1.

UPSC Current Affairs: Indian Constitution as a Living Document

UPSC Syllabus: Mains| GS-2 (Polity and Governance)

Sub Theme: Indian Constitution |UPSC

Context: The Chief Justice said the Indian Constitution had thrived over the years as a ‘living
document’. “Indian Constitution is a Living Document,” means that the Constitution of our country
needs to be dynamic in order to adapt to changing needs of the society, its ideals and aspirations.

How can a constitution evolve?

● Amendment to the Constitution: The evolution of the constitution takes place by
amendment, and this power of amendment is with Parliament under Article 368 of the
Indian Constitution, which helps us to add new laws or change/repeal existing ones. Indian
constitution under Article 368 ensures any kind of finality and infallibility of the constitution
is avoided.
● Interpretation of our Constitution: The Constitution also evolves in the way we interpret the
meaning of the text present in our Constitution. Even without amending it, the interpretation
of the constitution or the statutes would change from time to time, through the active role
of Judiciary.

Article 368:
● Article 368 grants power to the parliament for the amendment of the constitution. An
amendment can be made by following the due procedure prescribed in the Constitution.
● An amendment can be initiated by introducing a bill in either house of parliament and
should be passed by both. There are three main ways to amend the Indian constitution.
○ First, by a simple majority of parliament, in which a majority of more than 50% of
members present and vote in the house. By a simple majority, there are a number
of provisions that can be amended in the Indian constitution, like rules of
procedure in parliament, salaries and allowances to members of parliament,
abolition or creation of legislative councils in states and many more.
○ Second, by a special majority of parliament, with a two-thirds majority of
members present and voting in support of half of the house’s total strength. A
special majority is mostly used for amending the Indian constitution. There are
various provisions that can be altered by a special majority, including the removal
of the Supreme Court and High Court judges, a resolution by the state legislature
to eliminate or create a legislative council, modifying the directive principle of
state policy, and so on.
○ Third, by a two-thirds majority in parliament and state consent. It is a hybrid of
special majority and simple majority voting. The federal structure enshrined in the
constitution can only be changed by a special majority of parliament and the
consent of states. It requires state ratification. The distribution of legislative power
between the Union and the States, the election of the President, the Supreme
Court and the High Courts, state representation in parliament, and the extent of
 executive power of the Union and the States are among the provisions that can be
amended by this majority.
● In the Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that parliament has
the power to amend any part of the constitution except the basic structure of the
constitution.

Manifestation of dynamism of Indian Constitution:

1. Through Constitutional Amendments: Article 368 has helped in achieving the goal of inclusive and
equitable society by ensuring social, economic and political justice.
● Ensuring Social Justice:
○ Abolition of Zamindari System: The 1st Constitutional Amendment (1951) abolished
the zamindari system, ensuring land reforms and redistribution to marginalised
farmers, thus promoting equity.
○ Reservations for Marginalised Sections: Various amendments, such as the 1st, 93rd,
and 103rd Constitutional Amendments, introduced and expanded reservations for
Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Economically Weaker Sections
(EWS) in education and employment.
○ Institutional Support for SC/ST Communities: The 65th and 89th Constitutional
Amendments established the National Commission for SCs and STs, providing an
institutional mechanism for addressing issues faced by these communities.
● Promoting Political Accountability:
○ Anti-Defection Law: The 52nd Constitutional Amendment (1985) introduced the
anti-defection law to curb political corruption by preventing elected representatives
from switching parties for personal gain.
○ Limitation on the Size of Cabinets: The 91st Constitutional Amendment (2003)
imposed restrictions on the size of both central and state cabinets, ensuring political
accountability and fiscal discipline.
● Democratic Decentralisation
○ Strengthening Local Governance: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments
(1992) gave constitutional status to Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs),
promoting grassroots democracy and realising the Directive Principles of State Policy
(DPSP). This move empowered local governments and enhanced public participation
in decision-making.
● Achieving Economic Justice Introduction of the GST:
○ The 101st Constitutional Amendment (2016) created the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) Council, simplifying the taxation structure and promoting economic justice by
ensuring uniform tax laws across the country.
● Abrogating Special Provisions for Jammu & Kashmir- Article 370:
○ The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 marked a historic moment, removing special
autonomy for Jammu & Kashmir and integrating the region more fully into the Indian
Union, paving the way for equitable development.
2. Through Judicial Interpretations: The judiciary has played a pivotal role in interpreting the
Constitution to meet the evolving needs of society. Through landmark judgments, the courts have
expanded the scope of fundamental rights, ensuring justice and upholding democratic values.
● Recognition of LGBTQ+ Rights:
○ Navtej Singh Johar Case (2018): The Supreme Court decriminalised Section 377 of
the Indian Penal Code, which had criminalised consensual homosexual relations. This
landmark judgement recognized the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and upheld their
right to equality, dignity, and personal liberty, in line with Articles 14, 15, and 21 of
the Constitution.
● Abolition of Triple Talaq:
○ The Supreme Court, in 2017, declared the practice of Triple Talaq (instant divorce in
Islam) unconstitutional, upholding the rights of Muslim women to equality and
dignity under Articles 14 and 21. This judgement significantly advanced gender
justice in India.
● Expansion of the Scope of Article 21:
○ Right to Privacy: Puttaswamy Case (2017)
■ Background: In response to concerns about the collection and use of
personal data, especially related to Aadhaar, the Supreme Court was asked
to determine if the right to privacy was protected under the Constitution.
■ Judgement: The Supreme Court ruled that the Right to Privacy is an integral
part of Article 21. It asserted that privacy is essential to the dignity and
autonomy of individuals, ensuring protection from state overreach.
■ Impact: This judgement laid the groundwork for further judicial
developments concerning data protection, surveillance, and individual
freedoms.
○ Right to a Clean Environment: Subhash Kumar vs State of Bihar (1991)
■ Background: Environmental pollution has been affecting citizens' health and
well-being, prompting legal action.
■ Judgement: The Supreme Court held that the Right to Life under Article 21
includes the Right to a Pollution-Free Environment. This expanded the
scope of Article 21 to include environmental protection, making it a state's
responsibility to maintain ecological balance.
■ Impact: This case paved the way for the development of environmental
jurisprudence in India, making environmental protection a constitutional
mandate.
○ Right to Education: Unni Krishnan vs State of Andhra Pradesh (1993)
■ Background: The issue revolved around the affordability and accessibility of
education in India.
■ Judgement: The Supreme Court ruled that the Right to Education is implicit
in the Right to Life and that every child has the right to free and compulsory
education until the age of 14.
 ■ Impact: This judgement eventually led to the introduction of Article 21A,
which made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14
through the 86th Constitutional Amendment (2002).
○ Right to Food: PUCL vs Union of India (2001)
■ Background: Filed during a period of widespread drought and starvation,
this case highlighted the failure of the government to ensure adequate food
for its citizens.
■ Judgement: The Supreme Court ruled that the Right to Life under Article 21
includes the Right to Food. It directed the government to ensure the
distribution of food grains to the poor and needy through public distribution
systems.
■ Impact: This ruling laid the foundation for food security programs,
culminating in the National Food Security Act (2013), which aims to provide
subsidised food to two-thirds of the population.
○ Right to Shelter: Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985)
■ Background: This case was filed by pavement dwellers in Mumbai who were
being evicted by the municipal authorities.
■ Judgement: The Supreme Court held that the Right to Life includes the
Right to Shelter. The Court declared that a person cannot be deprived of
their livelihood, which includes the right to live with dignity, without a just
and fair procedure.
■ Impact: The judgement has been crucial in protecting slum dwellers and has
influenced subsequent policies regarding the right to housing.
○ Right to Die with Dignity: Common Cause vs Union of India (2018)
■ Background: The case questioned whether individuals suffering from
terminal illnesses could refuse life-sustaining treatment.
■ Judgement: The Supreme Court ruled that the Right to Life under Article 21
includes the Right to Die with Dignity. It legalised passive euthanasia,
allowing individuals to refuse medical treatment in the event of terminal
illness or a persistent vegetative state.
■ Impact: This judgement reinforced personal autonomy and paved the way
for further discussions on medical ethics and the right to life.
○ Right to Livelihood: Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978)
■ Background: In this case, Maneka Gandhi's passport was impounded
without providing her reasons for the same.
■ Judgement: The Supreme Court ruled that the Right to Life encompasses the
Right to Livelihood. The Court also broadened the interpretation of personal
liberty, ruling that any procedure depriving a person of their life or liberty
must be fair, just, and reasonable.
■ Impact: This judgement set a precedent for interpreting Article 21
expansively and introduced the concept of due process of law, ensuring
more protection for citizens’ rights.
Practice Question:
Q. Explain how Article 368 has ensured that the Indian constitution remains a living document to
achieve Socio, Economic and Political Justice in India? (10)

2. UPSC Current Affairs: Central Bureau of Investigation

UPSC Syllabus: Mains| GS-2 (Polity and Governance)

Sub Theme: Government bodies |UPSC

Context: Government of Karnataka has withdrawn its earlier notification granting unrestricted
permission to the agency to conduct a probe in the State and accused the Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) of being “biased and prejudiced” in its investigation into various cases.

About central Bureau of Investigation:

● The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) traces its origin to the Special Police Establishment
which was set up in 1941 by the Government of India. The functions of the Special Police
Establishment then were to investigate cases of bribery and corruption in transactions with
the War and Supply Department of India during World War II.
● The superintendence of the Special Police Establishment was vested with this War and
Supply Department. Even after the end of the War, the need for a Central Government
agency to investigate cases of bribery and corruption by Central Government employees was
felt. Therefore, the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act was brought into force in 1946.
This Act transferred the superintendence of the Special Police Establishment to the Home
Department and its functions were enlarged to cover all departments of the Government of
India.
● The CBI was established in 1963 by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs,
Government of India. The Delhi Special Police Establishment was also merged with the CBI
and was made one of the divisions of the CBI. Later, the CBI was transferred to the Ministry
of Personnel.
● CBI derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 and is the main
investigating agency of the Central Government. It plays an important role in the prevention
of corruption and maintaining integrity in administration. It also provides assistance to the
Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.

Functions: The functions of CBI are:

● Investigating cases of corruption, bribery, and misconduct of Central government employees.
● Investigating cases relating to infringement of fiscal and economic laws, that is, breach of
laws concerning export and import control, customs and central excise, income tax, foreign
exchange regulations and so on. However, such cases are taken up either in consultation with
or at the request of the department concerned.
● Investigating serious crimes, having national and international ramifications, committed by
organised gangs of professional criminals.
 ● Coordinating the activities of the anti- corruption agencies and the various state police
forces.
● Taking up, on the request of a state government, any case of public importance for
investigation.
● Maintaining crime statistics and disseminating criminal information.

Thus, CBI is a multidisciplinary investigation agency of the Government of India and undertakes
investigation of corruption-related cases, economic offences, and cases of conventional crime. It
normally confines its activities in the anti-corruption field to offences committed by the employees
of the Central Government and Union Territories and their public sector undertakings. It takes up
investigation of conventional crimes like murder, kidnapping, rape etc., on reference from the state
governments or when directed by the Supreme Court/ High Courts.
The CBI also acts as the "National Central Bureau of Interpol in India. The Interpol Wing of the CBI
coordinates requests for investigation-related activities originating from Indian law enforcement
agencies and the member countries of the Interpol.

Issues around the functioning of CBI:

● Limited jurisdiction: Its jurisdiction is limited to certain types of cases, such as those related
to corruption or economic offences. This has led to questions about the agency's ability to
investigate other types of crimes, such as terrorism or organised crime, however, after the
institutionalisation of NIA, this concern has been resolved.
● Withdrawal of Consent: The work of the agency has been further constrained by the
increasingly hostile relations between the Centre and the state governments. In the past, as
many as nine states have withdrawn general consent to the CBI, the recent being Karnataka.
Most of these are Opposition-ruled states, which have alleged that the CBI is being used by
the Centre to target the Opposition.
● Political interference: CBI is often accused of being used as a tool by the ruling government
to target political opponents and shield their own leaders from corruption charges. E.g., CBI's
investigation into the alleged corruption in the Rafale deal was seen as politically motivated
by the opposition parties.
● Lack of autonomy: CBI is supposed to be an independent investigating agency, but it often
faces interference from the government and its officials. In 2018, the CBI director Alok
Verma was removed from his post and sent on leave by the government, which led to a
controversy over the agency's autonomy.
● Delay in investigations: It is known for its slow pace of investigations, which often leads to
delays in justice and allows the accused to go scot-free. E.g.: the investigation into the 2G
spectrum scam took several years to complete, which led to criticism from the public and the
media.
● Lack of transparency: It is often criticised for its lack of transparency in its functioning and
investigations. The agency's refusal to disclose information under the Right to Information
Act has been challenged in courts by activists and journalists. E.g., In the 2017 Ryan
International School murder case, the CBI was criticised for not disclosing key information
about the investigation.
● Corruption within the agency: CBI itself has been rocked by corruption scandals in the past,
which have raised questions about its credibility and impartiality. In 2018, the CBI arrested
its own DSP Devender Kumar for allegedly falsifying records in a case against the meat
exporter Moin Qureshi.
 ● Favouritism in appointment: Allegations of favouritism in appointments at the rank of DSP
and above.
● Inefficient use of resources: Its resources are often stretched thin due to its heavy
workload, which leads to inefficiencies in its functioning. The agency has a backlog of more
than 6900 cases some of which are pending for more than 20 years, which has led to the
demand for more resources and manpower.
● Lack of expertise: Its investigators are often accused of lacking the necessary expertise and
skills to handle complex cases. For instance, the agency's investigation into the murder of
journalist Gauri Lankesh was criticised for being shoddy and inadequate.
● Internal Conflicts: The issue between former Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh
Asthana, who accused each other of corruption and interference in ongoing investigations,
led to two factions within the CBI. The conflict affected the CBI's credibility and raised
concerns about independence.
● Structural limitations: To prosecute any MLA or State minister, the CBI needs sanction from
the Speaker of the state Assembly or the Governor (as seen in the Karnataka case). In the
case of an MP, sanction is sought from the Speaker of Lok Sabha or Vice Chairman of Rajya
Sabha.

Way Forward:
● Greater Autonomy: The 2nd ARC has recommended enactment of a comprehensive central
legislation to remove the deficiencies of not having a central investigative agency having its
own laws and charter of duties and functions.
● Increase Jurisdiction: 24th Parliamentary Standing Committee even suggested CBI to take
Suo moto cognizance of crimes and to give CBI pan Indian jurisdiction including jurisdiction
to investigate corruption charges against officers of All India Service.
● Enhanced Accountability: To ensure greater accountability, the CBI should be made
answerable to a parliamentary committee rather than the executive. This would help to
prevent interference in the agency's functioning and improve transparency.
● Strengthening Coordination: The CBI should strengthen coordination with state police forces
and other law enforcement agencies to enhance its investigative capabilities. This would help
to avoid duplication of effort and ensure that cases are investigated thoroughly and
efficiently.
● Completion of investigation within 1 year: It is also suggested that the investigation in cases
with serious implications must be completed within one year.

3. UPSC Current Affairs: NATIONAL SUPERCOMPUTING MISSION

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

Sub Theme: Science And Technology |UPSC

Context: The Prime Minister of India Narendra launched three PARAM Rudra supercomputers,
developed indigenously under the National Supercomputing Mission.
Major Highlights:
 ● The three supercomputers, built at a cost of ₹130 crore, have been deployed in Pune, Delhi,
and Kolkata to facilitate pioneering scientific research.
○ The Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune will leverage the supercomputer to
explore Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena.
○ The Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi will enhance research in fields
like material science and atomic physics.
○ The S.N. Bose Centre in Kolkata will drive advanced research in areas such as physics,
cosmology, and earth sciences.
● A ₹850 crore High-Performance Computing system tailored for weather and climate
research was also inaugurated.
○ The High-Performance Computing (HPC) system is tailored for weather and climate
research, and the project represents an investment of ₹850 crore, marking a
significant leap in India's computational capabilities for meteorological
applications.
○ Located at two key sites, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune
and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF) in Noida,
the HPC system has extraordinary computing power.
○ The new HPC systems are named 'Arka' and 'Arunika,' reflecting their connection to
the Sun. These high-resolution models will significantly enhance the accuracy and
lead time of predictions related to tropical cyclones, heavy precipitation,
thunderstorms, hailstorms, heat waves, droughts, and other critical weather
phenomena.

NATIONAL SUPERCOMPUTING MISSION:

● The Mission was set up in 2015 to provide the country with supercomputing infrastructure
to meet increasing computational demands of academia, researchers, MSMEs, and start-ups
by creating the capability design, manufacturing, of supercomputers indigenously in India.
● Implementing Agency: Department of Science and Technology and Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology (MeitY) through the Centre for Development of Advanced
Computing (C-DAC) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
● Objectives of NSM:
○ Make India leader in Supercomputing and to enhance India’s computational
capability in solving grand challenges of national and global relevance.
○ Empower scientists & researchers with state-of-art supercomputing facilities and
enable them to carry cutting-edge research in their respective domains.
○ Attain global competitiveness & ensure self-reliance in the strategic area of
supercomputing technology.
● Targets:
○ To create a cluster of 70 supercomputers ranging from a few Teraflops (TF) to
hundreds of TF capacity.
 ○ To also establish three systems with a capacity greater than or equal to 3 Petaflops
(PF) across the country.
○ The original plan approved in 2015 envisaged a total compute power of 15-20 PF.
This was later revised in 2020 to a total of 45 PF (45,000 TF), a six-fold increase in
compute power within the same cost.

Performance of NSM so far:

● NSM has successfully installed 24.83 PF of HPC machines across the country against 15- 20
PF originally envisioned.
● Under the mission, the first indigenously assembled supercomputer, named PARAM Shivay,
was installed at IIT (BHU) in 2019. Param Shivay is used for R&D in various fields, including
drug discovery, materials science, weather modelling etc.
● Four supercomputers in India are among the top 500 fastest supercomputers globally. These
are:
● The AI supercomputer ‘AIRAWAT’ is installed under the National Program on AI and
stands as India’s largest and fastest AI supercomputing system, with a remarkable
speed of 13,170 teraflops (Rpeak).
● PARAM Siddhi-AI supercomputer is installed at Center for Development of Advanced
Computing (C-DAC), Pune.
● Pratyush supercomputer is installed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
● Mihir supercomputer is installed at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather
Forecasting.
● India has developed an Indigenous server named Rudra which can meet the
High-Performance Computing (HPC) requirements of all governments and PSUs.
● FLOPs in Computing: FLOPs, or Floating-Point Operations per Second, is a commonly used
metric to measure the computational performance – processing power and efficiency –
especially in the field of high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI).

Application areas of Supercomputers:

● Climate Modelling
● Weather Prediction
● Aerospace Engineering
● Computational Biology
● Molecular Dynamics
● Atomic Energy Simulations
● National Security/ Defence Applications
● Seismic Analysis
● Disaster Simulations and Management
● Computational Chemistry
● Computational Material Science and Nanomaterials
● Discoveries beyond Earth (Astrophysics)
 ● Large Complex Systems Simulations and Cyber Physical Systems
● Big Data Analytics
● Finance
● Information repositories/Government Information Systems

Key Fact:
● Param 8000 is the first supercomputer in India which was developed by the Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Pune in 1991.

Practice Question:
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to National Supercomputing Mission:
1. National Supercomputing Mission is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and
MEITy.
2. Param 8000 is the first supercomputer in India developed under the National Supercomputing
Mission.
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
Answer: (a)

UPSC MCQ 2020

Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the
following?
1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (b)
4. UPSC Current Affairs: Bhagat Singh
UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

Sub Theme: History |UPSC

Context: On Bhagat Singh's birth anniversary (September 28th) it is essential to revisit his
revolutionary ideas on various subjects, including communalism, inequality, religion, faith, and the
right to protest. His words are still very much relevant in the present context, reminding us of the
ongoing struggles against oppression and injustice.

Introduction:
● He was a revolutionary, who was martyred in the fight against imperialistic tyranny.
● Bhagat Singh was a polyglot able to communicate in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and English.
● Having grown up in an Arya Samaj setting he was also familiar with the fundamentals of
Sanskrit.
● His jail notebook is also reflective of the diversity in his literary writings where he draws on
the works of important scholars like Karl Marx, Karl Kautsky, Thomas Paine, Mark Twain,
Thomas Jefferson, etc.

Bhagat Singh's birth and education:

● Born on September 28, 1907, in Lyallpur, which is now in Pakistan, Bhagat Singh's upbringing
was steeped in the atmosphere of patriotic fervour.
● He received his education at the Dayanand Anglo Vedic High School and National College in
Lahore.
 ● These institutions were closely associated with Arya Samaj and the freedom movement,
exposing Bhagat Singh to the ideals of Indian independence from a young age.

Family influence on his ideals:

● Bhagat Singh's family played a pivotal role in shaping his political consciousness.
● His father and uncle, Ajit Singh, were actively involved in progressive politics, participating in
significant events like the Canal Colonization Bill agitation in 1907 and the Ghadar
Movement of 1914–1915.

Entry into National College and ideological shift:

● In 1923, Bhagat Singh enrolled at the National College in Lahore, which had been
established as a response to Mahatma Gandhi's non-cooperation movement.
● Gandhi had urged Indian students to boycott educational institutions subsidized by the
British government.
● Bhagat Singh's journey into the freedom movement began to take a more radical turn during
this time.

Contributions to the Freedom movement:

Initial support for non-cooperation:
● Initially, Bhagat Singh aligned himself with Mahatma Gandhi and the Non-Cooperation
Movement.
● However, his perspective shifted when Gandhi withdrew the movement following the
Chauri Chaura incident.
● This incident led Bhagat Singh to embrace revolutionary nationalism as a means to achieve
India's independence.
Influence of tragic events:
● Tragic events such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 and the violence against
unarmed Akali protestors at Nankana Sahib in 1921 deeply affected Bhagat Singh's
worldview, fuelling his determination to free India from British rule.
Association with revolutionary groups:
● In 1924, Bhagat Singh became a member of the Hindustan Republican Association, founded
by Sachindranath Sanyal.
● He formed a close bond with Chandra Shekhar Azad, the main organizer of the association.
● Bhagat Singh's commitment to the cause led him to establish the Naujawan Bharat Sabha in
1926, aiming to mobilize peasants and workers against British rule.
Role in "Kirti" and HSRA:
● Bhagat Singh also contributed to the monthly magazine "Kirti" published by the 'Workers
and Peasants Party.' For a year, he served on the editorial board of "Kirti."
● In 1928, he, along with Sukhdev, Chandrashekhar Azad, and others, founded the Hindustan
Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).

Bhagat Singh's revolutionary activities:

Shift Towards armed revolution:
● Bhagat Singh's association with HSRA introduced him to the philosophy of armed revolution.
● His commitment to the cause led to his arrest in 1927, initially for his association with the
Kakori Case and an article published under the pseudonym Vidrohi.
Involvement in the Saunders case:
● The tragic death of Lala Lajpat Rai during a protest against the Simon Commission in 1928
marked a turning point.
● In an unfortunate case of mistaken identity, Bhagat Singh and his associates assassinated J.P.
Saunders, leading to the Lahore Conspiracy Case.
Central assembly bombing:
● In 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a bomb in the Central Assembly at Delhi,
accompanied by pro-revolutionary slogans.
● Their intention was not to cause harm but to make the ‘deaf hear’. Both were arrested
without resistance, using the trial as a platform for their revolutionary message.

Trial and death:

Hunger strike for political prisoners:
● During their trial in 1929, Bhagat Singh and his comrades initiated a hunger strike in Lahore
prison to demand better conditions for political prisoners.
● Their strike garnered widespread support from leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru.
Sentencing and execution:
● Despite widespread appeals, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were sentenced to death.
● The execution was carried out on March 23, 1931, a day ahead of the scheduled date, at
Lahore Jail.
● March 23 is observed as Martyrs' Day, paying tribute to him and fellow freedom fighters.

Prelims Previous Year Question (2021):

Q. Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient Indian
religious lyrics in English?
(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
(d) Sarojini Naidu
Answer: (c)

Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to the India National Movement, consider the following statements:
1. Bhagat Singh was against the launch of the Non-cooperation movement in 1921.
2. Bhagat Singh in association with Sachindranath Sanyal founded the Hindustan Republican
Association.
3. Bhagat Singh founded ‘Kirti’ as the Publication of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (d)
Statement 1 is incorrect:
● Initially, Bhagat Singh aligned himself with Mahatma Gandhi and the Non-Cooperation
Movement (1920). However, his perspective shifted when Gandhi withdrew the movement
following the Chauri Chaura incident (February 1922).
Statement 2 is incorrect:
● In 1924, Bhagat Singh became a member of the Hindustan Republican Association, founded
by Sachindranath Sanyal. He formed a close bond with Chandra Shekhar Azad, the main
organizer of the association.
● In 1928, he, along with Sukhdev, Chandrashekhar Azad, and others, founded the Hindustan
Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
Statement 3 is incorrect:
● Bhagat Singh's commitment to the cause led him to establish the Naujawan Bharat Sabha in
1926, aiming to mobilize peasants and workers against British rule.
● Bhagat Singh also contributed to the monthly magazine "Kirti" published by the 'Workers and
Peasants Party.' For a year, he served on the editorial board of "Kirti."

5. UPSC Current Affairs: Lead Poisoning

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

Sub Theme: Ecology and Environment |UPSC

Context: Lead poisoning is the one biggest threat to India with 275 million out of 800 million
estimated to have high blood lead level (BLL) in 2020.

Key points about lead poisoning

● A 2023 Lancet report highlights that most children with high blood lead levels (BLLs) are in low-
and middle-income countries (LMICs).

● Lead poisoning often goes unnoticed as it can be asymptomatic at lower exposure levels, leading
to denial among the public and policymakers.

● India has been studying lead exposure since the 1970s, with significant findings linking higher
BLLs to lower IQ scores in children.

● India has standards for lead content in products, but enforcement is inconsistent and requires
strengthening.
Lead pollution in India

● It is ubiquitous and found in the air we breathe, the spices we cook, the toys our children
play with, the paint on our walls and many more.

Sources of Lead Pollution

● Industrial Emissions: Lead is emitted into the air through various industrial processes such as
mining, smelting, refining, and manufacturing of lead-based products like batteries, paints,
and ceramics.

● Automobiles: Historically, leaded gasoline was a major source of lead emissions. While
leaded gasoline has been phased out in many countries, vehicle emissions still contribute to
lead pollution, particularly in areas with high traffic density.

● Lead-Based Paints: Lead-based paints, commonly used in buildings and infrastructure before
regulations restricted their use, can deteriorate over time, releasing lead particles into the
environment. This is a significant concern, especially in older homes and buildings.

● Battery Recycling: Improper recycling of lead-acid batteries, such as those used in cars and
industrial equipment, can lead to the release of lead into the environment, particularly
through soil and water contamination.

● Industrial Waste and Landfills: Improper disposal of industrial waste containing lead, as well
as inadequate management of landfills, can result in leaching of lead into soil and
groundwater, posing risks to nearby communities.

● Lead Pipes and Plumbing Fixtures: Lead pipes and plumbing fixtures, particularly in older
homes and infrastructure, can leach lead into drinking water. Corrosion of these materials
can increase lead levels in tap water, especially in areas with acidic water or inadequate
water treatment.

● Mining and Ore Processing: Mining activities, particularly for lead and other metals, can
release lead-containing dust and particles into the air and water, contaminating soil and
aquatic ecosystems.

● Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains lead, and smoking in indoor environments can lead to the
accumulation of lead dust on surfaces, contributing to indoor lead pollution.

● Food and Water Contamination: Lead can enter the food chain through contaminated soil,
water, and air. Certain food items, particularly those grown in lead-contaminated soil or
water, may contain elevated levels of lead.

● Hobbies and Crafts: Some hobbies and crafts involve the use of materials containing lead,
such as stained glass making, pottery glazes, and ammunition reloading. Improper handling
and disposal of these materials can lead to lead exposure.

Magnitude of the Issue

A 2020 report by UNICEF estimated that nearly 27 crore Indian children have unsafe blood lead levels
(BLLs).
 ● Unsafe concentration of lead in the body can deter their neuro-cognitive development,
leading to decreased IQ, behavioural problems, lowered educational achievement and
eventually lowered earning potential.

Challenges in Detection and Diagnosis

Lead poisoning is extremely difficult to diagnose given that it may be asymptomatic or manifest with
unrelated symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, and headaches.

● Unfortunately, there is no cure for lead poisoning. By the time it is diagnosed, the adverse
impacts it has had on the child’s brain and body are irreversible. Thus, the old adage,
‘Pollution Prevention Pays’ holds very true here.

Role of Testing and Surveillance

Routine screening emerges as a vital tool in safeguarding children from lead exposure.

● Venous blood tests offer insights into lead levels, enabling timely interventions. While
private diagnostic facilities offer individual testing, mass surveillance demands a
cost-effective and efficient approach.

Utilizing Advanced Technology

ICPMS India boasts a robust medico-scientific infrastructure equipped with state-of-the-art analytical
instruments, notably the ICPMS.

● This advanced technology, available in academic institutions and research facilities

nationwide, enables high-throughput lead testing with unparalleled accuracy and sensitivity.
 ● Leveraging this resource can revolutionize lead poisoning surveillance, fostering a
comprehensive database akin to global standards.

Government Initiatives and Collaborative Efforts:

The NITI Aayog's commissioning of CSIR-NEERI to corroborate UNICEF's findings underscores the
government's commitment to addressing lead poisoning.

● The establishment of the India Working Group on Lead Poisoning further signifies a
concerted effort to combat this pervasive threat through research, advocacy, and policy
interventions.

Harnessing Scientific Expertise for Action

Through collaborative endeavours and interdisciplinary cooperation, India possesses the capacity to
combat lead poisoning effectively.

● The convergence of technical expertise, research endeavours, and policy advocacy

underscores the nation's resolve to safeguard the health and well-being of its populace.

The fight against lead poisoning demands a multi-pronged approach, encompassing detection,
prevention, and advocacy. With concerted efforts, leveraging advanced technology, and harnessing
scientific expertise, India can mitigate the scourge of lead poisoning and secure a healthier future for
its children.

PYQ (2020)

Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?

1. Automobile exhaust

2. Tobacco smoke

3. Wood burning

4. Using varnished wooden furniture

5. Using products made of polyurethane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (a)

Practice question
Consider the following with reference to lead poisoning/pollution:

1. Lead can enter the food chain through contaminated soil, water, and air.

2. It is highly symptomatic even at lower exposure.

3. It can impair neuro-cognitive development.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None of the above

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

Lead poisoning often goes unnoticed as it can be asymptomatic at lower exposure levels, leading to
denial among the public and policymakers

Unsafe concentration of lead in the body can deter their neuro-cognitive development, leading to
decreased IQ, behavioural problems, lowered educational achievement and eventually lowered
earning potential.

6. UPSC Current Affairs: Rabies

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

Sub Theme: Science & Technology |UPSC

Context: World Rabies Day celebrated annually on 28 September.

About World Rabies Day:

● It is celebrated annually on 28 September, 2024 will mark the 18th World Rabies Day.
● Theme of 2024:"Breaking Rabies Boundaries" highlights that One Health is not for a selected few
but for everyone.
● The day is observed to commemorate the death of Louis Pasteur, the French chemist and
microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine.
● And also to raise awareness about rabies prevention and to highlight progress in defeating this
horrifying disease.

About rabies:
● It is a viral zoonotic disease that causes progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and
spinal cord. It is caused by the Rabies virus (RABV).
● It was referred to as hydrophobia ("fear of water") due to the symptom of panic when
presented with liquids to drink.
● Rabies virus (RABV) is transmitted through direct contact (such as through broken skin or
mucous membranes in your eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue
from an infected animal.
● It primarily targets the central nervous system, causing severe brain disease and potentially
leading to death if medical treatment is not administered before symptoms appear.
● Dogs are the most common source of rabies transmission, though other animals like bats, foxes,
and skunks can also carry the virus.
● Once the virus infects the central nervous system and clinical symptoms appear, rabies is fatal in
100% of cases.
● It is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that primarily impacts marginalized, impoverished, and
vulnerable communities.
● It is present on all continents except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths occurring in
Asia and Africa. Rabies in India, as of 2021, caused 59,000 deaths, representing 33% of the
global total.

Forms of rabies:
● Furious rabies: characterized by hyperactivity and hallucinations.
● Paralytic rabies: characterized by paralysis and coma.

Symptoms:
● Initial symptoms of rabies include generic signs like fever, pain and unusual or unexplained
tingling, pricking, or burning sensations at the wound site.
● As the virus moves to the central nervous system, progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain
and spinal cord develops.

Prevention:
● Through vaccinating dogs and public education for both children and adults on dog behaviour
and bite prevention.
● Also it can be prevented through vaccinating people. Effective vaccines are available such as
RABIVAX-S, VaxiRab N and VERORAB to immunize people both before and after potential
exposures.
Treatment:
● Rabies deaths are preventable with prompt post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) by stopping the
virus from reaching the central nervous system.
● PEP consists of thorough wound washing, administration of a course of human rabies vaccine
and, when indicated, rabies immunoglobulins (RIG).

Practice Question:
Q. With reference to the rabies, consider the following statements:
1. Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is caused by a DNA virus.
2.Bats and foxes are responsible for transmitting rabies.
3.It is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD).

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
Answer: (b)

PYQ: (2017)
Q. Consider the following statements:
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
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
Answer: (c)

7. UPSC Current Affairs: PN3 Requirement

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

Sub Theme: Economy |UPSC

Context: Since India does not have a specific law that deals with risks that FDI might pose for national
security, FEMA — a foreign exchange control law — doubles up as a legal instrument to screen
foreign investment for national security, pointing to a legal vacuum.

What is PN3?
● Press Note 3 (PN3) is an amendment to India's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy.
● It requires prior government approval (government route) for investments from entities in
countries that share a land border with India, or where the beneficial owner of the
investment is an entity of such a country.
● PN3 was brought during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb opportunistic takeovers and
acquisitions of Indian companies weakened due to the pandemic.

What is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?

FDI is the investment through ‘capital instruments’ by a person resident outside India:
● In an unlisted Indian company; or
 ● In 10% or more of the equity capital of a listed Indian company

Routes for FDI:

● Automatic Route: Under it, the non-resident investor or the Indian company does not require
any approval from the Government of India for the investment.
● Government Route: Under it, prior to investment, approval from the Government of India is
required. Proposals for foreign direct investment under Government route are considered by
the respective Administrative Ministry/ Department.

Procedure for Government Approval

● Filing of Application: Proposal for foreign investment, along with supporting documents to be
filed online, on the Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal.
● Internal Procedure for Approvals:
○ DPIIT will identify the concerned Ministry/ Department and thereafter, circulate the
proposal within 2 days. In addition, once the proposal is received, the same would also
be circulated online to the RBI within 2 days for comments from FEMA perspective.
○ Proposed investments from Pakistan and Bangladesh would also require clearance from
the Ministry of Home Affairs.
○ The DPIIT would be required to provide its comments within 4 weeks from receipt of an
online application & the Ministry of Home Affairs (if applicable) to provide comments
within 6 weeks.
○ Pursuant to the above, additional information/ clarifications may be asked from the
applicant which is to be provided within 1 week.
○ Proposals involving FDI exceeding INR 50 bn (approx. $ 775 mn) shall be placed before
the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs.
● Final Approval: Once the proposal is complete in all respects, the same gets approved within
8-10 weeks

Issues Highlighted in the Article

● There are absence of laws that allow India to restrict flow of investment and goods from
countries that pose a threat to its national security.
○ Since India doesn’t have a specific law that deals with risks that FDI might pose for
national security, FEMA (a foreign exchange control law) doubles up as a legal
instrument to screen foreign investment for national security
○ Similarly for international trade, India relied on Customs Tariff Act to to increase tariff
rates for goods originating from Pakistan.
● The absence of a specified domestic law to deal with FDI and international trade on security
grounds makes New Delhi vulnerable if India’s measures are challenged at international
courts and tribunals.
Q. With reference to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India, which one of the following statements
is incorrect?
1. It is the investment through ‘capital instruments’ by a person resident outside India in 10% or
more of the equity capital of a listed Indian company.
2. FDI under automatic route does not require any approval from the Government of India.
3. Investment entities in countries that share a land border with India can be done only under
government route.
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None
Answer: (d)

PYQ 2020: With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is
considered its major characteristic?
(a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.
(b) It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.
(c) It is an investment which involves debt-servicing.
(d) It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.
Answer: (b)