News at a Glance
- Andhra Pradesh: Andhra’s personalised EdTech ensured two extra years of learning in just 17 months
- Non-agricultural lands exempted from e-Panta in Andhra
- International Relations: Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire During Qatar-Mediated Talks
- Economy: FAO Celebrates 80 Years of Partnership with India on World Food Day 2025
- Disaster Management: Samples of India’s Only Active Mud Volcano in Andaman Date Back to 23 Million Years: GSI
- Science and Technology: Chandrayaan-2 Makes First-Ever Observation of Sun’s Impact on Moon: ISRO
- Internal Security: For a New Path: On the Surrender of Key Maoist Leaders
Andhra Pradesh’s Personalised Learning Revolution: Two Years of Learning in 17 Months
Source: The New Indian Express
APPSC Relevance: Education, Technology
Context: Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) programme
Why in News
Andhra Pradesh’s Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) programme — implemented under Samagra Shiksha — has achieved one of India’s most successful EdTech outcomes.
Source: The New Indian Express
Highlights
- Pioneering Public EdTech Integration:
- Andhra Pradesh became the first Indian state to embed PAL into its government school curriculum, starting with 60 schools in 2018 and expanding to 1,224 schools (3.25 lakh students) across all 26 districts.
- Expansion to 232 PM SHRI schools (2025–26) will make it the largest government-led personalised learning system in the country.
- Policy Anchoring in Samagra Shiksha:
- PAL was included in the state education budget, ensuring institutional stability.
- Each school received a dedicated PAL lab with 30 tablets, ensuring inclusivity across rural and tribal districts.
- Teacher Empowerment and Training:
- Over 4,000 teachers trained to use digital dashboards to track progress.
- The Teacher Professional Development (TPD) course achieved 100% completion rates in many districts.
- Governance and Monitoring:
- Weekly reviews chaired by the State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha (B. Srinivasa Rao) ensured accountability.
- Districts celebrated best-performing schools, creating a competitive and motivational ecosystem.
- Equity and Access for All Learners:
- Software works offline and across devices, allowing uninterrupted learning in tribal and low-connectivity regions such as Araku, Paderu, and Srikakulam.
- Data shows girls and weaker students benefited most — demonstrating true educational equity.
Concepts
1. Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL)
- PAL is a smart-learning method that uses technology to teach each student at their own level and speed.
- A software tracks what the student already knows, identifies where they are weak, and gives lessons or exercises that suit their exact level.
- This means every student—fast or slow—learns effectively without being left behind.
- In Andhra Pradesh:
- Started in 2018 under Samagra Shiksha.
- Now used in 1,224 government schools with 3.25 lakh students across all 26 districts.
- Students using PAL gained 1.9 extra years of learning in just 17 months, as found by a University of Chicago study.
- Works offline, so it helps even in remote tribal or hilly areas.
2. PM SHRI Schools (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India)
- These are model government schools launched in 2022 to show how the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 can be applied in real classrooms.
- They focus on:
- Smart classrooms and technology-based learning.
- Skill development and green practices.
- Strong teacher training and modern infrastructure.
- In Andhra Pradesh:
- The state plans to include 232 PM SHRI schools by 2025–26.
- These schools will use PAL software to improve personalised and digital learning.
3. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
- Launched in 2018, it is India’s main programme for school education from pre-primary to Class 12.
- It combines three older schemes —
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) – for elementary schools.
- Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) – for secondary schools.
- Teacher Education (TE) – for teacher training.
- Focuses on improving school infrastructure, digital tools, teacher quality, and learning outcomes.
- In Andhra Pradesh:
- Acts as the main umbrella under which PAL is implemented.
- Managed by the State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha AP.
Andhra Pradesh’s Impact
- Bridging Foundational Learning Gaps: Students achieved near grade-level proficiency — a major gain for a state once below national average in NAS and ASER benchmarks.
- Administrative Innovation: Demonstrates how district-level monitoring + EdTech + teacher training can yield quantifiable learning outcomes.
- National Leadership: Andhra Pradesh’s PAL model is now guiding NITI Aayog’s Digital Education Mission and influencing NEP 2020 implementation.
- Economic Efficiency: Achieved results using existing government staff and infrastructure — validating EdTech as a cost-effective reform.
CARE MCQ
Q 1. With reference to Andhra Pradesh’s Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) initiative, consider the following statements:
- The PAL programme is implemented under Samagra Shiksha Andhra Pradesh with a dedicated state-level PAL Coordinator.
- A University of Chicago study found that students using PAL gained nearly two years of learning in 17 months.
- PAL software requires high-speed internet for operation in all districts.
- Two math periods per week were reserved for PAL-based lessons.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans 1: A
Explanation:
- S1 – Correct: The initiative operates under Samagra Shiksha Andhra Pradesh with a full-time PAL Coordinator overseeing implementation and monitoring.
- S2 – Correct: The University of Chicago’s Development Innovation Lab (DIL) study confirmed that PAL users gained 1.9 additional years of learning in 17 months — 2.3× faster than peers.
- S3 – Incorrect: PAL functions both online and offline, making it accessible in remote and low-connectivity regions using low-cost tablets.
- S4 – Correct: The state mandated two out of eight weekly mathematics periods for PAL usage to integrate adaptive learning into the school timetable.
Non-Agricultural Lands Exempted from e-Panta Registration in Andhra Pradesh
Source: The Hindu
APPSC Relevance: Agriculture, e-Governance, Digital Land Reforms
Context: e-Panta Registration in Andhra Pradesh
Why in News
The Central Government has approved Andhra Pradesh’s request to exempt non-agricultural and non-cultivable lands from mandatory registration under the e-Panta Digital Crop Survey for the Kharif 2025 season.
Source: The New Indian Express
Highlights
- Digital Crop Survey Progress:
- Out of 2.92 crore land parcels, the state has already registered 1.59 crore parcels (55%) under e-Panta.
- The remaining 1.33 crore parcels mostly include non-cultivable or inaccessible areas such as hills, rocky terrain, canals, and urban land.
- Central Government Flexibility:
- Following a review meeting chaired by Rajeev Chawla, IAS (AgriStack Chief Officer) on October 16, the Centre allowed Andhra Pradesh to exclude non-surveyable areas.
- The decision ensures that officials can focus on productive agricultural land for real-time crop mapping.
- NIC’s Role in Implementation:
- The National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed a new digital module to record and classify exempted land parcels.
- The tool has been distributed to all Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs) for ground-level use.
- Statewide Registration Status:
- Top Performing Districts:
- Prakasam – 71%, Kakinada – 68%, Anantapur – 67%
- Lagging Districts:
- Visakhapatnam – 33%, ASR District – 38%, Anakapalli – 39%
- The registration deadline remains October 30, 2025.
- Top Performing Districts:
- Administrative Direction:
- Dr. Manazir Jilaani Samoon, IAS (Director of Agriculture) instructed RSK staff to record reasons for exemption and ensure entries are completed within two days.
Concepts
1. e-Panta App (Digital Crop Survey)
- A mobile-based system launched by the Andhra Pradesh Government to record crop details for every land parcel in real time.
- Farmers register crops through Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs) or directly on the app.
- Data feeds into AgriStack, the national agricultural database.
- Helps in:
- Accurate estimation of sown area and yield.
- Transparent distribution of subsidies, input kits, and crop insurance.
2. AgriStack (National Digital Agriculture Ecosystem)
- A Central Government initiative to digitally link every land parcel, crop, and farmer.
- Enables data-based policy planning, climate-smart farming, and digital credit access.
- Andhra Pradesh is one of the first pilot states implementing it successfully through e-Panta.
3. Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs)
- Grassroot-level farmer service centers operating under the Agriculture Department.
- Act as a one-stop platform for all farmer needs — crop registration, soil tests, input delivery, and scheme applications.
- Key to executing e-Panta and ensuring ground verification of crop data.
Andhra Pradesh’s Impact
- Improved Accuracy: Excluding non-agricultural and fallow lands ensures cleaner data for policy and insurance purposes.
- Administrative Efficiency: Reduces workload for field staff, focusing only on productive cultivable lands.
- Data Integration: Strengthens AgriStack integration, enabling seamless digital tracking of agricultural activity.
- Farmer Convenience: Simplifies registration and ensures faster scheme benefits via Rythu Bharosa and PM-KISAN platforms.
CARE MCQ
Q2. With reference to the e-Panta Digital Crop Survey in Andhra Pradesh, consider the following statements:
- The e-Panta app records crop data for every agricultural parcel and is linked with India’s AgriStack database.
- The Central Government recently exempted fallow, aqua farming, and non-agricultural lands from mandatory registration.
- The National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed a new software module to record exempted lands.
- The registration deadline for the 2025 Kharif season has been extended till December 31, 2025.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only
Ans 2: a)
Explanation:
- S1 – Correct: The e-Panta platform links Andhra Pradesh’s digital crop data to the national AgriStack, enabling real-time monitoring and policy planning.
- S2 – Correct: To ensure data purity, the Centre approved AP’s proposal to exclude non-cultivable and inaccessible parcels such as canals and roads.
- S3 – Correct: NIC engineered a new module for tagging and recording exempted plots across Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs).
- S4 – Incorrect: The official deadline remains October 30, 2025, not December.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Immediate Ceasefire During Qatar-Mediated Talks
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2 – International Relations (India and its Neighbourhood; Security and Regional Stability)
Context: Doha based Pak-Afghan peace talks
Why in News?
After over a week of deadly cross-border clashes that killed dozens and displaced hundreds, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire during Doha-based peace talks mediated by Qatar and Turkiye on October 19 2025.
(Image Source: India Today)
Background
The Pakistan–Afghanistan border, running 2,611 km along the Durand Line, has long been volatile. Both sides accuse each other of harbouring militant groups.
- In recent weeks, Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan’s Paktika province, targeting the Hafiz Gul Bahadur militant group following a suicide bombing in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Afghanistan alleged the raids killed civilians, including sportspersons, triggering public outrage and a cricket-series boycott.
- The Doha meeting, attended by both countries’ Defence Ministers, aimed to restore peace and establish mechanisms to prevent further hostilities.
Key Outcomes of the Qatar-Mediated Talks
- Immediate Ceasefire: Both nations agreed to stop hostilities and avoid retaliatory actions.
- Peace Mechanisms: A joint committee will be set up to ensure ceasefire implementation and monitor border incidents.
- Follow-Up Talks: Future meetings are planned in Doha to consolidate the ceasefire and build long-term confidence.
- Regional Mediation: Qatar and Turkiye acted as principal facilitators, while Saudi Arabia expressed diplomatic support for peace efforts.
Broader Regional Context
- The clashes occurred amid rising militant activity in Pakistan’s tribal belt and increasing instability in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
- Groups such as the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) and al-Qaida affiliates are reportedly trying to regain strength, threatening cross-border security.
- The ceasefire aims to prevent escalation that could spill over into Central and South Asia.
India Impact and Strategic Significance
- Regional Stability and Security:
- A stable Pakistan–Afghanistan border reduces the risk of militant infiltration into South Asia and contributes to broader regional security.
- India, as a major regional stakeholder, benefits from reduced volatility that could otherwise aid extremist mobility across the Hindu Kush corridor.
- Counter-Terrorism Cooperation:
- Pakistan’s focus on its western front may temporarily lower tensions along its eastern frontier with India, but intelligence agencies will watch for any redeployment of militant networks.
- India’s diplomatic messaging can emphasize counter-terrorism cooperation under multilateral frameworks like SCO and UN CTC.
- Economic and Connectivity Dimensions:
- Peace in the Af-Pak region facilitates prospects for India-Iran-Afghanistan connectivity through Chabahar and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- It may also revive discussions on regional trade routes bypassing Pakistan, should stability hold.
- Geopolitical Significance:
- Qatar’s active mediation underscores West Asia’s growing diplomatic role in South-Central Asian conflicts, aligning with India’s interest in multipolar, dialogue-based regional security frameworks.
- India can engage constructively through back-channel diplomacy with Doha, maintaining strategic balance amid U.S. withdrawal and Chinese influence in the region.
Challenges Ahead
- Fragile Trust: The history of ceasefire violations along the Durand Line undermines confidence.
- Militant Sanctuaries: Pakistan demands that the Taliban curb cross-border terrorism, but enforcement capacity remains uncertain.
- Civilian Impact: Humanitarian fallout and displacement may continue unless local governance and aid delivery improve.
Conclusion
The Qatar-mediated ceasefire marks a temporary but vital pause in escalating Af-Pak hostilities. Its sustainability depends on verifiable border management, dismantling of militant sanctuaries, and regional cooperation. For India, it signals a cautiously positive shift in South Asia’s security landscape—offering diplomatic space to strengthen regional peace and connectivity initiatives.
CARE MCQ
Q1. With reference to the Pakistan–Afghanistan ceasefire announced after the Doha talks in October 2025, consider the following statements:
- The ceasefire was mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, and the Defence Ministers of both countries led their respective delegations.
- Afghanistan has not formally recognised the Durand Line, which continues to remain a major point of contention in bilateral relations.
- The parties agreed to establish mechanisms for peace consolidation and conduct follow-up talks to sustain stability along the border.
- The ceasefire document included a clause for temporary UN supervision of border zones and an immediate exchange of detainees.
- India welcomed the truce, reiterating its long-held view that regional stability in Afghanistan is essential for South Asian peace and connectivity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer 1 – A
Explanation
- Statement 1 – Correct: The ceasefire was indeed mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, and both countries sent their Defence Ministers, not Foreign Ministers — a detail often overlooked.
- Statement 2 – Correct: The Durand Line has never been recognised by Afghanistan, which continues to contest it; this remains one of the key historical triggers for border skirmishes.
- Statement 3 – Correct: The official communiqués mentioned mechanisms for peace and stability and the holding of follow-up talks to prevent future clashes.
- Statement 4 – Incorrect: There was no mention of UN supervision or any detainee exchange in the ceasefire announcement; it was a bilateral understanding facilitated by Qatar.
- Statement 5 – Correct: India welcomed the ceasefire indirectly, supporting efforts that enhance regional security, humanitarian stability, and trade connectivity — consistent with its policy of a terror-free, inclusive Afghanistan.
UPSC PYQ
Q. What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (2017)
a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.
b) India’s relations with oil producing Arab countries will be strengthened.
c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India
Ans: (c)
FAO Celebrates 80 Years of Partnership with India on World Food Day 2025
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
UPSC Relevance: GS Paper 2 – International Relations (India–UN Agencies), GS Paper 3 – Agriculture, Food Security
Context: Agriculture and food security
Why in News
On World Food Day 2025, India and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) celebrated 80 years of partnership, highlighting India’s transformation from a food-deficient nation at Independence to a food-secure and surplus producer.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Historic Milestone: India is a founding member of FAO (since 1945), and the 80-year partnership has played a central role in India’s agricultural transformation through technical collaboration, research, and innovation.
- FAO’s Support: FAO’s assistance has helped India modernize crop systems, diversify production, and promote climate-resilient, nutrition-sensitive farming.
- India’s Achievement:
- Despite having less than 4% of the world’s agricultural land and freshwater, India has achieved self-sufficiency in food grains.
Public stockholding, Minimum Support Price (MSP), and the National Food Security Act (NFSA) ensure affordable food access for over 800 million people.
Public stockholding, Minimum Support Price (MSP), and the National Food Security Act (NFSA) ensure affordable food access for over 800 million people.Image Source: The PIB
- Policy Innovations:
- Stress-tolerant seeds, crop insurance, micro-irrigation, and natural farming have improved resilience and farmer income.
- Digital initiatives like AgriStack provide real-time data to farmers, enabling precision agriculture and informed decisions.
- FAO’s Publication: Launch of a coffee-table book, “Sowing Hope, Harvesting Success,” showcasing India–FAO cooperation milestones.
- Global Perspective: FAO Representative Takayuki Hagiwara and UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp acknowledged India’s leadership in ensuring global food security and its contribution to SDGs and Viksit Bharat 2047.
India–FAO Partnership: A Historical Perspective
| Phase | Focus Area | Outcome |
| 1940s–1960s | Technical cooperation, research in cereals | Foundation for food policy and extension services |
| 1960s–1980s | Green Revolution & irrigation expansion | Achieved grain self-sufficiency |
| 1990s–2010s | Diversification, horticulture, and livestock | Boosted farm incomes and exports |
| 2015–2025 | Climate-smart & digital agriculture | Global recognition for food security and sustainability |
India’s Global Leadership in Food Security
- Humanitarian Supply Chain: India has emerged as a first responder in global food crises—exporting rice, wheat, and pulses to Africa, the Middle East, and neighboring countries.
- Rights-Based Approach: The NFSA (2013) exemplifies India’s commitment to food as a human right.
- Climate-Smart Vision: India’s focus on sustainable agriculture, organic and natural farming aligns with SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 13 – Climate Action.
- Digital Transformation: Through AgriStack, Kisan Credit Card digitization, and e-NAM, India is integrating farmers into global agri-value chains.
Conclusion
India’s 80-year partnership with the FAO is a model of how policy, science, and international cooperation can eradicate hunger and create sustainable food systems. As the world faces new challenges—climate change, supply disruptions, and rising population—India’s experience offers a blueprint for developing nations seeking resilient agricultural growth.
CARE MCQ
Q2. With reference to India’s partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), consider the following statements:
- India was among the founding members of FAO in 1945, and 2025 marked 80 years of their partnership.
- India possesses nearly 10% of the world’s freshwater resources but only 4% of the global agricultural land.
- FAO’s technical collaboration helped India transition from food-deficient to food-surplus status through innovation and policy reform.
- The National Food Security Act (NFSA) provides subsidised food grains to around 800 million beneficiaries, reinforcing India’s rights-based food policy.
- The FAO’s publication “Sowing Hope, Harvesting Success” chronicles India’s agricultural transformation and partnership with the UN system.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 2, 3 and 5 only
D) 1, 3 and 5 only
Answer 2: B
Explanation
- Statement 1 – Correct: India was a founding member of FAO (1945); 2025 marked 80 years of partnership.
- Statement 2 – Incorrect: India holds less than 4% of the world’s freshwater and agricultural land, not 10%.
- Statement 3 – Correct: FAO’s collaboration enabled India’s transition through the Green Revolution, diversification, and modern agri-policy.
- Statement 4 – Correct: NFSA ensures affordable food access to ~800 million people, highlighting India’s rights-based approach.
- Statement 5 – Correct: “Sowing Hope, Harvesting Success” celebrates India–FAO milestones in agriculture and allied sectors.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Consider the following statements (2018)
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans- (a)
Samples of India’s Only Active Mud Volcano in Andaman Date Back to 23 Million Years: GSI
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS Paper 1 – Geography (Geomorphology, Volcanoes); GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management, Environment
Context: Baratang Mud Volcano in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Why in News
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirmed that the Baratang Mud Volcano in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands contains samples dating back to the Oligocene epoch (~23 million years ago).
Image Source: The Tribune
Key Scientific Insights
Following a fresh mud eruption reported on October 2, 2025, a GSI team visited the site on October 8–9, collecting and analysing samples to determine their age and composition.
- Ancient Geological Heritage:
The lithoclasts (rock fragments) ejected from the crater are composed of sandstone and shale of the Mithakari Group, dating to the Oligocene period (33.9–23 million years ago).
These sediments preserve the deep geological history of the Andaman Basin, which once formed part of the greater Indo-Burmese subduction zone. - Nature of the Eruption:
The Baratang volcano releases cold mud and gases, not lava. The emitted slurry shows a surface temperature of 29–30°C and pH 8.0–8.3, indicating a weakly alkaline environment.
An oily sheen on the mud surface suggests traces of hydrocarbon gases (methane and ethane) in the subsurface. - Probable Causes:
- Diapiric movement of over-pressured shale layers.
- Tectonic compression and fault activity from the subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Burma Microplate.
- Hydrocarbon generation and fluid escape from deep sedimentary beds.
- Safety Measures:
The GSI recommended restricted tourist access, construction of a viewpoint platform, and hazard signage to protect visitors from unpredictable bursts.
About the Geological Survey of India (GSI)
- Establishment: Founded in 1851, the GSI is one of the world’s oldest scientific agencies, operating under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.
- Mandate: To carry out geoscientific surveys, natural resource mapping, mineral exploration, and geohazard assessment across the country.
- Global Contributions:
- Instrumental in identifying coal and mineral reserves during the colonial period.
- In post-independence India, expanded its scope to include seismotectonic studies, glaciology, landslide monitoring, and marine geology.
- Operates field divisions in Andaman–Nicobar, North Eastern Region, and Himalayan sectors — focusing on earthquake hazard zoning and geoheritage preservation.
- Current Focus Areas:
- Geo-heritage and geopark development.
- Landslide and coastal hazard monitoring.
- Digital geoscience data infrastructure.
- Marine geoscience and resource exploration in EEZ.
India Relevance
- Geo-heritage & Research Value:
The Baratang site, being India’s only active mud volcano, is a rare natural observatory for studying subduction processes, sediment deformation, and hydrocarbon migration. - Tourism & Awareness:
Promoting geo-tourism under safety protocols can enhance local income while spreading scientific awareness about India’s dynamic geology. - Energy Exploration:
Methane seepage and the presence of hydrocarbons can guide offshore oil and gas exploration in the Andaman Basin. - Disaster Preparedness:
Continuous GSI monitoring supports hazard mapping and early warning systems, crucial for island safety and coastal management. - Strategic Geography:
The Andaman region’s tectonic activity offers vital data for infrastructure planning, seismic risk mitigation, and defence operations in India’s eastern maritime zone.
Broader Global Implications
- Climate Linkage: Mud volcanoes release methane, a potent greenhouse gas; studying these emissions improves understanding of natural vs anthropogenic climate forcing.
- Comparative Geology: Baratang joins global mud-volcano belts like Azerbaijan’s Caspian fields, Indonesia’s Sidoarjo, and Pakistan’s Makran coast, all lying along active subduction margins.
- Earth-System Science: Continuous monitoring enhances global research on fluid migration, sub-crustal stress, and earthquake precursors — key themes in UNESCO’s International Geoscience Programme (IGCP).
Conclusion
The Baratang mud volcano represents a living record of India’s geological past and ongoing plate movements. The GSI’s findings not only enrich academic understanding but also highlight the necessity of geo-conservation, safe tourism, and integrated research that link India’s natural heritage to global scientific efforts in climate and tectonic studies.
CARE MCQ
Q3. Assertion (A): The Baratang mud volcano indicates active tectonic processes associated with the subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Burma Microplate.
Reason (R): The volcano is formed in the Himalayan collision zone where the Indian Plate is converging with the Eurasian Plate.
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.
Answer 3: b)
Explanation:
- A – True: The Baratang mud volcano is caused by active subduction along the Andaman–Burma microplate margin, where the Indian Plate descends beneath the Burma Microplate. The resulting compression and fluid escape through fractures lead to cold mud eruptions.
- R – True but Not the Explanation: The Himalayan collision zone also involves the Indian Plate, but it is a continental–continental collision with the Eurasian Plate, not a subduction system. Thus, both statements are true, yet R explains a different tectonic setting, making it an incorrect explanation of A.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)
- In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only.
- Western Ghats are spread over five States only.
- Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Ans: (b)
Chandrayaan-2 Makes First-Ever Observation of Sun’s Impact on Moon: ISRO
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology (Indian Space Programme, Space Weather) | GS Paper 1 – Geography (Solar Phenomena)
Context: Successive CMEs from the Sun struck the Moon
Why in News
The CHACE-2 (Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2) payload aboard the Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter has, for the first time ever, recorded the direct impact of a Solar Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) on the Moon’s exosphere — the Moon’s extremely thin outer atmosphere.
Image Source: The Hindu
Key Scientific Findings
- Observation Details:
- CHACE-2 detected a sharp rise in total pressure and number density (neutral atoms + molecules) in the dayside lunar exosphere.
- The density increased by more than one order of magnitude, confirming long-theorized predictions of solar particle impact.
- Mechanism:
The intense burst of solar plasma and magnetic fields in the CME bombarded the Moon’s surface, knocking atoms off the regolith (mainly sodium, potassium, and argon). These liberated atoms temporarily thickened the lunar exosphere before dissipating. - Scientific Significance:
- First direct empirical evidence of CME-induced space-weather effects on a non-atmospheric body.
- Validates earlier theoretical space-environment models developed by Indian and global scientists.
- Demonstrates CHACE-2’s precision in detecting trace gases and pressure variations in near-vacuum conditions.
About CHACE-2 and Chandrayaan-2
- CHACE-2: Developed by ISRO’s Space Physics Laboratory, it measures neutral composition, pressure, and temperature of the lunar exosphere.
- Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter: Launched July 22 2019 aboard GSLV Mk-III-M1, carrying eight payloads for lunar mapping, mineral detection, and exospheric studies.
- Although the Vikram lander failed to communicate, the orbiter remains fully operational in lunar orbit and continues to deliver world-class scientific data.
India Relevance
- Scientific Leadership: Positions India among the few nations contributing original data to global space-weather research.
- Strategic Implications: Essential for designing lunar habitats — future Indian or international bases must account for CME-induced radiation and dust charging.
- Technological Validation: Confirms India’s capability to build high-sensitivity instruments capable of long-term autonomous operation around extraterrestrial bodies.
- Educational and Diplomatic Value: Enhances India’s participation in collaborative lunar missions such as Artemis Accords and LUPEX (India-Japan).
Global Implications
- Space Weather Forecasting:
The finding refines understanding of how solar storms affect airless bodies, improving predictive models for Mars, Mercury, and asteroids. - Human Habitation Challenges:
Reveals that CMEs can cause temporary atmospheric swelling and radiation surges, influencing safety protocols for astronauts and robotics. - Planetary Science Contribution:
Strengthens the global dataset on solar-wind–surface interactions, critical for future resource extraction and radiation-shield design on the Moon.
Conclusion
CHACE-2’s discovery marks a milestone in space plasma and lunar science. It expands ISRO’s role from lunar mapping to space-environment monitoring, bridging planetary science and human-spaceflight readiness.
The event underlines how India’s sustained missions yield global insights, reinforcing its status as a key player in the next phase of lunar exploration.
CARE MCQ
Q4. Match the following space-based instruments with their primary functions:
| List I – Instrument / Mission | List II – Function / Discovery |
|---|---|
| A. CHACE-2 (Chandrayaan-2) | 1. Measured CME-induced variations in lunar exosphere |
| B. XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) | 2. Studies polarisation of cosmic X-rays |
| C. Aditya-L1 (VELC payload) | 3. Observes solar corona and coronal mass ejections |
| D. Mangalyaan (MOM) | 4. Investigates methane and atmospheric escape on Mars |
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
C) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
D) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
Answer 4: A)
Explanation
- CHACE-2 → (1): Recorded real-time CME impact on the Moon’s exosphere—the first global observation of solar-lunar coupling. It helped model how solar plasma alters the exospheric chemistry of airless bodies—vital for future lunar base safety and space-weather forecasting.
- XPoSat → (2): India’s first polarimetry mission, equipped with POLIX and XSPECT instruments, measures the polarisation of X-rays from high-energy sources like black holes and magnetars, giving clues to the geometry of cosmic magnetic fields—something no Indian mission had achieved before.
- Aditya-L1 → (3): India’s first solar observatory, positioned at Lagrange Point L1 (1.5 million km away), continuously observes the solar corona, CMEs, and solar wind through VELC. It enables 24×7 space-weather monitoring, supporting both Earth-based and lunar missions.
- Mangalyaan → (4): Became the world’s least expensive interplanetary mission and the first to detect Martian methane variability using the MSM instrument, reshaping theories on Mars’ geological activity and atmospheric evolution
UPSC PYQ
Q. If a major solar storm (solar-flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (2022)
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6 and 7
Ans: (c)
For a New Path: On the Surrender of Key Maoist Leaders
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security (Left-Wing Extremism) | GS Paper 2 – Governance, Welfare, Federal Issues
Context: Counter-Insurgency, Governance
Why in News
The recent surrender of senior Maoist leaders, including former Politburo member, signifies a gradual ideological and operational collapse of Maoist strongholds across central India — once considered the insurgency’s core zone.
(Image Source: The Wire)
Downfall of Maoism in India — Causes and Context
1. Strategic Contraction and Loss of Territorial Control
- Maoist presence has reduced from over 90 districts a decade ago to just 11, with effective control limited to Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Sukma in Chhattisgarh.
- Continuous security operations, better intelligence coordination, and denial of safe zones eroded the insurgents’ operational depth.
2. Shift in State Strategy: From Repression to Development
- The earlier militarised approach (e.g., Salwa Judum) created resentment and displacement; its Supreme Court ban in 2011 marked a policy reset.
- Post-2011, governments adopted a “Clear–Hold–Develop” model, combining police presence with roads, schools, health centres, and PDS access.
- This gradually restored the legitimacy of the state among tribal communities who had long felt abandoned.
3. Decline of Ideological Appeal among Tribals
- Tribals realised that Maoists’ emphasis on armed struggle brought continued violence but no socio-economic progress.
- Disillusionment grew as Maoists taxed local produce, interfered in village life, and obstructed welfare schemes.
- State-led initiatives in land titles (FRA), MGNREGS, and tribal cooperatives offered tangible gains, eroding Maoist credibility.
4. Professionalisation of Security Forces
- Counter-insurgency units such as CRPF’s CoBRA, Greyhounds, and state police Special Task Forces adapted to jungle warfare and improved local intelligence.
- Use of drones, communication grids, and coordinated multi-state operations limited Maoist mobility and recruitment.
5. Ideological Exhaustion and Leadership Fatigue
- Senior leaders like Mallojula Venugopal Rao have acknowledged that the Chinese and Russian revolutionary models are irrelevant to modern India.
- The Maoist cadre is aging; recruitment from youth and tribal groups has sharply declined due to loss of purpose and hope.
6. Growing Political and Social Integration
- Enhanced panchayati raj participation, youth employment programs, and improved infrastructure have drawn local populations closer to mainstream governance.
- The absence of large-scale human rights violations in recent years has built trust, replacing fear with cooperation.
India Relevance
- Stability Dividend:
The decline of LWE opens avenues for inclusive development and state-building in long-neglected tribal regions. - Governance Lesson:
Demonstrates the efficacy of a “security + development” approach, blending law enforcement with local participation. - Democratic Assimilation:
Reintegration of former insurgents through surrender and rehabilitation policies aligns with India’s constitutional ethos. - Economic Impact:
Boosts confidence for investments in mineral-rich tribal districts, improving local employment and connectivity. - National Integration:
Sets the stage for transforming conflict-ridden belts into productive democratic spaces — similar to Mizoram and Tripura post-insurgency transitions.
Global Parallels
- Experiences in Peru (Shining Path), Colombia (FARC), and Philippines (NPA) show that sustainable peace requires political dialogue, amnesty frameworks, and grassroots development, not just military victory.
- India’s model now mirrors these global de-escalations, with emphasis on human security and reconciliation.
Conclusion
The surrender of top Maoist leaders represents not just the weakening of a militant movement but the renewal of democratic opportunity. If accompanied by institutional reforms, tribal inclusion, and justice, this could finally close one of India’s longest internal conflicts — allowing affected regions to chart a new developmental path under the rule of law.
CARE MCQ
Q5. Assertion–Reason Question
Assertion (A):
The recent decline of Maoism in India demonstrates that inclusive development can erode extremist ideology more effectively than force alone.
Reason (R):
The government’s strategy after 2011 prioritised welfare delivery, infrastructure creation, and participatory governance alongside sustained counter-insurgency efforts.
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C) A is true, but R is false.
D) A is false, but R is true.
Ans 5: A
Explanation
- A – True:
The weakening of Maoism reflects a shift from coercive suppression to inclusive governance. Tribals and forest dwellers began to see the tangible benefits of state presence—roads, ration shops, schools, and mobile connectivity—leading to ideological disillusionment with Maoist propaganda.
This aligns with global lessons that economic integration, access to justice, and representation defuse insurgent legitimacy more effectively than prolonged militarisation. - R – True:
After the Supreme Court’s 2011 ban on Salwa Judum, the Indian state reoriented its approach to combine “Clear–Hold–Develop” operations with welfare and institutional outreach.
Key programs such as the Aspirational Districts Programme, Forest Rights Act (FRA) implementation, MGNREGS, and tribal entrepreneurship initiatives under Van Dhan Vikas Kendras gave people a stake in governance. - Link between A and R:
The inclusive development strategy directly undermined the Maoists’ claim of being the sole protectors of tribal rights. As governance expanded and corruption reduced through e-governance tools, insurgent recruitment and safe havens declined.
Thus, R correctly explains A, showing that socio-economic legitimacy, not just firepower, wins the battle against ideological extremism.
UPSC PYQ
Q. With reference to India, consider the following pairs: (2023)
Action – The Act under which it is covered
1, Unauthorized wearing of police or military uniforms – The Official Secrets Act, 1923
2. Knowingly misleading or otherwise interfering with a police officer or military officer when engaged in their duties – The Indian Evidence Act, 1872
3., Celebratory gunfire which can endanger the personal safety of others – The Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Ans: (b)