From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple; Architectural features.
Why in the News?
After 46 years, the sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, known as Ratna Bhandar, was reopened amid years of legal battles, controversies, and debates.
About the Ratna Bhandar
The Ratna Bhandar stores the gold and jewels offered by devotees to the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
It is located adjacent to the prayer hall on the north side of the temple.
It consists of two sections: the ‘Bhitar Bhandar’ (Inner Treasury) and the ‘Bahar Bhandar’ (Outer Treasury), with the last inventory in 1978 noting significant amounts of gold and silver items in both chambers.
Legend says, Odisha’s King Anangabhima Dev (1211 to 1238) donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold to prepare jewellery for the almighty.
The Odisha government passed the Jagannath Temple Act, 1952 to have a greater role in the temple’s management, which included maintaining an inventory of the offerings in the Puri collectorate’s Record Room.
Recent Developments:
The safety of the Ratna Bhandar is managed by the Temple’s Committee, chaired by the titular ‘King of Puri’ and includes IAS officers and other state-appointed members.
Originally, keys to the Ratna Bhandar were held by the Puri royal family, temple committee, and collectorate, with significant changes in ownership and access protocols over the years due to legal rulings.
The recent reopening involved breaking the locksof the inner chamber as they could not be opened traditionally, following strict procedures.
About Jagannath Puri Temple
The Jagannath Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna in Puri in Odisha.
The present temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, on the site of an earlier temple, and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars.
Its Architecture:
With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.
The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet and is surrounded by a high fortified wall.
This 20 feet high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri.
Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.
The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely:
Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In Rekha Deula style;
Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)
PYQ:
[2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:
(a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
(b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
(c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
Significance: Marks the location where Buddha attained enlightenment.
UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site since 2002.
Historical Importance: One of the four holy sites related to Buddha’s life (Enlightenment).
Original Construction: Built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka around 260 BCE.
Reconstruction: Reconstructed in brick during the late Gupta period (5th or 6th centuries).
Archaeological Finds: Indicates a site of veneration since the Mauryan period; Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) dated to the third century BCE.
Main Temple Structure: Dates from the 6th century CE, incorporates parts from 2nd or 3rd century CE.
Architectural Features: Two large shikhara towers, the largest over 55 meters high; influenced Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist architecture globally.
Materials: Made mostly of brick covered with stucco.
Bodhi Tree: A direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
Traditional Accounts: Describes 7 weeks Buddha spent meditating after enlightenment at various spots within the complex.
Decline and Revival: Declined after the Huna and early Islamic invasions; revived under the Pala Empire (8th-12th century); declined again after 12th century CE invasions by Turk armies.
Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Puri Temple
Location: Puri, Odisha
Significance: Important Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna
History: Rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty
Annual Event: Famous for its annual Ratha Yatra (chariot festival) where three principal deities are pulled on huge, elaborately decorated temple cars
Architecture: Oriya style of temple architecture; complex covers over 400,000 square feet, surrounded by a high fortified wall (Meghanada Pacheri); main structures include Deula (Sanctum sanctorum), Mukhashala (Frontal porch), Nata mandir/Natamandapa (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)
Ratna Bhandar:
Context: The sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, known as Ratna Bhandar, was reopened after 46 years amid legal battles and controversies
Contents: Stores gold and jewels offered by devotees to the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra
Location: Adjacent to the prayer hall on the north side of the temple.
Sections: Consists of two sections: the ‘Bhitar Bhandar’ (Inner Treasury) and the ‘Bahar Bhandar’ (Outer Treasury)
Historical Significance: Legend says Odisha’s King Anangabhima Dev (1211 to 1238) donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold to prepare jewelry for the deities
Management: Safety managed by the Temple’s Committee chaired by the titular ‘King of Puri’; keys held by the Puri royal family, temple committee, and collectorate with changes over the years
Recent Developments: Reopened by breaking the locks of the inner chamber due to inability to open traditionally, following strict procedures
Also in news:World Heritage Young Professional Forum
India is hosting the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time in New Delhi.
Theme: “World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth.”
The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum is an initiative by UNESCO to engage young professionals in the field of heritage conservation.
The first World Heritage Young Professionals Forum was organized in 1995.
The primary aim is to engage young professionals in heritage conservation and management through capacity building, networking, and awareness-raising.
PYQ:
[2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:
(a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
(b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
(c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
Takaaki Kajita, a Nobel laureate has supported India’s pursuit of a neutrino lab.
Despite numerous obstacles, Kajita believes that the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project, which would rank as one of the largest basic science projects in the country, is still worth pursuing.
Who is Takaaki Kajita?
Takaaki Kajita is a Japanese physicist who was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering the oscillations of neutrinos from one flavour to another, which proved that those subatomic particles have mass.
He shared the prize with Canadian physicist Arthur B. McDonald.16 May 2024
About India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO):
Details
Location
INO Peak near Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
Objective
Study atmospheric neutrinos and provide precise measurements of neutrino mixing parameters
Project Scope
One of the largest experimental particle physics projects in India
Initial Completion Date
Originally planned for 2015
Key Equipment
Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) Detector, designed to probe Earth matter effects on neutrino propagation and determine neutrino oscillation parameters.
50,000 tonnes, the world’s largest magnet, four times larger than CERN’s CMS detector magnet
Research Goals
Neutrino Oscillation Parameters: Unambiguous and precise determination using atmospheric neutrinos.
Matter Effects: Study through electric charge identification to determine the sign of mass differences.
CP Violation: Investigate charge-conjugation and parity violations in the leptonic sector.
CPT Violation: Possible studies of charge-conjugation, parity, and time-reversal violations.
Kolar Events: Study possible identification of very-high-energy neutrinos and multi-muon events in Kolar Gold Fields.
Historical Discussions
Initial discussions in 1989, formal collaboration in 2001, and MoU signed in 2002
Current Status
Construction stalled as of July 2021 due to local opposition and environmental concerns; ongoing legal and governmental deliberations
What is Neutrinos?
Neutrinos,often referred to as “ghost particles,” are subatomic particles with nearly zero mass and no electric charge.
Other issues in space:
Last week, ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed the possibility of engaging with the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth at a distance of 32,000 km in 2029.
What is Apophis?
Apophis is classified as a near-Earth asteroid (NEA), specifically a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) due to its size and proximity to Earth’s orbit.
Apophis is approximately 335 meters (1,100 feet) in diameter, making it one of the larger near-Earth asteroids.
Discovered in 2004, Apophis initially posed a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth, raising alarms due to its size (about 450 m wide).
Subsequent observations ruled out immediate collision risks in 2029, 2036, and 2068, but it will pass close to Earth in 2029 at 32,000 km.
PYQ:
[2010] India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the planning commission as a mega-science project under the 11th Five-year plan. In this context, consider the following statements:
Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
Neutrinos have a negligible, but non-zero mass.
Trillions of Neutrinos pass through the human body every second.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Asur Tribes
Why in the News?
The Gumla district administration in Jharkhand has announced that the Asur community, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) residing in the Netarhat plateau region of Gumla, will soon benefit from the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
About Asur Community
The Asur tribe primarily resides in the districts of Gumla, Lohardaga, Palamu, and Latehar in Jharkhand, India.
They speak Asuri, a Munda language belonging to the Austroasiatic language family.
Traditionally, the Asur were skilled iron-smelters, practicing metallurgy using indigenous techniques.
Over time, many have shifted to agriculture, although some are still involved in mining work.
The Asur community has a traditional council (jati panch) to settle disputes.
They maintain kinship ties with neighboring tribes like Kharwar and Munda.
Social Structure of Asur Community:
They live in forest-surrounded clearings called pats, with houses made of mud walls, wooden poles, and roofs covered with paddy straw.
Asurs follow a religion that combines animism, animatism, naturalism, and ancestral worship.
Their chief deity is Singbonga, and they celebrate festivals like Sarhul and Karma.
Marriage is significant, following rules of monogamy with exceptions for barrenness or widowhood.
Widow remarriage is allowed, and marriages occur within the tribe (endogamy).
Back2Basics: Forest Rights Act, 2006
Details
Purpose
Recognizes and vests forest rights in Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD).
Eligibility
Individuals or communities residing in forest land for at least 3 generations (75 years)prior to December 13, 2005.
Rights Recognized
Title Rights: Ownership up to 4 hectares for cultivation.
Use Rights: Includes Minor Forest Produce and grazing areas.
Relief and Development Rights: Rehabilitation and basic amenities in case of eviction.
Forest Management Rights: Conservation and sustainable use of community forest resources.
Authority
Gram Sabha initiates the process of determining Individual Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest Rights (CFR).
Conservation
Balances forest conservation with livelihood and food security of FDST and OTFD.
PYQ:
[2021] At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?
(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
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: National Emergency under Art. 352
Why in the News?
The Government of India has decided to observe 25th June every year as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.’
National Emergency imposition in India
June 25, 2025, will mark fifty years since the imposition of the Emergency.
The Emergency lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977.
It was characterized by the suspension of civil liberties, press freedom, mass arrests, the cancellation of elections, and rule by decree.
What was the Emergency?
PM Indira Gandhi’s government used constitutional provisions to impose sweeping executive and legislative control.
Opposition leaders were jailed, and fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression, were curtailed, leading to press censorship.
The federal structure was effectively converted into a unitary one, with the Union controlling state governments.
Parliament extended its term, made laws on state subjects, and extended the Union’s executive powers to the states.
Legal and Constitutional Sanction
Article 352 allowed the President to proclaim an emergency if India’s security was threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
In 1975, “internal disturbance” was used as grounds for the Emergency, citing incitements against the police and armed forces.
This was the only instance of emergency due to “internal disturbance,” later removed by the 44th Amendment in 1978.
Article 358suspended limitations on Article 19 (“Right to freedom”).
Article 359 allowed the President to suspend the right to court enforcement of rights during an emergency.
Political and Social Circumstances: A Timeline
In 1974, the Navnirman movement against corruption in Gujarat led to President’s Rule.
Inspired by Navnirman, a student movement in Bihar, led by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), aimed to cleanse the country of corruption and misgovernance.
In May 1974, George Fernandes led a massive railway workers’ strike.
On June 5, 1974, JP called for “Sampoorna Kranti” (total revolution).
On June 12, 1975, Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court convicted Indira Gandhi of electoral malpractice.
On June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed signed the Proclamation of Emergency, cutting power to major newspapers and informing the Cabinet the next morning.
Impact on Opposition Leaders, Media, and Political Dissenters
Almost all opposition leaders, including JP, were detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).
Newspapers faced pre-censorship, with UNI and PTI merged into a state-controlled agency, Samachar.
More than 250 journalists were jailed, and The Indian Express resisted by printing blank spaces when stories were censored.
Sanjay Gandhi’s “five-point programme” included forced family planning and slum clearance, leading to forced sterilizations and violent clashes.
Sanjay Gandhi’s “Five-Point Programme”
Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of then PM, Mrs. Indira Gandhi had come forward with a programme to ‘improve’ the condition of the poor people.
His programme can be divided under five Headings, i.e.
Adult Education.
To abolish Dowry.
To Grow more trees.
Family planning – only two children.
Eradication of caste system.
Legal Changes during the Emergency
With opposition leaders in jail, Parliament passed amendments barring judicial review of the Emergency and securing the Prime Minister’s election.
The 42nd Amendment expanded Union authority over states and gave Parliament unbridled power to amend the Constitution.
In ADM Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla (1976), the Supreme Court ruled that detention without trial was legal during an emergency, with Justice H.R. Khanna dissenting.
Lifting the Emergency and Aftermath
Indira Gandhi lifted the Emergency in early 1977, leading to her defeat in the elections.
The Janata Party emerged victorious, with Morarji Desai becoming India’s first non-Congress Prime Minister.
The Janata government reversed many constitutional changesfrom the 42nd Amendment, made judicial review of emergency proclamations possible, and removed “internal disturbance” as grounds for emergency imposition.
PYQ:
[2022] Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?
To ratify the declaration of Emergency
To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
To impeach the President of India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Context: Used to eradicate the invasive weed Salvinia molesta from the Sarani reservoir in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh.
Biological Details: Exotic beetle from Brazil, targets and eradicates Salvinia molesta, dies naturally post-eradication.
Bioremediation: Implemented by ICAR-DWR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Weed Research), started in April 2022, completed within 15 to 18 months.
Economic and Social Impact: Restored livelihoods for fishermen by reviving fish populations; initial challenges included high cost and impracticality of manual removal.
Conservation Status: No risk, as the beetle dies naturally after eradicating the weed.
Squalus hima
Context: Newly discovered species of deep-water dogfish shark found in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala.
Biological Details: Genus Squalus, family Squalidae, commonly known as spurdogs; differs in vertebrae count, teeth, and fin structure from other species.
Discovery: Discovered by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at Sakthikulangara fishing harbour, Kerala; significant for new species identification and conservation.
Economic and Social Impact: Important for commercial products like liver oil used in cosmetics and anti-cancer products; challenges include high exploitation for liver oil, fins, and meat.
Conservation Status: Critical due to high commercial exploitation for liver oil, fins, and meat; important for conservation efforts.
PYQ:
[2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news?
(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
(c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ZSI, Key highlights of the report.
Why in the News?
A report titled “Animal Discoveries 2023” by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) highlights significant new species findings in Maharashtra and across India.
New Species in Maharashtra:
Maharashtra recorded 14 new animal species in 2023, with two species reported for the first time in India.
Notably, among the 25 Arachnid species reported for the first time in India, two belong to Maharashtra—Steatoda Erigoniformis and Myrmarachne Spissa.
Steatoda Erigoniformis: It is a species of spider known for its resemblance to the more dangerous black widow spiders. They are commonly referred to as “false widow spiders.”
Myrmarachne Spissa: It is part of a group of spiders that mimic ants in appearance and behaviour, a trait known as myrmecomorphy. Previously reported in Sri Lanka, Myrmarachne Spissa’sdiscovery in Pune marks its first report from India, highlighting the region’s biodiversity significance.
Key Findings from the ZSI Report:
National Discoveries:
In 2023, Indian scientists reported a total of 641 new discoveries, including 442 new species and 199 new records for India.
This includes the discovery of 19 new genera. As of January 1, 2024, India’s faunal diversity stands at 104,561 species, with the additions in 2023 constituting 6.65% of the global faunal diversity.
Categories of Discoveries:
Invertebrates accounted for the majority of new discoveries with 564 species, while vertebrates contributed 77 species.
Among invertebrates, insects led with 369 new species, while vertebrates were dominated by fish with 47 species, followed by reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
Regional Distribution:
Kerala reported the highest number of new discoveries (101), followed by West Bengal (72), Tamil Nadu (64), Arunachal Pradesh (45), Karnataka (45), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (36).
Southern India consistently reports the highest number of species.
Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India
The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale, in 1916.
It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India based in Kolkata.
It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to India’s Biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Upper Siang; Brahmaputra River.
Why in the News?
Activists are protesting against the Upper Siang Hydropower Project in Arunachal.
About Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project
The Upper Siang project is a proposed 11,000 MW hydropower project on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Siang, originating near Mount Kailash in Tibet (Tsangpo), flows over 1,000 km eastward, enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, and laterbecomes the Brahmaputra in Assam.
Initially proposed as two separate projects, it was consolidated into one larger project in 2017, to be built by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), featuring a 300-metre high dam.
Strategic Importance:
The Upper Siang project is seen as a strategic move to counter China’s hydel projects on the Tsangpo, particularly a 60,000 MW ‘super dam’ in Tibet’sMedog county.
This super dam’s capacity is nearly 3x that of the Three Gorges Dam in China and is intended to divert water to northern China.
Environmental and Social Concerns
Anti-dam organizations express concerns about the project’s environmental and social impact in their memorandum.
The memorandum highlights the threat to delicate ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh, which already hosts numerous dams.
The activists are particularly worried about the displacement of communities, as the project could submerge over 300 villages of the Adi tribe, including the district headquarters of Yingkiong.
Activists are also wary of the project’s portrayal as a national interest endeavor and are troubled by a provision in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, which exempts strategic projects within 100 km from India’s borders from clearance requirements.
Land declared as forest under the Indian Forest Act or any other law, or notified as a forest after 25th October 1980.
Land converted from forest to non-forest use before 12th December 1996.
Exemptions from the Act
Allows exemptions for:
Up to 0.10 hectares of forest land for connectivity purposes along roads and railways.
Up to 10 hectares for security-related infrastructure.
Up to 5 hectares in Left Wing Extremism Affected Districts for public utility projects.
Additionally, strategic projects within 100 km of international borders, LAC, and LoC are also exempted.
Permitted Activities in Forest Land
Includes conservation, management, and development efforts.
Activities like zoos, ecotourism facilities, silvi-cultural operations, and specified surveys are exempted from non-forest purposes.
Assignment/Leasing of Forest Land
Extends the prerequisite for obtaining prior approval from the central government for the assignment of forest land to any entity, broadening the scope beyond private entities.
It also grants the central government the authority to stipulate the terms and conditions governing such assignments.
PYQ:
[2011] The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow it through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a “U” turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn is due to:
(a) Uplift of folded Himalayan series
(b) Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas
(c) Geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Gopal Ratna Award
Why in the News?
The National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA) 2024 has been awarded by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
The awards are conferred annually on National Milk Day, which is celebrated on 26th November.
What is the National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA)?
NGRA is an initiative under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Objective: The award aims to promote the conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds, which are crucial for the sustainability of the dairy sector in India.
Categories: NGRA is awarded in several categories:
Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds.
Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company (MPC)/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).
Other aspects of the Award
Special Recognition: In recent years, a special award category has been included for the North Eastern Region (NER) states to encourage dairy development activities in these regions.
Nomination and Recognition: Nominations for the NGRA are submitted online through the National Award portal.
Award Details:
NGRA 2024 will confer awards in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranks, and one Special Award for the NER States in each category.
Cash prizes for Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPC categories:
Rs. 5,00,000/- (1st rank)
Rs. 3,00,000/- (2nd rank)
Rs. 2,00,000/- (3rd rank)
Rs. 2,00,000/- (Special Award for NER).
Best AIT category: Certificate of merit and a memento, without any cash prize.
Back2Basics: Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Details
About
Implemented for development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds since December 2014.
Continued under the umbrella scheme Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana from 2021 to 2026 with a budget of Rs.2400 crore.
Nodal Ministry
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Objectives
Enhance productivity of bovines and increase milk production sustainably using advanced technologies.
Propagate the use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding purposes.
Enhance artificial insemination coverage by strengthening the breeding network and providing services at farmers’ doorsteps.
Promote indigenous cattle & buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.
PYQ:
[2015] Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Robot Tax
Why in the News?
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), wants a ‘robot tax’ to help employees who lose their jobs because companies are using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
SJM’s Proposals and Suggestions
Robot Tax Proposal: SJM proposes a ‘robot tax’ to create a fund supporting workers displaced by AI adoption to upskill and adapt to new technologies.
Tax Incentives for Job Creation: Suggestions include tax incentives for industries based on their employment-output ratio to encourage job creation.
Fund for Worker Upskilling: Emphasizes the need for economic measures to cope with the human cost of AI. SJM suggests using a ‘robot tax’ to fund worker upskilling programs.
Additional Budgetary Recommendations
Incentivise job creation: SJM suggests tax incentives for industries generating more employment, based on an employment-output ratio.
Subsidies for Small Farmers: SJM proposes subsidies for micro irrigation projects to boost productivity among small farmers.
SJM recommends that micro-irrigation projects be made eligible for funding via CSR by adding them to Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
Wealth tax on Vacant Lands: SJM suggests a wealth tax on “vacant land” to discourage unnecessary landholding for future requirements.
What is a Robot Tax?
A robot tax is a proposed tax on companies that use automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to replace human workers.
The idea behind this tax is to generate revenue that can be used to support workerswho lose their jobs due to automation.
This can include retraining programs, unemployment benefits, and other forms of social support.
Need for a Robot Tax
Job Displacement:
Automation Impact: AI and automation can lead to significant job losses in various industries as machines and software perform tasks previously done by humans.
Worker Support: A robot tax can provide financial resources to support displaced workers, helping them transition to new roles or acquire new skills.
Economic Inequality:
Wealth Distribution: Automation tends to concentrate wealth among those who own the technology, leading to increased economic inequality.
Redistribution: Taxing companies that benefit from automation can help redistribute wealth more fairly across society.
Funding for Public Programs:
Social Safety Nets: Revenue from a robot tax can fund social safety nets such as unemployment benefits, retraining programs, and other social services.
Infrastructure: It can also support public infrastructure projects and other initiatives that benefit society as a whole.
Incentivising Human Employment:
Employment Decisions: By imposing a tax on automation, companies might be more inclined to consider human workers over robots for certain tasks.
Balanced Approach: This can help maintain a balance between technological advancement and human employment.
Examples and Proposals
Bill Gates’ Proposal: Bill Gates in 2022 advocated for a robot tax, suggesting that the revenue could fund job retraining and other social benefits.
European Parliament: In 2017, the European Parliament considered a robot tax as part of broader regulations on AI and robotics, though it was ultimately not implemented.
Criticisms and Challenges
Implementation: Determining how to effectively implement and enforce a robot tax can be challenging.
Innovation Stifling: Critics argue that a robot tax could hinder innovation and technological progress.
Global Competition: There are concerns that companies might relocate to countries without such a tax, affecting global competitiveness.
Conclusion
A robot tax is a controversial yet potentially beneficial approach to addressing the economic and social impacts of AI and automation.
It aims to provide support for displaced workers, reduce economic inequality, and ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are shared more broadly across society.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NABARD, Integrated Tribal Development Programme
Why in the News?
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is set to launch an integrated tribal development programme in Kulathupuzha grama panchayat, Kollam.
About Integrated Tribal Development Programme
Thanal, an environment organisation, will be the implementing agency of the project that aims to transform livelihoods of tribal families over the next five years.
The five-year initiative targets the sustainable livelihood and agricultural enhancement of 413 families residing in eight hamlets.
The programme focuses on promoting diverse agricultural crops such as pepper, arecanut, coconut, ginger, Thai ginger, turmeric, and plantain.
It encompasses initiatives in goat rearing, poultry, beekeeping, fish farming, and fodder production.
The establishment of a Tribal Farmer Producer Company (FPO) is also planned to further economically empower the community.
Components of the Programme
Water Resource Development: Initiatives aimed at enhancing water resources for agricultural purposes.
Leadership Training: Training sessions to empower local leaders within the tribal communities.
Awareness Creation: Campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable practices and community development.
Sanitation and Hygiene Initiatives: Efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene standards among the tribal families.
Marketing and Branding Training: Training programmes to enhance marketing skills and brand awareness among participants.
Skill Development Workshops: Workshops focused on enhancing both agricultural and non-agricultural skills among the tribal community.
About NABARD:
It was established on July 12, 1982, based on the recommendation of the Sivaraman Committee to promote sustainable rural development and agricultural growth in India.
Aim: To facilitate credit flow for the promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts, and other rural crafts.
It operates as a statutory body under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, with its headquarters located in Mumbai.
It is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the GoI:
Representatives from the RBI;
Central and state governments;
Experts from various fields related to Rural Development and Finance.
Functions of NABARD:
Refinance Support: NABARD provides refinance facilities to banks and financial institutions for agricultural and rural development activities, including crop loans and rural infrastructure projects.
Financial Inclusion: It promotes financial inclusion by expanding banking services in rural areas, supporting SHGs, FPOs, and MFIs, and facilitating access to credit for rural communities.
Priority Sector Lending: NABARD plays a crucial role in channelling credit to priority sectors such as agriculture, small-scale industries, and rural infrastructure, in alignment with the Reserve Bank of India’s priority sector lending guidelines.
Direct Lending: It extends direct loans to institutions for specific rural development projects, such as agricultural production, rural infrastructure development, and agri-processing units.
Scheme Implementation: The organization administers government schemes and funds like Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Watershed Development Fund (WDF) to finance rural infrastructure projects and watershed development activities.
Credit Planning: NABARD collaborates with central and state governments, RBI, and other stakeholders to formulate credit policies and plans for agriculture and rural sectors.
Research and Training: NABARD promotes research and development in agriculture, supports capacity building and training programs for rural stakeholders, and facilitates technology transfer initiatives.
PYQ:
[2013] Which of the following grants/grants direct credit assistance to rural households?
Regional Rural Banks
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Land Development Banks
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Commission for Minorities
Why in the News?
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has advised State Governments/UTs to conduct “Sarv Dharma Meetings”.
Advisory on “Sarv Dharma Meetings”
NCM advised State Governments/UTs to conduct “Sarv Dharma Meetings”:
At Sub-divisional level of States monthly.
At District level half-yearly.
It is aimed at curbing attacks and hate crimes against minority communities to prevent communal disharmony.
NCM emphasized that hate crimes stem from mental weakness and anger, highlighting citizens’ rights to practice and preach their religion freely.
Responsibilities and Recommendations
Citizens and society urged to disown and condemn hate crimes.
Advocated for punitive actions by authorities against anti-social elements.
Proposed mechanisms involving civic society to deter anti-social and anti-national forces and prevent societal violence.
AboutNational Commission for Minorities (NCM)
It is a statutory body formed on the basis of National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 and replaced an earlier body called Minorities Commission.
The Commission consists of a total of 7 persons to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst persons of eminence, ability and integrity.
It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice- Chairperson and 5 Members.
Each Member holds office for a period of 3 years from the date of assumption of office.
Functions of NCM:
Evaluate minority development progress.
Monitor constitutional and legal safeguards.
Recommend effective safeguard implementation.
Address complaints regarding deprivation of rights.
Conduct studies on discrimination and recommend measures.
Research socio-economic and educational development.
Suggest measures to Central or State Governments.
Make periodical or special reports to the Central Government.
Address any matter referred by the Central Government.
Powers of NCM:
Summon and enforce attendance of any person from India.
Require discovery and production of documents.
Receive evidence on affidavit.
Requisition public records from courts or offices.
Issue commissions for examining witnesses and documents.
Who are Minorities?
The Central has notified minority communities at the national level in consultation with various stakeholders under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), Act, 1992.
The six communities notified as minority communities under Section 2(c) of the NCM Act are Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains.
Jains were notified as minority community in January 2014.
Notification of any community-specific to a State as a minority community within a State comes under the purview of the respective State.
Total Minority Population in India as per 2011 Census:
19.3% of the total population (Muslims: 14.2%; Christians: 2.3%; Sikhs: 1.7%; Buddhists: 0.7%; Jains: 0.4%; Parsis: 0.006%)
Rights & Safeguards for Minorities:
Under Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Indian Constitution):
Article 29(1): Right to conserve distinct language, script, or culture.
Article 30(1): Right to establish and administer educational institutions.
Article 30(2): Freedom from discrimination in receiving state aid.
Under Official Language (Part XVII of the Indian Constitution):
Article 347: Rights for language spoken by any section of the population.
Article 350A: Instruction in mother tongue.
Article 350B: Special officer for linguistic minorities.
Sachar Committee Report (2006):
Constitution Date: 9 March 2005
Key Recommendations:
Create a National Data Bank (NDB) for socio-religious data.
Establish an Equal Opportunity Commission.
Provide incentives for a ‘diversity index.’
Ensure high-quality education for children aged 0-14.
Set up government schools in Muslim-concentrated areas.
Increase Muslim employment share in public-facing jobs.
Enact state laws for minority representation.
Support initiatives in Muslim-concentrated occupations.
Improve minority participation in commercial banks.
Focus on inclusive development while respecting diversity.
PYQ:
[2011] In India, if a religious sect/community is given the status of a national minority, what special advantages it is entitled to?
It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions.
The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to Lok Sabha.
It can derive benefits from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme.
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: Regenerative Braking and its Working
Why in the News?
The Regenerative Braking device market is set to witness immense growth during the period 2024-2031 due to rise in prominence of e-vehicles.
What is Regenerative Braking?
Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles to capture and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost during braking.
How Does It Work?
Normal Braking: In a traditional vehicle, when you brake, the car’s kinetic energy (the energy it has while moving) is turned into heat and wasted.
Regenerative Braking:
In cars with regenerative braking, when you press the brake pedal, the electric motor runs in reverse.
This reverse action slows down the car, just like traditional brakes.
Instead of converting kinetic energy into heat, the motor converts it back into electrical energy.
This electrical energy is then stored in the vehicle’s battery for later use.
Energy Conversion: This reversed motor converts the kinetic energy of the moving car into electrical energy.
Energy Storage: The electrical energy produced is sent back to the car’s battery and stored for future use, such as powering the vehicle or running electrical systems.
Significance:
Energy Efficiency: Saves energy by reusing it, reducing the need for frequent battery recharges.
Extended Range: Helps electric and hybrid vehicles travel further on a single charge.
Less Wear and Tear: Reduces wear on traditional brake components, leading to lower maintenance costs.
Example: Imagine riding a bicycle down a hill. Normally, if you press the brakes, you slow down and the energy goes away as heat. But if you could somehow capture that energy and use it to help you pedal back up the hill, that would be similar to what regenerative braking does in a car.
How does a Motor become a Generator?
A motor consists of a rotor (which rotates) and a stator (which is stationary).
The stator contains magnets or electromagnets, while the rotor has current-carrying coils.
The Lorentz Force acts on the charged particles in the magnetic field, causing the rotor to spin.
In a generator, mechanical energy induces a current in the stator EVs can implement regenerative braking by switching the traction motor between these configurations.
Downsides of Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking alone often cannot bring a vehicle to a complete stop and must be supplemented by conventional braking systems.
Regenerative brakes may not prevent vehicles from backsliding downhill.
The efficiency of energy recovery drops as the vehicle’s speed decreases, though regenerative brakes are beneficial in stop-start traffic.
Other Ways to Recover Energy
The design of a regenerative brake depends on the form of energy conversion. EVs convert mechanical energy into electrical energy stored in batteries or supercapacitors.
Flywheels can store mechanical energy by increasing angular momentum, useful in applications like Formula One racing and satellite navigation.
Kinetic energy can also be used to compress air, which can be useful for starting internal combustion engines.
PYQ:
[2021] Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?
1. Brakes of motor vehicles
2. Engines of motor vehicles
3. Microwave stoves within homes
4. Power plants
5. Telephone line
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IMF and its bailout packages.
Why in the News?
Argentina faces one of the world’s highest inflation rates and a decade-long economic stagnation.
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) earlier decision to release $4.7 billion from a $57 billion bailout package to Argentina, despite missed targets, raised eyebrows.
IMF’s Controversial Decision:
The IMF dispersed $4.7 billion, including overdue and advanced payments, to bolster President Milei’s nascent government.
This move contradicted IMF guidelines requiring adherence to economic conditions, signaling geopolitical influence and strategic support.
Argentina’s Economic Struggles
Persistent fiscal deficits and chronic inflation have plagued Argentina, with historical inflation averaging 190% from 1944 to 2023.
The government defaulted on sovereign debt nine times, exacerbating economic instability.
Since 2009, fiscal deficits persisted, reaching 4.4% of GDP in 2023, fueled by overspending and reliance on the inflation tax.
Milei’s administration targets fiscal reform to eliminate large deficits, contrasting with past failed attempts like the Austral Plan.
Alfonsín launched the Austral Plan, an austerity program that implemented a new currency (the austral), wage and price controls, and currency devaluations.
IMF and its Bailout
The IMF is an international organization (190 member countries) that provides loans, technical assistance, and policy advice to member countries.
Established in 1944 to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange rate stability, balanced economic growth, and poverty reduction.
Hq: Washington, D.C.
An IMF bailout, or an IMF program, is a loan package provided to financially troubled countries.
Bailout programs have specific terms and conditions that borrowing countries must meet to access the funds.
Types of IMF Bailout Packages:
Description
Duration
Conditionality
Stand-by Arrangements
Short-term lending programs for countries with temporary balance of payments problems.
1-2 years
Specific macroeconomic policies for stabilization
Extended Fund Facility
Medium-term lending programs to address balance of payments difficulties from structural weaknesses.
Longer-term
Extensive conditionality and significant reforms
Rapid Financing Instrument
Loan program providing quick financing for countries with urgent balance of payments needs.
Flexible
Fewer conditions and shorter application process
PYQ:
[2016] With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements:
1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work.
2. The World Bank participates as an observer in IMFC’s meetings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nociceptors, Sexual dimorphism in pain perception
Why in the News?
Recent research has uncovered significant differences in how male and female nociceptors (pain receptors) are activated, paving the way for more precise, sex-specific pain management therapies.
About Pain and Differences in Perception:
The International Association for the Study of Pain defines it as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage.”
Subjectivity: Pain perception is highly personal and varies among individuals.
Scientific Findings: Recent research by the University of Arizona Health Sciences demonstrated functional sexual dimorphism in nociceptors, the nerve cells responsible for perceiving pain
Why do we perceive Pain?
Role of Nociceptors: Nociceptors are nerve cells with bare endings found throughout the body. They detect extreme pressure, temperature, and chemical signals, converting them into electrical signals sent to the brain via the spinal cord.
Activation Mechanism: Nociceptors in both men and women produce similar pain perceptions but are activated differently.
Normally, they respond to high-intensity stimuli, but their activation threshold can decrease under certain conditions, causing low-intensity stimuli to trigger pain.
Nociceptor Response Threshold
Gender Differences: Females generally have a lower nociceptor response threshold than males.
Peripheral Nociceptor Sensitisation: External factors can lower the pain threshold, causing nociceptors to react to stimuli they would normally ignore.
The Old Vs New Study
Previous research showed that the hormone prolactin increases pain responses in female rodents, while the neurotransmitter orexin B sensitized male rodents to pain.
According to the New study, the Prolactin hormone increased nociceptor activation in female mice, while orexin-B had a similar effect in male mice. These findings were consistent across monkeys and humans.
Nociceptors in males and females canbe differentially sensitized, leading to varying pain thresholds.
Significance of this Pain Research
Sex-Specific Pain Treatment: Current pain management often overlooks the patient’s sex, despite differences in pain conditions between men and women.
Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and painful bladder syndrome are more common in women, while cluster headaches and gout are more frequent in men.
PYQ:
[2021] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DPTA, 1994; Definition of tree and tree felling.
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court and the Delhi government are at loggerheads due to alleged felling of trees in the Asola-Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994.
Forest Cover in Delhi: ISFR Report Findings
Largest Cover: According to the ‘India State of Forest Report 2021’ (ISFR) published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Delhi has the largest forest cover among seven major megacities, with 195 sq. km, followed by Mumbai (110.77 sq. km) and Bengaluru (89.02 sq. km).
Delhi’s forest cover constitutes 13.15% of its geographical area, while its tree cover spans 147 sq. km (9.91%).
Growth over Time: Despite extensive urban development, the city’s overall green cover (forest and tree cover) has increased from 151 sq. km (10.2%) in 2001 to 342 sq. km (23.6%) in 2021.
What is the case against the DDA?
The Supreme Court is hearing a contempt petition against DDA’s Vice Chairman for the felling of about 1,100 trees, in violation of the SC’s orders, for road expansion in the ridge area, which falls under the eco-sensitive zone around Asola-Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary.
On March 4, the DDA submitted an application to the SC seeking permission to cut trees for the construction of the Gaushala Road. The court directed the DDA to re-examine the proposal with the help of field experts.
An affidavit from the DDA’s Vice Chairman revealed that tree felling had already begun in February and continued for ten days. By February 26, all intended trees were cut down even before the application reached the SC. This material fact was not disclosed when the court heard the application on March 4.
The Bench reprimanded DDA for not providing records of the Delhi LG’s (Chairman of the DDA) February 3 visit to the site, which allegedly led to the tree felling order. The Delhi government was also reprimanded for usurping the Tree Officer’s authority in granting permission.
The apex court has halted the DDA’s work and directed a team from the FSI to assess the number of trees cut and the environmental damage.
Law governing Tree Protection in Delhi:
Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994 provides legal protection to trees in the national capital against actions that could harm their growth or regeneration.
The Act defines a tree as “a woody plant that has branches supported by a trunk or a body of at least 5cm diameterand is at least 1 metre highfrom the ground”.
Section 2 (h) of the Act defines “to fell a tree” to include severing the trunk from the roots, uprooting, bulldozing, cutting, girdling, lopping, pollarding, applying arboricides, burning, or any other damaging method.
Under Section 8, no tree or forest produce can be removed on any land without prior permission from the ‘Tree Officer’, even on privately owned property. The ‘Tree Officer’ must respond within 60 days after inspection.
Violations of this Act may result in imprisonment for up to one year, a fine up to ₹1,000, or both.
The Act outlines a ‘Tree Authority’ responsible for conducting tree censuses, managing nurseries, and reviewing government and private construction proposals.
Delhi’s Tree Transplantation Policy, 2020 mandates that 80% of identified trees slated for felling must be transplanted. However, an affidavit submitted by the government to the Delhi High Court in 2022 disclosed that only 33.33% of transplanted trees had survived.
About Asola Bhatti WLS
Situated in the southern part of Delhi and extends into Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana.
Occupies 32.71 sq. km on the Aravalli hill range’s Southern Delhi Ridge, bordering Delhi and Haryana.
Forms a part of Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve to the Delhi Ridge.
Classified under Northern Tropical Thorn Forests.
PlantFeatures plants with xerophytic characteristics like thorns, wax-coated and succulent leaves.
Characterized by the presence of the exotic Prosopis juliflora and the native Diospyros montana.
Home to species such as Golden Jackals, Striped-Hyenas, Indian Crested-Porcupines, Civets, Jungle Cats, various snakes, Monitor Lizards, and Mongoose.
Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s directive to enhance Delhi’s green cover is a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of extreme heat waves and improving the city’s air quality.
PYQ:
[2022] “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Permitted artificial colors; Rhodamine B.
Why in the News?
Karnataka’s Food Safety Department ordered action after 40 kebab samples showed unsafe artificial colours, extending the crackdown to Panipuri, Cotton candy, and Gobi Manchurian.
Artificial Colours in the Controversy
Some artificial colours under scrutiny include:
Sunset Yellow (Yellow 6, E110): Approved in the US but requires a warning label in the EU.
Carmoisine (Red No. 10, E122): A deep red dye often used in food.
Rhodamine B: A banned textile dye sometimes illegally used in food.
Different countries have varying regulations for these dyes. For example, tartrazine (E102 in the EU, Yellow 5 in the US) is permitted but only in limited quantities.
Legal Action against FBOs
To take legal action, the department collects a survey sample from an FBO and, if found unsafe, collects four more legal samples for further testing at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI).
If CFTRI deems the samples unfit for consumption, the FBO is booked under the Food Safety Act and tried at a court of Judicial Magistrate of First Class (JMFC). Penalties can include a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for 7 years.
Role of FSSAI in Food Safety and Colorants Regulation
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in regulating and ensuring food safety across the country under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.
Ingredients legally banned in India by the FSSAI and various states initiatives:
Parameters
Details
Ingredients Banned in India
Rhodamine B: A textile dye sometimes illegally used as a food colorant.
Potassium Bromate: A flour treatment agent linked to cancer.
Oxytocin: A hormone used unethically in the dairy industry to increase milk production.
Calcium Carbide: Used for ripening fruits, which is hazardous to health.
Formalin: Used in fish preservation, which is carcinogenic.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Used in soft drinks, which is linked to various health issues.
State Initiatives for Food Safety
Karnataka: Crackdown on use of unsafe food colorants in kebabs, pani puri, cotton candy, and gobi manchurian.
Maharashtra: Rigorous checks on milk adulteration and stringent actions against offenders.
Kerala: Implementation of ‘Safe Food’ campaign focusing on reducing pesticide use in vegetables.
Tamil Nadu: Regular inspections of street food vendors and training programs on food safety.
Delhi: Special drives to monitor and control the use of banned substances in sweets during festive seasons.
State Food Safety Index (SFSI) by FSSAI sheds light on the performance of Indian states in ensuring food safety.
PYQ:
[2021] Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector.
[2018] Consider the following statements:
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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
There have been four cases, including three deaths, of the rare, but fatal brain-eating primary amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) in Kerala in the last two months.
What is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?
PAM is a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater and soil worldwide.
An amoeba is a type of cell or unicellular organism with the ability to alter its shape, primarily by extending and retracting pseudopods.
Higher temperatures of up to 115°F (46°C) are conducive to its growth and it can survive for short periods in warm environments.
The amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically during activities like swimming, and travels to the brain, causing severe damage.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with PAM die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin. It usually leads to coma and death after 5 days.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Currently, there are no established effective treatments for PAM.
Diagnosis involves PCR tests of cerebrospinal fluid, though detection can be challenging due to the rarity of PAM.
Treatment followsCDC guidelines, including miltefosine, Azithromycin, and Amphotericin B, with miltefosine recently procured by the State Health Department from Germany.
Medical interventions typically involve a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chandravalli Caves
Why in the News?
Observations made by previous historians who had found painted pottery and coins from the Shatavahana empire and the pre-historic period were once again in the news.
About Chandravalli Caves (also known as Ankali Math)
Chandravalli, a cave temple near Chitradurga, is also a pre-historic site.
Observations at the Site:
Previous excavations were carried out by Mortimer Wheeler under the guidance of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1947.
The cave features multiple chambers including a puja place with a shivlinga, a drawing room, a bedroom, and a water outlet connected to an internal tank.
The caves are accessible only through a narrow entrance, with interiors visible only with the help of a powerful torch hence they are also called as “Dark Caves”.
Presently, Excavations have revealed artifacts such as coins, painted bowls, and earthen pots from various dynasties such as the Hoysala, the Satavahana, and the Vijayanagara.
Excavation reports show that human habitation existed here even during the Iron Age.
Historical Aspect:
They were named after a saint from Ankalagi in Belagavi district who is believed to have settled here.
The cave also contains a rock inscription of Mayurasharma, the founder of the Kadamba dynasty, dating back to AD 450.
About Kadamba dynasty
The Kadambas of Goa were vassals of the Chalukya dynasty of Kalyana. In recognition of his assistance in defeating the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyan emperor Tailapa II appointed Kadamba Shasthadeva as the provincial governor (Mahamandaleshwara) of Goa.
In 960 AD, Shasthadeva captured the city of Chandavara from the Shilaharas and later seized control of the port of Gopakapattana, which is present-day Goa.
Talara Nevayya’s son Gundayya may have fought alongside Shasthadeva in the conquest of the port but died in the battle after successfully capturing it.
Coins from Indian kings like Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, Krishnadevaraya, various Satavahana kings, and Viraraya of the Hoysala kingdom have been discovered.
Among the foreign coins found are denarii of Roman ruler Augustus Caesar and a coin of Chinese Han dynasty Emperor Wu Ti.
Geographical Aspects:
The area is semi-arid with scrub vegetation and a stream running through it.
These caves are surrounded by three hills: Chitradurga, Kirabanakallu, and Jolagudda.
PYQ:
[2021] Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
(c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
This trend, aimed at reducing import duties by the traders, poses potential long-term revenue losses for India.
India’s Silver Imports
India imported a record 4,172 metric tons of silver in the first four months of 2024, far exceeding the total of 3,625 tons imported in all of 2023.
In February 2024 alone, India imported a record 2,295 metric tons of silver, up from 637 tons in January. This represents a 260% increase.
The surge in imports has been driven by increasing demand from the Solar panel industryas well as a rise in Speculative Investment, with investors betting on silver outperforming gold.
Nearly half of India’s silver imports in 2024 so far have come from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to a lower import duty under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
India generally imposes a 15% import duty on silver.
However, because of the CEPA signed between India and the UAE in 2022, allows private traders to import silver through the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) paying 9% duty, and an extra 3% in value-added tax.
The government is now concerned about the 647-fold spike in silver imports from the UAE and plans to discuss the issue with Abu Dhabi.
The Gift City exchange, while clearing imports from Dubai since December 2023, is under scrutiny for potential violations of these rules compared to imports from other ports.
About India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX)
Bullion refers to physical gold and silver of high purity that is often kept in the form of bars, ingots, or coins.
The IIBX was announced during the 2020 budget speech by the Finance Minister.
It is set up at the International Financial Services Center (IFSC) located in GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
It is India’s first bullion exchange, launched on 29 July 2022 in Gujarat.
It is the 3rd exchange of its kind in the globe.
Regulations and Setup:
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (Bullion Exchange) Regulations, 2020, were notified in December 2020 specifically for the trading of precious metals, including gold and silver.
These regulations encompass the operations of the bullion exchange, Clearing Corporation, depository, and vaults associated with IIBX.
Operational Framework
Previously, India had liberalized gold imports through nominated banks and agencies in the 1990s.
With IIBX, eligible qualified jewellers in India can directly import gold.
Jewellers need to become trading partners or clients of an existing trading member to participate in the exchange.
Comparison with Previous Practices
Previously, bullion in India was imported under a consignment modelby nominated banks and agencies approved by the RBI, which added handling fees and premiums.
The introduction of IIBX aims to streamline the supply chain by allowing direct imports through the exchange, potentially reducing costs for traders and consumers alike.
Recommendations for Addressing Challenges
Renegotiation of CEPA Terms: The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) advocates for revising CEPA terms to curb duty arbitrage and enforce stricter checks on value addition claims by Gift City exchange.
Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: GTRI proposes limiting silver imports to RBI/DGFT-nominated agencies to mitigate risks associated with mis-declared imports and ensure compliance with CEPA conditions.
Investigation and Oversight: There is a call for a thorough investigation into relationships between export and import firms to identify and mitigate conflicts of interest or familial ties that could influence import practices.
PYQ:
[2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?
To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy.
To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector.
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
