Category: GEOGRAPHY

Context:  The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, long known for its stability, is now thinning rapidly since 2019, raising fears of irreversible retreat

Historically stable due to unique geography—high-altitude ice fields and a submerged bedrock ridge—the glacier resisted melting despite global warming. New radar studies revealed the ridge extends deep into the glacier’s base, preventing it from detaching and floating away. However, recent data shows accelerated ice loss, likely from climate change, making the glacier more vulnerable to melting. Scientists warn that without action to cut greenhouse gas emissions; the glacier’s retreat is inevitable.

Learning Corner:

Major Glaciers of the World

Major Glaciers in India

Prelims Pointers

• Longest glacier in the world: Lambert Glacier (Antarctica).
• Longest glacier outside polar regions: Fedchenko Glacier (Tajikistan).
• Largest glacier in India: Siachen Glacier (~76 km).
• Climate change impact: Himalayan glaciers retreating faster than global average (WMO reports).
• Strategic importance: Siachen (defense), Gangotri & Zemu (river systems).

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Category: POLITY

Context : On the first day of Karnataka’s Monsoon Assembly Session, Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna was removed from the Cabinet.

Removal of a Minister in State Legislature 

In India’s parliamentary form of government, both at the Union and State levels, the Council of Ministers holds office collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly (Article 164).

Key Points:

1. Collective Responsibility
   • The entire Council of Ministers (CoM), headed by the Chief Minister (CM), remains in office as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Legislative Assembly.
   • If the Assembly passes a vote of no-confidence or the Budget/appropriation bill is defeated, the entire CoM must resign.
2. Individual Minister’s Removal
   • A minister can be removed:
     (a) By the Governor on the advice of the CM (Article 164(1)).
     (b) Indirectly, if the CM asks for their resignation or reshuffles the cabinet.
     (c) By loss of membership of the Legislature (disqualification, resignation, or defeat in elections).
3. Governor’s Role
   • The Governor does not act on personal discretion but follows the CM’s advice in removing a minister.
4. Legislative Control
   • Any individual minister may be targeted through:
     • No-confidence motion against the whole CoM.
     • Censure motion or cut motion in the Assembly.
5. Judicial Aspect
   • Removal is a political/legislative matter; courts generally do not intervene unless constitutional procedures are violated.

In essence: In a state parliamentary democracy, a minister cannot cling to office if the CM or Legislative Assembly withdraws support. The Governor’s formal action is just the constitutional formality to implement this political decision.

Learning Corner:

Salient Features of Parliamentary Democracy

1. Supremacy of the Legislature
   • The Parliament (or State Legislature) is the supreme law-making body within the constitutional framework.
   • Executive is responsible to the legislature.
2. Collective Responsibility of the Executive
   • The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister (or Chief Minister at state level), is collectively responsible to the Lower House (Lok Sabha/State Assembly).
   • Loss of confidence in the House mandates resignation.
3. Bicameral Legislature (at the Union level)
   • Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
   • Provides representation to both the people and the states.
4. Majority Rule
   • The political party/coalition with majority support in the Lower House forms the government.
   • Opposition plays a vital role in scrutiny.
5. Separation of Head of State and Head of Government
   • Head of State (President/Governor) is largely ceremonial.
   • Head of Government (Prime Minister/Chief Minister) exercises real executive power.
6. Fusion of Executive and Legislature
   • Ministers are members of the legislature, unlike in the presidential system where the separation is strict.
7. Free, Fair, and Periodic Elections
   • Conducted by an independent Election Commission.
   • Universal adult suffrage ensures equal participation.
8. Rule of Law & Constitutional Supremacy
   • All organs function within the limits set by the Constitution.
   • Judiciary ensures checks and balances.
9. Opposition and Accountability Mechanisms
   • Question Hour, Zero Hour, Parliamentary Committees, and debates ensure government accountability.
10. Cabinet System of Government
    • Real executive authority lies with the cabinet headed by the Prime Minister.

Source:  THE HINDU

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: researchers from the US and the Philippines has identified envelope dimer epitope (EDE)-like antibodies as a key factor in building strong, broad, cross-serotype immunity against dengue virus (

 Dengue remains a major global health challenge, and developing a universal vaccine is difficult due to the immune system’s complex response — notably, antibody-dependent enhancement, where a second infection with a different serotype can worsen the disease.

The study, conducted in Cebu province, Philippines, followed 2,996 children over several years. Findings showed that EDE-like antibodies accounted for 42–65% of the protective effect of virus-neutralising antibodies and 41–75% of the effect of E protein-binding antibodies. These antibodies were strongly linked to broad immunity and lower risk of severe disease. The results may pave the way for better-targeted dengue vaccines and therapeutics.

Learning Corner:

Envelope Dimer Epitope (EDE)

• Definition: A specific site found on the envelope (E) protein dimer of flaviviruses such as dengue virus.
• Structure: The E protein on the virus surface forms dimers (pairs) in its mature form. The EDE is located at the interface between the two E monomers in the dimer.
• Immunological Significance:
  • Recognized by broadly neutralizing antibodies that can target multiple dengue virus serotypes.
  • Blocking EDE can prevent the virus from attaching to and entering host cells.
• Role in Vaccine Development:
  • A key target for next-generation dengue vaccines because antibodies to EDE show cross-serotype protection.
  • Reduces risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) by producing antibodies that neutralize all four dengue serotypes effectively.
• Research Use: Helps scientists understand how to design monoclonal antibodies or immunogens with broad protective potential.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by Dengue virus (DENV), a Flavivirus with four distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4).

• Transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
• Clinical spectrum ranges from mild dengue fever to severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever/shock syndrome).
• No specific antiviral treatment exists; management is supportive.

Global Presence

• Endemic in over 100 countries, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, Western Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and Eastern Mediterranean.
• WHO estimates: ~390 million dengue infections annually worldwide; ~96 million manifest clinically.
• Urbanization, climate change, and global travel have expanded dengue’s reach to newer regions, including southern Europe and the USA (Florida, Texas).
• Major outbreaks often follow rainy seasons in endemic areas.

Source: THE HINDU

Category: ECONOMICS

Context: Indian Railways has successfully conducted a trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, ‘Rudrastra’, measuring 4.5 km in length with 345–354 wagons..

The trial took place on August 7, 2025, from Ganjkhwaja in Uttar Pradesh to Garhwa in Jharkhand, covering 209 km in about 5 hours 10 minutes at an average speed of 40.5 km/h.

Key features:

• Length: 4.5 km
• Wagons: 345–354, each carrying 72 tonnes
• Engines: 7 in total—two at the front and one after every 59 wagons
• Formation: Multiple long-haul rakes coupled end-to-end
• Route: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Division to Dhanbad Division

Significance:
The experiment aims to boost freight efficiency by moving massive cargo volumes in one journey, reducing fuel use per tonne, easing rail congestion, and lowering bulk transport costs—marking a major step in India’s freight logistics capacity.

Learning Corner:

Major New Train Categories 

Vande Bharat Express (Semi-High-Speed)

• Speed: Up to 160 km/h.
• Features: Fully air-conditioned, GPS-based passenger information, automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, and improved seating comfort.
• Recent Expansions: New routes have been launched across states including the North-East, coastal regions, and major pilgrimage circuits.
• Variants:
  • Vande Bharat Sleeper: For overnight journeys.
  • Mini Vande Bharat: 8-coach configuration for low-demand routes.

Amrit Bharat Express (Economical Yet Modern)

• Purpose: Affordable travel with improved speed and comfort for common passengers.
• Features: Push-pull locomotion for faster acceleration, cushioned seats, improved luggage racks, bio-toilets, and automatic sliding doors.
• Speed: 130 km/h.
• Target Audience: Long-distance budget travelers in both reserved and unreserved classes.

Vande Metro (Regional & Suburban Connectivity)

• Purpose: High-frequency short-distance travel between cities (within 100–250 km).
• Features: Quick acceleration, multiple daily trips, modern interiors, and standing passenger space.
• Status: First services expected between major metro-adjacent cities like Delhi–Meerut, Mumbai–Pune, and Chennai–Bengaluru suburbs.

Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains (Theme-Based Tourism)

• Objective: Promote cultural and heritage tourism.
• Themes: Ramayana Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, North-East Discovery, Desert Circuit, etc.
• Features: Onboard catering, guided tours, and accommodation packages.

Upgraded Rajdhani, Shatabdi & Duronto Trains

• New LHB coaches for higher safety.
• Refurbished interiors, improved food service, and modern lighting.
• Plans to integrate these into Vande Bharat Sleeper in the future.

Technological & Safety Improvements

• Kavach: Indigenous train collision avoidance system.
• Energy Efficiency: Shift to electric traction on more routes to reduce emissions.
• Passenger Comfort: Ergonomic seating, automatic lighting, and mobile charging points at every seat.

Source: AIR

Category: POLITY

Context The Lok Sabha has passed the Income Tax (No. 2) Bill, 2025 and the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, replacing the Income Tax Act, 1961

Effective April 1, 2026 (after Rajya Sabha and presidential assent), the new law aims to simplify and modernize tax provisions, incorporating over 285 recommendations from a Parliamentary Select Committee.

Key features:

• Simplified language & clarity in definitions, deductions, and provisions.
• Revised tax slabs:
  • Up to ₹4 lakh – Nil
  • ₹4–8 lakh – 5%
  • ₹8–12 lakh – 10%
  • ₹12–16 lakh – 15%
  • ₹16–20 lakh – 20%
  • ₹20–24 lakh – 25%
  • Above ₹24 lakh – 30%
• TDS refunds allowed even for late return filers.

Expanded powers:

• Digital search & seizure covering emails, social media, cloud storage, online accounts, etc., if officials have “reason to believe” in tax evasion.
• Broad definition of “virtual digital space,” raising privacy concerns due to lack of explicit judicial oversight.

Other highlights:

• Focus on ease of doing business, digital tax processes, and “faceless jurisdiction.”
• Alignment with modern digital and economic realities.

Learning Corner:

Money Bill (Article 110)

• Definition: Contains only provisions dealing with matters listed in Art. 110(1):
  • Imposition, abolition, remission, alteration, or regulation of any tax.
  • Regulation of borrowings by the Union.
  • Custody of Consolidated Fund or Contingency Fund.
  • Appropriation of money out of Consolidated Fund.
  • Declaration of expenditure charged on Consolidated Fund.
  • Receipt, custody, and audit of government accounts.
  • Any matter incidental to the above.
• Certification: Speaker of Lok Sabha certifies it as a Money Bill (final and binding).
• Introduction: Only in Lok Sabha, only on recommendation of the President.
• Rajya Sabha’s Role: Cannot amend; can only recommend changes within 14 days (Lok Sabha may accept or reject).
• Examples: Annual Finance Bill (when only matters of Art. 110 are included).

Financial Bills (Article 117)

These are of two categories:

(A) Financial Bill Category-I (Art. 117(1))

• Contains both matters of a Money Bill and other provisions.
• Introduction: Only in Lok Sabha, only on President’s recommendation.
• Rajya Sabha’s Role: Same as an Ordinary Bill (can amend/reject), except introduction rules.
• Example: Bill containing tax proposals and establishment of a new authority.

(B) Financial Bill Category-II (Art. 117(3))

• Does not contain matters of a Money Bill, but involves expenditure from Consolidated Fund of India.
• Introduction: In either House, but only on President’s recommendation.
• Rajya Sabha’s Role: Same as an Ordinary Bill.
• Example: Bill creating a new scheme funded from CFI without changing taxation.

Key Differences

Source: THE HINDU

Introduction (Context)

States such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have launched innovative health outreach schemes — Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (August 2021) and Gruha Arogya (October 2024, expanded June 2025) — to provide doorstep healthcare for non-communicable diseases.

As States begin to bring health care directly to doorsteps, the question arises what steps must be taken to engage communities as active participants in shaping health systems.

Health Governance in India

• Traditionally, health governance in India was a state-led function.
• Over time, it has expanded to include civil society, professional associations, hospital groups, and trade unions, functioning through formal committees and informal networks.

• The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005 marked a turning point, institutionalising community participation through platforms like:

• Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs)
• Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS)
• In urban areas: Mahila Arogya Samitis, Ward Committees, NGO-led platforms.

• These bodies were designed to include women and marginalised groups, supported by untied funds for local health needs.
• In urban areas, key platforms for civic participation include Mahila Arogya Samitis, Ward Committees, and non-government organisation-led committees. 

Significance of Civic Engagement in Health Governance

• Public involvement in health policy is important because it gives people respect, ensures their voices are heard, and protects democratic values. 
• It allows them to take part in decisions that affect their health and the health services they receive.
• When everyone participates, it makes the system more accountable, reduces the power of a small elite group, and helps prevent corruption. Without such participation, health governance can become unfair and oppressive.
• Working with communities also helps health workers and people trust each other, increases the use of health services, and leads to better health outcomes for all.

Challenges

Mindset toward public engagement:

• Policymakers and administrators often view communities as beneficiaries, not co-creators of health systems.
• Programme success is measured mainly through numerical targets (e.g., number of people reached) rather than quality of implementation or user experience.
• Although the National Health Mission promotes bottom-up planning, including community participation in Programme Implementation Plans, such engagement is rare in practice.

Medicalised Governance

• Decision-making spaces are dominated by doctors trained in Western biomedical models, often lacking formal training in public health administration.
• Promotions based on seniority, not public health expertise, reinforce hierarchy and disconnect from ground realities.

Resistance to public engagement

• Studies on health policy show that many officials resist public participation because they worry it will increase their workload, bring more pressure to be accountable, allow powerful medical and business groups to dominate, and make decision-making unfair.

Weak Engagement Platforms

• In many places, health committees either exist only on paper or do not work effectively. Even when they are functional, they face several problems. 

• Their roles and responsibilities are often unclear, meetings are held rarely, and the funds available to them are not used properly. 
• There is also poor coordination between different departments, which affects their work. 
• In some cases, powerful social groups dominate these committees, making it harder for marginalised communities to participate equally.

In absence of functional forums, citizens often resort to protests, media campaigns, and litigation reflecting unmet needs for voice and accountability.

Steps needed

• Move beyond seeing communities as tools to achieve programme targets. Recognise citizens as rights-holders with agency and dignity.
• Spread awareness on health rights, entitlements, and governance platforms.
• Integrate health governance literacy in education and community mobilisation
• Provide citizens with skills, tools, and resources for effective participation.
• Train health professionals to view communities as partners, not passive recipients.
• Avoid blaming poor health-seeking behaviour solely on “lack of awareness”; instead, address structural determinants such as poverty, distance, and discrimination.
• Activate committees with clear roles, regular meetings, adequate funding, and transparency mechanisms.
• Promote two-way accountability between communities and providers.

Conclusion

Meaningful civic engagement in health governance is not an optional add-on but a democratic necessity. Strengthening participatory platforms, empowering communities, and sensitising health actors can transform citizens from passive recipients into active partners, ensuring more equitable and accountable health systems.

Mains Practice Question

1. Community participation is the backbone of accountable and equitable health governance in India. Critically evaluate. (250 words, 15 marks)

Source: Reviving civic engagement in health governance – The Hindu

Introduction (Context)

In Shivangi Bansal vs Sahib Bansal (July 2025), the Supreme Court upheld the Allahabad High Court’s directive suspending arrest or coercive action for two months in cases under Section 498-A IPC (now Section 85, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), pending review by family welfare committees. This effectively grants temporary blanket protection to accused persons in cruelty cases, raising concerns about the impact on gender justice and victims’ safety.

About Section 498-A IPC

• In many marriages, women face serious inequality. They may be Discriminated against in daily life or harassed or tortured physically, mentally, or emotionally.
• To address this concern, Section 498-A IPC was inserted in 1983 to address cruelty by a husband or his relatives towards a woman, including dowry harassment and acts driving her to suicide or serious injury.
• It may lead to Imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine.

Ruling of the Court

• Allahabad High Court directed that no arrest or coercive action must be taken against the accused persons for a ‘cool-off’ period of two months from the complaint.
• It also directed the district-level constitution of family welfare committees, to which cases are directed to be transferred to.
• SC has approved these directions without in-depth analysis of the wider socio-political consequences.
• Implications:

• Even with strong evidence, police cannot arrest for two months.
• Complainants face a cool-off period that may deter them from filing cases.
• Safety risks increase for victims, especially in hostile domestic environments.
• Legitimises police inaction in serious allegations of domestic violence.

Issue of Misuse of law

Although, Section 498-A IPC was enacted as a safeguard to protect married women from cruelty. While it has helped many women, there are also concerns about its misuse in some cases.

Forms of misuse:

• • False or exaggerated allegations of cruelty are made against husband and relatives.

• To seek revenge after failed marriage or relationship, the wife or her family makes complain

Due to this, in most cases complaint is generally followed by the demand of a huge amount of money to settle the case outside the court.

Further, the vagueness of the law makes it easier for false claims to be made and law enforcement officers often act arbitrarily. Make indiscriminate arrests without proper investigation. 

Supreme Court’s Attempt to Stop Misuse

• In Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar (2014), the Supreme Court gave strict instructions:

• Police should not automatically arrest when a 498-A complaint is filed.
• They must first check if arrest is necessary under Section 41 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

These guidelines were meant to make the law more strict against false arrests.

Ground Reality – Data & Surveys

• NCRB 2022: 1,34,506 cases registered under Section 498-A.
• NFHS-5: High prevalence of under-reporting of domestic violence in several States.
• Humsafar Report: Rise in cases reflects greater awareness, not necessarily misuse.

Hence, to draw conclusions of widespread misuse from individual cases “reflect institutional bias that exists within the criminal justice system”

The ruling removes urgent legal protection during the most dangerous period after filing a complaint which may have serious implications on the victim.

Way Forward

• Address misuse concerns without diluting core protections for victims.
• Ensure prompt, time-bound inquiries rather than blanket suspension of arrests.
• Use mediation for matrimonial disputes but keep penal provisions fully available for violence cases.
• Prioritise safety of complainants through protection orders, shelters, and immediate police intervention where needed.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling, while aimed at preventing alleged misuse, risks weakening vital protections for victims of domestic cruelty. 

A victim-centric approach that safeguards rights without undermining due process is essential to uphold both justice and gender equality.

Mains Practice Question

Q The Supreme Court’s endorsement of a ‘cool-off period’ in anti-cruelty cases under Section 498-A IPC raises critical questions about gender justice and victim protection. Discuss (250 words, 15 marks)

Source: A Supreme Court ruling with no room for gender justice – The Hindu