Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025 Category: Science and Technology Context: The Nobel Prize for Physics this year will be awarded to three scientists to tease greater insight into the workings of the quantum world.          About Nobel Prize in Physics 2025: Awardees: The Nobel Prize 2025 in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke from the University of California, Berkeley, Michel H. Devoret of Yale University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, and John M. Martinis of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Awarded for: They have been recognized for their pioneering work on the macroscopic quantum phenomena in electrical circuits, specifically the demonstration of quantum tunneling and energy quantization on a macroscopic scale. Significance: This groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of quantum mechanics in engineered systems and opened new avenues for quantum technology applications. About the experiment: Much like early insight into quantum mechanics paved the way for transistors and silicon chips in the 1950s, the three scientists devised an electrical circuit with two superconductors, components that can conduct a current without any electrical resistance. They separated these with a thin layer of material — called a Josephson junction — that did not conduct any current at all. In this experiment, they showed that they could control and investigate a phenomenon in which all the charged particles in the superconductor behave in unison, as if they are a single ‘particle’ that fills the entire circuit. Following this, they were able to demonstrate that such a particle could be made to behave simulating the flow of electricity even without voltage, a prerequisite for the flow of current. Source: The Hindu Supermoon Category: Geography Context: A supermoon was visible on the night of October 7 and will appear twice more in November and December.     About Supermoon: Feature: A supermoon occurs when a full moon or new moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to the earth in its elliptical orbit, a point known as the perigee. Reason: Because the moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle, its distance from the earth varies throughout the month by around 50,000 km. When the moon is near its perigee and also directly opposite the sun, the full moon appears about 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point. This is the supermoon. Nomenclature: The term “Supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, defining it as a special event when a full moon is within 90 percent of its closest point to Earth. Frequency: In a typical year, there may be two to four full supermoons and two to four new supermoons in a row. Impact: Supermoons influence the tides, creating perigean spring tides. These tides are slightly higher and lower than usual because the moon’s stronger gravitational pull acts in concert with that of the sun. While the changes are typically modest, they can exacerbate coastal flooding when combined with storm surges. Significance: Culturally, supermoons have long captured human imagination, inspiring folklore and spiritual observances across civilisations. They also offer opportunities for astronomers and photographers to observe lunar surface details and study tidal effects more clearly. Source: The Hindu Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Category: Economy Context: RBI is waiting for other countries to launch digital currency and is in no hurry to roll out Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) nationwide for retail, said Deputy Governor.        About Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): Nature: A CBDC is a legal tender issued by a central bank in digital form. Authorised by Central Bank: Unlike private cryptocurrencies, CBDCs are backed by the central bank, ensuring stability and trust. Objective: The main objective is to mitigate the risks and trim costs in handling physical currency, costs of phasing out soiled notes, transportation, insurance and logistics. Use of wallets: The digital fiat currency or CBDC can be transacted using wallets backed by blockchain. Difference with virtual currencies: Though the concept of CBDCs was directly inspired by Bitcoin, it is different from decentralised virtual currencies and crypto assets, which are not issued by the state and lack the ‘legal tender’ status. First country to launch: Bahamas was the first economy to launch its nationwide CBDC namely Sand Dollar in 2020. Major advantages: CBDCs leverage digital security measures, potentially reducing the risk of counterfeiting and theft compared to physical cash. Digital transactions can be settled instantly and efficiently, facilitating faster and more cost-effective payments. Programmable features could be introduced to enable targeted disbursement of government benefits or encourage specific financial behaviours, promoting financial inclusion. Challenges associated: Robust security measures are crucial to protect the e-rupee system from cyberattacks. Balancing user privacy with the need for anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism measures is a critical aspect. The RBI made CBDC non-remunerative and non-interest-bearing to mitigate potential risks of bank disintermediation. Source: The Hindu Periyar Tiger Reserve Category: Environment and Ecology Context: A 32-year-old forest watcher in the Periyar Tiger Reserve was found dead in the Ponnambalamedu forest area in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. About Periyar Tiger Reserve: Nomenclature: It is named after the Periyar River, which originates within the reserve. Location: It is situated in the Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala. It is set high at Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the Western Ghats, adjacent to the border with Tamil Nadu. Formation: It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 and later declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Terrain: The terrain is hilly and undulating with a maximum altitude of 2016 m. The highest peak is Kottamala (2016 m). Vegetation: It comprises tropical evergreen forests, semi- evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, transitional fringe evergreen forests, grasslands, and eucalyptus plantations. Drainage: Major rivers flowing through the reserve are the Periyar and Mullayar. Dams: Mullaperiyar Dam is located within the PTR.  Flora and fauna: Important flora includes teak, mangoes, rosewood, jamun, jacarandas, terminalias, tamarind, royal ponciana, bamboo, etc. Fauna includes Elephants, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Dole or Barking Deer, Indian Wild Dog, and Tiger.

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025 Category: Miscellaneous Context: The annual Nobel Week kicked off with three scientists, sharing the Nobel Prize in Medicine for unravelling tantalising aspects of the human immune system. About Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025: Awardees: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary E. Bruncko, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi. Awarded for: They were awarded for discovering the mechanism and key constituents of the so-called ‘peripheral immune tolerance’, a fundamental mechanism that prevents our immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues. Identification of T-cells: Their collaborative research identified Regulatory T cells (Tregs), specialized immune cells that act as “guardians” to prevent the immune system from mistakenly attacking the body’s own cells. The discovery of the Foxp3 gene revealed its crucial role in the development of Treg cells and in controlling immune tolerance. Significance: Their discovery has helped blaze new paths into treating cancer as well as auto-immune disease, a condition by which the immune system ends up harming healthy cells they are meant to protect. This may also lead to more successful transplantations. Several of these treatments are now undergoing clinical trials. Contribution of Shimon Sakaguchi: He made the first key discovery in 1995. At the time, many researchers were convinced that immune tolerance only developed due to potentially harmful immune cells being eliminated through a process called central tolerance. Mr. Sakaguchi showed that the immune system is more complex and discovered a previously unknown class of immune cells, which protects the body from autoimmune diseases. Contributions of Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell: They made the other key discovery in 2001, when they presented the explanation for why a specific mouse strain was particularly vulnerable to autoimmune diseases. They had discovered that mice have a mutation in a gene that they named Foxp3. They also showed that mutations in the human equivalent of this gene triggered a serious autoimmune disease, IPEX. Two years after this, Mr. Sakaguchi was able to link these discoveries. He proved that the Foxp3 gene governs the development of the cells he identified in 1995. These cells, now known as ‘regulatory T cells’, monitor other immune cells and ensure that our immune system tolerates our own tissues. Source: The Hindu Lingayats Category: History and Culture Context: Karnataka Minister countered the demand for a separate religious status for Lingayats, and said that “no force can separate Veerashaivas and Lingayats” in the State. About Lingayats: Nature: Lingayats are followers of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and his vachana (verses) philosophy, which emphasized equality, social justice, and devotion, rejecting Brahmanical authority, temple worship, and caste distinctions. Shaivite: They are a Shaivite sect in Hinduism that emerged in Karnataka during the reign of the Kalachuri dynasty. Basavanna, a minister in the court of Kalachuri King Bijjala (1157-67 CE), was the key proponent of Lingayatism. Worship of Ishtalinga: They promoted work as worship and offered spiritual enlightenment for all, including householders and artisans. Lingayats worship ishtalinga, a formless God, and reject rituals, focusing on honest labour and social redistribution. Rejected Brahmanical Authority: They prioritized direct worship of Shiva and rejected the Vedic authority, the caste system, and Brahmin ceremonies. Fostered social reforms: They encouraged post-puberty marriage, re-marriage of widows, and the promotion of inter-caste relationships. Anubhava Mantapa: Basavanna established the Anubhava Mantapa, a “Hall of Experience,” where people from all social backgrounds could gather, discuss religious and social issues, and share their experiences. Questioned theory of re-births: They bury their dead instead of cremating them (as they believe that devotees will be united with Shiva and will not return to this world). Gave importance to compassion: They stressed the importance of being a compassionate and socially productive human being in this world and in this life. Kayaka as means of worship: They considered all forms of labour and means of livelihood (kayaka) a form of worship. They provided the honest earnings from labour (kayaka), which are primarily used for social redistribution, called ‘dasoha’. Distribution: Lingayats are found primarily in Karnataka, where Lingayats comprise a major population. They are also found in significant numbers in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Difference with Veershaivas: Veerashaivism, a sect deeply rooted in the Vedas and Agamas, centres solely around the worship of Lord Shiva as mentioned in Hindu mythology. Its followers are devoted to five religious centres known as Pancha Peethas, which are established similarly to the four peethas set up by Adi Shankara. Source: The Hindu Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010 Category: Polity and Governance Context: Finance Minister said that government intends to amend Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act as deliberations within the government continue on bringing in new legislation to allow the private sector to operate nuclear plants in India. About Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010: Nature: It is India’s nuclear liability law ensuring compensation for victims and defining responsibility for nuclear accidents. In sync with CSC: It aligns with the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC, 1997), adopted post-Chernobyl to set global minimum compensation standards. India ratified CSC in 2016. Follows global conventions: It follows the nuclear liability principles of the Vienna Convention 1963, Paris Convention 1960, and Brussels Supplementary Convention 1963. Puts a cap on operator liability: The Act imposes strict, no-fault liability on operators, caps operator liability at Rs 1,500 crore. Provision for intervention of government: If damage claims exceed Rs 1,500 crore, the CLNDA expects the government to intervene. The government’s liability is capped at the rupee equivalent of 300 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), roughly Rs 2,100 to Rs 2,300 crore.  Nuclear Damage Claims Commission: The Act also establishes a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission to ensure fair compensation and resolve conflicts.  Supplier Liability: India’s CLNDA is unique as it introduces supplier liability under Section 17(b), enabling operators to seek recourse against suppliers; unlike global frameworks like the CSC, which place liability solely on the operator.  Broadens supplier responsibility: Unlike CSC, which allows recourse only for contractual breaches or intentional acts,

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Category: Polity and Governance Context: Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) president Hagrama Mohilary was sworn in as the Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). About Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC): Location: It is an autonomous region in the state of Assam in India. Composition: It is made up of four districts (Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri) on the north bank of the Brahmaputra river, surrounded by the foothills of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Jurisdiction: The area under the jurisdiction of BTC, formed under the 2003 Accord, was called the Bodo Territorial Autonomous District (BTAD). Sixth Schedule: BTC is an area governed under the 6th schedule. However, BTC is an exception to the constitutional provision under the 6th schedule. Members: It can constitute up to 46 members out of which 40 are elected. Of these 40 seats, 35 are reserved for the Scheduled Tribes and non-tribal communities, five are unreserved and the rest six are nominated by the governor from underrepresented communities of the BTAD. Separate State: The first organised demand for a Bodo state came in 1967-68 under the banner of the political party called Plains Tribals Council of Assam. Assam Accord: In 1985, when the Assam Movement culminated in the Assam Accord, many Bodos saw it as essentially focusing on the interests of the Assamese-speaking community. Evolution of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC): The first Bodo Accord was signed with the ABSU in 1993, leading to the creation of a Bodoland Autonomous Council with limited political powers. The second Bodo Accord was agreed to create a self-governing body for the Bodo Areas in the State of Assam. In pursuance of this, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) was created in 2003 with some more financial and other powers. The third Bodo Accord was signed in 2020. It promised more legislative, executive and administrative autonomy under the Sixth Schedule to Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and expansion of the BTC territory in lieu of statehood. Source: The Hindu Hilsa Fish Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Bangladesh’s defence force said it has deployed warships and patrol aircraft to protect Hilsa fish from illegal fishing during its spawning season. About Hilsa Fish: State fish: It is the state fish of West Bengal and the national fish of Bangladesh. Clupeidae family: It is a species of fish belonging to the Clupeidae family, which includes herring fish. Uniqueness: It is also called Ilish and holds an exceptional position in the culinary customs and social practices of Bengal. It is a fish that is highly prized because of its delicate flavour, distinct taste, and silky texture. Location: It is found in rivers and estuaries in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, and the Persian Gulf area. They travel to rivers like the Ganges River and Godavari River in India. Lifespan: Hilsa fish live in both saltwater and freshwater. They spend most of their lives in the ocean. However, when it’s time to lay their eggs, they swim up into rivers. This journey is called a migration.  Appearance: Hilsa fish have a silvery body. They are quite flat and have a pointed head.  Weight: Hilsa can grow up to about 50 cm, weighing more than 3 kg. They are known for their many small bones. Conservation Status: It is classified as ‘Least Concern’ under the IUCN Red List. Source: The Hindu Kaziranga National Park Category: Environment and Ecology Context: A female calf born to one of the oldest elephants in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has been named Mayabini to honour Zubeen Garg. About Kaziranga National Park: Nature: It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain. Location: It is situated in the north-eastern part of India in the state of Assam. Terrain: It is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes, and shallow pools. Rivers: The River Diffalu, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows through the National Park while another tributary, Moradifalu, flows along its southern boundary. Flora: It is primarily famous for its dense and tall elephant grasses intermixed with small swamplands. It also includes an abundant cover of water lilies, water hyacinths and lotus. Fauna: Many endangered and threatened species like Rhino, Tiger, Eastern swamp deer, Elephant, Buffalo, Hoolock gibbon, Capped langur, and Gangetic River dolphin are commonly found in the habitat. Uniqueness: It is inhabited by the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals. National Park: It was declared as a National Park in 1974. Tiger Reserve: It has been declared a tiger reserve since 2007. It has a total tiger reserve area of 1,030 sq km with a core area of 430 sq. km. UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1985, the park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.          Source: The Hindu International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Category: International Relations Context: Iran’s top diplomat said that cooperation with the IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog was no longer relevant following the reimposition of international sanctions on it. About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Nature: IAEA is an intergovernmental organisation that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. Establishment: It was established in 1957 as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organisation within the UN, and governed by its own founding treaty, viz. the Statute of the IAEA. Main functions: The IAEA works to ensure that nuclear technology is used solely for peaceful purposes. It applies comprehensive nuclear safeguards, including: Monitoring, On-site inspections, Information analysis, and Other techniques to verify peaceful use. Relations with UN: It reports to both the UNGA and the UNSC and is headquartered at the UN Office at Vienna, Austria Distinction: In 2005, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its work for a safe and peaceful world. Membership: The IAEA has 180 member states, India being one of the founding members of it. Institutional structure: The General Conference, composed of all member states, meets annually to approve budgets and