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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on January 01, 2025
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For Prelims Examination: Low earth Orbit (LEO), PSLV-C60/SpaDeX
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & Technology
Context:
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) on Tuesday said that it had facilitated the successful establishment and operationalisation of 10 hosted payloads from non-government entities (NGEs) on board the POEM-4 module of the PSLV-C60/SpaDeX mission
Read about:
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Polar Synchronous Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
Geo Synchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
Key takeaways:
- The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) announced on Tuesday that it successfully facilitated the establishment and operation of 10 hosted payloads from non-government entities (NGEs) on the POEM-4 module of the PSLV-C60/SpaDeX mission.
- This mission, launched at an altitude of 350 km with a 55-degree inclination, utilized the repurposed fourth stage of the PSLV as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4) to conduct in-orbit scientific experiments.
- The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module, an innovative initiative by ISRO, provides a cost-effective platform for Indian start-ups, academic institutions, and research organizations to test their space technologies without requiring dedicated satellite launches. By offering this platform, barriers to entry are reduced, enabling broader participation in the space sector.
- IN-SPACe emphasized its commitment to fostering collaborations and supporting the growth of India's private space sector. Such missions play a vital role in building capacity by enabling NGEs to space-qualify their payloads, paving the way for their future satellite launches.
- Overall, the PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission deployed 24 PS4-Orbital Experiment Module payloads, supporting diverse scientific and technological initiatives
PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)
- The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) is an innovative concept introduced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to repurpose the spent fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for scientific and technological experiments.
- Traditionally, the fourth stage of the PSLV, after completing its primary mission of deploying satellites into their designated orbits, would become space debris.
- However, with the introduction of POEM, this stage is transformed into a functional platform that hosts payloads for in-orbit experiments, extending its utility and contributing to the advancement of space research.
- The POEM platform provides a unique opportunity for Indian start-ups, academic institutions, and research organizations to test and validate their space technologies under real orbital conditions without the need to launch entire satellites.
- This approach significantly reduces the cost and complexity associated with space experiments, making it an accessible option for a wider range of participants in the space sector.
- POEM is equipped with power systems, communication capabilities, and control mechanisms to support a variety of hosted payloads. These payloads can perform experiments in areas such as microgravity research, space technology development, and scientific investigations.
- By offering this platform, ISRO has not only addressed the issue of space debris but has also opened new avenues for innovation and collaboration in the Indian space industry.
- In addition to enabling the testing of advanced technologies, POEM plays a crucial role in building the capacity of non-government entities (NGEs) in the space sector.
- It allows these entities to qualify their payloads for space, thereby enhancing their readiness for future satellite launches.
- This initiative aligns with India's broader goal of fostering private sector participation in space exploration and technology development, contributing to the growth of the country's space economy
Follow Up Question
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Answer (A)
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INS Arighaat: India’s second nuclear sub
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & technology
Context:
Induction of INS Arighaat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine of the Arihant class, significantly boosts India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities, and strengthens its nuclear triad
Read about:
What is INS Arighaat?
India's Nuclear Submarines
Key takeaways:
INS Arighaat is India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, reinforcing the nation's maritime strategic deterrence. As a critical element of India's nuclear triad, Arighaat is equipped with advanced technology and indigenously developed missiles, enhancing India's capability to launch nuclear strikes from the sea. The submarine's nuclear propulsion system allows it to remain submerged for extended periods, ensuring stealth and operational superiority. The commissioning of INS Arighaat marks a significant step in India's defense capabilities, showcasing the country's growing expertise in naval and nuclear technologies
INS Arihant
INS Arihant is India's first indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, serving as a cornerstone of the nation's nuclear triad. Commissioned in 2016, it provides India with the capability to launch nuclear strikes from the sea, significantly enhancing its strategic deterrence. Powered by a pressurized light-water nuclear reactor, INS Arihant can remain submerged for extended durations, ensuring greater stealth and survivability. The submarine is armed with nuclear-capable missiles, such as the K-15, and represents a major milestone in India's naval and defense capabilities, reinforcing its position as a key player in global maritime security
Indian Submarines
- India's submarine fleet is a vital component of its naval power, comprising both nuclear-powered and conventional submarines. The fleet includes advanced nuclear ballistic missile submarines like INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, which form a critical part of India's nuclear triad, ensuring the capability to launch nuclear strikes from the sea. Additionally, India operates 16 conventional submarines, including the Kilo-class (Sindhughosh), Shishumar-class, and Kalvari-class, which provide versatile operational capabilities for defense and deterrence.
- The Kilo-class submarines, acquired from the USSR starting in the mid-1980s, and the Shishumar-class submarines, developed in partnership with Germany, are key assets in India's underwater fleet.
- The Kalvari-class submarines, built domestically in collaboration with France's Naval Group, represent India's growing expertise in submarine construction.
- With ongoing advancements and the construction of new, larger SSBNs, India's submarine force continues to evolve, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the nation's maritime interests and ensuring regional stability
1.Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (UPSC 2016)
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
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Answer (c)
INS Astradharini is classified as a torpedo launch and recovery vessel. It is designed to support the Indian Navy in testing and recovering torpedoes, which are crucial for naval operations and training. This vessel plays a key role in the maintenance and development of torpedo systems, ensuring that the Indian Navy’s torpedoes are effectively tested and handled. Unlike amphibious warfare ships, nuclear-powered submarines, or nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, INS Astradharini is specialized for torpedo-related functions and does not serve broader roles in amphibious warfare, nuclear propulsion, or carrier operations
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In the past, the Supreme Court has imposed strict boundaries on when it can reassess decisions made by High Courts regarding judicial appointments or direct them to reconsider their choices. On Friday, however, Justices Hrishikesh Roy and P K Mishra determined that the current matter warranted review.
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The collegium system, responsible for the appointment and transfer of Supreme Court and High Court judges, was established by a nine-judge Bench in the 1993 case Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association vs Union of India, also referred to as the Second Judges Case.
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This ruling made the recommendations of the Supreme Court collegium mandatory for the government, thereby granting the judiciary the authority to appoint and transfer judges in the higher courts. Under this system, judges select other judges, and while the government can delay appointments, it does not have the power to outright reject the collegium’s nominees.
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In 1998, the Supreme Court responded to a set of queries from then-President K R Narayanan by further clarifying the working of the collegium system, a decision known as the Third Judges Case.
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The Court ruled that the collegium for High Court appointments would consist of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the two most senior judges of the Supreme Court. This collegium must consult the Chief Justice and senior judges of the concerned High Court, the most senior Supreme Court judge from that High Court, and any other Supreme Court judges familiar with the functioning of that court.
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The court also outlined specific, limited grounds on which a recommendation could be contested. One reason would be the absence of “effective consultation” with the necessary individuals or bodies. Another would be if the proposed candidate lacked the necessary qualifications to become a judge, as defined by Articles 217 (for the High Court) and 124 (for the Supreme Court) of the Constitution.
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In December 2022, the High Court collegium, consisting of the Chief Justice and the two senior-most judges, recommended district judges Chirag Bhanu Singh and Arvind Malhotra for elevation to the High Court. On January 4, 2024, the Supreme Court collegium returned this recommendation to the High Court’s Chief Justice for reconsideration.
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However, on April 23, the High Court collegium nominated two other judicial officers for promotion to the High Court, prompting Singh and Malhotra to petition the Supreme Court, claiming that the High Court collegium had overlooked their seniority.
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In both the Second and Third Judges cases, the Supreme Court emphasized the significance of considering judges’ seniority when making recommendations for appointments.
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Following the guidance from the Third Judges Case, the central government and the Supreme Court formulated a Memorandum of Procedure (MOP) in 1998, outlining the process for appointing High Court judges from the initial stages.
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As part of this procedure, the Chief Justice of the High Court must consult the two most senior judges of the High Court, forming the High Court collegium. This body sends its recommendations, along with reasons, to the Chief Minister, Governor, and CJI.
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The Governor, based on the Chief Minister’s advice, forwards the proposal to the Union Law Minister, who conducts a background check before submitting all the relevant documents to the CJI, who reviews them with the Supreme Court collegium
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Answer (C)
This statement is correct. According to Article 128 of the Indian Constitution, the Chief Justice of India can request a retired judge of the Supreme Court to act as a judge of the Supreme Court with the previous consent of the President. This provision allows for flexibility in managing the court's workload and utilizing the expertise of retired judges when needed.
This statement is also correct. Both the Supreme Court and High Courts in India have the power to review their own judgments. This power is derived from Article 137 for the Supreme Court and Article 226 for High Courts, along with various precedents set by the courts themselves. The power of review allows courts to correct errors in their judgments, preventing miscarriage of justice. Given that both statements are correct, the answer is: C. Both 1 and 2 |
- The Mk1A includes enhanced avionics systems for better navigation, targeting, and communication
- It is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which offers superior detection and tracking capabilities compared to previous radars
- The Mk1A supports a wider range of weaponry, including both air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions
- It features an advanced electronic warfare system to improve its survivability in combat scenarios
- The Mk1A incorporates improvements to reduce maintenance requirements and increase operational reliability
Chetak and Cheetah
The Chetak and Cheetah are two variants of light utility helicopters developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for use in the Indian Armed Forces.
Chetak Helicopter
- Development: The Chetak is an upgraded version of the French Alouette III helicopter, which HAL began producing under license in the 1960s.
- Role: It is used for a variety of roles including transport, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.
- Features:
- Equipped with a single turboshaft engine.
- It has a maximum takeoff weight of around 3,000 kg.
- Can carry up to 6 passengers or 1,000 kg of cargo.
- Known for its reliability and versatility in various operational environments.
Cheetah Helicopter
- Development: The Cheetah is an improved version of the Chetak, incorporating several enhancements.
- Role: Like the Chetak, the Cheetah serves similar roles but with better performance capabilities.
- Features:
- Upgraded engine for improved power and performance.
- Enhanced avionics and systems.
- Can operate in more demanding conditions, including higher altitudes.
- Increased maximum takeoff weight and payload capacity compared to the Chetak.
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Answer (d)
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is primarily designed for roles such as anti-tank warfare, close air support, and airborne reconnaissance. However, it is not intended for airborne early warning duties. Correct Answer: (d) Airborne early warning |
The history of life on Earth spans approximately 4.5 billion years and is marked by significant evolutionary milestones:
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Origin of Life (Around 3.8 billion years ago): Life is believed to have originated in the oceans, with the first organisms being simple, single-celled prokaryotes, such as bacteria. These early life forms thrived in extreme environments.
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Photosynthesis and Oxygenation (Around 2.7 billion years ago): Cyanobacteria evolved the ability to perform photosynthesis, producing oxygen as a byproduct. This led to the Great Oxidation Event, drastically changing Earth's atmosphere and paving the way for aerobic (oxygen-dependent) life.
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Eukaryotic Life (Around 2 billion years ago): More complex cells called eukaryotes emerged, characterized by a nucleus and organelles. This development set the stage for multicellular organisms.
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Multicellular Life (Around 600 million years ago): The first multicellular organisms appeared, leading to a variety of life forms in the oceans, including early plants and animals.
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Cambrian Explosion (Around 541 million years ago): A rapid diversification of life occurred, with many major animal groups emerging in a relatively short geological period.
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Colonization of Land (Around 450 million years ago): Plants were the first to colonize land, followed by arthropods and eventually vertebrates, leading to the establishment of terrestrial ecosystems.
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Age of Dinosaurs (Around 230 million years ago): Dinosaurs dominated the Earth during the Mesozoic Era. They evolved into a variety of forms, including the ancestors of modern birds.
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Mass Extinction Events: Several mass extinction events occurred throughout history, the most notable being the Permian-Triassic extinction (about 252 million years ago) and the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction (about 66 million years ago), which led to the demise of the dinosaurs.
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Rise of Mammals (After the dinosaurs' extinction): With the dinosaurs gone, mammals began to diversify and occupy various ecological niches. This period saw the emergence of primates, leading to the eventual evolution of humans.
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Human Evolution (Around 6 million years ago): The lineage leading to humans diverged from other primates. Homo sapiens appeared around 300,000 years ago, and since then, humans have significantly impacted the planet through agriculture, urbanization, and technology
Losing biodiversity can have profound and far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, human health, and the overall stability of the planet. Here are some key impacts of biodiversity loss:
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Ecosystem Imbalance: Each species plays a unique role within its ecosystem, contributing to functions like pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The loss of a species can disrupt these functions, leading to an imbalance that can affect the health of the entire ecosystem.
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Decreased Resilience: Biodiverse ecosystems are generally more resilient to environmental changes and stressors, such as climate change, disease, and natural disasters. A reduction in biodiversity can weaken this resilience, making ecosystems more vulnerable to collapse.
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Loss of Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity is vital for providing ecosystem services that humans rely on, including clean air and water, food production, climate regulation, and natural disaster mitigation. The decline of biodiversity threatens these essential services, potentially leading to food insecurity, poor health, and economic challenges.
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Increased Vulnerability to Diseases: Biodiversity can help regulate populations of disease vectors and pathogens. A decline in biodiversity may lead to an increase in diseases, as certain species that keep populations in check may vanish, allowing disease-carrying organisms to thrive.
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Impact on Human Health: Loss of biodiversity can lead to a decrease in the availability of medicinal resources, as many pharmaceuticals are derived from plants and animals. Additionally, a less diverse ecosystem can impact nutrition and food security.
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Economic Consequences: Many industries, including agriculture, fishing, and tourism, rely on healthy ecosystems. Biodiversity loss can disrupt these industries, leading to economic decline and job losses.
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Cultural Loss: Biodiversity is often intertwined with cultural identities and practices. The loss of species can diminish cultural heritage and traditional knowledge tied to natural resources.
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Climate Change Implications: Biodiverse ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide. The loss of these ecosystems can exacerbate climate change by releasing stored carbon and reducing the planet's capacity to absorb greenhouse gases.
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Extinction of Species: As biodiversity declines, many species face the risk of extinction, leading to irreversible losses in the richness of life on Earth. Each extinction diminishes the genetic diversity that is crucial for adapting to changing environments.
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Interconnectedness of Life: Biodiversity loss highlights the interconnectedness of all living things. The decline of one species can have cascading effects on others, leading to further losses and disrupting food webs
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Answer (C)
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Types:
- Rotational Landslides: Occur when a mass of earth rotates around a pivot point.
- Translational Landslides: Involve the sliding of material down a flat or gently inclined surface.
- Rockfalls: Involve the sudden fall of rock from a steep slope or cliff
- India has several mountainous regions, particularly in the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Northeast India. These areas are characterized by steep slopes, which are more susceptible to landslides.
- Regions such as the Himalayas are tectonically active. Earthquakes can trigger landslides, making these areas particularly vulnerable
- The Indian monsoon brings significant rainfall, especially in regions like the Western Ghats and Northeast India. Intense and prolonged rainfall can saturate soils, increasing the likelihood of landslides
- Human activities, such as deforestation, mining, and urbanization, disrupt the stability of slopes. The removal of vegetation reduces soil cohesion, making landslides more likely.
Regions at Risk
- Himalayan States: States like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir frequently experience landslides due to their steep terrain and heavy monsoonal rains.
- Northeast India: States such as Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya are also prone to landslides, particularly during the monsoon season.
- Western Ghats: This region faces landslide risks, particularly in Kerala and Karnataka, especially during heavy rainfall.
1. Which of the following statements in respect of landslides are correct? (NDA 2022)
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (B)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Important Personalities |
| History | Modern Indian History | Independence and Partition |
| History | Modern Indian History | Constitutional Development in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Peasants, Tribal and other movements |
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UPSC EXAM NOTES will be conducting both Prelims and Mains exams every Sunday as part of the Integrated Mains and Prelims (IMPM) Program. This program provides a comprehensive approach to UPSC exam preparation, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for both stages of the exam. Program Highlights:
Duration: The IMPM plan is a one-year program, ensuring continuous and structured preparation over 12 months. With regular testing and consistent study guidance, this program is designed to maximize your chances of success in the UPSC exams |