Why in the News?
The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) has announced major reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in the national rehabilitation system.
About the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI):
- Overview: It is a statutory body established under the Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992, and came into statutory force on 22 June 1993.
- Vision: To build a skilled, ethical, and inclusive rehabilitation workforce aligned with India’s disability rights framework and United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) commitments.
- Nodal Agency: Functions under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
- Historical Background: Initially set up as a registered society in 1986, later granted statutory powers to regulate rehabilitation education and practice nationwide.
- Regulatory Role: Acts as the national authority for training, education, and certification of professionals working in rehabilitation and special education.
- Central Rehabilitation Register (CRR): Maintains and updates the CRR, a national database of all certified rehabilitation professionals in India.
- Scope of Coverage: Regulates 16 professional categories including special educators, audiologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists.
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Why in the News?
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying George Kurian officially launched the National Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) 2025 at ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
About National Marine Fisheries Census, 2025:
- Objective: To collect detailed data on fishermen population, crafts, gear, livelihood patterns, and welfare indicators for evidence-based policy and blue economy planning.
- Overview: The 5th national enumeration of India’s marine fisheries sector after 1980, 1998, 2005, and 2010 rounds.
- Implementing Agencies: Conducted by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, coordinated by ICAR–CMFRI with Fishery Survey of India (FSI) as operational partner.
- Coverage: Encompasses 1.2 million fisher households across 4,000–5,000 marine fishing villages in nine coastal states and four UTs, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
- Funding & Legal Basis: Financed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an allocation of ₹16.2 crore for digital census operations.
Key Features:
- Digital Data Collection: First paperless marine census using apps, VyAS Bharat, VyAS Sutra, and VyAS NAV, enabling geo-tagged, real-time data capture and validation.
- Technological Integration: Uses drone-based craft surveys and live dashboards at CMFRI; establishes a National Marine Fisheries Data Centre for analytics and storage.
- Expanded Scope: Covers ornamental fisheries, seaweed farming, and post-harvest value chain activities; includes data on credit, insurance, and welfare access.
- NFDP Linkage: Mandates registration on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) to ensure DBT-based benefit delivery under PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
- Inclusive Approach: Involves 1,000+ trained enumerators with state departments and fisher cooperatives, promoting community participation for accuracy.
- Government Initiative: Promotes safety tools like vessel transponders and turtle excluder devices (TEDs); embodies the vision “Smart Census, Smarter Fisheries.”
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Why in the News?
In October 2025, seven countries, Cook Islands, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Uganda, secured $5.8 million in grants from the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) to promote nature-friendly agriculture.
What is Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF)?
- Objective: To assist developing nations in implementing the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), aimed at halting biodiversity loss by 2030 and restoring ecosystems by 2050.
- Overview: Established in 2021 during Part 1 of COP-15 at Kunming, China, under China’s presidency of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Initial Contribution: China pledged 1.5 billion yuan (~USD 200 million) as seed funding.
- Administration: Managed by China’s Ministry of Ecology & Environment, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the CBD Secretariat; functions as a Multi-Partner Trust Fund with UNDP and others.
- Focus Areas:
- Support for National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
- Ecosystem restoration, invasive-species control, and sustainable agriculture.
- Empowerment of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in conservation.
- 2025 Allocation: Released USD 5.8 million via FAO to Cook Islands, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, and Uganda for biodiversity-linked agriculture and resilience projects.
- Alignment: Advances KMGBF Target 19 (mobilising USD 200 billion per year by 2030) and helps bridge the USD 700 billion annual global biodiversity finance gap.
- Global Significance: Serves as a cornerstone of biodiversity finance, complementing the GEF, Green Climate Fund, and Cali Fund (2025) to mobilise global conservation resources.
India and the KBF:
- Funding Status: As of 2025, India has not yet received direct KBF funding but remains eligible as a biodiversity-rich developing country and active CBD Party.
- National Alignment: India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP), National Biodiversity Mission, and Green India Mission align with KBF priorities, especially ecosystem restoration, biodiversity mainstreaming, and community participation.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining acces and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has proposed major revisions in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) methodology, to be implemented in the new retail inflation series from February 2026.
About the Consumer Price Index (CPI):
- Overview: The CPI measures the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of goods and services typically consumed by households.
- Purpose: It tracks retail inflation showing how the purchasing power of money changes due to price variations, and how living costs evolve across different population groups.
- Components:
- Food and Beverages: Cereals, pulses, vegetables, milk, meat, fish, sugar, and beverages.
- Housing: Rent paid for rented houses and imputed rent for self-occupied dwellings.
- Clothing and Footwear: Garments, textiles, footwear, and related goods.
- Fuel and Light: LPG, kerosene, electricity, firewood, and other fuels.
- Miscellaneous: Transport, communication, education, health, recreation, personal care, and other services.
- Publishing Authority: The CPI is compiled and released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) through the National Statistical Office (NSO) every month.
- Current Base Year: 2012, which is being revised to 2024 to reflect more recent household consumption patterns captured in the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24.
- Coverage: Separate indices are compiled for Rural, Urban, and Combined (Rural + Urban) sectors to reflect diverse consumption and price patterns.
- Types of CPI in India:
-
- CPI for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW): Base year 2016; tracks inflation for organized industrial workers; used for Dearness Allowance (DA) revisions.
- CPI for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL): Base year 1986–87; measures price changes faced by agricultural labourers.
- CPI for Rural Labourers (CPI-RL): Base year 1986–87; monitors inflation for rural households dependent on wage labour.
- CPI (Urban), CPI (Rural), and CPI (Combined): Base year 2012; represents national-level retail inflation and is the official measure of inflation in India.
- Weightage: The relative importance (weight) of each component reflects its share in total household expenditure, for instance, food and beverages hold over 45%, while housing has 21.67% in urban CPI and 10.07% in all-India CPI.
- Use and Importance:
- Inflation Targeting: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses CPI as the anchor for its Monetary Policy Framework, aiming for 4% ± 2% inflation.
- Wage & Pension Adjustments: CPI is used to revise wages, pensions, and dearness allowances in both government and industrial sectors.
- Policy Planning: It provides essential inputs for economic policy, poverty analysis, and fiscal decisions.
- Economic Indicator: Serves as the primary indicator of cost of living, influencing interest rate decisions, tax indexation, and social welfare adjustments.
Revisions in the CPI:
- Monthly Rent Data: Collection every month for both rural & urban areas, replacing earlier six-monthly urban series.
- Inclusion of Rural Housing: Covers imputed rents for owner-occupied rural dwellings.
- Exclusion of Employer Housing: Removes HRA-based distortions from government/PSU quarters.
- Expanded Sampling & IMF Alignment: Broader coverage, discontinuation of panel imputation, adoption of IMF-recommended rent index computation.
- Weight Revision: Recalibrates housing share (currently 21.67 % urban; 10.07 % all-India) using new expenditure data.
- Transparency: MoSPI discussion papers (2024-25) invite feedback on PDS treatment, housing index, and base methodology.
Rationale & Impact:
- Captures Post-Pandemic Rent Surge overlooked by the 2012 base.
- Addresses Rural Under-coverage for two-thirds of India’s population.
- Enhances RBI’s Inflation Targeting through more accurate rent data.
- Aligns with Global Standards, strengthening CPI’s credibility as a comprehensive welfare and policy indicator.
[UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:
1. The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
2. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does.
3. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only* (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated India’s first air export of GI-tagged Indi Lime and Puliyankudi Lime to the UK.
![[pib] GI Tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/indi.jpg)
About Indi Lime:
- Origin: Cultivated predominantly in Vijayapura district, Karnataka.
- GI Tag: Granted in 2023, becoming India’s second lime variety to obtain a GI certification after the Assam Lemon.
- Characteristics:
- Renowned for its zesty aroma, balanced acidity, high juice yield, and thin rind.
- Possesses a distinctive tangy-sweet flavor and rich oil content that enhances its culinary and medicinal appeal.
- Cultivation Conditions:
- Thrives in semi-arid climates and black cotton soils of northern Karnataka.
- Largely cultivated using traditional, organic farming practices.
- Economic Importance:
- Vijayapura district contributes around 58% of Karnataka’s total lime production.
- Widely used in food, traditional medicine, and cultural practices, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage.
About Puliyankudi Lime:
- Origin: Cultivated in Puliyankudi (Tenkasi district), Tamil Nadu, often termed the “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu.”
- GI Tag: Officially registered in April 2025.
- Characteristics:
- The Kadayam variety is noted for its thin peel, strong acidity, high juice content (~55%), and ascorbic acid levels (34.3 mg/100g).
- Exhibits an intense aroma and distinct tanginess, making it highly prized in both domestic and international markets.
- Cultivation Conditions:
- Grown in red loamy soils under tropical climatic conditions, maintaining traditional horticultural methods.
- Significance: A rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immunity, digestion, and metabolic health.
| [UPSC 2015] Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?
1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
China has lodged a formal complaint at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) alleging that India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries, Automobile and Auto Components, and Electric Vehicles (EVs) violate WTO subsidy rules.
About the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:
- Overview: Launched in 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to strengthen domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness.
- Objectives:
- Provides financial incentives based on incremental sales of manufactured goods over a base year.
- Aims to attract global investment, enhance exports, create jobs, and integrate MSMEs into value chains.
- Coverage: Covers 14 strategic sectors, including electronics, autos, solar modules, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
- Incentive Design: Incentives are non-export linked, based on domestic sales and value addition achieved within India.
PLI Schemes Challenged by China:
- PLI for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Batteries: Incentivises giga-scale battery manufacturing with 25% Domestic Value Addition (DVA) requirement.
- PLI for Automobiles and Auto Components: Promotes Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products with 50% DVA target.
- PLI for Electric Vehicles (EVs): Encourages global EV manufacturers to establish production bases in India.
|
Issues Raised by China at WTO:
- Complaint: In October 2025, China filed a case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) claiming that India’s PLI schemes violate global subsidy and trade rules.
- Core Allegation – DVA Linkage:
- The Domestic Value Addition (DVA) requirement in the PLI scheme, where incentives depend on how much of a product’s value is created within India, is the main point of dispute.
- China argues that by linking financial incentives to DVA thresholds, India is indirectly forcing firms to use locally made components instead of imported ones.
- This, China claims, acts as a “local content requirement”, which WTO rules prohibit because it discriminates against imported goods, especially Chinese batteries, auto parts, and electronic components.
- Why China Objects to DVA:
- According to China, the PLI design discourages import of foreign components, making it harder for Chinese products to compete in the Indian market.
- It considers DVA-based incentives as “import substitution subsidies”, banned under the WTO’s Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM).
- China also claims this approach distorts trade, reduces fair competition, and restricts market access for foreign suppliers.
- Summary of the Dispute:
- China’s view: DVA = hidden import restriction → violates WTO rules.
- India’s view: DVA = measure of domestic value creation → fully WTO-compliant.
WTO Rules Cited by China:
- Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Agreement:
- Article 1 – Defines subsidy as a financial benefit given by a government.
- Article 3.1(b) – Bans subsidies that depend on using domestic goods over imports.
- GATT 1994 (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade):
- Article III.4 – Ensures equal treatment for imported and domestic goods.
- TRIMs (Trade-Related Investment Measures) Agreement:
- Article 2.1 – Forbids policies that violate national treatment.
- Annex – Lists Local Content Requirements (LCRs) as WTO-inconsistent.
- China argues that India’s PLI incentives linked to DVA break all three rules and act as local content conditions.
India’s Response:
- WTO Compliance: India says PLI is WTO-compliant and does not force local sourcing.
- Clarification: DVA only measures economic value created in India, like labour, R&D, and innovation, not just use of local parts.
- Open for Global Firms: Foreign companies can join and freely import materials; PLI only rewards domestic value creation.
- Legal Justification: India cites GATT Article XX, allowing policies for environmental or developmental goals, especially for green tech like EVs and batteries.
- Policy Standpoint: India argues that industrial subsidies are a sovereign tool to fix trade imbalances and promote sustainable growth.
- WTO Procedure: India will first hold consultations with China (first step of dispute). If unresolved, a WTO panel may be formed, but no ruling will take effect soon as the Appellate Body is non-functional since 2019.
- Practical Impact: India can continue the PLI schemes while the dispute is pending.
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
Statement I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods.
Statement II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct * |
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Why in the News?
The Union Minister of Coal and Mines has launched two major digital governance platforms, the KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard and the Coal Land Acquisition, Management, and Payment (CLAMP) Portal, through video conference in New Delhi.
About Koyla Shakti Dashboard:
- Overview: It is developed by the Ministry of Coal as a unified digital platform for coal sector management.
- Purpose: Integrates the entire coal value chain, from production and logistics to dispatch and consumption, into a single real-time digital interface.
- Key Features:
- Data Integration: Consolidates inputs from coal PSUs, Indian Railways, ports, power utilities, and state mining departments, enabling end-to-end visibility across operations.
- Real-Time Analytics: Employs AI-based predictive tools for demand forecasting, logistics optimisation, and supply chain efficiency.
- Governance Impact: Enhances transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making through live dashboards and standardised performance indicators.
- Utility for Policymakers: Provides a decision-support system for resource allocation, capacity utilisation, and production planning.
- Sectoral Benefits: Reduces bottlenecks, improves coordination, and facilitates efficient coal dispatch and monitoring.
- Reform Milestone: Marks a major step in India’s transition toward digital governance and operational transparency in the extractive sector.
About CLAMP Portal:
- Overview: It is a centralised digital system to manage land acquisition, compensation, and R&R (Rehabilitation & Resettlement) in coal-bearing regions.
- Developer: Implemented by the Ministry of Coal to streamline land-related processes for public sector coal companies.
- Objective: Integrates land records, ownership details, compensation workflows, and payment tracking into one secure interface.
- Key Features:
- Transparency & Accountability: Enables real-time tracking of land acquisition progress and compensation disbursements, reducing disputes and delays.
- Institutional Coordination: Acts as a single-window system linking coal PSUs, state revenue departments, and district administrations.
- Efficiency Gains: Eliminates manual paperwork, ensures timely approvals, and improves compliance with land and rehabilitation laws.
- Public-Centric Governance: Prioritises justice, equity, and procedural clarity for affected communities through digital grievance redressal and payment verification.
[UPSC 2022] In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO) ?
1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India.
2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks.
3. It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3* (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) in New Delhi.
About the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS):
- Overview: Introduced on 30 October 2025 as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Education (Department of School Education and Literacy), and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Objective: Aims to promote public participation and youth engagement in grassroots democracy through simulated Gram Sabha sessions in schools.
- Educational Integration: Designed under the National Education Policy, 2020, combining civic education with local self-governance to instil values of democracy, accountability, transparency, and leadership.
- Implementation Scale: To be rolled out across 1,000+ schools, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), and State Government Schools.
Back2Basics: Gram Sabha
- Overview: The Gram Sabha, under Article 243(b) of the Constitution, is the basic unit of direct democracy in the Panchayati Raj system.
- Composition: Comprises all village residents aged 18 or above whose names appear on the electoral rolls.
- Function: Central to village development planning, social audits, and Gram Panchayat accountability.
- Meetings: Convened 2–4 times annually under State Panchayati Raj Acts, commonly on 26 January, 1 May, 15 August, and 2 October.
- Authority: Organised by the Panchayat Secretary (Gram Sevak) with approval of the Sarpanch (village head).
- Quorum Rule: Requires participation of 10% of total members or at least 50 villagers, notified five days in advance.
- Decision-Making: Approves budgets, welfare schemes, beneficiary lists, and development priorities; no major Panchayat action is valid without its consent.
- Purpose: Ensures public participation, transparency, and self-governance (Swaraj) through collective village-level decision-making.
- Democratic Essence: Serves as the cornerstone of rural democracy, empowering citizens to shape governance and development outcomes directly.
|
| [UPSC 2017] Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in:
Options: (a) Federalism (b) Democratic decentralisation * (c) Administrative delegation (d) Direct democracy |
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Why in the News?
Cyclone Montha, classified as a severe cyclonic storm, has made landfall near Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) on October 28.
Back2Basics: Tropical Cyclones
- What is it: Large low-pressure systems over warm oceans, marked by rotating winds, heavy rain, and storm surges.
- Conditions: Form when ocean temps >27°C, with moist rising air releasing latent heat to fuel convection.
- Rotation: Driven by the Coriolis force – anticlockwise in Northern Hemisphere, clockwise in Southern.
- Structure: Eye (calm), Eyewall (violent winds/rains), Rainbands (widespread showers).
- Regional Names: Typhoons (Pacific), Hurricanes (Atlantic/Caribbean), Cyclones (Indian Ocean).
- Drivers & Frequency: Common in Southeast Asia due to warm Pacific waters, El Niño/La Niña cycles, and climate change.
- Impacts: Loss of life, property damage, flooding, soil salinisation, displacement, and disease outbreaks.
- Climate Change Link: Global warming is making tropical cyclones stronger, less predictable, and more frequent, raising risks for coastal populations.
|
What is the Landfall of a Cyclone?
- Overview: A tropical cyclone is said to make landfall when its centre (eye) crosses the coastline from sea to land.
- Not the Same as a Direct Hit:
- Landfall = when the eye crosses the coast.
- Direct hit = when the eyewall (zone of strongest winds) impacts the coast, even if the centre remains offshore.
- Duration: Landfall usually lasts a few hours, depending on wind speed and storm size.
- Post-Landfall Behaviour: Cyclones lose intensity rapidly after landfall due to loss of oceanic moisture and increased land friction.
Behind the Naming of Cyclones:
- Overview: Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) / United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Panel on Tropical Cyclones (since 2004).
- Naming Authority: Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi, operated by IMD.
- 13 Member Countries: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Yemen, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
- Submission of names: Each country submits 13 culturally neutral, gender-neutral names, forming a 169-name rotating list.
- Non-repetition: Names are used sequentially and not repeated after one use.
- “Montha”: It was suggested by Thailand, meaning “beautiful” or “fragrant flower.”
- Significance: Naming helps public communication, ensures clarity in warnings, and avoids confusion during multiple simultaneous storms.
- Current sequence: Shakthi (Sri Lanka) → Montha (Thailand) → Senyar (UAE) → Ditwah (Yemen) → Arnab (Bangladesh) → Murasu (India).
| [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:
1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only* (d) 1 and 3 only |
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Why in the News?
Astronomers discovered 3I/ATLAS, a 7-billion-year-old interstellar comet, using the NASA-funded ATLAS telescope in Chile. It is now nearing its closest approach to the Sun.
About 3I/ATLAS:
- Discovery: It was detected on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile; confirmed interstellar due to its hyperbolic orbit and high speed (57–68 km/s).
- Significance: It is likely the oldest comet ever observed, possibly 7.6–14 billion years old, older than our 4.5-billion-year-old solar system.
- Nature: It appeared like an interstellar comet, showing signs of activity, including a coma (cloud of dust/ice) and likely a tail as it nears the Sun.
- Composition: Rich in water ice and complex organic compounds; has a reddish hue indicating ancient, primordial material.
- Size: Estimated nucleus diameter is 10–30 km, larger than previous interstellar objects like 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
- Trajectory:
- Closest to Earth: ~270 million km (no threat).
- Closest to Sun: ~210 million km (Oct 29–30, 2025).
- Will exit the solar system permanently after perihelion.
- Scientific Importance:
- It offers rare opportunity to study materials from another star system.
- It can reveal clues about the formation of the Milky Way, other solar systems, and early star formation processes.
Back2Basics: ATLAS Telescope
- ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) is a NASA-funded early warning project for detecting small near-Earth objects (NEOs).
- It is developed and operated by the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy.
- As of 2025, ATLAS operates five telescopes in Hawaii, South Africa, Chile, and the Canary Islands.
- Each telescope has a 0.5-meter Wright-Schmidt design, a 1-meter focal length, and a 110 MP CCD detector with a 7.4° field of view.
- The system scans 20,000 square degrees of sky three times per night and provides 1–3 week warnings for asteroids 45–120 meters wide.
- In addition to asteroids, ATLAS also discovers supernovae, comets, dwarf planets, and variable stars.
|
What are Interstellar Objects?
- Overview: Celestial bodies that originate outside the solar system and travel through it on open-ended (hyperbolic) orbits.
- Key Characteristics:
- Not gravitationally bound to the Sun.
- Travel at very high speeds, often unaffected by solar gravity.
- Do not return once they pass through the inner solar system.
- Known Interstellar Visitors:
-
- 1I/ʻOumuamua (2017) – Asteroid-like, no coma or tail.
- 2I/Borisov (2019) – Active comet with typical cometary features.
- 3I/ATLAS (2025) – Discussed above.
- How are they Identified:
- Hyperbolic trajectory confirmed via orbital calculations.
- Speed at great distances exceeds gravitational escape velocity.
- Scientific Value:
- Provide direct clues about planetary formation beyond our solar system.
- Can reveal chemical signatures from other star systems.
- Allow us to study primordial matter from distant parts of the galaxy.
- Act as natural probes from unknown regions of the Milky Way.
How is 3I/ATLAS different from ordinary Comets?
|
3I/ATLAS
|
Ordinary Comets
|
| Origin |
Formed outside the Solar System; interstellar in nature |
Formed within the Solar System — Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud |
| Orbital Type |
Hyperbolic (eccentricity ≈ 6); unbound from the Sun |
Elliptical or parabolic; bound by the Sun’s gravity |
| Velocity |
Very high,~57 km/s (too fast to be captured by Sun) |
Moderate, typically 10–40 km/s within solar orbit |
| Trajectory |
Enters and exits Solar System once; non-repeating |
Periodic or long-period; returns after fixed intervals |
| Tail Direction |
Exhibited a rare sunward (anti-tail) due to CO₂-driven ice scattering |
Always points away from the Sun due to radiation pressure and solar wind |
| Composition |
High CO₂/H₂O ratio, nickel-rich, iron-poor, chemically distinct |
Dominated by H₂O, CO, CO₂, silicates, and dust in solar proportions |
| Activity Pattern |
Displays phase shift: anti-tail → normal tail as it nears the Sun |
Predictable increase in activity and sublimation near perihelion |
| Spectral Signature |
Strong CO₂ emission lines; unusual metallic features |
Typical cometary spectra, OH, CN, C₂, CO, NH₂ bands |
| Size of Nucleus |
Estimated 0.44–5.6 km in diameter |
Varies widely; many are a few kilometres across |
| Scientific Significance |
Provides insight into exoplanetary system composition and interstellar chemistry |
Preserves a record of early Solar System formation and evolution |
| Speculative Aspects |
Some hypotheses suggest a possible artificial or exotic origin (no evidence) |
Fully natural and well-understood in origin and dynamics |
| [UPSC 2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material. 2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and mercury. 3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Govt. of India has officially constituted the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to review and recommend revisions in the salaries, pensions, and service conditions of Central Government employees and pensioners.
About the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC):
- Objective: To assess fiscal sustainability, pay parity with the private sector, cost of living, pension liabilities, and Centre–State financial impact.
- Announcement: Its formation was first announced in January 2025, following Cabinet’s in-principle approval for the new pay revision cycle.
- Composition:
- Chairperson– Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (Retd.)
- Part-time Member– Prof. Pulak Ghosh (IIM Bangalore)
- Member-Secretary– Pankaj Jain (Petroleum Secretary)
- Mandate Duration: Expected to submit its report within 18 months of constitution, i.e., by mid-2026.
- Scope: Covers over 50 lakh Central employees and 68 lakh pensioners, with consultations extending to State Governments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
About Pay Commissions:
- Overview: They are temporary expert bodies established roughly every 10 years to revise salary structures, allowances, and pensions of Central Government employees and defence personnel.
- First Commission: Constituted in 1946, marking the beginning of India’s formal public service wage policy.
- Frequency: Eight Commissions (1946–2025), each responding to economic, social, and inflationary shifts.
- Composition: Typically includes retired judges, economists, and senior bureaucrats, ensuring multi-disciplinary expertise.
- Implementation Process: Recommendations will be reviewed by the Finance Ministry and approved by the Union Cabinet, followed by phased rollout across departments.
- Impact: Shapes public expenditure patterns, influencing State pay revisions, PSU wages, and defence outlays for the next decade.
- Notable Reforms by Past Commissions:
- 2nd CPC (1957)– Adjusted post-Independence wage inflation.
- 3rd CPC (1970)– Introduced the Dearness Allowance (DA) mechanism.
- 4th CPC (1983)– Standardised pay bands across cadres.
- 5th CPC (1994) – Enhanced pensions and streamlined hierarchies.
- 6th CPC (2006)– Introduced Pay Band + Grade Pay and MACP system.
- 7th CPC (2014–2016)– Implemented Matrix Pay Structure and Fitment Factor (2.57).
- 8th CPC (2025): Continues this decadal reform tradition, aligning pay structure with digital governance, modern workforce management, and inflation-linked fiscal stability.
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Why in the News?
At the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly, India has launched four global initiatives viz. Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement (SUNRISE), One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG), Global Capability Centre, and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Procurement Platform.
[1] SUNRISE:
- Overview: Launched by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote a circular economy in solar energy, focusing on recycling and sustainable resource use.
- Objective: Aims to recover nickel, cobalt, and lithium from retired solar panels, batteries, and components, reducing e-waste and enhancing material efficiency.
- Global Collaboration: Connects governments, industries, innovators, and recyclers to formulate international standards and best practices for solar waste management.
- Sustainability Focus: Seeks to make solar power deployment resource-efficient, low-carbon, and environmentally responsible.
- Economic Impact: Promotes green job creation, industrial diversification, and innovation in clean-energy recycling technologies.
[2] OSOWOG (One Sun One World One Grid):
- Overview: A flagship ISA initiative for transnational solar power connectivity, enabling global energy interdependence through solar grid linkages.
- Goal: Integrate regional grids across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe to ensure continuous, 24-hour renewable power supply.
- Benefits: Promotes clean energy trade, enhances grid stability, and lowers renewable power costs through shared transmission infrastructure.
- Implementation Strategy: Focuses on regulatory harmonisation, cross-border coordination, and interregional feasibility studies for integrated grid operations.
- Strategic Role: Strengthens India’s leadership in global renewable energy diplomacy and sustainable development cooperation.
[3] Global Capability Centre (GCC) and ISA Academy:
- Vision: Conceived as a “Silicon Valley for Solar”, integrating research, innovation, digital learning, and global capacity-building.
- Operational Model: Functions through STAR-C centres (Solar Technology Application Resource Centres) established across ISA member countries.
- Training and Learning: The ISA Academy delivers AI-enabled courses in solar finance, engineering, policy, and project management.
- Capacity Building: Strengthens human capital, fosters technological excellence, and promotes industrial collaboration for scalable solar growth.
[4] SIDS Procurement Platform
- Partnership: A joint mechanism between the ISA and World Bank designed for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- Coverage: Involves 16 island nations across the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Ocean regions.
- Mechanism: Facilitates bulk procurement, shared financing, and aggregated demand to lower solar technology deployment costs.
- Resilience Building: Enhances technical and financial capacity, reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels.
- Climate and Energy Impact: Supports climate adaptation, strengthens energy security, and promotes sustainable island economies through clean energy access.
Back2Basics: International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Objective: To facilitate affordable solar technology, finance mobilization, and policy support to achieve global energy access and climate goals.
- Founded: 2015, jointly by India and France, headquartered in Gurugram (Haryana, India).
- Membership (2025): 98 countries, focused on promoting solar energy deployment in developing and tropical nations.
- Strategic Focus Areas (2025):
- Catalytic Finance Hub: Mobilising global investments in solar infrastructure.
- Global Capability Centre: Providing technical training, digital tools, and policy frameworks.
- Technology Roadmap: Driving innovation in floating solar, AI-based grid management, green hydrogen, and One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) connectivity.
- Country Engagement: Strengthening regional partnerships for implementation and capacity-building.
[UPSC 2016] Consider the following statements:
1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Options:
(a) 1 only* (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai formally recommended Justice Surya Kant, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India, as his successor and 53rd CJI.
About the Chief Justice of India (CJI):
- Position and Authority: She/He is the head of the Supreme Court and the highest-ranking judicial officer in the Republic of India. Acts as the “Master of the Roster”, empowered to constitute benches, allocate cases, and schedule hearings.
- Administrative and Judicial Role: Leads both judicial and administrative functions of the Supreme Court, as affirmed in State of Rajasthan v. Prakash Chand (1997). Embodies the idea of “first among equals”, where every Supreme Court judge is equal in judicial authority, though the CJI heads administration.
- Judicial Powers (Constitutional Basis):
- Article 145 – Constitutes Constitution Benches and interprets laws involving substantial constitutional questions.
- Article 136 – Exercises special leave jurisdiction for appeals involving major legal principles.
- Article 32 – Safeguards Fundamental Rights under the Court’s original jurisdiction.
- Judicial Leadership: Shapes the jurisprudential direction of the Supreme Court through allocation of landmark constitutional cases and formation of larger benches.
- Administrative Responsibilities:
- Manages the Supreme Court’s roster system, case assignments, and judicial schedules.
- Oversees registry operations, staff management, and disciplinary matters across subordinate courts.
- Ensures judicial governance, transparency, and institutional coordination with the executive and legislature.
- Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143): The President of India may refer legal or constitutional questions for the Court’s advisory opinion; the CJI leads and represents the Court’s collective advisory view.
- Appointment Process (Article 124):
- The President appoints the CJI based on seniority convention — the senior-most Supreme Court judge is recommended by the outgoing CJI.
- The Law Minister seeks the outgoing CJI’s recommendation, which is forwarded via the Prime Minister to the President for formal appointment.
- Historical Exceptions:
- Justice A.N. Ray (1973) – superseded three senior judges post-Kesavananda Bharati.
- Justice M.H. Beg (1977) – superseded Justice H.R. Khanna after ADM Jabalpur.
- Qualifications (Article 124(3)): Must be an Indian citizen with either:
- 5 years as a High Court judge, or
- 10 years as a High Court advocate, or
- Recognition as a distinguished jurist by the President.
- Tenure and Retirement: Holds office until age 65 under Article 124(2).
- Removal (Article 124(4)): Possible only through impeachment by Parliament for proven misbehaviour or incapacity, requiring:
- Majority of total membership in both Houses, and
- Two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
| [UPSC 2021] With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:
1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.
2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgment as the Supreme Court does
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 * (d) Neither I nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has allowed the Union Government to reconsider its additional Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues from Vodafone-Idea for FY 2016–17, giving relief to the debt-ridden telecom firm.
About Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR):
- Overview: AGR is the revenue base used by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to calculate license fees and spectrum usage charges (SUC) owed by telecom operators.
- Origin: Introduced under the National Telecom Policy, 1999, AGR represents a share of total earnings payable by service providers to the government.
- DoT’s Interpretation: Encompasses all revenues, both core telecom (e.g., call, SMS, data) and non-telecom (e.g., interest, rent, capital gains, dividends).
- Telecom Operators’ View: Contended that AGR should cover only core operational revenues, excluding non-telecom income unrelated to telecom services.
- Components (as upheld by the Supreme Court, 2019):
- Included: Call charges, data usage, roaming/interconnection fees, value-added services, interest, rent, and forex gains.
- Excluded: Goods and Services Tax (GST) and revenue already shared with other operators.
- Financial Fallout: The 2019 verdict imposed ₹1.47 lakh crore in retrospective dues, triggering a liquidity crisis and sectoral consolidation.
- Current Context (2025): The Supreme Court has permitted policy reconsideration of excess AGR demands, signalling a more flexible, reform-oriented telecom regime.
What is the AGR Dispute?
- Legal Conflict: between telecom operators and the DoT on the scope of “gross revenue” used for fee computation.
- Operators’ Argument: Only telecom-related income, from calls, SMS, and internet, should form part of AGR.
- DoT’s Position: AGR must also include non-core revenues, expanding liability through inclusion of financial and ancillary income.
- Supreme Court Ruling (2019): Upheld DoT’s broad definition, mandating payment of full dues with interest, penalty, and interest on penalty.
- Sectoral Consequence: The judgment destabilised telecom finances, leading to the exit of smaller players and near-duopoly between Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.
- Vodafone-Idea Case: With dues over ₹58,000 crore, Vi became the worst-hit; the government later converted part of its dues into equity, acquiring a 49% stake to prevent insolvency.
- Policy Evolution: AGR, once a litigation issue, now reflects a governance reform debate, balancing fiscal interests, sector viability, and consumer protection within India’s telecom ecosystem.
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Why in the News?
The 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit (2025) is being held in Gyeongju City, South Korea
About Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC):
- Establishment: Created in 1989 as a regional economic forum to enhance the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific region.
- Objective: Promote balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and secure growth, and accelerate regional economic integration.
- Membership: Comprises 21 member economies– Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
- Secretariat: Headquartered in Singapore, coordinating policy dialogues, working groups, and capacity-building across member economies.
- Decision-Making Principle: Functions on voluntary, non-binding, and consensus-based commitments rather than treaty obligations.
- Economic Scale: Represents 2.9 billion people, accounting for ~60% of global GDP and ~48% of global trade.
- Terminology: Refers to its members as “economies” (not countries) to accommodate non-sovereign entities like Hong Kong and Taiwan.
- Major Frameworks:
- Bogor Goals (1994) – Free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific.
- APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 – Envisions an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040.
- Focus Areas: Trade liberalisation, digital economy, supply chain resilience, sustainable energy, and inclusive growth.
India and APEC:
- Membership: India is NOT a member but has shown consistent interest since the early 1990s, aligning with its Look East / Act East Policy.
- Geographical Criterion: APEC’s membership is limited to Asia-Pacific economies, while India is categorised under South Asia, restricting eligibility.
- Economic Context: India’s gradual liberalisation in the 1990s contrasted with APEC’s open market orientation, reducing its early appeal to members.
- Political Resistance: China has reportedly opposed India’s entry to maintain regional influence and prevent rival power balancing.
- Moratorium: A 1997 freeze on new memberships continues to block India’s formal inclusion.
- Current Engagement: Participates in Track-II dialogues, observer consultations, and partner discussions with APEC economies.
- Strategic Significance:
- APEC economies drive 60% of world GDP and 48% of global trade.
- Membership would improve market access, FDI inflows, and digital integration.
- Enhances India’s engagement with U.S., Japan, China, and ASEAN through multilateral diplomacy.
- Alternative Platforms: India engages APEC members via BRICS, QUAD, IPEF, and RCEP-linked forums, expanding Indo-Pacific economic influence.
- Future Outlook: Once the moratorium is lifted, India’s robust economic scale, digital economy, and supply chain capacity make it a strong candidate for future APEC membership.
| [UPSC 2017] With reference to `Asia Pacific’ Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (APMCHUD)’, consider the following statements:
1. The first APMCHUD was held in India in 2006 on the theme `Emerging Urban Forms – Policy Responses and Governance Structure’.
2. India hosts all the Annual Ministerial Conferences in partnership with ADB, APEC and ASEAN.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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Why in the News?
This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in Down To Earth.
About Vidyapati Thakur (1352 – 1448):
- Identity and Origin: Celebrated Maithili poet, philosopher, and scholar from Mithila (northern Bihar), active under the Oiniwar dynasty during the 14th–15th centuries.
- Languages Used: Composed in Maithili, Sanskrit, and Avahatta, blending classical and vernacular idioms into a unified literary tradition.
- Cultural Role: Revered as the “Father of Maithili Literature”, he elevated a regional tongue to a medium of devotion and philosophy, breaking Sanskrit monopoly.
- Historical Setting: Lived amid the Bhakti movement’s eastern rise, when devotional currents merged with courtly Sanskrit and folk traditions.
Major Contributions:
- Bhakti Poetry (Padavali): Authored lyrical songs of Radha–Krishna love, giving women voice and agency through emotive Maithili verse.
- Linguistic Innovation: Asserted “Desil bayana sab jan mittha” – the sweetness of native speech – thereby legitimising vernacular expression against Sanskrit elitism.
- Ethical and Philosophical Thought: In Purusha-Pariksha, upheld knowledge and humility as the marks of true nobility, challenging caste and wealth hierarchies.
- Ecological Vision: Bhu-Parikramanam portrayed rivers, groves, winds as moral presences, anticipating environmental ethics centuries before modern discourse.
- Devotional Hymns: His Ganga Stuti personified the river as divine mother and moral teacher, uniting spirituality with ecological reverence.
- Administrative Scholarship: Likhanavali functioned as a manual of governance and record-keeping, showing mastery beyond poetics.
- Regional Influence: His idiom spread to Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, inspiring the Brajabuli tradition and Chaitanya-era Vaishnava poets.
- Culture–Nature Synthesis: Saw land as sacred, trees as temples, and rivers as teachers, merging ecology with devotion and ethics.
- Enduring Legacy: A bridge between Sanskrit classic and regional modernity, Vidyapati’s ideals of love, humility, and environmental ethic continue to define Mithila’s cultural identity.
| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar. 2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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Why in the News?
In his Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon citizens to commemorate 150 years of our national song “Vande Mataram”.
About Vande Mataram:
- Overview: Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay around 1875, originally in Sanskrit (Bengali script) and later included in his novel Anandamath (1882), depicting the Sannyasi Rebellion against British rule.
- Meaning: It means “I bow to thee, Mother”, symbolising devotion to the motherland, unity, and the spirit of sacrifice.
- First Rendition: First sung publicly by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Indian National Congress Session, transforming it into a nationalist anthem.
- Role in Freedom Struggle: Became a rallying cry for revolutionaries in Swadeshi Movement, sung in protests, prisons, and meetings representing Ma Bharati as a symbol of resistance and national pride.
- Official Status: In 1937, the Indian National Congress adopted its first two stanzas as the National Song; on January 24, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad granted it equal status with Jana Gana Mana in the Constituent Assembly.
- Structure & Style: Comprises six stanzas, combining Sanskrit precision and Bengali rhythm, praising India’s nature, strength, and divinity.
- Translations & Music: Sri Aurobindo translated it into English (Karmayogin, 1909); V.D. Paluskar and Ravi Shankar popularised musical renditions.
- Cultural Symbolism: Personifies India as the Divine Mother, transcending religious and regional divides; played instrumentally at the end of Parliamentary sessions.
[UPSC 2016] ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the
Options: (a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal *
(b) Home Rule Movement
(c) Non-Cooperation Movement
(d) Visit of the Simon Commission to India |
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Why in the News?
East Timor (Timor-Leste) was formally admitted as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
What is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)?
- Establishment: Founded in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand through the Bangkok Declaration.
- Purpose: To promote economic growth, political stability, regional peace, and cultural cooperation in Southeast Asia.
- Membership: 11 nations – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and East Timor.
- Institutional Pillars:
- Political-Security Community,
- Economic Community,
- Socio-Cultural Community.
- Legal Framework: The ASEAN Charter (2008) gave it a legal identity and deepened integration on the EU model.
- Economic Scale: Represents 680 million people with a combined GDP > $3.8 trillion, making it a leading global growth hub.
- External Partnerships: Engages India, China, Japan, USA, Australia, etc., through forums like the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Plus Six.
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About East Timor (Timor-Leste):
- Location: Situated in Southeast Asia, occupying the eastern half of Timor Island, bordered by Indonesia (west) and Australia (south).
- Colonial History: A Portuguese colony for 400+ years until Indonesia’s invasion in 1975, shortly after a brief independence.
- Independence: Achieved full sovereignty in 2002 following the UN-supervised 1999 referendum ending 24 years of occupation.
- Demographics: Population ≈1.4 million; 42% below poverty line; two-thirds under age 30, making employment creation a core policy focus.
- Economy: Dependent on oil and gas revenues, now diversifying toward agriculture, tourism, and digital infrastructure due to depleting reserves.
- Political Leadership: Led by PM Xanana Gusmao and President Jose Ramos-Horta (1996 Nobel Peace Prize laureate).
- Regional Integration: Became ASEAN’s 11th member in Oct 2025, marking the bloc’s first expansion since 1999.
| [UPSC 2009] Consider the following countries:
1. Brunei Darussalam 2. East Timor 3. Laos Which of the above is/are member/members of ASEAN?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only* (d) 1,2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The IUCN’s World Heritage Outlook 4 has downgraded India’s Western Ghats, Manas, and Sundarbans National Parks to “Significant Concern” due to climate change, tourism, invasive species, and road expansion.
About IUCN World Heritage Outlook:
- Overview: Launched in 2014 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to evaluate the long-term conservation prospects of all natural and mixed UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Cycle & Methodology: Conducted every three years (2014, 2017, 2020, 2025) using scientific data, field reports, remote-sensing, and expert review to assess retention of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
- Coverage: The 2025 edition (World Heritage Outlook 4) assesses 200+ sites worldwide, measuring their state, threats, and management effectiveness.
- Assessment Categories:
- Good – Values secure.
- Good with Some Concerns – Moderate threats.
- Significant Concern – Serious pressures.
- Critical – Imminent loss of key values.
Key Findings World Heritage Outlook 4:
- Global Trends: “Positive outlook” sites fell from 63 % (2020) to 57 % (2025); ≈40 % of sites now face significant or critical challenges.
- Dominant Threats: Climate change has overtaken hunting and logging as the leading pressure, joined by tourism overload, invasive species, and infrastructure expansion.
- Management Gaps: Only half of sites effectively funded or staffed; weak law enforcement and community participation slow recovery.
- Positive Models: China (Mt Wuyi, Mt Huangshan) and Sri Lanka (Sinharaja) show improvement through youth involvement and sustainable tourism.
- Policy Relevance: Serves as a “litmus test for global conservation”, informing the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) and supporting the 30×30 goal.
Key Findings on India’s Western Ghats:
- UNESCO Status: Inscribed in 2012 as a serial World Heritage Site; one of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots across six states (Gujarat → Tamil Nadu).
- 2025 Outlook Rating: Classified as “Significant Concern” due to rising ecological stress and habitat fragmentation.
- Biodiversity: Home to 325 globally threatened species; endemics include Nilgiri tahr, Malabar civet, Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri flycatcher.
- Major Threats:
- Hydropower & Infrastructure – e.g., ₹ 5,843 crore Sillahalla Pumped Storage Project (1,000 MW) altering river systems.
- Unregulated Tourism – garbage, wildlife disturbance, elephant conflicts.
- Monoculture Expansion – tea, coffee, rubber replacing native forests.
- Climate Shift – upslope migration of species like the Black-and-Orange Flycatcher.
- Invasive Flora – eucalyptus and acacia reducing soil fertility.
- Conservation Imperatives: Strengthen eco-sensitive zone rules, restore corridors, and expand community-based initiatives (Eco-Development Committees, MGNREGS).
- Regional Significance: Regulates South India’s monsoon and river systems (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri) sustaining 245 million people.
- Outlook Note: Despite threats, recovery is achievable through landscape-level management, sustainable tourism, and native vegetation restoration.
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Why in the News?
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has begun the wet commissioning of the first 250 MW unit of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP), India’s largest hydropower installation.
About Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP):
- Overview: A run-of-the-river hydroelectric project located on the Subansiri River at Gerukamukh, straddling Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the Lower Subansiri district.
- Developer: Implemented by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited, India’s leading central public-sector hydropower enterprise.
- Installed Capacity: 2,000 MW (8×250 MW), the largest hydroelectric project in India upon completion.
- Dam Structure: A concrete gravity dam, 116 m high from riverbed (130 m from foundation) and 284 m long, built to withstand high flood discharge and seismic activity of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Reservoir & Components: Features a 34.5 km reservoir, five diversion tunnels, eight spillways, and a surface powerhouse on the right bank.
- Power Output & Benefits: Expected to generate 7,500 MUs annually (90% dependable year), contributing to clean power supply, flood moderation, irrigation, and drinking water for downstream Assam.
- Timeline: Construction began 2005, stalled 2011 due to environmental protests, resumed October 2019 after NGT clearance and PMO intervention.
- Recent Milestone: In October 2025, NHPC began wet commissioning of the first 250 MW unit, marking the project’s operational phase.
Back2Basics: Subansiri River
- Overview: Arises in the Tibetan Himalayas, flows southeast through Miri Hills (Arunachal Pradesh), entering Assam, and joins the Brahmaputra at Lakhimpur.
- Tributary Importance: Largest right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra, contributing ~7.9% of total river flow.
- Catchment Area: Covers 32,640 sq. km, combining steep Himalayan terrain and fertile plains.
- Local Name: Known as the “Gold River” due to historic alluvial gold traces in its sands.
- Ecological Significance: Supports endemic fish species, riparian forests, and floodplain livelihoods across Dhemaji and Lakhimpur.
- Strategic Relevance: Its high gradient and perennial discharge make it ideal for renewable hydropower, central to Northeast India’s energy security.
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| [UPSC 2024] Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following? Options: (a) Irrigation of terraced crop fields
(b) Lift irrigation of cereal crops
(c) Long duration energy storage*
(d) Rainwater harvesting system |
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