INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Russia-Ukraine war for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Three Language Model , Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV) important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for March 03, 2025 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on March 03, 2025
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
Context:
March 3 is observed each year as World Wildlife Day to highlight the importance of conserving flora and fauna. The theme of World Wildlife Day for this year is ‘Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.’
Read about:
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
Key takeaways:
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In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated March 3 as UN World Wildlife Day to promote awareness and conservation efforts for the world’s wildlife. This date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which was established on the same day in 1973.
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CITES is a global agreement between governments that serves as a milestone in wildlife conservation. Its primary aim is to regulate the international trade of wild animals and plants to ensure that such activities do not threaten their survival.
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Any country or regional economic integration organization that has ratified the Convention is referred to as a Party to CITES. Presently, 185 Parties are part of the agreement. The CITES Secretariat, managed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The Conference of the Parties (CoP) serves as the Convention’s highest decision-making authority, where all Parties participate in consensus-based discussions.
How CITES Functions
CITES classifies species into three Appendices based on the level of protection they require:
📠Appendix I: Includes species at risk of extinction. Trade in these species is strictly prohibited except in exceptional cases. Examples include gorillas and Indian lions.
📠Appendix II: Covers species that are not currently endangered but require trade regulations to prevent future threats. Examples include certain fox species and hippopotamuses.
📠Appendix III: Lists species that are protected in at least one country, which has requested assistance from other CITES Parties in regulating their trade. Examples include the Bengal fox and the Golden jackal from India.
Notable Species in the News
Indian Star Tortoise
- Classified under Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, granting it the highest level of legal protection.
- Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2016.
- Illegal trafficking of this species carries a prison sentence of three to seven years and a fine of at least ₹25,000 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The species is highly sought after as a pet both in India and internationally, driving illegal trade.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
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In India, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) operates under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change to combat organized wildlife crime.
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The WCCB headquarters is in New Delhi, with five regional offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bhopal. It also has three sub-regional offices in Guwahati, Amritsar, and Cochin, along with five border units in Ramanathapuram, Gorakhpur, Motihari, Nathula, and Moreh.
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Under Section 38(Z) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Bureau is responsible for collecting intelligence on wildlife crime and sharing it with state and enforcement agencies for action. It also assists Customs authorities in inspecting shipments of flora and fauna under the Wildlife Protection Act, CITES, and the EXIM Policy governing such trade
Follow Up Question
1.With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2015)
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (b)
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The Ukrainian President’s effort to strengthen relations with the United States ended in a highly publicized failure, as Donald Trump abruptly cut short their meeting and told him to return only “when he is ready for peace.”
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Here are eight key insights from this unprecedented event at the White House.
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First, Trump does not adhere to traditional diplomatic norms, where world leaders carefully measure their words after extensive groundwork by their teams. His speeches, social media posts, and public statements often defy standard diplomatic practices. His confrontational approach is also rooted in historical tensions.
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Second, Trump prioritizes projecting strength and earning respect from his domestic audience, making his actions largely focused on internal perceptions.
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Third, the clash between Trump and Zelenskyy highlights a shift towards transactional diplomacy, where each country must prioritize its own interests. The U.S. no longer upholds the traditional global order, and nations can no longer rely on Washington for stability. Ukraine and Europe are among the first to face the consequences of this shift.
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Fourth, Indian policymakers may feel relieved that Prime Minister Narendra Modi successfully managed his interactions with Trump during his recent White House visit. Sensitive topics like illegal immigration and high tariffs were addressed tactfully, allowing India to avoid potential diplomatic pitfalls.
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Fifth, the importance of traditional closed-door diplomacy is becoming increasingly evident. Meaningful discussions should happen behind the scenes rather than being turned into public spectacles. This reinforces the significance of back-channel negotiations over media-driven posturing.
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Sixth, India is unlikely to take a clear stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has consistently maintained a neutral position, advocating for diplomacy and dialogue as the only path to resolution. Its recent UN vote—where it abstained from both Ukraine and U.S.-backed resolutions—underscores its careful balancing act in global affairs.
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Seventh, Ukraine faces an uncertain future regarding the ongoing war. Without continued U.S. support, it may be forced to reassess its position, possibly re-engaging with Trump. Zelenskyy later appeared to take a more measured tone in an interview following the confrontation, though the road ahead remains challenging. Pressure may mount on him to revive discussions on rare earth mineral deals and even consider holding elections.
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Eighth, Ukraine is rich in valuable minerals essential for manufacturing high-tech products, defense systems, and clean energy solutions like electric vehicles, electronics, and semiconductors. These resources are scarce and difficult to extract, making them strategically significant. The U.S. and its allies view Ukraine’s reserves as crucial, especially since China dominates global production in this sector. This is also a key reason why Trump previously expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, which has similar resources.
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Two classifications are important when discussing these materials: rare earth elements and critical minerals.
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Rare earth elements include 17 elements—15 lanthanides (atomic numbers 57 to 71), along with scandium (21) and yttrium (39).
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Critical minerals are designated based on a country's specific economic and security needs. India, for instance, identified 30 critical minerals in 2023.
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A report by Ukraine’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources and the Ukrainian Geological Survey states that Ukraine possesses 22 of the 50 materials identified as critical by the U.S., and 25 out of 34 recognized as essential by the European Union. Notably, Ukraine holds competitive reserves of graphite, lithium, titanium, beryllium, and uranium—minerals vital for industries ranging from energy to defense
1.Consider the following countries: (UPSC CSE 2023)
1. Bulgaria
2. Czech Republic
3. Hungary
4. Latvia
5. Lithuania
6. Romania
How many of the above-mentioned countries share a land border with Ukraine?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) Only five
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Answer (b)
Ukraine shares land borders with seven countries:
Now, let's check the given countries:
Thus, the countries from the list that share a land border with Ukraine are:
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and nternational Importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance
Context:
In 1968, a national education policy (NEP) formulated by the Indira Gandhi-led Congress government had introduced the three-language formula. Centred on a Hindi-English fulcrum, the policy called for teaching a southern language in Hindi-speaking states and a regional language in non-Hindi-speaking states as the third language
Read about:
National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020
What is the “three-language formula”?
Key takeaways:
- The three-language formula has remained a contentious issue for decades. Tamil Nadu opposed it in 1968 and has since adhered to its own two-language system.
- Currently, the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the BJP-led Central government are in disagreement over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which upholds the three-language formula but with more flexibility in language choices. However, the Centre has clarified that no particular language will be enforced on any state.
- Both in 1968 and 2020, the three-language policy aimed to encourage multilingualism. Yet, data from the 2011 Census indicates that in only eight states and union territories does more than half of the population speak more than two languages.
- Nationally, 26.02% of the population is bilingual, while 7.1% speaks three languages. Although bilingualism saw a slight increase from 24.79% in 2001, the percentage of trilingual speakers declined from 8.51%. Between 2001 and 2011, 12 states and UTs experienced a decrease in bilingualism, and 23 recorded a drop in trilingualism.
- Despite maintaining its two-language policy, Tamil Nadu ranked 15th in bilingualism in 2011, with 28.3% of its population speaking two languages. Its trilingual population stood at 3.39%, placing it among the lowest-ranking states.
- Goa led in multilingualism, with 77.21% bilingual and 50.82% trilingual speakers, making it the only state where trilingualism exceeded 50%. Chandigarh (30.51%) and Arunachal Pradesh (30.25%) followed. Other regions with high bilingualism rates included Andaman & Nicobar Islands (67.64%), Arunachal Pradesh (64.03%), Sikkim (63.71%), Nagaland (62.15%), Chandigarh (54.95%), Manipur (54.02%), and Maharashtra (51.1%). The 2011 Census also revealed that Hindi appeared in eight out of the ten most common bilingual language combinations.
- A National Education Policy (NEP) serves as a guiding framework for the country’s education development. The need for such a policy was first recognized in 1964 when Congress MP Siddheshwar Prasad criticized the government for lacking a structured vision for education.
- Consequently, a 17-member Education Commission, led by UGC Chairperson D.S. Kothari, was formed to draft a national education policy, resulting in the adoption of the first NEP in 1968.
- India has had three NEPs so far—the first in 1968 under Indira Gandhi, the second in 1986 under Rajiv Gandhi (revised in 1992 during P.V. Narasimha Rao's tenure), and the third in 2020 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The NEP primarily serves as a broad framework rather than a mandatory directive. Since education falls under the concurrent list, both the Centre and states have the authority to legislate on it. The government has set a target of 2040 for the complete implementation of NEP 2020
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A committee, chaired by former Mines Secretary Sushil Kumar, recently submitted its report. The ministry has announced plans to implement its recommendations, which include policy changes, structural reforms, and strict penalties to curb the practice of ‘Pradhan Pati’, ‘Sarpanch Pati’, or ‘Mukhiya Pati’.
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Established in September 2023 as a response to a Supreme Court ruling dated July 6, 2023, the committee conducted four regional workshops across India to examine the issue. Key insights from these workshops, along with field visits and discussions with women panchayat representatives, revealed the following challenges:
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Limited political leadership experience: The committee observed that newly elected women representatives often lack the necessary exposure and experience to effectively fulfill their roles in local governance, particularly at the gram panchayat level.
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Gender discrimination: Women representatives frequently face exclusion in official and informal meetings, with male elected representatives and government officials preferring to engage with their male counterparts. This marginalization reinforces the dominance of male relatives in governance, undermining the constitutional rights of elected women representatives (EWRs).
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Patriarchal social norms: Traditional rural communities still uphold deep-seated patriarchal mindsets, with rigid socio-cultural norms such as the observance of ‘purdah’—women covering their heads or veiling themselves in the presence of male peers, particularly elders and in public spaces.
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Political pressure: Many EWRs face threats, coercion, and even violence from political opponents and dominant groups. The report highlights cases where ‘No Confidence Motions’ are strategically used as a tool to remove women representatives from office, cutting short their tenure.
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Lack of strong deterrent laws: While some steps have been taken to introduce rules and legal provisions to penalize male relatives who unofficially run panchayats, the report notes that these measures remain insufficient. The dominance of male relatives continues to weaken the official authority of EWRs.
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The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts laid the foundation for local self-governance in India’s rural and urban regions. These amendments were added as Part IX (“The Panchayats”) and Part IXA (“The Municipalities”) of the Constitution.
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With these amendments, panchayats and municipalities were officially recognized as institutions of self-government. The gram sabha became the primary democratic body at the village level, while ward committees played a similar role in municipalities. These bodies, composed of all adult registered voters, were responsible for holding panchayats and municipalities accountable.
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The amendments introduced direct elections at all three levels of governance—gram panchayat at the village level, taluka/block panchayat at the intermediate level, and zila panchayat/parishad at the district level. States with a population under 20 lakh were exempted from this structure.
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Women’s reservation was a key feature, ensuring that one-third of all seats, including those for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), were reserved for women. Additionally, one-third of leadership positions (chairpersons and office-bearers) at all levels had to be occupied by women.
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The amendments also specified a five-year tenure for each elected body, with elections for successor bodies required before the term ended. In the event of dissolution, fresh elections had to be held within six months
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Answer (b)
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Indian space programme breaks into 2025 in ‘mission mode’
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & Technology
Context:
The PSLV-C60 mission laid the foundations for Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. Forthcoming test flights will move India closer to human spaceflight, soon to receive a helping hand from a third launch pad at Sriharikota, continuing work on NGLV, and a change of guard at ISRO
Read about:
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV)
Geo Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLV)
Key takeaways:
- On December 30, 2024, the PSLV-C60 mission launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota. Within 15 minutes, the rocket successfully placed the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) satellites into a 475-km circular orbit at slightly different velocities.
- Kepler Aerospace, an Indian private company, partnered with ISRO to provide ground station-as-a-service support for the mission. The company simultaneously managed both SpaDeX satellites and delivered comprehensive mission support in less than a month.
- A Swiss firm specializing in space situational awareness, s2a systems, shared updates on the satellites’ separation distances via social media. On January 2, 2025, the satellites reached a separation of 10–20 km, referred to as far rendezvous conditions. By January 6, they began moving closer. Although ISRO initially planned a live webcast for January 7, it postponed the event before canceling it entirely.
- On January 8, ISRO reported an unexpected drift when the satellites’ separation was reduced from 500 m to 225 m. Consequently, the separation was reset to 6–8 km on January 9 to begin the docking process anew.
- By January 10, the satellites entered a ‘hold’ mode to maintain a distance of 1.5 km. Over the following days, the inter-satellite distance was progressively reduced: to 230 m on January 11, then to 105 m, 15 m, and finally 3 m by January 12. At this stage, ISRO temporarily increased the distance to 10.9 km to analyze sensor data before proceeding.
- On January 13, the satellites approached each other again, reaching 2.6 km apart, and by January 15, the distance was reduced to 900 m. Finally, on January 16, ISRO announced that the satellites had successfully docked and stabilized in orbit, marking the organization’s first in-orbit rendezvous and docking milestone. Post-docking, the satellites were controlled together from one unit, a critical capability for lunar and space station operations
GSLV and PSLV
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) are two of the most important satellite launch vehicles developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). They serve distinct purposes and are used based on mission requirements.
Here's a comparison of the two:
- The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is one of the most reliable and versatile satellite launch vehicles developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Its primary function is to launch satellites into Polar Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO), making it ideal for earth observation and remote sensing missions.
- However, PSLV is not limited to SSO; it is also capable of placing satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbits (GTO) and Low Earth Orbits (LEO), adding to its flexibility. The PSLV had its maiden flight on September 20, 1993, and since then, it has undergone numerous improvements to enhance its performance and reliability.
- The PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle that alternates between solid and liquid propulsion systems. This unique design ensures a balance of power and precision during its mission. It has a payload capacity of up to 1,750 kg to SSO and up to 1,420 kg to GTO.
- Known as the "Workhorse of ISRO," the PSLV is celebrated for its high success rate and cost-effectiveness, making it a favored choice for launching satellites. Over the years, the PSLV has undertaken several landmark missions.
- Notable among these are Chandrayaan-1 in 2008, India’s first lunar exploration mission, and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013, which made India the first country to reach Mars on its first attempt. In 2017, the PSLV-C37 mission set a world record by successfully deploying 104 satellites in a single mission, demonstrating its capability to handle complex operations.
- On the other hand, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is a more advanced and powerful launch vehicle developed by ISRO. Its primary objective is to launch heavier payloads into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), although it is also capable of launching payloads into LEO. The GSLV made its debut on April 18, 2001, and since then, it has become a critical asset for India’s space program.
- The GSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle, incorporating a solid-propulsion first stage, a liquid-propulsion second stage, and a cryogenic third stage. The cryogenic stage, which uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, provides higher efficiency and thrust, enabling the vehicle to carry payloads weighing up to 5,000 kg to LEO and up to 2,500 kg to GTO. The development of an indigenous cryogenic upper stage was a major milestone for ISRO, marking a significant technological achievement.
- The GSLV has been instrumental in deploying India’s GSAT series of communication satellites, which are crucial for telecommunication and broadcasting services. It was also used in the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019, India’s second lunar exploration mission. Recently, in 2023, the GSLV successfully launched the NVS-01 satellite, which plays a vital role in India’s navigation system.
- Together, the PSLV and GSLV have propelled India’s space ambitions, each serving distinct purposes. While the PSLV excels in launching smaller satellites and multi-satellite payloads, the GSLV is designed for heavier payloads and higher orbits, making both vehicles complementary and indispensable to ISRO’s endeavors
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Answer (A)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Fundamental Duties | Fundamental Duties |
| Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity in India | Biodiversity |
| History | Modern Indian History | Constitutional Development in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Peasants, Tribal and other movements |
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