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Type: Prelims Only

  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the News?

    SEBI has released a consultation paper proposing changes in Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) and Minimum Public Offer (MPO) norms for listed companies.

    What is Minimum Public Offer (MPO)?

    • Meaning: When a company launches an Initial Public Offer (IPO), it must sell a minimum number of shares to the public.
    • Analogy: Like a new shop ensuring enough goods are displayed for customers — otherwise trading is thin and controlled by a few.

    What is Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)?

    • Concept: A company is like a cake. Promoters (founders/owners) usually keep most of it, but SEBI mandates at least 25% must be shared/sold with the public.
    • Purpose:
      • Broader ownership and participation.
      • Fairer prices by reducing manipulation.
      • Greater accountability of companies.

    What SEBI is proposing?

    • Flexibility: Large companies find it difficult to release big chunks of shares at once; rules will be eased.
    • Extended Timelines:
      • Companies valued at ₹50,000–1,00,000 crore now get up to 10 years (instead of 5) to meet 25% MPS.
      • They must reach 15% in 5 years first, then 25% in 10 years.
    • Reduced Burden: For very large companies, the initial Minimum Public Offer (MPO) will be lowered.

    Significance of the Move:

    • Market Stability: Selling too many shares too quickly is like flooding the market — prices may fall even if the company is strong.
    • Benefits:
      • More big companies will list in India.
      • Investors can enter gradually without sudden shocks.
      • Encourages fund-raising while maintaining fair trading.
    [UPSC 2024] 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

     

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Young Bengal Movement and Henry Derozio 

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the article originally published in The Hindu.

    Young Bengal Movement and Henry Derozio 

    Who was Henry Vivian Louis Derozio?

    • Birth–Death: Born 1809, died- 22 in 1831; Indo-Portuguese origin.
    • Identity: Radical thinker, poet, and educator in British India.
    • Recognition: Called the first national poet of modern India; pioneer of Anglo-Indian poetry.
    • Influences: Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and the French Revolution.
    • Career: Became lecturer at Hindu College, Calcutta in 1826 at just 17.
    • Role: Inspired students with rationalism, liberty, and free thought.
    • Writings: Poems (1827), The Fakeer of Jungheera (1828), and To India – My Native Land (first modern patriotic poem in English).
    • Themes: Expressed India’s decline with images of a caged eagle and a broken instrument; advocated freedom and abolition of slavery.
    • Dismissal: Removed from Hindu College in 1831 on charges of spreading atheism.

    The Young Bengal Movement: 

    • Formation: Radical group of his students, also called Derozians.
    • Association: Founded the Academic Association, debating social and political reform.
    • Ideals: Advocated rationalism, women’s rights, freedom of thought; opposed caste, superstition, idolatry.
    • Political Role: In 1843, with George Thompson, formed India’s first political party – Bengal British India Society.
    • Notable Member: Radhanath Sikdar, mathematician who first calculated Mount Everest’s height and openly resisted colonial injustices.
    • Perception: Described by missionary Alexander Duff as a “new race of men”; historian Rosinka Chaudhuri called them India’s “first radicals.”
    • Legacy and Intellectual Impact:
      • Awakening: Though short-lived, the movement sparked Bengal’s intellectual revolution.
      • Seeds of Reform: Laid foundation for later reformist and nationalist currents.
      • Independence of Mind: Marked a sharp break from Macaulay’s vision of Anglicised Indians — Derozians were assertive and original.
    [UPSC 2021] Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

    Options: (a) Annie Besant (b) Debendranath Tagore (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar * (d) Sarojini Naidu

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Saltwater Crocodile Population Survey in Sundarbans

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

    Why in the News?

    A 2025 survey by the West Bengal Forest Department shows an increase in saltwater crocodile population in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR).

    Saltwater Crocodile Population Survey in Sundarbans

    About Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus):

    • Largest living reptile and the largest of all crocodilians.
    • Males grow much larger than females; females usually 2.5–3 m in length.
    • Habitat: mangrove forests, swamps, rivers, and coastal waters; tolerant of varying salinity.
    • Distribution in India: Odisha, West Bengal (Sundarbans), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
    • Behaviour: Apex predator, feeds on carcasses and diverse prey; communicates through barks, hisses, growls, chirps.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
      • CITES: Appendix I (except populations of Australia, Indonesia, PNG → Appendix II).
      • Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule I.
    • Conservation Efforts: Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (1976, West Bengal) – breeding and conservation programme; 577 crocodiles released till 2022.

    Other Crocodile Species in India:

    • Gharial: Critically Endangered; survives in only 2% of former range; Found in small stretches of Chambal and a few other rivers.
    • Mugger/Marsh Crocodile: Vulnerable; found in freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes.

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025

    Bills/Act/LawsPrelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the News?

    The Union Home Minister is set to introduce three bills in the Lok Sabha to provide legal framework for removal of the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Ministers in States and UTs who are “arrested and detained in custody on account of serious criminal charges.”

    Which are the three Bills?

    1. 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025 (discussed below)
    2. Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Provides clarity on removal of CM and Ministers in J&K.
    3. Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Defines similar provisions for Puducherry and other UTs.

    About the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025:

    • Scope: Applies to Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers at Union, State, and Union Territory levels.
    • Grounds for Removal: Arrest and detention for 30 consecutive days for an offense punishable by five years or more.
    • Reappointment: Possible after release from custody.
    • Objective: Prevent prolonged tenure of arrested leaders in office (e.g., recent case involving Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal).

    Amendments proposed to the following Articles:

    Current Provision Limitation Changes Proposed
    Article 75 (Union – PM & Union Ministers) PM appointed by President; Ministers appointed on PM’s advice. They hold office during the pleasure of the President. Removal is political (loss of confidence, resignation, dismissal). No explicit mechanism to remove PM/Ministers if detained/arrested for long periods. New provision: If PM or any Union Minister is detained in custody for 30 consecutive days for a serious offense (≥5 years punishment), they must resign by 31st day or automatically cease to hold office. They may be reappointed after release.
    Article 164 (States – CM & State Ministers) CM appointed by Governor; Ministers appointed on CM’s advice. They hold office during the pleasure of the Governor. Council of Ministers collectively responsible to State Assembly. No clear rule for automatic removal if CM/Ministers remain in custody. Similar to Union level: If CM or Minister is detained in custody for 30 consecutive days under serious charges (≥5 years punishment), they automatically lose office. Reappointment allowed after release.
    Article 239AA (Union Territory of Delhi – CM & Ministers) Special status for Delhi (NCT). CM and Council of Ministers aid & advise LG. They hold office as per political responsibility to the Assembly. No explicit provision for automatic removal on detention. A new Section 5A to be inserted: CM/Ministers of NCT of Delhi cease office if detained for 30 days under serious charges (≥5 years). Reappointment possible after release.

    Rationale and Significance:

    • At present, the Constitution has no provision for automatic removal of ministers in custody.
    • Bill ensures that office bearers uphold public trust and do not undermine governance during detention.
    • The statement of objects emphasized that elected representatives must rise above political interests and maintain conduct beyond suspicion.
    • Promotes integrity of democracy by aligning ministerial positions with constitutional morality and accountability.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.

    2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.

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

     

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    When can Courts order a Recount of Votes?

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Representation Of People’s Act

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court for the very first time has recounted EVM votes on its premises and overturned a Haryana sarpanch election result.

    Legal Framework for Challenging Election Results:

    • Parliamentary, Assembly, State Council elections: Validity can be challenged by filing an election petition in the High Court of the state where the election was held.
    • Local government elections: Petitions must be filed at district-level civil courts.
    • Eligibility to file: Only a candidate or elector related to the election can file.
    • Timeframe: Petition must be filed within 45 days of result declaration.
    • Petition requirements:
      • Must contain concise statement of material facts.
      • Allegations of “corrupt practices” must include names of individuals, dates, and locations.
    • Judicial Approach:
      • SC considers corrupt practices as quasi-criminal, requiring high standard of proof.
      • Vague or ambiguous petitions are dismissed.
    • Legal Basis:
      • Representation of the People Act, 1951.
      • State Panchayat Raj Acts.

    Grounds for Invalidating an Election:

    Courts can void an election on:

    • Bribery or undue influence, e.g., hiding criminal antecedents or promoting enmity.
    • Candidate disqualified/unqualified on the election date.
    • Improper rejection of nomination paper.
    • Improper acceptance of nomination or improper reception/rejection of votes, if shown to materially affect results.
    • Non-compliance with Constitution or election laws/rules, if it materially impacted the outcome.

    When can Courts order Recount of Votes?

    • A recount is a possible judicial remedy but not granted lightly.
    • Seen as affecting vote secrecy, which is vital to free and fair elections.
    • Courts order recounts only if:
      • Petitioner presents specific material facts.
      • Evidence shows a prima facie case of probable counting error.
      • Recount is deemed necessary for justice.
    • Normally conducted at election location.
    • Exception: Panipat case, where SC recounted votes in its own premises.

    Can Courts declare a new Winner?

    • Rare, but courts can declare a new winner if:
      • Evidence shows petitioner (or another candidate) actually had majority of valid votes.
      • Or petitioner proves they would have won but for votes gained through corrupt practices.
    • Requires concrete, quantifiable evidence of tainted votes.
    • Example: In Feb 2024 Chandigarh mayoral election, SC declared a new winner after:
      • Presiding officer wrongly invalidated 8 paper ballots.
      • All votes had been cast for the losing candidate.
      • SC restored them as valid, making the losing candidate the winner.
    [UPSC 2004] Consider the following tasks:

    1. Superintendence, direction and conduct of free and fair elections.

    2. Preparation of electoral rolls for all elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures and the Office of the President and the Vice-President.

    3. Giving recognition to political parties and allotting election symbols to political parties and individuals contesting the election.

    4. Proclamation of final verdict in the case of election disputes.

    Which of the above are the functions of the Election Commission of India?

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

     

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

    How are Soaps and Detergents manufactured?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in ‘The Hindu’.

    About Soap:

    • Composition: Soap is sodium (Na) or potassium (K) salt of fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats.
    • Formula: Solid soaps are RCOONa, liquid soaps are RCOOK.
    • Function: Cleansing agent due to dual hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (oil-attracting) nature.
    • History: Used since 2800 BC in Mesopotamia and ancient India (soap nuts, bark, flowers). Became mass-produced during the Industrial Revolution, initially a luxury.

    Soap-Making Process

    • Raw Materials: Oils such as coconut, olive, palm, sunflower provide triglycerides.
    • Hydrolysis: Oils hydrolysed with hot water under pressure → fatty acids + glycerin.
    • Saponification: Fatty acids react with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) → soap (RCOONa) + water.
    • Processing: Soap dried into noodles, blended with perfumes, colours, fillers, additives.
    • Shaping: Extruded, cut, and stamped into bars.
    • Quality: Total Fatty Matter (TFM) indicates quality; higher TFM = better cleansing.
    • Production Scale: Modern automated lines make 600–700 soaps per minute.

    Ecological Impact of Soap

    • Biodegradability: Traditional soaps are biodegradable and safer for the environment.
    • Detergents: Synthetic alternatives developed during World War I oil shortages; more efficient but harmful.
    • Pollution: Surfactants and phosphates in detergents cause nutrient pollution and persist in ecosystems.
    [UPSC 2002] Consider the following statements:

    Assertion (A) Synthetic detergents can lather well in hard water.

    Reason (R): Synthetic detergents form soluble calcium and magnesium salts with hard water.

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

    Options:

    (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A *

    (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not a correct explanation of A

    (c) A is true but R is false

    (d) A is false but R is true

     

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

    Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Kerala’s health department has issued an alert in Kozhikode district after three consecutive cases of the rare and highly fatal disease Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) were reported.

    About Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM):

    • Cause: Rare and usually fatal infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the “brain-eating amoeba.”
    • Habitat: Thrives in warm freshwater up to 46°C (115°F).
    • Entry: Enters through the nose during swimming or water activities, travels via olfactory nerve to the brain.
    • Impact: Destroys brain tissue and causes severe swelling.
    • Transmission: Not communicable from person to person.
    • Symptoms: Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, coma, and death.
    • Progression: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most cases result in death within 1–18 days of symptom onset.

    Diagnosis and Treatment:

    • Diagnosis:
    • Treatment:
      • No single therapy effectively established.
      • Managed per CDC guidelines using drug combinations such as: Medical interventions typically involve a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.
    [UPSC 2008] Consider the following statements:

    1. Femur is the longest bone in the human body.

    2. Cholera is a disease caused by bacteria.

    3. ‘Athlete’s foot’ is a disease caused by virus. Which of the 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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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Scientists turn E. Coli Bacteria into a Bio-Sensor

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from UK and China have developed a bioelectronic device where genetically engineered E. Coli bacteria act as self-powered chemical bio-sensor.

    About Escherichia coli (E. coli) Bacteria:

    • Overview: Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that inhabits the lower intestine of warm-blooded animals.
    • Family: Belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family.
    • Harmless vs Pathogenic: Most strains are harmless, but some (e.g., E. coli O157:H7) cause severe foodborne illness, diarrhoea, and kidney complications.
    • Gut Role: Contributes to vitamin K₂ synthesis and maintains gut microbiota balance.
    • Transmission: Pathogenic strains spread via contaminated food, water, or direct contact, leading to outbreaks.
    • Diagnostic Importance: Presence in water is a key indicator of faecal contamination.

    Bio-Sensors Generated Using E. coli

    • Innovation: Genetically engineered E. coli used as self-powered chemical biosensors.
    • Mechanism: Detect compounds, process signals, and produce electrical outputs compatible with low-cost electronics.
    • Modules:
      • Sensing Module: Detects target molecules.
      • Processing Module: Amplifies or modifies signals.
      • Output Module: Produces phenazines measurable via electrochemistry.
    • Applications:
      • Detected arabinose (plant sugar) within 2 hours.
      • Detected mercury ions in water at trace levels (below WHO safety limits) within 3 hours.
      • Demonstrated an “AND” logic gate, producing signals only when two molecules were present together.
    • Significance:
      • Cheaper, programmable, and robust alternative to enzyme-based biosensors.
      • Potential in environmental monitoring, water safety, medical diagnostics, and bioelectronics.
    [UPSC 2010] Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolated by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?

    (a) Agrodbacterium

    (b) Clostridium

    (c) Nitrosomonas

    (d) Pseudomonas*

     

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    In news: Gugga Naumi Festival

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

    Why in the News?

    The Gugga Naumi festival was widely celebrated across northern states of India on 17th August.

    About Gugga Naumi Festival:

    • Festival: Folk religious celebration in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and northern states.
    • Timing: Observed on the ninth day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad month, usually after Janmashtami.
    • Deity: Dedicated to Gugga (Gugga Pir / Gugga Zahir Pir / Guaaji), a Chauhan Rajput prince believed to control snakes.
    • Tradition: Reflects syncretic worship by Hindus and Muslims, showcasing folk religiosity beyond formal religion.

    Key Features:

    • Duration: Begins on Rakhi and lasts nine days, with pilgrimages to Gugga Medi village in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan.
    • Rituals: Garudas (snake charmers and healers) carry Gugga Pir’s Chahad (standard).
    • Devotion: Pir ke Sole (songs) sung, fairs organised at shrines (Marhis).
    • Depiction: Gugga shown riding a blue horse, with blue and yellow flags.
    • Belief: Worshipped by mothers for children’s health, and by barren women for fertility blessings.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following pairs: Tradition State

    1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram

    2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur

    3. Thong-To dance — Sikkim

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2* (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3

     

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  • Genetically Modified (GM) crops – cotton, mustards, etc.

    Chalkiness in Rice and the Genetic Breakthrough

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Recently, Chinese scientists identified a key gene, Chalk9, that controls chalkiness in rice, offering a breakthrough for crop improvement.

    About Chalk9 Gene in Rice:

    • Overview: Chalk9 is a gene found on chromosome 9 of rice.
    • Function: Encodes the enzyme E3 ubiquitin ligase, which regulates protein degradation.
    • Target Protein: Acts on OsEBP89, a regulator of starch-synthesis genes Wx and SSP.
    • Chalk9-L Variant: Promotes OsEBP89 degradation → prevents excess starch accumulation → results in low chalkiness and translucent grains.
    • Chalk9-H Variant: Fails to degrade OsEBP89 efficiently → leads to starch buildup → high chalkiness and brittle grains.

    Significance:

    • Grain Quality: Chalkiness lowers milling recovery and reduces rice’s commercial value.
    • Genetic Solution: Discovery of Chalk9 offers a direct genetic tool to reduce chalkiness.
    • Breeding Advantage: Rice breeding programs can introduce Chalk9-L to produce premium low-chalk rice.
    • Economic Impact: Improves farmer income and enhances food security.
    • Consumer Preference: Meets demand for better quality, translucent rice varieties.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements: DNA Barcoding can be a tool to :

    1. assess the age of a plant or animal. 2. distinguish among species that look alike. 3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

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