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G.S III - Economy

Impact of GeM on India’s Economy


Why in News?

In the last financial year, GeM order volume reached 62,86,543, with an order value of Rs. 4,03,305 Crore.

What is GeM?

  • GeM - Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is the Public Procurement Portal for procurement of goods and services for all Central Government and State Government Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Units (PSUs) and affiliated.
  • It was  launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
  • Objective - To create an open and transparent centralized and unified public procurement procurement platform for government buyers and suppliers of goods and services.

1

  • Core principles of GeM
    • Openness - GeM shall be an open marketplace wherein it promotes access to information on sellers, goods, and services.
    • Fairness - GeM allows sellers, big and small, to gain direct access to Government buyers fairly provided with a level playing field.
    • Inclusiveness - GeM shall promote inclusiveness, which means that all Government buyers and sellers shall be accepted on the platform.

2

What are the key features of GeM?

 

3

  • SWAYATT – To enhance ease of doing business and establish direct market linkages for startups, women entrepreneurs, Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self Help Groups (SHGs) and youth, especially those from backward sections of the society.

Startups, Women & Youth Advantage through eTransactions (SWAYATT) initiative was launched in 2019.

  • Startup Runway 2.0 – To enable Startups to showcase their innovative products and services to Government buyers and engage in public procurement.

4

  • Womaniya - To showcase products made by women entrepreneurs and women self-help groups [WSHGs], and spur Women entrepreneurship.

5

  • MSME SC/ST entrepreneurs – GeM mandates procurement of 25% from MSMEs and a sub target procurement of 4% goods and services from MSME entrepreneurs within SC/ ST communities.
  • SARAS Collection - It is a pristine handcrafted collection of handicrafts, handloom textiles, furnishings, accessories from top of the line SHGs in India.

6

What are the impacts of GeM?

  • Economic growth - Public procurement plays a crucial role in a nation’s economic growth, directly impacting the lives of its citizens.
  • Effective use of public funds - When governments purchase goods and services efficiently and transparently, it ensures the effective use of public funds.

In the 2023-24 financial year, the order volume reached 62,86,543, with an order value of Rs. 4,03,305 Crore.

  • Drives employment – Procurement by the government stimulates economic opportunities  for businesses of all sizes and employment for citizens.
  • Inclusive growth – GeM is an open and inclusive platform that benefits not just government buyers but also local entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses.
  • Promotes innovation - GeM has enabled startups to fulfil orders worth Rs. 35,950 Crore.
  • Women empowerment - Women entrepreneurs comprise 8% of the total seller base on GeM, with cumulative 1,77,786 Udyam-verified women micro, and small enterprises (MSE).

 

7

Reference

PIB | GeM

G.S III - Economy

Women’s invisible labour


Why in News?

The Time Use Survey 2024 (January-December), released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation last week, confirms that women take on a lion's share of unpaid work.

What is the gender divide in domestic labor?

  • Women’s unpaid work - Women perform over eight times the amount of unpaid work, valued at 15% to 17 %  of the GDP notionally.
  • Participation gap in unpaid domestic services – While 81% of female participated in unpaid domestic services , it was just 21% of male.
  • Contribution gap in unpaid  domestic services - In 2024, women spent 289 minutes a day on unpaid domestic services, 10 minutes less than in 2019, but still 201 minutes more than men.
  • Participation gap in care giving - 41 % of females aged 15-59 years participated in caregiving for their household members, male participation in this age group in such caregiving was 21.4 %.
  • Contribution gap in care giving - Female participants in caregiving activities spent about 140 minutes in a day, compared to 74 minutes spent by male participants.

What are the impacts of gender divide in domestic labour participation?

  • Low Female Workforce Participation - Women spend almost five hours daily on unpaid work, which limits their ability to engage in formal employment.

India’s female labor force participation rate (FLFP) is 41.7%, compared to 78% for men (Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24).

  • Job insecurity - Women engaged in unpaid work often enter low-paid, informal jobs with little job security.
  • Wage gap - This structural inequality exacerbates wage gaps, with women earning significantly less than men for similar work.
  • Wastage of human resources – Valuable ability and potential of educated and skilled women is kept unused in households.
  • Affects skill development - The extensive hours spent on household responsibilities limits women ability to acquire additional qualifications.
  • Reinforcement of gender roles - Traditional norms continue to associate women with domestic work and men with paid employment.
  • Psychological and health burdens - The physical and mental toll of managing unpaid labor leads to burnout, stress, and health issues.

What can be done to bring equality?

  • Inclusivity will have to begin with a re-imagination of the foundation of household dynamics.
  • Dismantling the stereotype around the household work and encouraging shared domestic responsibilities.
  • Incorporating unpaid work in GDP calculations to measure the economic value of household work.
  • Invest in care economy, particularly in early childhood care and education  to increase the female labour force participation rate.
  • Promoting behavioral change through campaigns like "Share the Load" (ariel) to successfully challenge gendered domestic roles.

Reference

The Indian Express | Women’s invisible labour

For Mains practise question , click here.

Prelim Bits

Blue Ghost Mission 1


Why in News?

Firefly Aerospace, U.S. Company successfully landed its spacecraft on the Moon recently.

  • It is the second private mission to make a soft lunar landing.
  • It is Nicknamed ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’.
  • Aim - To land for a site near Mons Latreille, a volcanic feature in Mare Crisium on the Moon’s northeastern near side.

Mare Crisium, once an ancient asteroid impact site, formed around 3 billion years ago when volcanic eruptions filled the basin with basaltic lava.

  • Launch Vehicle - SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
  • Size - 2 metres tall and 3.5 meters wide.
  • Instruments – It carries 10 instruments, including
    • A lunar soil analyzer,
    • A radiation-tolerant computer and
    • An experiment testing the feasibility of using the existing global satellite navigation system to navigate the moon.
  • It is engineered for stability with shock-absorbing feet, a low centre of mass, and a broad footprint. It incorporated flight-proven technologies.
  • Its Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters fired as needed, ensuring a controlled and smooth landing.
  • Functions - It will operate its payloads for a full lunar day (14 Earth days).
  • On March 14, it will capture high-definition images of a total eclipse, where Earth blocked sunlight from reaching the Moon.
  • On March 16, it will record the lunar sunset, gathering data on how solar activity causes lunar dust to levitate, a phenomenon first observed by Apollo 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan.
  • As part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Blue Ghost Mission 1 delivered 10 scientific and technological instruments to the lunar surface.
  • Scientific contributions - Blue Ghost’s payloads will contribute to lunar research through groundbreaking experiments, including
    • Testing regolith collection,
    • Global navigation satellite system capabilities,
    • Radiation-resistant computing, and
    • Lunar dust mitigation.

Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program
  • It is a collaboration with commercial companies to deliver science and technology to the Moon.
  • Agency – National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
  • The program is intended to support NASA's Artemis lunar program.
  • Functions - NASA contracts with companies to deliver payloads to the Moon.
  • Companies bid on the services, including launching, landing, and payload integration.
  • The contracts are indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts.

References

  1. The Hindu | Blue Ghost Mission 1
  2. Hindustan Times | ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’

Prelim Bits

Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)


Why in News?

Union government has recently appointed Finance and Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for 3 years.

  • Appointed by - The government via notification from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
  • Age limit – 65 Years.
  • Term - The Chairman shall hold office for 5 years, as many be specified in the order of his appointment.
  • Appointed under - Securities and Exchange Board of India (Terms and Conditions of Service of Chairman and Members) Rules, 1992.
  • Appointments committee - Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Search Committee consists
    • Cabinet Secretary – Chairman
    • Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister – Member
    • Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs – Member
    • Three outside experts of repute in the fields of Finance, Economics, Law, Public Administration, Financial Markets and related subjects maintained by it – Member.
  • Pay - Chairman shall have the option to receive pay as admissible to a Secretary to the Government of India.
  • Entitlement to PF - The Chairman or a whole-time Member shall be entitled to subscribe to the General Provident Fund.
  • The Chairman shall not accept any employment before the expiry of a period of 1 year from the date of demitting the office in SEBI, except with the previous sanction of the Central Government.
  • The Central Government shall have power to relax the provisions of any of these rules with respect to any class or category of persons.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
  • It is a statutory body and a market regulator, which controls the securities market in India.
  • Aim - To protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote and regulate the securities market.
  • Board - SEBI is run by its board of members.
  • The board consists of
    • A Chairman and
    • 2 members from the finance ministry,
    • 1 member from Reserve Bank of India and
    • 5 other members are also nominated by the Centre.
  • Headquarters – Mumbai.
  • Regional offices - Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi.

References

  1. Business Standard | New SEBI chairman
  2. The Hindu | SEBI Chairman

Prelim Bits

Geological Survey of India


Why in News?

Geological Survey of India (GSI), one of the nation’s oldest and prestigious scientific institutions, hosted a ‘Grand Walkathon’   themed ‘Geoscience for a safe world’ recently as part of its 175th anniversary celebrations.

  • It is a repository of geological information required in various fields in the India.
  • It has also attained the status of a geo-scientific organisations of international repute.
  • Founded in – 1851.
  • It was primarily established to explore coal deposits for the railways.
  • Nodal Ministry - At present, the Geological Survey of India is an attached office of the Ministry of Mines.
  • Headquarters – Kolkata.
  • Regional offices - Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata and state unit offices in almost all the states of the country.
  • Functions - Its main functions relate to creating and updating of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment.
  • Objectives achieved through ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting and investigations, multi-disciplinary geological, geotechnical, geo-environmental, natural hazards studies.
  • It is also by glaciology, seismological studies, and fundamental research.
  • It provides impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and geoscientific information of all kinds, with a focus on policy making decisions, commercial and socio-economic needs.
  • GSI also emphasises on systematic documentation of all geological processes, both surface and subsurface, of India and its offshore areas.
  • The organisation carries out this work through geological, geophysical, & geochemical surveys using the latest and most cost-effective techniques and methodologies.
  • GSI’s core competence in survey and mapping is continuously enhanced through accretion, management, coordination and utilization of spatial databases.
  • It functions as a ‘Repository’ for the purpose and uses the latest computer-based technologies for dissemination of geoscientific information and spatial data.

Reference

The Hindu | Geological Survey of India (GSI)

Prelim Bits

UPSC Daily Current Affairs| One Liners 03-03-2025


 

One Liners 03-03-2025

History, Art and Culture

Dholavira

  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Location – Arid island of Khadir in Kachchh district, Gujarat.
  • Features – Advanced town planning skills with:
    • Sophisticated water conservation system,
    • Well-structured reservoirs and
    • Urban settlements and so on.
  • Significance – It is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the subcontinent, showcasing architectural and engineering brilliance of the Harappan people.

Geography

Planetary Parade

  • About – It is a rare alignment in which all seven other planets in our solar system will line up in the night sky.
  • All 7 planets and Moon will align on the same side of the Sun.
  • Planets visible to the naked eye – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
  • Planets visible through telescope – Uranus and Neptune.
  • This rare cosmic event won’t happen again until 2040.

Polity & Governance

Aadhaar Good Governance Portal

  • About – It is a digital platform to streamline approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests.
  • Launched by – Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • Provision – Under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020.
  • SWIK ((Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules – It were introduced as a facilitating provision to section 4(4) (b)(ii) of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.

Baroda Kisan Pride Scheme

Bank of Baroda will shortly launch Baroda Kisan Pride scheme in Karnataka.

  • Aim & objectives – To encourage farmers to adopt scientific practices in agriculture.
  • To provide adequate and timely cash credit facility to farmers at competitive pricing.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Corporate/Companies of individual farmers.
    • Farmer’s Producer Organizations/ Farmer’s Producer Companies.
    • Proprietorship/Partnership firms.
    • Co-operatives of farmers/Joint borrowers
    • Large individuals /Other individual farmers
    • Lease cultivators
  • Loan amount – Rs.5 lakh to 10 crore.

Sugamya Yatra

  • Aim – To break myths associated with wheel chair users, promote accessibility and encourage inclusivity in society.
  • Organized on – International Wheel chair Day, 2025 (March 1st).
  • Organized by:
    • Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).
    • Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE).
    • Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD).

Economy

M-score Methodology

  • About – It is a mathematical model that uses financial ratios and 8 variables to identify whether a company has manipulated its earnings.
  • Developed by – Messod Beneish.
  • Uses – To uncover financial fraud.

Gender Budget (GB)

  • Union Budget allocation, 2025 – A record of Rs.4, 49,028.68 crore was allocated to the Gender Budget (GB) in Budget 2025-56.
  • Rise in allocation – 37.3% increase from FY24 and accounting for 8.86% of total Budget.
  • Reason for rise in allocation – It is primarily due to the inclusion of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, as it accounts for 24% of General Budget.

Security

Exercise Desert Hunt 2025

  • It is an integrated Tri-Service Special Forces exercise.
  • Conducted by – Indian Air Force.
  • Elite Para (Special Forces) – Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
  • Aim – At enhancing interoperability, coordination and synergy among the 3 Special Forces units.
  • To ensure swift and effective response towards emerging security challenges.

Miscellaneous

Tuhin Kanta Pandey

  • He was appointed as 11th chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
  • Appointment approval by – Appointment Committee of the Cabinet.
  • Tenure – 3 years.

United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD)

  • Celebrated on – 3rd March, every year.
  • Objective – To celebrate wild animals & plants, recognize their unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.
  • Theme, 2025 – Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.
  • WWD, 2025 – Will serve as a platform for exchange and exploration of innovative financial solutions for wildlife conservation.

 

Prelim Bits

Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)


Why in News?

Scientists have created a new gene therapy for a debilitating genetic disorder called maple syrup urine disease (MSUD).

  • Recent Findings - The treatment can prevent recurrence of deadly symptoms in a cow calf born with the disease.
  • It prevented newborn death, normalized growth, restored coordinated expression of the affected genes and stabilized biomarkers in a calf as well as in mice.
  • Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) – It is a rare genetic disorder characterized by deficiency of an enzyme complex (branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase).
  • Branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase is required to break down (metabolize) the 3 branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine and valine, in the body.
  • The result of this metabolic failure is that all 3 BCAAs, along with a number of their toxic byproducts, (specifically their respective organic acids), all accumulate abnormally.
  • In the classic, severe form of MSUD, plasma concentrations of the BCAAs begin to rise within a few hours of birth.
  • If untreated, symptoms begin to emerge, often within the first 24-48 hours of life.
  • Types - The classic type, intermediate type, intermittent type and possibly a thiamine-responsive type.
  • Cause - When a mutated form of the BCKDHA, BCKDHB or DBT gene is inherited from both parents.
  • Symptoms - Non-specific symptoms of increasing neurological dysfunction and include lethargy, irritability and poor feeding, soon followed by
    • Focal neurological signs such as abnormal movements, increasing spasticity and shortly thereafter, by seizures and deepening coma.
  • It is characterized by a distinctive sweet odor in the urine, reminiscent of maple syrup.
  • Risk level - If untreated, progressive brain damage is inevitable and death occurs usually within weeks or months.
  • Treatment - The disorder can be successfully managed through a specialized diet in which the three BCAAs are rigorously controlled.
  • However, even with treatment, patients of any age with MSUD remain at high risk for developing acute metabolic decompensation (metabolic crises).
    • Often triggered by infection, injury, failure to eat (fasting) or even by psychological stress.

Reference

The Hindu | Maple syrup urine disease

Prelim Bits

Hipposideros Srilankaensis


Why in News?

A global research team from Osmania University have identified and described a new species of bat.

  • It is a new species of leaf-nosed bat species.
  • Endemic to - Sri Lanka.
  • Taxonomy
    • Scientific Name – Hipposideros srilankaensis.
    • Family – Hipposideridae.
  • Named after –Its endemic nature to Sri Lanka.
  • Habitat – Found in dense forests to caves.
  • Morphology – A broad noseleaf, distinct ear shape, and cranial characteristics distinct from the Indian Hipposideros brachyotus.
  • Uniqueness - Genetic analysis further confirmed its distinctiveness from other closely related species in the region.

Hipposideros Srilankaensis

Hipposideros brachyotus

  • It is a species previously considered a subspecies of Hipposideros galeritus.
  • The research confirmed that it is a distinct species endemic to India and reclassified it as Hipposideros brachyotus.
  • Uniqueness – Genetic analysis further confirmed its distinctiveness from other known species in the region.
  • Echolocation call analysis further supported its classification.

36 species of bats are found in India and that Hyderabad is home to 14 different species of bats.

References

  1. The Hindu| New Bat Species
  2. Zootaxa| Hipposideros Srilankaensis

Prelim Bits

UPSC Daily Current Affairs| Prelim Bits 03-03-2025


Blue Ghost Mission 1

Why in News?

Firefly Aerospace, U.S. Company successfully landed its spacecraft on the Moon recently.

  • It is the second private mission to make a soft lunar landing.
  • It is Nicknamed ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’.
  • Aim - To land for a site near Mons Latreille, a volcanic feature in Mare Crisium on the Moon’s northeastern near side.

Mare Crisium, once an ancient asteroid impact site, formed around 3 billion years ago when volcanic eruptions filled the basin with basaltic lava.

  • Launch Vehicle - SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
  • Size - 2 metres tall and 3.5 meters wide.
  • Instruments – It carries 10 instruments, including
    • A lunar soil analyzer,
    • A radiation-tolerant computer and
    • An experiment testing the feasibility of using the existing global satellite navigation system to navigate the moon.
  • It is engineered for stability with shock-absorbing feet, a low centre of mass, and a broad footprint. It incorporated flight-proven technologies.
  • Its Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters fired as needed, ensuring a controlled and smooth landing.
  • Functions - It will operate its payloads for a full lunar day (14 Earth days).
  • On March 14, it will capture high-definition images of a total eclipse, where Earth blocked sunlight from reaching the Moon.
  • On March 16, it will record the lunar sunset, gathering data on how solar activity causes lunar dust to levitate, a phenomenon first observed by Apollo 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan.
  • As part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Blue Ghost Mission 1 delivered 10 scientific and technological instruments to the lunar surface.
  • Scientific contributions - Blue Ghost’s payloads will contribute to lunar research through groundbreaking experiments, including
    • Testing regolith collection,
    • Global navigation satellite system capabilities,
    • Radiation-resistant computing, and
    • Lunar dust mitigation.

Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program
  • It is a collaboration with commercial companies to deliver science and technology to the Moon.
  • Agency – National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
  • The program is intended to support NASA's Artemis lunar program.
  • Functions - NASA contracts with companies to deliver payloads to the Moon.
  • Companies bid on the services, including launching, landing, and payload integration.
  • The contracts are indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts.

References

  1. The Hindu | Blue Ghost Mission 1
  2. Hindustan Times | ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’

 

Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

Why in News?

Union government has recently appointed Finance and Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for 3 years.

  • Appointed by - The government via notification from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
  • Age limit – 65 Years.
  • Term - The Chairman shall hold office for 5 years, as many be specified in the order of his appointment.
  • Appointed under - Securities and Exchange Board of India (Terms and Conditions of Service of Chairman and Members) Rules, 1992.
  • Appointments committee - Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Search Committee consists
    • Cabinet Secretary – Chairman
    • Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister – Member
    • Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs – Member
    • Three outside experts of repute in the fields of Finance, Economics, Law, Public Administration, Financial Markets and related subjects maintained by it – Member.
  • Pay - Chairman shall have the option to receive pay as admissible to a Secretary to the Government of India.
  • Entitlement to PF - The Chairman or a whole-time Member shall be entitled to subscribe to the General Provident Fund.
  • The Chairman shall not accept any employment before the expiry of a period of 1 year from the date of demitting the office in SEBI, except with the previous sanction of the Central Government.
  • The Central Government shall have power to relax the provisions of any of these rules with respect to any class or category of persons.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
  • It is a statutory body and a market regulator, which controls the securities market in India.
  • Aim - To protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote and regulate the securities market.
  • Board - SEBI is run by its board of members.
  • The board consists of
    • A Chairman and
    • 2 members from the finance ministry,
    • 1 member from Reserve Bank of India and
    • 5 other members are also nominated by the Centre.
  • Headquarters – Mumbai.
  • Regional offices - Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi.

References

  1. Business Standard | New SEBI chairman
  2. The Hindu | SEBI Chairman

 

Geological Survey of India

Why in News?

Geological Survey of India (GSI), one of the nation’s oldest and prestigious scientific institutions, hosted a ‘Grand Walkathon’   themed ‘Geoscience for a safe world’ recently as part of its 175th anniversary celebrations.

  • It is a repository of geological information required in various fields in the India.
  • It has also attained the status of a geo-scientific organisations of international repute.
  • Founded in – 1851.
  • It was primarily established to explore coal deposits for the railways.
  • Nodal Ministry - At present, the Geological Survey of India is an attached office of the Ministry of Mines.
  • Headquarters – Kolkata.
  • Regional offices - Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata and state unit offices in almost all the states of the country.
  • Functions - Its main functions relate to creating and updating of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment.
  • Objectives achieved through ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting and investigations, multi-disciplinary geological, geotechnical, geo-environmental, natural hazards studies.
  • It is also by glaciology, seismological studies, and fundamental research.
  • It provides impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and geoscientific information of all kinds, with a focus on policy making decisions, commercial and socio-economic needs.
  • GSI also emphasises on systematic documentation of all geological processes, both surface and subsurface, of India and its offshore areas.
  • The organisation carries out this work through geological, geophysical, & geochemical surveys using the latest and most cost-effective techniques and methodologies.
  • GSI’s core competence in survey and mapping is continuously enhanced through accretion, management, coordination and utilization of spatial databases.
  • It functions as a ‘Repository’ for the purpose and uses the latest computer-based technologies for dissemination of geoscientific information and spatial data.

Reference

The Hindu | Geological Survey of India (GSI)

 

Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)

Why in News?

Scientists have created a new gene therapy for a debilitating genetic disorder called maple syrup urine disease (MSUD).

  • Recent Findings - The treatment can prevent recurrence of deadly symptoms in a cow calf born with the disease.
  • It prevented newborn death, normalized growth, restored coordinated expression of the affected genes and stabilized biomarkers in a calf as well as in mice.
  • Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) – It is a rare genetic disorder characterized by deficiency of an enzyme complex (branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase).
  • Branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase is required to break down (metabolize) the 3 branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine and valine, in the body.
  • The result of this metabolic failure is that all 3 BCAAs, along with a number of their toxic byproducts, (specifically their respective organic acids), all accumulate abnormally.
  • In the classic, severe form of MSUD, plasma concentrations of the BCAAs begin to rise within a few hours of birth.
  • If untreated, symptoms begin to emerge, often within the first 24-48 hours of life.
  • Types - The classic type, intermediate type, intermittent type and possibly a thiamine-responsive type.
  • Cause - When a mutated form of the BCKDHA, BCKDHB or DBT gene is inherited from both parents.
  • Symptoms - Non-specific symptoms of increasing neurological dysfunction and include lethargy, irritability and poor feeding, soon followed by
    • Focal neurological signs such as abnormal movements, increasing spasticity and shortly thereafter, by seizures and deepening coma.
  • It is characterized by a distinctive sweet odor in the urine, reminiscent of maple syrup.
  • Risk level - If untreated, progressive brain damage is inevitable and death occurs usually within weeks or months.
  • Treatment - The disorder can be successfully managed through a specialized diet in which the three BCAAs are rigorously controlled.
  • However, even with treatment, patients of any age with MSUD remain at high risk for developing acute metabolic decompensation (metabolic crises).
    • Often triggered by infection, injury, failure to eat (fasting) or even by psychological stress.

Reference

The Hindu | Maple syrup urine disease

 

Hipposideros Srilankaensis

Why in News?

A global research team from Osmania University have identified and described a new species of bat.

  • It is a new species of leaf-nosed bat species.
  • Endemic to - Sri Lanka.
  • Taxonomy
    • Scientific Name – Hipposideros srilankaensis.
    • Family – Hipposideridae.
  • Named after –Its endemic nature to Sri Lanka.
  • Habitat – Found in dense forests to caves.
  • Morphology – A broad noseleaf, distinct ear shape, and cranial characteristics distinct from the Indian Hipposideros brachyotus.
  • Uniqueness - Genetic analysis further confirmed its distinctiveness from other closely related species in the region.

Hipposideros Srilankaensis

Hipposideros brachyotus

  • It is a species previously considered a subspecies of Hipposideros galeritus.
  • The research confirmed that it is a distinct species endemic to India and reclassified it as Hipposideros brachyotus.
  • Uniqueness – Genetic analysis further confirmed its distinctiveness from other known species in the region.
  • Echolocation call analysis further supported its classification.

36 species of bats are found in India and that Hyderabad is home to 14 different species of bats.

References

  1. The Hindu| New Bat Species
  2. Zootaxa| Hipposideros Srilankaensis

 

One Liners 03-03-2025

History, Art and Culture

Dholavira

  • It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Location – Arid island of Khadir in Kachchh district, Gujarat.
  • Features – Advanced town planning skills with:
    • Sophisticated water conservation system,
    • Well-structured reservoirs and
    • Urban settlements and so on.
  • Significance – It is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the subcontinent, showcasing architectural and engineering brilliance of the Harappan people.

Geography

Planetary Parade

  • About – It is a rare alignment in which all seven other planets in our solar system will line up in the night sky.
  • All 7 planets and Moon will align on the same side of the Sun.
  • Planets visible to the naked eye – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
  • Planets visible through telescope – Uranus and Neptune.
  • This rare cosmic event won’t happen again until 2040.

Polity & Governance

Aadhaar Good Governance Portal

  • About – It is a digital platform to streamline approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests.
  • Launched by – Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • Provision – Under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020.
  • SWIK ((Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules – It were introduced as a facilitating provision to section 4(4) (b)(ii) of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.

Baroda Kisan Pride Scheme

Bank of Baroda will shortly launch Baroda Kisan Pride scheme in Karnataka.

  • Aim & objectives – To encourage farmers to adopt scientific practices in agriculture.
  • To provide adequate and timely cash credit facility to farmers at competitive pricing.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Corporate/Companies of individual farmers.
    • Farmer’s Producer Organizations/ Farmer’s Producer Companies.
    • Proprietorship/Partnership firms.
    • Co-operatives of farmers/Joint borrowers
    • Large individuals /Other individual farmers
    • Lease cultivators
  • Loan amount – Rs.5 lakh to 10 crore.

Sugamya Yatra

  • Aim – To break myths associated with wheel chair users, promote accessibility and encourage inclusivity in society.
  • Organized on – International Wheel chair Day, 2025 (March 1st).
  • Organized by:
    • Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).
    • Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE).
    • Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD).

Economy

M-score Methodology

  • About – It is a mathematical model that uses financial ratios and 8 variables to identify whether a company has manipulated its earnings.
  • Developed by – Messod Beneish.
  • Uses – To uncover financial fraud.

Gender Budget (GB)

  • Union Budget allocation, 2025 – A record of Rs.4, 49,028.68 crore was allocated to the Gender Budget (GB) in Budget 2025-56.
  • Rise in allocation – 37.3% increase from FY24 and accounting for 8.86% of total Budget.
  • Reason for rise in allocation – It is primarily due to the inclusion of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, as it accounts for 24% of General Budget.

Security

Exercise Desert Hunt 2025

  • It is an integrated Tri-Service Special Forces exercise.
  • Conducted by – Indian Air Force.
  • Elite Para (Special Forces) – Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
  • Aim – At enhancing interoperability, coordination and synergy among the 3 Special Forces units.
  • To ensure swift and effective response towards emerging security challenges.

Miscellaneous

Tuhin Kanta Pandey

  • He was appointed as 11th chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
  • Appointment approval by – Appointment Committee of the Cabinet.
  • Tenure – 3 years.

United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD)

  • Celebrated on – 3rd March, every year.
  • Objective – To celebrate wild animals & plants, recognize their unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.
  • Theme, 2025 – Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.
  • WWD, 2025 – Will serve as a platform for exchange and exploration of innovative financial solutions for wildlife conservation.

 
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Keeping up with UPSC Current Affairs through IAS Parliament

Preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is a rigorous process that requires not just knowledge of various subjects but also a thorough understanding of current affairs. The UPSC syllabus covers a vast range of topics, and current affairs play a significant role in shaping the exam questions. Aspirants need to stay updated with the latest happenings in India and the world to crack the exam successfully. One of the most reliable sources of current affairs for UPSC is the IAS Parliament.

The IAS Parliament is a platform that provides the latest news and insights on Government Policies & Schemes, bills, and acts. It is an excellent resource for UPSC aspirants who want to keep themselves informed about the latest developments in Indian Politics, Indian Economy, and society. The platform provides regular updates on the functioning of the government and its various departments, making it an ideal source for current affairs preparation.

The IAS Parliament covers a wide range of topics, including agriculture, education, health, environment, technology, and more. Aspirants can access the platform through its website or app and stay updated with the Latest News and Information. The platform also offers a daily news digest, which summarizes the most important news of the day. This feature is particularly useful for those who are short on time and need a quick overview of the day and events.

In addition to news updates, the IAS Parliament also offers in-depth analysis and expert opinions on various issues. The platform has a team of experts who provide Insightful Articles on current affairs, which are beneficial for aspirants looking to develop a deeper understanding of a topic. These articles also help aspirants form an opinion on a particular issue, which is useful for the Essay Paper in the UPSC exam.

Apart from news and analysis, the IAS Parliament also provides resources for aspirants to enhance their knowledge of current affairs. The platform has a section on 'Current Affairs for UPSC,' which offers a comprehensive coverage of various topics such as Indian Polity, Economy, and International Relations. These resources are updated regularly, ensuring that aspirants have access to the latest information.

The IAS Parliament also offers a UPSC Quiz section, where aspirants can test their knowledge of current affairs. These quizzes are based on the latest news and help aspirants assess their level of preparation. Aspirants can also participate in UPSC Daily Quizzes and track their progress over time.

The IAS Parliament is an excellent resource for UPSC aspirants who are looking to stay updated with the latest developments in India and the world. The platform provides reliable and comprehensive coverage of current affairs, making it an ideal source for aspirants preparing for the UPSC exam. The resources offered by the platform are not just limited to news and analysis but also include quizzes and resources to enhance knowledge. The platform's user-friendly interface and regular updates make it a must-have resource for every UPSC aspirant.

In conclusion, keeping up with current affairs is a critical aspect of UPSC Preparation, and the IAS Parliament offers a reliable and comprehensive source for the same. Aspirants can leverage the platform's resources to stay informed and enhance their knowledge, making them better prepared to tackle the UPSC exam. IAS Parliament is a one-stop-shop for all UPSC aspirants looking for a comprehensive and reliable source of current affairs information.

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