INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
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National Space Law and Charge-coupled device (CCD) and its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Consumer Price Index (CPI), Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), History of Crimea important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for August 21, 2025 |
- The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 declares outer space as the common heritage of humanity, thereby prohibiting any claim of sovereignty over it. It also makes states accountable for all space activities carried out under their jurisdiction, whether by government agencies or private operators.
- Supplementary agreements to the treaty establish binding norms relating to rights, duties, and liability. However, these international agreements do not automatically apply within domestic legal systems. As highlighted by Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the UN space treaties lay down the essential guiding principles—from ensuring the peaceful use of outer space to defining the liability of states.
- To implement these norms effectively, countries need to pass national space laws, which ensure that their space industries grow responsibly, sustainably, and in harmony with global obligations.
- India is a party to the major UN space treaties but is still in the process of adopting a comprehensive national space law. Unlike policy, which expresses intent, legislation provides an enforceable legal framework.
- According to Rossana Deim-Hoffmann, who leads UNOOSA’s Global Space Law Project, domestic space laws bring clarity, predictability, and regulatory stability for both state and private players.
- Several nations—including the United States, Japan, and Luxembourg—have already introduced such laws, creating systems for licensing, liability management, and recognition of commercial space rights.
- India has adopted a gradual and carefully sequenced approach towards framing space legislation. Space law expert Ranjana Kaul explains that national space law must address two interconnected dimensions.
- The first involves technical rules governing the conduct of commercial space activities in orbit, which corresponds to the “authorisation” requirement under Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty (OST). The Department of Space has been advancing systematically in this area.
- This cautious strategy has already produced tangible outcomes, such as the Catalogue of Indian Standards for Space Industry, aimed at ensuring the safety of space missions; the Indian Space Policy, which specifies the types of activities open to private participation; and the IN-SPACe Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (NPG) 2023, which operationalise the policy in terms of authorising space-related activities.
- Yet, the second key element remains incomplete. Dr. Kaul points out that this pertains to the comprehensive legislative framework—or “space activities law”—which would incorporate provisions of the OST in a precise and well-drafted manner
- IN-SPACe, which at present functions without a formal legal mandate, needs explicit statutory authority to effectively serve as the primary regulatory body for India’s space sector.
- A comprehensive national space law must outline in detail the licensing framework—covering eligibility criteria, application procedures, timelines, fee structures, and grounds for approval or rejection.
- Such clarity would help prevent unnecessary delays and bureaucratic hurdles that often arise from the involvement of multiple ministries.
- The dual-use nature of space technology adds further complexity, as companies frequently encounter prolonged approval processes even after receiving provisional clearances.
- To address this, clear policies on foreign direct investment (FDI)—such as permitting 100% FDI in satellite component manufacturing through the automatic route—would be vital for attracting capital, particularly for startups seeking to expand their operations.
- In addition, the sector requires the establishment of affordable insurance mechanisms to protect emerging companies handling expensive space assets.
- Protecting intellectual property (IP) rights is equally essential. Legislation should safeguard innovation without excessive state interference, encourage collaborative efforts between industry, academia, and government, and build confidence among potential investors
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Answer (C)
The THEMIS Mission (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) was launched by NASA in 2007 to study auroras — the beautiful, colorful displays in the high-latitude skies. The mission aimed to understand what triggers these geomagnetic substorms caused by the interaction of the solar wind with Earth’s magnetosphere
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- A Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) works on the principle of the photoelectric effect, in which incoming light generates pairs of electrons and holes within a semiconductor material.
- When photons strike the semiconductor beneath each pixel, they release electrons, forming a packet of charge that is directly proportional to the intensity of the light falling on that pixel.
- Each pixel acts like a tiny capacitor, storing these electrons, and the amount of charge accumulated reflects the brightness of the light received.
- To read this information, a sequence of voltages is applied to electrodes above the pixels, which transfers the stored charges step by step from one pixel to the next—similar to passing buckets of water along a chain.
- This method of moving charge gives the CCD its name. Eventually, the charges reach a readout register, where they are converted into voltage signals. These signals are then amplified, digitised, and processed into a complete image.
- Since their invention in 1969, Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) have transformed multiple fields by enhancing the way light can be recorded as digital data. In everyday life, they replaced traditional photographic film with electronic sensors, paving the way for the rise of digital cameras.
- This shift allowed people to instantly preview, edit, and store images on digital media, reshaping both personal photography and modern communication. CCDs also became central to CCTV systems, delivering clear video feeds that support security in banks, shopping centres, hospitals, and other public spaces.
- In the field of medicine, CCDs play a crucial role in diagnostic imaging technologies such as X-rays, CT scans, and endoscopy. Their high sensitivity and resolution make it possible to generate sharper images, enabling doctors to detect problems more precisely and design better treatments.
- Similarly, in scientific research, CCDs are essential in instruments like microscopes, spectrometers, and particle detectors, where their precision allows researchers to examine cells, materials, and fundamental physical processes in fine detail.
- Perhaps one of their most important contributions is in astronomy, where CCDs have become the preferred technology for telescopic imaging. Unlike older photographic plates, CCDs can detect extremely faint light sources with much greater sensitivity.
- This advancement has revolutionised space observation, helping astronomers explore distant galaxies, identify exoplanets, and investigate a wide range of cosmic phenomena, thereby deepening humanity’s understanding of the universe.
1.With reference to a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD), consider the following statements:
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It works on the principle of the photoelectric effect, where incoming light generates electron-hole pairs in a semiconductor.
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CCDs are primarily used in digital imaging devices like telescopes, cameras, and medical scanners.
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Each pixel in a CCD stores charge in proportion to the light intensity it receives.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (d)
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- The Labour Bureau under the Ministry of Labour & Employment has published the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) for July 2025, using 2019=100 as the base year.
- The indices are compiled from data gathered across 787 sample villages in 34 States and Union Territories.
- In July 2025, the All-India CPI for Agricultural Labourers rose by 1.23 points, reaching 135.31, while the CPI for Rural Labourers went up by 1.30 points to 135.66.
- The Food Index registered an increase of 1.94 points for Agricultural Labourers and 2.16 points for Rural Labourers during the same month
- The Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) are important statistical measures released by the Labour Bureau under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- These indices are designed to track changes in the cost of living of two specific groups in India’s rural economy: agricultural labourers, who mainly depend on farm work for their livelihood, and rural labourers, who include both agricultural and non-agricultural rural workers.
- Both indices are compiled by collecting price data from a wide sample of villages across different States and Union Territories. The base year currently used for comparison is 2019=100, meaning all changes in prices are measured against the cost structure prevailing in 2019.
- By observing how the indices move each month, policymakers can assess how inflation is affecting rural households, particularly the poorest segments who spend a major share of their income on food and essential goods.
- The CPI-AL and CPI-RL are also significant because they are often used for revising wages under the Minimum Wages Act and for adjusting various government welfare programmes.
- Since agricultural labourers and rural workers are among the most vulnerable groups, these indices provide a more realistic picture of inflation at the grassroots level compared to urban-focused indices.
- A rise in these indices usually reflects an increase in the prices of food items and other essentials, which directly impacts the standard of living of rural households
- The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is an important economic indicator used to measure inflation at the wholesale level in India. Unlike the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which reflects the retail prices paid by consumers, the WPI tracks the prices of goods traded in bulk, typically before they reach the retail market. It shows the average change in prices of a fixed basket of goods at the wholesale stage, thereby giving an early signal of price movements in the economy.
- In India, the WPI is released every month by the Office of the Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The current base year for calculating the WPI is 2011–12 = 100. The index covers a wide range of goods divided into three major categories:
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Primary Articles (like food items, cereals, fruits, vegetables, minerals)
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Fuel and Power (like coal, electricity, petroleum products)
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Manufactured Products (like textiles, chemicals, cement, metals, machinery, etc.)
- By tracking price fluctuations in these categories, WPI provides valuable insights into supply-side inflationary pressures in the economy. For instance, if fuel prices rise, it gets reflected in the WPI, which in turn can push up costs in other sectors as well.
- Although the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) now mainly uses CPI as the benchmark for inflation targeting under its monetary policy framework, WPI is still widely used by the government, businesses, and analysts. It helps in understanding trends in wholesale markets, adjusting prices in long-term contracts, and formulating policies related to trade, industry, and agriculture
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Answer (A)
Statement 1: The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). ✅
Statement 2: The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does. ✅
Statement 3: Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates. âŒ
✅ Correct Answer: A. 1 and 2 only |
Elections under the Indian Constitution
🔹 Part XV (Articles 324–329) of the Constitution deals with the conduct of elections. These provisions empower the Election Commission of India (ECI) and outline its authority and responsibilities.
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Article 324: Grants the ECI the power of superintendence, direction, and control over the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.
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Article 325: Prohibits exclusion from electoral rolls on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or any of them.
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Article 326: Establishes universal adult suffrage as the basis of elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
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Article 327: Empowers Parliament to legislate on all matters related to elections.
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Article 328: Provides similar powers to State Legislatures regarding their own elections.
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Article 329: Bars judicial intervention in electoral matters, except through election petitions as specified by law.
Current Political Context
Recently, the Opposition signaled its intention to bring an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), accusing him of acting in a partisan manner during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The CEC had asked the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, to either file charges of alleged voter fraud through a sworn affidavit or publicly apologize.
Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner
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As per Article 324(5), the CEC enjoys protection similar to that of a Supreme Court judge, meaning removal is possible only through a process of impeachment.
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The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 further specifies the grounds and procedures for removal.
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Importantly, while the CEC can be removed only by Parliament, other Election Commissioners can be removed only on the recommendation of the CEC.
Procedure for Removal (aligned with Judges Inquiry Act, 1968)
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A motion for removal must be supported by at least 100 MPs in Lok Sabha or 50 MPs in Rajya Sabha.
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The Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) may admit or reject the motion after due consideration.
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If admitted, a three-member inquiry committee is formed:
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One judge from the Supreme Court,
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One Chief Justice of a High Court,
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One distinguished jurist nominated by the Speaker/Chairman.
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The committee frames specific charges, provides the CEC an opportunity to defend himself, and submits its findings.
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For the motion to pass, it requires:
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Support of two-thirds of members present and voting in each House, and
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Approval from more than 50% of the total membership of each House.
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Once both Houses approve, the President issues an order removing the CEC.
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Answer (B)
Statement 1:
Statement 2:
Statement 3:
✅ Correct Answer: B. 2 only |
The Historical and Political Evolution of Crimea
The Crimean Peninsula, surrounded by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, has been valued through history for its fertile land and strategic harbours. Known in ancient times as Tauris or Taurida under the Greeks, it later came under the rule of the Romans, Genoese traders, and for a brief period, the Kievan Rus — the medieval polity often considered a precursor to modern Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
In the 13th century, Crimea was absorbed into the Mongol Golden Horde, which eventually gave rise to the Crimean Khanate, dominated by the Crimean Tatars — the region’s indigenous Muslim community. The very name “Crimea” is derived from the Tatar word krym (meaning “rock fortress”)
Shifts in Control
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1475 – The Ottoman Empire took control of the Khanate, though Tatars remained influential.
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1774 – Following Russia’s victory under Catherine the Great, the Ottomans lost their grip, and Crimea was declared independent but remained under Russian sway.
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1783 – Crimea was fully incorporated into the Russian Empire. Many Tatars migrated to Ottoman territories during this period.
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1853–56 – The Crimean War saw Russia battle Britain, France, and allies over control of the Black Sea.
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Early 20th century – The Crimean Tatars set up their own parliament, but it was crushed by Lenin’s Bolsheviks.
- 1918 – The Bolsheviks were temporarily driven out by Ukrainian and German-backed forces, but soon regained influence.
- 1921 – The Crimean ASSR was created within the RSFSR under the USSR.
- 1941–44 – Nazi Germany occupied Crimea until the Soviets reclaimed it. Afterwards, Stalin downgraded it to an oblast and deported over 200,000 Tatars to Central Asia on charges of Nazi collaboration. Nearly half reportedly perished in exile.
- 1954 – Nikita Khrushchev transferred Crimea from the RSFSR to the Ukrainian SSR. By then, about 90% of its population was Russian.
- 1991 – With Ukraine’s independence, Crimea gained autonomous status. Tatars began returning after decades of exile; by 2001, they made up about 12% of the population, alongside Russians (58%) and Ukrainians (24%).
The 2014 Annexation by Russia
- In 2013, the Euromaidan protests erupted in Ukraine after pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign an EU association agreement. By February 2014, Yanukovych had fled, prompting Russia to strengthen its military presence in Crimea.
- Soon after, a referendum organised by the Russian-backed Crimean Parliament claimed that 97% supported joining Russia. On this basis, President Putin signed an accession treaty, formally annexing Crimea.
- Russia justified its actions as correcting the “historical wrong” of Khrushchev’s 1954 transfer and emphasised its cultural and linguistic ties to the region. Yet, research shows most locals identified primarily as “Crimean” rather than strongly pro-Russian.
- The annexation was widely denounced by the UN, US, EU, and much of the international community, who accused Moscow of manipulating the referendum.
Contemporary Discourse
- The UN General Assembly (2014) reaffirmed Crimea as part of Ukraine. The US and NATO have consistently maintained the same stance, though former US President Donald Trump recently questioned this position, suggesting Crimea’s fate was already sealed under Obama.
- Obama, while in office, resisted supplying lethal aid to Ukraine but supported sanctions against Russia with European allies. In later interviews, he acknowledged the complexity of Crimea’s political loyalties but stressed the importance of international unity against Russian aggression.
- As of recent years, US–Russia tensions over Ukraine remain high. Trump’s latest statements — advocating a negotiated peace deal instead of confrontation — mark a shift in Washington’s approach, even as Russia continues to assert its hold on Crimea.
Sixth Schedule and Autonomous Councils
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The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (under Article 244) allows for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in certain tribal areas, granting them legislative, administrative, and judicial powers within a state.
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These councils generally consist of up to 30 members elected for a five-year term, with authority to frame laws, rules, and regulations on subjects such as land, forests, water, agriculture, village administration, public health, sanitation, policing at the local level, inheritance, marriage, divorce, social customs, and mining activities.
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An exception exists in Assam, where the Bodoland Territorial Council has over 40 members and jurisdiction over 39 subjects.
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Currently, the Sixth Schedule is applicable in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram (three councils each), and Tripura (one council)
Recent Land Allotment Controversy in Assam
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The Dima Hasao district in Assam, which has a tribal majority, falls under the Sixth Schedule and is governed by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC).
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In October 2024, Mahabal Cement Pvt. Ltd., a Kolkata-based company, was allotted 2,000 bighas of land in Dima Hasao, followed by another 1,000 bighas in November.
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Earlier in February 2024, during the state’s Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit, the company had signed an MoU worth ₹11,000 crore, pledging to establish a cement plant in the district.
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The court questioned the legality and scale of this allotment, describing the land size as “extraordinary” and directing the state to produce the relevant policy under which such allocation was made.
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The court also emphasised the need to consider the environmental fragility of the area and the rights of tribal communities living there
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Answer (D)
1. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) ✅
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies ✅
3. Fifth Schedule (Scheduled Areas & Tribes) âŒ
4. Sixth Schedule (Autonomous District Councils in NE states) ✅
5. Seventh Schedule (Union, State, Concurrent Lists) ✅
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