theIASHub | 07 May, 2025 | 4
Get expert-curated videos and notes directly on your phone.
Never miss any important exam-related topic.
Gaganyaan Mission: Recently, India's ambitious human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, has entered its final phase, with the nation's first crewed mission now scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
o The first uncrewed test flight is expected in the last quarter of 2025, followed by two more missions in 2026 to validate the mission's safety and reliability.
o This expansion reflects India's broader ambitions in space exploration, including plans to establish the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.
o The programme features a humanoid robot, Vyommitra, for simulating human conditions in uncrewed trials.
o Technological Autonomy: it enhance the indigenous innovation in critical areas such as life-support systems, crew modules, and re-entry technology etc.
o Global Positioning: Mission catalyzed private sector involvement, driving growth in India’s space economy and generating employment across aerospace.
o Economic & Industrial Boost: The programme has catalyzed private sector involvement which lead to Industrial boost.
o Soft Power & Diplomacy: it will elevate its status in multilateral space agreements and potential collaborations with international space agencies.
Human Development Index : Recently, India made notable progress in human development, rising three spots to rank 130 out of 193 countries in the 2023 Human Development Index (HDI), as per the United Nations Development Programme’s 2025 report.
o However, the country experienced a significant 30.7% reduction in its HDI score due to inequality, one of the highest losses in Asia.
o It is an approach that is focused on people and their opportunities and choices.
o The human development approach, developed by the economist Mahbub Ul Haq, is anchored in the Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s work on “human capabilities”, often framed in terms of whether people are able to “be” and “do” desirable things in life.
o Human Development Index (HDI): It is a measurement system used by the United Nations to evaluate the level of individual human development in each country.
o Released by: United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
o It measures the average achievement in key dimensions of human development:
ü A long and healthy life,
ü Being knowledgeable, and
ü Have a decent standard of living.
Interstate Water Disputes (IWD): Recently, the Supreme Court strongly criticized the Punjab government, calling its decision to de-notify land acquired for the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal an act of "high-handedness.“
o Constitutional Provisions: Entry 17, State List: Empowers States to legislate on water-related matters like irrigation, canals, and hydroelectricity.
o Entry 56, Union List: Allows the Centre to regulate and develop inter-State rivers in public interest.
o Article 262: Authorizes Parliament to adjudicate inter-State water disputes and bar courts, including the Supreme Court, from intervening.
o One of the key institutions addressing this is the Inter-State Water Disputes Committee, supported by legal provisions under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act,1956
o Advisory Role: The committee may advise or recommend, but does not have judicial authority—formal adjudication is done by tribunals.
o Tribunal Formation: If negotiations fail, the central government refers the matter to a water disputes tribunal, like those for the Cauvery, Krishna, or Ravi-Beas rivers.
o Historical Background: After Haryana's creation in 1966, Punjab resisted water-sharing, invoking the riparian principle, which prioritizes the rights of States through which a river flows. In 1981, both States agreed to reallocate water, and canal construction began in 1982.
o Stalled Progress and Legal Battle: Persistent opposition in Punjab led to protests and halted construction. Haryana approached the Supreme Court to enforce completion. In 2004, Punjab passed the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, ending all prior water-sharing pacts with Haryana.
o Judicial Response: The Supreme Court struck down the Act, deeming it unconstitutional and reaffirming Punjab’s obligation to honor its commitments. In 2020, the Court urged both States to negotiate under Central mediation.
o Current Status:Despite judicial and political interventions, the SYL canal remains incomplete, reflecting deeper challenges in India’s inter-State water governance.
Mission Sankalp: Recently ,The Government of India has launched Mission Sankalp, a strategic and intensified counter-insurgency operation aimed at eliminating the top leadership of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), particularly in regions still affected by Naxalite violence.
o Intelligence-Based Surgical Operations Conduct precise and swift operations using real-time intelligence. Minimize collateral damage and protect civilian populations.
o Restoration of State Control Reclaim Maoist-dominated regions, particularly remote forest areas like Abujhmad.
o Re-establish law, governance, and development in affected zones.
o Strengthening Security Forces Enhance coordination among CRPF, state police, and intelligence agencies. Equip forces with modern surveillance and communication tools.
o Facilitation of Development and Rehabilitation Open up areas for infrastructure development (roads, schools, healthcare). Enable safe return and rehabilitation of displaced tribal communities.
Important dams in J&K : Recently, the National Register of Large (Specified) Dams listed 15 large dams in Jammu and Kashmir as of September 2023.
o Dams are classified as "large (specified)" based on criteria such as height (above 15 metres) and storage capacity.
o According to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), four of J&K’s 15 large dams are on the Chenab: Salal, Baglihar, Dul, and Aalal.
These dams contribute significantly to the region’s energy security, particularly through hydroelectric projects.
o They help support agricultural activities in water-scarce areas.
o Play a strategic role in disaster management by controlling floodwaters during monsoon seasons.
Alcatraz prison : US President had directed the government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on an island off San Francisco.
o Transition to Federal Prison (1933): In 1933, Alcatraz became a federal penitentiary, upgraded to maximum-security by 1934. It housed notorious criminals like Al Capone, Alvin Karpis, and Robert "Birdman" Stroud.
o Closure (1963): By 1959, Alcatraz became too costly to maintain due to structural damage and saltwater corrosion. It was closed on March 21, 1963, after 29 years of operation.
o Later Years & Legacy:In 1969, Native American activists occupied Alcatraz, raising awareness of Indigenous issues. It became a national recreation area in 1972 and a popular tourist spot managed by the National Park Service since 1973.
o Potential Reopening:The proposed reopening of Alcatraz is seen as a symbolic gesture to reinforce "law, order, and justice." Its future remains uncertain, but its legacy as one of America's toughest prisons endures.
Impact of plastic in seabird: Recently, a study published in Environmental Pollution by experts from the University of California and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance highlighted that chemicals released from plastics ingested by seabirds can have harmful effects on their fertility, development, and behavior.
o The research examined Procellariiformes, a group of birds with high plastic ingestion rates, specifically northern fulmars, known for their exposure to floating plastic debris.
o Eating plastic releases harmful chemicals in seabirds, messing with their hormones and causing long-lasting effects.
o Nearly 70% of birds experience hormonal changes for up to two weeks, causing long-term effects beyond just physical harm.
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
