Content :

1. Ahead of Census, States asked to lock changes in boundaries before Dec. 31
2. The forced sterilisations of Emergency
3. Why is the ECI de-listing political parties?
4. Why did Axiom-4 need 28 hours to reach the ISS?
5. Airlines are not reporting misconduct of passengers, says aviation watchdog
6. At ISS, Shukla takes up experiment on skeletal muscle degradation in space
7. Noble rot, the alchemist of wines, is setting fungal biology abuzz

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Ahead of Census, States asked to lock changes in boundaries before Dec. 31

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Relevance : GS 2(Governance)

Census 2027 Phase 1 – Key Details

• Timeline & Scope:
  • Phase 1, i.e., House Listing & Housing Census, is tentatively scheduled to begin April 1, 2026.
  • It will cover all States and UTs in a phased manner, ideally between April and September.

• Digital Census – First Ever:
  • This will be India’s first digital Census.
  • Enumerators will use mobile apps/tablets instead of traditional paper-based forms, aiming for real-time, geo-tagged data collection.

• Coordination & Human Resources:
  • The Registrar General of India (RGI) is coordinating closely with State governments.
  • 1.3 lakh Census functionaries will be deployed for the House Listing and Housing Schedule.

• Use of 2021 Enumeration Blocks (EBs):
  • 24 lakh Enumeration Blocks (EBs), originally finalized for the postponed 2021 Census, will be reused.
  • Each EB typically covers 150–180 households or 650–800 individuals.

• What is Done in House Listing Phase:
  • Each house/building/public space is assigned a unique census number.
  • Information collected includes:
    • Building type and material
    • Drinking water source
    • Sanitation facility
    • Electricity availability
    • Use of the building (residential, commercial, vacant, etc.)

Observations and Challenges

• Delayed but Digitally Upgraded Census:
  • Originally slated for 2021, Census was delayed due to COVID-19.
  • 2027 Census marks a transformational shift in methodology through digitization.

• Advantages of Going Digital:
  • Faster data processing and dissemination.
  • Reduction in manual errors and paper waste.
  • Facilitates geo-tagging and real-time supervision.

• Challenges Ahead:
  • Training over 1 lakh functionaries in using digital tools may be resource- and time-intensive.
  • Digital divide and technological readiness in remote/rural areas could be a hurdle.
  • Data privacy and security concerns will need to be addressed robustly.

• Reuse of 2021 EBs – Efficient but Risky:
  • Ensures continuity and saves preparatory time.
  • But urban expansion, migration, and demographic shifts since 2021 may render some EBs outdated, affecting accuracy.

Census in India: Background

• Legal Basis: Conducted under the Census Act of 1948, which provides the framework for population enumeration and protects the confidentiality of individual data.
• Conducting Authority: Managed by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• First Census: The first synchronous census of India was conducted in 1881 during British rule under W.C. Plowden.
• Decennial Exercise: Held every 10 years, with the most recent completed in 2011. The 2021 Census has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other administrative reasons.
• Two Phases:
  • House-listing & Housing Census: Collects information about buildings, amenities, and households.
  • Population Enumeration: Collects demographic, social, and economic data on individuals.
• Digital Transition: The upcoming Census (2027, with first phase in 2026) will be conducted digitally for the first time using mobile apps and real-time data entry.
• Enumerators: Data is collected by over 1.3 lakh trained census functionaries, often drawn from the local government workforce like teachers.

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The forced sterilisations of Emergency

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Background and Policy Origins

• The campaign occurred during the National Emergency (1975–77), under India’s broader population control efforts.
• It was part of India’s National Family Planning Programme, which had historically supported voluntary sterilisation as a method of birth control.
• The policy was influenced by global support for population control, including from organizations such as the Ford Foundation, World Bank, and IMF.

Relevance : GS 1(Post Independence)

Scale and Statistics

• A significant increase in sterilisation numbers was recorded:
  • 1975: Approx. 1.3 million vasectomies
  • 1976: Approx. 2.6 million
  • 1977: Total sterilisation procedures rose to approx. 8.3 million (both male and female)
• The highest concentration of procedures occurred in northern Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Many enumerated figures were documented in studies by researchers such as Pai Panandiker and K.G. Jolly.

Implementation and Methods

• Enumeration and sterilisation drives were conducted across urban and rural areas.
• Field-level functionaries — including local officials, teachers, health workers, and law enforcement — were involved in implementation.
• Measures to encourage participation included:
  • Incentives: monetary compensation, food grains, or job-related benefits.
  • Administrative pressure: In some areas, compliance became linked to access to government schemes and services.

Reported Outcomes

• According to the Shah Commission of Inquiry:
  • 1,778 deaths were reported due to sterilisation procedures.
  • Instances of coercion and procedural irregularities were noted.
• In some areas, public protests and legal actions were recorded in response to specific incidents.

Comparative Global Context

• India was not alone; other countries also implemented population control policies during the 20th century:
  • United States: ~60,000 people sterilised under state eugenics laws (1907–1979).
  • Sweden: ~63,000 sterilised under public health policies (1935–1976).
  • Germany: ~400,000 sterilisations under the 1933 law on “genetic health”.
  • Peru (1990s): ~3,00,000 people, mostly rural women, sterilised under family planning drives.
  • China: Under the One-Child Policy, sterilisation was widely practiced to control population growth.

Public Memory and Long-Term Impact

• In India, the 1975–77 sterilisation drive became a notable event in the history of public health administration and governance during the Emergency.
• It is often discussed in relation to:
  • The evolution of health rights
  • The balance between population control and individual consent
  • The need for procedural safeguards in public health interventions.

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Why is the ECI de-listing political parties?

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Legal and Functional Framework

• Right to Form Parties:
  • Forming political associations is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution.

• Registration Process (Section 29A, RP Act, 1951):
  • Parties must submit a memorandum/constitution within 30 days of formation.
  • Must affirm allegiance to the Constitution of India, socialism, secularism, democracy, and national unity and integrity.
  • ECI verifies provisions for internal democracy, including periodic elections for office bearers, before granting registration.

• Definition of RUPPs:
  • Parties that are registered with ECI but not recognised as State or National Parties due to non-fulfilment of performance criteria (votes/seats).

Relevance : GS 2(Polity, Elections)

Current Status of RUPPs (as of May 2025)

• Total RUPPs: Over 2,800.
• Contested in 2024 General Elections: Approx. 750.
• De-listed and Inactive (by ECI):
  • 281 de-listed RUPPs
  • 217 marked inactive (no updated office bearer data since 2014)

Recent ECI Action (2024–2025)

• De-listing 345 RUPPs:
  • These parties have not contested any election since 2019.
  • Their offices were found to be non-existent or untraceable.
  • ECI has instructed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to issue show-cause notices before final action.

• Objective:
  • Prevent misuse of benefits such as income tax exemption, common election symbols, and star campaigner status.

Statutory Obligations and Benefits of RUPPs

• Under Representation of the People Act (RP Act), 1951:
  • RUPPs must submit details of donors contributing above ₹20,000 annually.
  • Must maintain transparency in internal elections and financial disclosures.

• Under Income Tax Act, 1961:
  • Tax exemptions under Section 13A.
  • Donations above ₹2,000 must be via banking channels (no cash).
  • Failure to file returns or donor lists may result in loss of tax benefits.

• Operational Advantages:
  • Eligibility for common electoral symbol.
  • Can nominate 20 star campaigners during elections.

Legal Limitations & Reform Suggestions

• Supreme Court Ruling (2002):
  • In Indian National Congress v. Institute of Social Welfare, the Court held that ECI cannot de-register a party unless:
    • Registration was obtained by fraud.
    • Party has ceased allegiance to the Indian Constitution.
    • Party is declared unlawful by the Government.

• Pending Reform Proposals:
  • Law Commission Report (255th, 2015):
    • Suggests de-registration of parties inactive for 10 consecutive years.

• ECI’s Electoral Reform Memo (2016):
  • Recommends amendments to RP Act to empower de-registration for non-compliance or inactivity.

• Issue of Inner-Party Democracy:
  • Many parties do not conduct regular internal elections.
  • Law Commission (170th & 255th reports) advocates legal provisions to enforce inner-party democracy.

Broader Context and Implications

• “Letter Pad Parties”:
  • Term used for parties that exist only on paper but do not engage in electoral activity.
  • Risks: misuse of legal and financial privileges, opaque donations, and regulatory burden on ECI.

• Significance of Current Exercise:
  • Enhances transparency, reduces compliance gaps, and supports genuine political participation.
  • May serve as a precursor to long-term legislative reforms to streamline political party accountability.

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Why did Axiom-4 need 28 hours to reach the ISS?

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Context :

• Mission Overview:
  • Axiom-4 is a private crewed space mission to the International Space Station (ISS), organized by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and using SpaceX’s Dragon crew capsule.
  • Launched on June 25 from NASA’s Florida spaceport aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

Relevance : GS 3(Space , Technology)

• Indian Representation:
  • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer, is part of the crew — marking his first spaceflight and a significant milestone for India’s global space presence.
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Orbit and Pre-Docking Sequence

• Initial Orbit and Speed:
  • After separation from the Falcon 9, Dragon entered a low elliptical parking orbit ~200 km above Earth, traveling at approx. 27,000 km/h.
  • This orbit allowed the capsule to gradually phase and align with the ISS, which orbits ~400 km above Earth.

• Orbital Mechanics:
  • Rather than flying “upward,” Dragon had to match the ISS’s orbit both in altitude and horizontal velocity.
  • Like two cars merging on a curved highway, Dragon needed precise speed and timing adjustments.

Docking Profile and Safety Protocols

• Duration & Orbits:
  • The docking approach followed a 28-hour profile, completing ~18 orbits before docking.

• Step-by-Step Docking Process:
  • Dragon aligned into a designated approach ‘corridor’ when ~30 km from the ISS.
  • Docking involved progressive slowing, with mandatory hold points at:
    • 400 m, 220 m, 20 m, and 1 m.
  • At each point, the crew (including Group Capt. Shukla, the designated mission pilot) performed:
    • Go/no-go checks
    • LIDAR system verifications

• Abort Protocols:
  • A single faulty sensor or system alert would have required Dragon to abort and retreat safely via a pre-set escape path.

• Deliberate Pacing:
  • These safety steps intentionally extended the final approach time, prioritizing crew and ISS safety.

Operational Advantages and Crew Readiness

• Use of SpaceX’s Dragon Capsule:
  • Known for reliability, automated navigation, and reusability.
  • Allowed for a conservative, fuel-rich approach profile, enhancing mission safety and flexibility.

• Crew Well-being:
  • The slower approach gave the crew time for:
    • System check-outs
    • Rest and meals
    • Final mission prep before docking

Broader Significance

• Technical Excellence:
  • Demonstrates advanced international cooperation in human spaceflight.
  • Highlights the growing role of private aerospace firms in low-Earth orbit missions.

• India’s Emerging Role:
  • Group Capt. Shukla’s inclusion reflects India’s deepening engagement with global human spaceflight programs.

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Airlines are not reporting misconduct of passengers, says aviation watchdog

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Core Concern

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) observed that many airlines:
  • Delayed reporting incidents of unruly passenger behaviour.
  • In some cases, did not report such incidents at all.
• Unruly behaviour is being flagged as a growing safety concern for passengers, crew, and overall flight operations.

Relevance : GS 2( Governance, Policy, and Administration)

Revised Reporting Guidelines

• Airlines must:
  • Report incidents via email within 12 hours to the Chief of Flight Safety or Director of Cabin Safety.
  • Submit detailed information within 24 hours of flight landing to DGCA.

• Applicable to:
  • All scheduled and non-scheduled operators, including those with cabin crew on board.

Operational Responsibility

• Pilots, cabin crew, and in-flight service directors are reminded of obligations under:
  • Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) relating to unruly passengers.
• Earlier circulars emphasized vigilance and timely action in handling in-flight misconduct.

Nature of Incidents Reported

• The advisory follows several types of serious onboard incidents, including:
  • Alcohol-induced aggression
  • Passenger scuffles after verbal disputes
  • Sexual harassment of co-passengers
  • Actions compromising flight safety

Regulatory and Legal Measures

• As per DGCA guidelines (2017):
  • Airlines must refer complaints to an Internal Committee.
  • The committee must:
    • Complete its review within 30 days.
    • Decide on ban duration for the offending passenger.
• While the inquiry is pending, the airline can impose a temporary ban.
• Repeat offences:
  • Penalty duration will be twice that of the previous ban.

Legal Enforcement

• For cognisable offences (e.g., assault, harassment), law enforcement agencies are empowered to initiate legal action in parallel.
• Airlines are expected to coordinate with authorities when incidents meet criminal thresholds.

Significance of the Advisory

• Reinforces the need for:
  • Timely and transparent reporting
  • Safety-first culture in air travel

• Aims to:
  • Deter misconduct
  • Maintain discipline and accountability
  • Protect both crew welfare and passenger experience

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At ISS, Shukla takes up experiment on skeletal muscle degradation in space

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Mission Update: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla at the ISS

• Group Captain Shukla, known by his mission call sign “Shux”, has begun research activities aboard the ISS following successful adaptation to orbital conditions.
• As per Axiom Space, the crew has transitioned from arrival protocols to full-scale scientific work.

Relevance : GS 3(Space , Research)

Key Research Areas

Myogenesis Experiment

• Conducted inside the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG).
• Objective: Understand skeletal muscle degradation in microgravity.
• Potential outcomes:
  • Develop therapies for astronauts to prevent muscle loss during space missions.
  • Advance treatment for muscle-degenerative diseases on Earth.
• Proposed by: Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), Bengaluru.
• Part of ISRO’s microgravity experiment initiative.

Cerebral Hemodynamics Study

• Focuses on blood flow in the brain under microgravity.
• Tools: Uses ultrasound technology and real-time monitoring software.
• Significance:
  • Enhances understanding of cardiovascular changes in space.
  • May improve medical insights into conditions like stroke and hypertension on Earth.

ISRO’s Role and Scientific Goals

• ISRO has selected seven microgravity experiments for Shukla to conduct during his 14-day stay.
• Aim: Build a sustainable microgravity research ecosystem in India.
• Long-term goal: Integrate such experiments into future Indian space missions.

International Scientific Collaboration

• India-NASA Collaboration:
  • Includes five joint science investigations.
  • Also includes two STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) outreach experiments.

• Axiom-4 Mission Scope:
  • Involves ~60 scientific studies.
  • Represents contributions from 31 countries, including:
    • India, U.S., Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and various European nations.

Significance and Broader Impact

• Enhances India’s profile in human space research, especially in life sciences and biomedicine.
• Strengthens India’s collaboration with international space agencies and private players.
• Provides dual benefit:
  • Supports astronaut health and mission sustainability.
  • Contributes to Earth-based healthcare advancements.

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Noble rot, the alchemist of wines, is setting fungal biology abuzz

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Agricultural & Economic Significance

• Botrytis cinerea, known as noble rot, infects grape berries, causing water loss and concentrating sugars—crucial for high-end sweet wine production.
• Used in making Sauternes (France), Tokaji Aszú (Hungary), and Trockenbeerenauslese (Germany/Austria).
• Infection is selective; grapes must be hand-picked, making the process labour-intensive and economically valuable.
• Under uncontrolled conditions, the fungus may become agriculturally destructive, affecting crops adversely.

Relevance : GS 3(Economy , Agriculture)

Scientific Breakthrough in Cell Biology

• Research published in Science revealed that Botrytis and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum possess incomplete chromosome sets per nucleus — a first-of-its-kind discovery.
• Chromosomes are distributed across multiple nuclei, with no single nucleus holding a full genome — unprecedented in fungi, animals, or plants.

Implications for Cloning & Genetics

• These fungi cannot be cloned like normal eukaryotes due to partial genomes in individual nuclei.
• Raises key questions about:
  • Chromosome segregation
  • Nuclear division
  • Genetic integrity maintenance

Experimental Origin of the Discovery

• The anomaly surfaced during UV mutation experiments on S. sclerotiorum.
• Researchers found all cells mutated—contrary to expectations—prompting deeper analysis using molecular chromosome probes.
• Confirmed that nuclei had non-overlapping chromosome sets.

Fungal Reproduction Context

• Both fungi belong to the ascomycetes class, producing spores (ascospores) inside an ascus.
• Typically, these spores have genetically identical nuclei, but in these fungi, nuclear diversity was observed.

Open Research Questions

• How are chromosomes split between nuclei?
• How is genetic stability ensured during cell division?
• What evolutionary or biological benefit does this nuclear organization offer?

Wider Biological Significance

• Challenges foundational principles in nuclear and chromosome biology.
• Could redefine our understanding of multinucleate cells.
• Puts fungi at the forefront of genetic and cellular research, with implications for biotechnology, evolution, and genome engineering.