Why in the News?
INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, is set to be commissioned by the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia.
About INS Tushil:
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Development of INS Tushil:
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: INS TUSHIL
INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, is set to be commissioned by the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia.
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Development of INS Tushil:
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Special Features |
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Significance |
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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Hornbill Festival
This year’s edition of the Hornbill Festival has sparked a significant public debate regarding the relaxation of Nagaland’s liquor prohibition law, a subject that has been contentious for over three decades.
What is the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989?
Role of Alcohol in the Hornbill Festival:
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PYQ:[2016] In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat? (a) Sand deserts of northwest India (b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir (c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat (d) Western Ghats |
Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: National Library Mission
The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided information regarding the National Mission on Libraries (NML) Scheme in Rajya Sabha.
Establishment | Launched in 2012 by the Ministry of Culture to implement National Knowledge Commission (NKC, 2005) recommendations on library and information sciences development. |
Objectives | To modernize public libraries, create a digital database, enhance library staff competence, and promote equitable library access, especially in backward areas. |
Structural Mandate | Nodal Agency: Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), Kolkata to oversee and coordinate efforts. (It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.)
Key Components: 1. National Virtual Library of India (NVLI): Digital resources, census of libraries, and reading habit studies. |
PYQ:[2015] India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open source licensing. |
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM)
The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism has provided details of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping in the Rajya Sabha.
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PYQ:[2018] Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. |
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: National Cooperative Policy
Update regarding the New National Cooperative Policy:
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National Level Committee Formation | • A 48-member National Level Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu. • The committee includes experts from the cooperative sector, representatives from National, State, District, and Primary level cooperative societies, and officers from Central Ministries/Departments. • The task of the committee was to formulate the New National Cooperation Policy for the development of the cooperative sector in India. • 17 meetings and 4 regional workshops were conducted across the country to finalize the draft report of the policy. |
Aims and Objectives | • Revitalize the cooperative sector and enhance its efficiency at national, state, district, and primary levels. • Strengthen the cooperative movement in India by creating a structured policy that fosters growth and sustainability. • Establish financial viability and governance mechanisms for cooperatives. • Ensure cooperative federalism by allowing state cooperatives to function autonomously, avoiding undue centralization. |
Features of the Policy | • The policy adopts an inclusive approach, including all levels of cooperatives from district to primary. • Close collaboration with State Governments to promote the cooperative sector and implement cooperative federalism. • The draft policy was developed after extensive consultations, ensuring broad public and expert participation. |
Provisions under the Policy | • Strengthening Cooperative Structure: Set up District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) and district milk producers’ unions in all uncovered districts. NABARD will prepare an action plan for this. • Expansion of Multipurpose PACS: New multipurpose PACS, primary dairy/fishery cooperative societies will be established in uncovered Panchayats/villages across India within the next five years. |
PYQ:[2011] In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities? (a) Commercial Banks (b) Cooperative Banks (c) Regional Rural Banks (d) Microfinance Institutions |
Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Kumbh Mela
The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
Details | A major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism, occurring four times in twelve years at different locations in India. It attracts millions of pilgrims for spiritual purification.
Types of Kumbh Mela:
Locations: Kumbh Mela rotates between four cities:
Key Rituals:
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UNESCO Recognition – Kumbh Mela was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2017. |
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)
What is Incremental CRR (I-CRR)?
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PYQ:[2010] When the Reserve Bank of India announces an increase of the Cash Reserve Ratio, what does it mean? (a) The commercial banks will have less money to lend (b) The Reserve Bank of India will have less money to lend (c) The Union Government will have less money to lend (d) The commercial banks will have more money to lend |
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: World Wildlife Conservation Day
World Wildlife Conservation Day: Key Facts
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PYQ:[2014] The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of: (a) biosphere reserves (b) botanical gardens (c) national parks (d) wildlife sanctuaries |
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Marburg Virus
An outbreak of Marburg Virus (Bleeding Eyes) disease (MVD) has killed and infected many in Rwanda.
Overview | • Causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), also known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever. • Belongs to the filovirus family (same as Ebola). • Discovered during outbreaks in 1967 in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany. • Case Fatality Rate ranges from 24% to 88%, depending on the strain and treatment effectiveness.How does it spread?• Animal to Human Transmission: Spread primarily from Rousettus bats, especially Egyptian fruit bats found in caves or mines. • Human to Human Transmission: Spread through direct contact with blood and bodily fluids (saliva, vomit, feces, semen, and breast milk). Also transmitted indirectly through contaminated surfaces or clothing. |
Symptoms and Treatment | • Early signs include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhoea.
• Progresses to bleeding from various body parts, and death typically occurs 8-9 days after symptoms due to blood loss and organ failure. |
Why is it a Global Concern? | • High Fatality Rate: MVD’s case fatality rate (24%-88%) makes it one of the deadliest diseases. • Spread: Ongoing outbreaks, primarily in Africa, but now affecting Rwanda and Tanzania. • Public Health Threat: Human-to-human transmission and rapid spread pose significant challenges. • Economic Impact: Outbreaks disrupt local economies, healthcare systems, and global trade due to travel restrictions and quarantine measures. |
PYQ:[2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently? (a) Syria and Jordan (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia (c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam |
Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Windfall Gains Tax
With global oil prices stabilizing and domestic fuel supply improving, the government has decided to scrap the windfall gains tax, ensuring more predictable taxation for the oil industry.
PYQ:[2020] The term ‘West Texas Intermediate’, sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of: (a) Crude oil (b) Bullion (c) Rare earth elements (d) Uranium |
Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA)
A recent study published in the ‘Nature’ has shown that Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is present in approximately 50% of cancer types, playing a significant role in tumor evolution and genetic heterogeneity.
Details | • ecDNA stands for extrachromosomal DNA, which is small, circular DNA found in the nucleus of cells, separate from regular chromosomes. • Forms when DNA breaks off from chromosomes, often due to damage or errors in cell division. • Can carry extra copies of oncogenes, which promote cancer growth. • Initially thought to be unimportant, recent studies show it plays a major role in cancer. |
How ecDNA Contributes to Cancer and Drug Resistance | • Helps Tumors Grow: ecDNA contains extra copies of oncogenes that help cancer cells grow faster and become more aggressive. • Drug Resistance: The extra oncogenes make the cancer harder to treat with standard drugs by producing more harmful proteins. • Faster Tumor Evolution: ecDNA allows cancer cells to evolve rapidly, making them more resistant to treatments like chemotherapy and enabling the tumor to grow even when drugs are used. |
How ecDNA Challenges Genetics Laws?
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
The ICIMOD has launched Air Quality Dashboard for Indo-Gangetic Plain.
ICIMOD Air Quality Dashboard: Important Features
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PYQ:[2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:
Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains? (a) 1 and 2 only |
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Gandhamardan Hills
The Odisha government has clarified that it will not allow bauxite mining in the Gandhamardan hills after concerns arose when the Adani Group’s subsidiary acquired 112 acres of land near the hills.
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Significance | Cultural Sites:
1. Nrusinghanath Temple: A major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Nrusingha, a half-lion, half-human incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hiuen Tsang described the hill shrine as a Buddhist heritage site named Parimalagiri in his chronicles. – Flora: Rich in medicinal plants. Dasycarpa and spider peucetia harishankarensis are endemic to this hill. Declared as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) by the Odisha government in March 2023 (making 37th BHS in India). |
PYQ:[2015] Consider the following pairs : Place of Pilgrimage: Location 1. Srisailam : Nallamala Hills 2. Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills 3. Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference
The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) will take place from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi.
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What is it? | • It is a conference focused on the use of meteorological satellite data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster risk management. • First AOMSUC was held in Beijing, China in 2010. • Held annually across various locations in the Asia-Oceania region, becoming a significant event for meteorological satellite applications. • Participants: WMO, NASA, ESA, JAXA, and other leading space organizations. |
Aims and Provisions | • Collaboration: Facilitate regional cooperation in the use of satellite data. • Weather & Climate Monitoring: Improve forecasting and monitoring of climate patterns. • Disaster Management: Enhance early warning systems for extreme weather events. • Capacity Building: Provide training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing opportunities for local meteorologists and satellite data users. • Data Sharing: Promote satellite data sharing across countries. |
Significance | • Regional Cooperation: Promotes stronger collaboration between Asia-Oceania countries, helping to address shared meteorological challenges. • Improved Forecasting: Facilitates the improvement of satellite data usage for more accurate weather forecasts and better disaster risk reduction strategies. |
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Exercise CINBAX
The 1st edition of the Joint Table Top Exercise, CINBAX, between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune.
Note: Aspirants must not get confused with Exercise SIMBEX, which is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Singapore. |
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PYQ:[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
Select the answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 |
Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Rabi Cropping Seasons
Due to high October temperatures and shortages of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, the planting of key Rabi (winter-spring) crops such as wheat, mustard, and chana (chickpea) has been slower than usual.
Low Rabi Sowing this Year
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PYQ:[2013] Consider the following crops:
Which of these are Kharif crops? (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2, 3 and 4 |
Horticulture, Floriculture, Commercial crops, Bamboo Production – MIDH, NFSM-CC, etc.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: North Eastern Tea Association (NETA)
Details | • NETA is an association of tea producers headquartered in Golaghat, Upper Assam. • Established in 1981. • A key constituent of the Joint Forum and the Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA), Assam Valley branch. • Focuses on promoting the interests of its members and enhancing the tea industry in Assam. |
Structural Mandate | • Presence: Strong presence in Golaghat, Assam. • Role: Represents tea producers and plays a pivotal role in the development of Assam’s tea industry. • Mandate: Advocates for improvements in the tea industry, assists with policy suggestions, and provides guidance on the development of the tea sector. |
Powers and Functions | • Advisory Role: Provides expert opinions and advice to the government of Assam and its members on issues related to the tea industry. • Policy Advocacy: Urges for changes in government policies to improve the tea industry, e.g., suggesting the relocation of the Tea Board of India’s headquarters to Guwahati. • Industry Growth: Encourages high-quality tea production and advises growers to enhance the quality of tea to attract international buyers. • Small Tea Grower Representation: Advocates for amendments to the definition of Small Tea Growers, proposing that those holding up to 50.6 hectares of land be recognized as small growers. • Government Relations: Provides suggestions to the government for the betterment and scaling up of the tea industry in Assam. |
PYQ:[2022] Consider the following States:
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States? (a) Only one State (b) Only two States (c) Only three States (d) All four States |
Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site
The Tamil Nadu CM has requested the Prime Minister to cancel the tungsten mining rights in Madurai, citing concerns for the Arittapatti biodiversity heritage site.
Details | • First BHS in Tamil Nadu. • Notified for its ecological and historical significance. |
Geological Features | • Surrounded by a chain of seven hillocks (inselbergs) which act as a watershed. • Watershed feeds 72 lakes, 200 natural springs, and 3 check dams. • Historic Anaikondan tank built during the Pandiyan kings in the 16th century. |
Flora and Fauna | • Home to 250 species of birds, including Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, and Bonelli’s Eagle. • Hosts species like Indian Pangolin, Slender Loris, and pythons. |
Cultural Significance | • Presence of megalithic structures, rock-cut temples, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, and Jain beds. • These features highlight the site’s historical and cultural heritage. |
Back2Basics: Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)
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PYQ:[2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are: (a) Birds |
Historical and Archaeological Findings in News
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: About the Monuments
Conservation and maintenance work are being carried out at following places in Karnataka by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):
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Hoyasaleshwara Temple
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• Located in Halebidu, Karnataka. • Built in the 12th century during the Hoysala dynasty under King Vishnuvardhana. • Dedicated to Lord Shiva. • Famous for its detailed sculptures, depicting mythological stories, deities, and animals. • Hoysala style architecture with a star-shaped platform and intricate stone carvings. • Temple is a masterpiece of the Hoysala architectural style, with complex stonework and frieze detailing. • UNESCO tentative list for World Heritage status. |
Amrutheshwara Temple
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• Located in Amruthapura, Karnataka, near Tarikere. • Built in the 14th century by King Harihara II of the Vijayanagara Empire. • Dedicated to Lord Shiva. • Architectural style reflects Vijayanagara influence with a prominent pillared hall. • Famous for its stone carvings, particularly those on the Shiva Linga. • Notable for its tank and the beautiful courtyard surrounding the temple. • Temple follows the tradition of Chola and Hoysala architecture, with distinct Vijayanagara elements. |
Gol Gumbaz
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• Located in Vijayapura, Karnataka. • Built in the 17th century by Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah of the Bijapur Sultanate as his tomb. • Second-largest dome in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. • Acoustic marvel: The dome has a whispering gallery, where sounds can be heard clearly from great distances. • The central dome spans 44 meters in diameter and is flanked by four towers. • The structure is made of lime mortar and stone. • Reflects Deccan Sultanate architectural brilliance, combining Persian, Ottoman, and Indian elements. |
Gomatesvara Temple
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• Located in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka. • Features the 57-feet monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomatesvara), carved from a single block of granite in 981 AD. • The statue is the largest monolithic statue in India. • A major pilgrimage site for Jains; it commemorates the spiritual enlightenment of Bahubali. • The temple complex includes tall steps leading up to the statue, with pilgrims performing a ritual of climbing the steps. • Maha Mastakabhisheka: Every 12 years, the statue is anointed with milk, water, and saffron in a grand ritual. • The temple and statue are considered an architectural marvel in Jain art and sculpture. |
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest? (a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar (b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli (c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram (d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri |
Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) was honored with the prestigious Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), The Hague Award during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties.
Significance of the OPCW-The Hague Award
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What is it? | • CWC bans the development, use, and stockpiling of chemical weapons and mandates their destruction. • Genesis: Negotiations began in 1980. • Established: Opened for signature on January 13, 1993, and entered into force on April 29, 1997. • More comprehensive than the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which only banned the use of chemical weapons. |
Structure and Functions | • Conference of States Parties (CSP): The main decision-making body, meeting annually. • Executive Council: 41-member body overseeing CWC implementation. • Technical Secretariat: Provides support for verification and compliance. • Verification: Inspects facilities and ensures compliance with the treaty. |
Membership criteria and members | • Open to all nations: Any state can join if it meets requirements. • 193 States-Parties: Includes most nations. • Non-Signatories: Egypt, North Korea, and South Sudan have neither signed nor ratified the CWC. |
Functioning Arm | • Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) implements the CWC, headquartered in The Hague. • Role: Oversees the destruction of chemical weapons and ensures treaty compliance. • Inspection: Conducts inspections of chemical facilities worldwide. • Awards: The OPCW won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its efforts in chemical weapons elimination. |
PYQ:[2016] With reference to ‘Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’, consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only |