Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   THE STORY OF THE EMERGENCY Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity,Post Independent India Context: On June 25th, India entered the fiftieth year of the imposition of the Emergency, an extraordinary 21-month period from 1975 to 1977, which saw the suspension of civil liberties, curtailment of press freedom, mass arrests, the cancellation of elections, and rule by decree. Background:- The Emergency refers to the period from June 25, 1975 to March 21, 1977, during which Indira Gandhi government used special provisions in the Constitution to impose sweeping executive and legislative consequences on the country. Key takeaways The declaration of Emergency converts the federal structure into a de facto unitary one, as the Union acquires the right to give any direction to state governments, which, though not suspended, come under the complete control of the Centre. Parliament may by law extend the (five-year) term of Lok Sabha one year at a time, make laws on subjects in the State List, and extend the Union’s executive powers to the states. Under Article 352 of the Constitution, the President may, on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, issue a proclamation of emergency if the security of India or any part of the country is threatened by “war or external aggression or armed rebellion”. In 1975, instead of armed rebellion, the ground of “internal disturbance” was available to the government to proclaim an emergency. This was the only instance of proclamation of emergency due to “internal disturbance”. The two occasions in which an emergency was proclaimed earlier, on October 26, 1962, and December 3, 1971, were both on grounds of war. This ground of “internal disturbance” was removed by The Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1978 by the Janata government that came to power after the Emergency. Article 358 frees the state of all limitations imposed by Article 19 (“Right to freedom”) as soon as an emergency is imposed. Article 359 empowers the President to suspend the right of people to move court for the enforcement of their rights during an emergency. What were the political and social circumstances in India in the months leading up to the Emergency? Early in 1974, a student movement called Navnirman (Regeneration) began in Gujarat against the Congress government of Chimanbhai Patel, which was seen as corrupt. As the protests became violent, Patel had to resign and President’s Rule was imposed. Navnirman inspired a students’ movement in Bihar against corruption and poor governance, and the ABVP and socialist organisations came together to form the Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti. The students asked Jayaprakash Narayan, a Gandhian and hero of the Quit India Movement, to lead them. He agreed with two conditions — that the movement would be non-violent and pan-Indian, and aim to cleanse the country of corruption and misgovernance. Thereafter, the students’ movement came to be called the “JP movement”. Meanwhile, in May 1974, the socialist leader George Fernandes led an unprecedented strike of railway workers that paralysed the Indian Railways for three weeks. On June 5, during a speech in Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan, JP gave a call for “Sampoorna Kranti”, or total revolution. By the end of the year, JP had got letters of support from across India, and he convened a meeting of opposition parties in Delhi. JP’s rallies invoked the power of the people with the rousing slogan, “Sinhasan khaali karo, ke janata aati hai (Vacate the throne, for the people are coming)”. On June 12, 1975, Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha of Allahabad High Court delivered a historic verdict in a petition filed by Raj Narain, convicting Indira Gandhi of electoral malpractice, and striking down her election from Rae Bareli. On appeal, the Supreme Court gave the Prime Minister partial relief — she could attend Parliament but could not vote. As demands for her resignation became louder and her aides in the Congress dug in their heels, JP asked the police not to follow immoral orders. Late on June 25 evening, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed signed the proclamation of Emergency. The Cabinet was informed about the decision the next morning. What happened to opposition leaders, mediapersons, and political dissenters during the Emergency? Almost all opposition leaders, including JP, were detained. About 36,000 people were put in jail under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). Newspapers were subjected to pre-censorship. UNI and PTI were merged into a state-controlled agency called Samachar. The Press Council was abolished. Indira’s son Sanjay Gandhi pushed a “five-point programme” that included forced family planning and clearance of slums. What legal changes were pushed through by Parliament and in the courts during the Emergency? With the opposition in jail, Parliament passed The Constitution (Thirty-eighth Amendment) Act that barred judicial review of the Emergency, and The Constitution (Thirty-ninth Amendment) Act that said the election of the Prime Minister could not be challenged in the Supreme Court. The Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act made changes to a range of laws, taking away the judiciary’s right to hear election petitions, widening the authority of the Union to encroach on State subjects, gave Parliament unbridled power to amend the Constitution with no judicial review possible, and made any law passed by Parliament to implement any or all directive principles of state policy immune to judicial review. In the famous case of ADM Jabalpur vs Shivkant Shukla, 1976, a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court ruled that detention without trial was legal during an emergency. The sole dissenter to the majority judgment was Justice H R Khanna. What prompted Indira Gandhi to lift the Emergency, and what happened afterward? For no apparent reason, Indira decided to lift the Emergency early in 1977. As it happened, the elections of 1977 led to a comprehensive defeat for Indira. The Janata Party, formed by a merger of the Jana Sangh, Congress (O), the socialists and Bharatiya Lok Dal, emerged as a formidable force, and Morarji Desai became India’s first non-Congress Prime Minister. What efforts were made by the Janata government to undo the damage

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   CASE FOR A BUFFER FOOD POLICY Syllabus Mains – GS 2 & GS 3 Context: Inflation, based on the official consumer price index (CPI), stood at 8.69 % for cereals in May, and almost twice as much (17.14%) for pulses. These rates would probably have been higher, but for the sales from buffer stocks, especially of wheat and chana (chickpea), built by government agencies during surplus production years. Background:- Overall CPI inflation, at 4.75% year-on-year in May, was the lowest in 12 months. It would have been lower had retail food inflation not stayed elevated at 8.69%. Key takeaways The Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) open market sale scheme brought down retail inflation in cereals and wheat, from their respective highs of 16.73% and 25.37% in February 2023 to 8.69% and 6.53% in May 2024. The inherently volatility and unpredictability of food prices, exacerbated by climate change — fewer rainy days and extended dry spells, interspersed with intense precipitation, and also shorter winters and heat waves — has made it difficult for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to consider any monetary easing or cutting interest rates. The government, too, is forced to resort to undesirable measures such as restricting exports, or imposing produce stock limits on traders and processors. One possible way out of the conundrum would be to build a buffer stock of all essential food items, by procuring these from farmers during years of surplus production, and offloading the same in times of crop failures to moderate market prices. There’s scope to not only expand procurement of pulses and oilseeds, but extend it to staple vegetables and even skimmed milk powder (SMP). The onion, potato and tomato procured can be stored in dehydrated/processed form such as paste, flakes and puree for sales to hotels, restaurants, canteens, and other institutional buyers. This would ensure that both households and bulk buyers do not compete to drive up prices during shortages. The fiscal cost of maintaining buffer stocks of essential food items may not be that much: the stocked commodities are not meant to be given out free and, instead, offloaded during scarcity/inflationary periods at near-market prices. Buffer stocking can be an instrument for curbing excessive volatility in food prices, similar to the RBI’s foreign exchange reserves vis-à-vis the currency market. Increasing climate-driven price volatility — ultimately helping neither consumers nor producers — only strengthens the case for a food buffer policy. Source: Indian Express INDIAN GOVERNMENT BONDS IN JP MORGAN INDEX FROM JUNE 28 Syllabus Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY Context: Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) are set to be included in the JP Morgan Government Bond Index, Emerging Market (GBI-EM) from June 28. The inclusion will take place over a period of 10 months starting June 28, 2024, through to March 31, 2025. Background: Inclusion of domestic bonds to global indices will help bring in dollar inflows into India and ensure a stable financing of the current account gap of the country. What was JP Morgan’s announcement? In September last year, JP Morgan had announced that it would include IGBs to its emerging markets bond index from June 2024. The decision was taken after the 2023 index governance review, it had said. India will have a 1% weightage in theJPMorgan Emerging Market (EM) Bond index, which will gradually rise to 10% over a 10-month period, at an inclusion rate of about 1% weight per month. A higher weightage will prompt global investors to allocate more funds for investment in Indian debt. How many Indian Government Bonds are eligible for inclusion? JP Morgan said there are 23 IGBs that meet the index eligibility criteria, with a combined notional value of approximately Rs 27 lakh crore or $330 billion. Only IGBs designated under the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) are index-eligible. In March 2020, the RBI, in consultation with the government, introduced a separate channel, called the FAR, to enable non-residents to invest in specified Government of India dated securities. As per the index inclusion criteria, eligible instruments are required to have notional outstanding above $1 billion (equivalent) and at least 2.5 years remaining maturity, JP Morgan said. What would be the impact of the bond inclusion? According experts, the move could lead to fresh active flows in the debt market, which remains underpenetrated on external financing. According to estimates by some economists, India is likely to receive $2 billion to $2.5 billion every month during the 10-month period starting June 28. Overall, it is expected that $20 billion to $25 billion of flows would come into India due to the inclusion. It will not only result in lower risk premia, but will also help India to finance its fiscal andcurrent account deficit (CAD), as well as enhance the liquidity and ownership base of government securities (G-secs; debt instruments issued by the central government to meet its fiscal needs). It could help lower funding costs slightly, and support further development of domestic capital markets, but direct positive effects on India’s credit profile will be marginal in the near term. While higher inflows will boost the rupee, inflation is likely to come under pressure. When the RBI mops up dollars from the market, it will have to release an equivalent amount in rupees, putting pressure on inflation. For Your Information: After JP Morgan Chase & Co, Bloomberg announced inclusion of Indian bonds in the Bloomberg Emerging Market (EM) Local Currency Government Index and related indices from January 31, 2025. Source: Money Control LEBANON Syllabus Prelims – Geography Context: Israel has issued a strong warning, stating that if war were to break out with Hezbollah, it could result in Lebanon being “returned to the Stone Age.” Background: Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and paramilitary group. Its actions have significant regional implications, and tensions persist between Hezbollah and Israel.   About Lebanon: Lebanon is a small Middle Eastern nation situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Western Asia. It shares land borders with two countries: Syria to

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   NATIONAL PARTY STATUS Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity Context: With no elected MP in Lok Sabha and its vote share this general election down to 2.04%, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) could lose its national status once the Election Commission carries out its customary review post general elections. Background:- Founded in 1984 by Kanshi Ram who later named Mayawati as his successor, BSP was recognised as a national party in 1997. Key takeaways Currently, there are six political parties recognised as national parties by the Election Commission – BJP, BSP, Congress, AAP, National People’s Party, and CPM. According to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a national party is one that has : at least 6% of the total valid votes in four or more states in the last general election and at least four MPs; or wins at least 2% of the seats in the Lok Sabha, with the winners being from at least three states; or is a recognised state party in at least four states. With the party failing to win any seat in the 18th Lok Sabha and getting only 2.04% of the total votes, as per the results available on the ECI website, it fails the first two criteria for retaining its national party status. The final results and statistics for the 2024 elections are yet to be published. For the third criterion, the party has to meet the conditions for being a recognised state party in four or more states, which it also does not meet as of now. In all state Assembly elections held between 2019 and now, the BSP meets the criteria for being a state party only in Uttar Pradesh, where it won 12.88% votes in the 2022 state polls. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it met the state party criteria, of having at least 8% of the valid votes polled in a particular state, in Uttar Pradesh, where it got 9.39% of the votes. As per the Symbols Order, a state party is one which has got : at least 6% of the total valid votes in a state and at least two MLAs; or at least 6% of the total valid votes polled in the state in the last Lok Sabha elections and at least one MP from that state; or at least 3% of the total seats in the Assembly or three seats, whichever is higher; or at least one MP for every 25 seats allotted to that state in the Lok Sabha; or at least 8% of the total valid votes in the last Lok Sabha election in that particular state or Assembly election. This is not the first time that BSP’s national status is under scanner. In 2014, when it also had no seat in Lok Sabha and 4.19% vote share, it could have lost its national party status, but an amendment made by EC in 2016 came to its rescue. Post the 2014 elections, the Symbols Order was amended in 2016 with effect from January 1, 2014 saying that a party’s national or state recognition would not be reviewed in the first election after the one in which they gain the status, meaning the first review would be after 10 years. This benefit was given to all parties, even the BSP, which became a national party in 1997. As a national party, a political party gets certain benefits, including the guaranteed use of their common election symbol for candidates across the country, land or accommodation for an office in Delhi, free copies of the electoral roll and airtime on Doordarshan and All-India Radio during elections. Source: Indian Express AI WASHING Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Soon after the release of ChatGPT in 2022, there was an explosion of news and a surge of interest in AI, triggering a hype cycle that continues unabated. Suddenly, it seems every tech company or startup is marketing an AI product. Tech companies and startups marketing themselves as using AI, but not doing so forms the basis of ‘AI washing’ Background: The summit will take place from July 3-4 in Astana. Kazakhstan took over the SCO presidency from India, which was the president last year. India hosted the SCO summit virtually in July 2023. About AI WASHING AI washing is a term derived from greenwashing, where companies exaggerate their environmental friendliness to appeal to customers. Similarly, businesses that claim to have integrated AI into their products, when they’re actually using less sophisticated technology, can be accused of AI washing. When it comes to AI washing, there are several types. Some companies claim to use AI when they’re actually using less-sophisticated computing, while others overstate the efficacy of their AI over existing techniques, or suggest that their AI solutions are fully operational when they are not. While it is unclear who coined the term AI washing, it was popularised by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) when it levied fines againstinvestment advisory firms Global Predictions and Delphia in March 2024. The securities regulator found that the companies had made false statements to their clients about providing ‘expert AI-driven forecasts’ and using machine learning to manage retail client portfolios. What are some real-life examples of AI washing? Recently, Amazon reportedly removed its cashier-less checkout systems from many physical grocery stores afterBusiness Insider found that the ‘Just Walk Out’ technology, which claimed to use AI and sensors to detect what was in a customer’s shopping cart, actually relied on employees in India to review the transactions. Not just tech companies, the AI-related claims of multinational brands such asMcDonalds and Coca Cola have also come under scrutiny. McDonalds recently decided to ditch its AI technology at drive-thru restaurants in the US after customers complained that their orders had been incorrectly taken down. The rush to be branded as an AI business follows a long pattern of companies looking to capitalise on the hype surrounding new and emerging technologies. Why is AI washing a growing concern? While

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   SHOULD EDUCATION BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE STATE LIST? Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity , Education Context: With controversies erupting over the conduct of exams by National Testing agency (NTA), the question of whether education should be brought back to state list has arisen again. Background:- The NEET-UG exam has been embroiled in controversies over the award of grace marks, allegation of paper leaks and other irregularities. The government also cancelled the UGC-NET exam after it was held, while the CSIR-NET and NEET-PG exams have been postponed. Key takeaways The Government of India Act, 1935 during the British rule created a federal structure for the first time in our polity. The legislative subjects were distributed between the federal legislature (present day Union) and provinces (present day States). Education which is an important public good was kept under the provincial list. After independence, this continued and education was part of the ‘State list’ under the distribution of powers. However, during the Emergency, the Congress party constituted the Swaran Singh Committee to provide recommendations for amendments to the Constitution. One of the recommendations of this committee was to place ‘education’ in the concurrent list in order to evolve all-India policies on the subject. This was implemented through the 42nd constitutional amendment (1976) by shifting ‘education’ from the State list to the concurrent list. There was no detailed rationale that was provided for this switch and the amendment was ratified by various States without adequate debate. The Janata Party government led by Morarji Desai that came to power after Emergency passed the 44th constitutional amendment (1978) to reverse many of the controversial changes made through the 42nd amendment. One of these amendments that was passed in the Lok Sabha but not in the Rajya Sabha was to bring back ‘education’ to the State list. What are international practices? In the U.S., State and local governments set the overall educational standards, mandate standardised tests and supervise colleges and universities. The federal education department’s functions primarily include policies for financial aid, focussing on key educational issues and ensuring equal access. In Canada, education is completely managed by the provinces. In Germany, the constitution vests legislative powers for education with landers (equivalent of States). In South Africa, on the other hand, education is governed by two national departments for school and higher education. The provinces of the country have their own education departments for implementing policies of the national departments and dealing with local issues. Way forward : The arguments in favour of ‘education’ in the concurrent list include a uniform education policy, improvement in standards and synergy between Centre and States. However, considering the vast diversity of the country, a ‘one size fits all’ approach is neither feasible nor desirable. Further, as per the report on ‘Analysis of Budgeted expenditure on Education’ prepared by the Ministry of Education in 2022, out of the total revenue expenditure by education departments in our country estimated at ₹6.25 lakh crore (2020-21), 15% is spent by the Centre while 85% is spent by the States. Even if expenditure by all other departments on education and training are considered, the share works out to 24% and 76% respectively. The arguments against restoring ‘education’ to State list include corruption coupled with lack of professionalism. The recent issues surrounding the NEET and NTA have however displayed that centralisation does not necessarily mean that these issues would vanish. Considering the need for autonomy in view of the lion’s share of the expenditure being borne by the States, there needs to be a productive discussion towards moving ‘education’ back to the State list. This would enable them to frame tailor-made policies for syllabus, testing and admissions for higher education including professional courses like medicine and engineering. Regulatory mechanisms for higher education can continue to be governed by central institutions like the National Medical Commission, University Grants Commission and All India Council for Technical Education. Source: Hindu LIBERALISED REMITTANCES SCHEME (LRS) Syllabus Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY Context: Spending money overseas through credit card does not come under the liberalised remittance scheme limit yet, but it may change in the near future. As per a media report published recently, bringing credit card spend under the LRS is now on the government’s radar. Background: For the uninitiated, the finance ministry in May 2023 had brought credit card spending under the LRS limit. However, it was announced on June 28 that overseas spending using credit cards will beput on hold in order to give time to the banks to streamline their requisite IT systems. About LIBERALISED REMITTANCES SCHEME (LRS) Under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), all resident individuals are allowed to freely remit up to $2,50,000 in each financial year abroad for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both. This scheme was introduced on February 4, 2004, with a limit of $25,000. The LRS limit was later revised in stages consistent with prevailing macro and micro economic conditions. In case of remitter being a minor, the LRS declaration form must be countersigned by the minor’s natural guardian. The Scheme is not available to corporates, partnership firms, HUF, Trusts etc. The remittances can be made in any freely convertible foreign currency.Permanent Account Number (PAN) is mandatory for all transactions under LRS. If government includes credit card spending under the LRS, credit card usersmay have to cough up 20 percent tax collection at source (TCS). Tax collected at source is the sum collected by the seller from the buyer at the time of sale so that it can be deposited with the tax authorities. TheTCS for foreign remittances under LRS was raised to 20 percent in Budget 2023 from the earlier rate of 5 per cent. This included international travel, sending money overseas, and other remittances. This new tax ratecame into force on Oct 1, 2023 which removed the threshold of ₹7 lakh for triggering TCS on LRS. These changes, however, are not applicable in case of education and medical expenses. Additional Information The legal

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   NEED FOR AN INTERNAL SECURITY PLAN Syllabus Mains – GS 3 Context: As the 3rd NDA government has settled into seat firmly, it should now start focussing on multitude of internal security challenges. Background:- A country projects its strength at the international level in direct proportion to its internal cohesion, its ability to resolve the differences within and not have  any swamps where terrorists or extremists of any shade can breed. The government should have a well-orchestrated plan for the next five years. On internal security, the following nine points should merit serious attention: One, need of internal security doctrine: All major powers have a national security doctrine (NSD) which outlines the internal and external challenges facing the country and prescribe the policies for dealing with them. Lack of an NSD results in ad hoc responses to security challenges, especially during government transitions. Two, Internal Security Ministry: The Ministry of Home Affairs has become too large and unwieldy, causing internal security issues to be neglected. A dedicated minister for internal security within the MHA is urgently needed. Three, Jammu and Kashmir: The state is far from normal in spite of the Home Minister’s claim that terror incidents are down by 66 per cent since the abrogation of Article 370. The government must take early steps to reorganise the security grid, restore statehood to J&K and hold elections for the Assembly. Four, the Northeast: A Framework Agreement signed with the rebel Nagas in 2015 had raised hopes, but these remain unfulfilled because of the NSCN (IM)’s insistence on a separate flag and constitution. The government should meanwhile insist on rigorous implementation of the suspension of operations agreement and ensure that the rebels do not engage in extortion and forcible recruitments. Manipur has been a disaster. The Home Ministry’s formation of a multi-ethnic peace committee has not been productive;The problems of illegal migration, drug trafficking and arms smuggling would require a comprehensive approach. Five, the naxal problem: There is a consistent decline in violence and shrinkage of the geographical spread of left-wing extremism’s (LWE) influence. With Naxals on the backfoot, it is now time for the healing touch. The government should offer them the olive branch, persuade them to come to the negotiating table, address their genuine grievances, and try to mainstream them. Six, Intelligence Bureau/CBI: The two premier central police organisations, Intelligence Bureau and the CBI, require restructuring. The IB was set up through an administrative order on December 23, 1887. It is high time that it is given a statutory basis, with safeguards to prevent the misuse of intelligence to bolster the party in power. The CBI was set up through a resolution passed in 1963, and it derives the power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. It is an anomalous arrangement and, as recommended in the 24th report of the parliamentary committee, “the need of the hour is to strengthen the CBI in terms of legal mandate, infrastructure and resources”. Seven, state police: There is a need for transformation of the “Ruler’s Police” that we have inherited from the British into the “People’s Police”. Robert Peel, former British prime minister, is remembered to this day for having reformed the country’s police. Eight, Central Armed Police Forces. The CAPFs with an overall strength of more than a million are beset with serious internal problems of unplanned expansion, haphazard deployment, inadequate training, falling standards of discipline, vague criteria for the selection of top officers, friction between cadre and All India Service officers, etc. Nine, technology: There is enormous scope for technological inputs into the functioning of police in the country. These inputs would act as force multipliers. Source: Indian Express NATIONAL QUANTUM MISSION Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: India have done the right thing by launching a Rs 6,000 crore-worth National Quantum Mission to develop some of the most sought-after technologies for the future, but it will have to overcome a significantly large gap that currently exists between its capabilities and those of other leading countries in these areas like the U S and China, a new assessment of India’s potential in quantum technologies has revealed. Background: The assessment by Itihaasa, a non-profit, shows that India was just one among 17 countries to have a dedicated government programme to back research in quantum technologies, and one of the 12 to have committed separate investments for the purpose. But several countries were much ahead of India, not just in terms of funding for research and development but also in their current capabilities. About NATIONAL QUANTUM MISSION The Union Cabinet, approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) on 19thApril 2023 at a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, aiming to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). The Mission objectives include developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years, Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 kilometers within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km as well as multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories The National Quantum Mission will also focus on: developing magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation. It will also support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices. Single photon sources/detectors, and entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications. Mission Implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and National R&D institutes in the domains: Quantum Computing Quantum Communication Quantum Sensing & Metrology Quantum Materials & Devices The hubs which will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them. The Mission would greatly benefit various sectors including communication, health, financial, energy with applications in

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   ABHAYA MUDRA Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Art & Culture Context: In his first speech as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Monday invoked the abhaya mudra, the gesture of the raised open palm that is commonly understood as conveying reassurance and a freedom from fear. Background:- According to Buddhist legend, Devadatta, a cousin and a disciple of the Buddha, upon not being granted the special treatment he expected, plotted to harm the Buddha . He fed a wild elephant intoxicants and drove her on the Buddha’s path. As the disciples scattered before the charging animal, the Buddha raised his hand in the abhaya mudra. The elephant is said to have calmed down immediately, gone down on her knees, and bowed her head to the Buddha. Key takeaways In Sanskrit, the term mudra could mean a seal, mark, sign, or currency, but in the Buddhist context, it refers to “hand and arm gestures made during the course of ritual practice or depicted in images of buddhas, bodhisattvas, tantric deities, and other Buddhist images. Mudras are most commonly associated with visual depictions of the Buddha (or Buddharupa), with different gestures conveying different moods and meanings, signifying the subtle manifestations of the Buddha’s states of realisation. The earliest depictions of the Buddha in physical form date to roughly around the turn of the first millennium. Depictions started appearing in the Gandhara art from the northwestern edge of the Indian subcontinent. In the earliest depictions of Buddharupa, four mudras can be found: the abhaya mudra, or “gesture of fearlessness”; the bhumisparsha mudra, or “Earth-touching gesture”; the dharmachakra mudra, or “gesture of the wheel of dharma”; and the dhyana mudra, or “gesture of meditation”. Gesture of fearlessness The abhaya mudra is described as one typically formed with the palm of the right hand facing outward at shoulder height and the fingers pointing up. Occasionally, the index, second, or third finger touches the thumb, with the remaining fingers extended upward. In some cases, both hands may simultaneously be raised in this posture in a double abhayamudra. In Buddhist tradition, the abhaya mudra is associated with the Buddha immediately after he obtained Enlightenment, “portraying a sense of the security, serenity, and compassion that derive from enlightenment”. The gesture of fearlessness also identifies the moment when Shakyamuni (the Buddha) tamed the mad elephant, illustrating the Buddha’s ability to grant fearlessness to his followers. This is why the abhaya mudra is also seen as a “gesture of protection” or “gesture of granting refuge”. Over time, the abhaya mudra appeared in depictions of Hindu deities, and the Buddha himself was absorbed into the Hindu pantheon as the ninth avatar of the Puranic god Vishnu. As multiple traditions, practices, and cultural influences mingled in the great melting pot of the Hindu religion, manifestations were seen in art and visual depiction of gods. The abhaya mudra was seen in the depictions, most commonly of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganesha. Source: Indian Express CRITICAL MINERAL RECYCLING: GOVT PLANS PLI SCHEME TO BOOST CIRCULAR ECONOMY Syllabus Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY Context: The Ministry of Mines is in the initial stages of designing a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost the recycling of critical minerals in India. Background: This move aims to foster a circular economy and bolster domestic supply chains, following a lacklustre response to recent auctions of critical mineral blocks. Critical Minerals Critical minerals are those minerals that areessential for economic development and national security, the lack of availability of these minerals or concentration of extraction or processing in a few geographical locations may lead to supply chain vulnerabilities. The Government India has identified 30 minerals as Critical Minerals. The30 critical minerals are Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium. They are elements that are the building blocks of essential modern-day technologies.These minerals are now used everywhere from making mobile phones, and computers to batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines. Based on their individual needs and strategic considerations, different countries create their own lists. Proposed PLI Scheme and its need The proposed PLI scheme aligns with policy recommendations from NITI Aayog and complements the Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR), 2022, which mandate phased recycling of used electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries from 2026 onwards. The PLI scheme, while yet to be finalised, will target e-waste recycling– often referred to as “urban mining”– to recover critical minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, graphite, chromium, and silicon. These minerals are crucial for clean energy technologies like solar PV modules, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and EVs, as well as consumer electronics. Some recyclers argue the scheme should benefit only those extracting high-purity critical minerals suitable for reuse as primary inputs. Others advocate for a wider scope that includes the production of black mass, which is shredded and processed e-waste rich in minerals including lithium, manganese, cobalt, and nickel, since most Indian recyclers currently lack capacities to extract battery-grade minerals from black mass. India’s e-waste generation is poised to surge, driven by rapid growth in solar and wind energy infrastructure and EV adoption. Industry estimates project solar PV module waste to jump from 100 kilotonnes (kt) in FY23 to 340 kt by 2030. Additionally, 500 kt of EV batteries are expected to reach recycling units in the coming years. Research indicates that recycling critical minerals can significantly reduce the need for virgin ores and new mines. The need to incentivise the growth of critical mineral recycling has become all the more urgent after most critical mineral blocks offered by the Mines Ministry failed to pass the technical bids stage, which requires at least three eligible bidders. This indicates a lack of investor interest in domestic mining of critical minerals. For Your Information: The new incentives will also build on the Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR) notified in

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   HOUSE RULES GOVERNING THE EXPUNCTION POWERS OF RAJYA SABHA CHAIRMAN, LOK SABHA SPEAKER Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity Context: The first special session of the 18th Lok Sabha witnessed heated discussions, with the Opposition clashing with the government. Rajya Sabha Chairman removed significant portions of Mallikarjun Kharge’s speech, Meanwhile, in the Lower House, parts of Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the PM and the BJP were expunged from the records on the orders of Speaker. Background:- The practice of expunging remarks is a standard parliamentary procedure, but the ‘selective expunction’ by the presiding officers has become a flashpoint between the Opposition and the Centre. When are remarks expunged from parliamentary records? Parliament maintains a verbatim record of everything that is spoken and takes place during proceedings. While Article 105 of the Constitution confers certain privileges and freedom of speech in Parliament on MPs, it is subject to other provisions of the Constitution and the rules of the House. On the orders of the presiding officer, that is, the Chairman in the Upper House and the Speaker in the Lower House, words, phrases and expressions which are deemed “defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary or undignified” are deleted or expunged from records. There have been recorded instances where the scope of expunction has been broadened. The Speaker, at their discretion, has ordered the expunction of words deemed prejudicial to national interest or detrimental to maintaining friendly relations with a foreign State, derogatory to dignitaries, likely to offend national sentiments or affect the religious susceptibilities of a section of the community, likely to discredit the Army, and not in good taste or otherwise objectionable or likely to bring the House into ridicule or lower the dignity of the Chair, the House or the members. Members must withdraw objectionable remarks deemed irrelevant to the debate upon the Chair’s request and failure to comply may lead to expunction. Similarly, quoting from an unreferenced document or speaking after being asked to desist can result in an expunction. Continuous interruptions during speeches may also be expunged at the Speaker’s discretion. How do presiding officers expunge remarks? What do the rules say? The Chairman and Speaker are vested with the power to order the expunction of remarks under Rule 261, and Rule 380 and 381 of the Rules of Procedure of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively. Rule 261 states, “If the Chairman is of opinion that a word or words have or have been used in debate which is or are defamatory or indecent or unparliamentary or undignified, he may in his discretion, order that such word or words be expunged from the proceedings of the Council. The Lower House has a similar provision. Rule 380 says, “If the Speaker is of the opinion that words have been used in debate which are defamatory or indecent or unparliamentary or undignified, the Speaker may, while exercising discretion, order that such words be expunged from the proceedings of the House.” The expunged portions are marked by asterisks with an explanatory footnote stating ‘expunged as ordered by the Chair.’ If the Chair directs that nothing will go on record during a member’s speech or interruption, footnote ‘not recorded’ is inserted. A comprehensive list of words and phrases is circulated to media outlets at the end of the day’s proceedings. Once expunged, these words or phrases cease to exist on the official record. Anyone who publishes them thereafter is liable to face charges for breach of privilege of the House. However, the relevance of the practice of expunging remarks has lately come into question, in a digital age where expunged content remains accessible due to the live telecast of proceedings and wider circulation of screenshots and videos on social media. Source: Hindu INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND : A CRITICAL VIEW Syllabus Mains – GS 2 Context: Mass protests in Kenya, in which at least 30 people were shot and killed by police, against an IMF-backed finance Bill that sought to raise taxes on essentials bring into focus, once again, the conditions the multinational lender imposes on poor countries in return for loan assistance. Background: The IMF describes itself as being governed by and accountable to its member countries. But its history and management structure tell a different story — of an organisation that has served as a tool of western elitist policy. About the Kenyan crisis In 2021, Kenya signed a four-year loan agreement with the IMF for $2.34 billion, and with another deal signed in May 2023, its loan volume rose to $3.6 billion. But IMF money for developing countries comes in tranches, and with conditions. IMF periodically reviews the country’s progress in implementing its conditions, and only if it is convinced the country is on track, does it release the next tranche of funds. As part of the 2021 loan deal, the IMF forced a COVID-battered Kenya to agree to austerity measures that would raise its revenue collection to 25% of GDP. The lender’s demands included a combination of tax hikes and budget cuts, including elimination of subsidies on fuel and electricity and cuts in spending on education and health. Government cut subsidies on maize and fuel, with the latter sparking a surge in inflation. Massive protests ensued. Nonetheless, government stayed the course on other fiscal consolidation measures, and earlier this month, government reached a staff level agreement with the IMF. It was expected to open the tap on another $976 million, provided the finance Bill — projected to raise revenues of $2.68 billion — went through. But protest has forced Kenyan president to abandon it, and now the future flow of IMF funds is in doubt. None of this, however, is new. Kenya has been through this before, as have much of Africa, whose governments often find themselves caught between the interests of their people and that of private investors and Western commercial banks, fronted by the IMF. In 1944, when the IMF was created at a conference of 44 nations in Bretton Woods, U.S., the global supremacy of

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   RESPONSIBLE QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES’ MOVEMENT Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: The UN recently said 2025 will be observed as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). Background:- Given the possibility of dual use, like many other emerging technologies, researchers are calling for responsible development and use of quantum technologies. What is responsible quantum S&T? Quantum S&T are part of the ‘S&T plans’ of many governments and the subject of significant private sector investment. Among investments by countries, China leads with $10 billion in 2022, followed by the European Union and the U.S. India’s contribution is currently $730 million (Rs 6,100 crore). The value of quantum S&T is in transforming our abilities to transmit and make use of information across sectors. But they also carry the risk of misuse thanks to the technologies’ potential for dual use, like weakening digital security. Researchers and some governments have thus been calling for practising responsible quantum technologies to harness the value of quantum S&T while engendering public trust. For example, the U.K.’s ‘National Quantum Strategy’ states, “We will ensure that regulatory frameworks drive responsible innovation and the delivery of benefits for the UK, as well as protecting and growing the economy and the UK’s quantum capabilities.” What is quantum governance? The World Economic Forum (WEF) was one of the first organisations to discuss quantum computing governance. Its ‘Quantum Governance’ framework for this is based on the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, accessibility, non-maleficence, equitability, accountability, and the common good. Members of the framework include those from national government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector leaders (including in India). The WEF’s objective here is to accelerate the development of responsible quantum computing by building trust in the technology during its development to preempt and mitigate potential risks. The framework’s virtue is that it addresses responsible development up front rather than as an afterthought. A white paper published by the University of Oxford cautioned against inflated expectations and overestimating our understanding of ethical issues. In particular, it called out the gaps between countries in terms of quantum S&T capacities and reasoned that lack of access to talent and technologies could widen the gaps further. From another perspective, a group of academics from the U.S., Canada and Europe recently proposed another framework for responsible quantum technologies. Here, the group has suggested 10 principles to guide the applications of quantum S&T aim together with their RRI values. ‘RRI’ stands for ‘responsible research and information’, a concept and practice endorsed by the European Commission. Many institutions worldwide, including funding agencies, have adopted it; it emphasises ‘anticipation’, ‘reflection’, ‘diversity’, and ‘inclusion’ while foregrounding public engagement and ethical considerations. These frameworks and initiatives have emerged largely from among researchers and are united in their focus on and intention to maintain openness. National policies on the other hand have preferred frameworks that confer greater and stronger protections of intellectual property rights vis-à-vis quantum technologies. Similarly, it may be naïve to expect the private sector — with its large investments and desire for patents and profits — will favour sharing and openness in the name of responsible quantum technologies. There may be exceptional circumstances but they won’t be the norm. What we need is responsible national or international efforts driven by governments but with active support and collaboration from private sector. Source: Hindu TAXING THE ULTRA RICH Syllabus Mains – GS 2 & GS 3 Context: French economist Gabriel Zucman has in a recent report commissioned by Brazil’s G-20 presidency recommended an annual 2% tax on individuals holding wealth exceeding $1 billion, a suggestion intended to serve as the starting point for a global discussion on ensuring under-taxed billionaires are made to contribute more to reduce inequality worldwide. Background: Finance Ministers of the G-20 group are set to meet in Rio de Janeiro on July 25-26, and the proposal is expected to be discussed at the meeting. What exactly is the proposal? Zucman, an economist who has extensively researched the accumulation, distribution and taxation of global income and wealth, has proposed the adoption of an internationally coordinated minimum tax standard for ensuring effective taxation of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. At the minimum, he recommends that individuals possessing more than $1 billion in total wealth (assets, equity shares in both listed and unlisted companies, other ownership structures that enable participating in companies’ ownership, etc.) would be required to pay a minimum amount of tax annually that would be equal to 2% of their wealth. Such a minimum tax on billionaires could potentially raise $200-$250 billion a year globally from about 3,000 individuals, and were it to be extended to cover those with a net worth exceeding $100 million, would add $100-$140 billion annually in global tax revenue. What is the rationale for such a tax? As per a key finding of theGlobal Tax Evasion Report 2024, prepared by the EU Tax Observatory, global billionaires benefit from very low effective tax rates, which range between 0% and 0.5% of their wealth. When expressed as a fraction of income and considering all taxes paid at all levels of government (including corporate taxes, consumption taxes, payroll taxes, etc.), the effective tax rates of billionaires appear significantly lower than those of all other groups of the population. Zucman in his report posits that the wealth of the top 0.0001% households, expressed as a fraction of world GDP, has surged more than fourfold since the mid-1980s. In 1987, the top 0.0001% owned the equivalent of 3% of world GDP in wealth. This wealth gradually rose to 8% of world GDP on the eve of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. It briefly fell during the crisis, and then rose fast to exceed 13% of world GDP in 2024.The average annual growth rate of this population group’s wealth is 7.1% net of inflation. In contrast, over the same almost four-decade period, the average income of an adult grew annually by 1.3% net of inflation, and average wealth increased by 3.2% a year. As long as ultra-high-net-worth individuals keep having higher net-of-tax returns

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   NEED TO RELOOK NEET Syllabus Mains – GS 2 Context: Since its inception about a decade ago, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has been a politically contentious issue in Tamil Nadu. The recent turn of events has made it a national issue. Background:- NEET was originally conceptualised to ensure merit-based selection to medical schools and standardise the medical entrance process. It was seen as a solution to the problem of high capitation fees being charged by private medical institutions. Key takeaways:  This year, more than 24 lakh candidates sat for the NEET after paying application fees ranging between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,700. The application charges alone give a revenue of about Rs 337 crore to the testing agency. The application charges alone give a revenue of about Rs 337 crore to the testing agency. Moreover an individual candidate spends a few lakhs at coaching centres to prepare for the test. The initial eligibility for qualification, 50 percentile, was diluted to 30 percentile in 2020 and further to zero percentile in 2023. The reason cited was that several seats are vacant in private medical colleges. However, after the 60,000 seats in government medical colleges are filled up, people’s paying capacity plays a big role in filling up the remaining 50,000 seats in private colleges. This makes the MBBS dream virtually unattainable for students of the economically weak strata, despite scoring high marks in NEET. Nearly half of the MBBS seats become a virtual preserve of the wealthy, making a mockery of the objective of rewarding merit. Exams like the UCAT in the UK and MCAT in the US allow only students with excellent grades in higher secondary education to take the exams. In contrast, a NEET applicant only requires to pass the higher secondary school. This low entry requirement can undermine the importance of excelling in high school. This, in turn, lowers the standard of school education. The state government and their education ministries do not have any say in the selection process of future doctors in their states. Tamil Nadu has conducted several experiments in the entrance system to professional courses, starting from an interview system in the 1970s to the entrance examinations in 1983 along with 2/3rd weightage to marks in concerned subjects in the higher secondary education exam. Following recommendations from the Anandakrishnan Committee, the state abolished entrance exams and conducted admissions to medical and engineering colleges solely on the basis of higher secondary marks. Even after the introduction of NEET, the government ensured social equality and inclusivity, to an extent, by providing reservation to government school students as per the recommendations of P Kalaiyarasan and AK Rajan committees. Tamil Nadu’s experiences over five decades demonstrate that factors such as infrastructure, faculty numbers, and the extent of patient care services determine the quality of young doctors. NEET needs to be reevaluated. Public health is a state subject and education is part of the concurrent list. All states need to be taken into confidence, before framing the admissions processes, especially in institutions controlled by the state government. The debate on NEET touches on broader issues such as educational equity and federalism. If NEET is riddled with problems, what are the alternatives? Instead of a single cross-sectional assessment, a summative assessment over two to three years of performance in school education along with a general aptitude test might improve the selection process. The primary objective of refining the medical entrance process is to ensure that students with high average marks gain admission not only to government-run medical colleges. The goal should be to ensure that people from disadvantaged sections are adequately represented in the medical field and they can contribute to making healthcare accessible to their communities. For Your Information: Tamil Nadu has always been opposed to the NEET exam as it was against their perfectly functioning state policy of linking medical college admissions to high school performance. In 2021, Tamil Nadu constituted an Expert Committee headed by Justice A K Rajan. The Rajan Committee brought out startling evidence, showing how rural students from Tamil medium schools lost out heavily in clearing the NEET — between 2017-21, from an average of 15 per cent admissions of Tamil-medium students, the number had fallen to 1.6-3.2 per cent. Clearly, NEET disadvantaged rural and poorer students. Tamil Nadu was particularly affected as its sound public health system rested on students from rural backgrounds willing to work in primary health centres without ambitions of migrating abroad. Source: Indian Express CLIMATE CHANGE FUELLED HURRICANE BERYL’S RECORD EARLY INTENSIFICATION Syllabus Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT Context: Hurricane Beryl became the earliest storm on record during the Atlantic hurricane season to have reached the highest Category 5 classification. Background: The storm, which tore through the Caribbean islands earlier this month, killed at least 11 people after triggering intense floods and dangerous winds in Jamaica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and northern Venezuela. How are hurricanes formed? Hurricanes, or tropical storms, form over warm ocean waters near the equator. When the warm, moist air from the ocean surface rises upward, a lower air pressure area is formed below. Air from surrounding areas with higher air pressure rushes into this low pressure area, eventually rising, after it also becomes warm and moist. As warm, moist air rises, it cools down, and the water in the air forms clouds and thunderstorms. This whole system of clouds and winds gains strength and momentum using the ocean’s heat, and the water that evaporates from its surface. Storm systems with wind speeds of 119 kmph and above are classified as hurricanes. Hurricanes are classified using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale into five categories (Category 1 to Category 5) based on their sustained wind speeds. While Category 1 hurricanes bring winds of 119 to 153 kmph, Category 5 hurricanes, which are the strongest, have winds of 252 kmph or higher. Storms that reach Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes due to their potential to

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   RIGHT TO REPAIR PORTAL Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Centre asked the automobile companies to join the unified Right to Repair Portal India which has been launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs to provide consumers with an easy access to information for repairing their products and enabling them to reuse it. Background:- The portal will serve as a single platform to provide easy access to necessary information on repair and maintenance of products to consumers. What is right to repair ? The right to repair for consumer goods refers to the concept of allowing end users, consumers as well as businesses, to repair devices they own or service without any manufacturer or technical restrictions. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA) has set up a committee to come up with a Right to Repair framework. The framework is significant as it will give consumers a chance to repair their products at an optimal cost instead of buying new products altogether. Under this framework, it would be mandatory for manufacturers to share their product details with customers so that they can either repair them by self or by third parties, rather than only depending on original manufacturers. The framework also aims to help harmonize the trade between the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), third-party buyers and sellers – thus also creating new jobs. It will help reduce the vast mountain of electrical waste (e-waste) that piles up each year on the continent and boost business for small repair shops, which are an important part of local economies. It will save consumers’ money and contribute to circular economy objectives by improving the life span, maintenance, re-use, upgrade, recyclability, and waste handling of appliances. What is there in the right to repair portal? Customer care details across brands The portal has consolidated list of consumer care contact details of all major consumer products manufacturers for your quick viewing. Find warranty and post-sales service information Use website to search companies by name or consumer product name. All the public information related to their products service, warranty, terms and conditions, etc. are aggregated on this portal. Links to the service network of the brands Visit links to the authorized service network of the brands and third-party service providers. Also view the warranty and prices of genuine spares and consumables of respective brands. Source: Right to repare India VAQUITA Syllabus Prelims – ENVIRONMENT Context: The world’s most endangered marine mammal, the vaquita, is teetering on the edge of extinction. A recent survey revealed a devastating decline, with only 6-8 individuals spotted compared to 8-13 just a year ago. Background: Despite their elusive nature making precise population estimates difficult, absence of calves in recent surveys highlights their critical situation. About Vaquita The vaquita is a shy member of the porpoise family. Vaquitas are the most endangered of the world’s marine mammals. Vaquitas have the smallest range of any whale, dolphin, or porpoise.It only lives in the northern part of the Gulf of California in Mexico. It is currently listed asCritically Endangered by the IUCN Red List; the steep decline in abundance is primarily due to bycatch in gillnets from the illegal totoaba Totoaba, is a large fish that also only lives in the Gulf of California. Because totoaba and vaquita are similar in size, gillnets illegally set for totoaba are the deadliest for vaquitas. Fishermen illegally catch totoaba for its swim bladder (an air-filled sac in the totoaba’s body that helps it float), which they sell to China at high prices. In China, the swim bladders are used in soup with purported medicinal value. Scientists agree that for vaquitas to survive in the wild, gillnet fishing must end within vaquita habitat. Source: Hindu TRANSPOSONS Syllabus Prelims – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: A recent paper by researchers at the University of California highlights the role of transposons in gene editing. Background: Transposons have been called “junk” DNA and “selfish” DNA. They are “selfish” because their only function seems to make more copies of themselves and “junk” because there is no obvious benefit to their host. About Transposons Transposable elements (TEs) or simply Transposons, also known as “jumping genes,” are DNA sequences that move from one location on the genome to another. These elements were first identified more than 50 years ago by geneticist Barbara McClintock of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York. Biologists were initially skeptical of McClintock’s discovery. Barbara McClintock’s discovery of them earned her a Nobel Prize in 1983 Over the next several decades, however, it became apparent that not only do TEs “jump,” but they are also found in almost all organisms (both prokaryotes and eukaryotes) and typically in large numbers. For example, TEs make up approximately 50% of the human genome and up to 90% of the maize genome. Due to their mobility (or transposition), transposons facilitate horizontal gene transfer and foster the evolution of new molecular functions in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. As transposition can lead to detrimental genomic rearrangements, organisms have evolved a multitude of molecular strategies to control transposons. Apart from their biological impacts on genomes, DNA transposons have been leveraged as efficient gene insertion vectors in basic research, transgenesis and gene therapy. Source: Nature PANGONG LAKE Syllabus Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: According to recent satellite images, China’s military presence near Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh is escalating. Background: These images reveal extensive underground bunkers and hardened shelters at a crucial base. The base, located at Sirjap on the northern shore of Pangong Lake, serves as the headquarters for Chinese troops stationed around the lake. Key Takeaways Pangong Tso, also known as Pangong Lake, is a high-altitude lake situated in the Changthang region of eastern Ladakh. Pangong Tso spans both India and China. Approximately 50% of the lake lies within Tibet (administered by China), while 40% is in Indian-administered Ladakh. The remaining 10% is a disputed buffer zone between India and China. Disputed Territory: The Line of Actual Control (LAC), which separates boundary between India and China, passes through the lake. This geopolitical demarcation has been a