theIASHub | 28 Apr, 2025 | 5
Get expert-curated videos and notes directly on your phone.
Never miss any important exam-related topic.
o Participants: Around 100 heads of state, along with thousands of scientists, researchers, and activists.
o Goals: Focused on operational, action-driven discussions addressing key areas such as governance, financing, and knowledge sharing.
o Significance: Similar to the Paris Agreement, this conference could lead to an international pact aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
o Aim: To manage and protect the high seas, which cover over 60% of the ocean, addressing issues like hydrocarbon pollution, illegal fishing, and the protection of endangered species.
o Agreement: Agreed upon in March 2023 and is open for signature for two years starting September 2023.
o Features: It would define and demarcate marine protected areas in biodiversity-rich zones of oceans that are under stress.
o Enforcement: It will be an international legally binding treaty after it enters force 120 days after the 60th ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
ü Parties cannot exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from high seas.
o Significance: Enhance India’s strategic presence in areas beyond EEZ.
ü Contribute to achieving several SDGs, particularly SDG14 (Life Below Water);
ü Strengthen India’s marine conservation efforts, open new avenues for scientific research and development etc.
ü Promotes using traditional knowledge and best available scientific knowledge.
RNA Silencing: According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) plant diseases and pests are responsible for nearly 40% of global crop losses, costing over $220 billion annually, with plant viruses contributing more than $30 billion to these losses. Among the most destructive of these viruses is the Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV).
o Infected plants show mosaic discoloration, stunted growth, malformed fruits, and severe yield loss.
o CMV affects over 1,200 plant species, including key food and medicinal crops.
o CMV causes 25-30% crop loss in bananas and up to 70% yield loss in pumpkins, melons, and cucumbers.
o Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS): Genetically modified plants produce virus-specific dsRNA, in their own cells offering long-term immunity but facing regulatory and cost challenges.
o Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS): External application of dsRNA, providing an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution without genetic modification.Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Recently, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) was brought under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
o A notification from the Revenue Department empowers I4C to share and receive vital information with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other law enforcement agencies under Section 66 of PMLA.
o Facilitates collaboration between academia, industry, the public, and government in preventing, detecting, investigating, and prosecuting cybercrimes.
o Headquarters: New Delhi.
World Bank Report On Poverty: The World Bank's Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief recently acknowledged India's remarkable achievement in combating extreme poverty, highlighting that the country has lifted 171 million people out of it.
o Sharp Decline in Extreme Poverty: The proportion of people living on less than $2.15/day fell from >16% in 2011-12 to less than 2.5% in 2022-23, reflecting India’s focus on inclusive development through welfare programs and reforms.
o Extreme poverty: Key states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, responsible for 65% of extreme poverty in 2011-12, contributed to two-thirds of poverty reduction by 2022-23.
o Rural and Urban Poverty Impact: Rural poverty fell from >18% to less than 3%, urban poverty dropped from >10% to about 1%.
oIndia’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) dropped from about 54% in 2005-06 to 15.5% in 2022-23, reflecting gains in education, health, and living standards.
o Gini Index for income inequality improved from 28.8 to 25.5.o Higher Density Impulse: The LOX-kerosene combination offers a higher density impulse compared to LOX-liquid hydrogen, enhancing performance.
o Cost-Effectiveness: Kerosene is more economical and easier to handle than liquid hydrogen, lowering overall mission costs.
o Operational Efficiency: Kerosene can be stored at ambient temperatures, making storage and handling simpler.
Tropical Forest Finance Facility (TFFF) : Recently, Global Forest Coalition (GFC) raised concerns over the proposed Tropical Forest Finance Facility (TFFF) aims to help developing countries conserve tropical forests.
o It is set to launch during COP30 in Belem, Brazil.
o The initiative gained momentum after Brazil, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo agreed to collaborate in 2022, representing 52% of the world's rainforests.
o Commodification of Ecosystem Services: TFFF risks turning forests into commercial assets, undermining their value for climate and biodiversity.
o Limited Indigenous Involvement: Most funds will go to national governments, leaving indigenous communities with only 20%.
o Financial Instability: Loan repayments starting 10 years after launch create uncertainty about the fund's long-term sustainability.Raja Ravi Varma : On the occasion of the 177th birth anniversary of the legendary artist Raja Ravi Varma, a unique musical tribute titled Pranamam will be released at Kilimanoor Palace, the birthplace of the artist.
o Artistic Style: Pioneered the fusion of European realism with Indian iconography, depicting mythological characters and royalty in a realistic style.
o Contributions: Introduced oil painting to India, mastered lithography, and revolutionized the portrayal of Indian mythology by humanizing divine figures. His works often had erotic undertones, especially in female portrayals.
o Major Works: Lady in the Moonlight, Stolen Interview, Shakuntala, Ahalya, Woman Holding a Fruit.
o Legacy: Created over 2,000 paintings, earning nationwide recognition, and was awarded the Kaiser-e-Hind title in 1904 for his contributions. Considered one of India’s first modern artists.
'Unopposed' Election Victories: Recently, the Supreme Court suggested that a lone candidate in an election should be required to secure a minimum vote share to be declared elected, rather than winning without an election being held.
o The case, filed by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, challenges Section 53(2) of The RPA, 1951, which mandates automatic election declarations when candidates equal the seats.
o ECI stated uncontested elections are rare, with only 9 out of 20 Lok Sabha elections (1951-2024) having such instances.
o ECI argued that None of the Above (NOTA) is not applicable in uncontested elections, as voters don't visit polling stations.
o ECI noted that changing this would require a legislative amendment to the RPA, 1951.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
Detailed Solutions & Explanations
Improve Your Answer Writing & Strategy
