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Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Expansionary policy and economic slowdown Category: ECONOMICS Context: India have recently turned expansionary to address a slowing economy Decoding Context:  Key Points: RBI’s Expansionary Monetary Policy: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cut the policy repo rate in two successive meetings, now at 5.5%. Falling inflation (within the 4% ± 2% target) has provided room for rate cuts. The aim is to stimulate private investment and growth. Fiscal Policy Shifts: Recent income tax cuts point to an expansionary fiscal stance. These are intended to increase disposable income and consumer spending. Policy Coordination Challenge: For macroeconomic stability, fiscal and monetary policy must be coordinated. If fiscal policy is expansionary but monetary policy is tight (or vice versa), the effects may cancel each other out. Household Behavior Issues: Households may delay spending tax gains, due to uncertainty or a forward-looking mindset, limiting the intended stimulus impact. Muted Growth Signals: Despite policy support, growth is weak: GDP forecast at 6.5%, credit growth fell to 9%, and unemployment rose to 5.6% in May 2025. Deficit Risk: Tax cuts may lead to a revenue shortfall, increasing the fiscal deficit unless offset by spending cuts. This could undermine long-term fiscal sustainability. Learning Corner: Tools to Adopt Expansionary Policy During Economic Slowdown During an economic slowdown, governments and central banks adopt expansionary policies to boost demand, investment, and employment. These tools can be categorized into fiscal and monetary measures: Fiscal Policy Tools (Handled by the Government) a) Increased Government Spending Direct investment in infrastructure, public services, welfare programs, etc. Boosts aggregate demand and creates jobs. b) Tax Cuts Reduction in personal income tax, corporate tax, or GST. Increases disposable income and encourages spending and investment. c) Subsidies & Transfers Targeted subsidies (e.g., on food, fuel) or cash transfers (like PM-KISAN). Helps low-income households maintain consumption during downturns. d) Public Sector Employment Schemes Programs like MGNREGA in India provide rural employment and support consumption. Monetary Policy Tools (Handled by the RBI or Central Bank) a) Repo Rate Cuts Reducing the repo rate lowers borrowing costs for banks, which passes on to consumers and businesses. Encourages loans and investment. b) Reduction in CRR/SLR Lower Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) or Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) frees up more funds for banks to lend. c) Open Market Operations (OMOs) Central bank buys government bonds to inject liquidity into the banking system. d) Quantitative Easing (QE) (used in advanced economies) Large-scale asset purchases by the central bank to infuse liquidity. e) Forward Guidance Assuring markets of low interest rates in the future to build investor confidence. Other Supportive Measures Credit Guarantee Schemes for MSMEs Regulatory Forbearance: Relaxation in banking norms to sustain credit flow Incentives for Exports/Startups Objective of Expansionary Policies Boost aggregate demand Increase employment Stimulate private investment Prevent deflation or recession Source: THE HINDU Antimicrobial Resistance Category: ENVIRONMENT Context: Fighting antimicrobial resistance with insect-based livestock feed Key Highlights: Problems with Traditional Livestock Feed: Leads to high greenhouse gas emissions, water and land use. Drives antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to overuse of antibiotics. AMR is a growing threat with projected deaths increasing to 10 million by 2050 if unchecked. Insect-Based Feed: A Sustainable Alternative: Insects like black soldier fly larvae, crickets, locusts, etc., are being considered as high-protein feed sources. They can convert organic waste into protein-rich feed, reducing waste and emissions. Uses less land and water, produces fewer emissions, and is cost-effective. Indian Initiatives: CIBA and ICAR have signed MoUs to explore and scale up insect feed in shrimp and fish farming. Research is ongoing to evaluate nutritional benefits and scalability. Scientific Evidence: Insects offer better digestibility than soy or fish meal. 1 kg of soymeal can be replaced by 0.76 kg of crickets or 0.88 kg of locusts, making it efficient. They are rich in amino acids, healthy fats, and micronutrients. Global Support: The UN FAO supports insect farming to reduce AMR and meet rising protein demand sustainably. Learning Corner: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)  What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and no longer respond to medicines like antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals. This makes infections harder to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Causes of AMR Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals Incomplete dosage or self-medication Overuse in agriculture and livestock Poor infection control in hospitals and clinics Environmental contamination from pharmaceutical waste Global Impact AMR is a growing global health threat. Could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if unchecked. Increases treatment costs, hospital stays, and mortality. Ways to Reduce AMR Rational Use of Antibiotics Prescribe only when necessary and complete the full course. Avoid self-medication and over-the-counter antibiotic use. Responsible Use in Agriculture Ban non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in animal feed. Promote alternatives like insect-based feed and vaccines. Improved Hygiene and Sanitation Handwashing, clean water, and infection control reduce the need for antibiotics. Stronger Surveillance and Regulation Monitor antibiotic use and resistance patterns. Enforce strict guidelines in healthcare and veterinary sectors. Promote R&D Invest in new antibiotics, diagnostics, and vaccines. Public Awareness Educate communities on the dangers of AMR and safe medicine practices. India’s Efforts National Action Plan on AMR (2017–2021) Red Line Campaign: Marking prescription-only antibiotics with a red line FSSAI regulations to curb antibiotic use in food-producing animals Source: THE HINDU INS Tamal Category: DEFENCE Context :  INS Tamal to be commissioned on July 1, 2025 Key Highlights Final Foreign-Built Warship: Marks the end of India’s reliance on foreign-built warships as focus shifts to indigenous shipbuilding under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Class & Design: 8th Krivak-class frigate 2nd in the upgraded Tushil-class (evolved from Talwar and Teg classes) Displacement: 3,900 tonnes | Length: 125m | Speed: 30+ knots Crew: Over 250 | Blue-water endurance Weapons & Systems: BrahMos cruise missiles, Shtil SAMs A190-01 100mm main gun CIWS, torpedoes, ASW rockets Advanced radar, EW, and electro-optical systems Network-centric warfare capable Indigenous Contribution: 26% Indian-made components Learning Corner: Frigates in Indian Defence What Are Frigates? Frigates

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Iran’s Parliament Moves to Suspend Cooperation with IAEA Category: INTERNATIONAL Context: Iran’s parliament is moving forward with legislation to suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Decoding Context:  Key Points: It proposes halting: Installation of IAEA surveillance cameras On-site inspections Reporting to the IAEA These measures would remain suspended until Iran receives “objective guarantees” on the IAEA’s neutrality and security assurances for its nuclear sites. Iran’s Standpoint: Iranian leaders accuse the IAEA of bias and of acting under political influence. The move is seen as a response to perceived threats to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and national sovereignty. International Response: The IAEA has convened an emergency meeting and urged renewed diplomacy to prevent further escalation. Western nations have expressed concern, warning that reduced oversight could raise nuclear proliferation risks. Implications: If passed by the full parliament, the bill would drastically reduce transparency into Iran’s nuclear program. It could heighten regional instability and deepen Iran’s international isolation. Learning Corner: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1957. Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria. Purpose: Promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Prevent the spread of nuclear weapons (non-proliferation). Ensure nuclear safety and security worldwide. Key Functions: Safeguards and Verification: Inspects nuclear facilities in member states to verify that nuclear materials are not diverted to weapons programs. Technical Assistance: Helps countries develop nuclear technology for uses in medicine, agriculture, energy, etc. Standards and Safety: Sets international safety standards for nuclear operations and radiation protection. Crisis Monitoring: Responds to nuclear emergencies and monitors compliance with international agreements like the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Structure: General Conference: All member states meet annually. Board of Governors: Makes key policy decisions. Secretariat: Executes daily functions, headed by the Director General. Source: THE HINDU Iran Votes to Close Strait of Hormuz Category: INTERNATIONAL Context: The Iranian parliament has approved a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear sites Strategic Importance of the Strait Located between Iran and Oman, it handles 20–30% of global oil shipments and a major share of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Closure would cause a global supply shock and spike oil prices. Impact on India India imports: ~50% of its crude oil ~60% of natural gas via the Strait. A blockade could: Push Brent crude to $110–$130 per barrel. Trigger domestic fuel inflation, increase transport and production costs, and hurt GDP growth. Learning Corner: Strait of Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, located between Iran and Oman, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Key Facts: Width: Narrowest point is about 33 km (21 miles) wide. Shipping Lane: Only 3 km wide in each direction, with a 2 km buffer zone. Oil Transit: Carries 20–30% of global seaborne oil shipments. Nearly 17–18 million barrels of oil per day pass through. Natural Gas: Major route for liquefied natural gas (LNG), especially from Qatar. Geopolitical Importance: Borders Iran to the north and UAE and Oman to the south. Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait during tensions with the West. Any disruption here can cause a global energy crisis and spike in oil prices. Source: THE HINDU Battle of Okinawa Category: HISTORY Context :  Okinawa commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa on June 23, 2025 Historical Context: The Battle of Okinawa began on April 1, 1945, and ended on June 22, 1945. It was one of World War II’s deadliest battles, with around 200,000 deaths, including over 188,000 Japanese (many Okinawan civilians) and 12,000 Americans. About 25% of Okinawa’s population was killed. The destruction led to U.S. occupation for 27 years and a lasting American military presence. Legacy: The battle remains central to Okinawa’s identity and Japan’s pacifist outlook. Monuments like the Cornerstone of Peace honor those lost and underscore Okinawa’s mission to share the realities of war and advocate for peace.   Learning Corner: Major Battles of World War II Battle of Stalingrad (1942–1943) Location: Soviet Union Combatants: Nazi Germany vs Soviet Union Significance: Turning point on the Eastern Front; marked the beginning of German retreat. Outcome: Decisive Soviet victory; one of the bloodiest battles in history. Battle of El Alamein (1942) Location: Egypt (North Africa) Combatants: British-led Allied forces vs German-Italian Axis forces Significance: Ended Axis threat to the Suez Canal; major Allied victory in North Africa. D-Day / Battle of Normandy (June 6, 1944 – August 1944) Location: France Combatants: Allied Forces (US, UK, Canada, etc.) vs Nazi Germany Significance: Largest amphibious invasion in history; opened the Western Front in Europe. Outcome: Liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. Battle of Midway (June 1942) Location: Pacific Ocean Combatants: United States vs Japan Significance: Turning point in the Pacific theatre; U.S. Navy decisively defeated the Japanese fleet. Outcome: Japan lost four aircraft carriers; momentum shifted to Allies. Battle of Britain (1940) Location: United Kingdom Combatants: Royal Air Force (UK) vs Luftwaffe (Germany) Significance: First major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. Outcome: British victory; prevented German invasion of Britain. Battle of the Bulge (December 1944 – January 1945) Location: Belgium Combatants: Nazi Germany vs Allied Forces Significance: Germany’s last major offensive on the Western Front. Outcome: Allied victory; German forces weakened severely. Source :  THE HINDU State of the Climate in Asia 2024 Category: ENVIRONMENT Context : According to the WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024, the continent is warming at nearly twice the global average, with 2024 ranking as the warmest or second warmest year ever recorded in Asia. Decoding Context Key Findings: Temperature Increase: Asia’s average temperature in 2024 was 1.04°C above the 1991–2020 average. Extreme Weather: The warming has intensified heatwaves, floods, droughts, rainfall extremes, and tropical cyclones. Glaciers and Oceans: Glacier melt worsened in the central Himalayas and Tian Shan, with 23 of 24 monitored glaciers

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) CAR T-Cells Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: Technique to Make CAR T-Cells In Vivo Could Transform Cancer Care Decoding Context:  Overview CAR T-cell therapy retrains immune cells (T-cells) to recognize and destroy cancer cells by inserting synthetic genetic instructions for a molecule called CAR (chimeric antigen receptor). A major advancement now allows scientists to engineer CAR T-cells inside the body (in vivo) instead of the traditional complex and expensive lab processing. Key Innovation A new method uses mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver CAR gene instructions directly into the bloodstream, targeting CD8+ T-cells, enabling them to fight cancers like B-cell lymphoma. This avoids viruses and ex vivo processing, reducing risks like immune system suppression and genetic side effects. Advantages Cost-effective: Conventional CAR T-cell therapy costs ₹60–70 lakh; the new platform is significantly cheaper. Efficient & quicker: Lipid nanoparticles (like Lipid 829) show faster response, reduced inflammation, and eliminate the need for harvesting and manipulating cells in the lab. Scalable & accessible: Easier to implement in resource-limited settings like India. Preclinical Success In monkey trials, treatment showed up to 85–95% tumor clearance. Mice also showed effective tumor regression with different targeting (CD20, CD19). CAR T-cells were generated in vivo and worked without requiring preconditioning regimens. Risks & Safety Reduced risks compared to virus-based methods. However, one monkey had a severe reaction similar to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), underscoring the need for careful dosing and clinical monitoring. Implications for India India faces a growing burden of B-cell cancers and autoimmune disorders. The new platform could provide affordable and scalable therapy, bypassing infrastructure challenges. If clinical trials succeed, it may revolutionize treatment for both cancer and immune diseases. Learning Corner: CAR-T Therapy (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy) CAR-T therapy is a type of immunotherapy that uses specially modified T-cells (a type of white blood cell) to fight cancer. What is CAR-T? CAR-T stands for: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell. It involves genetically engineering a patient’s own T-cells to express receptors (CARs) that can recognize and bind to specific proteins on cancer cells. How It Works: T-cell Collection: T-cells are collected from the patient’s blood. Genetic Modification: In a lab, these T-cells are modified to produce CARs on their surface. Cell Multiplication: The modified cells are multiplied in large numbers. Reinfusion: These engineered CAR-T cells are infused back into the patient. Attack Cancer: The CAR-T cells identify and kill cancer cells carrying the target antigen. Applications: Effective mainly for blood cancers such as: B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Multiple Myeloma Clinical trials are ongoing for solid tumors. CAR-T in India: India’s first indigenously developed CAR-T therapy is “NexCAR19”, jointly developed by IIT Bombay and ImmunoACT, launched in 2024. It significantly reduces cost compared to global CAR-T therapies. Challenges: High cost and complex manufacturing Risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological side effects Limited success so far in solid tumors Source: THE HINDU 50 years to declaration of emergency Category: POLITY Context: The Emergency in India, declared on 25 June 1975 and lasting until 21 March 1977 National Emergency (Article 352 of the Indian Constitution) A National Emergency is a constitutional provision under Article 352 that allows the central government to assume sweeping powers in case of grave threats to the nation’s security. Grounds for Proclamation: National Emergency can be proclaimed by the President of India on the following grounds: War External Aggression Armed Rebellion (added by the 44th Amendment; replaced “internal disturbance”) Procedure: Must be based on a written recommendation of the Union Cabinet (not just the PM). Must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within 1 month. Once approved, it remains in force for 6 months and can be extended indefinitely with six-monthly parliamentary approvals. Special majority is required in Parliament for continuation. Effects of National Emergency: Federalism weakened: Centre can give directions to states on any matter. Fundamental Rights (Article 19): Can be suspended during Emergency due to war/external aggression (not for armed rebellion). Article 358: Automatically suspends Article 19. Article 359: Allows suspension of enforcement of other rights (except Article 20 & 21 after 44th Amendment). Lok Sabha tenure: Can be extended by 1 year at a time (maximum 6 months after Emergency ends). Instances in Indian History: 1962 – Indo-China War (External Aggression) 1971 – Indo-Pak War (War) 1975–1977 – Declared by Indira Gandhi (Internal Disturbance); most controversial Constitutional Safeguards (44th Amendment, 1978): “Internal disturbance” replaced with “armed rebellion”. Cabinet approval in writing made mandatory. Fundamental Rights under Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended. Learning Corner: Types of Emergencies in the Indian Constitution President’s Rule (State Emergency) – Article 356 Ground: Failure of constitutional machinery in a state Key Features: Invoked when Governor reports breakdown of state governance President takes over state functions Parliament legislates for the state Needs Parliamentary approval within 2 months Valid for 6 months, extendable up to 3 years with conditions Widely misused in early decades; restricted post SR Bommai case (1994) Financial Emergency – Article 360 Ground: Threat to financial stability or credit of India Key Features: Declared by the President Needs Parliamentary approval within 2 months Never used so far Centre can reduce salaries, including those of judges and civil servants Can direct states to follow financial propriety measures  Comparison Table Type Article Grounds Approval Needed Used? National Emergency 352 War, External Aggression, Armed Rebellion Yes (Both Houses) 3 times President’s Rule 356 State machinery failure Yes 100+ times Financial Emergency 360 Financial instability Yes Never Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS Global SDG Rankings Category: INTERNATIONAL Context India has entered the top 100 in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) rankings for the first time, securing the 99th position out of 193 countries in the 2025. Key Highlights: Current Rank (2025): 99th Previous Ranks: 109th (2024), 112th (2023), 121st (2022) SDG Index Score: 67 Regional Comparison: Ahead of Bangladesh (114th), Pakistan (140th); behind Maldives (53rd), Bhutan (74th), Nepal (85th), Sri Lanka (93rd) Reasons for Improvement: Progress in poverty reduction, clean energy access, healthcare, housing, and

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Axiom-4 Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: Indian Astronaut in Space After 41 Years Decoding Context:  Mission Highlights Launch: June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon “Grace”. Crew: Peggy Whitson (USA), Sławosz Uznański (Poland), Tibor Kapu (Hungary), and Shukla (India). Duration: 14 days aboard the ISS. Objectives: Conducting over 60 scientific, educational, and commercial experiments, including seven from Indian researchers selected by ISRO. Historic First: Shukla is the first Indian to visit the ISS. Historical Context Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 Mission: Conducted aboard a Soviet Soyuz to Salyut 7 for 7 days, focused on Earth observation. Shukla’s Mission: Broader scientific goals with international cooperation, longer duration, and commercial involvement. Comparison: Rakesh Sharma vs. Shubhanshu Shukla Feature Rakesh Sharma (1984) Shubhanshu Shukla (2025) Spacecraft Soviet Soyuz SpaceX Crew Dragon (Grace) Launch Site Kazakhstan Florida, USA Space Station Salyut 7 (Soviet) ISS (International) Duration ~7 days ~14 days Focus Earth observation Scientific & educational National Context Soviet collaboration International, commercial   Learning Corner: International Space Station (ISS) The International Space Station (ISS) is a large, habitable space laboratory orbiting Earth, where astronauts from around the world live and work. It represents one of the greatest examples of international scientific and technological collaboration. Key Facts Launched: First module in 1998 Orbit: About 400 km above Earth Speed: Travels at ~28,000 km/h; orbits Earth every ~90 minutes Size: Largest human-made body in space, size of a football field Participating Space Agencies NASA (USA) Roscosmos (Russia) ESA (Europe) JAXA (Japan) CSA (Canada) Other nations also participate through collaborations. Objectives Microgravity Research: Study biology, physics, astronomy, and materials science in space conditions Technology Testing: For future missions (e.g., Moon, Mars) International Cooperation: Symbol of peaceful space exploration Commercial and Educational Activities: Includes experiments by private companies and student research  Source: THE HINDU GST Council Category: POLITY Context: The 56th GST Council meeting, expected in late June or early July 2025, will consider a proposal to eliminate the 12% GST slab, aiming to simplify India’s current four-rate system (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) into a three-tier structure. Key Proposals Remove 12% Slab: Items currently taxed at 12% may be shifted either to: 5% (essential/common-use items), or 18% (non-essential/higher-value items). Alternative Option: A new 15% slab by merging 12% and 18% is also under discussion, though less favored. Rationale Simplification: Part of efforts to streamline the tax structure. Revenue Neutrality: Supported by consistently strong GST collections. Stakeholder Demand: Industry and states have long advocated for a less complex GST system. Possible Impact Items like butter, ghee, fruit juice, processed food, and mobile phones—currently under 12%—may see GST rates revised depending on their essentiality. Learning Corner: GST Council The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is a constitutional body established under Article 279A of the Indian Constitution by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016. It is responsible for making key decisions related to the implementation and administration of the GST regime in India. Composition Chairperson: Union Finance Minister Members: Union Minister of State (Finance) State Finance Ministers (or Ministers nominated by states) Functions The GST Council makes recommendations on: Tax rates for goods and services. Exemptions from GST. Threshold limits for registration. Model GST laws, rules, and principles of levy. Special provisions for some states (e.g., NE & hill states). Dispute resolution between Centre and States. Decision-Making Voting pattern: Centre: 1/3rd weightage States (collectively): 2/3rd weightage A decision requires at least a 3/4th majority of weighted votes. Significance Ensures cooperative federalism in tax administration. Promotes uniformity in the indirect tax structure across India. Plays a vital role in revenue sharing and resolving disputes among stakeholders. Source: THE HINDU NATO Category: INTERNATIONAL Context : At the NATO summit in The Hague on June 25, 2025, member states agreed to raise defence and security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, marking the alliance’s largest military commitment since the Cold War. Key Highlights New Spending Target: Total: 5% of GDP Core Defence (troops, weapons, etc.): 3.5% Broader Security (infrastructure, innovation, civil preparedness): 1.5% Annual Progress Review: Countries must submit yearly plans; a formal review will take place in 2029. Collective Defence Reaffirmed: Emphasizes NATO’s solidarity amid rising threats from Russia, terrorism, and cyber warfare. U.S. Influence: The decision follows long-standing U.S. pressure for greater burden-sharing among European allies. Divergence in Support: While most members back the plan, some like Spain, Belgium, and Slovakia have expressed difficulty in meeting the 5% target due to budgetary constraints. Strategic Context This move supports NATO’s largest rearmament drive in decades and reflects the need for stronger deterrence, enhanced readiness, and adaptability to modern threats, including the war in Ukraine and cyberattacks. Learning Corner: NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance formed in 1949 to ensure collective defence and security for its member nations. Founding and Purpose Established: April 4, 1949, by the North Atlantic Treaty (Washington Treaty) Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium Motto: “Animus in consulendo liber” (A mind unfettered in deliberation) Primary Objective: Safeguard the freedom and security of member countries through political and military means Key Features Collective Defence: Under Article 5, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Invoked only once: After the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Members: 32 countries (as of 2025), including the U.S., Canada, most European nations, and new entrants like Finland and Sweden. Decision-Making: Based on consensus among all member states. Functions Military Cooperation: Joint defense, training, and strategic planning Crisis Management: Peacekeeping and conflict resolution missions Cyber & Hybrid Threats: Addressing modern security challenges beyond traditional warfare Partnership Programs: Works with non-member countries to promote global stability Source :  THE HINDU CRISPR Technology Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: In agriculture, it is revolutionizing how crops respond to biotic (diseases) and abiotic (heat, drought) stresses  How It Works Uses Cas9 enzyme guided by custom RNA to target specific genes. Enables knockout of genes that cause disease susceptibility or enhancement of genes that promote resistance. Offers faster, more accurate

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Cancer treatment drugs Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: A recent investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, published in The Hindu, has revealed that many cancer drugs shipped globally have failed quality tests. Common Chemotherapy Drugs Covered: Cisplatin Type: Platinum-based Use: Treats testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers Mechanism: Binds to cancer DNA, blocking division Side Effects: Kidney damage, sickness, immune suppression, hearing issues Oxaliplatin Type: Platinum-based Use: Advanced colorectal cancer Mechanism: Similar to cisplatin Side Effects: Similar to cisplatin Cyclophosphamide Use: Breast cancer, leukemia, sarcoma, lymphoma Mechanism: Damages cancer DNA, lowers white blood cells Side Effects: Inflammation in bladder, immune suppression Doxorubicin Nickname: “Red devil” (due to color and toxicity) Use: Breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma Mechanism: Interferes with DNA replication Side Effects: Heart damage, infections, skin issues, hair loss Methotrexate Use: Leukemia, lymphoma, tumor types Mechanism: Blocks DNA synthesis Side Effects: Toxic at high doses; managed by leucovorin Leucovorin Type: Not a direct chemotherapy drug Use: Taken with methotrexate to reduce its toxicity Function: A form of vitamin B9 used to protect healthy cells Learning Corner: Cancer Care and Treatment in India Cancer is a major public health challenge in India, with over 1.5 million new cases diagnosed annually. The country is working to strengthen its cancer care system through a mix of public health programs, infrastructure development, and financial assistance schemes.   Key Components of Cancer Treatment in India Types of Treatment Available Surgery: Removal of tumors or cancerous tissues Radiation therapy: Use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells Chemotherapy: Use of anti-cancer drugs Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy: Advanced treatments to boost the body’s immune response or attack specific cancer cells Bone marrow transplant: For blood cancers like leukemia Palliative care: To improve quality of life in advanced stages Government Initiatives and Support National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) Focuses on early detection, screening, and referral for cancer Implemented under Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres Tertiary Cancer Care Centres (TCCC) Upgrading existing medical colleges and hospitals to provide advanced cancer care Financial Assistance Schemes Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY: Free treatment for poor and vulnerable families Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund Support from state-level insurance schemes (e.g., Arogyasri in Telangana/AP) Recent Developments Launch of Digital Cancer Registry and AI-based diagnostics Expansion of National Cancer Grid (NCG) to link over 300 cancer centers Promotion of indigenous cancer drugs and equipment to lower treatment costs Source: THE HINDU Golden Jubilee of the Department of Official Language Category: POLITY Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at the Golden Jubilee of the Department of Official Language in New Delhi. Key highlights: The importance of promoting India’s official and regional languages. The department’s role in implementing the Official Languages Act and preserving linguistic diversity. Recognition of the department’s contributions over the past 50 years. A call for continued efforts to strengthen the use of Hindi and regional languages in governance and public communication. The address reinforced the government’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity and national unity through effective language use. Learning Corner: Provisions on Language in the Indian Constitution The Indian Constitution includes detailed provisions to manage the country’s rich linguistic diversity. These are mainly covered under Articles 343 to 351 in Part XVII. Official Language of the Union (Articles 343–344): Article 343: Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language of the Union. English was to be used for official purposes along with Hindi for 15 years (till 1965), and continues today due to the Official Languages Act, 1963. Article 344: A Commission and Committee of Parliament to be constituted to recommend measures to promote Hindi and restrict the use of English. Regional Languages (Articles 345–347): Article 345: State legislatures can adopt any one or more languages in use in the state as official language(s). Article 346: For communication between the state and the Union, Hindi or English will be used unless the President permits otherwise. Article 347: President can recognize a language spoken by a section of the population of a state if there is a demand. Language of the Judiciary and Laws (Articles 348–349): Article 348: English to be used in Supreme Court and High Courts and for laws unless Parliament provides otherwise. Article 349: Parliament must consider recommendations of the President and Language Commission before changing the official language of legislation. Special Directives (Articles 350–351): Article 350: Citizens can submit grievances in any language used in the Union or State. Article 350A: States must provide facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary level for children of linguistic minorities. Article 350B: Provides for a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities to report to the President. Article 351: The Union must promote the spread and development of Hindi, drawing from Sanskrit and other Indian languages, without harming other languages. Official Languages Act, 1963 The Official Languages Act, 1963 was enacted to regulate the use of Hindi and English for official purposes of the Union of India, especially after the expiry of the 15-year constitutional limit (1950–1965) for English use under Article 343. Key Provisions: Continuation of English: Even after 1965, English can continue to be used for official purposes of the Union alongside Hindi. This was done to avoid backlash from non-Hindi-speaking states (especially southern states like Tamil Nadu). Communication Between Union and States: Hindi or English to be used for communication between the Union and Hindi-speaking states. English to be used for communication with non-Hindi-speaking states. Optional Use of Regional Languages: States can use their own official languages for state-level administration. English translations must be provided when communicating with the Union or other states. Bilingual Communication: Central government documents, notifications, and bills should be issued in both Hindi and English. Amendment in 1967: The Official Language (Amendment) Act, 1967 ensured indefinite continuation of English along with Hindi for all official purposes. Source: PIB MSME Day 2025 Category: ECONOMICS Context : President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the MSME Day 2025 – Udyami Bharat celebrations on June 27,