Bengaluru gets its 2nd Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

The Karnataka government declared 8.6 acres of green cover at Cantonment Railway Colony in Bengaluru as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), the second such site in the city after Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK).

About Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS):

Legal Basis: Recognized under Section 37(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 as ecologically sensitive areas of high biodiversity.
Notifying Authority: The State Government, in consultation with local bodies, can declare an area as a BHS.
Objective: Conserves wild and domesticated species, including rare, threatened, and keystone species, vital for ecological balance.
Significance: Marked as ecologically fragile zones, essential for sustaining local ecosystems and long-term sustainability.
Community Role: Local communities and institutions are actively involved in management and protection.
Restrictions Put: Declaration does NOT restrict customary uses; aims to enhance quality of life through conservation.
Institutional Support: State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) assist in proposing, managing, and monitoring BHS.
First BHS in India: Nallur Tamarind Grove, Bengaluru, Karnataka, notified in 2007.

[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 access 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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Judicial Reforms

National Lok Adalat

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

Why in the News?

On September 13, a countrywide National Lok Adalat was held with a special focus on clearing pending traffic e-challans for minor offences.

What is National Lok Adalat?

Overview: Lok Adalats held 4 times a year, on a single day, across all courts from the Supreme Court to Taluk Courts.
Scope: Settles both pending cases and pre-litigation disputes suitable for compromise.
Organisation: Dates fixed in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) calendar; sessions conducted nationwide.
Method: Focuses on amicable settlement rather than judicial imposition.
Common Cases: Matrimonial/family disputes, compoundable criminal cases, land acquisition, labour disputes, compensation claims, bank recoveries, and accident claims.
Exclusions: Non-compoundable or sensitive offences are outside its scope.

About Lok Adalats:

Legal Status: Statutory body under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987; amended in 2002 for Permanent Lok Adalats (public utility services).
Composition: Includes a judicial officer (Chairman), a lawyer, and a social worker.
History: First Lok Adalat held in Gujarat, 1982, as a voluntary conciliatory forum.
Award/Decision: Final, binding, and equivalent to a civil court decree; no appeal permitted.
Jurisdiction: Can settle pending cases, matters within court jurisdiction (even pre-litigation), on mutual consent, referral, or court satisfaction.
Organisation: Conducted by NALSA and State/District/High Court/Taluk Legal Services Authorities. NALSA operational since 9 November 1995.
Powers: Enjoy powers of a civil court; proceedings treated as judicial proceedings.
Benefits: No court fee, speedy disposal, procedural flexibility, direct party–judge interaction, and finality of settlement.

[UPSC 2009] With reference to Lok Adalats, consider the following statements:

1. An award made by a Lok Adalat is deemed to be a degree of a civil court and no appeal lies against thereto before any court.

2. Matrimonial/Family disputes are not covered under Lok Adalat.

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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Blockchain Technology: Prospects and Challenges

What is Decentralised Finance (DeFi)?

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy
Why in the News?

Decentralised Finance (DeFi) is rapidly expanding as a global financial innovation, enabling direct peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries such as banks.

What is DeFi?
- It is a financial system that runs on blockchains like Ethereum.
- It allows people to send, borrow, lend, invest, and trade money directly without banks.
- All transactions happen using smart contracts (computer programs) and apps called dApps.
- Anyone with a phone + internet can use it; no bank account or KYC needed.
Features of DeFi:
- No middlemen: Works without banks or brokers.
- Smart contracts: Deals happen automatically once rules are met.
- Open access: Anyone in the world can join with just a digital wallet.
- Transparency: Every transaction is recorded on a blockchain for all to see.
- Cross-border: Can be used internationally, without currency or banking restrictions.
- Low cost & fast: Cheaper and quicker than traditional banking.
- Anonymous: Many platforms don’t ask for ID, making it open but risky.
DeFi in India:
- Adoption: India ranks third globally in DeFi value (Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index 2024).
- Growth Drivers:
  - Large youth population and widespread smartphone use.
  - Strong digital payments ecosystem (UPI, JAM trinity).
  - Increasing retail investor interest in crypto-assets.
- Uses: Indian users engage in lending, trading, yield farming, and staking via DeFi platforms like Aave, Compound, and SushiSwap.
- Market Size: Projected to reach USD 1.7 billion by 2025.
- Challenges: Regulatory uncertainty, risks of money laundering and terror financing, cyber vulnerabilities, and lack of investor protection.
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Bharat Emission Standards

BS-VII Emission Norms

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

To align India’s automobile sector with global standards, the government is planning to introduce BS VII emission norms by 2026-27.

About BS7 Norms:

Overview: India’s equivalent of Euro 7 emission standards, aimed at reducing vehicular pollution and aligning with global benchmarks.
Coverage: Applies uniformly to cars, vans, buses, trucks, petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
On-Board Monitoring (OBM): New system to monitor tailpipe emissions in real time, covering NOx, ammonia, PM, engine gases.
Non-Exhaust Regulation: First-time regulation of brake dust (PM) and tyre microplastics.
EV Standards: Introduces battery safety, durability, and longevity index to lower raw material use and build consumer confidence.
Digital Safeguards: Ensures vehicles are not tampered with and remain within emission limits.
Testing Scope: Expands checks to real driving conditions beyond lab-based cycles.

Key Differences: BS6 vs BS7

OBD vs OBM: BS6 used On-Board Diagnostics (OBD); BS7 brings OBM for direct emission monitoring.
NOx Standards: BS6 allowed 60 mg/km petrol, 80 mg/km diesel; BS7 sets uniform 60 mg/km.
Coverage: BS6 regulated exhaust only; BS7 adds non-exhaust (brakes, tyres).
EV Inclusion: BS6 ignored EVs; BS7 regulates battery life, safety, and replacement cycles.
Testing: BS6 relied on defined test cycles; BS7 uses broader real-world conditions.
Technology Push: BS7 compels automakers towards advanced emission-control systems and turbo, direct-injection engines.
Cost Factor: BS7 compliance raises vehicle costs; some older models may be discontinued.

History of Emission Norms in India:

Year / Period	Key Development
1991	Mass emission norms introduced for petrol vehicles.
1992	Mass emission norms introduced for diesel vehicles.
April 1995	Mandatory catalytic converters in new petrol cars in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai; unleaded petrol (ULP) introduced.
2000	Introduction of Euro I equivalent “India 2000” norms for passenger and commercial vehicles; stricter norms for two-wheelers.
2001	Euro II equivalent Bharat Stage II (BS II) norms introduced in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata.
August 2002	First Auto Fuel Policy announced, outlining emission and fuel roadmap up to 2010.
April 2005	Bharat Stage III (BS III) norms implemented in 13 metro cities; rest of India continued with BS II.
April 2010	Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) implemented in 13 metro cities; rest of India adopted BS III.
October 2014	BS IV extended to 20 more cities.
2013	Auto Fuel Policy 2025 submitted to MoPNG (Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas), outlining roadmap up to 2025.
April 2017	Nationwide implementation of BS IV.
April 2020	Direct leap to BS VI (skipping BS V) due to severe pollution in Delhi NCR.
Upcoming (BS VII)	To be aligned with Euro 7 standards: stricter norms, On-Board Monitoring (OBM), coverage of brake & tyre emissions, and EV battery standards.

[UPSC 2004] Consider the following statements:

1. The Oil Pool Account of Government of India was dismantled with effect from 1-4-2002.

2. Subsidies on PDS kerosene and domestic LPG are borne by Consolidated Fund of India.

3. An expert committee headed by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar to formulate a national auto fuel policy recommended that Bharat Stage-II Emission Norms should be applied throughout the country by 1 April, 2004.

Which of these statements given above are correct?

Options: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3*

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Indian Navy Updates

Expedition ‘Samudra Pradakshina’

Prelims Only | Trivia | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Why in the News?

Defence Minister flagged off Samudra Pradakshina, the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing mission, from the Gateway of India, Mumbai.

About Expedition ‘Samudra Pradakshina’:

Overview: First-ever all-women tri-service circumnavigation sailing expedition in the world.
Crew: Ten women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, led by Lt. Col. Anuja Varudkar.
Vessel: IASV Triveni, a 50-foot yacht built indigenously in Puducherry.
Duration & Route: Nine months, covering 26,000 nautical miles, crossing the Equator twice, and rounding Capes Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope.
Port Calls: Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Cape Town (South Africa).
Mission Objectives: Showcase Nari Shakti, promote joint military cooperation, advance Atmanirbhar Bharat, strengthen maritime diplomacy, and conduct ocean research with the National Institute of Oceanography.

Historic Precursors:

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (UK): First solo non-stop circumnavigation (1969).
Captain Dilip Donde (2009–10): First Indian solo circumnavigation. Commander Abhilash Tomy (2012–13) — first Indian solo non-stop circumnavigation.
Women-led Expeditions: Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017–18)– first all-women Indian Navy circumnavigation on INSV Tarini. Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024–25) – second successful all-women naval circumnavigation on INSV Tarini.

[UPSC 2025] Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:

Options:

(a) Operation Sankalp (b) Operation Maitri (c) Operation Sadbhavana* (d) Operation Madad

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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

Swami Vivekananda and Vedanta Philosophy

Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Why in the News?

On the 132nd anniversary of his 1893 Chicago address, Swami Vivekananda was remembered for introducing Indian spirituality and Vedanta to the world with a message of tolerance and unity.

About Swami Vivekananda:

Early life: Born Narendranath Datta in 1863, Kolkata; Chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna.
Role: Monk, reformer, and founder of the Ramakrishna Mission (1897).
Chicago Speech: Rose to global fame with his 1893 Parliament of Religions address in Chicago, calling for religious tolerance and universal brotherhood.
Teachings: Advocated social service, education, and spiritual sovereignty as means of national regeneration.
Legacy: Inspired the rise of Vedanta Societies worldwide, spread yoga and meditation in the West, and became a key figure in the Indian renaissance and freedom movement.

What is Vedanta Philosophy?

Roots: Derived from the Upanishads, especially Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism).
Oneness of Existence: The universe is one absolute Brahman; all souls are divine.
Religious Pluralism: All religions are valid paths to the same truth; promotes harmony, not division.
Self-Realization: The aim of life is to realize and manifest one’s innate divinity.
Karma Yoga: Selfless service is a spiritual practice — “Jiva is Shiva” (service to man is service to God).
Practical Vedanta: Application of spiritual wisdom to daily life and social reform, bridging tradition and modernity.

Back2Basics: Indian Classical Philosophy

There are 6 classical schools of Indian philosophy in the orthodox (Astika) tradition, which accept the authority of the Vedas:

Nyaya: School of logic and reasoning
Vaisesika: Atomism and categories of reality
Sankhya: Dualism of consciousness (purusha) and matter (prakriti)
Yoga: Practical discipline based on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
Mimamsa (Purva Mimamsa): Ritual action and dharma
Vedanta (Uttara Mimamsa): Philosophy of the Upanishads

Apart from these, there are also heterodox (Nastika) schools, which do not accept Vedic authority, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Charvaka (materialism).

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Digital India Initiatives

[pib] Adi Sanskriti Digital Learning Platform

Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the beta version of “Adi Sanskriti”, a pioneering digital learning platform.

About Adi Sanskriti:

What is it: A digital learning platform launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Objective: To preserve tribal art forms, create livelihoods, and connect tribal communities with the world; scale into a Tribal Digital University with certifications, research opportunities, and transformative learning pathways.
Significance: Envisioned as the world’s first Digital University dedicated to tribal culture and traditional knowledge.
Developed by: MoTA collaboration with State Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) to ensure authentic documentation and grassroots participation.
Integration with TRIs: Contributions from TRIs of 14 states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Key Components of Adi Sanskriti:

Adi Vishwavidyalaya (Digital Tribal Art Academy): Currently offering 45 immersive courses on tribal dance, painting, crafts, music, and folklore.
Adi Sampada (Socio-Cultural Repository): Houses over 5,000 curated documents covering paintings, dance, clothing and textiles, artefacts, and livelihood practices.
Adi Haat (Online Marketplace): Linked with TRIFED, designed to evolve into a dedicated e-marketplace for tribal artisans, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and direct consumer access.

[UPSC 2016] SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at:

Options: (a) promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas

(b) providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs

(d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free*

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Primary and Secondary Education – RTE, Education Policy, SEQI, RMSA, Committee Reports, etc.

Himachal Pradesh declared to be ‘Fully Literate’

Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

Why in the News?

Himachal Pradesh was recently declared a ‘fully literate’ state, becoming the 5th State/UT after Goa, Ladakh, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Various Definitions of Literacy / Full Literacy:

Ministry of Education (MoE) Definition: Literacy is the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension, along with digital literacy and financial literacy as critical life skills.
Full Literacy (MoE): A State/Union Territory (UT) is considered fully literate at 95% literacy rate.
Census of India (2011): Any person aged 7 years or above who can read and write with understanding in any language is considered literate. Ability to read without writing is NOT counted as literacy.
ULLAS Programme: Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society launched in 2022. Literacy here means acquiring foundational skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic plus functional knowledge like time, currency, and digital use.
NILP: New India Literacy Programme (centrally sponsored, aligned with NEP 2020). Defines full literacy as achieving ≥95% literacy rate certified via assessments.

How is Literacy attained under ULLAS / NILP?

Target Group: Adults (15+) who missed formal schooling are identified through door-to-door surveys or other state data.
Basic Training: Learners are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic (up to Class 3 level), along with practical skills like using calendars, reading time, handling currency/cheques, and making safe digital transactions.
Delivery Mechanism: Training delivered through the ULLAS mobile app or offline by student volunteers and community workers.
Assessment: Learners appear for FLNAT (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test), a 150-mark test available in regional languages.
Certification: On passing FLNAT, learners are certified by the NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) as literate.
Outcome: States/UTs are declared ‘fully literate’ when identified non-literates clear FLNAT and the literacy rate crosses the 95% threshold.

[UPSC 2017] What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’ ?

Options:

(a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities.

(b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies. *

(d) Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health-care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them.

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Power of Siberia 2 Pipeline

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Effect Of Policies & Politics Of World On India’S Interests

Why in the News?

Russia has announced a “legally binding” memorandum with China to build the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, highlighting closer Russia–China ties amid Western sanctions.

Power of Siberia 2 Pipeline

What are Power of Siberia Pipelines?

Power of Siberia 1: Operational pipeline from eastern Siberia to northern China; commercial exports since Dec 2019.
Specifications: Length over 5,100 km (3,968 km in Russia), diameter 1,420 mm, capacity 61 bcm/year (38 bcm contracted to China). Built to withstand –62°C, using 2.25 million tonnes of steel.
Gas Source & Route: Supplies from Chayanda field (Yakutia) and later Kovykta field; passes via Amur Gas Processing Plant; two tunnels cross under the Amur River into China, linking to Heihe–Shanghai pipeline.
Timeline: Construction began 2014, completed 2019, full 38 bcm deliveries by 2025.
Power of Siberia 2: Planned 2,600 km pipeline exporting 50 bcm/year from Yamal & western Siberia fields to China, via Mongolia (Soyuz Vostok segment).
Status: Gazprom–CNPC signed a binding memorandum. Pricing, financing, and timelines remain unsettled; deliveries may start by 2030.

Geopolitical Significance:

Political Symbolism: Project showcases Russia–China partnership, snubs Western LNG, and reflects defiance of sanctions.
Strategic Showcase: Analysts call it political theatre — Russia grows more dependent on China, while China gains strategic leverage.

[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe.

Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?”

Options: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I* (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain 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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Air Pollution

Swachh Vayu Survekshan, 2025

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

Indore, already recognized as the cleanest city in India, has topped the list of million-plus population cities in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2025.

Swachh Vayu Survekshan, 2025

About Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS), 2025:

Overview: Annual survey by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Objective: Promotes healthy competition among cities and accelerates implementation of air quality measures.
Coverage: Includes 130 cities, grouped into 3 categories: million-plus population, 3–10 lakh population, and under 3 lakh population.
Parameters: Cities assessed on 8 factors such as road dust mitigation, solid waste management, vehicular emission control, industrial emission control, construction and demolition waste handling, public awareness, and particulate matter (PM10/PM2.5) reduction.
Methodology: Uses a multi-tier evaluation focusing on both on-ground actions and measurable outcomes.

Key Findings of SVS, 2025:

Top Performer: Indore ranked 1st among million-plus cities, regaining its position after slipping to 6th in 2024. It had also topped in 2023, while Lucknow topped the inaugural edition in 2022.
Other Million-Plus Rankings: Jabalpur 2nd, Agra and Surat 3rd, Navi Mumbai 4th, Kanpur 5th, Bhopal 6th, Allahabad 7th, Chandigarh 8th, Ahmedabad–Pune–Nagpur 10th, Varanasi and Raipur 11th, Lucknow 15th, Hyderabad 22nd, Mumbai 25th, Jaipur 26th, Delhi 32nd, Bengaluru 36th, Kolkata 38th, Chennai 41st.
3–10 Lakh Cities: Amravati 1st, Jhansi and Moradabad joint 2nd, Alwar 3rd.
Under-3 Lakh Cities: Dewas 1st, Parwanoo 2nd, Angul 3rd.
Air Quality Data: Indore recorded PM10 at 83 μg/m³ in 2024–25, slightly higher than 82 μg/m³ in 2017–18. Cities like Chennai (58 μg/m³), Varanasi (59 μg/m³), Bengaluru (68 μg/m³), and Hyderabad (81 μg/m³) showed lower PM10 levels than Indore.
Overall Trends: 103 of 130 cities reduced PM10 since 2017–18. 64 cities achieved a 20% reduction, while 25 cities achieved a 40% reduction. Only 22 cities met the national standard of ≤60 μg/m³, with Chennai the only metro (58 μg/m³). Among metros, Mumbai recorded the highest decline (44%), followed by Kolkata (37%), Hyderabad (26%), Bengaluru (26%), Delhi (15%), and Chennai (12%).

[UPSC 2022] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:

1. The 24-hour mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m3 and annual mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m3.

2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.

3. PM 10 can penetrate the long barrier and enter the bloodstream.

4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Options: (a) 1,3 and 4 (b) 1 and 4 only* (c) 2,3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2 only

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS):

Why in the News?

What is National Lok Adalat?

About Lok Adalats:

Why in the News?

What is DeFi?

Features of DeFi:

DeFi in India:

Why in the News?

About BS7 Norms:

Key Differences: BS6 vs BS7

History of Emission Norms in India:

Why in the News?

About Expedition ‘Samudra Pradakshina’:

Historic Precursors:

Why in the News?

About Swami Vivekananda:

What is Vedanta Philosophy?

Back2Basics: Indian Classical Philosophy

Why in the News?

About Adi Sanskriti:

Key Components of Adi Sanskriti:

Why in the News?

Various Definitions of Literacy / Full Literacy:

How is Literacy attained under ULLAS / NILP?

Why in the News?

What are Power of Siberia Pipelines?

Geopolitical Significance:

Why in the News?

About Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS), 2025:

Key Findings of SVS, 2025: