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14 topicsGS-1: 4GS-2: 1GS-3: 9
0/14 done
GS-2Polity

1.Debate on High Court Judicial Transfers (Judiciary)

DH

What & Where

Judicial transfer – relocation of a High Court judge under Article 222 for administrative or public-interest reasons

Process: CJI initiates, collegium concurs, Law Ministry routes, President signs, Gazette notifies

Coverage: applies across 25 High Courts, aimed at neutrality, expertise re-allocation, vacancy management

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Article222 empowers President post CJI consultation to shift any High Court judge
  • 2015 collegium guideline demands consultation with both affected High Court CJs and senior SC judges
  • Prior zonal transfer proposal collapsed, leaving discretionary case-by-case approach

Administrative Concerns

  • ContinuityLoss: part-heard matters delayed; new court language and local law challenges
  • SeniorityImpact: inter-se ranking reset, influencing elevation to Chief Justice or Supreme Court
  • VacancyMyth: shifting judges merely moves shortage rather than increasing overall strength

Diversity & Representation

  • TokenTransfers fail to lift low inclusion numbers despite intent
  • 2023 snapshot: only 14 % women, 4 % SC/ST among High Court judges nationwide
  • ReformFocus needed at recruitment stage via reservation, mentorship, wider talent pool

Recent Protests

  • Feb 2024 strikes by Karnataka and Delhi bar associations opposing collegium transfer recommendations
  • Lawyers flagged opacity and potential executive influence, reigniting debate on judicial independence

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Constitutional articleArticle 222(1)
Transfer proposerChief Justice of India
Final signatoryPresident of India
Collegium size (HC judge)3 members
Collegium size (HC Chief Justice)5 members
Opaque transfer orders 202159 % had no reasons
HC women judges 202314 %
HC SC/ST judges 20234 %
Under-strength High CourtsAll except Sikkim, Meghalaya
Notable midnight transferJustice S Muralidhar, 2020

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, GS1 1996PYQ 1

When the Chief Justice of a High Court acts in an administrative capacity, he is subject to

CAPF_GAI, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the appointment of District Judges?

GS-3Economy

2.RBI Record Surplus Transfer to Government (RBI Surplus Transfer)

LiveMint

What & Where

RBI surplus transfer = annual remittance of residual net profit to Government of India.

Amount fixed post July–June accounts under Economic Capital Framework (ECF, 2019) by RBI Central Board.

Jurisdiction: India; legal anchor Section 47, RBI Act 1934.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Section 47 allows deductions for bad debts, depreciation, staff superannuation before transfer.
  • Bimal Jalan committee crafted ECF; Board revisits framework periodically.
  • Final surplus approved in post-FY Board meeting.

Income & Expenditure

  • Income: interest on foreign assets, GoI bonds, repo lending, govt-borrowing commission, payment-system fees.
  • Expenditure: note printing, salaries, commissions to banks/primary dealers.
  • Higher global yields raise interest income, enlarging transferable pool.

Economic Angle

  • Record payout bolsters Centre’s non-tax revenue, easing fiscal-deficit targets.
  • Even with CRB at upper 6.5 %, surplus remains high due to asset income spike.
  • Transfer timing before Budget estimates key for expenditure planning.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Legal basisSection 47, RBI Act 1934
Guiding frameworkEconomic Capital Framework, adopted 26 Aug 2019
CRB (risk buffer) band5.5 % – 6.5 % of balance-sheet size
Est. FY 2024-25 transfer₹ 2.5 – 3 lakh crore
RBI financial yearJuly 1 – June 30
Central Board review15 May 2025
Nature of paymentSurplus transfer, not dividend
Key income headInterest on foreign & domestic securities
Major expenseCurrency printing, staff benefits
Determining formulaSurplus = Income – Expenditure – CRB

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GEO_GS, GS1 2010PYQ 1

Which one of the following was NOT stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003?

GEO_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 2

A bank generated savings credit of ₹1,600 crore in the first round from a savings deposit of ₹2,000 crore. What is the Cash Reserve Ratio fixed by the Central Bank?

GS-3Economy

3.Revamped PLFS Extends Rural Labour Metrics (Labour Force Survey)

The Hindu
Illustration for Revamped PLFS Extends Rural Labour Metrics (Labour Force Survey)

What & Where

PLFS 2017 by NSO-MoSPI gauges employment–unemployment across India.

Revamp 2025 adds rural households to monthly Current Weekly Status (CWS) estimates.

Coverage now: all-India rural + urban monthly; rural + major states quarterly; annual Usual Status & CWS unchanged.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Survey Methodology

  • CWS records primary activity during preceding 7 days.
  • Usual Status (principal + subsidiary) captures activity over past 365 days.
  • Both frameworks retained for annual national estimates.

Data Outputs

  • Monthly release: LFPR, WPR, UR for combined rural–urban India.
  • Quarterly release: same indicators for rural sectors and major states.
  • Annual compilation offers cross-validation using CWS and Usual Status.

Governance & Scope

  • Oversight: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.
  • Execution: National Statistical Office field operations and data processing.
  • Expansion brings timely labour metrics to 65%+ population residing in rural India.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Survey launch2017
Revamp announcedMay 2025
Nodal ministryMoSPI
Implementing agencyNational Statistical Office
New monthly frameworkCurrent Weekly Status
CWS reference period7 days
Usual Status reference1 year (ps + ss)
Key indicatorsLFPR, WPR, Unemployment Rate
Monthly geographic spanRural + Urban, all-India
Quarterly spanRural areas & major states

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements regarding Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report 2023–24 by the National Statistical Organization (NSO):

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020PYQ 2

Which of the following statements about employment situation in India according to Periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 is/are correct?

GS-1History

4.Jnanpith Award Honours Indian Literature (Literary Award)

PIB
Illustration for Jnanpith Award Honours Indian Literature (Literary Award)

What & Where

Jnanpith Award – India’s apex literary honour; recognises lifelong contribution across Indian languages.

58th edition: Jagadguru Rambhadracharya (Sanskrit) honoured in New Delhi; Gulzar (Urdu) co-laureate absent.

Instituted 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, founded by industrialist Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Eligibility & Languages

  • Citizenship: Indian nationality mandatory; expatriates excluded.
  • Coverage: All Constitution-listed languages plus English; dialects outside list not eligible.
  • Rotation: Post-award three-year moratorium prevents repeat language selection.

Selection Mechanism

  • Proposal sources: Universities, literary bodies, critics, readers nationwide.
  • Language Advisory Committees: Three experts per tongue; reconstituted every three years.
  • Final verdict: Central board of 7-11 scholars vets LAC shortlists for awardee choice.

Award Components

  • Cash: ₹11 lakh transferred to laureate.
  • Recognition: Engraved plaque and formal citation underscore cultural impact.
  • Shift: From single-book honour (first 17 awards) to lifetime corpus evaluation.

Historical Notes

  • Conception: Idea mooted on Jain’s 50th birthday, 22 May 1961.
  • Prestige: Widely viewed as “Literary Bharat Ratna” within academic circles.
  • Milestone: Jagadguru Rambhadracharya becomes latest Sanskrit recipient at 58th edition.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Establishment year1961
First award year1965
FounderSahu Shanti Prasad Jain
Administering bodyBharatiya Jnanpith Trust
FrequencyAnnual
EligibilityIndian citizens only
Language scope22 Eighth Schedule + English (since 49th award)
Language cooldownAwarded language ineligible for next 3 years
Present cash prize₹11 lakh
ComponentsCash, Citation, Plaque
Initial basis (1965-81)Single work
Current basisEntire literary oeuvre
Selection board size7–11 scholars
GS-1Environment

5.Geographical Factors Intensify South Indian Heatwaves (Heatwave Factors)

The Hindu
Illustration for Geographical Factors Intensify South Indian Heatwaves (Heatwave Factors)

What & Where

Definition – Heat wave: spell of unusually high maximum temperature; IMD thresholds vary by terrain and departure from normal.

Geography – Andhra Pradesh & Telangana sit near Tropic of Cancer; coastal plains plus land-locked Deccan Plateau.

Processes – Vertical solar incidence, urban-heat-island, anti-cyclonic subsidence, El Niño and “Loo” winds intensify heating.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Geographical Drivers

  • Latitude; near-overhead sun boosts insolation and ground heating
  • Surface; rocky plateau & black soils store heat, scant vegetation cuts evapotranspiration
  • Urbanisation; concrete sprawl forms pronounced urban heat-island zones

Climatic Drivers

  • Pre-monsoon dryness plus clear skies reduce evaporative cooling and raise albedo heating
  • Anticyclone; weak winds and sinking dry air trap warmth near surface
  • El Niño alongside hot, dusty “Loo” winds elevates frequency and duration

Human & Economic Impact

  • Mortality; 733 heat-stroke deaths reported March–June 2024
  • Labour; heavy workers lose up to 162 productive hours annually to unsafe heat
  • Aviation; low air density lengthens take-off, inflating fuel and operating costs

Policy & Schemes

  • HAPs; 23 states map risk, define departmental roles, stage-wise responses
  • Warnings; IMD-NDMA four-colour impact bulletins guide public actions
  • Cool roofs; Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra codes mandate reflective surfaces in housing

Environmental Impact

  • Forest fires; 21.4 % forest area vulnerable, risk escalates under extreme heat
  • Agriculture; 1 % extra heat-wave events cut 2022 crop yield by 15 %
  • Water; accelerated evaporation depletes reservoirs, stressing agriculture and livestock

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Peak month (India)May
Plains threshold≥ 40 °C
Hilly threshold≥ 30 °C
Coastal heat-wave rule≥ 37 °C & ≥ 4.5 °C above normal
Departure band (heat wave)+4.5 °C – 6.4 °C
Departure band (severe)> 6.4 °C
Absolute heat-wave mark≥ 45 °C
Absolute severe mark≥ 47 °C
Spatial criterion≥ 2 stations, ≥ 2 consecutive days
Heat-stroke deaths 2024733 (Mar–Jun, 17 states)
Forest area fire-prone21.4 %
Work-hours lost/workerup to 162 yearly
Yield loss 1 % event rise15 % in 2022

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2013PYQ 1

The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons?

GS-1Mapping

6.Lebanon Geography and UN Peacekeeping (Middle East Mapping)

DD News

What & Where

Lebanon Western-Asian state on eastern Mediterranean; bordered by Syria and Israel

UN Peacekeeping UN-mandated military-police-civilian missions maintaining ceasefires and supporting transitions

2024 incident Civilians with rods and axes damaged UN patrol vehicles in south Lebanon; no injuries

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Geography

  • Lebanon Mountains limestone-sandstone ridge dominating coast
  • Bekaa Valley fertile agricultural zone between two mountain chains
  • Rivers provide scarce freshwater in otherwise semi-arid terrain

UN Peacekeeping Basics

  • Composition troops, police, civilians contributed by member states
  • Mandates range ceasefire monitoring to institution building post-conflict
  • Force authorised to use arms only in self-defence or mandate defence

Security Dimension

  • South Lebanon recurring flashpoint between locals, militias, UNIFIL personnel
  • Vehicle vandalism signals rising civilian hostility toward external forces
  • No casualties yet potential to hinder peacekeepers’ freedom of movement

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Lebanon capitalBeirut
NeighboursSyria, Israel, Mediterranean Sea
Highest peakQurnat al-Sawdāʾ 3088 m in Lebanon Mountains
Parallel rangeAnti-Lebanon with Mount Hermon 2814 m
Rift valleyBekaa Valley; part of Great East African Rift System
Longest domestic riverLitani River flowing south to Mediterranean
Other riversOrontes, Kabir
UN Peacekeeping start1948 Arab-Israeli armistice observers
Mandating bodyUN Security Council
Managing bodyUN Department of Peace Operations
Core principlesConsent, Impartiality, Limited force
Funding approvalUN General Assembly
GS-3Species

7.Narayanpatna Indigenous Goat Breed (Indigenous Goat Breed)

Down to Earth
Illustration for Narayanpatna Indigenous Goat Breed (Indigenous Goat Breed)

What & Where

Narayanpatna goat – non-descript native meat breed reared by tribal households in Koraput district, Southern Odisha.

Core range – Narayanpatna & Bandhugaon blocks, Eastern Ghats; hilly, forested, tropical-monsoon terrain.

Valued for hardiness, twin‐bearing ability and natural disease, climate resilience under low-input, extensive systems.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Genetic & Physical Traits

  • Medium-large frame; robust limb, deep chest aids rough-terrain mobility.
  • Phenotypic variability yet stable productivity, indicating broad genetic base.
  • Natural selection fosters parasite tolerance, reducing drug dependence.

Livelihood & Economic Angle

  • Meat sales supply quick cash; small stock acts as living bank for tribal families.
  • Goats exchanged in marriages, festivals, reinforcing socio-cultural bonds.
  • Labour division inclusive; enhances women’s bargaining power in local markets.

Conservation Concerns

  • Unscientific crossbreeding with Black Bengal, Ganjam goats dilutes unique traits.
  • Lack of ICAR/NDDB breed registration denies genetic improvement schemes.
  • Habitat degradation, shrinking grazing commons threaten herd sustainability.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Local classificationNon-descript indigenous goat
Primary usersKondh & Paraja tribes
Adult buck weight30 – 35 kg
Adult doe weight25 – 30 kg
First kidding age16 – 18 months
Kidding interval8 – 10 months
Multiple birthsTwins common
Horn shapeBackward curved
Ear typeLong, drooping
Dominant coatWhite with black/brown patches
Disease profileNoted resistance to endo- & ecto-parasites
Rearing systemFree-range grazing, minimal veterinary care
Key income roleInsurance during crop failure; ritual exchanges
Gender aspectWomen & children manage daily husbandry
GS-3EnvironmentQuick Bite

8.Toxic Algal Bloom Kills Marine Life (Harmful Algal Bloom)

Indian Express
Illustration for Toxic Algal Bloom Kills Marine Life (Harmful Algal Bloom)

What & Where

Harmful algal bloom (HAB): rapid, toxin-producing algal surge in marine/fresh/brackish waters, visible as red/brown “red tide”.

Current event: Karenia mikimotoi bloom spans ≈150 km along South Australia—Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula.

Toxin action: damages gills, attacks red blood cells, disrupts nervous system, causing abnormal behaviour and mass mortality.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Impact

  • Mortality; >200 fish, shellfish, invertebrates found dead along affected coast.
  • Habitat; biodiverse reefs, seagrass beds facing hypoxia and community displacement.
  • Food-web; toxin bioaccumulates, threatening birds, mammals, higher predators.

Causes & Triggers

  • Nutrients; coastal run-off injects nitrogen, phosphorus, fuelling bloom growth.
  • Heatwaves; MHW raised SST by 2.5 °C, favouring algal dominance, stressing fauna.
  • Stratification; warmer surface layer limits mixing, hindering oxygen recharge below bloom.

Scientific Terms

  • Dinoflagellate; unicellular, flagellated plankton, several species produce potent toxins.
  • Red tide; pigment-rich algal overgrowth colouring water red/brown.
  • Hypoxia; dissolved oxygen <2 mg/L, leading to suffocation and ecosystem collapse.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Bloom organismKarenia mikimotoi (dinoflagellate)
Bloom typeHarmful algal bloom / red tide
Coastline length hit~150 km
Key hotspotsKangaroo Island, Yorke & Fleurieu Peninsulas
Marine species killed>200 recorded
Sea temp anomaly+2.5 °C during event
Marine heatwave (MHW) cut-off≥3–4 °C above average for ≥5 days
Oxygen impactDense algal mat lowers dissolved O₂, suffocating fauna
GS-3Editorial

9.US Research Funding Cuts Offer India Opportunity (Global Research Funding)

Indian Express

What & Where

US FY26 proposal slashes National Science Foundation (NSF) budget by 55%, ending >1,400 grants & 1,000 fellowships.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) cuts forecast $6.1 bn GDP loss, 46,000 job losses across research-led US regions.

Funding vacuum offers India a talent-attraction window via VAIBHAV/VAJRA fellowships and takeover of Indo-US health projects.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Economic Impact

  • US university towns risk research layoffs, startup slowdown, reduced patent generation.
  • Climate, public-health, digital innovation pipelines face multi-year disruption.
  • European science-refugee programmes (e.g., France) mobilise to absorb displaced talent.

Indian Opportunity

  • Repatriate Indian-origin scientists seeking stable grants and autonomy.
  • Position India as global science hub by co-funding stranded NIH/NSF projects.
  • Leverage ₹1.31 lakh cr philanthropy for joint international research endowments.

Challenges & Gaps

  • Bureaucratic grant delays, tenure uncertainty deter foreign researchers.
  • Institutional diversity deficits across caste, gender, region hinder inclusive innovation.
  • R&D allocation still <1 % GDP, constraining lab infrastructure & consumables.

Policy & Schemes

  • Expand VAIBHAV/VAJRA into multi-year, relocation-friendly fellowships with transparent selection.
  • Grant institutes financial autonomy, single-window clearances for imported equipment.
  • Offer tax perks, housing, spousal employment support to incoming global scientists.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
NSF budget cut55 % (FY26 proposal)
Research grants terminated1,400 +
Graduate fellowships cancelled1,000
NIH projected GDP lossUS $ 6.1 billion
NIH projected job loss46,000
India R&D spend0.64 % of GDP
OECD average R&D spend2.7 % of GDP
Indian social philanthropy (2024)₹1.31 lakh crore

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2025PYQ 1

भारत में नवाचार तथा अनुसंधान और विकास के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-3S&T

10.NASA GRAIL Maps Lunar Gravity (Lunar Gravity Mapping)

Times of India
Illustration for NASA GRAIL Maps Lunar Gravity (Lunar Gravity Mapping)

What & Where

NASA’s GRAIL mission mapped Moon’s gravity field from lunar orbit.

Twin craft Ebb & Flow flew 55 km apart, 2011-12, launched Delta II from Cape Canaveral.

Data explained nearside–farside contrast in crust, heat and volcanism.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Mission Architecture

  • Tandem-tracking method measured inter-satellite distance shifts to micro­metre accuracy
  • Microwave ranging plus Ka-band relay ensured sub-milligal gravity resolution
  • Polar, near-circular orbits allowed 100 % surface coverage every two hours

Lunar Geology Insights

  • Nearside heat-producing thorium & titanium enriched, promoting extensive mare basalts
  • Farside thicker crust inhibited magma ascent, preserving rugged highlands
  • Gravity asymmetry revealed internal mass concentrations (mascons) beneath large basins

Thermal & Tidal Factors

  • Earth gravity induces greater nearside tidal flexure, enhancing internal heating
  • Combined tidal and radiogenic warming drove 200 °C temperature gap
  • Heat contrast linked to prolonged nearside volcanism up to 1 billion yr ago

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Full formGravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory
Launch year2011
LauncherDelta II rocket
Spacecraft2; Ebb & Flow
Orbit altitude≈55 km average
Lead centreNASA-JPL
Science partnerMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Mission endControlled lunar impact, Dec 2012
Core objectiveHigh-resolution lunar gravity map
Key findingNearside mantle ~200 °C hotter than farside
Crustal patternNearside thinner; farside thicker & cratered
GS-3S&T

11.World Food Prize for Biological Nitrogen Fixation (Biological Nitrogen Fixation)

Down to Earth

What & Where

Micro Green Revolution = Brazil-led drive using microbial seed/soil inoculants for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF).

Key process: rhizobia & Azospirillum brasilense convert atmospheric N₂ into plant-usable forms, replacing synthetic fertilisers.

Core geography: Brazil’s soybean, common-bean & pasture belts; model spreading across Latin American tropics.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

  • Biological inoculants commercialised for soybean, beans, pasture grasses.
  • Protocols now integrated into Brazilian seed certification standards.
  • Research under Embrapa & partner labs accelerates tropical strain selection.

Economic Angle

  • Input-cost drop via N fertiliser replacement boosts smallholder margins.
  • 11-fold soybean yield surge strengthens Brazil’s agri-export earnings.
  • Microbial tech offers scalable, low-capital option for Global South farms.

Environmental Impact

  • Lower synthetic N curbs N₂O emissions & nitrate leaching.
  • Restored pastures enhance soil carbon sequestration and forage biomass.
  • Supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) & SDG 13 (Climate Action) commitments.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
2025 World Food Prize laureateMariangela Hungria (Brazil)
Prize amountUS $500,000
World Food Prize founded1986, by Norman Borlaug
Administering bodyWorld Food Prize Foundation, Des Moines
First laureateM. S. Swaminathan, 1987
Annual ceremonyBorlaug Dialogue, Des Moines, Iowa
Brazilian fertiliser saving≈ US $40 billion per year
Soybean output rise15 mn t (1979) → 173 mn t (2025)
Key microbesRhizobia, Azospirillum brasilense
Pasture innovationFirst microbial inoculant for grasses
GS-3S&TQuick Bite

12.Global Bird Flu Outbreaks Escalate (Avian Influenza)

Business Standard
Illustration for Global Bird Flu Outbreaks Escalate (Avian Influenza)

What & Where

Avian Influenza: Influenza A viral disease mainly in birds, capable of crossing to mammals, incl. humans

Brazil alert: first commercial-farm outbreak; nation is world’s top chicken exporter, key to global supply

Cross-species reach: Recent detections in cats, dogs, dairy cows, sheep and assorted wild mammals

Quick Facts for MCQs

Health Dimension

  • Symptomology: Humans may progress to severe respiratory complications; birds often die suddenly with airway distress
  • Transmission limitation: Only sporadic human-to-human spread documented globally, none inside United States
  • Vaccine gap: Lack of licensed human vaccine keeps pandemic-preparedness risk elevated

Animal Impact

  • Mammalian spread: Confirmed infections in cats, dogs, dairy cows, sheep, wild mammals highlight host expansion
  • Livestock vulnerability: House cats and farm animals showing rising infection incidence in recent outbreaks
  • Poultry losses: Outbreaks force mass culling, undermining meat and egg security

Economic Angle

  • Brazil dependence: Any export ban on Brazilian chicken could jolt global poultry prices and supply chains
  • Supply chain alarm: First commercial case triggers heightened importer scrutiny and potential trade restrictions
  • Vaccination adoption: Countries deploying poultry vaccines aim to protect flocks and maintain market access

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Virus familyInfluenza Type A
Primary hostsDomestic & wild birds
Transmission routeContact with infected birds, droppings, surfaces
Zoonotic natureBird-to-human proven; limited human-to-human, none in US
Bird symptomsSudden death, respiratory distress, egg-drop
Human symptomsFever, cough, sore throat, respiratory issues
Human vaccineNone approved
Poultry vaccinesUsed in France, United States
New Brazil statusFirst case on commercial poultry farm
Global trade stakeBrazil leads world chicken exports

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2015PYQ 1

H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

13.Quantum Dots and Two-Dimensional Metals (Quantum Materials)

The Hindu

What & Where

Quantum dots: zero-dimensional semiconductor nanocrystals, few nm wide, where electrons are confined in all three directions

2D metals: atomically thin (1–2 atoms) metallic sheets; electrons move only in length & width planes

Exemplars: 2D bismuth & tin predicted topological insulators, conducting solely along edges with possible edge magnetization

Quick Facts for MCQs

Structure & Dimensionality

  • Quantum confinement creates discrete energy levels in 0D dots enhancing optical tunability
  • 2D metal sheets defy natural 3D metallic bonding, require innovative synthesis routes
  • Graphene benchmark shows electrons act massless within 2D planes

Key Applications

  • Optoelectronics: quantum-dot LEDs yield vivid, tuneable colours and higher efficiency
  • Energy: quantum-dot solar panels target broader spectrum absorption
  • Sensors: 2D metals promise ultra-sensitive detection across medical, environmental, defence fields

Computing Prospects

  • Edge magnetization in 2D topological insulators could enable faster, low-loss electronic switches

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Material classQuantum dots = 0D; 2D metals = 2D
Typical quantum-dot size“Few nanometres” width
2D metal thickness1–2 atomic layers
Electron freedom in bulk metal3 dimensions
Electron freedom in 2D metal2 dimensions
Nobel Prize (Chemistry)2023 for quantum dots
Noted 2D metalsBismuth, Tin
Expected property2D Bi/Sn act as topological insulators

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

ESE_GS, GS1 2026PYQ 1

Consider the following statements regarding quantum dots:

ESE_GS, GS1 2012PYQ 2

Graphene is frequently in news recently. What is its importance?

GS-1Editorial

14.UNICEF Report on Global Child Wellbeing (Child Wellbeing)

Down to Earth
Illustration for UNICEF Report on Global Child Wellbeing (Child Wellbeing)

What & Where

Definition UNICEF “Child Wellbeing in an Unpredictable World” gauges mental health, physical health, academic skills of 0-18 age group

Scope 39 high-income OECD/EU nations compared; Netherlands top, Denmark second, France third

Geography India not covered in ranking yet mirrors global decline per UNICEF-Gallup, NFHS, World Bank data

Quick Facts for MCQs

Global Findings

  • Academic-setback severe functional literacy drop 4 % from 2018 among wealthy nations
  • Mental-health slide life satisfaction down in nearly half measured countries
  • Physical-health concern persistent obesity surge continuing pre-Covid trajectory

India Snapshot

  • Mental-health gap 50 million affected children; 80–90 % untreated; only 41 % youth favour help
  • Nutrition dual burden stunting pockets plus rising obesity; economic cost forecast USD 479 bn by 2060
  • Schooling GER 93 % primary, 77.4 % secondary yet foundational skills weak per ASER, World Bank

Key Causes

  • Inequality poverty driven malnutrition school dropout child labour prevalent rural tribal belts
  • Digital-divide only 38 % households digitally literate limiting e-learning access; cybercrimes against children ~1800 cases 2022
  • Climate-stress extreme events heighten displacement food insecurity eroding education continuity

Policy Prescriptions

  • Nutrition boost Poshan Abhiyaan, fortified ICDS, adolescent micronutrients
  • Mental-health integrate mhGAP inspired counsellors, expand Childline 1098 reach
  • Legal-shield enforce POCSO, JJ Act amendments, strengthen community vigilance

International Examples

  • Brazil Bolsa Família cash-transfer conditionalities improved attendance and health metrics
  • UNICEF-WB First 1000 Days model prioritises prenatal to age-2 investment for lifelong gains

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
School-closure span3–12 months during Covid-19
Global non-literate 15-yr-olds 20228 million ≈50 % cohort
Countries with >⅔ basic-skill deficitBulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Mexico
Life-satisfaction dip nations14 of 32; Japan only improver
Obesity trendRise in 14 of 43 nations
India obese children projected 203027 million; 1 in 10 worldwide
India learning poverty post-Covid70 % vs 55 % in 2019
India IMR 202127 per 1000 live births
Suicide rank in Indian 15–19 yrs4th leading cause

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

मानव विकास सूचकांक बनाने के लिए संयुक्त राष्ट्र विकास कार्यक्रम (UNDP) द्वारा वर्तमान में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा एक शिक्षा विकास सूचक प्रयोग किया जाता है ?

CAPF_GAI, CDS_GK 2021PYQ 2

According to UNDP's Human Development Report – 2020, in which of the HDI components has India improved in recent years?

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