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1. Constitutional Morality & Its Role in Indian Governance
Context: Following the arrest of a serving Chief Minister, debates have intensified over the need for ethical governance rooted in constitutional values.
What is Constitutional Morality?
- Adherence to constitutional principles beyond mere legal compliance.
- Ensures justice, equality, and accountability in public life.
- Historically reinforced by figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Key Features:
- Supremacy of the Constitution over majoritarian impulses.
- Balancing freedom with responsibility.
- Robust checks & balances via judicial oversight.
- Promotion of pluralism and inclusivity.
MCQ:
Which Supreme Court ruling is associated with reinforcing constitutional morality in India?
- a) Navtej Singh Johar (2018)
- b) K.S. Puttaswamy (2018)
- c) Krishnamoorthy (2015)
- d) Sabarimala Verdict (2018)
Answer: b) K.S. Puttaswamy (2018)
Similar Question Appeared: UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 2)
2. Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough – China’s EAST Reactor
Context: In January 2025, China’s EAST reactor achieved a record 1,066 seconds of sustained plasma at nearly 70 million °C, marking a significant step in fusion research.
What is the EAST Reactor?
- A nuclear fusion research reactor designed to test magnetic confinement techniques.
- Acts as a testbed for international projects like ITER.
Key Features & Challenges:
- Uses superconducting magnets to control plasma.
- Operates at extremely high temperatures essential for fusion.
- Faces technological and financial challenges in sustaining plasma.
MCQ:
Which statement about nuclear fusion is correct?
- a) It relies on Uranium-235 as fuel.
- b) It produces more energy with minimal radioactive waste.
- c) It has been commercially implemented.
- d) It does not require extremely high temperatures.
Answer: b) It produces more energy with minimal radioactive waste.
Similar Question Appeared: UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 3)
3. Mains Enrichment: "Imagine a World with More Women in Science" Campaign
Context: To mark the 10-year anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, UNESCO launched this global campaign.
Campaign Highlights:
- Encourages gender balance in STEM fields.
- Highlights that women occupy only 22% of STEM jobs in G20 countries.
- Invites global participation through the #EveryVoiceInScience movement.
MCQ:
Which organization launched the "Imagine a World with More Women in Science" campaign?
- a) UNESCO
- b) UNICEF
- c) WHO
- d) UNDP
Answer: a) UNESCO
4. Facts for Prelims (FFP)
4.1 PM-AASHA Scheme
Context: The Government of India has extended the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme till 2025-26, ensuring fair prices for farmers.
- Administered by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
- Implemented through agencies like NAFED and NCCF.
- Focuses on price support for pulses, oilseeds, and other commodities.
MCQ:
Which ministry administers the PM-AASHA Scheme?
- a) Ministry of Finance
- b) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
- c) Ministry of Commerce
- d) Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: b) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
4.2 APEDA Pomegranate Shipments
Context: In a first for India, APEDA, in collaboration with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports, completed commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia.
- Premium varieties known for their high sugar content and deep red arils.
- Grown in Maharashtra’s Solapur region.
MCQ:
Which agency is responsible for promoting India’s agricultural exports?
- a) APEDA
- b) FICCI
- c) NAFTA
- d) NAFED
Answer: a) APEDA
4.3 Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
Context: Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner, succeeding Rajiv Kumar, under the revised selection process introduced in 2023.
- Appointment involves a Selection Committee and a Search Committee.
- Emphasizes experience in managing elections and maintaining integrity.
MCQ:
Who is the newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner?
- a) Rajiv Kumar
- b) Gyanesh Kumar
- c) Vivek Joshi
- d) None of the above
Answer: b) Gyanesh Kumar
4.4 Deposit Insurance & Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC)
Context: The Finance Ministry is considering an increase in the deposit insurance limit under the DICGC Act, 1961, which currently protects deposits up to ₹5 lakh.
- Operates under the aegis of the RBI and the Ministry of Finance.
- Aims to bolster public confidence in the banking system.
MCQ:
What is the current deposit insurance limit under DICGC?
- a) ₹2 lakh
- b) ₹5 lakh
- c) ₹10 lakh
- d) ₹15 lakh
Answer: b) ₹5 lakh
4.5 Fecal Coliform in Ganga & Yamuna
Context: During Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj, high levels of fecal coliform were detected in the Ganga and Yamuna, indicating significant sewage contamination.
- Levels exceeding CPCB standards pose risks to public health.
- Highlights issues in waste management and water quality.
MCQ:
High levels of fecal coliform in water typically indicate:
- a) Increased aquatic biodiversity
- b) Sewage contamination
- c) High mineral content
- d) None of the above
Answer: b) Sewage contamination
4.6 DDoS Attack on Kaveri 2.0 Portal
Context: Karnataka’s property registration portal, Kaveri 2.0, was hit by a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, leading to significant operational disruptions.
- Highlights vulnerabilities in cybersecurity measures.
- Stresses the need for robust incident response strategies.
MCQ:
The Kaveri 2.0 portal was disrupted by which type of cyber attack?
- a) Phishing Attack
- b) Malware Attack
- c) Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack
- d) Ransomware Attack
Answer: c) Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack
5. Mapping
5.1 Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Context: A recent faunal survey in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, located in Kerala, identified 15 new species including birds, butterflies, and odonates.
- Enhances the reserve’s biodiversity profile.
- Highlights the region’s ecological significance in the Western Ghats.
MCQ:
Which wildlife reserve recently recorded 15 new species?
- a) Bandipur Tiger Reserve
- b) Periyar Tiger Reserve
- c) Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
- d) Jim Corbett National Park
Answer: c) Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
5.2 Syria World Heritage Site Restoration
Context: Efforts are underway to restore war-damaged heritage sites in Syria, including the ancient city of Palmyra and the Crusader castle Crac des Chevaliers, aiming to revive tourism and bolster the economy.
- Focuses on preserving historical and cultural heritage.
- Part of broader initiatives to rebuild war-torn regions.
MCQ:
Which ancient site in Syria is a key focus of the restoration efforts?
- a) Palmyra
- b) Aleppo
- c) Damascus
- d) Homs
Answer: a) Palmyra