Deepak Yadav Education UPSC

Deepak Yadav Education

Soda Lake
 UPSC PYQ- 2009
Consider the following statements:
1. There are no east flowing rivers in Kerala.
2.There are no west flowing rivers in Madhya Pradesh.

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
Gir and Kankrej cows
News
• India has imported 40,000 doses of
bull semen from Brazil for the first
time to boost milk output via artificial
insemination.

About Gir cow

The Gir or Gyr is an Indian breed
of zebuine cattle. It originated in
the Kathiawar peninsula in the state of
Gujarat, and the name of the breed
derives from that of the Gir Hills. Other
names include Bhodah, Desan, Gujarati,
Kathiawari, Sorthi and Surti.
Features :-
1. Size- Average weight of Gir Cow is 385 kg with 130 cm in height; Gir bull
weighs 545 kg on average, with a height of 140 cm.

2. Harsh Climate adaptability- It is suited to hot and arid climate.

3. Milk Yield- Indian breed of Gir cows can give 6-10 litres.

Population :- They have originated in west India in the state of Gujarat.

It has since spread to neighbouring

Distribution :- Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

About Kankrej cow
About :-
It originated from Southeast Rann of Kutch of
Gujarat and adjoining Rajasthan (Barmer and
Jodhpur district). It is also called
as Wadad or Waged and Wadhiar.

Features :-
Colour- Coat colour of the animal varies from
silver grey to iron grey and steel black.

Harsh climate adaptability- It is suited to

hot and arid climate.

Resistance to disease- It is resistant to tick

fever, heat stress, very little incidence of
contagious abortion and tuberculosis.
Why was there a need to import semen from Brazil?
1) Brazil has preserved the original breed of Gir cows (the original breed of Gir cows
that was gifted by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar to Brazil in the 18th century). This
breed has become a high milk-producing breed due to its ability to survive in
extreme weather.

2) India is the world’s largest milk producer, contributing 24% to global output,
followed by the US and China. However, the demand is going to rise rapidly in future,
thus it needs more milk yielding cows.

3) The government is targeting to produce 330 million tonnes (mt) of milk per annum
by FY34. However, average yield of Indian animals is around 8-10 litres as opposed to
Brazilian animals whose average is 20–22 litres per animal. Thus India is targeting
animals that have Brazilian genetics with a capacity of producing more than 80 litres
of milk per animal.
Artificial insemination–
Artificial insemination is the technique in which semen with living sperms is
collected from the male and introduced into female reproductive tract at
proper time with the help of instruments
The National Dairy
Development Board
(NDDB)
About: It is a statutory
body set up by an Act of
the Parliament of India.

Establishment: 1965

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of

Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry and Dairying

Headquarter: Gujarat
 GS-1 History | Page 1

Current Affairs for All Exam

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological
research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.

• It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains
of national importance.

• Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian

remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological
sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments etc.

• It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham- the first Director-General of ASI.

Alexander Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
 UPSC PYQ - 2004
Q. The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of
the Department / Ministry of :

A) Culture
B) Tourism
C) Science & Technology
D) Human Resource Development
Class eNotes

One Stop Solution For Current Affairs

 GS-2 polity | Page -3

Current Affairs for All Exam

Mullaperiyar Dam
• The Mullaperiyar, a 126-year-old dam, is
located on the confluence of the Mullayar
and Periyar rivers in Kerala’s Idukki district.

• The dam stands at the height of 53.66

metres and 365.85 metres in length.

• The dam is owned, operated and

maintained by Tamil Nadu.

• Tamil Nadu maintained it for several

purposes, including irrigation, drinking
water supply and hydro-power
generation.
Periyar River
• The Periyar River is the longest river in the
state of Kerala with a length of 244 km.

• It is also known as ‘Lifeline of Kerala’ as it

is one of the few perennial rivers in the
state.

• Periyar River originates from Sivagiri hills

of Western Ghats, in Tamil Nadu and
flows through the Periyar National Park.

• The main tributaries of Periyar are

Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni,
Perinjankutti.
Dispute
• In late 1979, after the eruption of the controversy over the structural stability
of the dam, it was decided at a tripartite meeting chaired by K. C. Thomas,
the then Chairman of the Central Water Commission that the water level be
lowered to 136 feet against the full reservoir level of 152 feet so that Tamil
Nadu could take up strengthening measures.

• In 2006 and 2014 the Supreme Court held that the water level be raised to
142 feet, up to which Tamil Nadu stored water even last year (2021).

• The court’s judgment of 2014 also provided for the formation of the
supervisory committee and the completion of the remaining work by Tamil
Nadu.
 But, there has been no end to litigation over the
dam with Kerala witnessing landslides in recent
years.

• Though there had been no reports of landslides in

the vicinity of the dam site, the events in other
parts of the State led to a renewed campaign
against the dam.

• The Kerala government proposed that the existing

dam be decommissioned and a fresh one be built

• These options are not completely acceptable

to Tamil Nadu which wants to complete the
remaining strengthening work and restore the
level to 152 feet.
Dam Safety Act
About:
• The Dam Safety Act, 2021 came into force in
December 2021.

• The act is aimed at addressing the long-felt need

for addressing issues concerning the safety of
major dams all over the country.

• It provides for surveillance, inspection, operation,

and maintenance of certain dams for prevention
of disasters related to dam failure, apart from
institutional mechanisms to ensure their safe
functioning.

• The Act covers those dams having a height of

over 15m and between 10m and 15m with certain
stipulations.
Create two National Institutions:
• National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS): It
seeks to evolve dam safety policies and
recommend necessary regulations, and the

• National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA): It seeks

to implement policies and address unresolved
issues between the two States. The NDSA will be
the regulatory body.

Create two State Level Institutions:

• The legislation also envisages the formation
of State Dam Safety Organisations and State
Committees on Dam Safety.

• Dam owners will be held responsible for the

construction, operation, maintenance, and
supervision of dams.
 UPSC PYQ- 2009
Consider the following statements:
1. There are no east flowing rivers in Kerala.
2.There are no west flowing rivers in Madhya Pradesh.

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
 GS-1 Geography | Page -10

Current Affairs for All Exam

No Snowfall In Kashmir
Context :-
The absence of Snowfall in Kashmir during the winter
season is not only affecting the region's tourism
industry, particularly in popular destinations like
Gulmarg, but it also has significant implications for
various aspects of the local environment and economy.
Causes No Snowfall In Kashmir
Climate and Weather Patterns:
• The entire Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh
regions have seen a lack of rains or snow this
winter, with a notable 80% rainfall deficit in
December 2023 and 100% (no rain) deficit in
January 2024 so far.

• Winter precipitation in these regions, crucial for

the local climate, is mainly in the form of snowfall.
Decline in Western Disturbance:
• The overall trend of decreasing snowfall has been
attributed to a decline in Western
Disturbance events and a gradual rise in
temperatures, likely influenced by Climate Change.

• Western Disturbances are the primary source of

winter precipitation in the Himalayan region.

• The number of Western Disturbance events has

been showing a declining trend, contributing to
less overall precipitation during the winter
months.

• Western Disturbance are large eastward-

moving rain-bearing wind systems that
originate beyond Afghanistan and Iran, picking
up moisture from as far as the Mediterranean
Sea and even the Atlantic Ocean.
Role of Climate Change and El Nino:
• Climate change is considered a contributing
factor to the declining snowfall in Kashmir, as
indicated by various studies.

• The rate of temperature increase is higher in

upper elevation areas than in the plains, further
impacting snowfall.

• The current El Nino event in the eastern Pacific

Ocean is suggested as an additional factor
affecting global atmospheric circulation and
contributing to the deficit precipitation in the
region.

• There have been several years in the last one

decade — 2022, 2018, 2015 — when winters
have been relatively dry in Jammu and
Kashmir, and snowfall has been very low.
Decline in Western Disturbance:
• The overall trend of decreasing snowfall has been
attributed to a decline in Western
Disturbance events and a gradual rise in
temperatures, likely influenced by Climate Change.

• Western Disturbances are the primary source of

winter precipitation in the Himalayan region.

• The number of Western Disturbance events has

been showing a declining trend, contributing to
less overall precipitation during the winter
months.

• Western Disturbance are large eastward-

moving rain-bearing wind systems that
originate beyond Afghanistan and Iran, picking
up moisture from as far as the Mediterranean
Sea and even the Atlantic Ocean.
Implications of No Snowfall in Kashmir
Short and Long Term Impact:
• Short-term effects include an increase in forest fires,
agricultural drought, and a drop in crop production.

• Long-term consequences include a reduction in

hydroelectricity generation, an increase in glacier
melting, and adverse effects on drinking water
supply due to less recharge of groundwater.

Vital for Winter Crops:

• The winter snow, crucial for moisture in the soil, is
vital for winter crops, particularly horticulture. The
yields of apples and Saffron, significant contributors
to the local economy, are adversely affected in the
absence of sufficient snowfall.
Impact on Tourism:
Gulmarg, a key winter tourism
spot in Kashmir, is witnessing a
sharp decline in tourist visits this
season due to insufficient snow.
Despite substantial tourist
numbers in 2023, officials project
at least a 60% reduction in
footfall.

• The scarcity of snow is

adversely affecting ski resorts
and related businesses,
impacting the local economy.
 GS-2, polity

Current Affairs for All Exam

Gender Equity in Education and Need to Focus on
Early Childhood Education
Gender Equity in Education and
Need to Focus on Early Childhood
Education, The article discusses
the status of gender equity in
education in India. It also suggests
steps to tackle the various issues.

Background: The 2023 Annual

Status of Education Report shows
that while girls and boys from rural
India equally aspire to become
doctors or engineers, when it
comes to choosing Science,
Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) courses, it is
boys who take up STEM courses
more than girls.
Current Status of Gender Equity in
Education in India

1. Gender Equity in Learning Outcomes:

• National Achievement Survey (2017) shows
parity in learning levels between boys and
girls in elementary and secondary classes
across the country.

2. Gender Gap in Mean Years of Schooling:

• Over the past two decades, the mean years
of schooling for girls has almost tripled from
just 1.7 years in 1990 to 4.7 in 2018, while
for males from 4.1 to 8.2 years. The gender
gap has increased from 2.4 years to 3.5
years.
3.Widening Gender Gap with Level of
Education:
• Girls have higher dropout rates
compared to boys as the level of
education increases. This is due to
greater barriers to schooling for girls
due to social norms and gender
stereotypes correlated with female
adolescence.

4.Gender Gap in Enrolment in Private

Schools:
• More boys than girls tend to be enrolled
in private institutions. Girls’ enrolment is
free government schools highlights
societal gender biases in exercising
school choice.
The Way Forward

Focus on early childhood

education (ECE):

• Focus should be shifted to

early childhood education
(ECE) where the roots of
the gender gap in
education lie. This is
because gender norms,
biases and stereotypes
are ingrained in early
childhood.
Addressing Structural Challenges:
• The lack of a regulatory framework, inadequate funding, poor quality and no
legislation for universal access to early childhood education must be addressed
urgently.

Eliminating Gender Stereotypes:

• Early childhood education should also focus on imparting education that
eliminates gender stereotypes and helps erase the gender gap.

Government Schemes:
• Schemes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and the new National Education
Policy places importance on ECE and hence, should be implemented at the
earliest in mission mode.
 Question for practice
Q-Women’s education is important for society to
flourish. However, it faces several challenges in
the Indian context. Discuss.

!"न- समाज के फलने-फूलने के /लए म1हला /श4ा मह5वपण ू 9

है । हालां=क, भारतीय संदभ9 मE इसे कई चनु ौKतयL का सामना
करना पड़ता है । चचा9 करना।
Basic Structure Doctrine- How Basic Structure doctrine
became one of the strongest safeguards for Indian
democracy
News:
• The article discusses the Basic Structure
doctrine in India’s Constitution, which
prevents Parliament from making
amendments that could lead to
dictatorship or violate core constitutional
principles.

What is the Basic Structure Doctrine?

• The “Basic Structure” doctrine is a legal
doctrine made from judicial innovation
specific to the Indian context. The doctrine
prescribes that certain constitutional
features are essential for the state’s
functioning. Such features are beyond the
limits of the amending powers of the
Parliament.
How did the Basic Structure Doctrine evolve in India?

Early Cases:
• The Shankari Prasad (1951) and Sajjan Singh (1964) cases initially allowed
Parliament extensive amendment powers, but also started discussions on
constitutional limitations.

Introduction of “Basic Features”:

• In the Sajjan Singh case, Justice J.R. Mudholkar first used the term “basic
features,” while expressing his thoughts about the potential limits of
Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution.
• He drew inspiration from the Fazlul Chowdhury case in the Supreme Court
of Pakistan, which used the phrase “essential features.” This discussion laid the
groundwork for what would later become the Basic Structure doctrine in India.
Influence of Professor Dieter Conrad: His
lecture at BHU in 1965, discussing implied
limitations on constitutional amendments,
influenced Indian legal thought and laid the
groundwork for the Basic Structure concept.

Shift in Golaknath Case: The Golaknath verdict

in 1967 marked a pivotal change, with the
Supreme Court ruling that fundamental rights
are unamendable, thus laying the groundwork
for the Basic Structure concept.

Establishment in Kesavananda Bharati

Case: The Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973
officially established the Basic Structure
Doctrine, stating that Parliament can’t alter the
essential elements of the Constitution.
Why is the Basic Structure
Doctrine important?
Protection Against Tyranny:
• The Basic Structure Doctrine prevents
Parliament from creating amendments that
could lead to dictatorship or undermine
democratic values, as emphasized in the
Kesavananda Bharati case.

Checks Unlimited Power:

• serves as a safeguard against the absolute
power of the majority in Parliament,
ensuring that even popular decisions
cannot violate core constitutional
principles.
• Guarantees Constitutional Consistency: The
doctrine ensures that essential features of the
Constitution, like fundamental rights and
democratic principles, remain unchanged,
despite parliamentary amendments.

• Balances Judiciary and Legislature: By

allowing the judiciary to review constitutional
amendments, it maintains a balance between
legislative authority and constitutional
integrity.

• Upholds Democratic Ideals: The doctrine is

pivotal in sustaining democracy by preventing
the institutionalization of tyranny, even if
proposed amendments have unanimous
parliamentary support.
Way forward
• The way forward requires
steadfast adherence to the Basic
Structure doctrine, as a means to
protect democratic principles and
avert authoritarian rule. It’s
essential for the judiciary to
consistently monitor and ensure
that Parliament’s amendments do
not contravene the core values of
the Constitution.

• This approach, rooted in the

precedent set by the Kesavananda
Bharati case, will maintain the
crucial balance between legislative
power and constitutional sanctity.
 Mains Question For Practice

Q- Discuss the evolution and significance of

the Basic Structure Doctrine in India’s
Constitution.

!"न- भारत के सं.वधान म2 मल

ू संरचना 6स7धांत के
उ7भव और मह;व क< .ववेचना क<िजए।
Canada’s Foreign Students Cap: Impact on
Indian Students
News–
• Recently, Canada has decided to cap
the number of international student
visas for a two-year period. It will
begin with the upcoming academic
session. This article explores the
various implications of this decision.

What decisions has been taken by

the Canadian Government?
1) Foreign students visa cap– It has
announced a 35% reduction in the
number of new international student
permits (as compared to 2023) for the
academic session starting on
September 1, 2024.
2) PGWP modifications– It has also
announced modifications to the Post-
Graduation Work Permit Program
(PGWP). PGWP enabled international
students to work in Canada upon
finishing their studies.

3) Restriction on spousal work

permits– Work permits for spouses of
international students will no longer
be issued, except for those enrolled in
master’s and doctoral programs.

Note– A review will take place at the

end of this year to determine the
number of study permits for 2025.
• The limit on permits is temporary.

What are the implications of this

decision for foreign students,
especially for Indians?
1) The two-year cap on student
permits applies only to undergraduate
courses. Masters, PhD, and
elementary/secondary school courses
are exempted.

2) The restrictions will apply to only new

applicants. Current international
students in Canada, whether in
undergraduate or other programs,
remain unaffected.
3) The visa cap will hit Indian students. As per data from Immigration, Refugees,
and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the majority of student visas are granted to
applicants from Asia, with India ranking as the top country on the list (followed by
China).

Why has the decision been made?

• 1) Housing crisis in Canada– The growing influx of foreign students has

triggered a housing crisis, leading to increased rentals and living costs. Also, the
job opportunities are not proportionally abundant as compared to the intake of
students.
• 2) Poor quality education by institutes– Some students have expressed
concerns about private institutions charging high tuition fees and delivering
subpar education.
 Question for Practice
Q-Examine the reasons behind Canada’s decision to
impose a cap on foreign student visas and analyze its
implications, with a particular emphasis on the impact
on Indian students.

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के पीछे के कारणL कS जांच करE और भारतीय छाPL पर !भाव
पर Nवशेष जोर दे ते हुए इसके Kन1हताथX का Nव"लेषण करE ।
On the Semiconductor Design-Linked Incentive
(DLI) scheme
News:

• The article discusses India’s

semiconductor strategy and the
issues with the Semiconductor
Design-Linked Incentive (DLI)
scheme.

Background:

• The Semiconductor Design-

Linked Incentive (DLI)
scheme has approved only 7
start-ups till now, falling short of
its target of supporting 100 over 5
years.
What are the goals of India’s
semiconductor strategy?
1.Reduce dependence on semiconductor
imports, particularly from China, and
especially in strategic and emerging
sectors.

2.Build supply chain resilience by integrating

into the semiconductor global value chain
(GVC).

3.Taking advantage of India’s comparative

advantage such as the presence of the
design houses of every major global
semiconductor industry player and Indian
chip design engineers.
What are the issues with the DLI scheme?
1.Barriers on FDI:
• It mandates that beneficiary start-ups maintain their domestic status for at least
3 years after receiving incentives, and for this they cannot raise more than 50%
of their funds via FDI.

2. Lack of Domestic Funding:

• Costs for semiconductor design startups are significant. The funding landscape
for chip start-ups in India continues to be challenging due to an absence of a
mature start-up funding ecosystem.

3. Incentives Not Enough:

• Incentives under the DLI scheme are not very high, making it unattractive for
start-ups (For e.g. it is capped at ₹15 Crore for Product DLI).
4.Issues with the Nodal Agency:
• As the nodal agency Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing
(C-DAC) is also a market player in the
Indian chip design sector, there are
concerns of conflict of interest.

Way forward

1) Focusing on the Broader Objective:

• The scheme should focus on facilitating
design capabilities within the country,
as long as the entity engaging in the
design development process is
registered in India.
2) Focusing on the Design Stage:
Stimulating the design ecosystem is less capital-intensive than the foundry and
assembly stages of the semiconductor GVC. The financial outlay of the scheme
must be enhanced.

3) Regarding Nodal Agency Reform:

• The Karnataka government’s Semiconductor Fabless Accelerator Lab (SFAL),
with its specific partnerships with the Indian Electronics and Semiconductor
Association, vendors, IP, and testing companies, could be an appropriate
example for an implementing agency for DLI.

• A recalibrated policy focused on chip design implemented by a capable

institution can help establish India’s foothold in this high-tech sector.
 UPSC PYQ- 2009
Consider the following statements:
1. There are no east flowing rivers in Kerala.
2.There are no west flowing rivers in Madhya Pradesh.

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
 Prelims Facts| Page -4

Current Affairs for All Exam