INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily:
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV) its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act), Quantum advantage, Green hydrogen technologies important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for November 06, 2025 |
What are the challenges with the High Seas Treaty?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International Treaties
Context:
The High Seas Treaty was ratified by over 60 countries in September; it will now be enforced in January 2026. The treaty sets rules to preserve and use marine biodiversity sustainably and addresses threats from climate change, overfishing and pollution.
Read about:
High Seas Treaty
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
Key takeaways:
- In September 2024, more than 60 nations ratified the High Seas Treaty, paving the way for its enforcement by January 2026. This landmark accord aims to protect and sustainably manage marine biodiversity while addressing challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
- Officially called the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, the treaty establishes a comprehensive global framework to regulate and conserve marine life in areas beyond national boundaries.
- A major feature of the treaty is the recognition of Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) as the common heritage of humankind, ensuring equitable sharing of benefits derived from them. Additionally, it introduces Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs), including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which aim to enhance biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and food security by integrating scientific and traditional knowledge.
- The agreement also mandates Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for any activities likely to affect these ecosystems, particularly considering cumulative or cross-border impacts.
- The origins of the BBNJ treaty trace back nearly two decades. In 2004, the UN General Assembly set up a working group to address shortcomings in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which lacked specific provisions for safeguarding biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
- By 2011, nations had agreed to negotiate on four major themes: MGRs, ABMTs, EIAs, and capacity building with technology transfer. Following four intergovernmental conference sessions (2018–2023), countries reached a final consensus in March 2023, culminating in the treaty’s adoption in June 2023
Key Issues and Challenges:
-
Principle Conflict:
A major concern arises from the tension between the doctrines of “common heritage of humankind” and “freedom of the high seas.” While the former advocates for equitable access and benefit-sharing, the latter emphasizes unrestricted navigation and resource use. The partial application of the common heritage principle—particularly concerning MGRs—reflects compromise rather than clarity, leading to confusion in resource exploration, research, and profit distribution. -
Governance of MGRs:
The absence of earlier regulation over MGRs created fears of biopiracy and monopolization by developed countries. Although the treaty proposes a benefit-sharing mechanism (both monetary and non-monetary), it lacks precise criteria for valuation and distribution. -
Limited Participation by Major Powers:
The effectiveness of the treaty is uncertain since key global actors like the U.S., China, and Russia have yet to ratify it, limiting its potential impact. -
Institutional Coordination:
The BBNJ must work alongside existing organizations—such as the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs)—to prevent overlap, legal disputes, and fragmentation of global ocean governance
Follow Up Question
Mains
1. Discuss the significance of the High Seas Treaty in promoting sustainable use and conservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. What are the major challenges in its implementation, and how can international cooperation ensure its effective enforcement?
|
Note: This is a refrence approach to the Question and Model Answer Only
|
Prelims
1.Concerning the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: ( UPSC 2022)
- A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from a baseline determined by the convention.
- Ships of all states, whether coastal or landlocked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
- The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above is correct?
|
Answer (D)
Statement 1: âœ”ï¸ Correct
Statement 2: âœ”ï¸ Correct
Statement 3: âœ”ï¸ Correct
|
- The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) developed by ISRO is a compact, three-stage rocket powered by solid fuel in all its main stages. It also features a Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) — a liquid propulsion-based system used in the final phase of flight to fine-tune the rocket’s speed and precisely position satellites in orbit.
- The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), introduced in 1994, represents the third generation of Indian launch vehicles. Having completed over 50 successful missions, it has earned the title of “ISRO’s workhorse” for its reliability in deploying satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) — typically below 2,000 kilometres altitude.
- For launching heavier payloads into higher orbits, ISRO developed the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). These rockets are used primarily to place communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) — a transitional path leading to Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), located roughly 35,786 kilometres above the equator.
- Since placing satellites in such distant orbits demands greater energy, GSLVs employ cryogenic engines, which use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as propellants. These engines provide significantly higher thrust than earlier liquid-fuel engines, making them ideal for long-distance missions.
- As per NASA, to reach a geosynchronous orbit, a spacecraft first enters an elliptical GTO, with its farthest point (apoapsis) near 37,000 km from Earth. Once it reaches that point, the spacecraft fires an apogee motor to circularize its orbit — a process that determines the final geostationary position.
- One of ISRO’s recent communication satellites, CMS-03, weighing 4,410 kg, was placed in a transfer orbit of 29,970 km × 170 km. Historically, ISRO had to rely on foreign launch providers — such as Arianespace or SpaceX — for placing such heavy satellites in orbit.
- However, this situation is changing with the rise of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3), previously known as GSLV Mk-III. This rocket is capable of carrying up to 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit and about 4,000 kg to Geosynchronous Orbit.
- It uses a combination of solid, liquid, and cryogenic engines, and a modified version will power India’s Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send humans into space.
- In earlier missions, India’s heaviest satellites — such as GSAT-11 (5,854 kg) and GSAT-24 (4,181 kg) — were launched by Arianespace, while the 4,700-kg GSAT-20 was deployed by SpaceX.
- To launch heavier payloads domestically, ISRO has been optimizing the LVM-3 by slightly lowering the orbit altitude, thereby compensating for mass beyond its 4,000-kg GTO limit.
- To further enhance payload capacity, ISRO is upgrading the cryogenic upper stage, which contributes nearly half of the velocity needed to achieve GTO. The current C25 stage carries 28,000 kg of propellant and produces 20 tonnes of thrust. The upcoming C32 version will carry 32,000 kg of propellant and deliver 22 tonnes of thrust.
- Additionally, ISRO plans to replace the second-stage liquid engine with a semi-cryogenic engine that uses refined kerosene and liquid oxygen.
- This innovation is expected to boost efficiency, lower costs, and increase payload capacity — enabling the rocket to carry up to 10,000 kg to LEO, compared to the present limit of 8,000 kg.
- In the long term, ISRO is working on an ambitious Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV) — a next-generation heavy-lift system designed to transport up to 80,000 kg into Low Earth Orbit. This vehicle will form the foundation for future human missions to the Moon, marking a major leap in India’s space exploration capabilities
|
Note: This is a refrence approach to the Question and Model Answer Only
|
|
Answer (A)
Statement 1: ✅ Correct
Statement 2: ⌠Incorrect
Statement 3: ⌠Incorrect
|
What are the various electoral forms?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance like special intensive revision (SIR)
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Polity
Context:
The Election Commission (EC) has just concluded the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. It proposes to roll it out in other States in a phased manner.
Read about:
Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act)
Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (RER)
Key takeaways:
- Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act) outlines the procedure for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in India. Under this provision, a summary revision of electoral rolls is conducted before every general or by-election to update voter information. Additionally, the Act empowers the Election Commission (EC) to undertake a special revision of electoral rolls whenever necessary.
- By its order dated June 24, the EC decided to implement a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the country. Since Bihar’s Assembly elections are scheduled for November, the Commission began the process there first, designating July 1 as the qualifying date for voter eligibility.
- The SIR process in Bihar included several steps: submission of enumeration forms by all registered voters; submission of citizenship proof (for those registered after 2003); publication of draft electoral rolls; a period for claims and objections; verification and disposal of these claims by the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs); and finally, the publication of the final roll.
- The process was later challenged before the Supreme Court, which, through interim orders, directed the EC to accept Aadhaar as one of the valid documents to establish identity along with the enumeration forms.
- The final electoral roll for Bihar was published on September 30. The EC now plans to expand the SIR exercise to other States in phases, in line with their respective Assembly election schedules.
- In this context, it is crucial for citizens to understand the various forms related to electoral rolls, which are provided under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (RER). These rules include detailed instructions for filling out each form, and a summary of these is generally made available for public reference.
- While there are differing political opinions on the SIR exercise in Bihar, maintaining accurate and updated electoral rolls remains fundamental to ensuring free and fair elections — the cornerstone of Indian democracy.
- Going forward, the EC is expected to adopt a more spaced-out schedule for similar exercises, allowing sufficient time for voter participation and minimizing procedural hurdles.
- Following the Supreme Court’s direction, Aadhaar will likely continue to be accepted as a valid identity proof in future revisions.
- Meanwhile, citizens are encouraged to check the draft electoral rolls, submit the required forms, and ensure their details are accurate. New voters and those who have moved to different constituencies should complete the necessary applications.
- Active involvement by political parties and civil society organizations in assisting voters—particularly from marginalized groups—will help create a more inclusive and error-free voter list, thereby strengthening the integrity of the electoral process
Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act)
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act) is one of the foundational laws that governs elections and voter registration in India. Enacted on May 12, 1950, it lays down the legal framework for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, the allocation of seats in the legislature, and the delimitation of constituencies. It ensures that every citizen who meets the eligibility criteria can be properly registered as a voter and exercise their right to vote.
Key Features and Provisions
-
Electoral Rolls (Section 15–23):
The Act mandates the preparation and revision of electoral rolls for every constituency under the supervision of the Election Commission of India (ECI).-
Section 21 specifically deals with the preparation and periodic revision of electoral rolls.
-
The rolls are revised before every general election and can also be specially revised if required.
-
The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 provide detailed procedures for these revisions.
-
-
Eligibility for Registration (Section 19):
Every person who is a citizen of India, at least 18 years old, and ordinarily resident in a constituency is eligible to be registered as a voter. -
Disqualifications (Section 16):
A person may be disqualified from registration if they are:-
Not a citizen of India,
-
Of unsound mind, declared so by a competent court, or
-
Disqualified for voting under any law relating to corrupt practices or offences in connection with elections.
-
-
Delimitation and Allocation of Seats:
The Act provides for the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies and the delimitation of constituencies based on population data from the latest Census. -
Role of the Election Commission:
The Election Commission of India is entrusted with the supervision, direction, and control of the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. It ensures that the rolls are free from duplication, errors, and ineligible entries. -
Forms and Procedures:
The process for inclusion, deletion, or correction of names in electoral rolls is governed by rules under this Act. Citizens can apply using prescribed forms (Form 6, 7, 8, etc.) as defined in the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (UPSC 2022)
|
Note: This is a refrence approach to the Question and Model Answer Only
|
Prelims
1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
- The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
- Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
|
Answer (d)
|
What is Google’s ‘quantum advantage’ leap?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science and technology
Context:
In two papers published in Nature on October 22, researchers from Google, MIT, Stanford, and Caltech reported what they called a verifiable display of quantum advantage using the company’s Willow quantum processor. That is, the teams said they have shown that Willow clearly outperforms existing supercomputers on solving a specific problem
Read about:
What is quantum advantage?
Decoded Quantum Interferometry (DQI)
Key takeaways:
How does a quantum computer work?
- Think of ripples spreading across a pond: when two wave crests meet, they combine to form a larger wave, but when a crest meets a trough, they cancel each other out. This phenomenon, known as interference, is key to quantum computing.
- At the quantum scale, particles exhibit wave-like behavior, and their wave functions—which describe the probabilities of different outcomes—can be controlled to interfere constructively or destructively.
- By managing these interferences, scientists enhance the likelihood of obtaining the correct solution while suppressing incorrect ones. This is the fundamental operating principle of a quantum computer.
- In one study, researchers created a quantum algorithm to handle optimization problems, where the aim is to identify the best outcome among many options. They called this method Decoded Quantum Interferometry (DQI).
- It uses a quantum version of the Fourier transform to manipulate the wave-like behavior of particles acting as quantum bits (qubits). In DQI, waves representing good solutions strengthen one another through constructive interference, while those representing poor solutions cancel out.
- When measured, the quantum system is thus more likely to reveal a high-quality solution. The algorithm efficiently solved the optimal polynomial intersection problem, outperforming classical computers
What is scrambling?
- The second study examined how information disperses—or gets “scrambled”—in complex quantum systems. Imagine adding a drop of blue dye into a clear swimming pool.
- Initially, the dye is localized, but as it spreads, the color becomes faint and uniform throughout the pool. The information about the dye’s exact position is no longer visible, yet it’s not lost—it’s simply distributed across every water molecule.
- Similarly, in a quantum system, information initially contained in a single qubit spreads across all interacting qubits, becoming hidden within their intricate relationships.
- To measure this scrambling, scientists designed an experiment resembling echoes in a warehouse. When someone shouts, the sound waves bounce off every surface, dispersing information.
- A moment later, striking a bell alters part of the echo, imprinting it with a distinct tone. When the experiment is “rewound,” normal echoes cancel out, but those with the bell’s imprint remain as faint, distorted sounds.
- This residual echo, called the Out-of-Time-Order Correlator (OTOC), reveals how widely the original information has spread within the system. By studying these subtle signals, researchers can quantify how quantum information mixes and evolves
How do you demonstrate quantum advantage?
- In another experiment, scientists used highly complex quantum circuits that would have taken a top supercomputer over three years to simulate, but the Willow quantum processor completed them in about two hours.
- This highlights quantum advantage—where a quantum computer outperforms the fastest classical systems.
- However, researchers have not yet proved mathematically that no classical shortcut could solve these problems equally fast. Further work is needed to confirm that such challenges are inherently difficult for non-quantum computers.
- While these studies show impressive progress, their tasks remain laboratory demonstrations rather than practical applications.
- Real-world breakthroughs in fields like physics or chemistry will require advances in error correction, scalability, and the development of thousands of stable qubits—an achievement still several years away
(250 words)
|
Note: This is for reference Only - Reference Mains Structure and Reference midel Answer Only
|
A. Cloud Services
B. Quantum Computing
C. Visible Light Communication Technologies
D. Wireless Communication Technologies
|
Answer (B)
Other options (Incorrect):
|
Will China capture the electrolyser market?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Enviornment and ecology
Context:
In the clean energy market, the limelight has recently shifted from solar and wind towards green hydrogen. Hydrogen is widely used in industries for oil refining and ammonia and methanol production, but most of it is currently produced using fossil fuels, which add to carbon emissions. Green hydrogen technologies used in production, storage, transportation and application are rapidly advancing, with electrolysers at the core of this transformation. Electrolysers are central to its production, much like photovoltaic (PV) modules are to solar power. And just as no discussion on solar PVs is complete without examining China’s dominance in its supply chain, a similar story seems to be unfolding with electrolysers
Read about:
Photovoltaic (PV) modules
Green hydrogen technologies
Key takeaways:
In the global clean energy sector, attention has been shifting from traditional renewables such as solar and wind to green hydrogen. While hydrogen already plays a critical role in industries like oil refining and the production of ammonia and methanol, the majority of it is generated from fossil fuels, adding to carbon emissions. The focus now lies on developing green hydrogen technologies across production, storage, transport, and application stages. Electrolysers, in particular, have emerged as the backbone of this transformation, much like photovoltaic (PV) modules are for solar energy. Just as debates on solar PVs cannot overlook China’s dominance in the supply chain, a similar trend is now unfolding with electrolysers.
China’s position in green hydrogen
- By 2024, China had become the leading producer of hydrogen globally, generating around 36.5 million tonnes annually. Of this, nearly 1,20,000 tonnes was green hydrogen—accounting for close to half of the world’s total.
- In the electrolyser market, China commands almost 85% of global production capacity for alkaline (ALK) electrolysers. Currently, both Alkaline (ALK) and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers are used commercially.
- ALK systems, being an established technology, are cheaper but less efficient in handling renewable power fluctuations. PEM electrolysers, though costlier, perform better under variable loads and yield hydrogen of higher purity.
- For the moment, China’s edge lies in its mass-scale ALK electrolyser production, catering both to domestic use and exports.
- China’s rapid build-up of electrolyser capacity, alongside its rollout of large-scale green hydrogen projects, has raised global concerns about its growing influence over the sector’s supply chains.
How China gained this advantage
- China replicated in electrolysers the strategy it had earlier applied in solar PVs: subsidised pricing, tightly integrated supply chains, control over raw material inputs, and speedy expansion of manufacturing capacity.
- ALK electrolysers from China are priced significantly lower than international averages, offering up to 45% cost savings for hydrogen plants in Europe. Price declines continue due to supply chain maturity and increased competition.
- In 2024, a 5 MW ALK electrolyser system cost about six million yuan (~$167/kW), 20% cheaper than in 2023. A 1 MW PEM system was also priced at six million yuan (~$838/kW), reflecting a 32% drop within a year.
- China benefits from abundant domestic supplies of nickel and steel, essential for ALK electrolysers. However, PEM electrolysers depend on scarce and expensive metals such as iridium, platinum, and titanium, which China imports heavily.
- Since hydrogen production requires specific system integration depending on its intended use and purity requirements, competition may increasingly depend on providing integrated solutions rather than price alone.
- Major Chinese renewable energy players such as LONGi and Envision have diversified into hydrogen, not only manufacturing electrolysers but also investing in overseas production facilities.
- For example, Guofu Hydrogen has partnered with German firms to build plants, while Envision Energy has unveiled the world’s largest green hydrogen and ammonia facility powered entirely by renewables.
Competition and challenges
- China appears well on track to dominate the green hydrogen equipment market through its aggressive scaling up of production and international outreach. However, replicating its solar success will not be straightforward.
- Unlike solar, green hydrogen has been designated as a strategic sector by many countries, which are keen to safeguard domestic industries. Consequently, Chinese imports are expected to face stricter regulations, barriers, and scrutiny.
- Concerns over supply chain resilience and energy security will likely shape how far Chinese products penetrate international markets, potentially curbing their expansion in this domain
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.Green hydrogen production utilizes electrolysis, a process powered by renewable energy sources. However, large-scale production of renewable energy also has environmental implications. Discuss the ethical considerations involved in promoting green hydrogen as a sustainable solution. (250 words)
|
Note: This is for reference Only - Reference Mains Structure and Reference midel Answer Only
|
Prelims
|
Answer (A)
Statement 1: If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products. ✅ Correct. Statement 2: Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers. ⌠Incorrect. Statement 3: Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC). ⌠Incorrect. |