UPSC Daily Current Affairs| Prelim Bits 26-04-2025
iasparliament
April 26, 2025
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
Prelims– Current events of national and international importance|Indian Polity and Governance.
Mains (GS II) – Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government.
Why in News?
Recently, Prime Minister convened an urgent CCS meeting at his residence following the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
A Cabinet Committee is extra-constitutional and are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution.
CCS is a high-powered committee responsible for debates, discussions and appointments of/ in the national security bodies.
Major decisions with respect to significant appointments, issues of national security, and defence expenditure are taken by the CCS.
The CCS discusses and takes decisions on urgent concerns on India’s national security.
The CCS brainstorms on issues relating to law and order and internal security.
It also considers matters relating to atomic energy.
Structure and Composition – Members -
Prime Minister (Chairperson)
Defence Minister
Home Minister
Finance Minister
External Affairs Minister
It can also include the defence chiefs and other senior bureaucrats, depending on the situation and the nature of the discussion.
The National Security Advisor (At present - Ajit Doval) acts as secretary-level coordinator.
The Cabinet Secretariat maintains records of all CCS meetings.
CCS meetings have been called during major events in India’s history, including the wars with Pakistan, the Kargil conflict and the Kandahar hijack.
Recent decisions made by CCS after the Pahalgam attack
Suspension of Indus-water treaty - The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.
Closure of Attar-wagah border - The Integrated Check Post Attari will be closed with immediate effect.
Visa suspension - Suspension of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas.
Diplomatic measures - The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India.
India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.
The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions.
Neutral carbon (C) atomic lines and hydrocarbon (CH and C₂) molecular lines.
Relative consistency - The technique is based on the principle of elemental abundance consistency between atomic and molecular forms of the same element.
Key Findings
The research confirmed a helium-to-hydrogen ratio of approximately 0.1.
It also confirmed that for every 10 hydrogen atoms in the Sun, there is about 1 helium atom.
Significance
This could be a major step in assessing the opacity of the Sun’s photosphere.
Validates previously assumed helium abundance values with direct evidence.
Estimating accurate models of solar structure and evolution, as helium content significantly influences a star's lifetime, energy production, and evolutionary path.
Solar helium measurements help constrain theories about Big Bang nucleosynthesis and the early universe's elemental production.
Prelims– Current events of international importance.
Mains (GS II) –Important International Institutions | India and its Neighbourhood.
Why in News?
In the aftermath of the terror strike in Pahalgam, the Indian government has announced that Pakistan nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).
Launched in - 1992.
Launched by - The 4th Summit of SAARC launching the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) in 1992, allowing select individuals to travel within the region without visas.
Visa Exemption Sticker - This travel document is known as the SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker.
Eligibility - Itis given to individuals falling under 24 specific categories, such as dignitaries, judges, parliamentarians, senior officials, business persons, journalists, and sports personalities.
The Visa Stickers are issued by the respective Member states to the entitled categories of that particular country.
Validity - 1 year.
Administered by - Immigration Authorities of respective Member states.
It was to ensure that their travel is not limited to any specific cities and would save them from the hassles like police reporting and filling of extra forms on entry in any of the 8 SAARC countries.
Other Visas
In 2015, India decided that citizens of SAARC countries are eligible for a Business Visa to India for a period of up to 5 years, or for a shorter duration based on specific requirements.
However, this does not apply to nationals of Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan did not require a visa to visit India.
In the case of Pakistani nationals, only certain categories were eligible for a multiple-entry Business Visa, limited to a maximum duration of one year and restricted to 10 places within India.
Later, India issued revised instructions allowing a multiple-entry Business Visa for up to 3 years for special category Pakistani businessmen with verified financial standing and business credentials.
These visas are restricted to 15 designated places in India.
Among SAARC countries, Sri Lankan nationals were eligible for the e-Tourist Visa facility.
Indian nationals, in turn, do not require a visa to travel to Nepal and Bhutan, while all other SAARC member states provide Business Visa facilities to Indian citizens.
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
It is an economic and political regional organization of countries in South Asia.
Secretariat - Kathmandu, Nepal,
Established with - The signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on December 8, 1985.
Members (8) -Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Areas of Cooperation - SAARC focuses on various areas like trade, education, health, and infrastructure development.
Objectives - To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life.
To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize their full potentials.
SAARC also aims to strengthen cooperation with other developing countries and to cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.
Prelims– Current events of international importance.
Mains (GS III) –Food processing and related industries in India.
Why in News?
The Tamil Nadu government has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of mayonnaise made using raw eggs, citing public health risks.
Mayonnaise – It is described as a semi-solid emulsion containing egg yolk, vegetable oil, vinegar, and other seasonings.
Egg yolks (and some seasoning, if one wants) are stirred together with oil to create a thick pale-yellow sauce. In the end, a dash of acid is added.
The protein in the egg acts as an emulsifier (a substance that binds two immiscible liquid to form a stable mixture) for the oil and water, also from the egg (some 50% of the yolk is water).
Health Risks associated with Mayonnaise
Eggs are known to carry innumerous pathogens, which are usually neutralized in the cooking process (through the application of heat). But mayonnaise uses raw eggs.
This is especially relevant in Indian conditions, where improper preparation and storage amid hot and humid weather creates additional risk of contamination by microorganisms, especially Salmonella and E Coli.
Salmonella– Theseare bacteria that can cause severe illness if consumed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they are a leading cause of foodborne illness, hospitalizations, and deaths worldwide.
Warm, humid weather is the ideal condition for salmonella to grow. Symptoms of salmonella infection include watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
E coli – These are bacteria which can cause infections in the gut, urinary tract, and other parts of the body.
While most E Coli strains are harmless, they are in fact important to the digestive process certain kinds can cause severe illness.
High-risk groups - While these bacteria can affect everyone, it poses more acute risks to certain groups such as immunocompromised individuals, children, and the elderly.
Significance of the ban - It will likely force food businesses to switch to eggless or pasteurized-egg versions, at least until a comprehensive risk assessment is done.
States
Banned food items
Telangana
Egg-mayonnaise
Tamil Nadu
Gutka and Paan masala
Punjab
caffeinated energy drinks
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh
Cotton candy and Gobi Manchurian contains Rhodamine B
Reasons behind the recent spike in gold prices in India
Prelims– Current events of national and international importance.
Mains (GS II) –Economic Development | Issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth.
Why in News?
In the domestic market, gold breached the psychological level of Rs 1 lakh per 10 grams, while gold prices hit a fresh record high of 3,500 dollars per ounce in the international market recently.
Tariffs imposed by U.S. - Experts attribute the global economic uncertainty caused by the tariffs imposed by US as the primary reason behind the recent spike in gold prices.
US investors are also importing large quantities of gold from the international markets China, London, and other countries like to hedge against a potentially higher tariff regime.
Fluctuations in Major currencies - Recent fluctuations in the values of major currencies, including the US dollar and the euro, have prompted businesses to invest in gold to hedge their currency assets.
Surge in demand - The ongoing global tariff and trade war has led to a surge in demand for gold by investors, fund managers, and central banks alike.
There is also a surge in demand for gold through Gold Exchange-Traded Funds, or ETFs, as these funds are attracting higher investments.
Domestic reason – Gold prices have also risen in the domestic market due to the ongoing marriage season, which typically leads to a spurt in gold demand.
India is the 2nd-largest gold market in the world, after China. According to a World Gold Council report, the value of total gold demand in India increased by 31% in 2024, compared to 2023.
Quick facts
Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) – These are investment vehicles that allow individuals to gain exposure to gold without needing to physically store or handle the precious metal.
They are traded on stock exchanges like any other share, and their value fluctuates based on the market price of gold.
Each unit of a gold ETF typically represents a specific amount of gold, often one gram.
Exchange-Traded Fund – It is a type of investment fund that can be bought and sold on a stock exchange throughout the day, like a stock.
ETFs hold a basket of underlying assets, such as stocks or bonds, and are designed to track a specific market index, sector, or commodity.
They offer a diversified investment in a single trade and are often more cost-effective than buying individual securities.
A century ago (100 years), the Travancore Government fully implemented the agreement reached during the historic Vaikom Satyagraha in Kerala.
Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25) - Held in Vaikom village, Kottayam district.s
Aim - To eradicate untouchability and secure freedom of movement in public areas.
Dalits faced severe restrictions, being barred from entering the Vaikom temple premises and even using the roads surrounding it, igniting the Satyagraha.
Key Leaders – K. Kelappan, T. K. Madhavan, and K. P. Kesava Menon spearheaded the movement, which also received crucial support from Mahatma Gandhi, who visited in 1925.
Success in Opening Temple Roads - The persistent Satyagraha ultimately achieved its goal, successfully opening the temple roads to people of all castes.
Legacy of Equality and Social Justice - The full implementation of the agreement marked a significant victory in the fight against untouchability and a crucial step towards social equality and justice in Kerala.
Polity & Governance
Yeshasvini Scheme
Recently, Karnataka expert committee suggests a significant increase in Yeshasvini health scheme rates, up to 50% for complex procedures, aiming to improve rural healthcare access.
Launched in – 2003, for low-to-middle-income individuals, Yeshasvini merged with Arogya Karnataka in 2018 but was relaunched in 2022-2023 following stakeholder demands.
Expert Committee Recommendations - A 6-month market analysis led to a proposed 15-25% standard rate hike and a 50% increase for complex surgeries. Six outdated and 69 new procedures were also recommended.
Financial Impact – The revisions may affect funding. The scheme offers cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for a minimal contribution.
Enrollment and Hospital Participation – As of March 2025, 45.6 lakh members are enrolled, but only 782 hospitals are empanelled due to low 2017-2018 rates. Higher rates are expected to attract more hospitals.
Future Funding and Access – The committee requests an additional Rs 40 crore to support increased costs and new procedures, focusing on enhanced rural healthcare access and increased hospital participation.
International Relations and Issues
Simla Agreement, 1972
Following India's actions post the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan has dramatically escalated tensions by suspending the 1972 Simla Agreement, citing alleged Indian terrorism and Kashmir violations.
It arose directly from the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War and the creation of Bangladesh, a conflict where India's military played a decisive role, reshaping South Asian geopolitics.
Aim – To establish peace and normalize relations after intense hostilities.
Objectives – India sought a bilateral resolution to the Kashmir issue, improved relations based on the new power balance, and strategically avoided pushing for a permanent border at the ceasefire line to prevent Pakistani resentment.
Core Principle – It emphasized peaceful, bilateral negotiations as the primary means to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan, aiming to end ongoing conflict and confrontation.
Key Negotiators - PM Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Status of the Line of Control - A central provision addressed the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, established after the 1971 war. Both nations agreed to respect the LoC without prejudice to their claims and to avoid unilateral changes.
Agreement mandated – The withdrawal of forces to their respective borders and outlined plans for future high-level meetings and discussions to build lasting peace, normalize relations, and address humanitarian concerns.
Environment
New Snake Species
Recently, Herpetologist Fred Kraus was discovered a new arboreal snake species.
Dendrelaphis anthracina – It is a coal black tree snake on Sudest Island, Papua New Guinea which was observed defending itself against a goshawk.
Size – 4-foot, 8-inch length.
Newly identified 3Endemic Species – It were identified within the Louisiade Archipelago:
Dendrelaphis atra – The atra tree snake is matte black with a white chin, reaching 4 feet, 1 inch found on Misima Island
Dendrelaphis melanarkys – It is known as black net tree snake (4 feet, 11 inches) has dark, net-patterned scales and orange eyes found on Rossel Island.
Dendrelaphis roseni – Rosen’s tree snake, the smallest at 3 feet, 5 inches found on Woodlark Island.
New Labeo Fish Species
Researchers recently in Kochi identified 2 new freshwater fish species, Labeo uru and Labeo chekida, in the Western Ghats.
Labeo uru– Found in the Chandragiri River, is named for its sail-like fins.
Labeo chekida – Locally known as ‘kaka chekida’ and found in the Chalakudy River.
Endemic species – Both are endemic to their respective river systems.
Threats – Posed by dams and habitat destruction, which threaten the survival of these unique species and the overall ecological health of the rivers.
Conservation status – IUCN – It has not been formally determined.
Urban Munnar Effect
Recently, the Technology Development Board (TDB) extending a financial support to Urban Air Labs Private Limited, Gurugram.
It is a novel technology developed by Urban Air Labs and used in their uBreathe Life air purifier.
Process – It enhances the natural air-purifying abilities of leafy indoor plants by amplifying the airflow around them and directing it to the root zone, where the majority of purification happens.
Features – It is a combination of,
Falcon Effect – Create a low-pressure area that draws the more air, then is purified.
Magneto Effect – Bends the airflow, further increasing airflow and accelerating the purification process.
Phytoremediation – It enhances the natural air-purifying abilities of plants.
Science
Lunar Nuclear Power Plant
China and Russia intend to construct a nuclear power plant on the Moon to provide energy for their joint International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
Aim – To conduct research in lunar geology, astronomy, space environment observation, fundamental science experiments, and lunar resource utilization.
Participation – Currently, 17 countries and international organizations, along with over 50 research institutions.
Earth-Moon transportation, a robust energy supply system, centralized control, communication, navigation, and ground support.
"555 Project" Invitation – Their plan includes the "555 Project," an initiative to invite 50 countries, 500 research institutions, and 5,000 researchers to participate in the ILRS.
Swap Kidney Transplant (SKT)
Recently, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) of Raipur successfully performed its 1st Swap Kidney Transplant.
Process of SKT – A patient with kidney failure who has a willing living donor, but is unable to receive the kidney due to an incompatible blood group.
The patient can still undergo a transplant by exchanging donors with another incompatible pair.
Through this arrangement, both recipients receive compatible kidneys, resulting in successful transplants for both pairs.
It leads to a 15% increase in the number of transplants.
It also known as a Kidney Paired Transplant (KPT).
AIIMS Raipur – It becomes the 1st government hospital in the state of Chhattisgarh to carry out this complex and life-saving procedure.
Miscellaneous
Asia University Rankings, 2025
Recently, the Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2025, released on April 23rd, 2025.
The rankings indicate an intensifying competitive landscape in Asian higher education and highlighting leaders in research, teaching, and innovation.
It features 853 universities across 35 Asian countries and territories.
Top Positions – China continues to lead the regional rankings, with Tsinghua University and Peking University securing the first and second positions, respectively.
IISc Tops Indian Institutions - Remains India's top-ranked university at 38th in Asia, although it experienced a drop from its 32nd position in 2024.
Other Indian Universities Ranking - Anna University (111th), IIT Indore (131st), and Mahatma Gandhi University (140th) also saw slight decreases in their rankings compared to the previous year.
Indian institutions experienced a decline amidst strong performances from universities in China, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong.
National Centre for Sports Science and Research (NCSSR)
Recently, the Minister of Youth Affairs inaugurated NCSSR at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.
It is a hub for high-level research, education, and innovation under the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
