Supreme court relaxes norm for scribes in exams conducted by UPSC
Supreme Court’s Key Observations
- The Constitution envisions equal participation of persons with disabilities in the nation’s collective journey.
- Public examination systems must ensure accessibility, fairness, transparency, and sensitivity.
- The UPSC, as a premier constitutional body, must translate the constitutional promise of equality into a practical and enforceable reality.
Case Background
- Petition filed by Mission Accessibility, an organisation advocating disability rights.
- The petition sought:
- Relaxation of UPSC’s strict scribe-registration timeline.
- Permission for visually impaired candidates to use laptops equipped with screen-reader software.
- Provision of accessible digital question papers.
Supreme Court’s Directions to UPSC
- Scribe Change Provision
- Every UPSC examination notification must allow candidates to change their scribe up to at least 7 days before the exam.
- Timely Decision-Making
- Requests for scribe changes must be resolved through a reasoned order within 3 working days.
- Assistive Technology Deployment
- UPSC must provide screen-reader software for visually impaired candidates in its examinations.
Significance of the Judgment
- Reinforces the constitutional commitment to equal opportunity for persons with disabilities.
- Ensures public examinations become more inclusive and accessible.
- Ruling coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, underlining its symbolic and practical importance.
Human–Wildlife Conflict in India
Growing Human–Wildlife Conflict in India
- India’s rural regions are witnessing an intensifying crisis of human-wildlife conflict.
- Increasing incidents of wild animals entering farmland and towns, resulting in deaths of both humans and wildlife.
- Farmers in Assam, Odisha, Karnataka, and other States report night-time raids by wild elephants on paddy, sugarcane, and banana fields.
Key Drivers of Conflict
- Habitat loss and fragmentation due to expanding infrastructure push animals into human-dominated landscapes.
- WWF–UNEP report warns that human-wildlife conflict is a major threat to long-term survival of iconic species in India.
Elephant Casualties
- Between 2009–10 and 2020–21, 186 elephants were killed by train collisions (MoEFCC data).
- State-wise casualties:
- Assam: 62 (highest)
- West Bengal: 57
- Odisha: 27
Impact on Other Species
- Agricultural fields near forests attract nilgai, deer, bison, leading to crop raids and local demands to declare them ‘vermin’.
- Vultures have suffered catastrophic declines (>95%) due to habitat loss, poisoning by veterinary drugs, and disturbance at feeding sites.
- Vulture decline has led to rotting carcasses, increase in stray dogs, and associated public health risks.
Warnings from Experts
- WWF’s Margaret Kinnaird highlights that human-wildlife conflict, combined with other threats, has decimated common species and pushed rare species to the brink.
Government Response
- The Centre has launched the National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy & Action Plan.
- Strategy focuses on:
- Tackling habitat fragmentation
- Protecting wildlife corridors
- Preventing retaliatory killings
- Enhancing data-driven monitoring
- Strengthening habitat protection
Malaria Parasite Moves in Helical Motion
1. Helical Motion in Microorganisms
- Many microorganisms, including malaria parasites, move along 3D helical (corkscrew-like) paths instead of straight lines.
- Such motion occurs in noisy microscopic environments where random fluctuations can easily disrupt orientation.
2. The Challenge of Noise
- Classic studies on E. coli show that rotational diffusion randomises direction within ~1 second.
- Malaria parasites, however, must maintain direction for tens of seconds or more to find blood vessels within human tissue.
3. Limitations of Earlier Models
- Earlier physical models:
- Treated microorganisms as simple self-propelled beads in 2D.
- Added constant torque to induce circular motion.
- Used white noise, which lacks memory.
- Geometry-based models explained shape and flexibility but not detailed 3D movement in noisy environments.
4. New Study Bridging the Gap
- Heidelberg University researchers observed parasite movement in synthetic hydrogels.
- Published in Nature Physics (Nov 24).
- Found that malaria parasites move almost exclusively on right-handed helices in 3D.
5. Two Time Scales of Motion
- ~20 seconds: duration of one helical turn; internal drive remains consistent over this period.
- ~100 seconds: duration over which the helix’s axis remains oriented in one direction (directional stability).
6. Key Innovation — “Coloured Noise” Model
- Researchers built a 3D model of a chiral active particle (always twists in the same sense).
- Rotational noise treated using an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) process, producing coloured noise (noise with memory).
- This matched real parasite motion more accurately than previous models.
7. Movement Efficiency of Helical Paths
- In 3D, a helical trajectory can—over time—enable a microorganism to travel farther from its origin than straight-line swimmers with the same speed.
- Helical motion helps average out internal fluctuations and maintain long-term directionality.
8. Biological Relevance
- Helical pitch ≈ 13 µm, radius ≈ 3 µm — consistent with earlier parasite measurements.
- Helical motion helps sporozoites navigate human skin to locate capillaries after a mosquito bite.
- Likely an evolutionary adaptation enhancing efficient search in noisy environments.
9. Broader Implications
- Findings align with prior observations in sperm cells and algae, which also benefit from helical swimming under noisy conditions.
- Insights may inform the design of artificial micro/nanobots for medical navigation.
10. Future Directions
- Researchers aim to connect internal fluctuation time scales with movement strategies.
- Goal: understand how environments and evolutionary pressures shape these noise–motion relationships.
Zhuque-3 – China’s Reusable Orbital Rocket
1. Maiden Test of Zhuque-3
- China’s private aerospace firm LandSpace attempted the first test of its next-generation reusable rocket Zhuque-3, but the mission failed.
- The rocket could not complete a controlled soft landing, with Xinhua reporting an “abnormal combustion event” during descent.
- The exact cause of failure is still under investigation.
2. Significance of Zhuque-3
- Zhuque-3 is designed to be China’s first domestically developed reusable orbital rocket.
- Successful development would:
- Lower launch costs
- Allow rapid mission turnaround
- Support China’s ambitions to deploy large satellite constellations competing with SpaceX’s Starlink.
3. China’s Push Toward Reusability
- LandSpace said it will use flight data to optimize recovery systems.
- The company aims for Zhuque-3 to achieve:
- At least 20 reuses
- Ability to carry 18-tonne multi-satellite payloads
- Elon Musk previously praised the rocket’s design, suggesting it might even outclass Falcon 9 once mature.
4. Comparison with Global and Domestic Competitors
- Only two private companies—SpaceX and Blue Origin—have successfully tested reusable orbital-class rockets.
- SpaceX pioneered routine rocket reusability with Falcon 9 starting in 2015 after two failed attempts.
- Zhuque-3’s test places LandSpace ahead of Chinese competitors like iSpace, Galactic Energy, and Deep Blue Aerospace.
5. Technical Difficulty of Reusable Rockets
- Reusable boosters require:
- Controlled turnaround after stage separation
- Engine burns to slow descent
- Survival through supersonic re-entry
- Precise final landing burns
- Small miscalculations in angle or timing can cause uncontrolled spin, missed landing, or overheating.
6. Strategic Implications
- A successful reusable heavy-lift rocket would support China’s larger space-power objectives and contribute to faster, lower-cost space missions.
- Zhuque-3 marks China’s closest effort yet to a Falcon 9–class reusable system, despite still being technologically behind.
Volcanic Ash – A Hazard to Aircrafts
1. Background: Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts
- The Hayli Gubbi volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted on November 23, its first eruption in nearly 12,000 years.
- The eruption sent ash plumes rising up to 14 km into the atmosphere.
- Ash drifted across the Red Sea, towards Yemen, Oman, and even reached Iran.
2. Volcanic Ash Movement Toward India
- The ash plume reached India’s western border on November 24 at 5:50 pm.
- It travelled at 100–120 km/hour at altitudes of 15,000–25,000 feet.
- It passed over Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh before exiting India by 10:30 pm on November 25 and moving toward China.
3. Why Volcanic Ash is Dangerous for Aircraft
- Jet engines operate at ~1,600°C and involve extremely fast air intake and rotation.
- Volcanic ash contains silicates, glass, and rock particles:
- Silicates melt inside the engine.
- They re-solidify into glassy layers.
- This clogs cooling holes, disrupts airflow, and can cause engine power loss or complete shutdown.
4. DGCA’s Advisory to Airlines
- India’s aviation regulator ordered airlines to:
- Avoid affected altitudes and regions.
- Report any ash-related engine anomalies, cabin smoke, or odour.
- Airports were instructed to inspect runways for contamination and restrict operations if needed.
- Multiple flights were cancelled:
- Air India cancelled at least nine flights from Gulf destinations.
- Akasa cancelled flights to/from Jeddah, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi.
5. Historical Incidents Demonstrating Ash Hazards
- 1982 British Airways Incident (Mount Galunggung, Indonesia):
- Boeing 747 flew through ash; all four engines failed at 37,000 ft.
- Cabin lost pressurisation; oxygen masks deployed.
- Pilots descended 25,000 ft before restarting engines and landing with windshields obscured.
- 1989 KLM Incident (Mount Redoubt, Alaska):
- Boeing 747-400 encountered ash; all four engines shut down at 24,000 ft.
- After multiple restart attempts, the crew landed safely.
- Engines were severely damaged and had to be scrapped.
6. Key Takeaway
- Volcanic ash poses a serious threat to aviation safety due to engine damage and poor visibility.
- The DGCA’s rapid preventive actions helped mitigate risk during the Hayli Gubbi ash plume event.
Post Offices as Logistics Organisations
The Department of Posts (DoP) is undergoing a major transformation to become a leading public logistics organization through multiple modernization and technology-driven initiatives.
1. Strengthening Parcel Services & Logistics
- Modernizing the parcel processing and delivery ecosystem to enhance speed, reliability, and customer experience.
- Implementing standardized systems nationwide.
- Establishing Nodal Delivery Centres (NDCs) for mechanized, dedicated, and efficient last-mile parcel delivery.
2. Technology Upgrades
Advanced Postal Technology (APT) 2.0
- Real-time delivery updates.
- OTP-based delivery.
- API integration with e-commerce platforms and major customers.
Mail and Parcel Optimization Project (MPOP)
- End-to-end optimization of mail and parcel operations.
- Automation and standardized workflows.
- Deployment of parcel sorters and real-time tracking technologies.
- Recommendations from MPOP will guide the phased implementation of transformation efforts.
3. Partnerships & Service Expansion
- Collaboration with major e-commerce and logistics companies.
- Providing parcel services to various government ministries, including the Ministry of MSME.
4. Support for MSME Exports
- Establishment of 1,013 Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras (DGNKs) to help MSMEs, artisans, SHGs, and small businesses—particularly in rural and semi-urban areas—participate in exports.
5. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Addresses
Know Your DIGIPIN
- A new application forming the foundational layer of the national Digital Address DPI, enabling standardized digital addresses.
DHRUVA Scheme
- A Central Sector Scheme to develop Address-as-a-Service (AaaS).
- Recognizes address data management as a core public infrastructure essential for governance, inclusive service delivery, and improved user experience.
Modernisation of Post Offices
IT Modernization Project 2.0 – Advanced Postal Technology (APT)
- DoP has rolled out the Advanced Postal Technology (APT) platform) nationwide on 4 August 2025.
- Indigenously developed by the Centre for Excellence in Postal Technology (CEPT).
- Cloud-based platform hosted on MeghRaj 2.0 Cloud.
- Integrates ~1.70 lakh post offices across 23 Postal Circles for unified digital operations.
- APT is designed to be agile, scalable, and aligned with rising customer expectations.
Digital Enablement in Rural Areas
- Branch Post Offices equipped with Android smartphones running the DREAM (Digital Rural Enterprise Application for Mobile) app.
- Enhances service delivery, connectivity, and user experience in rural and remote areas.
Networking and Banking Infrastructure
- 25,022 Departmental Post Offices are connected under the Core Banking Solution (CBS).
- All Postmen and Grameen Dak Sevaks (GDS) provided with smartphones and biometric devices to deliver doorstep banking.
Expansion of IPPB Financial Services
- India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) operates through all post offices and is connected to its Core Banking Solution.
- Expanded financial and citizen-centric services include:
- Account opening
- Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)
- Digital Life Certificate (DLC)
- Third-party insurance services
- Post Office Savings Account linkage
- Credit referral facility
- Mobile number update in Aadhaar
- Child Aadhaar enrolment for children under 5 years.
Overall Impact
- Strengthens last-mile financial inclusion and service delivery.
- Enhances digital connectivity and operational efficiency across both urban and rural post offices.
- Moves the Department of Posts toward a modern, tech-enabled public service ecosystem.
Purple Fest 2025 at NCA-F
Event Overview
- National Communications Academy–Finance (NCA-F), Ghitorni, a 5-Star “Sarvotkrisht” Central Training Institute under DoT, celebrated Purple Fest 2025 on 3 December 2025.
- Organized in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Key Dignitaries & Messages
- Event inaugurated by Secretary, DEPwD, Ms. V. Vidyavathi, who emphasized the need to break mental barriers to build an inclusive society.
- DG, NCA-F encouraged participants to reinforce commitment to inclusive learning, compassion, and empowerment.
- Senior DEPwD officers, including the Deputy Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), added value through guidance and motivational remarks.
Activities & Programmes
- Inspirational address by Ms. Ira Singhal, IAS.
- NGO-led sessions, simulation experiences, and interactive activities promoting empathy, accessibility, and disability awareness.
- Training of Trainers (ToT) conducted by the Deputy CCPD for NCA-F faculty, along with sensitisation-focused simulations.
Participation
- 176 Officer Trainees from 15 All India and Central Civil Services (2025 batch), undergoing the Special Foundation Course at NCA-F in collaboration with LBSNAA, Mussoorie, took part enthusiastically.
- Faculty, staff, residents, and visitors also actively participated.
Entrepreneurial Showcases
- Exhibitions and stalls by Divyangjan entrepreneurs, including children and youth, drew enthusiastic engagement.
- Provided visibility, recognition, and opportunities for financial empowerment to the participating entrepreneurs.
Overall Essence
- Purple Fest 2025 served as a celebration of resilience, talent, inclusivity, and collective responsibility.
- Reinforced commitment to building an accessible, empathetic, and inclusive society.
Silver Hallmarking & Mandatory HUID
Strong Uptake of HUID for Silver
- Over 17 lakh silver articles hallmarked with HUID within the first three months of the system’s rollout.
- Silver hallmarking remains voluntary, but HUID is mandatory for any silver article that is hallmarked.
- Purity grades 925 and 800 account for ~90% of all hallmarked items.
- FY 2024–25 saw 32 lakh silver articles hallmarked, showing strong acceleration after HUID introduction.
- Southern region leads in hallmarking volume, followed by Western and Eastern regions.
- Payal/anklets form the largest share, mostly in 800 purity; silver diyas follow in 800 and 925 grades.
Government’s Statement
- Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi highlighted that HUID strengthens purity assurance, digital traceability, and consumer protection.
- Over 17.35 lakh articles hallmarked already reflect rising transparency and confidence among consumers and stakeholders.
Mandatory HUID for Silver (From 1 September 2025)
- BIS has announced Mandatory Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID) for silver jewellery and artefacts starting 1 September 2025.
- A major step to curb fake hallmarking, ensure purity assurance, and enhance consumer trust.
What is HUID?
- A six-digit alphanumeric code laser-marked on each hallmarked item.
- Appears along with the BIS Standard Mark, the word “SILVER”, and purity grade.
- Provides complete digital traceability, aligning silver hallmarking with the existing gold HUID system.
Consumer Verification via BIS CARE App
- Consumers can verify HUID instantly on BIS CARE app (Android & iOS).
- App displays:
- Purity
- Type of jewellery
- Jeweller details
- Details of the Assaying & Hallmarking Centre
Purity Grades Covered
- Revised Indian Standard includes seven purity grades: 800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990, 999.
- 958 and 999 are recently added.
BIS Awareness & Outreach
- BIS conducting nationwide awareness drives, jeweller interactions, and targeted social media campaigns.
- Aims to support smooth implementation and promote transparency.
Background & Significance
- Hallmarking ensures certified purity and combats adulteration in precious metals—vital due to their cultural and financial importance in India.
- Mandatory gold hallmarking began in 2021, expanded from 256 to 373 districts in five years.
- Supported by 1610 BIS-recognized Assaying & Hallmarking Centres and 2.08 lakh registered jewellers.
- Over 56 crore gold articles hallmarked so far; 7.81 crore in 2025–26 alone.
- Entire gold hallmarking process is fully digitized with HUID assigned to every article.
Extension of HUID to Silver
- Silver HUID builds on the robust gold HUID framework, strengthening purity assurance and preventing fraud across both precious metals.
Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) Programme
Coverage & Data Mapping
- Total villages identified under MGMD for cultural mapping: 6,38,365.
- Cultural data of 6,23,449 villages already uploaded on the MGMD Portal.
Scope of Cultural Documentation
MGMD records a wide range of tangible and intangible cultural elements, including:
- Oral traditions, beliefs, customs
- Historical significance and local heritage sites
- Art forms, fairs and festivals
- Traditional food, dress, ornaments
- Prominent artists and local landmarks
Key Objectives & Outcomes
- Strengthens rural identity by creating authentic, village-level cultural profiles.
- Enhances community participation through community-led documentation and crowd-sourced validation.
- Provides a structured national-level cultural database, enabling:
- Cultural cluster development
- Heritage tourism planning
- Promotion of traditional skills
- Supports sustainable livelihood generation and rural economic development.
GARUDA SHAKTI 10th Edition
Event Overview
- Exercise: 10th edition of India–Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI
- Dates: 3–12 December 2025
- Location: Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
Participants
- Indian contingent: The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
- Indonesian contingent: Indonesian Special Forces
Objectives
- Strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation, and interoperability between Indian and Indonesian Special Forces
- Exchange expertise on weapons, equipment, and operational practices
Training Scope & Activities
- Troop-level tactics, techniques, and procedures in a counter-terrorism environment
- Unarmed combat techniques, combat shooting, sniping
- Heliborne operations
- Planning and operational drills for drone, counter-UAS, and loiter-munition strikes in semi-mountainous terrain
- Emphasis on physical fitness, tactical drills, and high-intensity combat training
Culmination
- Validation exercise simulating real-world operational scenarios to test endurance, coordination, and combat readiness of both contingents
Significance
- Enhances defence cooperation between India and Indonesia
- Strengthens bilateral relations and strategic ties between the two friendly nations