Archives

(PRELIMS Focus)

Kochi Container Ship Accident

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context: Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) Leads Urgent Ocean Study After Hazardous Cargo Spill off Kochi

 

Learning Corner:

The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has initiated an emergency oceanographic study in response to the hazardous cargo and oil spill caused by the capsizing of the container ship MSC ELSA 3. 

 

Key Actions and Focus Areas

Significance

The study led by CMLRE is essential for:

The findings are expected to play a critical role in minimizing ecological damage, safeguarding marine livelihoods, and enhancing India’s capacity to respond to future maritime environmental emergencies.

Source : PIB

Indian astronaut in International Space Station (ISS)

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context Indian Astronaut Gp Capt. Shubanshu Shukla to Study Human Adaptation and Cognitive Effects of Electronic Displays in Space

Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla, one of India’s upcoming astronauts, will lead a pioneering study on human adaptation in space during India’s next crewed space mission. A major focus will be on the cognitive effects of prolonged exposure to electronic displays in microgravity.

Key Research Objectives:

Significance:

This study is a significant milestone in India’s human spaceflight program, marking progress in both scientific research and space technology.

Learning Corner:

International Space Station (ISS) – Brief Note

The International Space Station (ISS) is a large, habitable spacecraft that orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 km. It serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory, where scientific research is conducted in fields like astronomy, biology, physics, and Earth science.

Key Features:

Structure: 

Crew: 

Significance:

The ISS is expected to operate until 2030, after which commercial space stations or national stations like India’s Bharatiya Antariksh Station may take on similar roles in low Earth orbit.

 

Space Stations by Different Countries

  1. International Space Station (ISS) – Multinational
  1. Tiangong Space Station – China

Past Chinese Stations:

  1. Mir – Soviet Union / Russia
  1. Salyut Series – Soviet Union
  1. Skylab – United States (NASA)

Future / Proposed Space Stations

Bharatiya Antariksh Station – India (ISRO)

Lunar Gateway – NASA-led (planned)

Source :  PIB

Rajgir hot spring lake shows antimicrobial activity

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context : Recent research shows that bacteria isolated from the Rajgir hot spring exhibit notable antimicrobial activity.

Learning Corner:

Like other geothermal environments, Rajgir’s hot springs harbour thermophilic and extremophilic bacteria that produce valuable bioactive compounds, including antibiotics and enzymes. Genera such as Bacillus, Geobacillus, and Anoxybacillus are common and display antimicrobial properties against pathogens. The unique thermal and chemical conditions of Rajgir support bacteria that thrive at high temperatures and produce metabolites with antimicrobial effects. These bacteria hold significant potential for developing new antibiotics and various biotechnological applications.

What is antimicrobial activity

Antimicrobial activity refers to the ability of a substance or organism to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. It is a crucial property in medicine and biotechnology for controlling infections and diseases. Substances with antimicrobial activity include antibiotics, antiseptics, and natural compounds produced by certain bacteria and fungi. This activity helps prevent the spread of harmful microbes and is vital for developing new drugs, especially in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial agents work by targeting essential processes in microbes, such as cell wall synthesis, protein production, or DNA replication.

Where is Rajgir hot spring?

Rajgir Hot Spring is a natural geothermal spring located in Rajgir, Bihar. Known for its warm, mineral-rich waters, it has been a site of cultural and therapeutic significance for centuries. The spring’s unique thermal and chemical properties create a habitat for thermophilic bacteria, which have potential applications in medicine and biotechnology. Besides its scientific importance, Rajgir Hot Spring attracts tourists and pilgrims due to its association with ancient religious traditions and its reputed healing qualities.

Source: THE HINDU

Artificial metal-based nanozyme that prevents excess blood clotting

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context : Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have developed a novel artificial metal-based nanozyme that prevents excessive blood clotting without causing the bleeding risks commonly associated with traditional anti-clotting drugs.

This nanozyme is made from spherical vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanoparticles and mimics the action of the natural antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

How It Works:

Significance:

Learning Corner:

What is Nanozyme?

Nanozyme is a term for nanomaterials that mimic the activity of natural enzymes. These artificial enzymes are designed at the nanoscale and can perform specific biochemical reactions, such as breaking down harmful substances or regulating biological processes. Nanozymes are often more stable, cost-effective, and easier to produce than natural enzymes. They have wide applications in medicine, diagnostics, environmental cleanup, and biotechnology. Recent research has shown their potential in treating diseases like thrombosis by targeting harmful reactions in the body without causing side effects common with traditional drugs.

Applications of Nano Technology

  1. Medicine and Healthcare
  1. Electronics and Computing
  1. Energy Sector
  1. Environmental Applications
  1. Textiles and Consumer Goods
  1. Agriculture
  1. Construction and Materials
  1. Cosmetics and Personal Care

Source : THE HINDU

Motion of impeachment against Justice Varma

Category: POLITY

Context : The government is set to introduce a motion of impeachment against Justice Yashwant Varma, currently of the Allahabad High Court, during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament

This unprecedented move follows the findings of a Supreme Court-appointed three-member inquiry panel, which indicted Justice Varma over allegations of unaccounted cash discovered at his official residence in Delhi after a fire on March 14, 2025. The panel concluded that Justice Varma failed to satisfactorily explain the source of the large quantity of burnt currency notes, deeming the misconduct serious enough to warrant impeachment proceedings.

Despite being urged by the Supreme Court to resign, Justice Varma has refused, prompting the government to initiate the impeachment process. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has been tasked with building consensus and engaging with leaders of all major political parties to ensure bipartisan support for the motion. The Congress and other opposition parties have indicated they are likely to support the move, viewing it as a matter of judicial accountability rather than political rivalry.

Under the Constitution and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, an impeachment motion against a High Court judge requires the support of at least 100 Lok Sabha or 50 Rajya Sabha members to be tabled, and must then be passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses. Since the Supreme Court has already conducted a thorough inquiry, Parliament can proceed directly to the motion without forming a new investigative committee.

If passed, this would mark the first-ever impeachment of a High Court judge in India, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations and the emphasis on upholding public trust in the judiciary. The case has triggered wider debates on judicial accountability and the mechanisms for ensuring integrity within the higher judiciary.

Learning Corner:

Impeachment Procedure of High Court and Supreme Court Judges in India

  1. Grounds: A judge can be impeached for proven misbehaviour or incapacity as per Article 124(4) of the Constitution (also applicable to High Court judges via Article 218).
  2. Initiation:
    • Requires a notice signed by 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs.
    • Notice is submitted to the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha).
  3. Inquiry Committee:
    • Normally, if the presiding officer admits the motion, a three-member committee (Judge of SC, Chief Justice of HC, and a distinguished jurist) is formed to investigate.
    • Exception: If an inquiry has already been conducted by a Supreme Court-appointed committee, Parliament can skip forming a new one (as in the Varma case).
  4. Parliamentary Approval:
    • If the judge is found guilty, the motion must be passed in both Houses by:
      • A majority of total membership, and
      • A two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
  5. Presidential Assent:
    • Once passed by Parliament, the President of India issues the order for removal of the judge.

Source: THE HINDU

(MAINS Focus)

Jobs and domicile regulations in Ladakh
Date: 4-06-2025 Mainspedia
TOPIC:  Jobs and domicile regulations in Ladakh GS Paper II – Polity
Introduction (Context)

 The Centre has notified a series of regulations for Ladakh’s land, jobs, and cultural preservation, aimed at addressing concerns raised by the civil society in Ladakh over the past five years.

This move comes amid continued demands for Sixth Schedule status and increasing activism led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), and prominent figures like Sonam Wangchuk.
About the new rules

  • Ladakh Civil Services Decentralization and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025

  • Introduces domicile requirement for government jobs in Ladakh.
  • Domicile defined as:
    • 15 years of residence in Ladakh, or
    • 7 years of schooling and appearance in Class 10 or 12 in Ladakh, or
    • Children of Central Government employees with 10 years of service in Ladakh, or
    • Spouses and children of domiciles.

  • Ladakh Civil Services Domicile Certificate Rules, 2025

  • Provides procedure and documentation for obtaining domicile certificate.
  • Tehsildar designated as issuing authority.
  • Deputy Commissioner as appellate authority.
  • Applications allowed in physical and electronic formats.

  • Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025

  • Caps total reservation for SC, ST, OBC, and other backward groups at 85% (excluding 10% EWS quota).
  • Extends reservations to professional institutions (e.g., engineering and medical colleges).
  • Previous cap of 50% in such institutions raised to 85%.

  • Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025

  • Recognises English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi as official languages of Ladakh.
  • Mandates support for Shina, Brokskat, Balti, and Ladakhi for cultural preservation and promotion.

  • Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2025

  • Amends LAHDC Act of 1997 to reserve one-third of seats for women in Leh and Kargil councils.
  • Reservation to be implemented through rotation.
How are the new regulations different?
  • Before the 2025 regulations, Ladakh was primarily governed by adapted laws from the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, such as:
  • J&K Reservation Act, 2004
  • J&K Civil Services Decentralization and Recruitment Act, 2010
  • These older laws:
  • Did not define domicile specific to Ladakh.
  • Lacked job protection mechanisms for local residents.
  • Had unclear reservation limits and no EWS-specific exclusions.
  • Did not recognise Ladakhi languages for official or administrative use.
  • The 2025 regulations mark a shift from borrowed frameworks to region-specific governance, tailored to Ladakh’s unique demographic and cultural context.
Significance
  • Local Employment Protection: Introduction of domicile-based hiring helps address fears of demographic change and economic marginalisation.
  • Cultural Acknowledgement: Recognising Bhoti and Purgi empowers linguistic communities and affirms cultural identities.
  • Gender Empowerment: Reservation for women in LAHDCs promotes inclusive governance.
  • Step towards Tailored Governance: Indicates a shift from borrowed laws to UT-specific administrative reforms post-2019.
Challenges
  • No Constitutional Status: Rules framed under Article 240 can be revoked/amended easily by the Centre.
  • Absence of Land Safeguards: Fears of land alienation remain unresolved, especially in ecologically fragile areas.
  • Lack of Legislative Autonomy: LAHDCs remain administrative without real legislative power, unlike Sixth Schedule ADCs.
  • Symbolic Cultural Protection: No clear roadmap for using recognised languages in courts, schools, or governance.
Value addition About Sixth Schedule

  • Constitutional Provisions are present in Part X of the Indian Constitution, Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
  • It aims at providing autonomy and self-governance to tribal-majority regions through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
  • Applicable States: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Key Features:

  • Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) can make laws on:
    • Land and forests
    • Customary laws and practices
    • Village administration
    • Inheritance and social customs
    • Education and health within the district
  • Financial Powers: Councils can levy and collect certain taxes and receive central grants.
  • Judicial Powers: Can establish village courts to settle local disputes.

Relevance to Ladakh:

  • Over 90% of Ladakh’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribes.
  • Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule would:
    • Provide constitutional protection to tribal identity and land.
    • Empower local governance with law-making and administrative autonomy.
    • Ensure long-term safeguards unlike revocable executive regulations under Article 240.
Way forward
  • Granting Sixth Schedule Status: Constitutional recognition will institutionalize autonomy and empower local communities legally and financially.
  • Land Protection Laws: Enacting land ownership restrictions for non-domiciles, similar to J&K, to prevent ecological and cultural erosion.
  • Promotion of Indigenous Languages: Integrate Bhoti and other regional dialects into the education system and local administration.
  • Strengthening LAHDCs: Provide legislative powers to Hill Councils to manage local affairs, aligned with the Sixth Schedule model.
Conclusion

 The 2025 regulations for Ladakh mark a significant milestone in the Union Territory’s journey toward administrative and cultural recognition. By introducing domicile-based job reservations, expanding affirmative action in education, and recognizing local languages, the Centre has responded to long-standing demands of Ladakhi civil society. However, these executive measures fall short of providing constitutional guarantees that would ensure lasting protection for the region’s identity, resources, and autonomy.

Mains Practice Question

Q “While the recent regulations for Ladakh address some regional demands, they fall short of constitutional safeguards.” Critically evaluate this statement in the context of Ladakh’s demand for Sixth Schedule status. (250 words, 15 marks)

Mustard oil Policy and regulation
Date: 4-06-2025 Mainspedia
TOPIC:  Mustard oil Policy and regulation GS Paper III – Science and Technology

GS Paper II –  Governance
Introduction (Context)

Mustard oil is one of the most commonly used cooking oils in India, especially in northern and eastern states. However, its safety for human health has become a matter of national debate due to the presence of a chemical called erucic acid, which is found in high quantities in Indian mustard oil.
Government rules regarding it In recent years, two major developments have occured:

  1. In 2021, the government body in charge of food safety — the FSSAI — banned the blending of mustard oil with other edible oils.
  2. In 2024, the Supreme Court gave a split verdict on whether India should allow the use of genetically modified (GM) mustard called DMH-11, which has lower erucic acid levels.

Both decisions were aimed at protecting people’s health. But experts believe that these steps, though well-intentioned, may not solve the real problem. 
Verdict 1 by FSSAI 

Ban on Blended Mustard Oil (2021)

  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the manufacture and sale of blended mustard oil.
  • Blending of edible oils is generally allowed (up to 20%) under Indian law but not anymore for mustard oil.
  • It was done to prevent adulteration of mustard oil and to increase domestic mustard production.
  • While the intent was safety, the ban may have removed a safer option for consumers, especially to reduce a harmful compound called erucic acid.
What is Erucic acid
  • It is a fatty acid naturally present in mustard oil.
  • In Indian mustard, erucic acid is very high (40–54%). Globally accepted safe level: less than 5%.
  • Health risks are:
  • Heart disease
  • Growth retardation
  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Adverse effects on muscles and glands
  • Canola oil (developed in Canada) is used as a mustard substitute as has <2% erucic acid.
  • Countries like the U.S., Canada, and EU nations restrict high-erucic mustard oil use.
Alternatives

Edible Oil Blending

  • Blending mustard oil with other oils dilutes erucic acid content.
  • It also improves fatty acid profile (higher good cholesterol, lower bad cholesterol).
  • However, a 2020 FSSAI survey found 24% of oil samples failed quality standards. Mustard oil had the most adulteration cases. Thus FSSAI has banned blending of mustard oil.

Solution: 

  • Instead of a full ban, allow blended mustard oil in branded, packaged form with:
    • Clear labeling
    • Strict enforcement of safety standards
    • Better monitoring by State food safety authorities (since health is a State subject)

In Indian mustard, erucic acid is very high (40–54%) and ban of blending will increase the health risks.
Verdict 2 by Supreme Court
  • SC has rejected GM mustard (DMH-11) approval due to insufficient human health data.
  • However, DMH-11 oil contains 30–35% erucic acid — significantly lower than traditional mustard crops.
  • GM mustard also promises:
    • Higher yields
    • Lower blending requirement
    • Reduced edible oil imports (₹1.7 lakh crore import bill)
Value addition  About DMH-11

  • GM Mustard – Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) is India’s first genetically modified (GM) food crop developed by scientists at the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP), Delhi University.
  • Objectives:
  • To increase mustard crop yield, which is relatively low in India compared to global standards.
  • To reduce erucic acid content in mustard oil. Indian mustard oil usually has 40–54% erucic acid, while DMH-11 contains only 30–35%, which is considered relatively safer for consumption.
  • To reduce India’s edible oil imports, which cost over $20 billion annually.
  • Issues:
  • There are concerns over the impact on human health and biodiversity.
  • The Supreme Court split verdict (2024) highlighted that environmental and health assessments were insufficient.
  • Critics argue that once approved, it may lead to the entry of more GM food crops without strict regulation.
Conclusion

Both decisions, the FSSAI ban and SC verdict on GM mustard aim to protect health, but neither fully addresses the core problem of high erucic acid in mustard oil.

India needs a balanced strategy to regulate and allow safe oil blending and accelerate development of low-erucic GM mustard.

Mains Practice Question

Q Examine the implications of banning blended mustard oil in the context of public health and suggest a balanced regulatory approach. (250 words, 15 marks)

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