International Women’s Day 2025

For Prelims: International Women's Day, Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), UN Women, Maternal Mortality,  Vigyan Jyoti, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PMGDISHA, Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI). 

For Mains: Status of women rights, Challenges associated with women empowerment and way forward.

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

International Women's Day is celebrated globally on 8th March to recognize women’s achievements across cultural, economic, and political spheres.  

• Additionally, the year 2025 is significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), a landmark commitment to women's rights. 

What is International Women’s Day? 

• About: It is a special day dedicated to honoring women’s achievements and highlights gender disparities and advocates for women's rights in politics, society, and the economy.  
  • The theme for 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”. 
• History: German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea, leading to the first celebrations in 1911 in the USA and Europe. 
  • In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized 8th March as International Women's Day. 
• Purpose: It serves as a platform to discuss crucial issues such as workplace equality, reproductive rights, and leadership representation. 
  • Governments and organizations use the day to promote policies for women's empowerment and ending discrimination. 

What is the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action?  

• About: The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) was adopted at the 4th World Conference on Women, held in Beijing, China, in 1995.  
  • It is a key blueprint for women's and girls' rights, promoting legal protection, service access, youth engagement, and social change. 
  • India is a signatory to BPfA. 
• Areas for Action: It identified 12 key areas for urgent action on gender equality and provided strategies for ensuring equal opportunities for all. Prominent areas are: 

• Beijing+30 Action Agenda: It marks the 30th anniversary (1995-2025) of the BPfA to review and appraise its implementation. 
  • It focuses on six key areas: 

What is the Current Status of Women in India? 

• Maternal Health: Institutional deliveries have risen to 95%, contributing to a decline in maternal mortality from 130 to 97 per 100,000 births (2014-2020). 
  • Modern contraceptive use among married women stands at 56.5%, enhancing reproductive health choices. 
• Education & Skills: Schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have contributed to improving the sex ratio (1020 females per 1000 males as per NFHS - 5) and female higher school enrollment (28% since 2014-15). 
  • Similarly, Vigyan Jyoti (2020)  aims to encourage girls' participation in STEM education , particularly in underrepresented regions. 
• Financial Inclusion: 100 million women have gained financial access through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), while PMGDISHA has trained 35 million rural women in digital literacy. 
  • Gender-responsive budgeting stands at 8.8% (2025-26), allocating USD 55.2 billion to gender-specific programs.  
• Addressing Gender-Based Violence: 770 One Stop Centres provide medical, legal, and psychological support to women victims. e.g., Odisha's blockchain system enables swift, confidential survivor support to women victims. 
• Political Representation: The Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 secures 33% legislative representation for women, and India leads globally with 1.4 million women in local governance. 
• Women in Science & Technology: Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) supports women in STEM, while the G20 TechEquity platform trains thousands of young women in emerging technologies. 

What are the Challenges to Women Empowerment? 

• Political Underrepresentation: Women hold only 27% of parliamentary seats, 36% of local government positions, and 28% of management roles that hinders inclusive policy-making. 
• Gender-Based Violence: Despite 88% of countries having laws against violence against women, conflict-related to sexual violence has risen by 50% since 2022, with 95% of victims being women and girls.  
• Workplace Discrimination: 61% of prime working-age women work, compared to 91% of men, earning just 51% of men's income, deepening inequality. 
• Unpaid Care Work: Women spend 2.3 times more daily on unpaid care work than men. By 2050, they will still spend 9.5% more time, limiting education and job opportunities. 
• Barriers in Education & Food: 110 million girls and young women may remain out of school by 2030. 
  • By 2030, 24% of women and girls may face food insecurity, while only 44% of nations are improving their education and training. 
• Legal Barriers: In 28 countries, women lack equal rights in marriage and divorce, while 67 nations have no legal protections against gender-based discrimination (UN Women Report).  

Way Forward

• Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Increase funding for women's education, health, finance, and social security. Strengthen monitoring to ensure accountability and impact.  
• Strengthening Legal Protection: Eliminate discriminatory laws on marriage, divorce, property, and labor while strengthening enforcement of gender violence laws and One Stop Centres for survivor support. 
• Economic Empowerment: Ensure women farmers have equal access to land, credit, and resources for food security.  
  • Support SHGs and women entrepreneurs with financial literacy, loans, and market access. 
• Bridging Workplace Inequality: Encourage flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and workplace childcare to boost women's labor force participation. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Identify the major hurdles in achieving gender equality in India and suggest policy measures to bridge these gaps.

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. Which of the following gives ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world? (2017)

(a) World Economic Forum 

(b) UN Human Rights Council 

(c) UN Women 

(d) World Health Organization 

Ans: (a)

---

Mains 

Q.1 “Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss. (2019) 

Q.2 Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India? (2015) 

Q.3 Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organizations free from gender bias. Comment. (2013)

One Candidate Multiple Constituencies

For Prelims: Article 101, Parliament, Bye-elections, Model Code of Conduct,  Article 19 

For Mains: Electoral Reforms in India, Impact of OCMC on democracy and governance 

Source:IE 

Why in News? 

The debate on electoral reforms in India has gained momentum with the introduction of the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) Bills. This has also highlighted the issue of One Candidate, Multiple Constituencies (OCMC), where a candidate contests elections from more than one constituency. 

• This trend, while legally permitted, raises concerns about governance efficiency, public trust, and the financial burden of frequent elections. 

What are the Provisions Regarding OCMC? 

• Representation of Peoples Act (RPA), 1951: 
  • Before 1996: No restriction on the number of seats a candidate could contest. Winners could vacate all but one. 
  • Post 1996: Section 33(7) of the RP Act restricts candidates to contesting from a maximum of two constituencies at the same time in an election. 
    • If a person is elected to multiple seats in Parliament or a State Legislature, they must resign all but one within the prescribed time. Otherwise, all their seats will be vacated under Section 70 of the RP Act. 
    • Bye-elections held to fill vacated seats within six months (Section 151A). 
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 101 deals with the vacation of seats, disqualifications, and dual membership in Parliament. 
  • Article 101(1) states that no person can be a member of both Houses of Parliament, and a law shall provide for vacating one seat if elected to both. 
  • Article 101(2): No person can be a member of both Parliament and a State Legislature. If elected to both, they must resign from the State Legislature within the period specified by the President, or their Parliament seat is vacated. 
• Prohibition of Simultaneous Membership Rules, 1950: A person cannot hold membership of both Parliament and a state legislature at the same time. 

What are the Key Challenges Associated with OCMC? 

• Favors the Ruling Party: Ruling parties, with control over state resources, gain an advantage in bye-elections, making it harder for opposition parties. 
• Financial Strain: Frequent by-elections due to multiple-seat wins increase costs and burden taxpayers.  
  • The 2024 Lok Sabha election cost Rs 6,931 crore, with by-elections adding Rs 130 crore.  
    • However, the larger concern is political party spending, estimated at Rs 1.35 lakh crore, raising questions about financial transparency and the possible influence of unaccounted funds (black money), ultimately impacting the public. 
  • Additionally, defeated candidates must recontest within months, straining party resources and hindering fair competition. 
• Parachute Candidacy Issues: A parachute candidate refers to a candidate contesting elections in a constituency where they have little connection or local presence.  
  • In OCMC, parachute candidates often lack local engagement and accountability, sidelining grassroots leaders and causing party dissatisfaction. 
• Administrative Disruptions: Frequent elections lead to the repeated enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), delaying government policies and straining resources. 
• Breach of Voter Trust: Elections should serve the people, but OCMC prioritizes political interests. It reduces accountability and favors politicians over the electorate, leading to leader-centric politics and undermining democratic processes. 
• Potential Violation of Fundamental Rights: Could undermine Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression) by depriving voters of their chosen representative. 

Global Practices of OCMC

• Australia: A sitting legislator must resign before contesting for another parliamentary house. 
• European democracies: The United Kingdom has banned OCMC since 1983, and most European democracies have phased it out to ensure clear representation and accountability. 
• Italy: One cannot contest simultaneously for the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. 
• Pakistan & Bangladesh: Allow candidates to contest multiple constituencies but require them to vacate all but one. 

What Reforms Can be Introduced to Regulate OCMC? 

• Banning OCMC: The Election Commission of India (ECI) and the 255th Law Commission Report (2015) recommended banning multiple seat contests. 
  • This would enforce “One Election, One Candidate, One Constituency (OCOC)” strengthening democratic fairness. 
• Recover Bye-Election Costs: Candidates who vacate a seat should bear the bye-election expenses to deter seat-hopping. 
• Delay Bye-Elections: Extending the cooling off period for bye-elections to one year would allow defeated candidates more time to prepare while also reducing the ruling party’s unfair advantage in such elections. 
• Mandatory Resignation: Candidates should resign from their existing position before contesting another election to ensure commitment to their elected role. 

 

Conclusion

Elections in India demand vast financial and administrative resources. Frequent by-elections due to OCMC waste time and funds that could be used for development. Unlike One Nation, One Election, OCOC lacks strong political backing. If One Person, One Vote is a core democratic principle, enforcing One Candidate, One Constituency is essential for fairness.

Drishti Mains Question: 

The practice of One Candidate, Multiple Constituencies has significant implications. Discuss the challenges it poses and suggest viable electoral reforms to address them.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims 

Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)

1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 
2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) 2 and 3 only 
(d) 3 only 

Ans: (d)

---

Mains 

Q. Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (2022)

Boosting R&D for India's Growth

For Prelims: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Global Innovation Index 2024, Deep-tech Startups, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), DRDO, ISRO, BARC. 

For Mains: Challenges associated with India’s R&D ecosystem and ways to address them.

Source: HT 

Why in News? 

India is the 2^nd-largest producer of Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates after China. Despite this achievement, India ranks 39th on the Global Innovation Index 2024, significantly behind China (11th) showcasing low Research and development (R&D) funding in India.  

What are Key Highlights of the R&D Ecosystem? 

• R&D Funding Status: India spent only 0.65% of its GDP on R&D in 2022, China spent 2.43%, and Brazil 1.15%.   
• Need to Prioritize R&D: 
  • Economic Growth: R&D is crucial for India to compete globally and shed its lower-middle-income status, and achieve its productivity potential. 
  • Industrial Development: Key sectors such as pharma, chemicals, and automotive require technological advancement to compete with developed nations and emerging economies. 
    • Also, R&D is needed for deep-tech startups involved in quantum computing, biotechnology, robotics, and nanotechnology. 
  • Labour-Intensive Sectors: Rising labor costs demand innovation like automated assembly lines, integration of AI & digital tools for productivity, value, and exports. 
• Global R&D Scenario:  
  • South Korea: In 1970, South Korea was poor but grew rapidly over two decades, increasing R&D spending from 0.4% to 2.5% of GDP.  
    • Between 1975 and 2005, it became a developed nation, and R&D investment by its corporate sector rose 800 times. 
  • China: R&D spending rose from 0.6% of GDP in the late 1990s to 2.4% currently, coinciding with its best growth years. 

What are the Challenges in India’s R&D Ecosystem? 

• Low Investment: India’s R&D spending is much lower than that of advanced economies such as the US (3.46%), Japan (3.30%), Israel (5.56), and South Korea (4.93). 
• Government-Centric R&D: Indian R&D still relies heavily on government funding and institutions. e.g., In 2020–21, the Private Sector Industry contributed only 36.4% of R&D funding.  
• Weak Academia-Industry Link: Indian research institutions and industries operate in silos, reducing innovation potential, and interdisciplinary research. 
  • e.g., Stanford University played a central role in the early development of Silicon Valley but such coordination lacks in India. 
• Lack of Diversification: India’s R&D efforts have historically focused on a few priority sectors, particularly defense and space and ignored industrial R&D. e.g., more focus on missiles (Agni, BrahMos), at the cost of semiconductors. 
  • Indian industries prefer importing technology (risk averse), while startups and firms focus on IT and e-commerce over deep-tech innovation. 
• Hurdles in Technology Transfer: Research conducted by DRDO, ISRO, and BARC often does not translate into commercial products due to bureaucratic hurdles. 

What are India’s initiatives Related to R&D? 

• Vigyan Dhara Scheme 
• Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 
• Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy 2020 
• VAIBHAV Fellowship 

What Reforms Can Strengthen India’s R&D Ecosystem? 

• Increased R&D Investment: India should increase R&D spending over the next decade, with a significant share coming from the private sector. 
  • Utilise Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) by encouraging private sector and philanthropic investments in research. 
  • Rs 1 lakh crore innovation fund announced in the union budget 2025–26 should be disbursed within 3–5 years to boost deep-tech R&D.. 
• University-Led Research Model: Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can carry out upstream research pushing forward the frontiers of knowledge and can help industry commercialise mature technologies for the market. 
• Efficient Project Management: ANRF can follow the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) model with efficient programme managers, transparent funding, and a CEO-led team. 
• Risk Taking: Early-stage research involves open-ended exploration that may not always succeed but leads to future breakthroughs.  
  • The government should track projects while allowing some risk-taking. 

Conclusion 

India's economic future hinges on robust R&D investment, industry-academia collaboration, and policy reforms. By increasing funding, fostering innovation in universities, and embracing risk-taking, India can break free from the middle-income trap and emerge as a global S&T leader, driving economic growth and technological self-reliance. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

Analyze the challenges in India’s R&D ecosystem and suggest measures to enhance innovation-led growth.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)? (2015) 

1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.
2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.Select the correct answer using the code given below:

 (a) 1 only  

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

 Ans: (a)

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Mains 

Q. 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) 

Q. Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. (2014)

Strengthening India's Spice Industry

Source: TH 

Why in News?

The World Spice Organisation (WSO) highlights that despite being the largest spice producer, India holds just 0.7% of the global seasoning market, and calls for higher production, value addition, to achieve the USD 10 billion export target by 2030.

Note: The WSO, headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, is a not-for-profit organisation focused on food safety, sustainability, and biodiversity in the spice industry.  

What is the Status of Spice in India?

• Production: In 2022-23, India produced 11.14 million tonnes of spices, a slight increase from 11.12 million tonnes in 2021-22. 
  • India produces 75 of 109 International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-listed spice varieties, with chilli, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander accounting for 76% of total production.  
  • In terms of production, garlic, ginger and chilli were the top three spices produced in FY23. 
• Largest Spices-Producing States: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, etc. 
• Exports: Major exports include pepper, cardamom, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg, curry powder, and spice oils. 
  • In 2023-2024, India exported spices worth USD 4.4 billion (nearly 14 lakh tonnes). Chilli is India's top exported spice, accounting for 31% of total spice exports. 
  • India exports spices to 200 destinations worldwide, with China, Bangladesh, West Asian countries, and the US being key markets. 

• Concerns: Despite being a leader in raw spice exports, India holds only 0.7% of the global seasoning market, far behind China (12%) and the US (11%). 
  • This is due to low value addition, with only 48% of exports being processed products.  
  • Instances of Adulteration and pesticide residues have led to export rejections, tarnishing India's reputation in international markets. 
  • Growing competition from Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, China, and countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar further challenges India’s dominance.  
  • Heavy reliance on traditional crop varieties, poor processing, and inadequate post-harvest handling reduce quality and shelf life. Additionally, limited mechanization increases production costs and lowers efficiency. 
• Measures to Expand Market: Country’s share in value-added spices should rise up to 70%. 
  • India's 15 agro-climatic zones support diverse spice cultivation. Developing high-yielding and climate-resistant varieties can boost production and enhance exports. 

Government Initiatives to Boost Spice Production & Exports 

• Spices Board of India (SBI): Established under the Spices Board Act 1986, functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.   
  • SBI, headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, promotes cardamom and 52 spices, regulates quality, supports research, and links Indian exporters to global markets. 
  • National Sustainable Spice Program (NSSP) under SBI and WSO unites stakeholders to address sustainability in India's spice industry. 
• Spices Parks: SBI established eight crop specific Spices Parks across the country, to assist farmers in post-harvest handling, value addition, and better pricing. 
• Spice Complex in Sikkim: Aimed at improving spice processing and value addition in the Northeastern region.

Drishti Mains Question: 

What are the major challenges faced by India’s spice industry in terms of competition, quality control, and processing? Suggest measures to address these issue

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims:

Q. The staple commodities of export by the English East India Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were: (2018)

(a) Raw cotton, oil-seeds and opium 

(b) Sugar, salt, zinc and lead 

(c) Copper, silver, gold, spices and tea 

(d) Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium 

Ans: (d) 

Q. In making the saffron spice, which one of the following parts of the plant is used? (2009)

(a) Leaf 

(b) Petal 

(c) Sepal 

(d) Stigma 

Ans: (d) 

• Safron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. It is made from the stigma of the flower Saffron crocus. 
• Female reproductive part of a flower, pistel, consists of ovary, style, and stigma. Stigma is the part that gets pollen from the pollinating agents. 
• Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer 

Electors Photo Identity Card Number

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

West Bengal Chief Minister has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of facilitating voter duplication by allowing the same Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers for multiple voters across different states. 

• The ECI has denied any electoral malpractice, attributing the issue to legacy data errors before the introduction of ERONET (Electoral Roll Management System). 

What is an EPIC Number? 

• About: The EPIC number, introduced in 1993 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, is a 10-digit alphanumeric voter ID number issued by the ECI to each registered voter. It is designed to prevent voter impersonation and electoral fraud. 
• Issuance and Digital Management: The EPIC number is generated via ERONET. 
  • ERONET is a web-based platform for election officials to manage registration, migration, and deletion of names from electoral rolls, automating the electoral roll process in multiple languages and scripts. 
• Importance: It serves as a unique identifier linking a voter to their photo, constituency, and polling station. 
  • A mismatch in EPIC records could lead to voter disenfranchisement or manipulation. 
• EPIC Duplication Issue: ECI admitted that duplicate EPIC numbers occurred due to manual data entry and decentralized systems before ERONET. 
• ECI Stance on EPIC Issue: ECI clarified that EPIC numbers alone don't determine voting eligibility, voters can only vote at their registered polling station. Even with identical EPIC numbers, demographic details, polling booths, and constituencies are unique across states. 
  • The ECI assured that ERONET 2.0 would be updated to eliminate duplicate EPIC numbers. 

Electronic Voting Machine 

• EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) is a device used to electronically record and count votes in elections. The Indian EVM, also known as ECI-EVM, consists of Ballot Unit (BU), Control Unit (CU) and the later added Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). 
  • The CU, operated by polling officials, and the BU, where voters cast their votes. VVPAT is a system linked to the EVMs, allowing voters to verify that their vote has been correctly recorded. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQ) 

Mains:

Q. In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (2018)

Growth of India’s Biotechnology Sector

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

At the “Emerging Innovations in Biochemistry and Biotechnology” conference, the Union Minister of Science & Technology highlighted the evolution of India’s biotechnology sector and biotechnology potential of the Himalayan region, especially J&K. 

What are the Key facts Related to the Biotechnology Sector in India? 

• About: It is the use of biological systems, organisms, or their components to create products and technologies that benefit agriculture, medicine, industry, and sustainability. 
• Types:  

 

• Growth & Potential: India's bioeconomy grew over 10 times in a decade (2014-24), rising from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 130 billion in 2024, with a target of USD 300 billion by 2030. 
  • Potential in J&K: Rich flora and medicinal plant diversity offer potential for pharmaceutical and herbal industries. 
    • Biotechnological research can optimize high-altitude crops for climate resilience and productivity. 
    • Aroma Mission, Floriculture Revolution (commercial flower farming).    
  • Key Breakthroughs in 2024: Development of the world’s first Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
    • Discovery of ‘Nafithromycin,’ a groundbreaking indigenous antibiotic. 
    • First successful gene therapy experiment for Hemophilia. 
• Government’s Key Initiatives: BioE3 Policy, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), Bio-RIDE Scheme (2014: 50 biotech startups, 2025: 9,000). 
• Progress in Global Innovation: India improved its ranking from 80^th in 2014 to 39^th in the Global Innovation Index 2024.  
  • India ranks 3rd in the Asia-Pacific and 12th globally in biomanufacturing. 
  • Over 5,352 Indian researchers now feature in the world’s top 2% of scientists. 

Aroma Mission (Lavender Revolution) 

• About: Started in J&K, it boosts India's aroma industry by promoting aromatic crops and essential oil production.  
• Focus: Cultivation of lemongrass, lavender, vetiver, palmarosa etc for fragrant oils used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and food flavoring. 
• Nodal Agency: CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow. 
• Potential Impact: Over 2000 tonnes of oils worth Rs 300 crores yearly, 60 lakh rural jobs, and Rs 60,000–70,000 per hectare annual farmer income. 

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to (2013)

1. resist drought and increase absorptive area
2. tolerate extremes of pH
3. resist disease infestation

 Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 

 (a) 1 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only 

 (c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (d)

Q. At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge benefit us? (2011)

1. It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock.
2. It is possible to understand the causes of all human diseases.
3. It is possible to develop disease-resistant animal breeds.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

 (a) 1 and 2 only 

 (b) 2 only 

 (c) 1 and 3 only 

 (d) 1, 2 and 3 

 Ans: (c)

Madhav National Park

Source: TH

Madhav National Park, located in the Chambal region of MP, has been declared India's 58^th Tiger Reserve (9^th Tiger Reserve of MP). The reserve currently houses 5 tigers.

Madhav National Park

• Located in Shivpuri District, it is part of the upper Vindhyan hills and was historically a hunting ground for Mughal emperors and the Maharaja of Gwalior.  
• It was designated a National Park in 1959. 
• The park has a rich ecosystem, including lakes, dry deciduous, and dry thorn forests, and is home to species like tigers, leopards, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chousingha, and various deer species. 
• It is part of one of India's 32 major tiger corridors, operationalized through the Tiger Conservation Plan under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 
• As of 2022, India’s tiger population was estimated to range between 3167- 3925, growing by 6.1% annually, and now holds 75% of the world’s tigers. 

Read More: Project Tiger 

US Withdrawal from Loss and Damage Fund

Source: IE 

The US has withdrawn from the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), furthering its disengagement from global climate commitments like the Paris Agreement and Green Climate Fund. 

• LDF: Created at UN Climate Change Conference COP 27 in Egypt, the LDF supports developing and small island nations facing climate-induced losses like rising sea levels, heatwaves, and extreme weather, with contributions from developed nations. 
  • The LDF is managed by a Governing Board, with the World Bank as its interim trustee. 
  • Nearly USD 750 million pledged under LDF, with the US contributing USD 17.5 million before withdrawing. 
• Implications of US Withdrawal: Vulnerable nations, including India (which alone faced USD 56 billion in weather-related damages (2019 - 2023)), face growing uncertainty in climate aid, further straining North-South climate negotiations. 

Read more: Loss and Damage Fund 

Vanuatu’s Citizenship By Investment Program

Source: IE 

Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program, commonly known as the “golden passport, allows wealthy individuals to purchase its passport, raising concerns over security and transparency. 

• Vanuatu’s CBI Program: Allows individuals to acquire citizenship in a country by making significant financial contributions to its economy. 
  • As per the Henley Passport Index 2025, Vanuatu's passport ranks 53rd, granting visa-free access to 113 countries, ahead of China (59) and India (80). 
  • As a tax Haven, Vanuatu has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, making it attractive for high-net-worth individuals. 
• Vanuatu: An island nation in the South Pacific, consists of 83 islands and lies to the east of Australia and the north of New Zealand. Its capital is Port Vila.  
  • It is home to active volcanoes like Mount Yasur, Vanuatu experiences frequent volcanic activity. 
• Concerns: Criminals, and fraudsters acquire Vanuatu citizenship to evade scrutiny and access global markets. 
  • Countries like the UK and EU have called the scheme a potential gateway for money laundering and tax evasion. 
• Citizenship in India: The Indian Constitution (Articles 5-11) defines citizenship. India does not grant citizenship solely based on financial contributions. 

Read more: Cyprus as a Tax Haven 

Pelican and Painted Stork

Source: TH

Pelicans and painted storks were sighted at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam. 

• About Pelicans: Pelicans (genus Pelecanus) are large water birds known for their long beaks and large throat pouches used for catching fish.  
  • Pelicans are highly social birds, living in colonies of hundreds. 
  • They are carnivores, primarily eating fish but also consuming amphibians, crustaceans, insects, birds, and small mammals. 
  • They inhabit all continents except Antarctica, preferring warm coastal and inland waters like lakes and rivers. 
• About Painted Stork (Mycteria Leucocephala): It is a large bird inhabiting South and Southeast Asian wetlands, featuring bright pink flight feathers, a white body, and black markings. 
  • They are predominantly non-migratory and most make only local movements and are social in nature.  
  • IUCN Status: Near threatened.

Read More: Siberian Cranes, Flamingos and Great White Pelicans