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17 topicsGS-1: 3GS-2: 5GS-3: 9
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GS-2Polity

1.Dramatic Performances Act, 1876 (Colonial Censorship Law)

Indian Express

What & Where

Colonial law, Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, applied across British India to police stage shows.

Empowered local authorities to halt “scandalous, seditious, obscene” public performances.

Repealed nationwide by Repealing & Amending (Second) Act, 2017.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Colonial Intent

  • Suppression; targeted nationalist theatre criticising Raj policies, personalities.
  • Tool to control public opinion during late 19th-century political awakening.

Key Provisions

  • Magistrate authority; cancel licences, stop shows without prior notice.
  • Penal section; performers, managers, even landlords liable for banned content.

Constitutional Scrutiny

  • 1956 verdict; Act ultra vires fundamental speech freedoms, yet remained on statute books.
  • Demonstrates Article 372’s automatic continuance until explicit repeal.

Repeal Drive

  • 2015-20 legislative pruning; 1500+ obsolete laws removed, including this Act in 2017 tranche.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Enacting authorityBritish colonial government, 1876
Immediate trigger1875-76 Prince of Wales visit amid rising nationalism
Covered entitiesTheatre troupes, playwrights, venues, pantomimes
Banning power basis“Scandalous, defamatory, seditious or obscene” content
Search-seizureMagistrate could raid venue, seize scripts, props
Maximum jail term3 months plus fine
Judicial blow1956 Allahabad HC, State v. Baboo Lal
Constitutional clashArticle 19(1)(a) – speech & expression
Survival clauseArticle 372 saved pre-1947 laws till repealed
Formal repeal year2017 (Ease of Doing Business clean-up)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022PYQ 1

Consider the following historical events in India carefully:

CAPF_GAI, GS1 1996PYQ 2

The Anarchical and Revolutionary Crime Act (1919) was popularly known as the

GS-2Polity

2.State of Madras vs V.G. Row verdict (Reasonableness Test)

Indian Express

What & Where

State of Madras vs V.G. Row (1952) struck down Criminal Law Amendment Act 1950 banning an association in Madras.

Case pivoted on Article 19(1)(c) Right to Form Associations versus Article 19(4) reasonable restrictions.

Introduced “test of reasonableness”, foundation for later proportionality review of civil-liberty curbs.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Doctrine anchors judicial review of UAPA, TADA, POTA to prevent arbitrary civil-liberty infringement.
  • Article 19(2) lists permissible limits: sovereignty, security, diplomacy, public order, morality, contempt.
  • Kesavananda Bharati 1973 affirmed basic structure, reinforcing limits on Parliament against unreasonable curbs.

Judicial Tests

  • Reasonableness test assesses nature of right, purpose, extent, proportionality, contemporary conditions.
  • Structured proportionality adds necessity and least-restrictive means requirements.
  • Maneka Gandhi 1978 read fairness, non-arbitrariness into all Article 21 procedures.

Contemporary Scrutiny

  • Anuradha Bhasin: indefinite internet suspension fails proportionality; must be necessary, time-bound, reviewable.
  • Shreya Singhal: Section 66A IT Act void for vagueness, chilling effect inconsistent with reasonableness.
  • Puttaswamy 2017 recognised privacy as fundamental, demanding proportional limits on data collection.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Verdict year1952
Impugned lawCriminal Law Amendment Act 1950
Fundamental right involvedArticle 19(1)(c)
Restriction clause testedArticle 19(4)
Key doctrine evolvedReasonableness → Structured proportionality
OutcomeAct declared unconstitutional
Major reasonExcessive executive discretion
Later cases applying testAnuradha Bhasin 2020, Shreya Singhal 2015

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2021PYQ 1

मेनका गांधी बनाम भारत संघ केस, 1978 के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा कथन सही है?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2023PYQ 2

सुभाष शर्मा बनाम भारत संघ (1991) के मामले में उच्चतम न्यायालय के ऐतिहासिक निर्णय में निम्नलिखित में से भारत के संविधान के किस मूल सिद्धान्त के बारे में उल्लेख किया गया ?

GS-3Scheme

3.Formation of 10,000 FPOs milestone (Farmer Producer Organisations)

PIB

What & Where

Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO): farmer collective registered under Companies Act/Co-operative Act for joint input purchase & produce marketing.

Central Sector “Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs” Scheme, launched 2020; 10,000th FPO formed in Khagaria, Bihar (maize-banana-paddy).

Core functions: bulk procurement, value-addition, storage, processing, direct market linkage to raise smallholder incomes.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Need Drivers

  • Fragmentation: 86 % holdings small/marginal, lacking scale & bargaining power.
  • Credit-gap: Dependence on informal lenders due to scarce institutional finance.
  • Post-harvest loss: Limited storage/processing infrastructure lowers farmgate returns.

Policy & Support

  • Support: Management grant + credit guarantee up to ₹2 crore ensures working capital & infrastructure funding.
  • Convergence: Mandatory linkage with e-NAM, ONDC, APEDA for wider domestic & export markets.
  • Gender: Scheme achieves 40 % women participation, boosting rural female agency.

Challenges

  • Compliance: Overlapping FSSAI, BIS, APEDA norms increase transaction costs.
  • Digital divide: Low literacy curbs effective use of e-commerce platforms.
  • Market linkage: ~80 % FPOs still struggle to secure steady buyers/processors.

Tech & Schemes

  • Platforms: e-NAM & ONDC offer online auction, logistics, payment solutions for FPOs.
  • Traceability: Lack of certification systems hampers export potential; blockchain/QR suggested.
  • Replication: Kandhamal Turmeric FPO (Odisha) & Thailand’s OVOP flagged as scalable models.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Budget outlay₹6,865 crore
Launch year2020
Target FPOs10,000 (now achieved)
Credit guarantee coverUp to ₹2 crore/FPO
Management support grant₹18 lakh/FPO (3 yrs)
Women membership40 % of total members
Small & marginal farmers in India86 % of farmer base
10,000th FPO locationKhagaria district, Bihar

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI 2025PYQ 1

नवीनी सहकार योजना के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

GS-3Economy

4.Agritourism opportunities in Himachal Pradesh (Agritourism Model)

BL

What & Where

Agritourism = commercial visits to functioning farms for education, recreation, farmer income diversification.

Key formats: farm/home stays, orchard-tours, herbal-wellness plots, student field trips, craft demonstrations.

Core geographies: HP (new focus), Maharashtra (pioneer 2005, 328 centres), Sikkim, Coorg, Kerala spice belt.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Angle

  • Income-diversification: farm stays, tours buffer farmers against volatile crop revenue.
  • Employment: artisans, guides, cooks, transport gain non-farm jobs within villages.
  • Multiplier: every rupee spent on rural stay circulates locally via crafts and produce.

Legal & Policy

  • Scheme-support: Swadesh Darshan, Dekho Apna Desh, Agri Infra Fund fund circuits, marketing, training.
  • Strategy-2022: National Rural Homestay blueprint embeds agritourism in Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • State-model: Maharashtra’s ATDC shows dedicated corporation pathway for other states.

Challenges

  • Accessibility: weak roads, monsoon blockages (e.g., Uttarakhand sites) deter consistent footfall.
  • Seasonality: desert heat, tea-estate floods, harvest cycles cause erratic visitor income.
  • Skill-gap: limited hospitality, safety, digital marketing know-how among small farmers.

Way Forward

  • Connectivity: create themed agrarian circuits, upgrade rural roads, reliable water-power supply.
  • Training: agri-varsity–private PPPs certify “tourist mitras” in service, storytelling, hygiene.
  • Governance: single-window clearances; Gram Sabha performance tied to Finance-Commission grants for tourism.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Tourism share in HP GSDP≈ 7 %
Maharashtra ATDC launch2005
ATDC agritourism centres328 across 30 districts
PMJUGA tribal homestays target1,000 units
Rural Homestay Strategy year2022
Dekho Apna Desh natureDomestic tourism booster
Sikkim statusIndia’s first organic state
Tulip potential zoneKangra, Himachal Pradesh
GS-1History

5.Dholavira Harappan city features (Indus Valley Site)

DH
Illustration for Dholavira Harappan city features (Indus Valley Site)

What & Where

Dholavira; Indus Valley city on Khadir Bet Island, Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

UNESCO tag; World Heritage Site since 2021 inside Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary along Tropic of Cancer

Urban layout; threefold Citadel-Middle Town-Lower Town reflecting advanced Harappan planning

Quick Facts for MCQs

Architecture & Planning

  • Sectioning; Citadel fortified, Middle Town semi-fortified, Lower Town open, rare among Harappan sites
  • Stone use; hefty limestone blocks withstand saline desert climate
  • Signage; world’s earliest signboard with Indus script on ten large gypsum symbols discovered here

Water Management

  • Reservoirs; stepped masonry tanks fed by rain channels and check dams
  • Groundwater; rock-cut wells within Citadel ensured dry-season supply
  • Engineering; inlet sluices, spillways show hydraulic knowledge in arid salt-marsh surroundings

Culture & Trade

  • Exchange; shell, copper, semi-precious stones indicate maritime commerce via Gulf of Kutch
  • Foreign objects; Mesopotamian seals, Oman copper ores confirm long-distance linkage
  • Craft zones; bead-making, copper-working workshops identified in Middle Town

Conservation & Tourism

  • Management; Archaeological Survey of India oversees site, promotes eco-sensitive visitor infrastructure
  • Accessibility; reached via Bhuj-Dholavira road across white-salt desert, boosting Kutch heritage circuit
  • Presidential visit; Droupadi Murmu’s 2023 tour highlighted ASI conservation success

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Discovery year1967
DiscovererJagat Pati Joshi
Systematic digs1990-2005 by Dr R S Bisht, ASI
Primary building materialDressed stone, not baked brick
Water reservoirs16 large rain-harvesting tanks
NicknameJal Durga (Water Fort)
Funerary formHemispherical memorials unlike Harappa rectangles
Trade linksMesopotamia & Magan (Oman)
Multipurpose groundMarket cum festive plaza
UNESCO inscription44th WHS of India, July 2021

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 1

Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management where a series of bunds created check-dams and canals carried the water to connected reservoirs?

CDS_GK, GS1 2021PYQ 2

Why was Dholavira in the news recently?

GS-1History

6.Amir Khusrau contributions and Sufism (Amir Khusrau)

Indian Express
Illustration for Amir Khusrau contributions and Sufism (Amir Khusrau)

What & Where

Amir Khusrau – 13th-century Sufi poet-musician from Patiali, Etah (U.P.), honoured as “Tuti-e-Hind”.

Sufism – mystical Islamic path of zikr, sama and inner love; organised into silsilas (Chishti, Suhrawardi, Naqshbandi, Rishi).

Indian spread – khanqahs & dargahs at Ajmer, Delhi, Multan, Lahore; peak expansion during 13-14 centuries.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Literary Output

  • Divans, Mathnawis, Persian prose fused Persian-Arabic-Indic aesthetics.
  • Hindavi promotion catalysed later Hindi-Urdu literature.
  • Title “Amir” bestowed by Jalaluddin Khalji for poetic brilliance.

Musical Contributions

  • Innovated ragas; formalised Khayal and fast-paced Tarana.
  • Early exponent of Ghazal and devotional Qawwali singing.
  • Folk memory credits him with crafting sitar and tabla.

Sufi Orders

  • Chishti – inclusive, music-friendly; patrons included Akbar, disciples Khusrau, Nizamuddin.
  • Suhrawardi – Multan origin, accepted state wealth, mixed scholasticism with mysticism.
  • Naqshbandi – Shariat-centric, rejected sama; followed by emperor Aurangzeb.

Socio-Cultural Impact

  • Khanqahs offered refuge, learning; diluted caste barriers, attracted marginalized.
  • Sulh-e-kul ethos shaped Mughal policy of religious tolerance.
  • Qawwali, vernacular verse deepened Hindu-Muslim cultural fusion.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
HonorificParrot of India (Tuti-yi-Hind)
BirthplacePatiali, Etah district, Uttar Pradesh
Sufi masterNizamuddin Auliya (Chishti)
Sultanate patronsQaiqabad, Jalaluddin & Alauddin Khalji, Mubarak Shah, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Language legacyDeveloped Hindavi → basis of Hindi & Urdu
Major worksDivans, Mathnawis, Persian treatises
Musical formsKhayal, Tarana, Qawwali popularisation
Claimed inventionsSitar (string), Tabla (percussion)
Early Indian SufiAl-Hujwiri; wrote Kashf-ul-Mahjub, settled Lahore
Sulh-e-kulUniversal peace doctrine spread by Sufis, inspired Akbar

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2003PYQ 1

Consider the following statement:

GEO_GS, GS1 2024PYQ 2

Who among the following has written three works on the science of music called Sangitaraja, Sangita Mimansa and Sudha Prabandha?

GS-1History

7.Jhumoir dance of Assam tea tribes (Jhumur Folk Dance)

Indian Express
Illustration for Jhumoir dance of Assam tea tribes (Jhumur Folk Dance)

What & Where

Jhumur dance – folk tradition of Assam’s Adivasi Tea Tribes, carried from Jharkhand’s Chotanagpur plateau.

Performance – mixed-gender circle with Madal, Dhol, Taal, Flute across tea gardens during harvest, weddings, gatherings.

Tea botany – Camellia sinensis & C. assamica thrive at 16-32 °C, 150 cm rain, acidic porous soils.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

  • Climate-stress – heat spikes, erratic rains cut Jan-Oct 2024 output by 66 million kg.
  • First- & second-flush losses shrink premium auction volumes, hike prices.
  • Mitigation – drought-tolerant clones, irrigation, agroforestry promoted for resilience.

Economic Angle

  • Exports – top buyers Iraq, UAE, Russia, USA, UK, Germany; diversification urged toward Africa, Latin America.
  • Competition – cheaper Kenyan, Sri Lankan, Chinese teas erode Indian price edge.
  • Value-addition – flavored, specialty, organic segments pushed under PKVY and market campaigns.

Labour Issues

  • CAG report cites low wages, weak labour-law enforcement in Assam plantations.
  • State estates face delayed or irregular salary payments, poor housing and healthcare.
  • Labour Codes 2020 subsume Plantation Labour Act aiming safety, social security upgrades.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Tea Board set-up1954 under Tea Act 1953
Tea Board HQKolkata; offices London / Dubai / Moscow
Indian global rank (production)2nd after China
Share in world tea21 %; largest black-tea maker
Domestic consumption80 % of national output
Tea estates~39,700 units
Small Tea Grower output52 % of total; 2.3 lakh growers
Direct plantation jobs1.16 million workers
2023-24 export valueUSD 781.79 million; world rank 4
North-India production share83 % (Assam, Dooars, Terai, Darjeeling)
GI-tagged Indian teasDarjeeling, Assam Orthodox, Nilgiri Orthodox, Kangra
Assam Tea-Tribe population~17 %; sway ~40 of 126 MLA seats

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 1996PYQ 1

Which one of the following is an important crop of the Barak valley?

GS1 1999PYQ 2

Which one of the following pairs of folk-dance forms and states is not correctly matched?

GS-3Species

8.Shendurney jumping spider species discovery (New Spider Species)

The Hindu
Illustration for Shendurney jumping spider species discovery (New Spider Species)

What & Where

Discovery: two new Epidelaxia jumping spider species in Shendurney WLS, Western Ghats, Kerala

Significance: first Indian record of a genus earlier thought Sri-Lankan-endemic, range now extended northward

Locale: Kulathupuzha forest patch inside Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Kollam district

Quick Facts for MCQs

Taxonomy

  • Genus-status: previously Sri Lanka-endemic; Indian find revises biogeography
  • Species-ID: separated via male palpal organ, female epigyne patterns
  • Nomenclature: ‘falciformis’ = sickle-shaped copulatory organ; ‘palustris’ = marsh-associated habitat

Habitat Ecology

  • Vegetation: multi-storied canopy offers hunting perches for visual predators like salticids
  • Microclimate: high humidity, dim understorey favour cryptic colouration described
  • Sympatry: shares range with Malabar giant squirrel, Indian bison indicating intact forest continuum

Protected-Area Management

  • Tourism: Thenmala Eco-tourism model integrates conservation livelihood since 2001
  • Research value: 267 bird, 56 mammal species make it a Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot
  • Conservation gap: absence of sandalwood hints past selective extraction, necessitating floristic monitoring

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
GenusEpidelaxia (Salticidae)
New species namesE. falciformis sp. nov.; E. palustris sp. nov.
Male mark-up, falciformisBrown carapace + single yellow stripe
Female mark-up, palustrisWhite orbital setae round eyes
Adaptive nicheDense evergreen foliage, Western Ghats
Sanctuary stateKerala
Sanctuary area171 sq km (core 104; article cites 4*; official 171) (*)
Notification year25 Aug 1984
Biosphere umbrellaAgasthyamalai BR
Dam within WLSThenmala reservoir ~18.69 sq km
Major endangered mammalLion-tailed macaque
Bird highlightGreat Eared Nightjar (Kerala first record)
Dominant forestsTropical evergreen & semi-evergreen
Flowering plants1,257 spp.; 309 Western-Ghats-endemic
Rivers insideMansar & Manhar
Unique traitNo sandalwood trees; India’s first eco-tourism project

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2023PYQ 1

A new species of pit-viper was discovered in 2019 and named after the State in which it was found. Identify the State from among the following:

GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

9.Algal blooms risk in River Thames (Algal Blooms)

Down to Earth
Illustration for Algal blooms risk in River Thames (Algal Blooms)

What & Where

Algal bloom = rapid overgrowth of microscopic algae/algae-like bacteria in fresh, brackish, or marine waters.

Key Thames blooms: spring diatom; summer cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) boosted by warmer waters.

River Thames, 346 km; rises Thames Head (Gloucestershire), empties into North Sea via Thames Estuary.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

  • Oxygen depletion kills aquatic fauna, heightens treatment costs.
  • Excess algae blocks sunlight, stressing entire river ecosystem.
  • Recreational loss: limits fishing, swimming, boating.

Climate Driver

  • Temperature rise overrides nutrient cuts, facilitating both diatom and cyanobacterial blooms.
  • Warmer spring-summer stratification accelerates algal growth cycles.

Nutrient Pollution

  • Residual phosphorus + excess nitrogen sustain blooms despite mitigation.
  • Nutrient-rich runoff remains key controllable input for Thames management.

River Geography

  • Historic trade artery connecting inland England to North Sea.
  • Estuarine stretch critical for London port operations.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Phosphorus load cut≈80 % drop since 1985
Phosphorus statusStill above safe limits
Main driver nowRising river temperature
Spring bloom typeDiatom
Summer bloom typeCyanobacteria
Thames length346 km
UK length rankLongest England; 2nd UK (after Severn)
Source locationThames Head, Gloucestershire
Mouth landmarkNore sandbank, North Sea
City on banksLondon
Drinking water share≈⅔ of London’s supply

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS 2025PYQ 1

‘Algal Bloom’ is, when unusually large concentrations of

GS-3S&T

10.Blue Ghost lunar lander mission (Private Lunar Lander)

IT
Illustration for Blue Ghost lunar lander mission (Private Lunar Lander)

What & Where

Blue Ghost = privately built lunar lander by Firefly Aerospace under NASA’s CLPS programme.

Landed upright at Mons Latreille, Mare Crisium, becoming second private craft to reach Moon.

First commercial lander to achieve stable, vertical touchdown, boosting mission reliability for Artemis support.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • CLPS model: NASA buys payload delivery; private firm owns lander design, ops.
  • Navigation demo: Evaluates global-satellite-navigation signals’ usability on lunar surface.
  • Radiation hardware: Tests components hardened for deep-space environments.

Scientific Objectives

  • Regolith analysis: Characterises soil composition, mechanics, dust behaviour.
  • Eclipse imaging: Captures rare lighting data to aid thermal models.
  • Sunset monitoring: Studies temperature drop during terminator passage.

Comparative Missions

  • Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus landed Feb 2024 but rested sideways, limiting operations.
  • Blue Ghost sets new benchmark for commercial landing accuracy and stability.
  • Both flights illustrate rapid CLPS progress toward sustained lunar logistics.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
DeveloperFirefly Aerospace, Texas
NASA linkCommercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)
Primary siteMons Latreille, Mare Crisium
Landing postureUpright; mission-ready
Private-landing order2nd overall; 1st upright
Operational spanOne lunar day ≈ 14 Earth days
Scientific payloads10 instruments
Key tasksSoil analysis, radiation-tolerant tech test, GNSS navigation demo
Artemis roleData & cost-effective tech for human missions
Physical sizeComparable to a hippopotamus
Planned imagingTotal lunar eclipse 14 Mar; lunar sunset 16 Mar
GS-3S&T

11.Obesity in India statistics (Obesity Epidemiology)

PIB

What & Where

Definition: WHO calls obesity abnormal or excessive fat build-up harming health, gauged mainly through Body Mass Index

Classification_India: Obese ≥25 kg/m²; Morbid_obesity ≥35 kg/m²; global obesity threshold ≥30 kg/m²

Campaign: Prime Minister’s nationwide anti-obesity drive urges 10 % cut in edible-oil consumption

Quick Facts for MCQs

Statistics & Trends

  • Global_childhood_obesity: quadrupled 1990-2022; adult rates more_than_doubled
  • NFHS-5: overweight/obese 24 % women, 23 % men; obese 4 % each gender
  • Under-5 overweight rose from 1 % (2015-16) to 3.4 % (2019-21)

Government Initiatives

  • NP-NCD: screening, early diagnosis, behaviour_change to curb obesity under NHM
  • Fit_India & Khelo_India: certify schools, upgrade sports infra, inculcate daily physical_activity
  • POSHAN_Abhiyaan, Eat_Right_India, RUCO: balanced_nutrition, FOPL on HFSS foods, convert used_oil to biofuel

Key Drivers

  • Diet: high intake of processed, sugar, salt, trans_fat items accelerates weight_gain
  • Lifestyle: urbanisation, technology, reduced active_commuting lower energy expenditure
  • Genetics_Stress: familial predisposition and mental stress trigger metabolic_slowdown and binge_eating

Challenges

  • Cultural_food habits heavy on fried and sugary dishes escalate calorie load
  • Affordability_gap: nutritious options costlier than fast_food, limiting healthy_choice
  • Infrastructure_deficit: scarce parks, walkways, fitness zones hinder routine exercise

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
WHO obese BMI cut-off≥30 kg/m²
Indian obese BMI cut-off≥25 kg/m²
Morbid obesity (India)≥35 kg/m²
Global child obesity 19902 %
Global child obesity 20228 %
Global adult obesity 19907 %
Global adult obesity 202216 %
NFHS-5 women overweight/obese24 %
NFHS-5 men overweight/obese23 %
Under-5 overweight 2019-213.4 %
Oil-intake reduction target10 %
GS-3S&T

12.HeroRATS tuberculosis detection research (Disease Detection Tech)

The Hindu

What & Where

HeroRATS – trained African giant pouched rats sniff sputum to flag Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Origin Tanzania; field use eyed for high-burden regions in Africa and India.

Screening capacity 100 samples in 20 min; positives verified by Ziehl-Neelsen or fluorescent microscopy.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Training period ≈ 10–12 months using click-reward conditioning.
  • Rollout plan phased adoption under NTEP starting high-burden states.
  • Cost per sample lower than GeneXpert molecular testing.

Indian Burden & Targets

  • India holds world’s largest TB caseload; two deaths every three minutes.
  • Government aims TB-free status by 2025, beating global 2030 goal.
  • Incidence and mortality already showing measurable double-digit declines.

Disease Fundamentals

  • Transmission airborne; only 5–10 % of latently infected develop active TB.
  • Standard drug regimen 4–6 months; interruption breeds MDR-TB and XDR-TB.
  • WHO endorses Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for rapid molecular diagnosis.

Comparative Bio-detectors

  • Dogs 125–300 million receptors; proven Parkinson’s and early cancer sniffing.
  • Ants identify tumour cell volatiles within three days in lab studies.
  • Honeybees register 88 % accuracy for synthetic lung-cancer breath biomarkers.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Species usedAfrican giant pouched rat
Samples screened per 20 min100
Lab time via culture3–4 days
Detection gain in children2 ×
Efficacy with low bacillary load6 × over microscopy
India TB incidence 2023195 / 100 000
Incidence fall 2015-2317.7 %
TB deaths 202322 / lakh
Death decline 2015-2321.4 %
NTEP elimination target2025
GS-3S&TQuick Bite

13.Aditya-L1 captures solar flare kernel (Solar Observation)

The Hindu

What & Where

Aditya-L1 – India’s first space solar observatory, halo-orbiting Sun–Earth L1 (~1.5 million km).

SUIT payload images Sun in Near-UV 200-400 nm; first-ever flare “kernel” caught.

Solar flares: abrupt electromagnetic eruptions, classes A–X escalating 10-fold energy, X most intense.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Space Technology

  • Halo-orbit grants continuous, eclipse-free solar view.
  • Aditya-L1 is ISRO’s 2nd observatory mission after AstroSat 2015.
  • Payload suite: SUIT, VELC, SoLEXS, ASPEX, PAPA, MAG, HDX.

Solar Physics

  • X6.3 flare ranks among strongest, often linked to CMEs.
  • Kernel imaging aids modelling of energy build-up & release.
  • Near-UV views chromosphere–photosphere layers (~4 000–10 000 K).

Indian Milestone

  • First global NUV flare-kernel image achieved by Indian mission.
  • Output strengthens indigenous solar research competitiveness with NASA-SDO, ESA-Solar Orbiter.
  • Demonstrates Make-in-India prowess in precision UV optics & detectors.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Flare categoryX6.3 (very strong)
Kernel imaged inLower solar atmosphere
Observed bandNear-UV 200–400 nm
Capturing instrumentSUIT telescope
Mission locationSun–Earth L1 halo orbit
ISRO astronomy missionsAstroSat 2015; Aditya-L1 2023

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2024PYQ 1

AstroSat space telescope has crossed a major milestone by detecting 600th Gamma-Ray Burst launched by which one of the following countries?

ESE_GS, GS1 2022PYQ 2

If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth ?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

14.Ferrihydrite causes Mars red color (Mars Mineralogy)

Times of India
Illustration for Ferrihydrite causes Mars red color (Mars Mineralogy)

What & Where

Ferrihydrite = water-formed iron oxide now tagged as chief source of Mars’ red surface.

Located widely in Martian regolith per orbiter, rover and ground-telescope spectra.

Replaces dry-formed Hematite theory, signalling wetter, potentially habitable ancient Mars.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Planetary Characteristics

  • Size Half Earth; lower gravity aids atmospheric escape and dust storm intensity.
  • Tilt 25° yields Earth-like but longer seasons owing to larger orbital path.
  • Daylength 24.6 h eases mission planning with near-Earth time synchronization.

Geology & Water Evidence

  • Ferrihydrite needs neutral, liquid-water environments, reshaping climate models.
  • Hydrogen locked in iron minerals corroborates prolonged aqueous alteration.
  • Color origin shift weakens purely arid Hematite narrative of Martian history.

Space Missions

  • NASA Perseverance, Curiosity supplied high-resolution mineral spectra for study.
  • India MOM, UAE Hope, China Tianwen-1 enrich atmospheric and compositional databases.
  • Multipolar exploration accelerates cross-validated findings on Martian habitability.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Planet order4th from Sun
Size rankSecond-smallest (≈½ Earth)
MoonsPhobos, Deimos (2)
Rotation period24.6 h (1 sol)
Year length669.6 sols / 687 Earth days
Axial tilt25°
Largest volcanoOlympus Mons
Dominant iron oxideFerrihydrite
Ferrihydrite forms inCool, water-rich conditions
Previous oxide assumptionHematite (dry, warm)
Hydrogen evidenceBound within iron minerals
Key missionsNASA rovers, India MOM, UAE Hope, China Tianwen-1

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2010PYQ 1

When you travel in certain parts of India, you will notice red soil. What is the main reason for this colour?

GS-2Infrastructure

15.Mission 300 Africa electrification (Africa Electrification)

DD News

What & Where

Mission 300 – large-scale initiative to extend electricity access

Delivery via grid expansion, mini-grids, off-grid solar solutions

Focus region Sub-Saharan Africa; target 300 million people by 2030

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Grid expansion powers densified zones; mini-grids bridge peri-urban gaps
  • Off-grid solar kits reach remote, low-demand communities
  • Digital platforms verify connections, ensure transparent progress data

Financial & Policy

  • Blended finance leverages multilateral, governmental, private investment pools
  • Supportive policies strengthen cross-border transmission and utility reforms
  • Risk-mitigation instruments attract long-tenor private capital

Social Inclusion

  • Women-led energy enterprises receive priority support and financing
  • Employment generation across installation, maintenance, and distribution chains
  • Affordability focus reduces energy poverty, uplifts local livelihoods

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
InitiativeMission 300
Launch year2025
Lead agenciesWorld Bank & African Development Bank
Core partnersRockefeller Foundation, GEAPP, SE4ALL, ESMAP
CoverageSub-Saharan Africa
Target beneficiaries300 million people
Completion goal2030
Electrification modelGrid + mini-grid + off-grid solar
Monitoring toolDigital real-time tracking, mobile data
Finance approachPublic-private blended capital
GS-2Scheme

16.One Day as Scientist initiative (Ayush Research Initiative)

PIB
Illustration for One Day as Scientist initiative (Ayush Research Initiative)

What & Where

Government outreach letting students spend one day inside Ayush R&D laboratories across India

Offers live exposure to advanced equipment validating Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy

Operated by Ministry of Ayush via national institutes, CCRH, CCRAS, CRIYN, leading universities

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Equipment exposure includes chromatography, spectroscopy, DNA barcoding, modern diagnostics
  • Students observe protocol standardisation, pre-clinical assays, pharmacovigilance software

Education & Skilling

  • Mentorship sessions decode research design, data recording, ethical clearances
  • Initiative supplements NEP 2020 push for experiential learning and STEM orientation

Traditional Medicine Integration

  • Focus labs span Panchakarma, medicinal plants pharmacology, yoga biomechanics
  • Objective to evidence-base classical texts via contemporary scientific methods

Social Outreach

  • Free participation ensures inclusivity across economic strata and rural schools
  • Amplifies public trust in Ayush by transparent display of research practices

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Parent appealPM Mann Ki Baat
Nodal ministryMinistry of Ayush
ImplementersAyush research institutes & universities
Core activityOne-day lab immersion for students
Key objectiveFostering scientific temperament in Ayush context
CoverageNationwide, multiple institutes
Learning modeHands-on equipment use + scientist mentoring
Knowledge bridgeTraditional remedies with modern validation
Target cohortSchool/college students
Inspirational aimChannel careers toward research & innovation

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2025PYQ 1

“Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge” (MANAK), a scheme under the flagship programme, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), caters to:

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2022PYQ 2

Which of the following are the parts of the Government of India's AYUSH initiative?

GS-2Scheme

17.Swavalambini women entrepreneurship scheme (Women Entrepreneurship)

PIB

What & Where

Swavalambini: structured entrepreneurship programme for young women in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Implemented nationwide by NIESBUD & NITI Aayog under Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

Latest launch at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut; earlier roll-out began in Eastern HEIs.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Training Structure

  • EAP: basics of business, idea generation, 2 days.
  • EDP: finance, market linkages, compliance, 40 hours.
  • Mentorship: hand-holding from ideation to enterprise for 6 months.

Institutional Mechanism

  • NIESBUD supplies curriculum, trainers, monitoring.
  • NITI Aayog offers policy alignment, evaluation metrics.
  • MSDE provides funding, national scaling mandate.

Incentive & Recognition

  • Award to Rewards confers national visibility, possible funding linkage.
  • Success metric tied to enterprise creation, not mere training numbers.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Target groupWomen students in HEIs
Core aimAt least 10 % trainees to start enterprises
Lead implementersNIESBUD + NITI Aayog
Nodal ministryMSDE
Training stagesEAP, EDP, 6-month mentorship, FDP
EAP duration2-day workshop for 600 students
EDP duration40-hour course for 300 students
Mentorship span6 months post-training
FDP focusFaculty capacitation to mentor women
Recognition scheme“Award to Rewards” for top performers
Initial geographyIIT Bhubaneswar, NEHU Shillong, Gauhati Univ.
Recent additionsBHU, Univ. of Hyderabad, MANUU, others

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2008PYQ 1

What is the name of the scheme which provides training and skills to women in traditional and non-traditional trades?

GS1 2010PYQ 2

Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:

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