresh start.
• Could improve conviction rates, as seen in the USA.
• Recommended by the Malimath Committee (2000) for its potential to dramatically impact conviction rates and ensure a speedy trial.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in police station, not in jail.
2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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: Polygraph Test, Judments mentioned
Why in the News?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concluded polygraph tests on the accused in the Kolkata Rape and Murder Case.
About Polygraph Tests in India
Details
Definition
A procedure measures physiological responses like blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a subject answers questions to detect deception.
Physiological Indicators
• Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Monitored for changes.
• Respiratory Rate: Tracks breathing patterns.
• Galvanic Skin Response (GSR): Measures skin’s electrical conductance, which varies with moisture levels.
Procedure
• Sensor Connection: Attached to the chest, fingertips, and arm.
• Baseline Questions: Establish physiological response baselines.
• Control and Relevant Questions: Analyzed to identify deceptive responses by comparing physiological changes.
Constitutional Provisions
• Article 20(3): Protects against self-incrimination; necessitates consent for polygraph tests.
• Article 21: Concerns about potential violations of the right to life and privacy due to mental torture aspects of polygraph tests.
Legal and Judicial Rulings
• Selvi vs. State of Karnataka (2010): Tests must be voluntary with informed consent.
• D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal (1997): Involuntary tests could violate the Right to Life and Privacy.
Admissibility in Court
According to the Indian Evidence Act, 1871, results from polygraph tests are not admissible as evidence in court.
Guidelines
National Human Rights Commission Guidelines (1999): Establish consent and procedural requirements for administering polygraph tests to align with human rights standards.
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.
Indian citizens with a business plan for non-farm sector income-generating activities in manufacturing, processing, trading, or services, requiring less than ₹10 lakh.
Types of Loans
• Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000.
• Kishor: Loans above ₹50,000 and up to ₹5 lakh.
• Tarun: Loans above ₹5 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh.
Subsidy
No direct subsidy;
Loans linked to Government schemes providing capital subsidies are eligible under PMMY.
Achievements of MUDRA 1.0
Financial Inclusion: Disbursed over Rs 27.75 lakh crore to 47 crore small entrepreneurs, improving access to formal credit.
Support for Marginalized Groups: 69% of loans went to women, and 51% to SC/ST and OBC entrepreneurs, enhancing social equity and gender equality.
Job Creation: Helped create jobs and encouraged self-employment, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
Reduction in NPAs: Reduced non-performing assets (NPAs) from 3.61% in FY21 to 2.1% in FY24, showing better loan management.
Challenges Faced by MUDRA 1.0
Unequal Loan Distribution: In 2021-22, the top 10 districts received Rs 26,000 crore, about the same as the bottom 318 districts, showing uneven credit distribution.
High NPAs in Early Categories: The Shishu (loans up to Rs 50,000) and Kishore (loans between Rs 50,001 and Rs 5 lakh) categories had NPAs above 4% from FY20 to FY22 due to a lack of business skills among early-stage entrepreneurs.
Low Financial Literacy: Only 27% of the population is financially literate, leading to poor loan management and higher defaults.
Monitoring and Credit Appraisal Issues: Increased lending led to challenges in maintaining quality credit appraisal processes and monitoring, resulting in some misuse of funds.
What is MUDRA 2.0?
MUDRA 2.0 is the proposed next phase of the scheme, aiming to expand and enhance support for micro-entrepreneurs, especially in underserved regions.
Features of MUDRA 2.0:
Expanded Outreach: Establish new centers in rural and semi-urban areas to provide financial literacy, mentorship, and business support.
Enhanced Financial Literacy: Launch nationwide programs covering budgeting, savings, credit management, and digital literacy to help entrepreneurs manage their finances better.
Improved Credit Support: Introduce the Enhanced Credit Guarantee Scheme (ECGS) to reduce risks for banks and encourage more lending to small enterprises.
Stronger Monitoring: Implement a robust monitoring framework using data analytics to track loan disbursements, usage, and repayments in real-time, ensuring transparency and reducing misuse.
PYQ:
[2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at:
(a) Bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system.
(b) Providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops.
(c) Providing pension to old and destitute persons.
(d) Funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Great Moon Hoax
Why in the News?
The Great Moon Hoax of 1835 is a series of fabricated news reports published by The New York Sun, an American newspaper, claiming that life had been discovered on the moon.
What is the Great Moon Hoax of 1835?
The Great Moon Hoax was a series of newspaper articles falsely claiming that John Herschel, an astronomer, had discovered life on the moon.
The hoax was created and published by The New York Sun, a daily newspaper in New York City, starting on August 25, 1835.
It described various fantastical creatures, such as bat-winged humanoids (called Vespertilio-homo), unicorns, and upright beavers, along with detailed landscapes and other features of the moon.
These reports were entirely fictional and intended as satire.
However, they were widely believed by the public and reprinted in other newspapers.
Why the Hoax was conceived?
To Mock Religious Influence on Science: It aimed to satirize the blend of religious beliefs with scientific claims, especially in astronomy.
Boost Readership: The hoax was a tactic to increase The New York Sun’s circulation from 8,000 copies a day.
Challenge Public Credulity: It highlighted how easily the public could be deceived by sensational stories without verifying their accuracy.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Medical devices mentioned and their working
Why in the News?
These medical tools—thermometers, stethoscopes, weighing scales, and sphygmomanometers—are essential for diagnosing and monitoring basic health parameters.
Each tool has its own function and specific way of operation, which helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about patient care.
Here is the list of tools used in a Doctor’s Diagnosis:
Function
Description and Working Principle
Thermometer
Measures body temperature.
Mercury Thermometer: Features a mercury-filled bulb and a glass capillary with numerical markings. Temperature changes cause the mercury to expand or contract, moving through the capillary to indicate temperature.
Digital Thermometer: Utilizes sensors like infrared or thermistors to detect temperature changes, which are then converted into digital readings.
Stethoscope
Listens to internal body sounds.
Acoustic Stethoscope: Comprises a diaphragm for high-frequency sounds and a bell for low-frequency sounds, connected by a tube to earpieces.
Electronic Stethoscope (Stethophone): Amplifies body sounds electronically and may include recording capabilities and additional diagnostics such as electrocardiograms. These devices transmit sound data to smartphones or other devices.
Weighing Scale
Measures body weight.
Spring Scale: Uses a spring under a plate; weight is measured by the degree of spring compression or extension. Requires calibration to account for local gravity variations.
Electronic Scale: Converts the mechanical force of weight into electrical signals using load cells or strain gauges, displayed as weight readings on a digital screen.
Sphygmomanometer
Measures blood pressure.
Manual Sphygmomanometer: Includes an inflatable cuff, linked to a mercury or aneroid manometer. Uses a stethoscope to detect blood flow sounds (Korotkov sounds) for determining systolic and diastolic pressures.
Electronic Sphygmomanometer: Uses oscillometric technology to sense pressure oscillations caused by arterial blood flow, automating blood pressure measurement. Easier for home use but may have accuracy issues in patients with certain cardiovascular conditions.
PYQ:
[2019] In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?
Location identification of a person
Sleep monitoring of a person
Assisting the hearing-impaired person
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Pali, Persian, Prakrit, and Farsi (Persian) as per the National Education Policy-2020.
Criteria for Classical Language Status
– High Antiquity: Recorded history of 1500-2000 years.
– Valuable Heritage: Possesses ancient literature and texts.
– Originality: Unique literary tradition, not borrowed from other languages.
– Distinctness: Language and literature distinct from modern forms.
Promotion of Classical Languages
– International Awards: Two major awards for scholars in classical Indian languages.
– Centre of Excellence: For studies in classical languages.
– Professional Chairs: UGC requested to create chairs in Central Universities.
The Eighth Schedule
Lists 22 official languages, governed by Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution. Includes Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Verma Committee Recommendations
Why in the News?
The recent brutal rape and murder case in Kolkata has sparked widespread calls for the death penalty for the accused.
The Justice J.S. Verma Committee, formed in response to the 2012 Delhi gang rape, recommended against the death penalty for rape, even in the rarest of rare cases, arguing that it would be a regressive step.
About Justice J.S. Verma Committee Recommendations
Recommendations on
Explanation
Rape
• It recognized rape as a Crime of Power, not just passion.
• Expand definition to include all forms of non-consensual penetration.
• Remove marital rape exception; marriage should not imply automatic consent. (European Commission of Human Rights in C.R. vs U.K)
Sexual Assault
• Broaden definition to include all non-consensual, non-penetrative sexual acts.
• Penalty: Up to 5 years of imprisonment or fines.
Verbal Sexual Assault
• Criminalize unwelcome sexual threats.
• Punishable by up to 1 year in prison or fines.
Sexual Harassment at Workplace
• Include domestic workers under protections.
• Replace internal complaint committees with Employment Tribunals.
• Employers to compensate victims of sexual harassment.
Acid Attacks
• Propose a 10-year minimum punishment, separate from grievous hurt.
• Establish a compensation fund for victims.
Women in Conflict Areas
• Review AFSPA; exclude government sanction for prosecuting sexual offenses by armed forces.
• Appoint special commissioners to monitor offenses.
Trafficking
• Comprehensive anti-trafficking laws beyond prostitution.
• Protective homes for women and juveniles overseen by High Courts.
Child Sexual Abuse
• Define ‘harm’ and ‘health’ in the Juvenile Justice Act to include both physical and mental aspects.
Death Penalty
• Opposed chemical castration and death penalty for rape.
• Recommend life imprisonment.
Medical Examination of Rape Victims
• Ban the two-finger test; victim’s past sexual history should not influence the case.
Reforms in Case Management
• Set up Rape Crisis Cells, increase police accountability, allow online FIR filing.
• Encourage community policing and increase police personnel.
Union Cabinet’s Decision on the Death Penalty
The Union Cabinet, while clearing an ordinance on sexual assault in 2013, chose NOT to adopt the committee’s recommendation against the death penalty.
Key amendments included:
Section 376A: Death penalty for rape leading to the death of the victim or reducing her to a persistent vegetative state.
Section 376E: Death penalty for repeat offenders.
2018 Amendments: Death penalty for gang rape of a victim under 12 years (Section 376DB) and life imprisonment for rape of a victim under 16 years (Section 376DA).
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) includes similar provisions for rape, with specific sections detailing the punishment, including the death penalty for certain cases.
PYQ:
[2014] We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.
