Crest Learning UPSC

➡️Constitutional Nationalism Constitutional nationalism means national unity is based on shared constitutional values—such as justice, liberty, equality, secularism, and rule of law—rather than on religion, language, ethnicity, or culture. Citizens are united by commitment to the Constitution, making it an inclusive and civic form of nationalism. Example (India): India’s identity is grounded in the Constitution, not in any single religion or culture.

27 jan…….👇

➡️ExoMiner++: Planet Spotter What is ExoMiner++? • ExoMiner++ is a deep-learning AI model developed by NASA to identify exoplanets from telescope data. • It is the successor to ExoMiner, upgraded to analyse data from both Kepler Space Telescope and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). How does it work? (Key Science) • Uses the transit method: • When a planet passes in front of its star, it causes a temporary dip in brightness. • Core challenge: separating true planets from false positives (binary stars, background objects). • ExoMiner++ analyses brightness–time graphs and assigns a probability score to each signal. What makes ExoMiner++ special? • Explainable AI (not a black box): • Shows why a signal is classified as a planet. • Higher scale & speed: • Trained on Kepler + TESS data. • Can analyse many more stars simultaneously. Key Achievements • Earlier ExoMiner validated 370 new exoplanets from Kepler data. • ExoMiner++ has identified ~7,000 potential exoplanet candidates from TESS data so far. • Targets planets that earlier remained “in limbo” due to ambiguous signals.

➡️Aajeevika Mission Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the Aajeevika Mission (DAY-NRLM) as a mass movement, not merely a government programme, driven by economic and social empowerment of women through SHGs. Key Facts & Data • Nearly 10 crore women are associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) nationwide. • The Centre’s flagship goal: 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (women earning ≥ ₹1 lakh/year). • Aajeevika has scaled from poverty alleviation to sustainable livelihoods + women’s leadership. What Makes Aajeevika “Transformational”? • Economic empowerment: Access to credit, skills, enterprises (farm & non-farm). • Social empowerment: Women’s collectives build resilience, voice, and local leadership. • Institutional strength: SHGs → Village Organisations → Cluster Federations (last-mile governance). Policy & Programme Enrichment • DAY-NRLM (Aajeevika): Focus on livelihoods, financial inclusion, and capacity building. • Lakhpati Didi Initiative: Diversified income sources (agri-allied, MSMEs, services). • Convergence: Works with PMJDY, MUDRA, PMFBY, skill missions, agri-value chains.

➡️When can courts interfere in an ongoing investigation? Courts must balance personal liberty with the police’s statutory power to investigate. Judicial interference in an ongoing investigation is exceptional, not routine. Key Supreme Court Principles • State of U.P. v. Mohd Arshad Khan • Time-bound investigation orders are the exception, not the rule. • Courts may intervene only when delay causes prejudice. • Protection from arrest/coercive action cannot be granted without considering the actual relief sought (e.g., quashing of FIR). • Neeharika Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. v. State of Maharashtra • Police have a statutory right and duty under CrPC to investigate cognisable offences. • Courts should not stay investigations or pass interim orders that thwart investigation. • Quashing powers must be exercised sparingly and with circumspection. • Interim directions like “no coercive steps” require reasons; blanket orders are impermissible. When Can Courts Interfere? (Clear Tests) Courts may interfere only if: 1. No cognisable offence is disclosed in the FIR, or 2. Continuation of investigation would result in a miscarriage of justice, or 3. Extraordinary abuse of process is evident. 🔹Otherwise, non-interference is the rule. Meaning of “Coercive Measures / No Coercive Steps” (Clarified) • Satya Prakash Bagla v. State & Ors. • The phrases “coercive measures” or “coercive steps” do not have a fixed meaning. • Their meaning depends on: • Context, • Stage of proceedings, and • Nature of relief sought. • Mere use of the phrase does not automatically stay the investigation (e.g., freezing bank accounts may still be permissible). • SC Guidance (Neeharika) • If a High Court intends to stay investigation, it must say so explicitly and record brief reasons showing application of mind. Constitutional & Statutory Anchors • CrPC: Police power to investigate cognisable offences. • Article 226 & Section 482 CrPC: High Court’s inherent/constitutional powers — to be used sparingly. • Principle: Courts cannot usurp police jurisdiction except in rare cases. Bottom Line Judicial interference in investigations is exceptional, permitted only to prevent manifest injustice; vague interim orders like “no coercive steps” must be context-specific, reasoned, and cannot routinely stall investigations. The rule of law demands restraint: courts protect liberty without paralysing the investigative process entrusted to the police.

➡️Issues Surrounding the Governor’s Address Recurring disputes over Governors skipping, altering, or politicising the annual address to State Legislatures—especially in Opposition-ruled States—raise concerns about constitutional propriety, federalism, and neutrality of the Governor’s office. Constitutional Provisions • Article 175:Governor may address the State Legislature (discretionary; not mandatory). • Article 176:Governor shall address the Legislature: • At the first session after a general election, and • At the first session of every year. ➜ Mandatory; the address is prepared by the Council of Ministers, reflecting the elected government’s policies. • Article 159:Governor’s oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution”. Judicial Enrichment (Supreme Court) • Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab ➜ Governor is a constitutional head, bound by aid and advice of the Council of Ministers in normal circumstances. • Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker ➜ Reaffirmed that functions under Articles 175–176 are not discretionary; Governor cannot act independently. Federalism Angle • Governor is appointed by the Centre but functions within the State’s constitutional domain. • Politicisation converts a ceremonial office into a parallel power centre, undermining cooperative federalism. Commission Recommendations • Sarkaria Commission • Governor should be politically neutral. • Routine functions must follow ministerial advice. • Punchhi Commission • Limit discretionary powers of the Governor. • Strengthen federal balance. • Suggested consultation with the Chief Minister before appointment (to reduce friction). Way Forward • Enforce Cabinet primacy in mandatory addresses (Art. 176). • Implement Sarkaria & Punchhi recommendations in letter and spirit. • Institutionalise consultative appointments and respect for conventions. • Promote constitutional morality to avoid confrontations on customary legislative practices. Takeaway Controversies over Governors’ addresses stem not from constitutional ambiguity but from politicisation of the office, calling for restraint, respect for conventions, and commission-led reforms to protect federal balance.

➡️Bigger Schools, Better Futures India must shift from many small, fragmented schools to fewer, larger, integrated (composite) schools to deliver quality secondary education, aligned with NEP 2020. Why Scale Matters (Global Lesson) • China’s model: large schools (1,200–2,800 students) enable subject specialists, labs, ICT, counselling, sports, and vocational tracks → better learning outcomes. • Lesson: Pooling resources improves quality, not just access. India’s Structural Problem (Data) • Fragmentation: • ~5.6 lakh schools have <50 students. • >1 lakh single-teacher schools serve ~33 lakh students (UDISE 2024–25). • ~40% govt secondary schools have <100 students. • Infrastructure gaps: • 19% functional ICT labs; 51% integrated science labs. • 10% offer higher secondary; 6% vocational education. • Transition losses: • 87% move middle→secondary; ~75% secondary→higher secondary. What Are “Composite Schools”? • Integrated campuses (K-8 or Classes 1–12) with: • One teacher per class + subject specialists • Shared labs/ICT/sports • Career guidance + vocational pathways • Aim: Real learning environments, not administrative efficiency alone. Indian State Experiments (Evidence) • Uttar Pradesh: Model Composite Schools (1–12), smart classrooms. • Madhya Pradesh: 36,000 under-enrolled schools consolidated (NITI Aayog SATH-E). • Odisha, Jharkhand, WB, TN, Telangana, Gujarat moving toward consolidation. Equity Safeguards • Transport support to prevent access loss. • Decentralised planning (district/GP) and community engagement for smooth transitions. Why 2035 Is the Tipping Point • ~8 crore students projected in Classes 9–12. • Small schools cannot scale subject expertise or labs; large secondary campuses can. Policy Linkage • NEP 2020: School complexes/clusters; holistic, multidisciplinary learning. • Samagra Shiksha: Financing infrastructure, teachers, transport. • SDG 4: Quality education through learning outcomes, not just enrolment. Way Forward (Actionable) 1. One K-8 integrated school per Gram Panchayat as default. 2. Teacher rationalisation (one teacher per class; specialists at secondary). 3. Transport solutions to ensure access. 4. State-specific roadmaps using Samagra Shiksha + convergence. Takeaway To meet NEP 2020 goals and future demand, India must consolidate schools into larger, integrated campuses that can deliver quality, equitable secondary education—moving beyond access to outcomes.

➡️India–UAE Ties: • India–UAE relations are marked by stability and steady deepening despite global geopolitical uncertainty. • Since the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2017), cooperation has expanded across defence, trade, energy, infrastructure, technology and nuclear sectors. • The CEPA (2022) has significantly boosted trade, with a 37% rise since FY 2022–23 and a target of $200 billion bilateral trade by 2032. • The UAE has emerged as a major long-term investor in India’s infrastructure, including NIIF and projects like Dholera SIR. • New trade initiatives—Bharat Mart, Bharat–Africa Setu, and the Virtual Trade Corridor—strengthen India’s export and logistics ecosystem. • Cooperation in clean and nuclear energy, including advanced reactors and SMRs, aligns with India’s energy transition goals. • The partnership supports India’s strategic autonomy and multi-alignment, making the UAE a key pillar of India’s West Asia policy.

26 jan……👇

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➡️The Silicon Curtain (Pax Silica) • The 21st century economy is driven by semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals, similar to how oil and steel drove the 20th century. • The United States is building a closed-loop semiconductor and AI supply chain with trusted partners to reduce dependence on China. • This emerging tech bloc is termed “Pax Silica”, involving countries contributing at different stages: • Australia (critical minerals) • Japan (precision machinery) • Singapore (logistics) • US (design, AI models, high-end manufacturing) • The strategy marks a shift from globalised, efficiency-driven supply chains to security-driven, politically aligned ecosystems. • India occupies a paradoxical position: • It is crucial due to its large engineering talent pool and strength in software and AI services. • At the same time, India seeks to maintain economic engagement with China, avoiding total decoupling. • India’s likely approach is “rebalancing”, not full decoupling—leveraging Western security ties while keeping access to global manufacturing networks. • The article argues that silicon may be the “new oil”, but unlike oil, innovation requires open exchange of ideas, making excessive technological fragmentation risky. The “Silicon Curtain” reflects a global shift from economic efficiency to technological security, placing India at the centre of competing strategic and economic interests.

➡️Can India eliminate malaria by 2030? • India aims to eliminate malaria (zero indigenous cases) by 2030 under the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030), with an interim target of zero indigenous transmission by 2027. • Malaria cases have reduced by ~80% between 2015–2023, indicating strong progress, as noted in the World Health Organization World Malaria Report 2025. • India exited the WHO “High Burden to High Impact” group in 2024, reflecting reduced incidence and mortality. • The elimination strategy focuses on “testing, treating and tracking”, strengthened surveillance, vector control, and universal access to diagnosis and treatment. • Urban malaria, migration, cross-border transmission, and Plasmodium vivax infections remain major challenges. • Growing antimalarial drug resistance poses a global and national risk. • Sustained surveillance, accurate reporting (including by private doctors), and targeted action in high-risk districts are crucial to achieve the 2030 goal. India has made substantial progress in malaria control, but elimination by 2030 depends on sustained surveillance, urban malaria control, and resistance management.

➡️Genetic Overlap: Schizophrenia & Bone Health • Schizophrenia is a mental disorder, while osteoporosis affects bone strength. • A large genetic study found that some genes are common to both conditions. • The genetic overlap is strongest in heel bone strength and weak in other bones. • This does not mean schizophrenia causes weak bones, but that shared biological pathways exist. • Currently, psychiatric care often ignores long-term bone health risks. • The findings highlight the need for holistic healthcare integrating mental and physical health. Mental and physical health are biologically interconnected through shared genetic pathways.

22% of Kerala’s population will be aged 60+ by 2036 — making it India’s most rapidly ageing State, as per Reserve Bank of India report. • India average (2036 – projected): ~15% • Kerala already has: • Lowest fertility rate in India (~1.8) • Highest life expectancy (~75 years) 🔹 Terminology • Silver Economy: Economic activities catering to the needs of the elderly (healthcare, assisted living, pensions, age-friendly services). “Population ageing is not a problem, but a policy challenge.” — UNFPA

25 jan…..👇

➡️“Diversify your fish basket” • Advisory by: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying to States and fish farmers. • Objective: Reduce disease risk, export vulnerability, and over-dependence on a single species (esp. whiteleg shrimp). • Reason: • Disease outbreaks can wipe out mono-culture (e.g. white spot syndrome hit shrimp in 2006–07). • Climate change and tariff uncertainty affecting seafood exports. • What is advised: • Species diversification in aquaculture (marine + inland). • Promote integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (multiple species in same system). • Shift to species with global demand (e.g. seabass; Kerala’s karimeen). • Indigenous species push: • Improving Indian white prawn and giant tiger prawn varieties. • India exports these to 100+ countries. • Inland aquaculture: • Promote tilapia, pangasius, scampi instead of only rohu/catla. • New areas: • Seaweed farming and marine cage culture, especially in saline/unused land. • Economic angle: • Creation of production–processing–export clusters for jobs and value addition.

➡️Delimitation after 2027: redrawing power in India Why in News The freeze on Lok Sabha seat redistribution ends after 2026, making the post-2027 delimitation the most consequential rebalancing of political power since Independence. What is Delimitation? • Periodic redrawing of electoral constituencies and seat allocation to reflect population changes. • Mandated after every Census, but inter-State seat redistribution has been frozen since 1976 (84th Constitutional Amendment extended it till post-2026 Census). Why It Matters Now • Representation still reflects 1971 population (~548 million), while India’s population is ~1.4+ billion. • Divergent fertility trends mean northern States gain seats, southern/western States lose relative share—raising federal equity concerns Key Data & Projections • If seats are allocated purely by population in an expanded House (~850–888): • Uttar Pradesh could rise from ~80 to 150+ seats. • Bihar could rise from ~40 to 80+ seats. • Tamil Nadu ~39→53; Kerala ~20→23 (absolute rise, but share falls). • Result: Concentration of bargaining power in a few large States. Core Issues 1. Moral paradox: States that achieved population control risk political penalty. 2. Federal balance: Dilution of the Rajya Sabha’s moderating role if Lok Sabha dominance rises. 3. Coalition arithmetic: Two States approaching ¼ of Lok Sabha seats alters government formation. 4. Women’s reservation: Seat reallocation timing affects rollout (linked to delimitation). 5. Legal risk: Unequal representation may invite Article 14 challenges. Options Discussed (Policy Menu) 1. Extend the freeze (preserves balance; raises equality concerns). 2. Expand Lok Sabha size (no State loses seats; relative power still shifts). 3. Weighted formula (e.g., population + development indicators; akin to Finance Commission logic). 4. Strengthen Rajya Sabha (restore domicile link; consider equal/near-equal State weight). 5. State reorganisation (e.g., bifurcation of very large States—federal, not administrative fix). 6. Phased redistribution across two election cycles to reduce political shock. Process & Safeguards • A Delimitation Commission with experts in demography, constitutional law, federal studies. • Transparency, public hearings, and clear criteria. • Careful handling of SC/ST reserved constituencies (numbers by population; locations by Commission). Way Forward • Choose a hybrid solution: moderate House expansion + weighted criteria + a stronger Rajya Sabha. • Phase changes to allow adaptation and preserve cooperative federalism. Conclusion Delimitation will measure India’s democracy as the Census measures its population. Done with empathy and balance, it can renew federal trust; done mechanically, it risks deepening regional divides.

24 jan…….👇

➡️Is Asia-Pacific on track to eliminate malaria by 2030? • Source: World Health Organization – World Malaria Report 2025. • Asia-Pacific trend: Mixed progress — overall decline in cases, but not fully on track for 2030 elimination. • Estimated malaria cases in the region fell from ~9.6 million (2023) to ~8.9 million (2024). • Major reductions: Pakistan; historic lows in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam. • Elimination achieved by some: Sri Lanka, China, Timor-Leste. Major Concerns • Artemisinin resistance rising in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (threat to frontline treatment). • Funding gap: Only ~42% of global malaria financing needs met in 2024; cuts in 2025 widen the gap. • Last-mile challenges in high-burden areas (remote, mobile populations). India-specific • Target: Zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027. • Progress since 2015, but plateau/rebound in some areas → off-trajectory without course correction. • NE States (5 States) account for ~80% of India’s malaria burden. What’s needed (Exam cues) • Real-time surveillance, strict combination therapy (avoid artemisinin monotherapy). • Sustained financing; better last-mile execution. • Vaccines (RTS,S and R21) as complements, not substitutes. takeaway: Asia-Pacific has reduced malaria cases, but drug resistance and funding shortfalls threaten the 2030 elimination goal.

➡️CDSCO • CDSCO is India’s national drug regulator under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. • Headed by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). • Legal basis: Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945. • Regulates drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and cosmetics. • Approves new drugs, clinical trials, and import of drugs/devices. • Works with States → drug regulation is a Centre–State shared function. • Declares NSQ (Not of Standard Quality) and spurious drugs through Central/State labs.