Stampede Mitigation

For Prelims: Hypoxia, Hypercapnia, Kumbh Mela, NDMA, Disaster Management Act, 2005, LiDAR.  

For Mains: Disaster Management, Strategy to address stampede. 

Source: TH 

Why in News?

Recently, a surprise appearance by a Telugu actor led to a stampede in Hyderabad, that again revived the concerns related to crowd management and stampede in India. 

What is a Stampede? 

• About: A stampede is a sudden, uncontrolled rush of a large crowd of people or animals, typically triggered by panic, fear, or excitement.  
  • It occurs in crowded areas where high density of people restricts movement, causing chaos and potential casualties. 
• Causes: Stampedes are caused by human, infrastructure, and organizational factors. 
  • Human Factors: 
    • Panic or Fear: Sudden fear (e.g., of a fire, explosion, or perceived threat) can trigger mass hysteria (uncontrollable fear or anxiety). 
    • Excitement or Euphoria: Overwhelming enthusiasm, such as during concerts or celebrations, may lead to loss of control. 
    • Impatience or Aggression: Frustration due to long waits, delays, or limited access points can cause people to push and shove. 
  • Poor Infrastructure:  
    • Overcrowding: Insufficient space increases the risk of crushing and trampling. 
    • Insufficient Facilities: Narrow paths, blocked exits, or lack of barriers create bottlenecks. 
    • Adverse Conditions: Slippery floors, poor lighting, or uneven ground increase the chance of falling. 
  • Organizational Factors: 
    • Inadequate Crowd Management: Lack of trained personnel to control or direct crowds. 
    • Insufficient Planning: Poor venue design, limited entry/exit points, or inadequate emergency planning. 
    • Failure in Communication: Absence of clear instructions leads to confusion and panic. 
• Cause of Death: During a stampede, crushing pressure on the chest restricts the ability of the diaphragm (base of lungs) to contract and expand properly. The body cannot take in enough air or expel carbon dioxide.  
  • This leads to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and hypercapnia (excess carbon dioxide), both of which are life-threatening conditions. 
• Impact:  
  • Physical Impacts: Stampedes can result in high fatality rates. It often results in bruises, fractures, and broken bones due to people being pushed, trampled, or crushed. 
  • Psychological Impacts: Stampede survivors or witnesses may experience psychological trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, panic attacks, and long-term emotional scars. 
  • Legal Impacts: A major stampede can prompt calls for stricter regulations and improved crowd management for enhanced safety standards for public events and gatherings. 
  • Impact on Infrastructure: It can damage physical infrastructure, including barriers and buildings, leading to significant repair and upgrade costs. 

Deadly Stampedes in India 

• Hathras (2024): At least 121 people, mostly women and children, were killed in a stampede during a religious event in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. 
• Mumbai Pedestrian Bridge (2017): 22 died in a stampede during rush hour. 
• Allahabad Train Station (2013): 36 killed due to a platform change during Kumbh Mela. 
• Naina Devi Temple (2008): Around 145 Hindu pilgrims were killed in a stampede at the Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh, triggered by rumors of a landslide. 
• Mandhardevi Temple (2005): More than 265 Hindu devotees lost their lives and hundreds were injured at the Mandhardevi temple in Maharashtra. 

 

What are NDMA Guidelines to Control Stampedes? 

• Infrastructure Development: Ensuring venues and access routes can handle large crowds, especially in disaster-prone areas like hilly terrain and narrow pathways. 
  • Encouraging separate routes for normal, express, and emergency flows helps manage the movement of vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and the disabled. 
• Panic Management: In case of incidents like rumors or sudden events (e.g., a loud noise), the NDMA advises quick intervention by trained personnel to prevent stampedes. 
• Crowd Control: The NDMA advocates a community-based approach to crowd control, focusing on clear communication and understanding rather than relying solely on force. 
• Demand Management: This involves analyzing historical crowd data, arrival patterns, and peak periods. Advanced ticketing or registration can help manage crowd inflow. 
• Fire Safety: NDMA highlights precautions such as safe electrical wiring, monitoring LPG cylinder usage, and caution with fireworks to prevent fires. 

 

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)  

• About: NDMA headed by the Prime Minister of India, is the country's highest statutory body for managing disasters. 
• Establishment and Purpose: It was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 to build institutional mechanisms at both the State and District levels for effective disaster management. 
• Responsibilities: NDMA is tasked with formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management, emphasizing prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response. 
• Vision and Goals: The authority aims to create a safer and disaster-resilient India through a proactive approach and sustainable development strategies. 

Way Forward 

• Live Crowd Tracking: Deploy thermal and LiDAR sensors to track crowd density, feeding data into AI models to predict surges and trigger early warnings. 
• Communication Tools: Install interactive displays showing wait times, evacuation routes, and information in multiple languages. 
• Lighting and Pathway Systems: Implement crowd-responsive lighting that adjusts brightness and color based on density to guide movement or calm situations. 
  • Use bioluminescent pathways that glow brighter during emergencies to guide movement in low light. 
• Public Awareness and Education: Launch campaigns to educate the public on crowd safety protocols and appropriate behavior at large gatherings.

Drishti Mains Question: 

Discuss the major causes of stampedes and suggest effective measures to prevent such incidents.

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Mains 

Q. Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (2020)

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic

For Prelims: Covid-19, GDP growth rate, Public Debt, Net-Zero Commitments, India’s Production-Linked Incentives,  Gig Work, E-Commerce Platforms, SARS-CoV-2 virus, World Health Organization (WHO). 

For Mains: Post-pandemic Recovery in India and the World, Economic  Disruptions, Protectionism, Democracy, Global Supply Chains. 

Source: LM

Why in News? 

Recently, the world marked five years since the outbreak of Covid-19, a pandemic that caused millions of deaths, unprecedented economic disruptions, and significant social challenges. 

• Although much of the immediate crisis has passed, its lingering effects on global economies, policies, and societies continue to shape the world profoundly. 

How the Covid-19 Pandemic Changed the World? 

• Economic Impact: 
  • GDP Gaps: 
    • India experienced a sharp contraction in its GDP growth rate during 2020-21, dropping to -5.8% due to stringent lockdowns, compared to the pre-Covid average of 6.6%. 
    • Post-pandemic recovery was robust, with growth rates of 9.7%, 7%, and 8.2% in subsequent three years (2021 to 2023), but the economy remains years behind its pre-pandemic trajectory. 
    • At a 7% growth rate, India’s GDP is projected to return to its pre-Covid trend by 2042-43, whereas a 7.5% growth rate could achieve this a decade earlier. 
    • Global GDP contracted by 3.1% in 2020, and the 2023 Global Economic Prospects report indicates a nearly USD 4.7 trillion shortfall from the original 2020 forecast. 
      • The large economies, including the US and China, faced similar output gaps, worsened by trade tensions and external challenges. 
  • Debt Explosion: 
    • Governments globally borrowed heavily during the pandemic, causing the largest spike in public debt in two decades in 2020. 
    • Public debt remains above pre-Covid levels, with spending expected to escalate due to net-zero commitments, increased defense budgets in Europe, and rising protectionism. 
    • High debt burdens constrain fiscal flexibility, diverting resources from critical sectors like health, education, and infrastructure. 
• Industrial Policies: 
  • The pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, especially the over-reliance on China for manufacturing inputs like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. 
  • Governments globally introduced new industrial policies, including the US CHIPS Act, India’s Production-Linked Incentives, and Made in China 2025, aiming to enhance self-sufficiency. 
  • Between 2019 and 2024, state interventions tripled globally, driven by geopolitical concerns and efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience. 
• Social and Political Dynamics: 
  • Erosion of Trust: 
    • The Edelman Trust Barometer measures global trust in institutions like governments, businesses, and media, post-pandemic it showed a sharp decline in trust, reflecting public dissatisfaction with governance and leadership. 
    • A 2023 Pew survey across 24 countries revealed 74% of people felt disconnected from elected officials, and 59% were dissatisfied with democracy. 
    • Anti-incumbency sentiment surged, with 40 of 54 elections in 2024 resulting in incumbent losses, showing the lasting political repercussions of the pandemic. 
  • Changing Work Models: 
    • The pandemic popularised hybrid work, with 42% of Indian job seekers in 2024 prioritising flexible hours. 
    • The rise of gig work and e-commerce platforms enabled workers to monetise hobbies and explore alternative income streams. 
    • Greater emphasis on work-life balance led employers to adopt policies catering to employee well-being. 

 

Covid-19 Pandemic 

• Covid-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, before rapidly spreading globally. 
• By March 2020, it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), triggering widespread lockdowns and restrictions. 
• The virus led to millions of deaths, overwhelming healthcare systems, and caused severe socio-economic hardships, including job losses and global recessions. 
• Its impact highlighted vulnerabilities in public health systems, supply chains, and global coordination. 

 

Way Forward 

• Economic Recovery: Invest in key growth sectors, such as green energy, technology, and manufacturing, to accelerate GDP recovery. 
  • Adopt balanced fiscal strategies to manage pandemic-era debts while maintaining essential public investments. 
• Global Collaboration and Supply Chain Resilience: Strengthen international trade alliances to reduce protectionism and ensure supply chain stability. 
  • Diversify manufacturing bases to decrease dependency on specific regions like China. 
• Improving Trust in Governance: Promote transparency and accountability in policy making to rebuild public trust in governments. 
  • Address socio-economic disparities through targeted welfare programs and inclusive policies. 
• Workforce Adaptation: Encourage hybrid and gig work models by providing legal frameworks and social safety nets for informal workers. 
  • Invest in digital infrastructure to support remote work and digital economy growth. 
• Social Equity and Health Systems: Expand healthcare access and strengthen systems to prepare for future health crises. 
  • Ensure equitable distribution of resources, such as vaccines and essential medicines, globally.

Drishti Mains Question: 

How has the Covid-19 pandemic influenced divergence in global GDP growth trajectories, and what policies should India adopt to ensure a sustainable recovery trajectory?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims: 

Q. In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent Covid-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:

1. The Serum Institute of India produced Covid-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.

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 

Ans: (b)

Mains: 

Q. Covid-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.(2020)

Office of Governor and Related Concerns

For Prelims: Provisions and Powers of the Governor, Sarkaria Commission (1988), Venkatachaliah Commission (2002), Punchhi Commission (2010), BP Singhal vs Union of India 

For Mains: Concerns related to the office of Governors, Way Forward and Recommendations of various committees 

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Recently, the President appointed former Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla as Manipur's Governor, General V.K. Singh (Retd.) as Mizoram's Governor, and reassigned Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan to Bihar.

What are the Provisions Related to the Office of the Governor? 

• Constitutional Provision: Article 153 of the Constitution of India mandates a Governor for each State, with the provision allowing the same person to serve as Governor for multiple States. 
  • He is the constitutional head of the state, bound by the advice of his council of ministers.  
  • Article 154 of the Constitution of India grants the executive power of the State to the Governor. 
    • The executive authority of the State is vested in the Governor and may be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him, as per the provisions of this Constitution. 
• Appointment of Governor: Article 155 states that the President appoints the Governor of a State.  
  • Although appointed and reappointed by the President, the Governor is not considered an employee of the Government of India. 
• A Governor must not hold any office of profit during their tenure. 
• Qualification for the Office of Governor: The Person must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and not a member of Parliament or any State Legislature.   
• Oath: 
  • Under Article 159, the Governor must take an oath before the High Court's Chief Justice or, in their absence, the senior-most available judge before assuming office. 
• Legislature Power: 
  • Under Article 174, the Governor may recommend dissolving the Legislative Assembly if no party can form a government or upon the Chief Minister's advice, but this power is subject to specific conditions and is not entirely discretionary. 
  • Under Article 175(2), the Governor can call for a floor test to verify government majority and send messages to the legislature for consideration of bills or other matters. 
  • Under Article 176, the Governor addresses the legislature at the first session after general elections and annually, explaining the reasons for summoning the assembly or both Houses. 
  • The Governor, like the President, can delay assent to money bills and make recommendations, but the legislature is not obligated to accept them. 
• Constitutional Discretionary Powers: 
  • Appointment of chief minister when no party has a clear-cut majority in the state legislative assembly or when the chief minister in office dies suddenly and there is no obvious successor. 
  • Dismissal of the council of ministers when it cannot prove the confidence of the state legislature. 
  • Dissolution of the state legislative assembly if the council of ministers has lost its majority. 
• Term of Governor: 
  • Article 156 stipulates that the Governor holds office at the President's pleasure, with a typical term of five years from the date of assuming office. 
  • The Governor can be dismissed by the President on the advice of a council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister. 
  • A Governor remains in office until their successor assumes charge, even after their term expires. 

 

What are the Challenges Related to the Office of Governor? 

• Political Neutrality and Impartiality: Governors, appointed by the President on the advice of the central government, often face criticism for political ties to the ruling party, raising concerns about impartiality and acting as agents of the central government. 
• Misuse of Article 356: The Governor's power under Article 356 to recommend President's Rule is often subjected to debate regarding constitutional ethos and federalism. 
• Delayed Assent to Bills: Governors sometimes delay or withhold assent to state bills, stalling legislation. This raises concerns about their accountability and adherence to democratic principles, creating uncertainty in governance. 
  • In 2023, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi faced criticism for allegedly using a "pocket veto" by delaying assent to state bills. 
• Interference in State Administration: Governors' interference in state administration, such as involving themselves in active politics, often creates conflicts with elected officials and democratic functioning.

Committees Related to the Office of Governor

• Sarkaria Commission, 1998 
• Punchhi Commission, 2010 
• Venkatachaliah Commission (2002): The appointment of Governors should be handled by a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Minister of the relevant state. 
  • Governors should serve their five-year term unless they resign or are removed by the President due to proven misbehaviour or incapacity. 

Way Forward 

• Strengthening of Federalism: In order to check misuse of the office of governor, there is a need to strengthen federal setup in India. 
  • In this regard, the Inter-State council and the role of Rajya Sabha as the chamber of federalism must be strengthened. 
• Reform the Method of Appointment of Governor: The appointment can be made from a panel prepared by the state legislature and actual appointing authority should be the Inter-state Council, not the central government. 
• Code of Conduct for Governor: This 'Code of Conduct' should lay down certain 'norms and principles' which should guide the exercise of the governor's 'discretion' and his powers which he is entitled to use and exercise on his judgement. 
• Restrict use of Discretionary Powers: The exercise of 'discretionary powers' by the Governors should be 'guided by the healthy and democratic conventions’. 
  • He must refrain from aligning himself to any political ideology. The virtue of impartiality must be withheld to ensure constitutional democracy. 

Drishti Mains Question 

Discuss the concerns related to the office of the governor and also discuss the reforms that need to be taken?

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any court during his term of office. 
2. The emoluments and allowances of the Governor of a State shall not be diminished during his term of office. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Q. Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State? (2014)

1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule 
2. Appointing the Ministers 
3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India 
4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government 

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 1 and 3 only 

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Q. Which one of the following statements is correct? (2013)

(a) In India, the same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time  

(b) The Judges of the High Court of the States in India are appointed by the Governor of the State just as the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President 

(c) No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post 

(d) In the case of a Union Territory having a legislative setup, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governor on the basis of majority support

Ans: (c)

Initiatives for Agricultural Cooperative Societies

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

Recently, the Ministry of Cooperation has taken a series of initiatives for the development of cooperative societies in agriculture including Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS).  

What is MPACS? 

• About PACS: PACS are village-level cooperative credit societies that provide loans and collect repayments from rural agricultural borrowers. 
  • PACS are registered under the respective State Cooperative Societies Act of the state and are administered by the State Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS).  
• Constitutional Backing: 97th Amendment Act, 2011 added the word cooperatives in Article 19(1)(c) under Part III of the Constitution.   
  • A new Article 43B was added in the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) regarding the promotion of cooperative societies.   
• About MPACS: MPACS provide a wide range of services beyond agricultural credit, addressing multiple needs of rural communities. 
  • It includes credit societies as well as dairy and fisheries cooperatives, and is engaged in 32 activities, including storage and distribution of manure, gas, fertilisers, and water, making them more versatile and effective. 

What are the Recent Initiatives for Development of Cooperative Societies in Agriculture? 

• Multipurpose PACS: 10,000 newly established Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS) were inaugurated along with Dairy and Fisheries Cooperative Societies. 
  • India has set a target of creating 2 lakh PACS in 5 years under a vision to have a presence of cooperatives in every panchayat across the country. 
• National Organic Cooperative Limited (NOCL): Farmers were urged to connect with NOCL to increase their incomes through organic farming.  
  • NCOL is an umbrella organization for aggregation, procurement, certification, testing, branding and marketing of organic products of the co-operative sector. 
    • NOCL has been registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002.  
• Mobile Rural Marts Initiative: It was launched in collaboration with NABARD, to provide essential items like pulses, rice, and wheat flour at affordable prices under the Bharat brand. 
  • The Bharat Brand offers essential goods to the middle class at subsidized prices. 
• Micro-ATMs: Cooperative societies are being equipped with RuPay Kisan Credit Cards and Micro-ATMs to access low-cost loans, facilitating financial inclusion and support. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Prelims

Q. With reference to ‘Urban Cooperative Banks’ in India, consider the following statements:

1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.
2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares.
3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (b)

Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)

1. In terms of short-term credit delivery to the agriculture sector, District Central Cooperative 
2. Banks (DCCBs) deliver more credit in comparison to Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks. 
3. One of the most important functions of DCCBs is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (b)

NASA's Parker Solar Probe

Source: HT 

Why in News? 

NASA's Parker Solar Probe recently set a historic record by flying closer to the Sun than any other man-made object, reaching speeds of 430,000 mph and withstanding temperatures up to 982°C. 

What are the Key Facts Related to Parker Solar Probe? 

• About:  
  • Launched in 2018, a car-sized robotic spacecraft, is named after American solar astrophysicist Eugene Newman Parker. 
    • This is the first NASA mission named for a living researcher and it's humanity’s first mission to explore within 3.8 million miles of the Sun's corona. 
  • The Probe uses an advanced carbon-composite heat shield to withstand extreme temperatures. 
• Objectives: 
  • The Parker Solar Probe aims to approach within 6.5 million kilometers of the Sun to study energy flow, solar corona heating. 
    • It also investigates the source of solar winds, high-speed streams of charged particles that affect space weather. 
  • To investigate the Sun’s corona, and understand why it is hotter than the Sun's surface, a long-standing mystery in astrophysics. 
  • To determine the structure and dynamics of the plasma and magnetic fields at the sources of the solar wind. 
  • To explore mechanisms that accelerate and transport energetic particles. 

Aditya-L1 Mission 

• The Aditya-L1 mission is India’s solar observatory at Lagrange Point L1, enabling continuous observation of the Sun's chromospheric and coronal dynamics. 
• The spacecraft will be positioned in a halo orbit around Lagrange Point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. 
• The spacecraft will carry seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle detectors. 

Lagrange Points 

• About: 
  • Lagrange Points are positions in space within a two-body gravitational system where a small object can remain stable. 
  • It enables spacecraft to maintain stable positions with minimal fuel consumption by balancing the gravitational forces of two large bodies with the centripetal force required for the smaller object to move in sync with them. 
• Types:  
  • The Lagrange point L1 lies between the Sun-Earth line. The distance of L1 from Earth is approximately 1% of the Earth-Sun distance. 
  • L2, located behind Earth from the Sun, offers ideal conditions for observing the universe without Earth's shadow interference. 
  • L3, located behind the Sun, opposite Earth, offers potential observations of the Sun's far side. 
  • Objects at L4 and L5 maintain stable positions, forming an equilateral triangle with the two larger bodies.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q1. In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news? (2010)

(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India 

(b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II 

(c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India 

(d) A space telescope developed by India

Ans: (c)

Data of Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Recently, the Election Commission of India has released comprehensive data for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to enhance transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders. 

What are the Key Highlights of the Data? 

• Electors: There were 97,97,51,847 registered electors, marking a 7.43% increase from 91,19,50,734 in 2019.  
  • A total of 64.64 crore votes were cast, compared to 61.4 crore in 2019.  
    • Dhubri (Assam) recorded the highest turnout at 92.3%, while Srinagar (J&K) had the lowest at 38.7%, (up from 14.4% in 2019). 
  • NOTA received 63,71,839 votes (0.99%) in 2024, and transgender voter turnout stood at 27.09%. 
• Polling Stations: In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there were 10,52,664 polling stations, an increase from 10,37,848 in 2019.  
  • Bihar saw the highest increase in polling stations, adding 4,739, followed by West Bengal (1,731). 
  • Repoll held only in 40 Polling Stations (0.0038% of Total Polling Stations) compared to 540 in 2019. 
• Nominations: In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 12,459 nominations were filed, up from 11,692 in 2019.  
  • Malkajgiri (Telangana) had the highest with 114 nominations, while Dibrugarh (Assam) had the lowest with 3 nominations (excluding Surat). 
• Women Empowerment: In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there were 47,63,11,240 female electors (48.62% of total electors), up from 43,85,37,911 (48.09%) in 2019. 
  • Highest percentage share of Female electors in 2024: Puducherry (53.03%) followed by Kerala (51.56%). 
    • Dhubri (Assam) recorded the highest female voter turnout at 92.17%, followed by Tamluk (West Bengal) with 87.57%. 
  • The number of female electors per 1,000 male electors increased to 946 in 2024, up from 926 in 2019. 
    • State with the highest number of Female Contesting candidates: Maharashtra (111) followed by UP (80) and Tamil Nadu (77). 
• Inclusive Elections: In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, third-gender electors rose by 23.5% to 48,272 (39,075 in 2019), with Tamil Nadu having the highest at 8,467.  
  • Voter turnout among transgender voters nearly doubled to 27.09% from 14.64% in 2019.  
  • The number of registered persons with disabilities (PwD) electors rose to 90,28,696, compared to 61,67,482 in 2019.  
  • 1,19,374 overseas electors were registered in 2024 (99,844 overseas electors in 2019). 
• Results: In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, six national parties participated, securing a combined vote share of 63.35% of the total valid votes. 
  • The Surat (Gujarat) constituency was uncontested.  
  • Of the 3,921 independent candidates, only 7 were elected.  
  • Independent candidates received 2.79% of the total valid votes, with 279 independent female candidates.

Note: The winning candidate won the Surat Lok Sabha seat unopposed after the nomination of one candidate was rejected, and eight other candidates withdrew their nominations.

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. 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)

Tau Protein

Source: DTE 

A new study suggests blocking the stress response pathway in the brain could reverse Alzheimer's symptoms by preventing tau protein accumulation. 

• Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia, responsible for 60-80% of cases. 
• Tau proteins stabilize neurons, but in Alzheimer's, they accumulate and form neurofibrillary tangles that disrupt neuron communication, a characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, contributing to cognitive decline. 
  • Blocking toxic lipid synthesis in the brain could prevent tau buildup, offering potential symptom reversal.  
    • These toxic lipids are produced by microglia – brain immune cells that can either protect or worsen neurodegeneration. They damage neurons, accelerating neurodegeneration.  
    • A stress response pathway activates microglia, leading to this toxic lipid production.  
• While current treatments delay cognitive decline, they cannot halt disease progression. Targeting the microglial stress response pathway may offer more effective therapies. 

Read more:  Alzheimer’s Disease 

58 Lakh SVAMITVA Property Cards Distribution

Source: TH 

Recently, 58 lakh SVAMITVA Property Cards were distributed across 50,000 villages, marking a significant milestone in rural empowerment. 

• SVAMITVA Scheme: 
  • Launched on 24^th April 2020, the Scheme aimed at creating a Record of Rights for rural property owners, focusing on Abadi areas (inhabited regions) using cutting-edge drone and GIS technology. 
  • It follows a Whole-of-Government approach, involving multiple departments and stakeholders to enhance financial inclusion. 
  • By validating property ownership, SVAMITVA ensures better access to credit, promotes socio-economic stability. 
• Key Achievements: 
  • Drone Mapping Coverage: Completed in 3.17 lakh villages, mapping rural areas for property documentation. 
  • Property Card Distribution: Over 2.19 crore property cards distributed across 1.49 lakh villages, granting legal property rights. 
  • Improved Governance: Digitally validated records have enhanced Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), improving infrastructure planning. 
  • Women Empowerment: Legal property ownership boosts women’s financial security and decision-making power. 
  • Dispute Resolution: Accurate mapping has reduced property disputes by clarifying land ownership and boundaries. 

Read More: SVAMITVA Scheme 

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024

Source: TH 

Recently, the President of India conferred the awards on 17 children (7 boys and 10 girls) during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas.

• Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP): 
  • It is India’s highest civilian award for children, celebrating their exceptional achievements and abilities in seven categories: bravery, art and culture, environment, innovation, science and technology, social service, and sports. 
  • The awardees, aged 5-18 years, are recognized for their inspiring contributions to the nation, receiving a medal, certificate, and citation. 
  • The Ministry of Women and Child Development organizes the awards annually to recognize acts of extraordinary merit performed within the last two years of nomination. 
  • The awards aim to encourage young talent and foster a tradition of opportunity and recognition for children’s achievements. 
    • Hembati Nag, a judo player from a Naxal-affected area, was awarded a silver medal at the Khelo India National Games, while 3-year-old Anish Sarkar was recognized as the youngest FIDE-ranked chess player. 
  • These achievements reflect courage, innovation, and dedication and serve as a foundation for nation-building efforts by 2047, the centenary of India’s independence. 

Read More: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 

SLINEX 2024

Source: PIB 

Recently, the SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka - India Exercise 2024) was conducted at Visakhapatnam, India. It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka.  

• The Sea Phase of the exercise included joint exercises by Special Forces of both the navies, gun firings, communication drills, seamanship, navigation evolutions, and helicopter operations, with the Indian side participating through INS Sumitra. 
  • India and Sri Lanka have been conducting SLINEX exercise since 2005. 
• India and Sri Lanka have a long history of cultural and economic ties dating back over 2500 years. 
  • India is Sri Lanka’s largest trade partner in SAARC, with bilateral trade reaching USD 5.5 billion in FY 2023-24. India exports essential goods while Sri Lanka benefits from the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.  
  • Other India-SL Bilateral Exercise: Exercise Mitra Shakti (Army). 

Read More: Major Military Exercises of India