Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Model Prisons Act 2023 Syllabus Prelims : Polity Context:  Recently , The Centre has finalised a comprehensive ‘Model Prisons Act, 2023’ to replace the pre-independence era ‘Prisons Act, 1894’ which mainly focused on keeping criminals in custody and enforcing discipline and order in prisons. The Model Prisons Act, 2023, is being introduced following the spate of killings and gang violence within prisons. One such incident was the killing of 33-year-old Tillu Tajpuriya, who was allegedly stabbed to death by members of a  rival gang inside Tihar jail. About Model Prisons Act 2023 The current ‘Prisons Act, 1894’ is almost 130 years old and mainly focuses on keeping criminals in custody and enforcing discipline and order in prisons, with no provision for reform and rehabilitation. MHA assigned the task of revising the Prisons Act, 1894, to the Bureau of Police Research and Development. Under the new Act, prisons will be viewed as reformative and correctional institutions, with a focus on transforming and rehabilitating inmates back into society as law-abiding citizens. The Model Prisons Act, 2023 aims to ; Address the gaps in the existing Prisons Act by providing guidance on the use of technology in prison management. Make provisions for parole, furlough, and remission to prisoners to encourage good conduct. Special provisions for women and transgender inmates. Focus on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Features of the new Model Prisons Act; Some salient features of the new Model Prisons Act include Provision for security assessment and segregation of prisoners. Individual sentence planning. Grievance redressal. The establishment of a prison development board. A focus on the physical and mental well-being of prisoners. Use of technology in prison administration, such as video conferencing with courts and scientific and technological interventions in prisons. Punishment of prisoners and jail staff for using prohibited items like mobile phones in jails. New provisions being proposed;  It seeks to create provisions for the grant of parole, furlough, and remission to prisoners to encourage good conduct. It aims to provide separate accommodation for women and transgender inmates, ensure the physical and mental well-being of prisoners, and focus on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. It also intends to bring about “attitudinal change towards prisoners” and initiate vocational training and skill development for prisoners for their reintegration into society. It also seeks to bring about “transparency in prison management” . Is the Model Prisons Act, 2023, binding on states? As per the provisions of the Constitution, ‘prisons’ and ‘persons detained therein’ fall under the State List. This means that the responsibility of prison management and administration solely vests with the state government, which alone is competent to make appropriate legislative provisions in this regard. So, the ministry also clarified while announcing the 2023 Act that it “may serve as a guiding document for the States” so that they may benefit from its adoption in their jurisdictions. Prisons Act, of 1894; It defined a “prison” as “any jail or place used permanently or temporarily under the general or special orders of a State Government for the detention of prisoners”, excluding police custody and subsidiary jails. It demarcated prisoners into three different categories according to the nature of their crimes, such as “criminal prisoner”, “convicted criminal prisoner” and “civil prisoner”. The 1894 Act dealt with provisions for accommodation, food, clothing, bedding segregation, and the discipline of prisoners, including solitary confinement. It also laid down provisions for the prisoners’ employment, health, and visits. Flaws in 1894 Act The act had no provisions for reformation or rehabilitation and permitted “whipping, provided that the number of stripes shall not exceed thirty,” albeit for only male prisoners. This Act did not apply to “civil jails in the State of Bombay, outside the city of Bombay, and those jails administered under the provisions of Sections 9–16 of the Bombay Act, 1874. The Prisoners Act 1900 It was introduced with the objective of consolidating the “several acts relating to prisoners” and replacing the “separate enactments by a single act, expressed more simply and intelligibly.” Presently, the jail manuals of each state also deal with the administration and management of its prisons. PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION Q1. Consider the following statements: (2023) Statement-I: In India, prisons are managed State Governments with their own rules and regulations for the day-to-day administration of prisons. Statement-II: In India, prisons are governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which expressly kept the subject of prisons in the control of Provincial Governments. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I Both Statement-1 and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct SOURCE: The Indian Express Navigation With Indian Constellation (NavIC) Syllabus Prelims : Science and Technology Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the first of the second-generation satellites for its navigation constellation. The 2,232 kg satellite, the heaviest in the constellation, was launched by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket that lifted off from Sriharikota. About Navigation With Indian Constellation (NavIC) NavIC was erstwhile known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). It was developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its commercial wing ANTRIX. NavIC consists of 8 satellites located at a distance of approximately 36,000 Km and currently, 7 satellites are active. 3 satellites are in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) 5 satellites are in inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) Objective of the NavIC To provide navigation, timing, and reliable positioning services in and around India. It is being designed to give precise position data service to users located in India and also to users in the area out-spreading up to 1500 Km from India’s boundary. Other Countries with Navigation Satellite System Global Positioning System (GPS)- USA GLONASS – Russia Galileo – European Union BeiDou – Chinese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) – Japan PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION Q1. Which one of the following countries has its own

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Global Hunger Hotspots Syllabus Prelims : Economics Context:  According to a new report published by United Nations, several parts of the world faces increase in acute food insecurity. India’s neighbors, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar, are among the hunger hotspots in the world. About Global Hunger Hotspots: Acute food insecurity can potentially increase in magnitude and severity for 18 areas in 22 countries, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP). Findings of the report titled “Hunger Hotspots FAO‑WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity”: Highest concern level countries: Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen Haiti, Burkina Faso and Mali. Highest concern level countries have populations facing or projected to face starvation or are at risk of deterioration towards catastrophic conditions, given they already have critical food insecurity and are facing severe aggravating factors. These countries require the most urgent attention. Hotspots with very high concern countries: Pakistan, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Syrian Arab Republic and Myanmar. These hotspots have many people facing critical acute food insecurity, coupled with worsening drivers that are expected to intensify life‑threatening conditions in the coming months. Hunger hotspot countries: Lebanon, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Malawi, Guatemala and Honduras.  Major Reasons   Global food crisis Eruption of conflict due to organized violence and armed conflict and these Conflict disrupt livelihoods Economic concerns continue to drive acute food insecurity Weather extremes, such as heavy rains, tropical storms, cyclones, flooding, drought and increased climate variability, remain significant drivers in some countries and regions Recommendations Urgent and scaled-up assistance is required in all hunger hotspots to protect livelihoods and increase access to food. Address existing humanitarian needs and ensure short‑term protective interventions before new needs materialize. Must Read: Food Security in India. SOURCE: Down to Earth PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q1. Which of the following is/are the indicator/ indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? (2016) Undernourishment Child stunting Child mortality Select the correct answer using the code given below:  1 only  2 and 3 only  1, 2 and 3 1 and 3 only Q2. Very recently, in which of the following countries have lakhs of people either suffered from severe famine/acute malnutrition or died due to starvation caused by war/ethnic conflicts? (2018)  Angola and Zambia  Morocco and Tunisia Venezuela and Colombia  Yemen and South Sudan Ternary Nanoparticles Syllabus Prelims : Science and Technology Context: A recent study has shown that new nanostructures system can be used to solve environmental problems and the weakness of renewable energy source. About Ternary Nanoparticles: Ternary nanoparticles are nanoparticles composed of three different types of materials or elements. These nanoparticles consist of a combination of three distinct components, which can be metals, metal oxides, semiconductors, or other materials. The term “ternary” indicates the presence of three components in the nanoparticle’s composition. Properties of Ternary Nanoparticles It exhibit a range of unique properties that arise from the combination of three different materials or elements. Ternary nanoparticles offer the ability to fine-tune the composition by adjusting the relative ratios of the three components. This allows researchers to tailor the properties of the nanoparticles to meet specific requirements Ternary nanoparticles can exhibit improved stability compared to their binary counterparts. Ternary nanoparticles can possess multiple functionalities due to the combination of different materials. Ternary nanoparticles often exhibit interesting optical properties, such as enhanced absorption or emission spectra, due to the interaction between different components. Ternary nanoparticles can be synthesized with precise control over their size, shape, and morphology. Applications Ternary Nanoparticles These are employed as catalysts in various chemical reactions. Ternary nanoparticles are used in energy storage and conversion devices. These with specific optical and electronic properties are utilized in photovoltaic devices such as solar cells also used in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, and displays. It is employed in biomedical imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and fluorescence imaging. These are used as carriers for controlled and targeted drug delivery. Ternary nanoparticles are explored for environmental applications, such as water purification and air pollution control. SOURCE: Nature.com PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION Q1.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 same 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 All India Survey of Higher Education Syllabus Prelims :Polity Context:  The All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) Survey 2020-21 conducted under the Ministry of Education found that the Muslim community’s enrolment in higher education declined at a time when the enrolment of SCs, STs and OBCs improved. About All India Survey of Higher Education All India Survey of Higher Education is an annual web-based survey, which started in 2010-11 and conducted by Ministry of Education. Various parameters of data collection includes teachers, student enrolment, programmes, examination results, education finance, and infrastructure. For the first time, the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of India have filled their data using an entirely online data collection platformthrough the Web Data Capture Format (Web DCF) developed by the Department of Higher Education and the National Informatics Centre (NIC). Key findings from the report: Gross Enrolment Ratio(GER) for all enrolments (as per 2011 Census) increased by over 2 points to 27.3. The female enrolment in higher educationprogrammes had increased to 49% of total enrolments in 2020-21 compared to 45% in 2019-20. SC: More SC students who were enrolled in 2020-21 compared two lakh to the previous year. ST: The year also saw about three lakh more ST students and six lakh more OBC students being enrolled for higher education. The proportion of Muslim students enrolling for higher education dropped to 4.6% in 2020-21 from 5.5% in 2019-20 During2020-21, the number of universities has increased by 70, and the number of colleges has increased by 1,453. The female per 100 male faculty has improved to 75 in 2020-21 from 74 in 2019-20

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Telangana’s woollen gongadi shawls Syllabus Prelims – Art and Culture Context: Recent initiatives to refashion Telangana’s woollen gongadi shawls into shoes for farmers have been observed. About Telangana’s woollen gongadi shawls:- Gongadi is the traditional woollen blanket woven by the indigenous Kuruma communities. It is made from the wool of the indigenous Deccani sheep, which is locally known as Nalla gorrae. Nalla gorrae: it is a breed of sheep found in the Deccan Plateau region. (UPSC MAINS: Landform formation due to volcanic eruptions) The blanket is famous for its durability and versatility. It lasts for more than a decade due to its unique hand weaving. (UPSC CSE: Textile Industry in India) Unique natures of gongadi = it does not fade but grows darker in time. The traditional gongadi is produced organically, without using any dyes either natural or synthetic. Sizing of the strings is done using the paste of soaked and cooked tamarind seeds. MUST READ: Hyderabad lac bangles set to get GI tag SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following pairs: (2018) Crafts                                       Heritage of Puthukkuli Shawls             Tamil Nadu Sujni Embroidery             Maharashtra Uppada Jamdani saris      Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is /are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 3 only 2 and 3 Q.2) Kalamkari painting refers to (2015) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India. a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in NorthEast India. a block-painted woollen cloth in the Western Himalayan region of India. a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India. Tele-Law programme Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context: According to recent reports the Tele-Law programme has achieved a new milestone with 40 lakh beneficiaries across the country. About the Tele-Law programme:- IMAGE SOURCE: CODESSLIDE.IN The Tele-Law programme was launched in (UPSC CSE: Tele-Law) Ministry/ministries: Ministry of Law and Justice and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Objective: the programme connects the disadvantaged section with a panel of lawyers through an e-interface platform. It uses video conferencing facilities and telephone services to connect lawyers to litigants who need legal advice. It is to facilitate the delivery of legal advice through a panel of lawyers stationed at the State Legal Services Authorities (SALSA) and CSC (Common service centres). (UPSC CSE: NALSA) The service is free for those who are eligible for free legal Aid under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987. For all others, a nominal fee is charged. MUST READ: Citizens’ Tele-Law Mobile App SOURCE: AIR PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of the “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India? (2018) Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Regarding Digi Locker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016) It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location. Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Kanger Valley National Park Syllabus Prelims –Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, a rare mouse deer was caught on a camera trap set up at Kanger Valley National Park. About Kanger Valley National Park:- IMAGE SOURCE: SLIDESHARE Kanger valley national park is situated in Jagdalpur, It was established as a national park in the year (UPSC CSE: Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZ) ) It derives its name from the Kanger River that flows through it. The Cuddapah group of rock formations, as well as the Vindhyan group of rock formations, are the most prevalent rock formations in the park. The state bird of Chattisgarh, the Bastar Hill Myna, is the most famous species in this area.It can imitate human voices. Kutumbasar, Kailash, and Dandak are three caves in the park, known for their geological features of stalagmites and stalactites. Fauna: Tigers, Leopards, Mouse Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrel, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Pythons, Cobra, Snakes etc. (UPSC CSE: Chhattisgarh’s state animal, Wild buffalo, close to extinction) Flora: Teak, Haldu, Sal, Tendu, Mahua, Saja, Bija, Dhavara, Tinsa, , Mahulbel, Amarbel, Bandha etc. MUST READ: Indravati Tiger Reserve SOURCE: THE TIMES OF INDIA PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following Protected Areas are located in the Cauvery basin? (2020) Nagarhole National Park Papikonda National Park Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.2) Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous? (2020) Kanha National Park Manas National Park Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary Foucault pendulum Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: A Foucault’s Pendulum, was installed in the new Parliament building inaugurated recently. About Foucault’s Pendulum:- IMAGE SOURCE: si.edu The Foucault pendulum is a device that proves the Earth’s rotation. A French scientist, Leon Foucault invented the Foucault pendulum. Historical Context: In 1851, the Foucault pendulum experiment conclusively demonstrated the Earth’s rotation, settling debates about the planet’s movement. (UPSC MAINS: What is Geomagnetism?) Working: The pendulum consists of a heavy iron ball suspended by a steel wire and swings in a plane, mimicking the Earth’s rotation on its axis. A Foucault pendulum always rotates clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. The rate of rotation depends on the latitude. (UPSC CSE: Climate change causing a shift in Earth’s axis) The rate

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Small Finance Banks Syllabus Prelims –Economy Context: Recent reports suggest that Small Finance Banks have revolutionised banking services in rural and semi-urban areas. About Small Finance Banks:- IMAGE SOURCE: tnpscthervupettagam.com Small Finance Banks are the financial institutions, which provide financial services to the unserved and unbanked region of the country. They are registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013. Minimum paid-up capital– 100 cr. Capital adequacy ratio – 15% of risk-weighted assets. Foreign shareholding capped at 74% of paid capital. Foreign Portfolio investment ( FPIs) cannot be more than 24%. Priority sector lending requirement of 75% of total adjusted net bank credit. (UPSCE MAINS: Micro finance has the ability to unleash rural India’s entrepreneurial zeal.) Eligibility Criteria:- Resident individuals/professionals, having at least 10 years of experience in banking and finance can start Small Finance Banks with the approval of RBI. Existing Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), and Local Area Banks (LABs) in the private sector. (UPSC CSE: Digital Banks) Indian residents and have a successful record of accomplishment of running their businesses for at least a period of five years must control these. Joint ventures for setting up small finance banks are not permitted. Functions:- Take small deposits and disburse loans. Distribute mutual funds, insurance products and other simple third-party financial products. Lend 75% of their total adjusted net bank credit to priority sector. (Revised Priority Sector Lending Guidelines). Maximum loan size would be 10% of capital funds to single borrower, 15% to a group. Minimum 50% of loans should be up to 25 lakhs. MUST READ: Inclusive Growth SOURCE: THE PRINT PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) In India, the Central Bank’s function as the “lender of last resort” usually refers to which of the following? (2020) Lending to trade and industry bodies when they fail to borrow from other sources Providing liquidity to the banks having a temporary crisis Lending to governments to finance budgetary deficits Select the correct answer using the code given below 1 and 2 2 only 2 and 3 3 only Q.2) With reference to Urban Cooperative Banks in India, consider the following statements: (2021) They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments. They can issue equity shares and preference shares. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, of 1949 through an Amendment in 1996 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 World’s largest grain storage plan Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a programme for “world’s largest grain storage”. About World’s largest grain storage plan:- This scheme intends to construct grain storage facilities in the cooperative sector. Every block will have a dedicated godown with a capacity of 2,000 tonnes. Objective: to revolutionize the storage and distribution of food grains, ensuring their preservation and availability across the country. Supervision of the scheme: an inter-ministerial committee will oversee implementation. Schemes identified for convergence under the Plan:- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare:- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI) Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) Ministry of Food Processing Industries:- Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution:- Allocation of food grains under the National Food Security Act Procurement operations at Minimum Support Price Benefits:- The plan aims to address not just the shortage of agricultural storage infrastructure. (UPSC MAINS: Evaluate the storage mechanism for agricultural produce in India. ) Functioning as Procurement centres for State Agencies/ Food Corporation of India (FCI) Creation of decentralised storage capacity- it would reduce food grain wastage and strengthen the food security of the country. Providing various options to the farmers-, it would prevent the distressed sale of crops, thus enabling the farmers to realise better prices for their produce. Reduce the cost incurred in the transportation of food grains to procurement centres. MUST READ: Free Foodgrain Scheme SOURCE: THE HINDUSTAN TIMES PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past? (2020) Minimum Support Price Government’s trading Government’s stockpiling Consumer subsidies Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.2) In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (2020) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies Social Capital Development Free electricity supply to farmers Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system Setting up cold storage facilities by the governments. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 5 only 1, 3, 4 and 5 only 2, 3 and 6 only 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Chytridiomycosis Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: Recently, scientists developed a diagnostic test for Chytridiomycosis. About Chytridiomycosis:- IMAGE SOURCE: SLIDESERVE.COM Chytridiomycosis is a fungal disease in frog populations. (UPSC CSE: White fungus) It has caused severe declines in over 500 frog species and led to 90 extinctions, making it the deadliest animal disease known. (UPSC CSE: Mucormycosis ) How does it infect? It infects frogs skin. This damages their ability to balance water and salt levels. Origin- the disease originated in Asia. It spread globally through amphibian trade and travel. Mortality rate- extremely high. Natural immunity:- Some amphibian species have some form of natural immune resistance and do not become sick when they carry the fungus. This Immunity might come from anti-microbial chemicals within the skin, symbiotic bacteria on the skin, white blood cells and antibodies in the blood, or combinations of these mechanisms. So far, no clear trend has been

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Small Finance Banks Syllabus Prelims –Economy Context: Recent reports suggest that Small Finance Banks have revolutionised banking services in rural and semi-urban areas. About Small Finance Banks:- IMAGE SOURCE: tnpscthervupettagam.com Small Finance Banks are the financial institutions, which provide financial services to the unserved and unbanked region of the country. They are registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013. Minimum paid-up capital– 100 cr. Capital adequacy ratio – 15% of risk-weighted assets. Foreign shareholding capped at 74% of paid capital. Foreign Portfolio investment ( FPIs) cannot be more than 24%. Priority sector lending requirement of 75% of total adjusted net bank credit. (UPSCE MAINS: Micro finance has the ability to unleash rural India’s entrepreneurial zeal.) Eligibility Criteria:- Resident individuals/professionals, having at least 10 years of experience in banking and finance can start Small Finance Banks with the approval of RBI. Existing Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), and Local Area Banks (LABs) in the private sector. (UPSC CSE: Digital Banks) Indian residents and have a successful record of accomplishment of running their businesses for at least a period of five years must control these. Joint ventures for setting up small finance banks are not permitted. Functions:- Take small deposits and disburse loans. Distribute mutual funds, insurance products and other simple third-party financial products. Lend 75% of their total adjusted net bank credit to priority sector. (Revised Priority Sector Lending Guidelines). Maximum loan size would be 10% of capital funds to single borrower, 15% to a group. Minimum 50% of loans should be up to 25 lakhs. MUST READ: Inclusive Growth SOURCE: THE PRINT PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) In India, the Central Bank’s function as the “lender of last resort” usually refers to which of the following? (2020) Lending to trade and industry bodies when they fail to borrow from other sources Providing liquidity to the banks having a temporary crisis Lending to governments to finance budgetary deficits Select the correct answer using the code given below 1 and 2 2 only 2 and 3 3 only Q.2) With reference to Urban Cooperative Banks in India, consider the following statements: (2021) They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments. They can issue equity shares and preference shares. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, of 1949 through an Amendment in 1996 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 World’s largest grain storage plan Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a programme for “world’s largest grain storage”. About World’s largest grain storage plan:- This scheme intends to construct grain storage facilities in the cooperative sector. Every block will have a dedicated godown with a capacity of 2,000 tonnes. Objective: to revolutionize the storage and distribution of food grains, ensuring their preservation and availability across the country. Supervision of the scheme: an inter-ministerial committee will oversee implementation. Schemes identified for convergence under the Plan:- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare:- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI) Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) Ministry of Food Processing Industries:- Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution:- Allocation of food grains under the National Food Security Act Procurement operations at Minimum Support Price Benefits:- The plan aims to address not just the shortage of agricultural storage infrastructure. (UPSC MAINS: Evaluate the storage mechanism for agricultural produce in India. ) Functioning as Procurement centres for State Agencies/ Food Corporation of India (FCI) Creation of decentralised storage capacity- it would reduce food grain wastage and strengthen the food security of the country. Providing various options to the farmers-, it would prevent the distressed sale of crops, thus enabling the farmers to realise better prices for their produce. Reduce the cost incurred in the transportation of food grains to procurement centres. MUST READ: Free Foodgrain Scheme SOURCE: THE HINDUSTAN TIMES PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past? (2020) Minimum Support Price Government’s trading Government’s stockpiling Consumer subsidies Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.2) In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (2020) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies Social Capital Development Free electricity supply to farmers Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system Setting up cold storage facilities by the governments. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 5 only 1, 3, 4 and 5 only 2, 3 and 6 only 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Chytridiomycosis Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: Recently, scientists developed a diagnostic test for Chytridiomycosis. About Chytridiomycosis:- IMAGE SOURCE: SLIDESERVE.COM Chytridiomycosis is a fungal disease in frog populations. (UPSC CSE: White fungus) It has caused severe declines in over 500 frog species and led to 90 extinctions, making it the deadliest animal disease known. (UPSC CSE: Mucormycosis ) How does it infect? It infects frogs skin. This damages their ability to balance water and salt levels. Origin- the disease originated in Asia. It spread globally through amphibian trade and travel. Mortality rate- extremely high. Natural immunity:- Some amphibian species have some form of natural immune resistance and do not become sick when they carry the fungus. This Immunity might come from anti-microbial chemicals within the skin, symbiotic bacteria on the skin, white blood cells and antibodies in the blood, or combinations of these mechanisms. So far, no clear trend has been

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) KAVACH Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: The recent train tragedy in Odisha has brought to the surface the need for KAVACH in preventing rail accidents. Kavach was not available on this route. About KAVACH:- IMAGE SOURCE: newssimplified.in KAVACH is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) electronic system designed to help the Indian Railways achieve Zero Accidents. Objective: to achieve safety in train operations across Indian Railways. Development:- It has been indigenously developed. It is developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with the Indian industry. Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO): it is a research and development organisation under the Ministry of Railways. Working of KAVACH:- It has a set of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices installed in locomotives, in the signalling system as well as the tracks. (UPSC CSE: RFID) These connect to each other using ultra-high radio frequencies to control the brakes of trains. It also alerts drivers, all based on the logic programmed into them. (UPSC MAINS: KAVACH) It is a Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4) certified technology. Safety Integrity Level (SIL): it comes from two voluntary standards used by plant owners/operators to quantify safety performance requirements for hazardous operations. There are four SIL Levels (1-4). A higher SIL Level means a greater process hazard and a higher level of protection. KAVACH is the world’s cheapest automatic train collision protection system. Initial development of Kavach started in 2012 under the name Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and completed development on 2022. First successful trial: between Gullaguda–Chitgidda Railway stations of South Central Railway in 2022. The Budget of 2022-23 had proposed rollout of Kavach in 2000 kms. Salient features:- Automatic activation of the train braking system if the driver fails to control the train speed. Preventing collision between two Locomotives equipped with a functional KAVACH system. Sending continuous updates of Movement. (UPSC CSE: Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) ) Auto Whistling while approaching Level Crossing Gates Sending SoS Messages during emergency situations. Centralised live monitoring of train movements through the Network Monitor System. MUST READ: Vande Bharat 2.0 SOURCE: BUISINESSLINE PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following communication technologies: (2022) Closed-circuit Television Radio Frequency Identification Wireless Local Area Network Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies? 1 and 2 only. 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of (2020) Digital security infrastructure Food security infrastructure Health care and education infrastructure Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure Pet coke Syllabus Prelims –Geography, Environment and Ecology Context: The Government recently, permitted the import of pet coke as a raw material for lithium-ion batteries. About Pet Coke:- IMAGE SOURCE: bulkcarrierguide.com Pet Coke is one of the industrial by-products produced during oil refining. It is dark solid carbon material. It is used as a source of energy and carbon for various industrial applications. It is abundantly used in India in several manufacturing industries such as cement, steel and textile. It is significantly cheaper than coal, has high calorific value and is easier to transport and store. There are two kinds of pet coke produced during oil refining viz. Fuel-grade pet coke (80%) and Calcined pet coke (20%). India is the world’s biggest consumer of pet coke. (UPSC CSE: Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) ) Local producers: Indian Oil Corp, Reliance Industries and Bharat Petroleum Corp. Cement companies in India account for about three-fourths of the country’s pet coke use. Environment and Health Hazards of Pet Coke:- Pet coke is a much more potent pollutant than coal. It contains a whopping 74,000 PPM of sulphur content, which is released into the atmosphere as emissions, which is much higher than vehicular emissions. It is also a source of fine dust, which can get through the filtering process of the human airway and lodge in the lungs, which can cause serious health problems. It releases sulphur, nitrous oxide, mercury, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and hydrogen chloride, which contribute to global warming. (UPSC CSE: COP 27). Lithium It is a soft, silvery-white metal. It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. It has the highest specific heat capacity of any solid element. It is a good conductor of electricity. It is flammable and can even explode when exposed to air and water. Lithium is a crucial building block of the lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Currently, India is heavily dependent on import of these cells and the move to ink sourcing pacts for lithium is seen as a move to reduce its dependency on China, which is a key source of both the raw material and cell. Lithium-ion batteries A lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery. Working: Li-ion batteries use an intercalated (Intercalation is the reversible inclusion or insertion of a molecule into materials with layered structures) lithium compound as one electrode material. The battery consists of electrolyte, which allows for ionic movement, and the two electrodes are the constituent components of a lithium-ion battery cell. Lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging. Applications:- Power electric vehicles (EVs), laptops and mobile phones. Applications in electronic gadgets, Telecommunication, Aerospace, Industries. Power source for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Advantages of Li-Ion battery:- It is light weighted and is one-third the weight of lead acid batteries. It is nearly 100% efficient in both charging and discharging as compared to lead battery, which has 70% efficiency. It completely discharges i.e. 100% as compared to 80% for lead acid. It has life cycle of 5000 times or more compared to just 400-500 cycles in lead acid. It also maintains constant voltage throughout entire discharge cycle whereas voltage in lead acid battery drops consistently throughout its discharge cycle. It is much cleaner technology and is safer for environment. It can be wireless. Disadvantages of Li-ion Batteries:- Long charging times. Safety issues: instances of batteries catching fires have been

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Mission Vatsalya Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context: Recently, a consultation meeting of the functionaries of Child Care Institutions was held to review the effective implementation of Mission Vatsalya. About Mission Vatsalya:- IMAGE SOURCE: government plans It’s an umbrella scheme for child protection services in the country. Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development. Prior to 2009, the Ministry of women and child development Implemented three schemes for children in need of protection, The juvenile justice programme for children in need of care and protection as well as children in conflict with the law, The integrated programme for street children, The scheme for assistance to children’s homes. In 2010, these were merged into a single plan known as the Integrated Child Protection Scheme. In 2017, it was renamed “Child Protection Services Scheme,” and again in 2021-22 it was renamed as Mission Vatsalya. It is one of the new triad of schemes along with Mission Shakti, and Poshan 2.0. It aims at securing a healthy and happy childhood for every child. (UPSC MAINS: Measures to promote the rights and interests of the girl child) Components:- Strengthening service delivery structures Upscaling institutional care and services Encouraging non-institutional community-based child care Emergency outreach services Training and capacity building Objectives:- To secure a healthy and happy childhood for each and every child in the country. To ensure opportunities to enable them to discover their full potential. To assist States/UTs in delivering the mandate of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015. (UPSC CSE: The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021) To achieve the Sustainable Development (SDG)goals. It promotes family-based non-institutional care of children in difficult circumstances. Implementation:- Under the mission, the Government plans to partner with the private sector as well as volunteer groups. MUST READ: Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) SOURCE: PIB PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? (2017) To enable famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 2 only 3 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only Q.2) What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’? (2017) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and the government’s education system and local communities. Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies. Strengthening India’s scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological power. Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them. RBI’s lightweight’ payments system Syllabus Prelims –Economy Context: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the conceptualisation of the ‘lightweight’ payments system. About RBI’s lightweight’ payments system:- The lightweight’ payment system is to ensure uninterrupted digital payments during emergencies such as natural calamities or war. Background: the RBI is working on strengthening the oversight framework for Centralised Payment Systems as part of the Utkarsh 2.0 initiative. Salient Features:- This system will operate independently of existing payment technologies like UPI(Unified Payment Interface), NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), and RTGS(Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)) It can be operated from anywhere. It requires minimal staff during emergencies. It will process critical transactions, such as bulk payments and interbank payments, during extreme and volatile situations. The system operates on minimalistic hardware and software. It gets activated only when needed. Lightweight’ payments system v/s UPI(Unified Payment Interface) UPI and other conventional systems prioritise handling large transaction volumes and require a stable and robust infrastructure. (UPSC CSE: UPI) On the other hand, the lightweight system is designed to operate even in volatile and extreme conditions when regular payment systems may not be accessible. Utkarsh 2.0: In January 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched Utkarsh 2.0, which is the second phase of its medium-term strategy for strengthening regulatory and supervisory mechanisms. Utkarsh 2.0 builds upon the foundation laid by Utkarsh 0.1, which was launched in July 2019 and covered the period from 2019 to 2022. Utkarsh 2.0 will guide the RBI over the period from 2023 to 2025 and includes six vision statements that are designed to improve the performance of the RBI’s statutory and other functions, enhance its relevance and significance at the national and global levels, and improve its internal governance, infrastructure, and human resources. The six vision statements are: Excellence in performance of statutory and other functions: Strengthened trust of citizens and institutions in the RBI: Enhanced relevance and significance in national and global roles: Transparent, accountable, and ethics-driven internal governance: Best-in-class and environment-friendly digital and physical infrastructure: This vision statement seeks to improve the RBI’s digital and physical infrastructure by making it the best-in-class and environmentally friendly Innovative, dynamic, and skilled human resources: MUST READ: Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements: (2022) If the inflation is too high, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars. Which of the statements given above are correct 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements: (2018) BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account. While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, the BHIM app has only two factors of authentication. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Duty-free quota-free (DFQF) scheme Syllabus Prelims –Economy Context: As per recent reports, about 85 per cent of 11,000 products offered at zero tariffs by India to least developed countries (LDCs) under the duty-free quota-free (DFQF) scheme of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) remains unutilised. About the duty-free quota-free (DFQF) scheme:- IMAGE SOURCE: BUSINESS STANDARD Background: The decision to provide duty-free quota-free (DFQF) access for least developed countries (LDCs) was first taken at the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Meeting in 2005. Least developed countries (LDCs): The WTO recognizes as least-developed countries (LDCs) those countries, which have been designated as such by the United Nations. There are at present 48 LDCs on the UN list. 31 of these are members of the WTO. It requires all developed and developing country members to provide preferential market access for all products originating from all LDCs. India became the first developing country to extend this facility to LDCs in 2008. It provided market access to 85% of India’s total tariff lines. It aimed to integrate LDCs into the global trading system and improve their trading opportunities. The scheme was expanded in 2014 providing preferential market access on about 2% of India’s tariff lines to LDCs. India offers 11,506 preferential tariff lines to LDCs of which 10, 991 are duty-free. Of the duty-free tariff lines, 1,129 are agricultural goods and the remaining 9,862 are non-agricultural goods. Key findings of WTO data for 2020:- 85% of India’s tariff lines show a zero utilisation rate compared to 64% by China. Among the remaining, only 8% demonstrate a utilisation rate of above 95% against 17% by China. Noteworthy amounts of LDC exports are entering under non-preferential (most favoured nation) tariff routes into India even though they are covered by the Indian preference scheme. There is a significant variation between the beneficiary LDCs. Guinea and Bangladesh: show the highest amount of eligible imports Benin: reports a utilisation rate of 98%, the highest of all beneficiary countries. Afghanistan: Fruits and nuts worth $325 million exported were entered under the most-favoured-nation (MFN) despite the preference margin of 28 percentage points being offered under the Indian preference scheme. Most-favoured-nation (MFN): treating other people equally. Under the WTO agreements, countries cannot normally discriminate between their trading partners. If a country grants someone a special favour (such as a lower customs duty rate for one of their products), they have to do the same for all other WTO members. This principle is known as most-favoured-nation (MFN) treatment. Chad: exports of mineral fuels, oils and products, etc, of a value of $48 million are entering India under MFN. The World Trade Organization (WTO):- IMAGE SOURCE: slideserve.com The WTO is the international organization whose primary purpose is to open trade for the benefit of all. Objective: to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business. WTO agreements are negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. Ministerial Conference: the topmost decision-making body of the WTO is the Ministerial Conference, which usually meets every two years. (UPSCE CSE:12th WTO Ministerial Conference) Historical Background:- The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) traces its origins to the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, which established two key institutions, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. An agreement as the GATT signed by 23 countries in Geneva in 1947 came into force on Jan 1, 1948, with the following purposes: To phase out the use of import quotas. to reduce tariffs on merchandise trade. Uruguay Round (1987-1994): culminated in the Marrakesh Agreement, which established the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO incorporates the principles of the GATT and provides a more enduring institutional framework for implementing and extending them. The GATT 1994 is an international treaty binding upon all WTO Members. It is only concerned with trade in goods. Members: it has had 164 members since 2016. India is a founding member of WTO. (UPSC CSE: Moratorium on e-commerce trade) WTO is not an UN-specialized agency. It is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. It is a forum for governments to negotiate trade agreements. It is a place for them to settle trade disputes. It is a place where member governments try to sort out the trade problems they face with each other. MUST READ: Reviving WTO SOURCE: BUSINESS STANDARD PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) “Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Facility” are related to the provisions of lending by which of the following: (2022) Asian Development Bank International Monetary Fund United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative World Bank Q.2) With reference to Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2020) Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited. They apply to investment measures related to trade in both goods and services. They are not concerned with the regulation of foreign investment. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Gulf of Mannar Syllabus Prelims –Environment and Ecology Context: The Gulf of Mannar became the first Marine Biosphere Reserve in the South East Asia. About the Gulf of Mannar:- IMAGE SOURCE: casmbenvis. nic. in Gulf of Mannar is an inlet of the Indian Ocean, between south-eastern India and western Sri Lanka. It is bounded to the northeast by Rameswaram (island), Adam’s (Rama’s) Bridge (a chain of shoals), and Mannar Island. The gulf receives several rivers, including the Tambraparni (India) and the Aruvi (Sri Lanka). The port of Tuticorin is on the coast. It has been renowned for its highly productive pearl banks and religious significance. The Government of India designated it as the country’s first Marine Biosphere Reserve in 1989. Gulf of Mannar National Park has also been identified as the important Bird Area by BNHS-Birdlife International because of its rich avian fauna. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve has been identified as an Important Marine Mammals

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) District Legal Services Authority Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context: District Legal Services Authority in West Tripura recently organized Door-to-Door Legal Aid Campaign. About District Legal Services Authority:- Legal Services Authorities are statutory bodies that are formed in the various states of India under the Legal Services Authorities Act, of 1987. Objective: to provide free legal aid and services to the weaker sections of this society to make sure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen because of economic or other disabilities. It is organized at the district level to provide effective monitoring of legal aid programmes and their composition. Related Constitutional provision: Article 39-A: Deals with the provision of providing free legal services to the citizens of India. The provision applies to the citizens if they are unable to bear the expenditure of legal services. It also helps the defendant by appointing a lawyer to act for him in legal aspects. Composition of DLSA:- The State Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court constitutes it. (UPSC CSE: Judicial appointments) Chairman: District Judge Other members: must have the experience and qualifications as prescribed by the State Government. The Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court may nominate these members. The person to be appointed shall belong to the State Judicial Service and not lower than rank than that of a Subordinate Judge or Civil Judge posted at the seat of the District Judiciary as Secretary of the District Authority. Member Secretary of the District Authority: Assistant Commissioner of the concerned District The officers and other employees of the District Authority are entitled to salary and allowances and shall be subject to such other conditions of the services as the State Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court prescribes. Legal Services Institutions at Various Levels:- The Legal Services Authorities Act, of 1987 mandates the establishment of the following at various levels; National Level: National Legal Services Authorities (NALSA) The NALSA was founded in 1995 under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987. Objective: to monitor and review the effectiveness of legal aid programs and to develop rules and principles for providing legal services under the Act. Patron-in-Chief: Chief Justice of India It distributes funding and grants to state legal services authorities and non-profit organisations to help them execute legal aid systems and initiatives. State Level: State Legal Services Authority Patron-in-Chief: Chief Justice of the State High Court At District Level: District Legal Services Authority. ex-officio Chairman: District Judge of the District At Taluka/Sub-Division Level: Taluka/ Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee. A senior Civil Judge heads it. Eligibility for free legal service:- Women and children Members of SC/ST Industrial workmen Victims of mass disasters, violence, flood, drought, earthquake, and industrial disasters. Disabled persons Persons in custody Those persons who have an annual income of less than the amount prescribed by the respective State Government, if the case is before any court other than the Supreme Court, and less than Rs. 5 Lakhs if the case is before the Supreme Court. Victims of Trafficking in Human beings or begar. Nyaya Bandhu’s (Pro Bono Legal Services) It is a primary initiative to establish a framework for the dispensation of pro bono (free of cost) legal services across the country. Under Nyaya Bandhu, practising advocates, interested to volunteer their time and services, are connected, via mobile technology, with eligible marginalised beneficiaries. Nyaya Bandhu Mobile application (Android/IOS) has been developed in collaboration with technical partner Common Services Centres (CSC) e-Governance Pvt. Ltd. Common Services Centres (CSC) are the access points for the delivery of various e-governance and business services to citizens in rural and remote areas of the country. (UPSC MAINS: Risks in e-governance) CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle set up under the Companies Act, 1956. Ministry: Ministry of Electronics & IT Objective: to oversee the implementation of the CSC scheme. It provides a centralized collaborative framework for the delivery of services to citizens through CSCs, besides ensuring the systemic viability and sustainability of the Scheme. Nyaya Bandhu Mobile application has been on boarded on the UMANG platform. UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD). MUST READ: Judicial Accountability SOURCE: PIB PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021) Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such an accused is locked up in a 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 Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements. (2021) Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2023 Syllabus : The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2023 were released recently.  About National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2023:-  IMAGE SOURCE: findhow.net The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a methodology to rank institutions of higher education in India. Ministry: Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Objective: help universities to improve their performance on various ranking parameters and identify gaps in research and areas of improvement. There are separate rankings for different types of institutions depending on their areas of operation like universities and colleges, engineering institutions, management institutions, pharmacy institutions and architecture institutions. Five broad categories of parameters identified in the NIRF:

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR) Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR) was launched recently to leverage Emerging Technologies in Power Sector. About the Mission of Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR):- It aims to facilitate indigenous research, development and demonstration of the latest and emerging technologies in the power sector. Timeline: It is planned for an initial period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28. Ministry: Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy  Objectives of MAHIR:- To identify emerging technologies in the power sector that have the potential for future relevance globally. To serve as a platform for collective brainstorming. To Support pilot projects for indigenous technologies. Leverage foreign alliances to accelerate research and development efforts. To create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in the power sector. Funding and Collaboration:- MAHIR is funded through pooling of resources from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and Central Public Sector Enterprises under these ministries. Additional funding will be from the budgetary resources of the Government of India. The mission encourages funding by inviting proposals from companies and organizations worldwide. Structure of MAHIR:- MAHIR operates through a two-tier structure comprising a Technical Scoping Committee and an Apex Committee. Led by the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority. Areas Identified for Research:- Alternatives to Lithium-Ion storage batteries Modifying electric cookers/pans to suit Indian cooking methods Carbon capture (UPSC CSE: Decarbonisation of India’s Power Sector) Geothermal energy Solid-state refrigeration. Nanotechnology for EV battery Indigenous CRGO technology Central Electricity Authority (CEA) It is a statutory organization constituted under Section 3 (1) of the repealed Electricity (Supply) Act, of 1948. It is now under Section 70 of the Electricity Act, 2003. As per Section 70 (3) of the Electricity Act, 2003, the authority shall consist of not more than 14 members, including its chairperson. Not more than eight shall be full-time members to be appointed by the Central Government. Functions of Central Electricity Authority:- It advises the government on matters relating to the National Electricity Plan (NEP). It formulates short-term and perspective plans for the development of electricity systems. It is the designated authority for cross border trade of electricity. It also prescribes the standards on matters such as the construction of electrical plants, electric lines and connectivity to the grid etc. It is also responsible for the concurrence of hydropower development schemes of central, state and private sectors. National Electricity Plan (NEP) The latest draft of the National Electricity Plan (NEP), which covers the period 2022-27. The NEP guides the development of the power sector in India. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) formulates it every five years under the Electricity Act, 2003. The new NEP recognizes the need for additional coal-based capacity, ranging from 17 GW to nearly 28 GW, till 2031-32, over and above the 25 GW of coal-based capacity that is currently under construction. The draft Plan also highlights the need for significant investments in battery storage, with an estimated requirement of between 51 GW to 84 GW by 2031-32. It projects an increase in the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of coal-fired power plants from 55% up to 2026-27 to 62 % in 2031-32. It also emphasizes the challenges posed by the increasing reliance on renewables, which will require careful management and planning in the years ahead. MUST READ: Energy Security SOURCE: PIB PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? (2020) Automobile exhaust Tobacco smoke Woodburning Using varnished wooden furniture Using products made of polyurethane Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 3 only 2 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Q.2) Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ was proposed to be set up in (2016) Andhra Pradesh Gujarat Maharashtra Uttar Pradesh Agni Prime Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: India recently conducted a successful flight test of the Agni Prime ballistic missile. About Agni Prime:- IMAGE SOURCE: autojournalism.com Agni Prime is the advanced version of the ‘Agni-1’ missile. (UPSC CSE: New generation ballistic missile ‘Agni P’) It is a short-range ballistic missile. Range: 1000 km to 1500 km It is a two-stage It is the latest and sixth variant of the Agni series missiles. It is under Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) Agni Prime has multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles. It is capable of delivering a number of warheads at separate locations. It can carry warheads up to 1.5 tonnes. It has a dual redundant navigation and guidance system. The Agni-P missile would further strengthen India’s credible deterrence capabilities. Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) It was conceived by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to enable India to attain self-sufficiency in the field of missile technology. 5 missiles developed under this program are:- Prithvi: Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile. Agni: Ballistic missiles with different ranges. Trishul: Short-range low-level surface-to-air missile. Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile. Akash: Medium-range surface-to-air missile. Other Agni Class of Missiles Agni I: Range of 700-800 km. Agni II: Range more than 2000 km. Agni III: Range of more than 2,500 Km Agni IV: Range is more than 3,500 km and can fire from a road-mobile launcher. Agni-V: The longest of the Agni series, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km. MUST READ: Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor SOURCE: NEWSONAIR PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014) It is a surface-to-surface missile. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away. Select the correct answer using the code given below 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) 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