IISER scholar's rural library bridging access gaps to educational resources
A PhD scholar in biological sciences at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur, Biswajit says it was this gap that pushed him to come up with a rural library so that people of his village could benefit from it. And, Vanipeeth Library came into being. The facility has now been temporarily set up in a 150 sq ft room, which is occasionally used by a local self-help group to hold meetings.
The initiative, as he said, stemmed from the fact that people in villages often lack proper libraries or bookstores. 'Aspiring candidates preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC, PSC and NDA, also struggle to get the necessary study materials, which are often expensive,' he added.
The idea took roots in October 2023, when Biswajit was inspired by the work of Uma Mahadevan, additional chief secretary and development commissioner of Karnataka, who has been instrumental in promoting rural libraries across that state. Deeply motivated by her efforts, Biswajit began researching how to replicate the initiative in his own village. He explored government provisions for land and funding.
After facing initial delays due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct during early 2024 and his PhD works, Biswajit resumed his efforts in November. He approached Badabarchikayan sarpanch Pushpanjali Swain, who encouraged him to present the proposal during the Gram Sabha held in January 2024. The community responded positively, and the idea gained official momentum.
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- Indian Express
UPSC Key: Brain-eating amoeba, Animal blood bank network and India's S&P rating
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for August 18, 2025. If you missed the August 17, 2025, UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here. Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance. Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Health and diseases, Science. What's the ongoing story: Kerala's health department has sounded an alert in Kozhikode district after three back to back cases of the rare primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) were reported in the region. One of the victims, a nine-year-old girl, died and two others, including a three-month-old baby, are battling for their lives. Key Points to Ponder: — What is Naegleria fowleri or 'brain-eating amoeba' (rare primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) ? — In which season is PAM more likely to occur? — How does Naegleria fowleri infect people? — What are the symptoms of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis? — Read about the acute encephalitis syndrome (AES). — What steps should we take to stop the spread of PAM? Key Takeaways: — Amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the 'brain eating amoeba'. It is a free-living amoeba found in warm, fresh water and soil, and infects people when it enters the body through the nose. This year, Kerala had eight confirmed cases and two deaths, including the one reported in Thamarassery in Kozhikode on August 14. — Health department officials said there is no common factor among the three cases, which were reported from different villages in the district. — Sources said that when molecular diagnosis of meningoencephalitis was done, it was understood that apart from naegleria fowleri, another genus, acanthamoeba, also causes the illness. — The first case of PAM in India was reported in 1971, and the first case in Kerala was reported in 2016. From 2016 to 2023, the state had only eight cases. Last year, Kerala had 36 positive cases and nine deaths. — If the fatality of the disease is 97 per cent globally, Kerala has been able to bring it down to 25 per cent. All reported cases in India had led to the patient's death until July 2024, when a 14-year-old boy in Kozhikode district became the first Indian to survive the disease. He was only the 11th PAM survivor in the world. — One of the reasons for the spike in cases in Kerala has been increased testing for acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) – a condition that can be caused by various diseases including amoebic meningoencephalitis – as well as other factors such as climate change and environmental pollution. Last year when Kerala faced a sudden spike in cases, the state issued a special treatment protocol and a standard operating procedure for the management of amoebic meningoencephalitis cases – the first state in India to do so. Do You Know: — The initial symptoms of PAM include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Later on, the patient may experience a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and slip into a coma. — Scientists have not yet identified any effective treatments for the disease. Currently, doctors use a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone for treatment. — According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the rising global temperatures, the chances of getting Naegleria fowleri infection will go up as the amoeba mainly thrives in warm freshwater bodies. The organism best grows in high temperatures up to 46°C and sometimes can survive at even higher temperatures. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Knowledge nugget of the day: Brain-eating amoeba 📍How common is primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, and does it occur more during the monsoon season? UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme: (1) With reference to the Naegleria fowleri, consider the following statements: 1. It lives in warm saline water. 2. It infects people when it enters the body through the nose. 3. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare brain infection that is caused by Naegleria fowleri. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance. Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. What's the ongoing story: The Union government is working on ways to facilitate and standardise blood banking and blood transfusion in veterinary care. Key Points to Ponder: — Why are blood banks for animals required in India? — What role does the livestock and companion animal sector play in the Indian economy? — What are the major challenges in veterinary blood transfusion practices in India? — Know the key features of the draft SOP for veterinary blood banks. — What are the challenges associated with the storage of animal blood? — What services will be provided by the National Veterinary Blood Bank Network (N-VBBN)? Key Takeaways: — The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying invited comments from experts, institutions, and the public on draft 'Guidelines/ Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Blood Transfusion & Blood Bank for Animals in India' that it prepared last month. — India is home to a very large livestock population of 536.76 million, according to the 20th Livestock Census conducted in 2019, and is also seeing a boom in the practice of keeping pets or companion animals. — Livestock include cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep, as well as animals such as horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, camels, and pigs. India has the world's largest population of cattle and buffalo, and the second-largest population of goats. The population of companion animals is estimated at 125 million, according to the draft guidelines. — The livestock and companion animal sector plays a pivotal role in the country's agricultural economy and rural livelihoods. The animal husbandry and dairying sector contributes about 30 per cent of the agricultural GVA and 5.5 per cent of the national economy. — Given this context, there is an urgent need to formalise critical and emergency veterinary care services, including blood transfusion support across species, the draft says. Blood transfusion, it says, is 'increasingly recognized globally as a life-saving intervention, essential for managing trauma, severe anemia, surgical blood loss, infectious diseases, and coagulation disorders'. — India, the draft notes, 'lacks a national regulatory framework and standardized protocols guiding veterinary transfusion medicine with structured blood banking and transfusion practices'. Most animal blood transfusions are dependent on 'hospital-available or client-owned donors, without consistent screening, blood typing, or standard operating protocols'. — According to the government, the SOPs will address this situation 'by providing structured, ethical, and scientifically sound guidance on donor selection, blood collection, processing, storage, transfusion procedures, and safety monitoring'. — The veterinary blood banks will be hosted at veterinary colleges and universities, referral hospitals and polyclinics, large veterinary diagnostic centres, and multi-speciality animal hospitals operated by the government. The veterinary blood banks will function round the clock, according to the draft. — Notably, the draft document prohibits monetary incentives to pet owners or livestock owners for the donation of the animal blood. Do You Know: — The volume of blood in both humans and animals ranges between 7 per cent and 9 per cent of body weight. Transfusion is required when the volume of blood falls below this level. — Cattle have 55 ml of blood per kg of their body weight, and at an average weight of 300 kg, each head of cattle carries 16.5 litres of blood. — Like humans, there are a large number of blood groups in animals, produced by species-specific antigens on the cell membrane of their red blood cells. There are 11 blood groups in cattle, 9 in dogs, 8 in horses, and 4 in cats, according to the draft guidelines. UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme: (2) Consider the following statements: Statement 1: The livestock and companion animal sector plays a pivotal role in the country's agricultural economy and rural livelihoods. Statement 2: The animal husbandry and dairying sector contributes about 30 per cent of the agricultural GVA and 5.5 per cent of the national economy. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1. (c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect. (d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct. Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, Economic development. Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment. What's the ongoing story: Last week was turning out to be a great one for the Indian economy even before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a raft of reforms in his Independence Day speech. A day earlier, S&P Global Ratings had upgraded its rating on India to BBB from BBB-. Key Points to Ponder: — What is the Sovereign Credit Rating System? — What are the credit rating agencies in India? — Who regulates credit rating agencies in India? — Read about the S&P rating. — What is the significance of rating upgrade on India by S&P? — What can be the implications of better rating by S&P for India? — What are the reasons behind India's improved S&P rating? — Know about the SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999. — Read about the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Key Takeaways: — The sovereign rating upgrade by S&P is significant for two key reasons. One, it came after a gap of nearly two decades; and two, it has meaningful implications for the Indian economy. — The Indian government has over the last several years aggressively pursued the three global agencies — S&P, Moody's, and Fitch Ratings — for higher ratings that, in its opinion, better reflect the economy's fundamentals. In fact, New Delhi has repeatedly expressed its displeasure over the agencies' methodologies, saying they were biased against emerging economies. So, what has convinced S&P that now is a good time for India to be given an upgrade? — The primary reason is clarity on the government's finances. While the Centre has had a law called the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act since 2003 — it demands reducing the annual fiscal deficit to 3 per cent of GDP — it has rarely been met. — However, post the coronavirus pandemic, the fiscal deficit has been reduced aggressively from 9.2 per cent in 2020-21 to a targeted 4.4 per cent in 2025-26. Going forward, the Centre will start targeting a reduction in its debt-to-GDP from 57.1 per cent in 2024-25 to 49-51 per cent by 2030-31. — Then there is growth. Despite GDP growth falling to a four-year low of 6.5 per cent in 2024-25, India remains one of the fastest growing large economies in the world — or in S&P's words, 'among the best performing economies in the world'. And this is real, or inflation-adjusted, growth; nominal growth — which is the actual increase in the GDP in today's prices — is even higher. — Another key factor has been the fairly low and stable domestic inflation, with S&P praising the Reserve Bank of India's inflation management record. — To be sure, India's rating level with S&P has itself not changed — the country remains in the BBB category. It's just that it has gone from the lowest edge of it, or BBB-, to a more secure position. The next step would be BBB+. — Ratings are divided into two rough classes: investment and speculative grades. Entities, including countries, in the former class are worth investing in, while repayment of loans taken by those in the latter is difficult to predict. But even within the investment grade, there are steps, and BBB is the lowest. — According to S&P, a BBB rating indicates 'adequate capacity to meet financial commitments, but more subject to adverse economic conditions'. The next step is A, then AA, and finally, AAA, which signifies 'extremely strong capacity to meet financial commitments'. – The implications of a better credit rating are clear — the Indian government should be able to borrow at a lower rate of interest. This has already occurred, with government bond yields in the secondary market on August 14 falling as much as 10 basis points, with the rupee's exchange rate also getting a boost. Do You Know: — A credit rating is nothing more than a measure of an entity's creditworthiness, or how likely it is that they may pay back borrowed money. If you pay back your loans and credit card bills on time and in full, your credit score improves. It is the same for countries. — Most countries need to borrow money every year to fund some of their expenditures. The difference between the total income and the expenditure for a year is the fiscal deficit; the Indian government's is Rs 15.69 lakh crore for 2025-26. This has to be met by borrowing money from the markets, with the government paying interest on it. Now, if the government is seen as being more likely to repay the loan — which is what a higher credit rating indicates — then the rate of interest is lower. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍By raising India's credit rating, S&P affirms optimism about growth Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (3) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2022) 1. In India, credit rating agencies are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. 2. The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is a public limited company. 3. Brickwork Ratings is an Indian credit rating agency. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance. Mains Examination: General Studies-III: ScienceandTechnology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life, Environmental pollution and degradation. What's the ongoing story: The country's largest refiner and fuel retailer Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) expects to start producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on commercial scale at its Panipat refinery by December, following the recent international certification received by the unit for manufacturing the biofuel from used cooking oil, according to energy major's chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney. Key Points to Ponder: — What is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)? — How is SAF different from conventional aviation fuel? — What is the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)? — What are the key environmental benefits of adopting SAF in the aviation sector? — Why is SAF referred to as a 'drop-in' fuel? — What are the primary feedstocks used in SAF production? How can India leverage its agricultural and waste resources to become a global exporter of SAF? — How has India positioned itself in the global SAF landscape, and what are its national blending targets? — What are the major global initiatives for promoting SAF adoption? Key Takeaways: — By the end of this calendar year, IOC will have the capacity to produce 35,000 tonnes per year of SAF from used cooking oil, which will be sourced from large hotel chains, restaurants, and sweets and snacks majors like Haldiram's, which normally discard cooking oil after single use. — Earlier this week, IOC became the first company in India to receive the ISCC CORSIA certification for SAF production at its Panipat refinery in Haryana. — ISCC CORSIA is a certification system for compliance with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) criteria for SAF. It is a prerequisite for commercial SAF production. According to IOC, the certification also sets a benchmark for other domestic refiners and industry players to scale up SAF production. — SAF is a biofuel that is produced from sustainable feedstocks and has chemistry similar to conventional aviation turbine fuel (ATF) or jet fuel, which is derived from crude oil. This means that existing aircraft engines can easily use the SAF-ATF blend. — The year 2027 will be an important one for adoption of SAF globally with the mandatory phase of CORSIA kicking in. CORSIA, which applies to international flights, would require airlines globally to offset any growth in carbon dioxide emissions beyond the 2020 levels. Using jet fuel blended with SAF is one of the ways through which carriers can keep their emissions under permissible levels. — India, too, will have to comply with the mandatory phase starting 2027. In line with the CORSIA framework, India's National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC) has set the initial indicative targets for blending of SAF with jet fuel 2027 onwards, starting with international flights. The indicative targets are: 1 per cent blending in 2027 and 2 per cent in 2028. The government is expected to announce SAF blending mandates for domestic flights in India as well, but only after blending for international flights begins 2027 onwards. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Govt panel sets indicative targets for blending sustainable aviation fuel in ATF from 2027 UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme: (4) With reference to the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), consider the following statements: 1. It is a biofuel that is produced from sustainable feedstocks. 2. It is cheaper and requires low production costs. 3. The National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC) has set the initial indicative targets for blending of SAF with jet fuel from 2027. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, economic and social development. Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment. What's the ongoing story: Ashok Gulati and Ritika Juneja write- 'As the Tricolour was unfurled on India's 79th Independence Day, the country stood proudly as a confident, resilient, and rising nation. It is not just the world's largest democracy, but a country that has successfully crafted its destiny since attaining independence in 1947.' Key Points to Ponder: — As India has become the world's fourth-largest economy in nominal terms and third-largest in PPP terms, what is the significance of this achievement? — What are the challenges that remain for inclusive growth? — Why do the issues of nutritional security still persist in India? — Why is rationalising food and fertiliser subsidies the need of the hour? — What measures should be taken to ensure efficiency and equity of subsidies? — Why are increasing investments in agri-R&D and efficient value chains important? Key Takeaways: — 'Just look at the last decade, India's GDP has more than doubled. It is projected to reach $4.19 trillion by 2025, making India the fourth-largest economy, behind the United States ($30.5 trillion), China ($19.2 trillion), and Germany ($4.74 trillion) (IMF estimates).' — 'Measured in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, India is already the world's third-largest economy at $17.65 trillion, trailing only China ($40.72 trillion) and the US ($30.51 trillion) in 2025. All this is a reflection of rising aspirations and India's strong resolve to regain its civilisational legacy.' — 'When India gained independence in 1947, its GDP was around $30 billion. The population stood at 330 million, with an estimated 80 per cent living in poverty. The average life expectancy was a mere 32 years (1947), and literacy levels were just 18.3 per cent (1951). Foodgrain production stood at about 50 million metric tonnes (MMT).' — 'Fast forward to 2025: India's population has increased to 1.46 billion, but poverty, measured at the $3/day (2021 PPP) threshold, has fallen to just 5.3 per cent, as per World Bank estimates. Literacy has surged to 77 per cent, while life expectancy has more than doubled to 72 years (2023). Foodgrain production has multiplied sevenfold, reaching 353.9 MMT in 2024-25. India is now the world's largest rice exporter, shipping 20.2 MMT in FY25…India is a net exporter of agriculture, unlike the US and China, which are both net importers of agriculture. These are not mere statistics; they narrate the story of a country in motion.' — 'However, even as India has achieved food security, there are still many challenges: Nutritional security, especially of children under the age of five, remains pressing. This calls for a sharper focus on women's education, improved maternal health, and continued emphasis on sanitation. The Modi government deserves compliments for making India open defecation free (ODF), which will help improve child nutrition.' — 'In the agri-food space, however, much more can be done. In particular, rationalising food and fertiliser subsidies needs to be put on high priority…While these subsidies are meant to shield vulnerable populations, they are plagued by large inefficiencies.' — 'Studies suggest that at least 20 to 25 per cent of these subsidies fail to reach intended beneficiaries. Though politically tempting, these subsidies come at the cost of productive investments.' — 'The next leap forward has to be rationalising subsidies and increasing investments in agri-R&D and efficient value chains. India's future lies in empowering its citizens to innovate, invest, and generate sustainable incomes. Environmental sustainability has to be central to this journey. The quality of India's soil, water, and air needs to be protected to attain the Viksit Bharat vision by 2047. Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (UPSC CSE 2018) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate What's the ongoing story: C. Uday Bhaskar writes- 'The bombing of Hiroshima with an atomic weapon on August 6, 1945, that killed almost 1,40,000 people and led to the end of World War II is a pivotal event in global history. It marked the dawn of the apocalyptic atomic age, wherein nuclear weapons demonstrated their enormous destructive capability — first in Hiroshima and three days later over Nagasaki. Progressively, a norm was internalised globally that Nagasaki would be the last time that a nuclear weapon would be used militarily. And so, the nuclear taboo was born.' Key Points to Ponder: — How did the bombing of Hiroshima also mark the start of a new way of thinking about war, peace, and the use of force? — What was the Cuban missile crisis? — What is the doctrine of MAD — mutually assured destruction? — What is the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)? — Is India part of the NPT? What is the purpose of the NPT? — What is India's Nuclear doctrine? — India's nuclear power programme — Read about the Helsinki Accords. Key Takeaways: — 'It is a matter of considerable relief that the nuclear-weapon nations of the world have so far respected the sanctity of the nuclear taboo. But the run-up to the 80th anniversary suggests that the taboo is under stress in a very unexpected manner. The recent war of words between the US and Russia, laced with menacing references to nuclear weapons, is cause for deep concern and augurs ill for global nuclear stability and restraint.' — 'The US and Russia (which inherited the nuclear arsenal of the former Soviet Union) were the two superpowers of the Cold War decades and had amassed thousands of nuclear weapons of varying yields. After the October 1962 Cuban missile crisis that saw these two nations stepping back from the precipice, they arrived at a modus vivendi that neither nation would use the dreaded nuke except to 'deter' the other. Thus was born the deterrence doctrine of MAD — mutually assured destruction — an anomalous form of ensuring 'security' in a SAD manner: Self-assured destruction. — 'To regulate the spread of nuclear weapons, the two superpowers introduced the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) in 1970, and while this had no legitimacy in law, it was a de facto imposition of realpolitik and techno-strategic power. The world was divided into the nuclear haves — the first five nuclear weapon powers (US, USSR/Russia, UK, France, and China) — and the permanent nuclear have-nots, who were compelled to forego the option of ever acquiring nuclear weapons.' — 'The quid pro quo was that the latter, the NNWS (non-nuclear weapon states), would have access to civilian nuclear technology, and they would not be threatened by an NWS (nuclear weapon state). Concurrently, the NWS agreed to 'negotiate in good faith' towards disarmament — this remains the elusive Holy Grail.' – 'In summary, the world had evolved two norms to ensure the sanctity of the nuclear taboo. One, that nuclear weapons would not be brandished to resolve territorial disputes (Pakistan was rebuked for its attempt to do so in the 1999 Kargil War), and secondly, the sovereignty of a NNWS would not be violated without legitimate sanction.' — 'There was no sabre-rattling for almost three decades, from 1991 till 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine and Moscow found it necessary to invoke its nuclear capability.' — 'This was a major setback to the deterrence template and agreements such as the 1975 Helsinki Accords that sanctified the inviolability of borders in Europe. This was compounded in June 2025 when Israel, not an NPT signatory, attacked Iran, a NNWS, on the assumption that Tehran was about to acquire a nuclear weapon in violation of its NPT commitment.' — 'The more alarming exigency is a breakdown in US-Russia relations and an unintended military escalation. While the probability is low, it merits notice that both nations possess the world's largest nuclear arsenals — Russia with 5,459 warheads and the US with 5,177 (Federation of American Scientists' 2025 report on the Status of the World's Nuclear Forces).' — 'Even a limited exchange could cause catastrophic loss of life. A 2019 Princeton University simulation estimated 91.5 million casualties in the first few hours of a US-Russia nuclear war, with long-term effects like radioactive fallout and global cooling adding to the atomic apocalypse.' Do You Know: — The NPT is an international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to foster the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of disarmament. — In 1968, the NPT came into existence. The treaty defines nuclear-weapon states as those that have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before January 1, 1967 – the US, Russia (formerly USSR), the UK, France and China – and effectively disallows any other state from acquiring nuclear weapons. — While the treaty has been signed by almost every country in the world, India is one of the few non-signatories. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Explained: India's doctrine of Nuclear No First Use 📍Knowledge Nugget | All you need to know about India's nuclear might for UPSC exam 📍Was Hiroshima a show of strength meant to shape future order? Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (5) Consider the following countries: (UPSC CSE 2015) 1. China. 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 ALSO IN NEWS Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 Science and technology topics aspirants shouldn't miss
Are You Mains Ready? The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 will start from August 22. No subject is predictable — each one can throw in unexpected topics when you least expect them. Science and Technology stands out in General Studies-Paper III as a rapidly growing section in which conceptual depth must coexist with knowledge of the most recent discoveries and breakthroughs. From AI and quantum technologies to space missions, biotechnology, and renewable energy solutions, this domain frequently overlaps with security, the environment, the economy, and government, making regular updates and interdisciplinary collaboration critical for success. UPSC Mains 2025 Revision: Top 15 Polity and Governance topics aspirants shouldn't miss UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 International Relations topics aspirants shouldn't miss What are 'directive words' in a UPSC Mains question paper and how do they help in scoring well? How to write effective answers for UPSC Mains Exam : 3 steps and 5 FAQs 📌 Why in News? Recently, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has made the genome data of 10,000 individuals publicly accessible under the Genome India Project (GIP). It is essential to recognise how creating a comprehensive genetic database can revolutionise precision medicine, enhance diagnostics, and facilitate population-specific disease risk prediction—crucial for India's diverse genetic landscape. Key dimensions to cover: • What is genome sequencing? • What is the strategic importance of GIP? • What are the ethical and technical challenges? • How would this project help to advance personalised medicine and public health in the country? • How can genome mapping contribute to rare disease diagnosis in India? • What are the potential non-medical applications of genome data in India? • How does GIP help in shaping public health policies for India? PYQ Insight: 📍What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (2022) Other important article covering the same topic: Why the Genome India Project and Gene Editing are important for the UPSC Exam Why Genome India Project matters UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 📌 Why in News? Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar. The induction of Nistar into the Navy after the successful integration of the two DSRVs is a major milestone for India's deep-sea capabilities. In the context of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), it is important from a GS-3 security and maritime security perspective. Key dimensions to cover: • What is the IOR's role in securing India's energy security? • How does SAGAR reflect India's maritime security and foreign policy objectives? • What are the main global trade routes in IOR? • In what ways has the Indian Navy helped with humanitarian aid and disaster relief in the IOR? • What is the role of IONS, IORA, and the QUAD in maritime cooperation? • What role can the Indian Coast Guard and radar networks play in improving coastal security integration? PYQ Insight: 📍What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security. (2022) Other important article covering the same topic How newly commissioned INS Nistar will help save lives in deep sea UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 📌 Why in News? The much-awaited launch of NISAR — an earth observation satellite jointly developed by NASA and ISRO was launched from the country's only spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. NISAR is the first of its kind mission, jointly developed by ISRO and NASA. NISAR, which stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, has been built by space agencies of the US and India under a partnership agreement signed in 2014. ISRO's recent space missions are crucial for UPSC Mains GS-3 because they demonstrate India's accomplishments in science and technology, strategic capabilities, disaster management, and space diplomacy. Key dimensions to cover: • How is the NISAR mission in strengthening India's disaster management, environmental monitoring, and climate resilience strategies? • Read about India's first human spaceflight programme. • How ISRO's SpaDeX mission marks a technological milestone for India's future lunar and space station ambitions? • How does the upgradation of the NavIC navigation system through the NVS-02 satellite contribute to India's strategic and civilian applications? • Read about Aditya-L1 (Solar Observation Mission) • What is microgravity research in space? PYQ Insight: 📍What is the main task of India's third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre' at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. (2023) 📍What do you understand by 'Standard Positioning System' and 'Precision Positioning System' in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. (2015) Other important article covering the same topic Knowledge Nugget | NISAR in focus: Why is this NASA-ISRO mission relevant for UPSC Exam UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 📌 Why in News? The clinical trial results of India's first CAR T-cell therapy, published in The Lancet, show that it worked for nearly 73 per cent of patients. In 2017, a similar question was asked: Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including Leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? Therefore, it becomes essential to cover such topics. Key dimensions to cover: • What is CAR T-cell therapy? • Working principle of CAR T-cell therapy • Its applications, advantages and challenges • What are its implications for India's health security and innovation ecosystem? Other important article covering the same topic CAR-T cell therapy: What is it and how does it work CAR-T cell therapy: Challenges and possible solutions Novel cancer therapy works for 73 per cent Indian patients in clinical trials: Why the Lancet report is significant 📌 Why in News? In a milestone for ISRO, the cowpea seedlings it sent to space as part of a biological experiment on December 30 have sprouted their first leaves. The experiment, ISRO's first biological experiment in space, was part of CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies), an automated platform designed to cultivate and sustain plant life in the microgravity environment of space. Key dimensions to cover: • What is the CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) mission? • What is the significance of developing plant cultivation systems in microgravity for future space missions? • What are the potential benefits of space-based agriculture for long-duration human space exploration and settlements? • How can advancements in plant growth research in space contribute to food security and life-support systems on Earth? • What is the scope of microgravity plant research in enhancing the nation's space capabilities? PYQ Insight: 📍Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (2016) Other important article covering the same topic How and why are plants grown in space: Takeaways from ISRO's success UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 📌 Why in News? Following more than three years of arduous negotiations, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a legally binding treaty designed to tackle future pandemics better. The pandemic treaty, which has been adopted without the United States, is the only the second legally binding accord in the WHO's 75-year history, the first being the 2003 tobacco control treaty. Key dimensions to cover: • What is the Global Pandemic Treaty? • What are the key provisions of the treaty? • How does the Global Pandemic Treaty seek to preserve national sovereignty while ensuring global cooperation? • How far can the provisions of this treaty ensure preparedness for future pandemics? PYQ Insight: 📍Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (2020) Other important article covering the same topic Member states of WHO adopt global pandemic treaty: What does it entail? UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 📌 Why in News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three PARAM Rudra supercomputers worth Rs 130 crore. Developed indigenously under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), the three new supercomputers are located in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata, and make up a High-Performance Computing (HPC) system tailored for weather and climate research. Key dimensions to cover: • What is a supercomputer? • What is the National Supercomputing Mission? • What is the significance of the National Supercomputing Mission? • What is the role of the National Supercomputing Mission in strengthening India's research ecosystem in areas like climate modelling, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence? • How does the National Supercomputing Mission contribute to India's aspirations in emerging technologies like quantum computing, big data analytics, and machine learning? • Read about India's progress under the National Supercomputing Mission. Other important article covering the same topic Explained: the significance of India's mission to develop supercomputers Knowledge nugget of the day: PARAM Rudra UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 📌 Why in News? The United Nations' Outer Space Treaty is an international agreement binding member states to only use outer space for peaceful purposes. It spells out the principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies. Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution, proposed jointly by the United States and Japan, which called on countries to prevent an arms race in outer space. Key dimensions to cover: • What is the Outer Space Treaty? • What are its key provisions and relevance in the present era of commercial and military space activities? • What is the role of the Outer Space Treaty in addressing issues of space debris management, satellite collisions, and the sustainability of outer space activities? • What is the relevance of the Outer Space Treaty for India's space programme in the context of the Artemis Accords and emerging international space partnerships? PYQ Insight: 📍Discuss India's achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (2016) Other important article covering the same topic What is the Outer Space Treaty and why the US and Russia are at odds over it? Space, India's final frontier and through the government, a gateway to the stars 📌 Why in News? In response to an increase in encounters with foreign terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, the government is establishing an electronic surveillance system along its border with Pakistan to prevent infiltration. According to sources, this surveillance system consists of an integrated network of human-detection radars, thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras, complete floodlighting along fences, technology-enabled riverine patrols, and seismic sensors to locate tunnels. Key dimensions to cover: • What are advanced surveillance technologies? • What is the role of facial recognition systems, biometric databases, and drone-based monitoring in law enforcement? • What are the implications of advanced surveillance technology for disaster management, urban planning, and public health monitoring? • How can India achieve a balance between technical advances in surveillance and the principles of transparency, accountability, and proportionality? • How are advanced surveillance technologies becoming a strategic asset in modern warfare and counter-terrorism? PYQ Insight: 📍India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BM) Scheme. (2024) 📍The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (2023) Other important article covering the same topic UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 📌 Why in News? In one of the biggest moves to expand nuclear energy sector, the government in Union Budget 2025 announced a Nuclear Energy Mission for research & development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and set a target of operationalising at least five such reactors in the next eight years. Topics such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are relevant as they cover clean energy transition, technological advancements, energy security, and policy reforms in India's nuclear sector. Key dimensions to cover: • What are SMRs? • What are the design features and advantages of SMR? • What are its potential role in India's energy transition? • What are the implications of Small Modular Reactors for nuclear waste management and non-proliferation obligations? • India's readiness in terms of R&D, manufacturing capacity, and policy framework for adopting Small Modular Reactor technology. PYQ Insight: 📍Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? (2017) Other important article covering the same topic Knowledge Nugget: How is Nuclear Energy Mission and Small Modular Reactors relevant for UPSC Exam? 📌 Why in News? The widespread misuse of deepfakes made the fight against misinformation more difficult. From time to time, various deepfake videos of actors and politicians have gone viral and have flared the issue of misinformation more widely. Thus, it becomes important to understand the issue of deepfakes from a broader perspective. Key dimensions to cover: • What are deepfakes and how do we identify them? • What are the concerns associated with the deepfakes? • What are the global initiatives related to deepfakes? • What initiatives are taken by India to regulate deepfakes? • What measures should be taken to combat the misuse of deepfakes and ensure digital trust? • What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? • Benefits and Challenges of AI. PYQ Insight: 📍Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (UPSC CSE 2023) Other important article covering the same topic: UPSC Issue at a Glance | Deepfakes: 5 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains 📌 Why in News? Disagreements over sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy have added to the uncertainty of an interim trade deal between India and the United States. As US negotiators are turning up the heat, urging India to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops, India has been resisting US demands for greater access in the agriculture and dairy sectors and accepting GM imports. In this context, it becomes important to know about the GM crops — understanding the underlying technology, their potential benefits, and the broader concerns associated with them. Key dimensions to cover: • What are genetically modified (GM) crops, and how are GM different from genetic editing? • What is the current status of GM crop cultivation in India, and how is it regulated? • What are the benefits of GM crops? • What are the major concerns associated with GM crops? • How is Gene Modification different from Gene Editing? PYQ Insight: 📍How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (UPSC CSE 2019) Other important article covering the same topic: UPSC Issue at a Glance | Genetically Modified (GM) Crops and India: 4 essential questions to understand the debate 📌 Why in News? A groundbreaking new study published in the Lancet warns that antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens could kill over 39 million people by 2050. The World Health Organization also published its first-ever guidance on antibiotic pollution from manufacturing ahead of the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance. In this context, understanding the threat of antimicrobial resistance from a broader perspective becomes important. Key dimensions to cover: • What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR)? • Why is AMR a global concern? • What are the key factors contributing to the rise of AMR in India? • How do superbugs evolve? • What is the impact of AMR? • What initiatives has the Government of India undertaken to combat AMR? • What initiatives have been taken on the global level to address the challenge of increasing AMR? • What steps should be taken to address the challenge of AMR in India? PYQ Insight: 📍Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor's prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (UPSC CSE 2014) Other important article covering the same topic: UPSC Issue at a Glance | Antimicrobial Resistance and India 📌 Why in News? After spending 18 days on the International Space Station and orbiting around the Earth 288 times, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his three colleagues on the Axiom-4 mission splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on 15th July after a 20-hour journey from the International Space Station (ISS). This mission not only strengthens India's foray into human spaceflight but also showcases its growing contribution to space research through a series of significant experiments led by Shukla aboard the ISS. Key dimensions to cover: • What is the Axiom-4 mission? • What is the significance of the Axiom-4 mission for India? • What is the significance of the International Space Station (ISS)? • What is the Gaganyaan mission? • What is India's roadmap for setting up the Bharatiya Antariksha Station? • How does the Indian space sector benefit from private-sector participation? • How is Shukla's experience going to help India in future space missions? • How is India planning to exploit the space market? Other important articles covering the same topic: Knowledge Nugget: Axiom-4 mission — What you must know for UPSC Exam Knowledge Nugget | Shubhanshu Shukla returns to Earth: 10 key points for your UPSC prep 📌 Why in News? Health and government policies related to it are crucial components of the UPSC CSE syllabus. Additionally, the UPSC frequently includes questions on health and associated policies in its examinations. For example, in 2020, the UPSC asked questions about geriatric and maternal healthcare. Similarly, in 2018, there was a question regarding community-level healthcare interventions aimed at achieving 'Health for All.' In this context, knowing about the Key dimensions to cover: • What are rare diseases? • How are rare diseases classified in India? • What is the policy framework for rare diseases in India? • What challenges are faced in diagnosing and treating rare diseases? • How can India enhance its response to rare diseases? PYQ Insight: 📍Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve 'Health for All' in India. Explain. (UPSC CSE 2018) 📍'Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.' Analyse. (UPSC CSE 2021) Other important articles covering the same topic: UPSC Issue at a Glance | Rare Diseases and India: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains Treatment of rare diseases: India must incentivise indigenous innovation and production Issues in the treatment of 'rare diseases', and what the govt can do Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at
Indian Express
12-08-2025
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 3 : Questions on Rhisotope Project and applications of mRNA technology (Week 115)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-3 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at How does the Rhisotope Project exemplify the use of science and technology in wildlife conservation efforts? Discuss the potential applications of mRNA technology beyond COVID-19, with reference to its role in tackling emerging infectious diseases. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: How does the Rhisotope Project exemplify the use of science and technology in wildlife conservation efforts? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Recently, a South African university launched an anti-poaching campaign with a unique approach – injecting radioactive isotopes into rhino horns. It claimed that the method is harmless for the rhinos and allows customs agents to detect trafficked horns. — The Rhisotope Project is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — According to the IAEA, radioactive isotopes, or radioisotopes, are unstable forms of an element that emit radiation in order to transition into a more stable state. The radiation can be identified and usually produces changes in the substance it strikes. — Rhino horns are tagged with tiny amounts of radioactive isotopes via a non-invasive method, allowing them to be detected by radiation portal monitors (RPMs), which are already deployed at borders, ports, and airports across the world to identify unauthorised nuclear items. — To test this method, the researchers employed 3D-printed rhino horns that had the same shielding capabilities as actual keratin, the component that makes up rhino horn. According to the university, the examinations proved the presence of individual horns inside whole 40-foot shipping containers. According to the researchers, the process has proven to be harmless to rhinos while rendering the horn 'useless' and 'poisonous' for people. — The technique is absolutely safe for the animal and effectively detects the horn using international customs nuclear security systems. Conclusion: — The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimated that the global rhino population was at 500,000 at the beginning of the twentieth century. It has since dropped to 27,000 due to the growing demand for rhino horns. These horns are smuggled to Asian markets, where they are utilised both in traditional medicine and as a prestige symbol. South Africa, home to the world's largest rhino population, has lost almost 10,000 rhinos to poaching in the last decade. — The project itself is not a cure-all or silver bullet to curb poaching, the researchers hope it will prove to be a great deterrent. It would certainly prove to be less disruptive to rhino behaviour compared to dehorning, in which rhinos' horns are removed to deter poaching. (Source: How a new project plans to curb rhino poaching through radioactive isotope injections) Points to Ponder Read about Indian One-horned Rhino Read more about radioisotopes Related Previous Year Question What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details. (2024) QUESTION 2: Discuss the potential applications of mRNA technology beyond COVID-19, with reference to its role in tackling emerging infectious diseases. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Vaccines train our immune system to respond to pathogens. For instance, traditional vaccines use inactive or weakened versions of a virus to get the immune system to recognise the virus, and create tools to fight it. mRNA vaccines, on the other hand, give instructions to the body to produce a fragment of a virus, which then kickstarts the immune response. — The biggest benefit of mRNA vaccines is that they can be developed within months and quickly altered as the virus changes, unlike traditional vaccines that can take years to develop and test. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: Potential applications of mRNA technology — mRNA therapies have emerged as a promising platform for treating a variety of diseases, including cancer, infections, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases. — The significance of mRNA vaccine technology extends beyond treating infectious diseases. For example, US researchers are attempting to employ the technique to treat skin and colon malignancies. — Researchers are now investigating mRNA vaccines for other diseases such as Lyme disease, dengue fever, and HIV. — Recent developments in delivery technologies and RNA stabilisation have increased the efficacy of mRNA vaccines against viral infections. Conclusion: — mRNA therapies use the host's cellular machinery to create target proteins, allowing for extremely targeted and customisable treatments. In the case of cancer, mRNA vaccines that stimulate immune responses against tumor-specific antigens are being developed on a personalised basis. (Source: Why US funding cuts on mRNA vaccine research are significant) Points to Ponder Read more about mRNA vaccines Related Previous Year Question What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (2022) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 114) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 113) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 114) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 113) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 114) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 113) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. 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