💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

Type: Prelims Only

  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    What is Ayurveda Aahara?

    Why in the News?

    To align ancient Indian diets with modern nutrition, FSSAI and the Ministry of Ayush have released an official list of food items under the Ayurveda Aahara category.

    What is Ayurveda Aahara?

    About Ayurveda Aahara:

    • Definition: Refers to food products based on Ayurvedic dietary principles—focused on balance, seasonality, and natural, therapeutic ingredients.
    • Objective: Ensures standardisation, safety, and consumer trust in Ayurvedic dietary practices.
    • Legal Framework: Regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s Ayurveda Aahara Regulations (2022).
    • Textual Basis: Product list notified under Note (1) of Schedule B, grounded in classical Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A.
    • Standards: Foods must follow authentic Ayurvedic recipes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
    • New Product Inclusion: Food Business Operators (FBOs) can propose additions by citing authoritative Ayurvedic sources.
    • Institutional Support: Endorsed by the National Institute of Ayurveda and the Ministry of Ayush; the Ayush Aahara Compendium offers scientifically validated formulations for industry use.

    Significance:

    • Health Benefits: Supports preventive health, digestion, and immunity through time-tested dietary wisdom.
    • Cultural Revival: Reconnects with India’s ancient food traditions, including those from the Sangam era; recognised globally alongside Yoga and Millets.
    • Regulatory Clarity: Provides structured guidelines to manufacturers, enabling ease of business and consumer confidence in authenticity.
    [UPSC 2017] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?

    1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.

    2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

    3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.

    4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Asset Under Management (AUM)

    Why in the News?

    India’s Mutual Fund (MF) industry has witnessed exponential growth, with Assets Under Management (AUM) reaching ₹74.40 lakh crore as of June 2025, a sevenfold increase over the past decade.

    What are Assets Under Management (AUM)?

    • Definition: AUM refers to the total market value of financial assets (stocks, bonds, etc.) managed by an investment firm on behalf of clients.
    • Growth Drivers:
      • Net investor inflows and redemptions
      • Market performance
      • Dividend reinvestments
    • Importance:
      • Indicates fund size, investor confidence, and fund stability
      • Reflects fund manager performance and popularity
      • Higher AUM allows better liquidity and portfolio diversification
      • Impacts management fees and minimum investment limits

    What is a Mutual Fund?

    • Definition: A mutual fund pools money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio.
    • Management: Handled by professional fund managers to balance risk and return.
    • Unit-Based Investment: Investors purchase fund units; each unit’s value is called the Net Asset Value (NAV), which changes with market movement.

    Classification of Mutual Funds

    a. Based on Asset Class:

    1. Equity Funds: Invest in stocks; includes large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
    2. Debt Funds: Invest in bonds and other fixed-income instruments.
    3. Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt for balanced risk-return.

    b. Based on Investment Objective:

    1. Growth Funds: Focus on capital appreciation; suitable for long-term investors.
    2. Income Funds: Aim for regular income via bonds/dividends.
    3. Liquid Funds: Invest in short-term debt; low risk and high liquidity.
    4. Tax-saving Funds (Equity Linked Savings Scheme): Offer Section 80C tax benefits; equity-focused.
    5. Pension Funds: Meant for retirement; long-term return-focused.

    c. Based on Structure:

    1. Open-ended Funds: Investors can enter or exit anytime; highly liquid.
    2. Closed-ended Funds: Fixed maturity; investments only during the initial offer period.
    3. Interval Funds: Allow purchase/redemption only at specific intervals.

     

    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    I. India accounts for a very large portion of all equity option contracts traded globally, thus exhibiting a great boom. II. India’s stock market has grown rapidly in the recent past, even overtaking Hong Kong’s at some point in time. III. There is no regulatory body either to warn small investors about the risks of options trading or to act on unregistered financial advisors in this regard.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options:  (a) I and II only * (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III

     

  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    [pib] India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI)

    Why in the News?

    To support India’s net-zero transport goal by 2070, NITI Aayog launched the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) to track and rank States/UTs on their shift to electric mobility.

    [pib] India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI)

    About India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI):

    • Launched by: NITI Aayog in 2024.
    • Purpose: To evaluate and benchmark the progress of Indian States and Union Territories (UTs) in achieving their electric mobility and transport decarbonization goals.
    • Scoring: States and UTs are scored out of 100 using 16 indicators grouped under 3 core themes.
    • Core Themes:
      1. Transport Electrification Progress – Measures EV adoption across segments (2W, 3W, 4W, buses, etc.)
      2. Charging Infrastructure Readiness – Assesses public charging station density, coverage, and policy support.
      3. EV Research & Innovation Status – Tracks EV startups, R&D activity, patents, and skilling efforts.
    • Significance:
      • Supports tailored policymaking and cross-learning.
      • Enables transparency and healthy competition among states.
      • Aligns with India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.
    • Methodology: Based on VAHAN data, charging infrastructure maps, and stakeholder consultations.
    • Accessibility: Publicly available dashboard and report for rankings, scores, and methodology.

    Key Highlights (2024 Edition):

    • Top Performers: Delhi, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh lead overall in EV readiness.
    • Category Leaders:
      • Transport Electrification: Delhi and Maharashtra.
      • Charging Infrastructure: Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh.
      • Research & Innovation: Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Haryana.
    • EV Policy Status: 29 States/UTs have formal EV policies; 4 are in the draft stage.
    • EV Adoption Data:
      • EVs make up 5.3% of private vehicle sales in 2024.
      • Over 12 lakh EVs registered in India during the year.
    • Public Charging Network: India has over 25,000 public EV charging stations.
    • State Categories:
      • Performers: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Haryana, Goa.
      • Aspirants: Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Kerala, North-East states.
    [UPSC 2024] Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles powered by hydrogen?

    Options: (a) Hydrogen peroxide (b) Hydronium (c) Oxygen (d) Water vapour*

     

  • Dams and Hydroprojects

    Sawalkote Hydro Project

    Why in the News?

    After suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, India is asserting water control in J&K by reviving the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project — the UT’s largest planned hydro project.

    Sawalkote Hydro Project

    About Sawalkote Hydro Project:

    • Location: Ramban and Udhampur districts, Jammu and Kashmir.
    • River: Built on the Chenab River (a western river under the Indus Waters Treaty).
    • Agency: Implemented by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.
    • History: Proposed in the 1960s; delayed due to Pakistan’s objections, environmental issues, and red tape. Revived after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty post the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
    • Status (2025): Forest clearance granted; tenders floated on 29 July 2025; declared a project of national importance.
    • Timeline: 96 months post-clearance; expected commissioning by or after 2032.

    Key Features:

    • Type: Run-of-the-river (utilizes the natural flow and elevation drop of a river) hydroelectric project.
    • Capacity: 1,856 Megawatts (8 × 225 MW + 1 × 56 MW).
    • Dam: 192.5 m high, roller-compacted concrete gravity dam; reservoir holds 550 million cubic meters.
    • Powerhouse: Underground, with Francis turbines.
    • Cost: ₹22,704.8 crore (~2.6 billion United States Dollars).
    [UPSC 2009] Gandhi Sagar Dam is a part of which one of the following?

    Options: (a) Chambal Project * (b) Kosi Project (c) Damodar Valley Project (d) Bhakra Nangal Project

     

  • Waste Management – SWM Rules, EWM Rules, etc

    Pollution Control can levy Environmental Damages: SC

    Why in the News?

    In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has empowered Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) across India with the authority to impose and collect restitutionary and compensatory damages under the Water and Air Acts.

    Key Highlights of Supreme Court Ruling:

    • Key Powers Granted:
      • Impose and collect restitutionary and compensatory damages.
      • Demand bank guarantees in anticipation of environmental harm.
    • Legal Basis:
      • Section 33A, Water Act, 1974: Power to issue directions for closure/regulation of industries and stoppage of utilities to enforce water pollution norms.
      • Section 31A, Air Act, 1981: Similar binding powers to control air pollution; non-compliance is a legal violation.

    About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

    • Established: September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Also empowered under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
    • Role: Statutory technical body to promote clean air and water; provides services under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    • Key Functions:
      • Control and abate water and air pollution; promote stream and well cleanliness.
      • Advise the Central Government on pollution-related issues.
      • Coordinate with and assist State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs); resolve disputes.
      • Monitor pollution in Union Territories via delegated powers under Water, Air, and Water Cess Acts.
    • Develops and revises:
      • National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
      • Water Quality Criteria from various sources.
      • Emission/Discharge Standards under Environment Protection Rules, 1986.
      • Bio-Medical Waste Incineration Norms.
      • Noise/Emission Limits for diesel, LPG, and CNG generators.
    • Minimal National Standards (MINAS) Issuance:
      • Covers effluent, emission, noise, and solid waste across industries.
      • Mandatory for State adoption as baseline standards.
      • Publishes COINDS (Comprehensive Industry Documents), manuals, and codes for pollution treatment and control systems.

    About State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs):

    • Constitution: Formed by State Governments under the Water and Air Acts.
    • Functions:
      • Monitor and control local pollution.
      • Inspect industries and enforce compliance.
      • Advise state governments.
      • Conduct awareness campaigns.
      • Implement control programmes and collaborate with CPCB and local bodies.
    [UPSC 2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

    1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.

    2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

    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

     

  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Blockchain-verified Quantum Randomness for Secure Communication

    Why in the News?

    A recent breakthrough demonstrated use of quantum science, blockchain, and cryptography to create truly random and secure numbers used in encryption for secure communication.

    About the Technology:

    • Encryption: Converts readable data into unreadable code using a “key”; only someone with the correct key can decrypt the message.
    • Importance of Randomness: Secure encryption depends on unpredictable keys—predictable keys can be guessed or hacked.
    • Issue with Computers: Most keys are generated using pseudo-random algorithms, which appear random but are predictable if the method is known.

    About the Breakthrough Lava Lamp Method:

    • Setup: 100 lava lamps placed on a wall at Cloudflare’s San Francisco office; a camera takes periodic photos of the moving blobs.
    • Process: Each photo is converted into numerical data, creating a random seed to generate encryption keys.
    • Why Lava Lamps? The heat-driven movement of wax blobs is unpredictable and creates unique images.
    • Limitations: Movements follow physics, so not truly random. Also, the algorithm that converts images is deterministic—reproducible if known.

    Quantum Random Number Generation Protocol:

    • Why Quantum Physics: Subatomic particles like photons behave randomly; for example, a photon’s polarization is unknown until measured.
    • How It Works: Scientists used lasers to generate entangled photons and measured them millions of times to produce random results.
    • Data Conversion: The raw data (in binary) was biased, so a randomness extractor was used to generate a clean 512-bit unbiased number using a second random seed.
    • Blockchain Role: Each step was recorded on blockchain for transparency, with digital fingerprints (hashes) to ensure data integrity.
    • Team Involvement: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), University of Colorado, and DRAND each handled separate parts to ensure decentralization and trust.
    • Public Use: The final random numbers are shared via CURBy, a public distribution service.
    • Significance: Though still emerging, this method shows strong potential for future ultra-secure encryption systems.
    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing. II. Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS). III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) I and only I (b) II and III only (c) I and III only* (d) I, II and III

     

  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Does Rain make Ocean Water more Buoyant?

    Why in the News?

    New research shows that rain can reduce ocean buoyancy and stabilize tropical waters, challenging the belief that rain always enhances mixing.

    Does Rain make Ocean Water more Buoyant?

    About Buoyancy:

    • What is it: It is the upward force exerted by a fluid (e.g., water) on an object submerged in it.
      • It determines whether an object floats, sinks, or stays suspended.
    • Buoyancy in Oceans: It depends on density differences in water.
      • Lighter water above → unstable → mixing happens.
      • Heavier water above → stable → mixing stops.
    • Buoyancy Flux: Measures changes in buoyancy at the ocean surface over time.
      • Freshwater from rain → makes surface lighter → positive flux → promotes mixing.
      • Heat loss → cools surface → makes water denser → negative flux → resists mixing.

    Key Findings of the Study:

    • Light Rain (0.2–4 mm/hr): Often leads to positive buoyancy flux → supports ocean mixing.
    • Heavy Rain:
      • Usually results in negative buoyancy flux → surface becomes stable.
      • Caused by cold pools that enhance heat loss.
    • Day vs. Night Effect:
      • Night: Rain destabilizes surface → mixing increases.
      • Day: Rain promotes stability → due to added heat loss from sunlight blockage.
    • Geographical Insights:
      • Cold Rain Zones (Western Pacific, Indian Ocean): More stabilization.
      • Hot Rain Zones (Central Pacific): More prone to mixing.

    Significance of the Study

    • Scientific Implications:
      • Refutes the general belief that rain always increases buoyancy.
      • Shows rain can both stabilize or destabilize the ocean surface depending on conditions.
    • Climate Relevance:
      • Ocean mixing is key to heat, carbon, and nutrient cycling.
      • Misreading rainfall’s role can skew climate and weather models.
    • Practical Impact:
      • Improves forecasting accuracy in oceanography and climate science.
      • Aids in understanding the climate-ocean feedback loop more precisely.
    [UPSC 2020] With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the southwestern Indian Ocean during January — March.

    2. OMT collected during January — March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Bird Deaths in Thar Desert

    Why in the News?

    A new study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reveals that wind farms in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, have the highest recorded bird mortality rates globally.

    Bird Deaths in Thar Desert

    Bird Mortality at Wind Farms: Key Findings

    • Study Details: Conducted across 3,000 sq. km in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, covering 90 wind turbines and 272 bird species, including the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
    • Carcass Count: 124 bird carcasses found within 150m radius of turbines.
    • Annual Mortality Estimate: 4,464 birds per 1,000 sq. km, after corrections for detection gaps and scavenger interference.
    • Control Sites: 28 sites (500–2,000m from turbines) found zero carcasses — indicating turbines as the direct cause.
    • Reasons:
      • Policy Gap: Onshore wind projects in India do not require Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which weakens ecological safeguards.

    India’s Wind Energy Growth:

    • Current Status: India added 3.5 GW of wind power in the first half of 2025 — an 82% YoY increase.
    • Total Installed Capacity: Now stands at 51.3 GW.
    • Untapped Potential: Estimated at 1163.9 GW at 150 meters above ground level (National Institute of Wind Energy).

    Comparison with Past Studies:

    • 2019 Studies: Recorded just 0.47 bird deaths per turbine/year in Kutch and Davangere.
    • Thar Desert Rate: 1.24 bird deaths per turbine/month — significantly higher.
    • Contributing Factors:
      • High bird density in Thar.
      • Location along Central Asian Flyway.
      • Collisions with turbine-linked power lines included in this study.

    Proposed Mitigation Measures:

    • Technological:
      • Paint one turbine blade for visibility.
      • Shut down turbines during peak migration or high-risk periods.
    • Planning-Based:
      • Careful Site Selection seen as most critical step.
      • Use of tools like AVISTEP (Avian Sensitivity Tool for Energy Planning), which maps avian sensitivity across India.
      • AVISTEP ranks zones as low to very high sensitivity — intended as a guide for site avoidance.
    [UPSC 2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to:

    Options: (a) the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species disease among them

    (b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle persistent and fatal *

    (c) scarcity of food available to them

    (d) a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them

     

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    AI-designed Proteins to generate Immune Cells

    Why in the News?

    Harvard Scientists have recently used AI to design synthetic proteins that activate T Cells, offering a new path for cancer treatment and vaccine development.

    What are T Cells?

    • They are a type of white blood cell that play a central role in the immune system.
    • Types of T Cells:
      • Helper T cells (CD4+): Activate and direct other immune cells.
      • Killer T cells (CD8+): Destroy infected or cancerous cells.
      • Memory T cells: “Remember” past invaders for faster response in the future.

    About the Study:

    • Used artificial intelligence (AI) to design soluble proteins that activate ‘Notch Signalling’, a key immune pathway.
      • These are synthetic molecular activators designed using advanced AI-driven protein design technologies.
    • Unlike older lab-only methods, these proteins work inside the body (in vivo) and in lab settings.
    • Result: Significant boost in T cell production from human progenitor cells.

    What is Notch Signalling?

    • A cell-to-cell signalling system that guides cell development.
    • Crucial for forming T cells, which fight infections and cancers.
    • No reliable therapeutic activator existed earlier.

    Key Benefits Offered:

    • Mass T Cell Generation: Meets clinical needs for CAR T Cell Therapy.
    • Vaccine Support: Boosted Memory T cells in mice, improving long-term immunity.
    • Cancer Therapy: Helps fight immune-suppressive tumour environments.
    • Scalable & Soluble: Works in humans, not just in lab dishes.
    • AI in Medicine: Shows AI’s growing role in designing immune therapies.
    [UPSC 2022] Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?

    Options: (a) They protect the body from environmental allergens.

    (b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.

    (c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body.

    (d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens

     

  • Tribes in News

    Who are Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)?

    Why in the News?

    At an event in New Delhi, Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) strongly demanded a permanent National Commission to address their long-standing marginalisation.

    Who are Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)?

    • Denotified Tribes (DNTs):
      • Colonial Tag: Branded “criminal by birth” under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871.
      • Legal Reversal: Act repealed in 1949; tribes de-notified in 1952.
      • Persistent Stigma: Continue to face police profiling and social exclusion.
    • Nomadic Tribes (NTs):
      • Lifestyle: No fixed habitation; move cyclically for livelihood.
      • Occupations: Animal herding, salt trading, performing arts, traditional healing.
    • Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs):
      • Hybrid Living: Alternate between mobile and semi-settled life.
      • Movement: Shift seasonally but often retain a base settlement.

    Current Status in India:

    • Population Share: Around 10% of India’s population.
    • Communities: ~150+ Denotified, 500+ Nomadic tribes.
    • Major States: Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Examples of Communities (not exhaustive):
      • Denotified: Bedia, Pardhi, Sansi, Kanjar, Lodha, Nat, Chhara, Bhantu
      • Nomadic: Banjara, Gadia Lohar, Rabari, Madari, Kalbelia, Nat
      • Semi-Nomadic: Abor, Adi, Aka, Apatani, Dafla, Galo, Nishi, Tagin

    Major Committees & Commissions:

    Year Contribution
    Criminal Tribes Inquiry Committee 1947 Criticized criminal branding
    Ayyangar Committee 1949 Led to repeal of Criminal Tribes Act
    Kaka Kalelkar Commission 1953 Recognized DNTs, no full classification
    B.P. Mandal Commission 1980 Suggested NTs for OBC list
    Constitution Review Commission 2002 Urged protective measures for DNTs
    Renke Commission 2008 Listed 500+ communities, lacked implementation resources
    Idate Commission 2017–2018 Listed 1,200+, proposed permanent commission

     

    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:

    1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. 2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.

    3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. 4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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