Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Exercise Cope India 23 Syllabus Prelims –Defense Context: Recently, the announcement for Exercise Cope India 23 between the Indian Air Force, and the United States Air Force was made. About Exercise Cope India 23:- Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral air exercise between the Air Forces of India and the U.S. It will be held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda, and Agra. Japan will act as an observer. The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices. It will involve transporting aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces. Both sides will field the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J as well. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to field its frontline fighters SU-30MKI, Rafale and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft along with force multipliers, while the U.S. Air Force is expected to bring in F-15 fighter jets. MUST READ: India-US relations SOURCE: ANI PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) What is/are the consequence /consequences of a country becoming a member of the ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group’?(2018) It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. It automatically becomes a member of “The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)”. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: (2015) It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills It is an alliance meant for maritime security only Which of the following statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22 Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context: Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, released the report of the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22 recently. About State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22:- The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22 is developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in association with Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE). Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE):- It was formed in 2008 as a not-for-profit society. It is one of the leading organisations in India that works on creating awareness about energy efficiency as a resource. Its vision and financial support provided by various proactive energy efficiency equipment and services companies- Conzerv Systems Pvt Ltd (CSPL – since acquired by Schneider-Electric India in 2009), Schneider Electric, Thermax Limited, Grundfos Pumps India and Development Enviroenergy Services Ltd, and other practitioners and energy service companies. USAID/ECO-III project partners, International Resources Group, with support from Alliance to Save Energy provided strategic guidance and support to develop and implement AEEE’s Vision and Mission. It supports policy implementation and is an energy efficiency market enabler with a not-for-profit motive.  It promotes data-driven and evidence-based energy efficiency policies and research. Reports: State Energy Efficiency Index 2020, Cold Chain Energy Efficiency in India, and Enabling cold chain infrastructure development in India. It consists of 50 indicators (common and programme-specific) spanning 7 sectors: buildings, industry, municipal services, transport, agriculture, DISCOMs, and cross-sector. It is a tool designed to track Energy Efficiency initiatives in the states and UTs. It is released by the Ministry of Power. There are four categories in the index i.e. Front Runner, Achiever, Contender and Aspirant. Front Runner category (>60 points) It has 5 states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Telangana. Achiever Category (50-60 points): Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, Punjab. MUST READ: Renewable Energy Transition SOURCE: PIB PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) “R2 Code of Practices” constitute a tool available for promoting the adoption of (2021) Environmentally responsible practices in the electronics recycling industry Ecological management of ‘’Wetlands of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention Sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands ‘’Environmental Impact Assessment’’ in the exploitation of natural resources Q.2) According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (2020) Cassava Damaged wheat grains Groundnut seeds Horse gram Rotten potatoes Sugar beet Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2, 5 and 6 only 1, 3, 4 and 6 only 2, 3, 4 and 5 only 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 International Prize in Statistics 2023 Syllabus Prelims –Important Personalities Context: Recently, the Indian-American statistician Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao has been awarded the 2023 International Prize in Statistics. About International Prize in Statistics 2023:- International Prize in Statistics 2023 was established in 2016. It is awarded to an individual or group once every two years. It is awarded for significant breakthroughs utilising statistics to improve science, technology, and human welfare. The prize is modelled after the Nobel Prize, Abel Prize, Fields Medal, and Turing Award.  It carries an $80,000 monetary award. The International Prize in Statistics and the COPSS Presidents’ Award are the two top honours in statistics. Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao’s :- C. R. Rao, is an Indian-American mathematician and statistician.  He is currently professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University and Research Professor at the University at Buffalo. Rao has been honoured by numerous colloquia, honorary degrees, and festschrifts and was awarded the US National Medal of Science in 2002. The American Statistical Association has described him as “a living legend whose work has influenced not just statistics, but has had far reaching implications for fields as varied as economics, genetics, anthropology, geology, national planning, demography, biometry, and medicine.” The Times of India listed Rao as one of the top 10 Indian scientists of all time. In 2023, Rao was awarded the International Prize in Statistics, an award often touted as the “statistics’ equivalent of the Nobel Prize”. Rao is also a Senior Policy and Statistics advisor for the Indian Heart Association non-profit focused on raising South Asian cardiovascular disease. In 1945, Professor Rao’s article, “Information and Accuracy Attainable in the Estimation of

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Einstein’s theory of gravity Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: Recently, a new detailed map of dark matter has been found to be in agreement with Einstein’s theory of gravity. About Einstein’s theory of gravity:- Albert Einstein published his full theory of general relativity in 1915. As per this theory, no motion can exceed the speed of light. In general relativity (GR), concentrations of mass and energy curve the structure of spacetime, affecting the motion of anything passing near including light. Physicists made many exotic predictions using general relativity. Significance of the theory:- IMAGE SOURCE: Space – SciDump The theory explained the anomalous orbit of Mercury.  In 1919 when Arthur Eddington and his colleagues measured the influence of the Sun’s gravity on light from stars during a total solar eclipse. The bending of light around the Sun is small, but researchers realized the effect would be much larger for galaxies, to the point where gravity would form images of more distant objects. The phenomenon now called gravitational lensing.  The theory predicted the existence of black holes Black holes: objects with gravity so intense that nothing getting too close can escape again, not even light. General relativity showed that gravitation has a speed, which is the same as the speed of light. Catastrophic events like collisions between black holes or neutron stars produce gravitational waves. Researchers finally detected these waves in 2015 using the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Observatory (LIGO) Laser Interferometer Gravitational Observatory (LIGO): a sensitive laboratory that took decades to develop. MUST READ: Dark matter SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years? (2021) The distance among stellar bodies does not change The gravity of stellar bodies does not change Light always travels in a straight line The speed of light is always the same Q.2) Consider the following phenomena (2018) Light is affected by gravity. The Universe is constantly expanding. Matter warps its surrounding space-time. Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media? 1 and 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context:Recent studies have shown that Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in Andhra Pradesh have yielded more produce than conventional methods. About Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF):- IMAGE SOURCE: Things to know about Zero Budget Natural Farming / (SPNF) – Agrikrit Zero budget natural farming is a method of chemical-free agriculture drawing from traditional Indian practices. It was originally promoted by agriculturist and Padma Shri recipient Subhash Palekar. He developed it in the mid-1990s as an alternative to the Green Revolution’s methods driven by chemical fertilizers, pesticides and intensive irrigation. Objective: to bring down the cost of production to nearly zero and return to a pre-green revolution style of farming. The four wheels of ZBNF are:- Jiwamrita        It is a mixture of fresh cow dung and aged cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, water and soil. This is a fermented microbial culture that adds nutrients to the soil and acts as a catalytic agent to promote the activity of microorganisms and earthworms in the soil. About 200 litres of jivamrita should be sprayed twice a month per acre of land. After three years, the system is supposed to become self-sustaining. Bijamrita         It is a mix of desi cow dung and urine, water, bund soil and lime that is used as a seed treatment solution prior to sowing. Mulching         It is Covering the plants with a layer of dried straw or fallen leaves. It is meant to conserve soil moisture and keep the temperature around the roots at 25-32 degrees Celsius. It allows microorganisms to do their job. Waaphasa       It is providing water to maintain the required moisture-air balance. MUST READ: Natural farming SOURCE:DOWN TO EARTH PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements: (2022) The Tea Board is a statutory body. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 3 2 and 4 3 and 4 1 and 4 Q.2) System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practiced, results in: (2022) Reduced seed requirement Reduced methane production Reduced electricity consumption Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Doctrine of promissory estoppel Syllabus Prelims –Polity Context: Recently, Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that instead of implementing the Agnipath scheme, the government should complete the old process and cited the doctrine of promissory estoppel. About Doctrine of promissory estoppel:- IMAGE SOURCE: PPT – CONSIDERATION PowerPoint Presentation, free download – ID:6208176 (slideserve.com) The Doctrine of Promissory Estoppel works on the principle of equity, fairness and moral conscience. The doctrine of Promissory Estoppel means when an individual with an intention of forming a relationship which is lawful makes a clear promise to another individual and the latter individual acts on it, that promise becomes an obligation for the individual who made the promise.  Hence, then going back from its words is not permissible.  The law commission recommended suggestions to form a new section as Section 25A in the Indian Contract Act in the 108th report for this doctrine. No provisions as such are there which ensures availability of relief under this doctrine.  At the same time, it can be implemented on the basis of equity, to defend the aggrieved party.  The doctrine of estoppel in India is a rule of evidence included into Section 115 of The Indian Evidence Act, 1872. Promissory Estoppel’s application can invalidate the constitutional provision provided under Article 299, which talks about immunity granted against the personal

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Uttaramerur inscription Syllabus Prelims – Art and Culture Context: Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the Uttaramerur inscription in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, while discussing India’s democratic history. About Uttaramerur inscription:- IMAGE SOURCE: What are the less known facts about Tamil Nadu? – Quora The Uttaramerur inscription, dated around 920 A.D. in the reign of Parantaka Chola [907-955 A.D.]. Uttaramerur: it is situated in the Kancheepuram district, about 90 km from Chennai. The Pallava king Nandivarman II established it around 750 A.D. The Uttaramerur inscription testifies to the historical fact that nearly 1,100 years ago, a village had an elaborate and highly refined electoral system and even a written constitution prescribing the mode of elections. The details of this system of elective village democracy are inscribed on the walls of the village assembly (grama sabha mandapa), a rectangular structure made of granite slabs. The inscription gives astonishing details about the constitution of wards, the qualification of candidates standing for elections, the disqualification norms, the mode of election, the constitution of committees with elected members, the functions of those committees, the power to remove the wrongdoer, etc. The villagers even had the right to recall the elected representatives if they failed in their duty. In fact, inscriptions on temple walls in several parts of Tamil Nadu refer to village assemblies. MUST READ: Sittanavasal Jain Heritage Site SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?(2022) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture. The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets. Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethics. Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational. Q.2) Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? (2020) ”Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.” Ashoka Samudragupta Harshavardhana Krishnadeva Raya A-HELP(Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context: Recently, the Uttarakhand government launched ‘A-HELP’(Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme. About A-HELP (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme:- IMAGE SOURCE: 20th Livestock Census of India 2019 Highlights – Paper Tyari A-HELP Program is launched in the State of Uttarakhand. The ‘A-HELP’ training programme is being run jointly by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The program aims to address the healthcare needs of the livestock population in a village. In the programme, members of women self-help groups registered under the State Rural Livelihood Mission, who are helping in various animal husbandry activities in the form of Pashu Sakhi, will be trained. A-HELPs will help in artificial insemination under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), and in preventing the livestock from infectious diseases. Significance:- A-HELP is community-based women activists, who assist veterinarians in local departmental activities, help livestock farmers to take loans for entrepreneurship development, fill out applications, mark the ear tagging of animals and register them in the INAF portal and help with insurance etc. ‘A-HELP’ assistance can be taken in the implementation of various schemes and in providing information to the farmers at the grassroots level. MUST READ: Improving Livestock Breeding SOURCE: PIB PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the Department of Science and Technology Ministry of Labour and Employment NITI Aayog Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Q.2) With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements: (2018) The National ‘Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and ‘directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development. The Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority ‘(APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Exercise Orion Syllabus Prelims –Defense Context: Recently, four Rafales departed to France to take part in multilateral exercise Orion. About Exercise Orion:- It is a multinational exercise hosted by the French government. It is reportedly the largest ever multinational exercise being carried out by the French defence forces which have involved their Army, Navy and Air Force. It includes ground troops, warships, aircraft carriers and combat aircraft. It is meant to boost military cooperation and interoperability among participating nations. Participants: Besides the IAF and the FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, U.K. and U.S. would also be flying in this multilateral exercise. The IAF contingent will include four Rafale aircraft, two C-17, two IL-78 aircraft and 165 air warriors. This would be the first overseas exercise for the IAF’s Rafale aircraft. MUST READ:  India and France relations SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ in April 2016 and started implementation of its from 25th May, 2018? (2019) Australia Canada The European Union The United States of America Q.2) Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (2017) Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission Syllabus Prelims –Polity Context: Recently, the Supreme Court stated that the government may need to “re-check” report of the Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission. About Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission:- IMAGE SOURCE: Protecting Interest of Minorities From The Glass of Constitutional Armour (ipleaders.in) Ranganath Misra Commission is also called National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities. It was constituted by

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Jallianwala Bagh massacre Syllabus Prelims –Modern History Context: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was commemorated recently. About the Jallianwala Bagh massacre:- IMAGE SOURCE: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (jkdadlani.blogspot.com) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on 13th April 1919. It accounted for the gruesome execution of hundreds of innocent people by the Gurkha British Indian army on the orders of the then Anglo-Indian Brigadier R.E.H. Dyer. These people were protesting peacefully against the Rowlatt Act 1919. Rowlatt Act 1919: this act was passed on the recommendations of the Sedition Committee chaired by Sir Sidney Rowlatt. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. Significance of the event:- The Jallianwala Bagh tragedy was one of the causes that led Mahatma Gandhi to begin organising his first large-scale and sustained nonviolent protest (satyagraha) campaign, the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22). The Bengali poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore renounced the knighthood that he had received in 1915. Mahatma Gandhi gave up the title of Kaiser-i-Hind, bestowed by the British for his work during the Boer War. MUST READ: Shaheed Udham Singh SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following freedom fighters: (2022) Barindra Kumar Ghosh Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee Rash Behari Bose Who of the above was/were actively associated with the Ghadar Party? 1 and 2 2 only 1 and 3 3 only Q.2) During the Indian Freedom Struggle, why did Rowlatt Act arouse popular indignation? (2009) It curtailed the freedom of religion It suppressed the Indian traditional education It authorized the government to imprison people without trial It curbed the trade union activities Kamchatka Peninsula Syllabus Prelims –Geography Context: Russia’s most active volcano ‘The Shiveluch volcano’ in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula erupted recently. About Kamchatka Peninsula:- IMAGE SOURCE: Location of the Kamchatka Peninsula showing the main volcanoes and… | Download Scientific Diagram (researchgate.net) The Kamchatka Peninsula is a 1,250-kilometre-long peninsula in the Russian Far East. The Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk make up the peninsula’s eastern and western coastlines, respectively. Immediately offshore along the Pacific coast of the peninsula runs the 10,500-metre-deep Kuril–Kamchatka Trench. The Kamchatka Peninsula, the Commander Islands, and Karaginsky Island constitute the Kamchatka Krai of the Russian Federation. The vast majority of the 322,079 inhabitants are ethnic Russians, although about 13,000 are Koryaks (2014). The Kamchatka peninsula contains the volcanoes of Kamchatka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highest peak is the highest active volcano in Eurasia, Klyuchevskaya Sopka (4750 m). The higher parts of Kamchatka are glaciated with an area of about 900 km2 covered by 446 glaciers (Solomina et al., 2007). MUST READ: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and India – Russia Relations SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? (2022) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around the South China Sea. China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in the East China Sea. A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities. Though the International Court of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them. Q.2)Consider the following statements: (2018) The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 3 only 1 and 3 Cumbum grapes Syllabus Prelims –Geography Context: Recently, Tamil Nadu’s Cumbum grapes get a Geographical Indication tag. About Cumbum grapes:- IMAGE SOURCE: Cumbum Valley farmers reap rich harvest with off-season grapes | Chennai News – Times of India (indiatimes.com) Cumbum Panneer Thratchai, also known as Cumbum grapes. It is a variety of grapes grown in the Cumbum Valley located at the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, India. Cumbum Valley is the only place in the country where grapes are harvested around the year with three yield seasons. The unique feature is that these grapes are harvested all through the year as opposed to only during January and April in the rest of India. Economical Uses: The grapes grown are suitable for making wine, spirits, jams, canned grape juice and raisins. Since these grapes are produced in two seasons in a year, their yield and returns are exceptionally high. Grapes can be cultivated in a variety of soils including sandy loams, sandy clay loams, red sandy soils, shallow to medium black soils and red loams. Grapes generally require a hot and dry climate during their growth and fruiting periods. It is successfully grown in areas where the temperature range is from 15-40 C. MUST READ: GI tag for Narasinghapettai nagaswaram SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements: (2022) The Tea Board is a statutory body. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru. The Board has overseas offices in Dubai and Moscow. Which of the statements given above is correct? 1 and 3 2 and 4 3 and 4 1 and 4 Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2021) Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels. Which of the statements given above is correct? 1, 2, 4 and 5 3, 4 and 5 1, 3 and 4 1,2, 3 and 5 Teja Singh Sutantar Syllabus Prelims –Modern History Context: Recently, Punjab CM unveiled the statue of Teja Singh Sutantar. About Teja Singh

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Mercy petitions Syllabus Prelims –Polity Context: Recently, the Supreme Court told the authorities to not delay decisions on mercy petitions of death row convicts. About Mercy petitions:- A mercy petition is filed by a convict to change his/her punishment (especially capital) into a lesser form of punishment.  It is also called clemency petition/plea or executive clemency. It is the convict’s basic right to ask mercy from the Republican head of the State. In India, that is the President. It can be exercised after all the legal remedies were exhausted. A petition can be filed with the President (under Article 72 of the Indian Constitution) or the governor (under Article 161 of the Constitution). A convict under a death sentence is eligible to make the mercy petition.  But it should be filed within seven days, after the dismissal of her/his appeal by the Supreme Court and intimation of the same to the convict by the Superintendent of the Police (SP). The procedure of Mercy Petition:- A convict under the sentence of death is allowed to file a mercy petition within a period of seven days after the date on which the Superintendent of Jail informs him about the dismissal of the appeal or special leave to appeal by the Supreme Court. The petitions are to be presented to the President of India.  The President office seeks cabinet advice. The appeal is examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry before giving recommendations to the President, takes the view of the State concerned. There is no written procedure to deal with mercy petition. President’s pardon/rejection/delay is also subjected to judicial review. However, if a court finds that the process of the decision taken by the President under Article 72 was not arbitrary or unreasonable, the decision then cannot be interfered with. MUST READ: Death Penalty in India SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2022) Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such an accused is locked up a in police station, not in jail. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2022) When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to a such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Magnetoresistance Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: Recently, the researchers in the UK, have found that graphene displays an anomalous giant magnetoresistance (GMR) at room temperature. About Magnetoresistance:- IMAGE SOURCE: Magnetoresistance Effect uses – Bing images Magnetoresistance is a phenomenon where the electrical resistance of a conductor is affected by magnetic fields in adjacent materials. When the materials are magnetised in the same direction, the electrical resistance in the conductor is low. When the directions are opposite each other, the resistance increases. The magnetoresistance observed in the graphene-based device was found to be “almost 100 times higher than that observed in other known semimetals in this magnetic field range.” Uses:- It is used in hard disk drives and magnetoresistive RAM in computers, biosensors, automotive sensors, microelectromechanical systems, and medical imagers. GMR-based devices are particularly used to sense magnetic fields. MUST READ: Synthetic biology SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2022) Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 3 only 1 and 2 2 and 3 Q.2) With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? (2021) Sodium lamps produce light at 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps. As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer life span than LED lamps. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting. Select the correct answer using the code given below. 3 only 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Mahad Satyagraha Syllabus Prelims –Modern Indian History Context: Recently, Mahad Satyagraha by Ambedkar and the foundation event of the Dalit movement were recalled. About Mahad Satyagraha :- IMAGE SOURCE: Ambedkar – Peacockride Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Life Should Be Great Abstract Wall Poster Vinyl A3 Multicolour Amazon In Electronics | itmoneymaking (manainfinito.com) Mahad Satyagraha was first collective protest of untouchables under the leadership of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. Every year, March 20 is observed as Social Empowerment day in India to commemorate the Mahad Satyagraha. Background:- The untouchables were not allowed to use water from Mahad tank. In 1926, Municipal Board of Mahad, Maharashtra passed orders to throw open the famous tank of Mahad city to all communities. High caste Hindus opposed this order of Municipal Board.  In response, Ambedkar organised a conference to support the decision of Municipal Board.  Ambedkar, in his presidential address, stressed the necessity of rooting out ideas of highness or lowness and inculcating self-elevation through self-help, self-respect and self-knowledge. A Satyagraha Conference was organised at Mahad in 1925 which demanded that Hindu society should be organised on the basis of equality and absence of casteism. It was also resolved to burn Manusmriti, as according to Ambedkar, it perpetuated the social, economic, religious and political slavery of the untouchables. MUST READ: B R Ambedkar and Women Empowerment SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following freedom fighters: (2022) Barindra Kumar Ghosh

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary Syllabus Prelims –Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, Chhattisgarh Forest Department successfully translocated four sub-adult wild buffaloes from Assam to Chattisgarh’s Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary. About Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary:- IMAGE SOURCE: Layout map of the Barnowpara Sanctuary, Raipur Forest Division, C.G .  | Download Scientific Diagram (researchgate.net) Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary is located in the district of Raipur in Chhattisgarh. Barnawapara the name coined from village Bar and Nawapara. The rivers Balmedhi, Jonk and Mahanadi are the lifeline river which runs along the sanctuary. River Balamdehi forms the western boundary and Jonk River forms the northeastern boundary of the Sanctuary. The Balar reservoir situated inside the sanctuary supports a number of wetland birds and fishes. Flora: The sanctuary contains major vegetation of Teak, Sal and Mixed forest. Fauna: Cheetal, Sambhar, Nilgai Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, and Wild Dogs, are commonly seen. The Indian Wild Buffalo It is the state animal of Chhattisgarh (India) Habitat: mainly found in the alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps and river valleys. In India, they are generally concentrated in North East India in Kaziranga National Park, Manas and Dibru-Saikhowa National Parks, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary and Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh. Conservation Status: IUCN: Endangered Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 1. MUST READ: Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary SOURCE: THE TIMES OF INDIA PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements : (2022) Wild animals are the sole property of the government. When a wild animal is declared protected, the such animal is entitled to equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 2 only 1 and 3 3 only Q.2) Consider the following animals (2021) Hedgehog Marmot Pangolin To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protects its/their vulnerable parts? 1 and 2 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 The Olkiluoto 3 reactor Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: Recently, Europe’s most powerful nuclear reactor, The Olkiluoto 3 reactor has completed its test phase in Finland. About the Olkiluoto 3 reactor:- IMAGE SOURCE: Location of the Olkiluoto site in Finland  | Download Scientific Diagram (researchgate.net) The Olkiluoto 3 reactor is an EPR (European Pressurized Water Reactor). It is the first new-generation EPR, or European Pressurized Reactor, plant to have gone online in Europe. It is located in Finland. It is built by the French-led Areva-Siemens consortium. It is the most powerful nuclear reactor in Europe. It has a capacity of generating 1,600 megawatts. Construction of Olkiluoto 3 began in 2005. It covers approximately 14% of Finland’s electricity demand. The Olkiluoto 3 is Western Europe’s first new reactor in more than 15 years. It will help Finland to achieve its carbon neutrality targets and increase energy security. MUST READ: India’s Nuclear Energy SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years? (2022) Distance among stellar bodies does not change The gravity of stellar bodies does not change Light always travels in straight lines The speed of light is always the same                                                                         Q.2) With reference to the carbon nanotubes, consider the following statement : (2020) They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body. They can be used in biochemical sensors. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable. Which of the statements given above is correct? 1 and 2 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 G7 Climate and Environment Ministers’ meeting Syllabus Prelims –Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, the G7 Climate and Environment Ministers’ meeting concluded. About G7 Climate and Environment Ministers’ meeting:- IMAGE SOURCE: G7 Countries – WorldAtlas G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment was held in Sapporo, Japan.  The participating leaders committed to work towards ensuring carbon-free electricity production by 2035 and “accelerating” the phase-out of coal. This is significant as the G7 nations account for a quarter of global carbon emissions. Key highlights of Carbon-Free Power By 2035:- Acceleration of renewable energy: The countries agreed to accelerate solar and wind energy investments to produce 1,000 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 from solar power and 150 GW of wind power from off-shore platforms. This move is in line with recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to ensure that global temperatures do not increase by more than 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. Elimination of subsidies: The countries reaffirmed their commitment to the elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025. Phasing out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies is a key component of the Paris Agreement. Removal of government support towards fossil-fuel-driven power: The countries emphasized that, with the exception of a few clearly defined circumstances that are consistent with a 1.5°C warming limit and the goals of the Paris Agreement, they have stopped all new direct government support for unabated international thermal coal power generation by the end of 2021 and public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector in 2022. The group will each provide an update on their approach to implementation by the end of 2023. The ministers have agreed to prioritize steps toward phasing out “unabated” coal power generation plants that do not employ mechanisms to capture emissions and prevent them from escaping into the atmosphere. The G7 countries have endorsed Japan’s national strategy that emphasizes clean coal, hydrogen, and nuclear energy to

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Farm Distress Index Syllabus Context: Recently, Farm Distress Index reported farm distress in different parts of the country. About Farm Distress Index:- IMAGE SOURCE: farmer-suicide-info.jpg (800×729) (yourstory.com) Farm Distress Index is developed by Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA). CRIDA:- It is an institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. It was est. 1985 HQ: Hyderabad It is a constituent organisation of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), an autonomous body of the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. It is part of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) funded project on ‘Farmers Distress and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY)’. Farm Distress Index is an early warning system based on a 21-question survey that captures the financial, economic, and emotional health status of farmers in vulnerable areas. The index can sense imminent distress at least 3-4 months ahead of its actual occurrence. Significance: This index can be used by policymakers and the government to plan and design a timely and targeted method of supporting distressed farmers. Farm distress continues to be reported from different parts of the country. Left unattended, the distress can lead to suicides by farmers. MUST READ: Farm reforms SOURCE: BUSINESS LINE PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following activities constitute a real sector in the economy? (2022) Farmers harvesting their crops Textile mills converting raw cotton into fabrics A commercial bank lending money to a trading company A corporate body issuing Rupee Denominated Bonds overseas 1 and 2 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.2) Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes? (2020) Working capital for maintenance of farm assets harvesters, Purchase of combine tractors and mini trucks requirements of farm Consumption households Post-harvest expenses Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 5 only 1, 3 and 4 only 2,3,4 and 5 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Harpoon missiles Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: Recently, China warned the U.S. as Taiwan mulls buying 400 Harpoon missiles. About Harpoon missiles:- IMAGE SOURCE: Harpoon Missile – Think Defence Harpoon missiles are the Torpedoes lightweight missiles and Harpoon air-launched missiles. The Harpoon is a U.S.-designed subsonic antiship cruise missile. It has been in service since 1977. Numerous variants have been produced since its inception, including air-, ship-, and sub-launched versions. Salient Features:- PAYLOAD:224 kg PROPULSION: Turbojet, solid propellant RANGE:90 – 240 km SPEED: 0.85 Mach (High subsonic), 291.55 m/s RANGE: 250 km OPERATORS: United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, and Venezuela. MUST READ:  Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media? (2022) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space. A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions. A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth. A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same surface. speed and places a probe on its Q.2) The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to (2020) Voyager-2 New Horizons LISA Pathfinder Evolved LISA Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2023 Syllabus Prelims –Important Awards Context: Recently, Utsa Patnaik, a renowned economist of national and international repute, has been selected for the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2023:- About Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2023:- The award is given every year by the Malcolm & Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust. It is one of the most prestigious national awards in India. It recognizes and honours the outstanding contributions of social scientists to the field of development studies. The award includes a citation and prize money of Rs 2 lakh. The Malcolm Adiseshiah Award for distinguished contributions to Development Studies carries a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh and a citation. Malcolm Sathiyanathan Adiseshiah (1910 – 1994), was an Indian development economist and educator. In 1976 he was awarded the Padma Bhushan. Past Indian recipients:- Bina Agarwal, Professor, in 2002 Jandhyala B G Tilak, Professor, in 2003 Dipankar Gupta, Professor, in 2004 Amita Baviskar, Associate Professor, 2005 Prabhat Patnaik economist and political commentator, 2022 MUST READ: Digital India Awards SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following statements in respect of the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (2021) Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titled under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. Which of the above statements is not correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of (2017) Privileges Restraints Competition Ideology Buddhism Syllabus Prelims –Art and Culture Context: India will be hosting a two-day international Buddhist conference soon. About Buddhism:- IMAGE SOURCE: BUDDHISM FACTS – Bing images Buddhism is based upon the teachings, and life experiences of its founder Siddhartha Gautam, born circa 563 BCE. Buddha asked his followers to avoid the two extremes of indulgence in worldly pleasure and the practice of strict abstinence and asceticism. He ascribed instead the ‘Madhyam Marg’or the middle path which was to be followed. Four noble truths of Buddhism are: They are the

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Mission 50K-EV4ECO Syllabus Prelims –Economy Context: Recently, SIDBI launched a new financing solution for electric vehicle space under the scheme ‘Mission 50K-EV4ECO’. About Mission 50K-EV4ECO:- Objective: to promote the growth and development of the value chain of India’s electric vehicle industry. It is expected to promote EV adoption and strengthen associated infrastructure in the country. The project prioritizes the uptake of 2-wheeler, 3-wheeler, and 4-wheeler EVs through direct and indirect lending. The objective of this scheme is to provide access to affordable financing for electric vehicles and to develop charging infrastructure, including battery swapping. The scheme is the precursor to the EVOLVE scheme by SIDBI-World Bank. It provides better financing terms and other solutions to address the issues faced in the EV ecosystem in India. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):- SIDBI was set up in 1990, under an Act of the Indian Parliament. Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India Chairman & Managing Director: Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann It acts as the Principal Financial Institution for the Promotion, Financing and Development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector as well as for the coordination of functions of institutions engaged in similar activities. The Shares of SIDBI are held by the Government of India and twenty-two other institutions / public sector banks/insurance companies owned or controlled by the Central Government MISSION: To facilitate and strengthen credit flow to MSMEs and address both financial and developmental gaps in the MSME eco-system. VISION:- To emerge as a single window for meeting the financial and developmental needs of the MSME sector to make it strong, vibrant and globally competitive. To position SIDBI Brand as the preferred and customer-friendly institution and For enhancement of shareholder wealth and highest corporate values through a modern technology platform. SIDBI is implementing the PSIG programme funded by UKAid through Department for International Development (DFID), UK. SIDBI has been implementing the “Poorest States Inclusive Growth (PSIG) Program”. It is funded by UK Government through the Department for International Development (DFID), UK since April 2012. The program aimed at enhancing income and employment opportunities of the poor, especially women, in the four poorest States of Bihar, MP, Odisha and UP by enabling the target group to participate and benefit from wider economic opportunities and growth. The program has come to a successful end in March 2020. To take the PSIG legacy forward, Swavalamban Resource Facility (SRF) has since been launched within the P&D Vertical of the Bank. MUST READ: Deep-sea Mining for Building EV Batteries SOURCE: THE ECONOMIC TIMES PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following statements (2022) In India, credit rating agencies are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is a public limited company. Brickwork Ratings is an Indian credit rating agency. Which of the statements given above is correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing”? (2022) Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound Non-inclusion of ecological/ environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country Ignoring the consequences of disastrous ecological while infrastructure development undertaking Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC) Syllabus Prelims –Economy Context: Recently, SEBI released guidelines on an upfront contribution by issuers for LPCC’s Settlement Guarantee Fund. About Limited Purpose Clearing Corporation (LPCC):- LPCC is an entity established by SEBI. It will undertake the activity of clearing and settlement of repo rate transactions. The new framework will come into force from May 1.  Under the framework, an amount of 0.5 basis points of the issuance value of debt securities per annum based on the maturity of debt securities will be collected by the stock exchanges and placed in an escrow account before the allotment of the debt securities. This amount is applicable on a public issue or private placement of debt securities. The stock exchanges would transfer the amounts so collected to the bank account of the LPCC within one working day of the receipt of the amount and inform the details of the same to the LPCC. The details of the amounts so collected would also be disclosed by the stock exchanges on their website.  LPCC would provide an illustration of the calculation of the amounts to be contributed by the eligible issuers. AMC Repo Clearing Limited (ARCL) has been granted recognition as LPCC by SEBI. ARCL:- It was incorporated in April 2021. It is recognized in principle by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations (SECC) Regulations, 2018.  ARCL is a Central Counter Party (CCP) offering clearing and settlement services to all trades executed on NSE and BSE under triparty repo in corporate debt securities with robust risk management along with a guarantee mechanism. The mechanism will be used to settle:- disputes between clearing members contention between the clearing members and their clients differences between the LPCC and its vendors disputes between clearing members or its clients and the LPCC. The disputes arising between clearing members of the LPCC will be settled by conciliation and/or by an arbitration panel consisting of three clearing members, other than the clearing members who are party to the dispute. The decision of the arbitration panel would be final and binding on the parties. In case a clearing member or the LPCC is not satisfied then the disputes would be resolved under the procedure laid down in the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The eligible issuers would be notified by the LPCC as per its risk management policy, Significance: A well-functioning repo market contributes to the development of the debt securities market by way of boosting the liquidity of the underlying debt securities and allowing market participants to monetize their debt holdings without selling the underlying, thus meeting their temporary need for funds. MUST READ: Long-Term SOURCE: BUSINESS LINE

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Hakki Pikkis Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs Context: Members of the Hakki Pikki tribal community from Karnataka are stuck in violence-hit Sudan. About Hakki Pikkis: Source:            Indian Express Hakki in Kannada means ‘bird’ and Pikki means ‘catchers’. They are a semi-nomadic tribe, traditionally of bird catchers and hunters. They are divided into four clans, called Gujaratia, Panwar, Kaliwala, and Mewaras. There was a hierarchy among the clans, with the Gujaratia at the top and the Mewaras at the bottom. They move in groups from place to place in search of livelihood. Hakki Pikki people are believed to hail originally from the bordering districts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. They arrived in Karnataka via Andhra Pradesh, as they still remember a place called “Jalapally” near Hyderabad as their ancestral home, where their forefathers lived for a considerable period. They are now spread across south India. Their population in Karnataka is 11,892, and they live majorly in Davangere, Mysuru, Kolar, Hassan, and Shimoga districts. Source:    Indian Express Previous Year Questions Q.1) Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. Which of the statements given above are correct? (CSP 2019) 1, 2 and 3 2, 3 and 4 1, 2 and 4 1, 3 and 4 SpaceX Starship Syllabus Prelims – Science and Technology Context: SpaceX’s Starship, the world’s biggest rocket, exploded during its first test-flight to space. About Starship: Source:           https://c.realme.com SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket – collectively referred to as Starship. It is the first stage, or booster, of the Starship launch system. Powered by 33 Raptor engines using sub-cooled liquid methane (CH4) and liquid oxygen (LOX). The Raptor engine is a reusable methane-oxygen staged-combustion engine that powers the Starship system Super Heavy is fully reusable and will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere to land back at the launch site. Starship spacecraft is the second stage of the Starship system. It is also capable of point-to-point transport on Earth, enabling travel to anywhere in the world in one hour or less. It is a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. It is the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, capable of carrying up to 150 metric tons fully reusable and 250 metric tons expendable. Objectives the goal is to make Starship reusable and bring down the price to a few million dollars per flight. The eventual objective is to establish bases on the Moon and Mars and put humans on the “path to being a multi-planet civilization Source:  Indian Express Previous Year Questions Q.1) Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media? (2022) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space. A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions. A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth. A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface. Q.2) The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to Voyager-2 New Horizons LISA Pathfinder Evolved LISA Global Food Policy Report 2023 Syllabus Prelims – International Relations Context: Recently, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) published Global Food Policy Report, 2023 which said that investing in early warning systems is essential to save lives, livelihoods and money. Key highlights of the report: The report called for a more proactive response to food system shocks with a focus on three key areas: Crisis prediction and preparation Building resilience before and during crises Making crisis response supportive and inclusive of women, forced migrants and other vulnerable groups. It advocated for strengthening agrifood value chains to support livelihoods and food security during crises. It advised governments to maintain a business environment that fosters flexibility, and technical and financial innovation. In 2021, some 768 million people across the world were undernourished, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s State of Food Security and Nutrition Report. This was well above the 572 million reported in 2014. In 2022, the food insecurity was exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war and related spikes in food and fertiliser prices. In fact, the fertiliser prices rose by 199 per cent between May 2020 and the end of 2022, stated the World Economic Forum recently. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of people at risk due to food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition. In 2022, as many as 205 million people in 45 countries experienced crisis-level acute food insecurity or worse, nearly double the number in 2016, the IFPRI report highlighted. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI): It was established in 1975 and provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries. Headquarters: Washington, D.C It is a research centre of CGIAR, which is the world’s largest agricultural innovation network. Its research focuses on five strategic research areas: Fostering Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Food Supply Promoting Healthy Diets and Nutrition for Al Building Inclusive and Efficient Markets, Trade Systems, and Food Industry Transforming Agricultural and Rural Economies Strengthening Institutions and Governance Source:    DTE Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS) Syllabus Prelims – Science and Technology Context: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing Snake-like Robot Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS). NASA plans to send EELS to Enceladus. About Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS): EELS is a mobile instrument system

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) State of World Population (SOWP) Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs Context: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has recently released its report- State of World Population (SOWP). Key highlights of the report: Source:              Hindustan Times The population of the world is 8,045 million. The largest share in population has age between 15- 64 years (65%), followed by the 10-24 years (24%) and above 65 years of age (10 %). China and India accounts for the largest populations in Asia, with more than 1.4 billion each in 2022. India is now the most populous country in the world, outstripping China’s population. The rate of global population growth has fallen and is less than 1 % since 2020. India’s demography: Age group: Source: Indian Express 68% belongs to the 15-64 years and 26% belongs to the 10-24 years. Result: India is one of the youngest countries in the world with 50% of its population below the age of 25. The fertility rate in India has been steadily dropping and is lower than 2.1 children per woman. Reason of decline: use of contraceptive methods, spacing of pregnancies, access to health care, impetus to family planning, increasing wealth and education. Life expectancy for men is 71 years, while it is lower for women at 74 years. Key projections: The global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and 10.4 billion in 2100. Maximum increase till 2050 will be concentrated in: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United Republic of Tanzania. If India’s population continues to grow at the current pace, it would double from the present value in the next 75 years. Outlook for population growth Latest projections suggest that the rate of global population growth has fallen, and has been at less than 1 per cent since 2020. This is largely due to declining fertility. Around two thirds of people live in a country or area with a total fertility rate at or below 2.1 children per woman (also called “replacement fertility” rate or “zero-growth fertility” rate). In 1950 the global fertility rate stood at 5. Already 60% of the world’s population lives in a region where the fertility rate is below replacement level, up from 40% in 1990. Migration as driver of growth: It is international migration that is now the driver of growth in many countries, with 281 million people living outside their country of birth in 2020. Migration has also occurred due to war, famines, and other catastrophes. South Asia clocks some of the highest emigration trends, with India seeing an estimated net outflow of 3.5 million between 2010 and 2021. Pakistan has the highest net flow of migrants of 16.5 million during the same period. Birth rate: Despite the continuing decline in the average number of births per woman, the total annual number of births has remained stable at around 140 million since the late 1980s. It is due to the youthful age distribution of the global population. In 2021, 134 million babies were born worldwide. In the future, the number of new-borns is expected to slightly increase to reach 138 million annually between 2040 and 2045, despite the continuous decline in the average number of births per woman. In 2021, most births worldwide occurred in the two most populous regions—Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Life Expectancy: One of the reasons for population growth globally flagged by the UNFPA has been that of increasing life expectancy. Fertility rates and mortality rates have been dropping in various parts of the world with better access to health care and improving standards of living. Life expectancy among men now stands at 71 years while among women it stands at 76 years. Globally, life expectancy reached 72.8 years in 2019, an increase of almost 9 years since 1990. Source:  Hindustan Times Must Read: Demographic Dividend R21 / Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine Syllabus Prelims: Science and Technology In News: After Ghana, Nigeria’s approval of malaria vaccine will help world achieve WHO goal of reducing malaria cases, deaths by 90% by 2030. About R21 / Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine: The R21, otherwise referred to as Matrix-M malaria vaccine, is the second vaccine ever developed for a disease. The first-ever malaria vaccine, RTS, S or Mosquirix was approved by the WHO in 2021. Since 2015, 9 countries have been certified by the WHO Director-General as malaria-free, including Maldives, Sri Lanka , Kyrgyzstan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Argentina, Algeria, China (2021) and El Salvador (2021). Initiatives to Curb Malaria Global Initiatives: The WHO has also identified 25 countries with the potential to eradicate malaria by 2025 under its ‘E-2025 Initiative’. WHO has initiated the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) initiative in 11 high malaria burden countries, including India. Implementation of “High Burden to High Impact (HBHI)” initiative has been started in four states i.e. West Bengal and Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Indian Initiatives: The Government of India set a target to eliminate malaria in India by 2027. It developed a National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016-2030) National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination for 5 years. Launched in 2017 It provided a roadmap to end malaria in 571 districts out of India’s 678 districts by 2022. Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India) Established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Source:   DTE MUST READ:   CRISPR Biotechnology Previous Year Questions Q.1) In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine. Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022) 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors. Which