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[DAY 34] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025 ECONOMICS, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2025 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2025. Click Here To Take The Test -> Click Here

[DAY 33] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025 ECONOMICS, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2025 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2025. Click Here To Take The Test -> Click Here

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st April 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) EUROPE IS WARMING FASTER Category: ENVIRONMENT Context: While global temperatures have been rising rapidly, not every region has been warming at the same rate. Europe, for example, has warmed about twice as much as the world as a whole, as highlighted by the 2024 European State of the Climate Report. Decoding the context: The European State of Climate Report — an annual publication of Copernicus Climate Change Service, which is part of the European Commission — captures climate trends in Europe, and is published in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organisation. Learning Corner: The new edition of the report has said that the year 2024, which was the warmest ever for the planet, was the warmest for Europe as well, though there was a distinct East-West contrast within the continent. Eastern Europe was sunny and warm, while the western part was cloudier and wetter. The planet as a whole has seen its annual average temperature rise by about 1.3 degree Celsius from the pre-industrial baseline (the average of 1850-1900), though the year 2024 breached the 1.5 degree Celsius warming for the first time. Europe, however, has seen its average annual temperature rise by about 2.4 degree Celsius compared with pre-industrial times. Factors Contributing to Greater Warming in Europe Arctic effect: A substantial part of Europe lies in the Arctic region. In fact, Europe has the largest inhabited landmass in the polar region. And the warming around the poles, particularly the North Pole, is much more pronounced. The reason for greater warming in the Arctic is the albedo effect. Melting Arctic ice exposes darker surfaces (land/water), which absorb more solar radiation than reflective ice. The melting of ice sheets is a little less in Antarctica, because of which warming in Antarctica is less pronounced than that in the Arctic. Warming is not uniform over the entire planet. Land areas have warmed more than the oceans, and higher-latitude areas have warmed more than tropical areas. Reduction in aerosols: Another factor contributing to higher warming rate in Europe is the reduction in aerosols emissions, the State of Climate report said. This is ironic since reduction in aerosols points to reduced air pollution and cleaner air to breathe. Aerosols are able to scatter sunlight back so that there is less absorption of solar radiation by the Earth’s surface. Aerosols also help in cloud formation and clouds, in turn, have an impact on how much sunlight is reflected or absorbed. Europe having relatively cleaner air and less emission of aerosols contributes to a faster warming. Source : Indian Express TARDIGRADES Category: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: The Axiom Mission 4 will see India, Poland, and Hungary’s first government-sponsored human spaceflight in more than 40 years next month. Decoding the context: Among the studies set to be carried out in the mission is ISRO’s Voyager Tardigrades project, which will investigate the revival, survival, and reproduction of tardigrades – creatures that have long fascinated scientists. Learning Corner: Water Bears Or Tardigrades Tardigrades are microscopic, eight-legged animals measuring 0.1 to 0.5 millimetres, found across terrestrial, marine, and freshwater environments worldwide, and are renowned for surviving extreme conditions—from arid deserts to the heights of the Himalayas. They can also go without food or water for up to years, although their average lifespan is not more than a decade. Remarkable resilience has enabled tardigrades to survive on Earth for approximately 600 million years and makes them likely to endure significant climatic changes in the foreseeable future. Survival Mechanism – Cryptobiosis: Enter a hibernation-like state by curling into a ball called a tun. They retract legs and head into their cuticle (exoskeleton) and shut down almost all body processes. Resume normal activity when favorable conditions return. Why is ISRO taking Tardigrades to space? Tardigrades are the only known animals capable of surviving even in the cold vacuum of Space.  In 2007, a crewless Russian capsule on a European Space Agency (ESA) mission exposed some 3,000 tardigrades to the vacuum of space for 10 days, and they were left out there in low-Earth orbit. Over two-thirds of the animals survived the mission and even gave birth to offspring upon returning to Earth. The ISRO project will examine the revival of dormant tardigrades, count the number of eggs laid and hatched during a mission, and compare the gene expression patterns of spaceflown vs. ground control populations.  The research seeks to identify molecular mechanisms of resilience, potentially furthering understanding about the limits of life in extreme environments. Source : Indian Express UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORMS Category: INTERNATIONAL Context: India has called out attempts to introduce new parameters such as religion and faith as the basis for representation in a reformed UN Security Council, asserting that this runs completely counter to the accepted basis of regional representation. Decoding the context: India asserted that a consolidated model that does not cover expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, would not achieve the purpose of reform. Learning Corner: Establishment and Legal Basis: Created under the UN Charter (1945), Chapter V (Articles 23-32) outlines the UNSC’s composition, powers, and procedures. Article 23: Establishes the UNSC with 15 members—5 permanent (P5: USA, Russia, China, UK, France) and 10 non-permanent, elected for 2-year terms. Article 24: Confers primary responsibility for peace and security, with decisions binding on all UN members. Article 27: Grants veto power to P5 on substantive issues, requiring 9/15 votes for decisions. Composition and Functions: Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Hold veto power, reflecting post-WWII geopolitical realities. Non-Permanent Members: 10 (elected by the UN General Assembly for a two-year term based on regional representation, not eligible for immediate re-election). Functions: Authorize peacekeeping missions, sanctions, and military actions. Address threats to peace. Approve the admission of new UN members (on recommendation from the General Assembly). Recommend appointment of the UN Secretary-General. India’s Engagement: Non-Permanent Member: Served 8 terms (most recently 2021-2022), advocating for reforms and counter-terrorism measures. G4 Advocacy: India, with Brazil, Germany, and Japan, seeks permanent membership to reflect contemporary global realities (1.4 billion population, 5th largest economy). Positions of various groups The G4 nations reiterated that any reform not accompanied by expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories is incomplete in the view of the broad membership. The Uniting for Consensus (UfC) Group comprising Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Malta, Mexico, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, San Marino, Spain, Turkiye and Italy, maintains its position of increasing the number of Security Council seats exclusively in the non-permanent category. UfC proposes a 27-member Security Council, without any increase in the number of permanent members, which currently stands at five. Source : The Hindu YELLOW SEA Category: GEOGRAPHY Context: China is now stepping up its game in the Yellow Sea by constructing a massive steel rig, following similar aggressive posturing in the South China Sea. Decoding the context: This development has become a fresh source of conflict between China and South Korea. Learning Corner: The Yellow Sea is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean. Location: Lies between mainland China (west/north) and the Korean Peninsula (east), north of the East China Sea, bounded by the Yangtze River mouth to Jeju Island. It derives its name from the yellowish color of its waters, caused by sand particles from the Yellow River (Huang He) in China. Key Features: Includes Bohai Sea (northwest), Socotra Rock (Ieodo), and numerous islands (e.g., Jeju). Important Ports: China: Tianjin, Qingdao, Dalian South Korea: Incheon North Korea: Nampo Strategic Importance: Economic Value: Supports fishing (10% of China’s fish catch), potential oil/gas reserves, and major shipping lanes (e.g., Qingdao port). Military Significance: Hosts Chinese naval bases (e.g., Qingdao, PLAN North Sea Fleet) and South Korean assets (e.g., Incheon). Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ): Established in 2001 by China and South Korea to manage overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), allowing joint fishing but prohibiting unilateral structures. Disputes and Issues: EEZ Overlap: China and South Korea’s 200-nautical-mile EEZs overlap due to the sea’s narrow width (~400 miles), with no finalized maritime boundary despite negotiations since 2015. Socotra Rock (Ieodo): Submerged reef claimed by both (80 miles from South Korea’s Marado, 155 miles from China’s Sheshan). South Korea’s research station (2003) and China’s buoys (2014) fuel tensions. Source : Economic Times EARTH DAY Category: ENVIRONMENT Context: Every year on April 22, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage action to protect it.  Decoding the context: Earth Day 2025’s theme is “Our power, our planet,” an idea centered on taking action through education, advocacy and community support. Learning Corner: Born in 1970 amid growing public concern over pollution, deforestation, and industrial waste, the inaugural Earth Day was the brainchild of U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and led by activist Denis Hayes. Global Reach: Coordinated by EARTHDAY.ORG (formerly Earth Day Network), now celebrated in 190+ countries, with 1 billion participants annually. Objectives: Raise awareness about environmental issues: climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Promote sustainable practices: renewable energy, waste reduction, and conservation. Mobilize governments, businesses, and citizens for policy changes and grassroots action. Source : NDTV Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.Which of the following statements about the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is/are correct? The UNSC has 15 members, including 10 permanent and 5 non-permanent members. India is a founding member of the UNSC. Substantive decisions require at least 9 votes, including concurrence of all five permanent members. Select the correct answer using the codes below: A) 1 and 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 3 only D) 1 and 3 only   Q2.The Yellow Sea is bordered by which of the following countries? China Japan South Korea North Korea Select the correct answer using the codes below: A) 1 and 2 only B) 1, 3 and 4 only C) 1, 2, 3 and 4 D) 2 and 4 only   Q3.Consider the following statements regarding Earth Day: Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 to promote awareness about environmental protection. The first Earth Day was celebrated by the United Nations in 1970. The Earth Day 2025 theme is “Planet vs. Plastics”. Which of the statements is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 1 and 2 only C) 2 and 3 only D) All of the above   Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  19th April  – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – b Q.2) – b Q.3) – b

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th April 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) UNESCO’S MEMORY OF THE WORLD REGISTER Category: INTERNATIONAL Context: Manuscripts of the Bhagavad Gita and Bharata’s Natyashastra are among the 74 new additions to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register this year. Decoding the context: With the latest additions, the Register now contains 570 entries. Learning Corner: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the Memory of the World (MoW) Programme in 1992 with the aim of “guarding against the collective amnesia, calling upon the preservation of the valuable archive holdings and library collections all over the world, and ensuring their wide dissemination”. The central project of the MoW Programme was to create a compendium of documents — manuscripts, oral traditions, audio-visual materials, and library and archive holdings — which are of “world significance and outstanding universal value”. This is the MoW Register. Beginning in 1997, the Register has been biennally updated — with the exception of a lengthy gap between 2017 and 2023. In any year, at most two submissions from a country are added. The Register contains 13 submissions by India, including two joint-submissions. These range from the Rig Veda (added in 2005) and the collective works of the Shaivite philosopher Abhinavagupta (added in 2023), to the archives of the first summit meeting of the Non Aligned Movement in Belgrade in 1961 (added in 2023) and the archives of the Dutch East India Company (added in 2003). The latter two entries were joint submissions, which India made with other countries. This year’s entries champion India’s ancient literary heritage. Both are specific manuscripts — not the text in general — preserved by the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune. Natyashastra:  Attributed to the sage Bharata, Natyashastra is an ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts.  Comprising 36,000 verses, the “Naá¹­yashastra embodies a comprehensive set of rules that define natya (drama), abhinaya (performance), rasa (aesthetic experience), bhava (emotion), sangita (music),” the UNESCO citation says. According to the citation in the Register, it was “codified around the 2nd century BCE. Bhagavad Gita:  Attributed to the sage Vyasa, Bhagavad Gita is a Sanskrit scripture comprising 700 verses that are organised in 18 chapters, embedded in the sixth book (Bhishma Parva) of the epic poem Mahabharata. “Bhagavad Gita is a central text in the continuous, cumulative ancient intellectual Indian tradition, synthesising various thought movements such as, Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, and Charvaka,” the UNESCO citation says. Source : Indian Express KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA Category: NATIONAL Context: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently announced that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has not taken place since 2020, will resume this year.  Decoding the context: While the yatra had initially been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, deteriorating relations between India and China meant that it did not resume even after the pandemic. Ties between the two neighbours had nosedived following a number of border skirmishes in 2020, most notably on June 15 in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. Learning Corner: Lake Mansarovar, known locally as Mapam Yumtso, is a high altitude freshwater lake near Mount Kailash in the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Both the lake and the adjacent 6,638-metre high mountain, which Hindus believe is the home to Lord Shiva, are sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Tibetan Bon religion.  Pilgrims generally trek to Lake Manasarovar, and then circumambulate the nearby Mount Kailash. There are two primary routes to reach Lake Mansarovar from India. Lipulekh Pass Route: Lipulekh pass lies at an altitude of 5,115 metres, on the border between Uttarakhand and TAR, near the trijunction with Nepal. It is an ancient passageway between the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau. While the Lipulekh pass route is the most direct way to get to Mansarovar from India — the lake is roughly 50 km from the border — the terrain makes the journey very challenging. Currently, this route entails roughly 200 km of hard trekking. Nathu La Pass Route: Nathu La pass lies at an altitude of 4,310 metres on the border between Sikkim and TAR. It is one of two mountain passes in the region — the other being Jelep La — that have connected Sikkim and Tibet since ancient times. The route to Mansarovar from Nathu La is much longer in terms of distance — close to 1,500 km. But it is fully motorable, meaning pilgrims can make it all the way to the lake without any trekking. (They would only need to trekk 35-40 km for the circumambulation of Mount Kailash). Nepal Route: No private operators function on the two official routes. There is, however, a third route through Nepal in which private companies do operate. In theory, this route has been accessible to Indians since 2023, when China reopened its border with Nepal. But visa and permit requirements, as well as high costs due to China-imposed fees, have meant that few have likely availed this option. Source : Indian Express ARTICLE 142 Category: POLITY Context: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticised the Supreme Court for a judgement setting a timeline for the President to sign the bills passed by the states. VP was referring to the April 8 judgement in the state of Tamil Nadu versus the governor case, which was seen as a win for the states across India. Decoding the context: Questioning the judgement for setting a timeline for the President of India to sign bills passed by the states, Dhankhar called for accountability by the judiciary. He also described Article 142 of the Indian Constitution as, “nuclear missile against democratic forces available to the judiciary 24×7”. Learning Corner: Constitutional Provision: Article 142(1): The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it, and any decree so passed or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India. Article 142(2): Grants the Supreme Court powers to secure attendance, evidence, or enforce decrees, subject to law. Scope and Powers: Provides the Supreme Court with extraordinary powers to issue orders beyond existing laws if required for justice, making it a unique judicial tool. Used in diverse cases: environmental protection, fundamental rights enforcement, and legislative-executive disputes. Examples: Union Carbide Case (1989): Ordered compensation for Bhopal gas tragedy victims, bypassing statutory limits. Coal Block Allocation Case (2014): Cancelled 204 coal block allocations to ensure transparency. Illegal Demolitions Guidelines (2024): Set norms to protect citizens’ rights, cited by Justice B.R. Gavai. Significance: Judicial Flexibility: Enables the Supreme Court to address legal gaps, ensuring justice in complex cases (e.g., 4.8 crore pending cases, 2025). Federal Balance: In the 2025 case, it reinforced states’ rights against gubernatorial delays, strengthening cooperative federalism. Public Interest: Used in PILs to protect rights (e.g., environmental cases like Taj Trapezium, 1996). Controversies: Judicial Overreach: Critics, including VP Dhankhar, argue Article 142 risks encroaching on legislative and executive domains, as seen in the 2025 ruling setting presidential timelines. Lack of Accountability: No clear limits on its use, raising concerns about subjective application (e.g., liquor ban on highways, 2016, later modified). Historical Debates: Similar criticisms arose in the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Case (2015), where Article 142 was used to strike down NJAC, reinforcing the Collegium system. Source : Indian Express CHAMPARAN SATYAGRAHA Category: HISTORY Context: Champaran Satyagraha was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in April 1917. This year marks the 108th anniversary of the movement. Decoding the context: It is commemorated as an awakening of Indian peasants against the colonial planters and policies in India. To a large extent, it drew inspiration from Gandhi’s South African experience. Learning Corner: Background and Causes Indigo was a celebrated product of India, down the centuries, raised and processed locally by peasants. But in the 17th century, European-owned slave plantations in the West Indies also began to produce it.  When the English conquered Bengal, European indigo planters appeared soon enough. Obtaining zamindaris, they coerced peasants into raising indigo, for the dye to be processed out of the plants in their “factories”. In the early 19th century, white planters had forced cultivators in this part of present-day northwest Bihar into agreements known as teenkathia, under which they were obligated to grow indigo on 3/20ths of their landholdings. However, production of synthetic dye brought down the price of Bihari indigo and the profitability of its European plantations. As indigo prices and the planters’ profits fell, the planters began correspondingly to increase the rent-burden on the peasants, invoking their rights as zamindars. Alongside these exactions, the planters made full use of the traditional zamindari practice of begar, forced unpaid or ill-paid labour (abwabs), requisitioning at will the peasants’ cattle, plough and carts, or compelling them to provide labour for their plantations. Local farmer Rajkumar Shukla invited Gandhi in 1916 to investigate the plight of indigo farmers. Events (April 1917): Gandhi arrived in Champaran on April 10, 1917, and began a fact-finding mission, meeting farmers in villages like Motihari and Bettiah. He defied British orders to leave, facing arrest threats, which galvanized local support. Used Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) to mobilize peasants, supported by leaders like Rajendra Prasad, Brajkishore Prasad, and Anugrah Narayan Sinha. Conducted surveys, documenting grievances of 8,000+ farmers, exposing forced cultivation, illegal taxes, and landlord oppression. Outcomes: Champaran Agrarian Enquiry Committee (1917): Formed by the British due to Gandhi’s pressure, with Gandhi as a member, leading to reforms. Abolition of Tinkathia: The Champaran Agrarian Act, 1918, ended forced indigo cultivation, reduced rents, and refunded 25% of illegal dues to farmers. Source : Indian Express ARAL SEA Category: GEOGRAPHY Context: The Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth-largest lake, continues to show signs of geological changes long after its environmental collapse. Decoding the context: The geological research conducted recently shows that the dried land of the basin has been experiencing increasing upward movement of Earth’s mantle over many decades since the water disappeared. Learning Corner: Landlocked lake between Kazakhstan (north) and Uzbekistan (south)., the Aral Sea spanned 68,000 km² in 1960, fed by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. Known as the “Sea of Islands” due to over 1,100 islands, it supported thriving fisheries and local economies. Environmental Collapse: Cause: Soviet-era diversion of Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers for cotton irrigation in the 1960s reduced inflow, triggering rapid shrinkage. Extent: By 2014, the eastern basin dried completely, forming the Aralkum Desert (60,000 km²). By 2020, the sea was 10% of its original size, split into four basins: North Aral Sea, eastern and western South Aral Sea, and Barsakelmes Lake. Impacts: Ecosystem: Loss of 20+ fish species, collapse of fisheries and desertification. Health: Toxic dust storms from Aralkum, carrying pesticides and salts, cause respiratory diseases, anemia (20x increase since 1960s), and high infant mortality. Climate: Regional climate shifts, with 2°C warmer summers, colder winters, and reduced precipitation, exacerbating water scarcity. Geological Changes (2025 Research): Upward Mantle Movement: The loss of ~1,000 km³ of water (1.1 billion tons) since 1960 reduced surface weight, causing the Earth’s crust and upper mantle to rise at ~7 mm/year (2016-2020). Mechanism: Viscoelastic relaxation of the asthenosphere drives this uplift, similar to post-glacial rebound, expected to continue for decades. Source : Economic Times Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to Article 142 of the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements: It empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary for doing complete justice in any matter pending before it. The powers under Article 142 can be exercised only in criminal cases. The orders passed under Article 142 are enforceable throughout the territory of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3   Q2.With reference to the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), consider the following statements: It was the first civil disobedience movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in India. It was launched primarily against the excessive land revenue demands made by the British government. The teenkathia system required peasants to grow indigo on a portion of their land compulsorily. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3   Q3.With reference to the Aral Sea crisis, consider the following statements: It is a freshwater lake located in Central Asia. The shrinkage of the Aral Sea is primarily due to river diversion for irrigation. It borders Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only   Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  18th April  – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – b Q.2) – b Q.3) – a

[UPSC Prelims 2025] COMPILATION- 60 Day Rapid Revision Series (RaRe) Series! – Your Ultimate Guide to Success!

Dear Aspirants, With just a month to go for the UPSC Prelims 2025, the pressure is real — and so is the opportunity! If you have ever spoken to a topper, you will notice one golden rule they all swear by: Revision is everything!! You may have studied the best resources, followed the right strategies, and solved countless questions — but if you don’t revise, all of it can slip through your fingers on the big day. We understand the anxiety, the late nights, and the roller-coaster of emotions you are going through. That’s why we are here to support you in the most crucial phase of your preparation. We’re sharing with you the Compilation of the 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series — your go-to resource for a quick, focused, and powerful revision journey. This is your moment. Make it count. Revise smart, stay calm, and believe in yourself. Download Compilations - Part 1 Polity Economy History Geography Environment Science & Technology Part 2 compilations will be updated soon! Current Affairs & CSAT Compilations Will Be Updated by 22 April All the best!  IASbaba

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th April 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) FIXED-DOSE COMBINATION DRUGS Category: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: In a major crackdown on drug safety violations, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has banned 35 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs. Decoding the context: The April 11 order directs an immediate halt on manufacturing, sale, and distribution of these drugs, citing that they were approved without mandatory safety and efficacy evaluations under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019. State drug regulators had approved them without following central oversight procedures. Learning Corner: Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) Drugs are medications that combine two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in a fixed ratio within a single dosage form (e.g., tablet, injection). FDCs classified as “New Drugs” require central approval for safety and efficacy, per NDCT Rules, 2019. Only CDSCO, not State Licensing Authorities (SLAs), can approve new FDCs. Advantages of FDCs Improved Compliance: Fewer pills mean better adherence to therapy. Synergistic Action: Combining drugs with complementary actions can enhance efficacy. Cost-Effective: Reduces overall cost of treatment by lowering packaging and distribution costs. Prevents Resistance: Especially in TB/HIV treatment, combining drugs reduces chance of microbial resistance. Concerns and Risks Irrational Combinations: Some FDCs (e.g., antibiotics + probiotics) lack scientific validation, contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health threat. Increased Adverse Effects: Multiple active ingredients raise the risk of drug interactions and side effects. No Individualized Dosage: Fixed ratios may not suit all patients. Regulatory Loopholes: Some manufacturers market FDCs without proper Central Drug Authority approval under state-level licenses. Source : Business Today CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA (CJI) Category: POLITY Context: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who retires on May 13. Decoding the context:  Justice Gavai will serve until his retirement on November 23, 2025, and will be the second Dalit to hold the position after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. Learning Corner: Article 124(2) of the Constitution empowers the President of India to appoint the CJI and other Supreme Court judges. Functions: Leads judicial proceedings, including Constitution Benches for landmark cases (e.g., Article 370 abrogation, upheld by Justice Gavai in 2023). Administers the Supreme Court, assigning cases and forming benches. Acts as the “Master of the Roster,” deciding case allocations. Advises on judicial appointments via the Collegium system Appointment Process: Memorandum of Procedure (MoP): The outgoing CJI recommends the senior-most Supreme Court judge as successor to the Union Law Ministry, followed by government approval and presidential appointment. Seniority Norm: The senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is typically appointed as the CJI. Tenure: Until retirement at age 65. Removal: As per Article 124(4), a judge, including the CJI, can be removed by the President on grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity, following a special majority in both Houses of Parliament. Source : Hindustan Times URDU Category: ART & CULTURE Context: Upholding the use of Urdu on the signboard of a municipal council building in Maharashtra, the Supreme Court said language is culture and must not become a cause for dividing people, and Urdu “is the finest specimen of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, or the Hindustani tehzeeb”. Decoding the context: The court said it is a “misconception that Urdu is alien to India”, adding that “it is a language which was born in this land”. Learning Corner: Urdu, an Indo-Aryan language, evolved during medieval period from Perso-Arabic influences on Khariboli (a Prakrit-based dialect spoken in the Delhi region, which formed the grammatical base of Urdu), enriched by Persian, Arabic, and Turkic vocabulary. The name “Urdu” is derived from the Turkish word “ordu” (camp), indicating its roots in military and cultural mingling. Before it is called Urdu, it was familiar with other names including Hindustani, Hindavi, Dehlavi and Rekhta. Written in the Nastaliq script, it is known for its poetic and literary richness. Eighth Schedule: Urdu is one of the 22 scheduled languages under the Eighth Schedule, ensuring its promotion and development for education, literature, and cultural preservation. Official Language: Urdu is an official language in Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi (National Capital Territory), alongside Hindi or regional languages, under state Official Language Acts. The National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), under the Ministry of Education, funds Urdu education, literature, and digital resources. Cultural Significance: Represents India’s composite culture, blending Hindu and Muslim traditions, as seen in Urdu poetry, ghazals, and Bollywood songs. Prominent in literature (e.g., Urdu Sahitya Akademi Awards), media (e.g., Urdu newspapers like Roznama Urdu Times), and education (e.g., Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad). Spoken by ~50 million people in India (2011 Census, 4.2% of population), primarily in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, and Delhi. Source : Indian Express VEHICLE-TO-GRID (V2G) TECHNOLOGY Category: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have initiated a pilot project to explore the implementation of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology across the State. Decoding the context: This collaboration aims to assess the feasibility of integrating Electric Vehicles (EVs) into the State’s power grid. Learning Corner: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology enables electric vehicles (EVs) to act as decentralized energy storage units by supplying stored electricity back to the power grid, enhancing grid stability and renewable energy integration. V2G technology enables bidirectional energy flow—EVs not only consume power (charging) but can also supply stored power back to the grid (discharging). Key Points on V2G Technology Mechanism: V2G allows EV batteries to draw power from the grid and return it during peak demand via bi-directional chargers. Requires smart grid infrastructure and real-time grid management, to balance charging and discharging. Example: EVs charge during low-demand periods (e.g., daytime with solar surplus in Kerala) and discharge during high-demand periods (e.g., nighttime). Benefits: Grid Stability: EVs act as distributed storage, reducing grid overload and blackout risks. Renewable Energy Integration: Stores excess solar/wind energy, supporting India’s 500 GW renewable target by 2030. Emission Reduction: Promotes cleaner grids, aligning with India’s net-zero goal by 2070, reducing 1.24 million annual pollution-related deaths. Cost Savings: EV owners earn revenue by selling power, while utilities avoid costly external purchases. Source : The Hindu ACTIVE MOBILITY Category: ENVIRONMENT Context: India’s metro cities is witnessing a troubling increase in accidental deaths and injuries involving pedestrians, cyclists, and street vendors. Despite the presence of service lanes and non-motorized transport (NMT) zones in many cities, the widespread encroachment and misuse by motorized vehicles has turned these safe pathways into accident zones. Decoding the context: In such a grim urban scenario, active mobility—emphasizing walking and cycling in safe, inclusive, and sustainable environments—emerges not just as a transport alternative, but as a public health and urban resilience imperative. Learning Corner: Active mobility refers to human-powered modes of transportation, primarily walking and cycling, that promote health, sustainability, and urban livability. Scope: Encompasses non-motorized transport (walking, cycling, skateboarding) and micro-mobility (e.g., e-bikes). Significance: Health Benefits: Promotes physical activity, reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes (77 million cases in India, IDF 2021) and obesity. Environmental Impact: Cuts vehicular emissions, supporting India’s net-zero 2070 goal and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), addressing 1.24 million annual pollution deaths. Safety: Dedicated infrastructure lowers accident risks; India reported 1.55 lakh road deaths in 2022, with 40% involving pedestrians/cyclists (MoRTH). Economic Gains: Reduces fuel costs and healthcare expenditure, saving ₹1.8 lakh crore annually if cycling doubles (TERI 2023). Urban Sustainability : Reduces congestion, noise, and vehicular load in cities. Source : The Hindu Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to “Active Mobility”, consider the following statements: It includes only non-motorized modes of transport powered by electricity. It contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas. It is promoted under the Smart Cities Mission. 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   Q2. Which of the following best describes Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology? Technology that enables wireless charging of electric vehicles. B. A system that allows electric vehicles to transmit power back to the grid. C. A hydrogen fuel-based vehicle charging system. D. A solar panel system integrated into vehicle roofs. Q3. With reference to the Urdu language in India, consider the following statements: Urdu is one of the official languages in the state of Telangana. Urdu is written in the Devanagari script. The National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language works under the Ministry of Culture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1 and 3 only Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  17th April  – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – a Q.2) – c Q.3) – a

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th April 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) GUJARAT PARTICULATE MATTER (PM) EMISSION TRADING SCHEME (ETS) Category: ENVIRONMENT Context: A new study on the world’s first-ever market for trading particulate emissions, which are tiny particles that can impact human health, revealed that employing the market mechanism helped reduce pollution by 20-30 per cent in an industrial cluster in Surat. Decoding the context: Published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics, the study saw researchers compare the emissions performance of participating plants with those complying with the business-as-usual pollution standards. It covered 162 plants, predominantly in the textile sector. Learning Corner: The Gujarat Particulate Matter (PM) Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), launched in Surat in 2019, is the world’s first market-based system for trading Particulate Matter (PM) emissions, aimed at reducing industrial air pollution. Key Points on Gujarat PM ETS Initiated on June 5, 2019 (World Environment Day) by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) in Surat, a textile and industrial hub. World’s first ETS for PM emissions, unlike carbon or SOâ‚‚ trading systems (e.g., EU ETS, Kyoto Protocol) and India’s first for any pollutant. Developed by: Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) in collaboration with the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), Yale University, and Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). Mechanism (Cap-and-Trade): Cap: Sets a total PM emission limit (initially 280 tonnes/month, reduced to 170 tonnes by 2022) for participating industries. Permits: 80% of permits allocated free based on emission sources (boilers, heaters); 20% auctioned at ₹5-100/kg. Trading: Industries exceeding caps buy permits from those under limits via the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NeML). Monitoring: Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) track real-time PM emissions, replacing manual inspections. Source : Indian Express ADARSH SANSKRIT VILLAGE PROGRAMME Category: GOVERNMENT SCHEMES Context: The Uttarakhand cabinet approved the Adarsh Sanskrit village programme, which aims to teach the language to one village in each district of the hill state. Decoding the context:  The move is aimed at promoting Sanskrit, the second official language of the state, and comes on the heels of other similar schemes, such as financial incentives to girls and SC/ST students who opt for Sanskrit in schools. Learning Corner: The Adarsh Sanskrit Village Programme is an initiative by the Uttarakhand government to promote Sanskrit, the state’s second official language, by integrating it into the daily life of one village in each of the state’s 13 districts.  Objectives of the Adarsh Sanskrit Village Programme Promote Sanskrit as a Living Language: Encourage villagers to use Sanskrit in daily conversations, greetings, and community activities, moving beyond its traditional confinement to academic or religious contexts. Make Sanskrit as familiar as local languages like Hindi, Garhwali, or Kumaoni. Preserve Cultural Heritage: Connect communities with Indian philosophy and knowledge systems embedded in Sanskrit texts, fostering an understanding of Dharma Shastras, epics (e.g., Mahabharata, Ramayana), and other cultural works. Counter the perception that Sanskrit is tied to specific castes or communities, promoting inclusivity across social groups, including Muslims, Dalits, and tribals. Educational and Social Development: Teach Sanskrit through structured courses, shlokas, and stories from texts like the Panchatantra and Durga Saptashati, making learning accessible and engaging. Promote social values through Sanskrit-based education. Create employment opportunities by linking Sanskrit proficiency to industry needs, supported by industry associations. Status of Sanskrit in India Sanskrit is one of the oldest known Indo-Aryan languages, forming the basis of Vedic literature, Hindu philosophy, and classical Indian sciences (Ayurveda, Astronomy, Mathematics). As per Census 2011, only about 24,821 people reported Sanskrit as their mother tongue. It is more commonly used as a second or third language, especially in religious, academic, and traditional contexts. There are a few Sanskrit-speaking villages, especially in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand (e.g., Mattur in Karnataka, Jhiri in Madhya Pradesh) Sanskrit is one of the 22 scheduled languages listed in the Eighth Schedule, added in the original Constitution of 1950. Article 351 directs the Union to promote Hindi as a link language while enriching it with vocabulary from other Indian languages, primarily Sanskrit. Source : Indian Express COUNTERCYCLICAL CAPITAL BUFFER Category: ECONOMY Context: The Reserve Bank of India, in its review of requirement of counter-cyclical capital buffer on Tuesday said it has decided against activating countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) as it is not needed in the present circumstances.  Decoding the context: Counter-Cyclical Capital Buffer (CCyB) is a macroprudential tool mandated under the Basel III framework to enhance the resilience of banks during economic cycles. Learning Corner: CCyB is an additional capital buffer (0-2.5% of risk-weighted assets) that banks must hold during periods of excessive credit growth to prevent systemic risks. It aims to: Strengthen banks against potential losses during economic downturns. Moderate credit booms to prevent asset bubbles. Mechanism: Activation: RBI activates CCyB when credit growth (e.g., high credit-to-GDP gap) signals systemic risk, requiring banks to build capital reserves. Deactivation: During downturns, RBI reduces or removes CCyB, freeing capital to support lending and economic recovery. Capital is held as Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1), ensuring high-quality reserves. Source : Business Standard BOMBAY STOCK EXCHANGE (BSE) Category: ECONOMY Context: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Asia’s oldest stock exchange, marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its 150th anniversary, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was the chief guest at the celebration. Decoding the context: Nirmala Sitharaman lauded the Bombay Stock Exchange’s (BSE) technological advancements and its vital role in India’s economic development. Learning Corner: Founded in 1875 as the “Native Share & Stock Brokers’ Association” in Mumbai, BSE is India’s first stock exchange. BSE evolved from informal trading to a modern, technology-driven exchange, symbolizing India’s financial growth. Structure and Governance: A corporate entity since 2005, listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2017. Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), ensuring transparency and investor protection. Key Functions: Facilitates trading in equities, derivatives, mutual funds, and bonds, with over 5,500 listed companies (2025). Hosts the BSE SENSEX, India’s benchmark index of 30 major companies, reflecting market trends. Processes 1,500 crore orders daily and 14 lakh orders per second, with transactions completed in under 200 microseconds. Recent Achievements: Pioneered T+1 settlement, making India’s markets faster than many global counterparts. Launched the BSE 150 Index during the 150th anniversary, tracking the top 150 companies by market capitalization and liquidity. Economic Significance: Mirrors India’s economic growth (5th largest economy, $3.5 trillion GDP, 2025), with a market capitalization of ₹450 lakh crore (2025). Drives inclusivity through retail participation (120 million investors, 2025) and domestic institutional investors (DIIs), with ₹6.1 lakh crore inflows in FY24. Supports capital formation for industries, MSMEs, and startups, aligning with schemes like Make in India. Source : News On AIR LICHENS Category: ENVIRONMENT Context: Earth-based lifeforms known as lichens may be tough enough to survive on Mars, a new study suggests. Decoding the context: Scientists came to this conclusion after blasting the lichens with a year’s worth of Martian radiation in less than a day during a lab experiment — and the terrestrial lifeforms survived the process. Learning Corner: Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed by a mutualistic relationship between fungi and photosynthetic partners (algae or cyanobacteria), known for their resilience in extreme environments. Key Points on Lichens Structure and Composition: Lichens are composite organisms where fungi provide structure and protection, while algae/cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis, producing nutrients. Named as single species (e.g., Diploschistes muscorum, Cetraria aculeata), despite their symbiotic nature. Resilience and Adaptability: Extremophiles: Thrive in harsh terrestrial environments like deserts, polar regions, and high altitudes, tolerating extreme temperatures (-50°C to 55°C), desiccation, and high radiation. Survival Mechanisms: Low metabolic rates, anhydrobiosis (dormancy during water scarcity), and protective compounds (e.g., calcium oxalate, antioxidants) enable survival. Ecological Significance: Pioneer Species: Colonize bare surfaces (rocks, soil), facilitating soil formation and ecosystem development through rock weathering and nitrogen fixation. Bioindicators: Sensitive to air pollution, used to monitor environmental health (e.g., sulfur dioxide levels). Biodiversity: Over 20,000 species globally, with ~3,000 in India, found in Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Northeast. Source : Live Science Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to lichens, consider the following statements: They are symbiotic associations involving fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. They can survive in extreme environments, including outer space simulations. All lichens contribute to nitrogen fixation. 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   Q2. With reference to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), consider the following statements: BSE was established in 1875 as the Native Share & Stock Brokers’ Association. The BSE SENSEX comprises 1000 major companies reflecting market trends. BSE adopted the T+1 settlement cycle, making its markets faster than many global counterparts.  Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3   Q3. Which of the following statements regarding the Counter-Cyclical Capital Buffer (CCyB) framework in India is/are correct? The CCyB is maintained in the form of Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital. The RBI primarily uses the credit-to-GDP gap as an indicator for activating the CCyB. As of April 2025, the RBI has activated the CCyB due to rising non-performing assets.  Select the correct answer using the code below: 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  16th April  – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – d Q.2) – a Q.3) – a

[Register Now] MASTER GEOGRAPHY in 12 HOURS WITH 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025

Hello Friends, As part of its highly anticipated 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series, IASbaba is offering an intensive Geography revision module tailored for UPSC Civil Services aspirants. This special session is designed to help students cover the entire Geography syllabus in just 12 hours — spread across three focused sessions on 22nd, 23rd, and 24th April, starting at 2 PM each day. Whether you're revising your basics or fine-tuning critical concepts for the upcoming prelims, this session promises comprehensive coverage with expert guidance. Key Highlights: Complete Geography syllabus covered in a crisp and analytical manner Structured for UPSC Prelims 2025 under the 60 Days RaRe Strategy Available in offline mode at IASbaba Bengaluru Headquarters Live streaming is available for remote learners Limited seats on a first-come, first-served basis This initiative ensures that even in the last leg of your preparation, you remain efficient and well-equipped. If Geography is your weak link or you want to consolidate your preparation with expert mentorship, this is a not-to-miss opportunity. Register Now: CLICK HERE To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   All the Best IASbaba

[DAY 32] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2025 GEOGRAPHY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2025 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2025. Click Here To Take The Test -> Click Here

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th April 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) TPU, GPU AND CPU Category: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: Google recently launched a new computer chip, called Ironwood. It is the company’s seventh-generation TPU, or tensor processing unit, which has been designed to run artificial intelligence (AI) models. Decoding the context: Processing units are essentially hardware units that are the brain of a computer. In this context, it is important to understand the difference between CPU, GPU and TPU. Learning Corner: About CPU (Central Processing Unit) Developed in the 1950s, a CPU is a general-purpose processor that can handle various tasks. A CPU has at least a single core — the processing unit within the CPU that can execute instructions. In the initial years, CPUs used to have just one core but today, they can contain from two to up to 16 cores. As each core of the CPU can handle one task at a time, the ability to multitask is determined by the number of cores in the hardware. About GPU (graphics processing unit) Unlike a CPU, a GPU is a specialised processor (it is a type of application-specific integrated circuit, or ASIC) which has been designed to perform multiple tasks concurrently rather than sequentially (like in a CPU).  Modern GPUs comprise thousands of cores which break down complex problems into thousands or millions of separate tasks and work them out in parallel, a concept known as parallel processing. This makes GPUs far more efficient than CPUs. Initially developed for graphics rendering in gaming and animation, GPUs today are far more flexible and have become the bedrock of machine learning. About TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) A TPU is also a type of ASIC, meaning it is designed to perform a narrow scope of intended tasks. First used by Google in 2015, TPUs were specially built to accelerate machine learning workloads. TPUs are engineered to handle tensor — a generic name for the data structures used for machine learning — operations. They excel in processing large volumes of data and executing complex neural networks efficiently, enabling fast training of AI models.  While AI models can take weeks to be trained with the help of GPUs, the same process can be executed within hours using TPUs. Source : Indian Express INDIAN PLATE Category: GEOGRAPHY Context: Recent findings reveal that the Indian Plate is splitting into two, a phenomenon that could reshape the region’s geological landscape.  Decoding the context:  Published in the American Geophysical Union, this groundbreaking discovery points to delamination, where the plate is peeling apart and sinking into the Earth’s mantle.  Learning Corner: The Indian Plate is a tectonic plate encompassing the Indian subcontinent, parts of the Indian Ocean, and regions of South China and western Indonesia, extending up to but excluding Ladakh, Kohistan, and Balochistan.  Originally part of the supercontinent Gondwana, it broke away approximately 100 million years ago and began its northward journey, shaping the geological features of South Asia. Boundaries: North: Convergent boundary with the Eurasian Plate, forming the Himalayas. West: Transform boundary with the Arabian Plate (Owen Fracture Zone). Southwest: Divergent boundary with the African Plate (Central Indian Ridge). Southeast: Formerly fused with the Australian Plate as the Indo-Australian Plate, but recent studies suggest separation for at least 3 million years due to differing drift velocities. Movement: Currently moves northeast at 5 cm/year, while the Eurasian Plate moves north at 2 cm/year, causing compression at 4 mm/year and deformation of the Eurasian Plate. Thickness: Estimated at 100 km, half the thickness of other Gondwana-derived plates, possibly due to mantle plume activity that melted its lower part, enabling faster movement. Historical Evolution Gondwana Breakup (140–100 Mya): The Indian Plate was part of Gondwana, alongside modern Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and Madagascar. Around 100 million years ago, it split from Madagascar, forming Insular India, an island continent. Northward Journey: Moving at up to 20 cm/year, one of the fastest plate movements recorded, it collided with the Eurasian Plate between 55–35 million years ago during the Eocene epoch, forming the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. Deccan Traps: As it passed over the Reunion hotspot ~65 million years ago, massive volcanic activity formed the Deccan Traps, potentially contributing to the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. Recent studies, reveal that the Indian Plate is undergoing delamination, a process where its dense lower layer (mantle rock) peels away from the buoyant upper layer (continental crust) and sinks into the Earth’s mantle. This phenomenon, observed beneath the Tibetan Plateau, is reshaping geological understanding. Source : Science RARE EARTH MAGNETS Category: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: China has reportedly suspended exports of vital minerals and magnets, triggering concerns of widespread disruptions for global industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to semiconductors and defense. Decoding the context: The move is seen as retaliation for escalating US tariffs. Learning Corner: Rare Earth Magnets are permanent magnets that generate a magnetic field without external power, using alloys of REEs like neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and samarium, combined with metals like iron, cobalt, or boron.  They are the strongest permanent magnets available, with high magnetic strength, durability, and resistance to demagnetization. Types: Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) Magnets: Composition: Neodymium, iron, boron. Features: Highest magnetic strength, used in electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, hard disk drives, and drones. Limitations: Susceptible to corrosion, lower temperature resistance (up to 230°C). Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo) Magnets: Composition: Samarium, cobalt. Features: High-temperature stability, corrosion resistance, used in aerospace, military, and medical equipment. Key REEs Used: Neodymium (Nd): Most critical for NdFeB magnets, used in EVs and wind turbines. Praseodymium (Pr): Enhances magnet performance, often used with neodymium. Dysprosium (Dy): Improves high-temperature performance, critical for heavy REE applications. Samarium (Sm): Key for SmCo magnets, vital for defense systems. Applications: Defense: Permanent magnets in missile guidance systems, radar, sonar, and underwater mine detection. Renewable Energy: NdFeB magnets in wind turbine rotors and EV motors. Consumer Electronics: Used in smartphones, hard disk drives, digital cameras, and audio equipment. Medical: SmCo magnets in MRI machines and surgical lasers. Strategic: Critical for space shuttle components, jet engines, and robotics. Source : Times of India KAVACH Category: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: In a major step to upgrade Mumbai’s suburban train travel, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Kavach 5.0, the latest in the series of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems, will be implemented to increase the number of trains by 30 percent. Decoding the context: Currently, Kavach 4.0 version is under implementation in the different parts of Indian Railways. Learning Corner: Kavach is India’s very own advanced Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation in collaboration with the Indian industry to prevent train collisions by automatically activating the braking system of the train. Key Features of Kavach: Collision Prevention: Automatically applies brakes if a train passes a red signal (Signal Passed at Danger, SPAD) or approaches another train on the same track, preventing head-on or rear-end collisions. Speed Regulation: Enforces speed restrictions by reducing train speed if the loco pilot fails to comply, e.g., slowing from 130 km/h to 30 km/h in restricted zones. On-Board Display of Signal Aspect (OBDSA): Provides real-time signal information in the loco pilot’s cab, reducing reliance on visual signals, especially in low-visibility conditions like fog. Emergency Response: Relays SoS messages during emergencies for swift coordination. Centralized Monitoring: Enables live tracking of train movements via the Network Monitor System for better operational oversight. Source : Indian Express OPEN NETWORK FOR DIGITAL COMMERCE (ONDC) Category: NATIONAL Context: The government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has announced that its MD and CEO, T Koshy, has stepped down following the completion of his three-year tenure at the company. Decoding the context: ONDC offers small retailers an opportunity to provide their services and goods to buyers across the country through an e-commerce system, where buyers are able to purchase products that are sold on any platform. It is not an application, platform, intermediary or software but a set of specifications designed to foster open, unbundled, and interoperable open networks. Learning Corner: The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is an innovative, government-backed initiative launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce, to democratize e-commerce in India.  Incorporated on December 31, 2021, as a Section 8 non-profit company, ONDC aims to shift e-commerce from a platform-centric model to an open-network model. Key Features: Open-Source Protocols: Uses open specifications and network protocols, independent of specific platforms, similar to HTTP (web), SMTP (email), or UPI (payments). Interoperability: Allows a buyer on one platform (e.g., Amazon) to purchase from a seller on another (e.g., Flipkart) without needing to register on both. Network-Centric Model: Unlike platform-centric models, ONDC connects Buyer Applications, Seller Applications, and Gateways for seamless transactions. Standardized Operations: Protocols for cataloguing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and vendor discovery ensure uniformity. Inclusivity: Empowers small businesses by providing access to digital commerce without high platform commissions. Objectives Democratize E-Commerce: Reduce dominance of large platforms (e.g., Amazon, Flipkart) and curb digital monopolies. Promote Inclusivity: Enable MSMEs, small retailers, and local businesses to compete in the digital marketplace. Enhance Consumer Choice: Allow buyers to access a wider range of sellers, products, and services across platforms. Cost Efficiency: Lower transaction costs by reducing platform fees (e.g., ONDC’s food delivery fees are ~20% of those charged by Swiggy/Zomato). Drive Innovation: Foster a competitive ecosystem through open-source collaboration. Source : Business Standard Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to Rare Earth Magnets (REMs), consider the following statements: Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnets are the strongest permanent magnets but have low resistance to corrosion. Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo) magnets work well even at very high temperatures and are used in defense and space technologies. Rare Earth Magnets are essential for making motors used in electric vehicles and wind turbines. India has large reserves of REEs but lacks advanced processing capabilities. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1, 2 and 4 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 1, 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4   Q2.With reference to Kavach, India’s Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, consider the following statements: Kavach can automatically apply brakes if a train passes a red signal or is on a collision course. It relies on RFID tags placed along railway tracks to determine the train’s location and direction. The system is imported from Japan and adapted to Indian Railways’ specifications. 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   Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): ONDC aims to create an open and interoperable network for digital commerce similar to UPI in the payments sector. It is implemented by the Quality Council of India under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). ONDC functions as a profit-making public sector undertaking to promote e-commerce platforms in rural India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 only D. 1, 2 and 3   Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  15th April  – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – a Q.2) – a Q.3) – a