Subject: Science & Tech – Genomics; Sports – Talent identification; Commonwealth Games 2030

Why in News?

• Gujarat launches Sports Genomics Programme to map athletes’ genetic traits for performance. Supports scientific scouting for Commonwealth Games 2030.

What is the Sports Genomics Programme?

Implementing Agencies

• Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) – under state Department of Science and Technology
• Sports Authority of Gujarat – coordination partner

Budget and Duration

• Rs 26.05 crore allocated for five years
• Target: 2,000 genetic samples per year → 10,000 samples over five years
• Covers 10 sports – five endurance and five power sports

Core Objectives

• Identify genetic markers influencing athletic performance
• Create Gujarat Athlete Genome Database (integrating genotype, physiological and performance data)
• Identify genetic risk factors for injuries
• Design personalised training programmes and rehabilitation protocols
• Understand sex- and age-related genomic differences influencing athletic adaptation
• Enable early talent identification

Scientific Basis

Genetic Contribution to Athletic Performance

• Genetic factors contribute as much as 66% to athletic performance

Key Study Reference (2023)

• Study: ‘Genes and Athletic Performance: The 2023 Update’
• Published in journal: Genes
• Lead author: Dr Ildus Ahmetov (Liverpool John Moores University, UK)
• Covered 34 countries, including India
• Identified 251 genetic markers linked to sports-related traits
• Breakdown of 128 markers positively associated with athlete status:
  • 41 markers – endurance
  • 45 markers – power
  • 42 markers – strength

Gujarat’s Sporting Context

Rising Sports Talent from Remote Areas

Rohit Majgul

• 21-year-old judoka from Siddi community
• Belongs to Jambur village, Gir region (often called ‘Mini Africa’ – Siddi community traces origins from Africa)
• Recently qualified for Commonwealth and Asian Games

Sarita Gayakwad (2018)

• From Dang district (overwhelmingly tribal district of Gujarat)
• Part of gold medal-winning women’s 4x400m relay team at Asian Games, Jakarta

Opina Bhilar

• Also from Dang district
• Part of Indian kho kho team that won World Cup in Delhi (2025)

Current Popular Sport in Gujarat

• Cricket has been the most popular sport

Static-Dynamic Linkage

• Static: Foundations of sports genomics lie in the Human Genome Project and India’s institutional framework (DBT, ICMR, CSIR), with athletic performance shaped by complex polygenic traits.
• Dynamic: Gujarat’s large-scale athlete genome sequencing programme (₹26.05 crore, 10,000 samples) marks a shift to science-based talent identification, aligning India with global leaders in sports genomics.

Source/Reference:

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/the-athletic-gene-rising-sport-hub-gujarat-launches-project-to-unlock-clues-10636267/

Subject: Polity – Election Laws, RPA, Judicial Precedents, SIR.

Why in News?

• Supreme Court refused interim relief to over 34 lakh voters in West Bengal deleted from electoral rolls after Special Intensive Revision (SIR), barring them from voting
• Contrasting cases of C. Geetha (TN) – plea rejected, and Motab Shaikh (WB) – relief granted, highlight how timing determines eligibility

Legal Distinction (Core for Prelims)

Neither is a Fundamental Right

• Supreme Court in Ram Chandra Choudhary (2024) : Both right to vote and right to contest are statutory rights under Representation of People Act, 1950 & 1951

Key Difference

• Right to vote: enables franchise as per statutory scheme
• Right to contest: distinct, additional right subject to qualifications and eligibility conditions

Eligibility vs Disqualification

• Eligibility is threshold condition; its absence merely postpones the right – not a punishment
• Disqualification carries legal consequences

Judicial Precedents

• Jyoti Basu v Debi Ghosal (1982): Right to contest is purely statutory
• K Krishna Murthy v UOI (2010): Political participation subject to statutory limitations

SIR Exercise Impact (West Bengal)

Scale of Exclusion

• 90 lakh voters deleted (electorate shrunk ~12%)
• 27.16 lakh declared ineligible – can approach appellate tribunals
• 19 appellate tribunals set up; only 2 cases decided as of April 2026

Court’s Position

• Refused interim relief – excluded voters cannot vote while appeals pending
• CJI Surya Kant: “Where is the question of voting then?”

Two Contrasting Cases

1. Geetha (Tamil Nadu) – Plea Rejected

• Independent candidate discovered name deleted after filing nomination
• Supreme Court refused to intervene (April 10, 2026)
• Reason: Nominations closed, rolls frozen – “too late”

Motab Shaikh (West Bengal) – Relief Granted

• INC candidate approached tribunal promptly
• Tribunal accepted Aadhaar as sufficient proof despite name variations (Section 23(4), RPA 1950)
• Ordered name inclusion in supplementary list same day

Legal Constraints

• Rule 23(5), Registration of Electoral Rules, 1960: Names added only after tribunal allows appeal – no immediate correction
• Rule 23(3): No interim restoration of names while appeals pending
• Rules 19 & 20: Require prior notice and opportunity to be heard before deletion – SIR exercise showed deviations

Implication for Candidates

• Candidate must be registered voter in relevant State to contest (Representation of People Act)
• Deletion from roll = loss of elector status = effectively barred from contesting
• This is not formal disqualification but has same practical effect

Static-Dynamic Linkage

• Static: Voting and contesting elections are statutory rights (not fundamental) under Article 326 and RPA Acts, as affirmed in cases like Jyoti Basu and Ram Chandra Choudhary.
• Dynamic: Large-scale voter exclusions (34 lakh+) due to procedural issues—SIR deletions, appeal delays, and documentation inconsistencies—highlight gaps in electoral fairness and accessibility.

Source/Reference:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/west-bengal-voter-roll-deletion-supreme-court-ruling-10636271/

Subject: Environment – Wildlife Conservation; Women in Forest Protection; WWF Award;

Why in News?

• Anita Chaudhary (30), a forest guard at Shergarh Sanctuary in Baran, Rajasthan, has won the WWF ‘Machchli National Award’ (named after the famous Ranthambhore tigress) with a cash prize of Rs 50,000
• She is credited with helping rescue around 500 animals, cracking down on tendu patta smugglers, illegal miners, and poachers

About Shergarh Sanctuary

Location and Area

• Located in Baran district, Rajasthan
• Total area: 9,880 hectares (99 sq km)
• Area under Chaudhary’s supervision: 2,949 hectares (less than one-third)

Wildlife Found

• Leopards, sloth bear, hyenas, wild boars, chinkaras, sambar deer, crocodiles

Ecological Context

• Baran lies between Rajasthan’s dry regions and forested areas of Madhya Pradesh
• Sanctuary faces threats from grazing, hunting, wood collection, tendu patta smuggling, and illegal stone mining

Anita Chaudhary: Key Achievements

Background

• Native of Amarpura village, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan (over 300 km from sanctuary)
• Father: Retired Army subedar who encouraged her to take the job
• Joined as forest guard at age 20 (first posting at Mukam Badora Range Office, Kota)
• Deployed to Shergarh Sanctuary in 2021

Conservation Impact

• Rescued around 500 animals (including crocodiles)
• Filed over 50 FIRs against poachers – first FIR for wild boar killing in sanctuary history
• Multiple fines imposed on tendu patta smugglers, animal herders, and illegal stone miners

Innovative Patrol Methods

• No fixed schedules – patrols at odd hours, sometimes at 2 am
• Lives in two-room “anti-poaching” chowki (‘Naka Kishanpura Masaaldaran’) with junior Pooja Sharma
• Solar power for appliances
• Previously women deployed only for office work; she requested field patrolling and was given charge in 2025

Threats Faced

• Threatened with transfers and death
• Offered lakhs as bribe – refused every time
• Local politicians intervene; DFO Anurag Bhatnagar’s support has been crucial

Results

• Animals believed to have disappeared are being spotted again
• Sloth bear droppings found only last year
• Knows exact number of bee hives and termite hills inside sanctuary

WWF ‘Machchli National Award’

• Named after Machchli – famous Ranthambhore tigress (also known as ‘Crocodile Killer’ and ‘Lady of the Lakes’)
• Fourth recognition of Chaudhary’s work
• Cash component: Rs 50,000

Static-Dynamic Linkage

• Static: Forest and wildlife governance in India rests on legal frameworks—Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Indian Forest Act (1927), and FRA (2006)—with reserves like Ranthambore Tiger Reserve symbolising conservation success.
• Dynamic: Recognition of grassroots efforts (WWF award) and rising role of women in forest protection, alongside challenges like tendu patta smuggling and conservation models such as Shergarh Sanctuary.

Source/Reference:

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/anita-chaudhary-forest-guardian-shergarh-sanctuary-10634313/

Subject: Science & Tech – Stem Cell Therapy; Social Justice – Elderly Health, Frailty, Geriatric Care.

Why in News?

• A Phase IIb CRATUS trial, published in Cell Stem Cell (March 2026) by Longeveron, found that a single infusion of mesenchymal stem cells (Lomecel-B) improved endurance in frail elderly (70–85 years), increasing six-minute walk distance by ~60 metres (~20%) after nine months.

What is Frailty?

Definition

• State of accelerated biological ageing marked by lower endurance, slower recovery, and increased vulnerability
• Affects up to one in four people over 50 worldwide

Causes (Multifactorial)

• Chronic inflammation
• Muscle loss (sarcopenia)
• Vascular ageing
• Immune dysfunction
• Long-term stress

Consequences

• Increased risk of falls, hospitalisation, post-surgical complications, and premature death
• No single molecular target → most research focused on managing consequences, not reversing condition

India Context

• Population aged 60+ projected to rise to nearly 20% by 2050
• Frailty is widespread but rarely diagnosed
• No standard treatment protocol; under-visible in policy

What are Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)?

Source

• Naturally found in bone marrow and fat tissue

Key Properties

• Biologically versatile: Can differentiate into bone, cartilage, or muscle
• Anti-inflammatory: Release molecules that reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair
• Immune-privileged: Do not strongly activate recipient’s immune system → reduces need for immunosuppressive drugs (critical safety advantage for frail elderly)

Key Findings of the Study

Treatment

• Single infusion of Lomecel-B (laromestrocel) – mesenchymal stem cell product from Longeveron

Results

• Highest dose group walked 60 metres farther in six-minute walk test (nearly 20% improvement)
• Improvement sustained at nine months post-treatment
• No serious side effects reported

Proposed Mechanism (Suspected)

• Cells dampen inflammation in tissues surrounding small blood vessels (vascular niche implicated in ageing-related decline)
• Participants had lower levels of inflammation biomarkers

Caution from Authors

• Larger clinical trials and longer follow-up needed
• Regulatory approval uncertain
• Phase III trial pending

Implications for India

Current Gaps in Elderly Care

Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)

• Focuses on hospital-based secondary and tertiary care
• Preventive geriatric assessment, functional screening, and early interventions for ageing-related vulnerabilities receive little attention
• Frailty not recognised as a reimbursable condition

National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)

• Reach remains limited
• Geriatric clinics scarce in district hospitals
• Healthcare workers seldom use frailty assessment tools
• Medical education treats consequences of ageing as inevitable

Potential Impact of Cell Therapy

• Even modest gains in endurance can reduce hospital stays and complication risks
• Could improve quality of life and enable independent living

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations

ICMR Guidelines on Stem Cell Therapy

• Issued strict guidelines limiting use of stem cells to approved clinical trials only
• Response to past exploitation by unregulated clinics offering unproven “stem-cell cures”

Path Forward for India

• ICMR-led studies needed to evaluate whether stem-cell interventions reduce falls, improve surgical recovery, or enhance quality of life in older Indians
• Foreign regulators like CDSCO may require bridging trial to prove therapy works in Indian populations

Static-Dynamic Linkage

• Static: Stem cell science (types, ICMR guidelines) intersects with welfare frameworks like Ayushman Bharat, NPHCE, and Article 41 addressing ageing and elderly care.
• Dynamic: New anti-ageing therapy shows promise (Phase IIb), highlighting policy gaps (frailty exclusion in PM-JAY) amid rising elderly population and need for cautious regulation.

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/new-cell-therapy-shows-promise-to-treat-frailty-among-elderly/article70860509.ece

Subject: Science & Tech – Cosmology; Hubble Constant; Cosmic Expansion; Dark Energy; CMB.

Why in News?

• On April 10, 2026, astronomers narrowed down the local expansion rate of the universe to 73.5 km/s per megaparsec, confirming the value using multiple methods
• This new work does not settle the debate – instead, it highlights how robust data exists on both sides of the disagreement
• The gap between the two measurements (73 vs 67) is called the “Hubble tension”

What is the Hubble Constant?

Definition

• The Hubble constant (H₀) measures the rate at which the universe is expanding
• Expressed in kilometres per second per megaparsec (km/s/Mpc)
• Named after astronomer Edwin Hubble, who first discovered the expanding universe in 1929

Why It Matters

• Determines the age, size, and ultimate fate of the universe
• A fundamental parameter in cosmology

The Two Conflicting Measurements

Method 1: Cosmic Distance Ladder (Local Measurement)

• Observes nearby objects: pulsating stars (Cepheid variables) and exploding supernovae (Type Ia)
• Calculates how fast they are moving away from Earth
• Result: ~73 km/s/Mpc
• Latest refinement (April 10, 2026): 73.5 km/s/Mpc

Method 2: Cosmic Microwave Background (Early Universe)

• Studies the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) – leftover light from the Big Bang
• Uses mathematical models to project ancient data into the present day
• Result: ~67 km/s/Mpc

The Hubble Tension

The Gap

• Local measurement: 73.5 km/s/Mpc
• Early universe prediction: 67 km/s/Mpc
• Difference: ~6.5 km/s/Mpc (roughly 9% gap)

Significance

• Both methods are highly precise yet their results don’t match
• The discrepancy suggests that physicists’ current understanding of the universe might be incomplete

Possible Explanations

Measurement Error

• Scientists are investigating whether systematic errors exist in either method
• New work (April 10, 2026) confirms local value using multiple methods – making measurement error less likely

New Physics (More Exciting Possibility)

• The tension may point to new physics beyond the Standard Model
• Possible candidates:
  • A new property of dark energy (the mysterious force driving accelerated expansion)
  • Unknown particles or interactions
  • Modified gravity theories
  • Early dark energy – a form of dark energy present in the early universe

Static-Dynamic Linkage

• Static: Universe origin and expansion explained by Big Bang Theory, supported by CMB, Hubble’s discovery, and standard candles; composition dominated by dark energy and dark matter.
• Dynamic: New measurement (~73.5 km/s/Mpc) deepens Hubble tension; missions like JWST and Euclid aim to resolve discrepancies in expansion rate.

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/hubble-tension-holding-its-ground/article70860558.ece

UPSC Mains Subject: GS Paper I – Geography (Climate) | GS Paper III – Economy (Agriculture) | GS Paper III – Disaster Management
Sub-topic: Monsoon Variability; El Nino; Drought Preparedness; Agricultural Resilience

Introduction

After two surplus years, India may face a monsoon shortfall, with IMD projecting an 8% deficit (below normal rainfall). Past trends show April deficit warnings can turn into drought, as in 2015. An emerging El Niño and West Asia–linked fertiliser shortages may worsen the impact, making early preparedness essential.

Main Body

The Forecast: Below Normal Monsoon

IMD April Forecast:

• 8% deficit (below normal) for June-September 2026
• Rainfall expected at 89-96% of Long Period Average (LPA)
• 5% margin of error

IMD’s Track Record:

• When IMD warns of deficit in April, India often experiences drought
• In 2015: IMD forecast 93% LPA (“below normal”); India ended at 86% LPA (deficient)
• The agency never uses ‘drought’ – only “deficient” for below 90%

The Concern:

• More times IMD has expected ‘normal’ monsoon only for India to end with drought
• Than it has forecast drought and been proved wrong

The El Nino Factor: Timing Matters

What Is El Nino:

• Heating of central equatorial Pacific Ocean beyond 1°C
• Corresponds to deficient monsoon 9 out of 16 times since 1950

Why Timing Matters:

• If temperature rise happens outside monsoon months, impact is less threatening
• 2019 example: IMD expected below normal due to El Nino-like conditions
• Paradoxically, India ended with above normal because heating was not as strong as expected

This Year’s Projection:

• El Nino expected to depress second half of monsoon (August-September)
• Indian Ocean Dipole may counter desiccating impact of El Nino (uncertain)

Compounding Factors: War and Input Shortages

West Asia War Impacts:

• Shortage of gas and fertiliser (already disrupted)
• Rising fuel prices affecting farm machinery and transport
• Fertiliser availability for Kharif season uncertain

Farmer Sentiment:

• Weak rains + input shortages = double blow
• Already vulnerable rural economy faces compounded stress

IMD’s Official Lexicon:

• Never uses ‘drought’
• Only “deficient” (below 90%) and “below normal” (90-96%)
• But ground reality may be worse than official terminology

Immediate Preparations Needed

Fertiliser Stocks:

• Shore up domestic fertiliser availability before Kharif planting
• Diversify import sources amid West Asia disruptions
• Ensure timely distribution to farmers

Water Distribution:

• Equitable water distribution from stressed reservoirs
• Prioritise drinking water over irrigation if shortages worsen
• Inter-state water sharing mechanisms to be activated

Farmer Advisories:

• Timely advisories on optimal sowing practices for deficit conditions
• Drought-resistant crop varieties and altered cropping patterns
• Soil moisture conservation techniques

Reservoir Management:

• Monitor reservoir levels closely
• Coordinate with state governments for release schedules
• Prepare for multi-state water stress scenarios

Historical Precedent: Learning from 2015

What Happened in 2015:

• IMD forecast 93% LPA (“below normal”) in April
• India ended at 86% LPA (deficient)
• Widespread drought affected Kharif and Rabi seasons

Lessons for 2026:

• IMD’s April forecast tends to be optimistic
• Deficit may be worse than predicted
• Prepare for 86% LPA or lower scenario

Way Forward

For the Government:

• Assume worst-case scenario (deficient, not just below normal)
• Shore up fertiliser stocks immediately
• Activate reservoir water sharing protocols
• Issue farmer advisories before sowing begins

For Farmers:

• Shift to drought-resistant crop varieties
• Adopt soil moisture conservation techniques
• Follow IMD advisories on sowing windows

For Long-Term Resilience:

• Invest in micro-irrigation (drip, sprinkler)
• Expand water harvesting and groundwater recharge
• Develop drought early warning systems

Conclusion

After two surplus years, India faces a likely monsoon shortfall, with IMD projecting an 8% deficit. Past trends show early deficit warnings can worsen into drought, especially with El Niño risks in the latter half. Simultaneous West Asia–linked fertiliser and gas shortages may further strain agriculture. 

Immediate steps—adequate fertiliser stocking, efficient reservoir management, and timely sowing advisories—are crucial. Preparedness, not panic, will determine the impact.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. After two years of surplus rainfall, critically examine India’s projected monsoon deficit in light of IMD recent forecasts, El Niño conditions, and required agricultural and water management preparedness. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/dry-days-on-rainfall-deficit-forecast/article70866444.ece

UPSC Mains Subject: GS Paper III – Economy (Financial Inclusion) | GS Paper II – Governance | GS Paper IV – Ethics
Sub-topic: Digital Lending; Consumer Protection; Data Privacy; Regulatory Gaps

Introduction

The death of Nithin Raj marks the third loan app–linked suicide in Kerala in four months, amid rising complaints. These apps exploit a regulatory grey area—offering quick credit while harvesting sensitive user data. On default, they deploy coercive recovery tactics, including harassment and reputational threats. 

Despite RBI guidelines, they evade oversight by operating at the app and data layers, often posing as tied to NBFCs without transparency or grievance redress.

Main Body

The Scale of the Menace

Recent Deaths (Kerala, within four months):

• Nithin Raj (Kannur): dental student, fell from five-storey building
• Two other high-profile suicides linked to loan apps
• Over 35 complaints in Thiruvananthapuram Rural alone since January

How the Apps Operate:

• Promise easy credit with minimal documentation
• Extract contact lists, photo galleries, GPS data once installed
• Export data to servers (North India or overseas)

Harassment Methods:

• Repeated abusive calls to borrower
• Harassing persons listed as references on loan application
• Reputational damage (shaming on social media, contacting employers/family)

Why Kerala Is a Hotspot

High Smartphone Penetration:

• Among highest in India
• Digital literacy widespread

Low Financial Literacy:

• Urgent small-credit needs
• Student population particularly vulnerable
• Easy credit promises exploit lack of awareness

The Paradox:

• High digital adoption without corresponding financial education
• Apps exploit the gap between access and literacy

Regulatory Dark Area: How Apps Evade the RBI

What RBI Regulates:

• Financial entities (banks, NBFCs)
• Digital lending guidelines exist on paper

Where the Harmful Entity Operates:

• App layer (distribution through app stores)
• Data layer (extracting contacts, photos, GPS)
• Beyond RBI’s jurisdiction

Evasion Tactics:

• Fabricate NBFC partnerships (fake affiliation claims)
• Route funds through opaque payment gateways
• Conceal fees and disbursal deductions (hidden charges)
• Provide no grievance mechanism
• When removed from app store, relaunch immediately under new names

Jurisdictional Challenges

Call Centres Located Elsewhere:

• Often traced to other states within India
• Or overseas (beyond local police reach)

Police Limitations:

• Local police cannot act across state or international boundaries
• Kerala government mulling new legislation to regulate digital lending platforms
• Need to empower local police to act against apps operating from outside the state

Way Forward: Four-Pronged Strategy

First: OS-Level Sandbox for Financial Apps

• Smartphone makers must implement OS-level sandbox
• Any app categorised as “financial” barred from accessing contacts, photos, GPS
• Even if user grants permission (permission override at OS level)
• Prevents data extraction at source

Second: Legislation with Prison Sentences

• Enact specific law against illegal digital lending
• Prison sentences and heavy fines for violations
• Deterrent effect beyond civil penalties

Third: Whitelist-Based App Store Verification

• Mandate cryptographically signed certificate of association from regulated bank or NBFC
• App stores to check listings against RBI whitelist
• Remove apps not on whitelist
• Prevents relaunch under new names

Fourth: Rigorous Disclosure and Recovery Standards

• Strict disclosure standards on effective interest rates and fees
• Strict rules on recovery conduct (ban on abusive practices)
• Stricter KYC obligations on payment aggregators
• Risk flags on UPI IDs associated with high complaint rate lending operations

Kerala’s Proposed Legislation:

• Empower local police to act against apps operating from outside state
• Complement central legislation with state-level enforcement

Conclusion

Predatory loan apps exploit regulatory gaps, offering easy credit while harvesting data and using coercive recovery tactics. Recent suicides highlight the severity of the crisis. These apps bypass RBI norms by operating at the app and data layers. 

A multi-pronged response is needed—OS-level data restrictions, stricter laws with penalties, RBI-linked app verification, and transparent recovery norms. Coordinated central action is essential.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. Critically examine the regulatory gaps that allow predatory loan apps to thrive, and discuss the technical, legal, and institutional measures needed to safeguard vulnerable borrowers. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/devious-menace-the-hindu-editorial-on-predatory-loan-apps/article70866448.ece