Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Special Category Status
Why in the News?
The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar renewed its demand for Special Category Status (SCS) before the 16th Finance Commission, which is currently touring the state.
About Special Category Status (SCS)
- Special Category Status (SCS) is a classification granted to specific states in India facing geographical, socio-economic, and infrastructural challenges.
- It provides special financial assistance for their development.
-
- Introduced in 1969 following the recommendations of the Fifth Finance Commission, based on the Gadgil formula for fund allocation.
- Initially granted to Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Nagaland, with other states like Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Uttarakhand, and Telangana added later.
- Eligibility Criteria (Based on the Gadgil Formula): States must meet at least one of the following:
-
- Hilly terrain: Challenging geography impeding development.
- Low population density or a large tribal population.
- Strategic location near international borders.
- Economic and infrastructural backwardness.
- Non-viable state finances: Financial instability due to lack of resources.
-
- Financial Assistance: 90% grants for centrally sponsored schemes (vs. 30% for non-SCS states).
- Special Plan Assistance: Additional funds for national importance projects.
- Tax Benefits: Concessions on excise, income, and corporate taxes (many subsumed under GST).
- Carry-Forward of Unspent Funds: Funds are carried forward to the next year.
- Higher Budget Allocation: 30% of the Centre’s budget allocated to SCS states.
Assessment of Bihar’s Demand:
- Industrial Backwardness: Lack of industrial development, worsened by state bifurcation in 2000.
- High Poverty Levels: One of the highest poverty rates in India, with low per capita GDP.
- Frequent Natural Disasters: Floods and droughts severely impact agriculture.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Insufficient irrigation and water systems hinder agricultural productivity.
|
About the Finance Commission
- The Finance Commission is created every 5 years to allocate financial resources from the Centre to states, based on Article 280 of the Constitution.
- Composition: Consists of a chairman and four other members appointed by the President.
- Qualifications: Members must have specialized knowledge in finance, economics, accounts, or administration.
- The Fifteenth Finance Commission’s recommendations are valid till 2025-26.
- Terms of Reference for 16th FC: Division of tax proceeds, principles for grants-in-aid, enhancing state funds for local bodies, and evaluation of disaster management financing.
PYQ:
[2023] Consider the following:
- Demographic performance
- Forest and ecology
- Governance reforms
- Stable government
- Tax and fiscal efforts
For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of the above as criteria other than population area and income distance?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sonic Weapon
Why in the News?
It is alleged that Serbian Police used a banned sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade.
What are Sonic Weapons?
- Sonic or acoustic weapons are devices designed to emit loud sounds over long distances, including both audible and inaudible sound waves.
- These waves can cause pain, discomfort, or disorientation.
- While sound amplifiers have been used for centuries, sonic weapons began being used for crowd control in the 1990s, with their first military use in Iraq in 2004.
- Working Mechanism: Sonic weapons use modern transducers to convert energy into concentrated sound, which can be controlled in terms of frequency, level, and duration.
Types of Sonic Weapons:
- Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD):
- Range: Up to 8,900 meters for intelligible speech.
- Sound Level: Can reach up to 160 dB, causing pain and potential hearing damage.
- Mosquito:
- Target Audience: Emits high-pitched sounds painful to younger people (teenagers and those in their twenties). Adults above 30 typically cannot hear it due to age-related hearing loss.
- Infrasonic Weapon:
- Sound Type: Delivers inaudible low-frequency sounds that cause pain and disorientation.
- Development: Still in early stages, with ongoing research into its full potential.
Health Implications:
- Short-Term exposure can cause tinnitus, headaches, nausea, and vertigo.
- Prolonged exposure may lead to permanent hearing damage, and symptoms like tinnitus can last for days.
PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements regarding Agni-V and BrahMos Missiles:
1. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, and BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
2. Both the missiles are developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
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 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Spring Equinox
Why in the News?
March 20 marks the arrival of the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, signaling the beginning of the spring season.
What are Equinoxes?
- An equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis is not tilted toward or away from the Sun, resulting in equal length of day and night across the planet.
- Equinoxes occur twice a year:
- Vernal Equinox: Around March 20-21, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Autumnal Equinox: Around September 22-23, marking the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
- On an equinox, the Sun is directly above the Equator, leading to almost equal distribution of sunlight between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- The equal length of day and night is observed, with each lasting approximately 12 hours.
What are Solstices?
- A solstice occurs when the Earth’s tilt is most extreme either towards or away from the Sun. This results in the longest or shortest day of the year in each hemisphere.
- Solstices occur twice a year:
- Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): Around June 20-22, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, as the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun.
- Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): Around December 20-23, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, as the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun.
- Solstices create unequal distribution of sunlight, with one hemisphere receiving significantly more or less sunlight than the other.
Cultural Significance of the Equinox:
- Nowruz, celebrated on the vernal equinox, marks the beginning of the Persian New Year.
- The festival has been celebrated for over 3,000 years by the Zoroastrian community, including the Parsi community in India.
- Vernal Equinox Day is a national holiday in Japan, celebrating the arrival of spring.
- Easter, one of the most significant days in Christianity, is determined based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
- Passover, the Jewish festival, begins on the first full moon after the vernal equinox.
|
PYQ:
[UPSC 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 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Health Expenditure Share of GDP
Why in the News?
The Union government has steadily increased its spending on healthcare, with the expenditure rising to 1.84% of GDP in 2021-22, up from 1.15% in 2013-14.
Overview of India’s Health Expenditure
- India has shown a consistent increase in government spending on healthcare, reflecting a growing commitment to improving the public healthcare system.
- As of 2021-22, government health expenditure (GHE) rose to 1.84% of GDP, up from 1.15% in 2013-14, and is on track to meet the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP by 2025.
- The rise in health expenditure has been particularly significant post–COVID-19, with a 37% increase in government spending from 2020-21 to 2021-22.
- This has led to better healthcare accessibility, reduced financial burden on individuals, and greater focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
What is Total Health Expenditure?
- Total Health Expenditure (THE) refers to the sum of all current and capital expenditures incurred by the government, private sector, and external sources for healthcare purposes in a given period.
- This includes:
- Current Health Expenditure (CHE): Ongoing spending on healthcare services, such as hospitals, doctor visits, and medical supplies.
- Capital Expenditure: Investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as building hospitals or purchasing medical equipment.
- In 2020-21, India’s THE was estimated at ₹7,39,327 crores, constituting 3.73% of GDP, with a per capita expenditure of ₹5,436.
- In 2021-22, this figure increased to ₹9,04,461 crores, representing 3.83% of GDP, reflecting a proactive government response to healthcare challenges and pandemic management.
Reasons for Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)
The reduction in OOPE can be attributed to:
- Increased government health spending, making healthcare more affordable.
- Expansion of public health services, including vaccination and preventive care.
- Growth in government-funded health insurance and social security programs, reducing reliance on personal funds.
- Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have eased the financial burden.
- Improved public healthcare access and financial protection have reduced hardship for low- and middle-income families.
PYQ:
[2021] “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Potteries in Ancient India
Why in the News?
This newscard is an excerpt and extension of the original article published in the Indian Express.
Types of Potteries in Ancient India:
- Neolithic Age (10000 BCE): Pottery in this period was handmade, with rough, unglazed surfaces. Later, the footwheel was introduced, making pottery shaping more refined. Materials like clay, mica, and sand were used.
- Chalcolithic Age (4500-2000 BCE): The main pottery types during this era were Black-and-Red Ware, Black-on-Red Ware, and Ochre Colored Pottery (OCP). These were seen in cultures like Ahar-Banas and Jorwe, often featuring geometric designs.
- Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1500 BCE): Pottery was wheel-thrown, with both polished and unpolished varieties. Common pottery types included Black-and-Red Ware and Painted Grey Ware, adorned with geometric patterns and depictions of animals and plants.
- Vedic Era (1500-500 BCE): During this period, Painted Grey Ware (PGW) became prominent, characterized by fine grey pottery with black geometric patterns. Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) emerged, glossy and associated with the elite for its fine finish.
- Mauryan and Gupta Periods: The Mauryan period continued the use of NBPW, while the Gupta period introduced redware pottery. The Kushana period added red polished ware with stamped designs.
|
Rise in Mercantile Activities and Evolution of Pottery Styles:
- The Vedic period saw the emergence of Painted Grey Ware (PGW), often linked with the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- With the rise of Buddhism, Jainism, and urbanization, NBPW emerged during the Mahajanapada period.
- Glazed porcelain was introduced around 1000 AD through trade with China and Muslim traders, significantly influencing India’s pottery tradition.
How Pots are integral to understanding Culture?
- Material Culture: Pottery is a direct reflection of daily life and technological expertise. It reveals how ancient societies lived, worked, and expressed their culture through artistic and functional objects.
- Socio-Economic Indicators: The types of pottery indicate economic status. Luxury pottery like NBPW was reserved for the elite, while more common pottery suggests the everyday life of the broader society.
- Cultural and Religious Practices: Pottery had significant ritualistic and symbolic importance, used in religious ceremonies and burial rituals. Specific pots represented deities or were filled with sacred items like coconuts, bananas, and flowers.
- Technological and Artistic Development: The evolution of pottery-making, from handmade to wheel-thrown pottery, marks the increasing technological and artistic sophistication of ancient civilizations, highlighting advancements in both craftsmanship and creativity.
- Chronological Understanding: Pottery helps date ancient sites, providing key insights into the timeline of cultural and technological progress. It allows historians to map out the development of civilizations and better understand their historical context.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Free Speech Index
Why in the News?
A global survey by The Future of Free Speech, a US -based think tank, has ranked India 24th out of 33 countries in terms of support for free speech.
| The right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, allowing citizens to express their opinions freely. This right includes various forms of expression like speech, writing, art, and digital media, RTI, and even the right not to speak. However, it is subject to reasonable restrictions as outlined in Article 19(2), including security, public order, and decency. |
About the Free Speech Index
- The Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank released this report titled ‘Who in the World Supports Free Speech?’.
- It evaluates public attitudes towards free speech across 33 countries, highlighting trends, regional variations, and challenges to freedom of expression worldwide.
- It emphasized the decline in support for protecting controversial speech, despite strong abstract support for free speech in many countries.
India’s Ranking:
- India is ranked 24th out of 33 countries in the 2024 Global Free Speech Index, with a score of 62.6.
- While Indians generally consider free speech important, 37% of respondents support restrictions on criticizing government policies, which is the highest percentage among the surveyed countries.
- India is an exception to the general trend, as public support for free speech does not align with actual protections, pointing to increasing government restrictions on expression.
Global Highlights:
- Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) lead the rankings, demonstrating strong commitment to free speech and dissent.
- Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) showed the biggest improvements, although they still ranked lower on the scale.
- Several democratic nations, including the US, Israel, and Japan, have seen a decline in free speech support since 2021.
- Countries like Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) scored high, indicating a disconnect between government-imposed restrictions and public attitudes towards free speech.
PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
[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. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Muzhara Movement
Why in the News?
On March 19, the anniversary of the Muzhara movement is observed, marking a significant chapter in Punjab’s agrarian struggles.
About Muzhara Movement
- Muzharas were farmers who worked the land but had no ownership rights.
- They were part of a larger class of landless peasants in Punjab, facing oppressive feudal systems.
- The biswedars (landlords), who took one-third of the produce, controlled the land.
- This system led to economic exploitation, with a significant portion of the produce and profits going to the feudal landlords and, ultimately, the British colonial rulers.
- The muzharas were seeking ownership of the land they had tilled for generations, asserting their right to the land in opposition to both the feudal and colonial systems.
- In March 1949, when the biswedars tried to reclaim land from the muzharas, Kishangarh village became the epicentre of the struggle.
- A violent standoff between the muzharas and the Patiala police ensued, which resulted in the death of a police officer on March 17.
- The army intervened on March 19, leading to four muzharas being killed in the ensuing confrontation.
Other Contemporary Peasant’s Movements
|
Details |
| Champaran Satyagraha (1917) |
- Led by Mahatma Gandhi in Bihar against the tinkathia system, where peasants were forced to grow indigo on part of their land.
- Resulted in the Champaran Agrarian Act (1918), which abolished oppressive practices.
|
| Kheda Satyagraha (1918) |
- Organized in Gujarat after crop failures when the government refused to remit land revenue.
- Gandhi and Sardar Patel supported peasants in withholding revenue payments until demands were met.
|
| Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) |
- Led by Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat against a 30% hike in land revenue.
- The movement succeeded, and Patel earned the title “Sardar” for his leadership.
|
| Tebhaga Movement (1946-47) |
- Initiated by the Kisan Sabha in Bengal, demanding a two-thirds share of produce for tenants instead of the customary half.
- Despite being suppressed violently, it highlighted peasant rights.
|
| Telangana Movement (1946-51) |
- A communist-led peasant guerrilla struggle in Andhra Pradesh against feudal landlords and the Nizam’s oppressive regime.
- Achieved redistribution of land and improved
|
PYQ:
[UPSC 2013] The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for:
(a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third,
(b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land,
(c) the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom,
(d) writing off all peasant debts |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Comptroller and Auditor General
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has decided to examine a plea challenging the current process of appointing the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
About Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG):
|
Details |
| Role and Importance |
- Established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.
- Ensures efficient and lawful use of public funds.
- Audits financial accounts of Consolidated Fund of India, state funds, and public sector undertakings.
- Acts as a watchdog over government financial expenditure.
- Plays a critical role in maintaining financial accountability in governance.
|
| Appointment and Term |
- Appointed by the President of India under a warrant.
- Serves a 6-year term or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
- Must take an oath to uphold the Constitution and perform duties impartially.
- Removal can only occur for misbehaviour or incapacity, through a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.
|
| Independence of the CAG |
- Independence from the government: Ineligible for any government office after leaving office.
- Salary and Expenses: Equal to a Supreme Court judge, with expenses charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.
- No Ministerial Representation: No minister can represent the CAG or assume responsibility for their actions.
|
Issues with the Appointment of the CAG
The current process for appointing the CAG is seen as problematic due to the centralized control by the Union government.
- The CAG is appointed by the President on the advice of the government, raising concerns about potential executive influence over a key independent body.
- Critics argue that this process compromises the CAG’s independence and calls for a neutral selection committee involving the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India.
- This would ensure that the CAG is appointed transparently and impartially, free from political interference.
- Historically, the lack of clear guidelines in Article 148 regarding the CAG’s appointment has allowed executive interference, much like the early years of judicial appointments.
Supreme Court interventions have already reformed appointment processes for bodies like the Election Commission and Central Vigilance Commission, and similar reforms for the CAG are necessary to protect its autonomy.
[UPSC 2012] In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. CAG reports are available to the Parliamentary Committees.
4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sarthi and Pravaah Systems of RBI
Why in the News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was recently awarded the prestigious Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking, a recognition of its groundbreaking digital initiatives, Sarthi and Pravaah.
About Sarthi System
- The Sarthi system was launched in January 2023 by the RBI with the goal of digitizing all internal workflows within the organization.
- This initiative aimed to reduce the reliance on paper-based processes and enhance operational efficiency across the RBI.
- Key features include:
- It can securely store and share documents among the 13,500 employees spread across 40+ locations.
- It also improves record management and provides enhanced data analysis capabilities through reports and dashboards.
- Additionally, Sarthi automates internal processes such as task tracking, approvals, and document management, streamlining operations and improving collaboration between departments.
- To ensure that employees are proficient in using the system, an online training platform, called Sarthi Pathshala, was launched alongside in-person training.
- Sarthi Mitras, who are designated experts within RBI offices, assist colleagues in navigating and resolving issues related to the system.
About Pravaah System
- Building on the success of Sarthi, the RBI introduced the Pravaah system in May 2024.
- Its primary purpose is to facilitate external users in submitting regulatory applications digitally to the RBI.
- This platform has greatly enhanced the efficiency and transparency of the application submission process.
- Key features include:
- It integrates seamlessly with the Sarthi database, enabling smooth processing of regulatory documents.
- It supports more than 70 different regulatory applications, significantly improving the speed and accuracy of submissions.
- It is equipped with centralized cybersecurity measures and digital tracking capabilities, which provide real-time monitoring of applications for both applicants and RBI managers.
- It has contributed to an 80% increase in monthly applications, marking a significant achievement in reducing delays associated with traditional, paper-based systems and streamlining the overall process.
PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee:
1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy.
2. It appears as a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Miller-Urey Hypothesis
Why in the News?
A recent study led by Stanford University chemist Richard Zare has introduced a novel perspective on the origins of life on Earth, providing an alternative to the well-known Miller-Urey hypothesis.
About the Miller-Urey Hypothesis
- The Miller-Urey hypothesis emerged from an experiment conducted in 1952 by chemists Stanley Miller and Harold Urey.
- It sought to simulate the conditions of early Earth to understand how life could have originated.
- They used a mixture of water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen, gases believed to be present in the early Earth’s atmosphere.
- The setup also included an electric spark to simulate lightning, which they hypothesized could have played a role in the formation of organic compounds.
- Results: The experiment successfully demonstrated that organic molecules, like amino acids, essential for life, could form when an electrical spark (simulating lightning) was applied to the gas mixture.
- Impact and Debate:
- The experiment was a landmark in understanding life’s chemical origins.
- However, over time, critics argued that real lightning would have been rare and mostly occurred over open ocean, where organic compounds would have been quickly dispersed.
- This led to the questioning of lightning as the primary trigger for life’s origins.
Life on Earth and the Role of ‘Microlightning’ in Water Droplets
- The Stanford study shows that when water droplets divide, they develop opposing electrical charges—larger droplets become positively charged, and smaller droplets become negatively charged.
- When these oppositely charged droplets come close together, tiny sparks (termed micro-lightning) can leap between them, mimicking the electrical phenomena that occur in thunderstorms.
- Experimental Evidence:
- In the experiment, when water sprays were mixed with nitrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, they produced organic compounds like glycine and uracil, similar to those in the Miller-Urey experiment.
- Microlightning from water sprays can therefore generate organic compounds, providing a plausible and common natural process for the origin of life.
- These microlightning events could have been far more common and accessible than lightning strikes, offering an alternative mechanism for the generation of life-building organic molecules.
PYQ:
[UPSC 2012] Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?
(a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium
(b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
(c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus
(d) Carbon, Sodium, Phosphorus |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY)
Why in the News?
Recently a White House official has proposed expelling Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This comes as Donald Trump pressures Canada, even suggesting it could be transformed into the 51st U.S. state.
About the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY):
- The FVEY is a global intelligence-sharing network comprising 5 Anglosphere countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Established in 1946 following the UKUSA Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, it is one of the most secretive and influential alliances in global intelligence and security.
- The alliance primarily focuses on sharing intelligence, especially signals intelligence (SIGINT), and collaborates on security matters like counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and geopolitical monitoring.
- It plays a pivotal role in global surveillance programs, such as ECHELON, and is a key player in shaping international intelligence policy.
- Members of the FVEY:
-
- Australia: Plays a key role in monitoring the Asia-Pacific region and contributes to SIGINT and cybersecurity efforts.
- Canada: Contributes significantly to global communications intelligence, focusing on networks and signals intelligence.
- New Zealand: Has a relatively reserved role but provides valuable intelligence, particularly in the Pacific region.
- United Kingdom: Works closely with the United States and is instrumental in intelligence gathering across Europe and the Middle East.
- United States: The largest contributor of intelligence, particularly in global SIGINT, and leads the alliance in intelligence operations.
-
- The Five Eyes primarily focuses on intelligence sharing, especially signals intelligence (intercepted communications, satellite data, etc.), but has expanded to include human intelligence (HUMINT), geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and cybersecurity.
- The alliance works on global surveillance programs, collecting data on adversarial governments, counterterrorism efforts, and counterintelligence operations.
- A key principle of the alliance is the “no third-party rule,” meaning intelligence shared among member countries is not passed on to non-member states without permission.
PYQ:
[2020] “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss.” |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Economic Impact of Trade Deficit
Why in the News?
India’s goods trade deficit has dropped to a 42-month low of $14.05 billion in February 2025, driven by reduced imports of gold, silver, and crude oil, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Key Insights from February 2025 Trade Data
- Exports: Goods exports amounted to $36.9 billion in February 2025.
- Imports: Merchandise imports fell to a 22-month low of $50.9 billion, primarily due to lower demand for gold, silver, and crude oil.
- Gold and Silver Imports: The value stood at $2.7 billion, the lowest since June 2024.
- Crude and Petroleum Imports: Reduced to $11.89 billion, marking the lowest level since July 2023.
- On a year-on-year basis, exports dipped by 10.84% in February 2025, partially due to the base year effect of a leap month.
- However, imports shrank by 16.3% compared to February 2024.
Impact of Lower Trade Deficit on India’s Economy
- Stronger Currency: A lower trade deficit reduces demand for foreign currencies, leading to an appreciation of the Indian Rupee. This makes imports cheaper, benefiting consumers and businesses.
- Improved Current Account Balance: The lower trade deficit positively impacts India’s balance of payments, reducing dependence on external borrowing or foreign investments, and contributing to financial stability.
- Boost to Domestic Production: A decrease in imports encourages local manufacturing and reduces reliance on foreign products, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.
- Growth in Exports: The reduced deficit reflects a higher level of exports, improving India’s foreign exchange reserves and supporting industrial output.
- Reduced Inflation: With fewer imports, particularly of essential goods like crude oil and gold, prices of imported goods stabilize, helping reduce inflationary pressures in the economy.
- Better Fiscal Health: A lower trade deficit leads to less reliance on external financing, helping the government maintain fiscal stability and potentially improve credit ratings.
- Positive Investor Sentiment: A smaller trade deficit enhances investor confidence, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), boosting economic development.
- Focus on Self-Reliance: Reduced imports drive self-reliance, encouraging domestic production, and decreasing dependency on imports for essential goods and services.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Supersolid
Why in the News?
In a groundbreaking achievement, Italian researchers have successfully transformed light into a supersolid for the first time in history.
About Supersolid
- A supersolid is a rare state of matter that behaves like both a solid and a liquid at the same time.
- While it maintains a rigid structure, similar to a solid, it can also flow like a liquid without any internal friction.
- How was a supersolid created?
- Researchers made a supersolid by combining light and matter.
- They used polaritons (a mix of light and particle pairs called excitons) to create this new state of matter.
- When these polaritons reach their lowest energy, they form the supersolid that behaves like both a solid and a liquid.
- Features of a Supersolid:
- Dual Nature: A supersolid is solid in structure but can also flow like a liquid.
- Quantum Coherence: The particles inside a supersolid work together in a special way because of quantum mechanics, creating unique behaviors.
- Zero Viscosity: It moves without any resistance, just like a superfluid, meaning it can flow freely even though it’s solid.
- Temperature Dependency: Supersolids only form at extremely low temperatures (close to absolute zero, or -273.15°C).
Applications of Supersolids
- Quantum Computing: Supersolids could help improve the performance of quantum computers, making them more stable.
- Superconductors: They might be used to create materials that allow zero-resistance electricity, improving energy transmission.
- Frictionless Lubricants: Supersolids could lead to frictionless lubricants, making machinery work more efficiently and last longer.
- Fundamental Physics: Studying supersolids helps us understand quantum physics and how particles behave under extreme conditions.
- Material Science: Supersolids could help create new materials for advanced technology, including computers, sensors, and energy storage.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNESCO World Heritage List.
Why in the News?
The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism has announced the addition of six sites to India’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage List.
About the Sites
|
Details |
| Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)
|
- Located in Mudumal region, Nalgonda district, Telangana.
- Dates back to 1000 BCE to 500 BCE, associated with Iron Age.
- Famous for menhirs, large upright stones used for burial or ceremonial purposes.
- Provides insight into ancient South Indian megalithic cultures.
|
| Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh)
|
- Located in Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Built by Bundela Rajputs from 16th to 18th centuries.
- Known for a mix of Rajput, Mughal, and Hindu architectural styles.
- Key sites include Orchha Fort, Datia Palace, and Chanderi Fort.
|
| Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh) |
- Located in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh.
- Covers 200 km², known for dense forests, caves, and waterfalls.
- Home to species like tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and bison.
- Famous for Kanger Dhara waterfall and Bailadila Range of hills.
|
| Ashokan Edict Sites (Multiple States) |
- Spread across India: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka.
- Created by Emperor Ashoka during 3rd century BCE.
- Focuses on moral conduct, non-violence, and promoting Buddhism.
- Key sites include Sanchi, Lumbini, Kalinga, and Kandahar.
|
| Chausath Yogini Temples (Multiple States)
|
- Found in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa.
- Built during the 8th to 12th centuries CE, associated with Tantric Hinduism.
- Temples dedicated to 64 Yoginis, with notable sites in Khajuraho and Bhilsa.
|
| Gupta Temples in North India (Multiple States)
|
- Located in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
- Built during 4th to 6th centuries CE during the Gupta Empire.
- Characterized by Nagara-style architecture.
- Notable examples: Deogarh Temple, Dasavatara Temple, etc.
|
PYQ:
[2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:
1. Shantiniketan
2. Rani-ki-Vav
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India's Solar Capacity
Why in the News?
A new study by IIT Delhi, published in Environmental Research Letters (November 2024), reveals that air pollution and climate change are undermining solar panel efficiency in India.
Key Findings of the IIT Delhi Study
- Efficiency Loss Forecast:
- Scenario 1 (Moderate climate efforts): Solar panel efficiency is projected to decline by more than 2.3% by 2041-2050.
- Scenario 2 (Weak climate action, strong air pollution control): Efficiency drops by 2.3%, amounting to at least 840 GWh loss annually.
- Primary Causes:
- Solar radiation decline is the biggest factor.
- Temperature increase follows closely, with a 2°C rise in cell temperature predicted by mid-century.
- Wind speed variations have minimal but present impact.
- Kerala and Northeast regions could see higher solar potential due to reduced cloud cover, offering opportunities for future solar investments.
India’s Solar Capacity
- India, is the 5th-largest solar power producer globally.
- India has achieved a significant milestone with a total installed solar capacity of 100.33 GW as of January 31, 2025.
- India’s solar capacity has increased 35 times in the past decade, growing from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025.
- PM SuryaGhar Muft Bijli Yojana has been a key driver in promoting rooftop solar, with nearly 9 lakh rooftop installations already completed.
- A record 24.5 GW of solar capacity was added in 2024, more than doubling the installations compared to 2023.
- In 2024, 18.5 GW of utility-scale solar capacity was installed, a nearly 2.8 x increase compared to the previous year.
- Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are the top-performing states, contributing significantly to India’s solar installations.
- India’s solar module production capacity has surged from 2 GW in 2014 to 60 GW in 2024, establishing the country as a global leader in solar manufacturing.
PYQ:
[2020] India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.
[2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
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 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Scheduled Tribes (STs)
Why in the News?
At the recent Indian Anthropology Congress officials from the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) called for a shift in defining tribes.
Instead of a rigid binary classification—tribe or not—they advocate for a “spectrum of tribalness”.
About Scheduled Tribes (STs)
- STs are defined under Article 366(25) of the Indian Constitution as “such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this Constitution.“
- Under Article 342, the President notifies STs for each State/UT after consultation with the Governor, and modifications can only be made by Parliament through legislation.
- Currently, 705 STs are notified across 30 States/UTs, comprising 8.6% of India’s population (2011 Census).
- They are mainly concentrated in Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, etc.) and the North-East.
Existing Criteria for ST Classification (Lokur Committee, 1965)
- The Lokur Committee (1965) laid down 5 key criteria for classifying STs:
- Primitive Traits
- Distinctive Culture
- Geographical Isolation
- Shyness of Contact with the Community at Large
- Backwardness
- Criticisms of Existing Criteria:
- Termed obsolete, condescending, and colonial by scholars.
- Many communities today do not fully meet all criteria.
- Fails to reflect regional diversity, historical coexistence, and social changes.
- Overly dependent on a binary view of ‘tribe’ vs. ‘non-tribe’, leading to inclusion-exclusion conflicts (e.g., Meitei ST demand in Manipur).
Proposal for a ‘Spectrum of Tribalness’
Recent academic and policy discussions (e.g., at the Indian Anthropology Congress) advocate for a paradigm shift:
- Replace binary classification with a “spectrum of tribalness” or matrix of indicators.
- Use a broader set of 100-150 indicators, including:
- Marriage, kinship systems, language, rituals, governance structures, cultural materiality (e.g., headgear, weaponry) etc.
- Assign weightage to each indicator to determine the degree of tribalness.
PYQ:
[2024] Consider the following statements:
1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.
2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State.
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 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India’s Gold Imports
Why in the News?
India is facing a rise in gold smuggling due to higher global gold prices, with a recent high-profile case where an actor was arrested for smuggling over 14 kg of gold from Dubai to Bengaluru.
Laws Against Gold Smuggling in India:
- Gold smuggling is regulated by the Customs Act, 1962.
- Sections 111 & 112 allow confiscation and fines for illegal imports.
- Section 135 provides up to 7 years imprisonment if the smuggled goods’ value exceeds ₹1 lakh.
- Under the Baggage Rules, 2016, men abroad for 1+ year can bring 20g duty-free (₹50,000 cap); women can bring 40g (₹1 lakh cap).
- Customs duty rates:
- 3% duty: Men (20-50g), Women (40-100g).
- 6% duty: Men (50-100g), Women (100-200g).
- 10% duty: Beyond these limits.
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, punishes organized smuggling with 5 years to life imprisonment under Section 111.
- Under UAPA Section 15, smuggling that affects India’s monetary stability is treated as a terrorist act, attracting life imprisonment.
- The Supreme Court (2003) ruled that non-compliant imports are prohibited goods, liable for confiscation and punishment.
India’s Gold Imports:
- India is the second-largest gold consumer after China, with gold making up 5% of total imports, mostly for the jewellery industry.
- Major import sources: Switzerland (40%), UAE (16%), South Africa (10%).
- Budget 2024 reduced import duty from 15% to 6% to control smuggling and balance trade.
- In April-July 2024-25, gold imports dipped by 4.23%, easing pressure on the Current Account Deficit (CAD).
- April-June 2024:
- Gems & jewellery exports: US$ 6.87 bn.
- Diamonds: 53.47%, gold jewellery: 32.39% (US$ 608 mn), silver jewellery: 3.36%.
- Gold jewellery imports: US$ 88.61 mn (June 2024).
- Major production hubs: Surat, Mumbai, Jaipur, Thrissur, Nellore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata.
- India targets US$ 100 billion gems & jewellery exports by 2027, making it a focus sector for export promotion.
PYQ:
[2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?
1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy.
2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector.
3. To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Critical Minerals
Why in the News?
Union Coal and Mines Minister has launched the first-ever auction of Exploration Licences (ELs) for 13 critical mineral blocks.
About the Critical Minerals Exploration Policy
- India’s Critical Minerals Policy is designed to reduce import dependence, boost domestic production, and ensure secure access to essential minerals required for modern technology, defense, and clean energy.
- It is driven by amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR), 2023, introduces systematic exploration, private sector participation, and transparent auctions.
- Key Features of the Policy:
-
- Private Sector Involvement: Allows private companies to explore and develop mineral blocks through Exploration Licences (ELs).
- Transparent Auction Process: Introduces an auction-based allocation of exploration blocks, ensuring efficiency and competition.
- Focus on Deep-Seated Minerals: Encourages the exploration of hard-to-extract minerals like lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), and platinum group metals (PGMs).
- Financial Support for Exploration: Provides risk-sharing mechanisms, where 50% of exploration costs are borne by the government if minerals are not found.
What are Critical Minerals?
- Critical minerals are essential elements required for high-tech industries, clean energy technologies, and national security.
- They are however at risk of supply chain disruptions due to their limited availability or geopolitical factors.
- India’s 30 Critical Minerals (2023 List) includes: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Graphite, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Platinum Group Elements (PGEs), Silicon, Phosphorous, Potash, Tin, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, and others.
Uses of Critical Minerals:
- Electronics & Semiconductors: Copper, gallium, germanium, indium.
- Electric Vehicles & Batteries: Lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite.
- Renewable Energy Technologies: Rare Earth Elements (REEs) for wind turbines and solar panels.
- Aerospace & Defense: Titanium, tungsten, platinum group elements (PGEs).
PYQ:
[2019] With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
- Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
- State governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
- State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: H5N1 Bird Flu
Why in the News?
Bihar is currently facing a bird flu outbreak, yet the state lacks a dedicated testing facility for confirming cases.
What is H5N1 Bird Flu?
- H5N1 (Avian Influenza A) is a highly contagious virus affecting birds and some mammals.
- It was first detected in China in 1996 and has since spread globally, including India.
- In 2020, a highly pathogenic strain emerged, leading to outbreaks in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Impact of H5N1 on Animals:
- Wild birds, especially endangered species like California condors, have suffered mass casualties.
- The virus previously targeted poultry, but now marine mammals (sea lions, dolphins) and terrestrial mammals (foxes, bears, pumas, minks) are also infected.
- India’s first H5N1 outbreak occurred in Maharashtra and Gujarat in 2015.
Human Risk and Potential Transmission:
- Direct human infections are rare and usually occur through close contact with infected birds.
- Climate change is worsening the spread, altering bird migration patterns and increasing interspecies interactions.
- Human-to-human transmission is uncommon, but experts warn that mutations could make it possible in the future.
PYQ:
[2015] H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?
(a) AIDS
(b) Bird flu
(c) Dengue
(d) Swine flu |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Aditya L1 Mission, CMEs
Why in the News?
India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, has made a significant scientific observation—a flareless Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) Payload.
About Flareless Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)
- A Flareless CME is a solar eruption that occurs without an associated solar flare.
- Unlike typical CMEs, which are often linked to intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation, flareless CMEs result from magnetic instabilities in the solar corona without sudden energy releases.
Key Features of Flareless CMEs:
- No Solar Flare Trigger: Unlike most CMEs, they do not originate from an intense energy burst.
- Magnetic Instability Driven: Plasma ejection occurs due to internal rearrangements in the Sun’s magnetic field.
- Gradual Energy Release: These CMEs may expand more slowly compared to CME-flare events.
- Scientific Significance: Helps differentiate CME mechanisms from flare activities, improving space weather forecasts.
About the Aditya-L1 Mission
- Aditya-L1 is India’s first space-based observatory dedicated to solar studies.
- Launched by ISRO, it is positioned at Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million km from Earth.
- It takes 125 days to reach L1, where gravitational equilibrium allows continuous solar observation.
- It is India’s second space observatory after AstroSat (2015).
- Mission Objectives:
- Study the solar corona, photosphere, chromosphere, and solar wind dynamics.
- Monitor solar activity, flares, and CMEs to predict space weather events.
- Provide early warnings for geomagnetic storms affecting Earth’s satellites and power grids.
- Scientific Instruments:
-
- Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): Observes the solar corona and tracks CMEs.
- Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT): Captures images of the Sun’s lower atmosphere.
- Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS): Measures soft X-ray emissions from the Sun.
- High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS): Detects high-energy solar X-rays.
- Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX): Studies solar wind particles and their impact on space weather.
- Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA): Analyzes plasma properties in the solar wind.
- Magnetometer: Measures magnetic field variations at L1.
PYQ:
[2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth ?
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only (d) 2, 5 and 6 only |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now