Prelims Pinpointer 25 March 2026: Daily UPSC

Prelims Pinpointer Key Highlights

Scheduled Caste Status

Context: Supreme Court held that conversion to other religions leads to loss of Scheduled Caste (SC) status.

Constitutional Basis & Legal Provision

• Based on Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, especially Clause 3. 
• SC status is limited to persons following Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism.
• Sikhs were included in 1956 and Buddhists in 1990 through amendments.
• Key Judgment & Interpretation
  • If a person converts to any other religion, SC status is lost immediately, even if born in SC family.
  • The word “profess” means openly following and practicing a religion in public life.
  • One cannot follow another religion and still claim SC benefits at the same time.
  • Further, protection under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 will also not apply.
  • However, Scheduled Tribes (STs) do not face such religion-based restrictions.

Re-conversion Conditions

• Person must clearly prove original caste identity with proper evidence.
• Must show genuine return to Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism.
• Acceptance by original caste community is necessary after reconversion.
• Person must follow customs and practices of that caste in real life.

Kakori Train Action (1925)

Context: Statues of Kakori train action martyrs were demolished using bulldozer allegedly during road construction work in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, sparking outrage with Opposition parties demanding action against those responsible.

About 

• Kakori Train Action took place on 9 August 1925 near Kakori, close to Lucknow in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
• Revolutionaries targeted a British government treasury being transported by train to fund their activities.
• The incident involved Number 8 Down train running between Shahjahanpur and Lucknow.
• It was one of the earliest well-planned revolutionary actions against colonial rule in India.

Background

• After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919), anger against British rule intensified among Indian youth.
• Suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1922) created frustration among radical nationalists.
• Revolutionaries formed the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) in 1924 to organise armed resistance.
• The organisation aimed to collect funds by targeting British government resources, especially railway treasuries.

Key Personalities

• Ram Prasad Bismil was the main leader and planner of the Kakori action.
• Ashfaqullah Khan played a crucial role and symbolised Hindu-Muslim unity in the freedom struggle.
• Other participants included Rajendra Lahiri, Keshav Chakraborty, Mukundi Lal, and Banwari Lal.
• Chandrashekhar Azad was associated with HRA and helped in planning, though he escaped arrest later.

British Response

• The British government launched a widespread crackdown, arresting most of the revolutionaries involved.
• Seventeen revolutionaries were imprisoned, while several others received harsh punishments.
• Four leaders Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Roshan Singh were executed.
• The incident dealt a temporary setback to revolutionary activities, weakening the HRA network.

Recusal of Judges

Meaning of Recusal of Judges

• Recusal means a judge voluntarily withdrawing from a case due to possible conflict of interest.
• It ensures that judicial decisions remain fair, impartial, and free from bias.
• Based on principle “nemo judex in sua causa”, meaning no one should judge their own case.
• Also guided by idea that justice must not only be done, but also be seen to be done.

When Recusal Occurs

• When a judge has financial interest, such as shares in a company involved in case.
• When there is personal or prior association with any party in the dispute.
• When a judge hears an appeal in Supreme Court against his/her own earlier High Court judgment.
• When there is a reasonable perception of bias in the mind of the affected party.

Process of Recusal

• Decision to recuse is usually taken by judge himself based on personal conscience and discretion.
• Sometimes, lawyers or parties request recusal citing possible conflict of interest.
• There are no formal codified rules, but guided by judicial precedents and ethics.
• Judges take oath to act without fear, favour, affection, or ill-will, guiding recusal decisions.

Judges Refusal to Recuse

• Final decision to recuse or not rests solely with the concerned judge.
• Judges may refuse if they believe no real bias or conflict exists in the case.
• Refusal is also based on principle that unnecessary recusals may delay justice delivery.
• Recording Reasons for Recusal
  • Judges may record reasons for recusal, though not mandatory due to lack of formal rules.
  • Reasons can be stated in open court or inferred from circumstances of the case.
  • Transparency helps maintain public trust in judicial process and fairness.
  • However, sometimes judges avoid detailed disclosure to protect institutional integrity. 

Judicial Principles & Case Laws

• In Ranjit Thakur v Union of India, SC held bias depends on reasonable apprehension of party.
• Court emphasised that perception of bias must be viewed from standpoint of affected party.
• In Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association case, pecuniary interest mandates recusal.
• Even slight financial interest can automatically disqualify a judge from hearing the case.

Biopharma SHAKTI

About the Initiative

• Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology & Innovation) is a government initiative aims to make India a global hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.
• It focuses on strengthening domestic production of biologics and biosimilars.
• The initiative seeks to build a robust ecosystem for advanced healthcare technologies and therapies.

Key Features

• Establishment of 3 new NIPERs and upgradation of 7 existing institutes for biopharma focus.
• Creation of network of over 1000 accredited clinical trial sites across India.
• Development of biopharma innovation and manufacturing infrastructure at national level.
• Encourages research, industry collaboration, and skill development in pharmaceutical sector.

Financial Outlay & Duration

• Total outlay of ₹10,000 crore allocated for implementation of the initiative.
• Programme duration is five years, focusing on long-term capacity building.
• Investment aims to boost advanced manufacturing and research capabilities.
• Expected to attract private investments and global partnerships in biopharma sector.

Objectives & Significance

• Promotes self-reliance in high-value medicines, reducing import dependence.
• Addresses rising burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
• Enhances India’s position in next-generation therapies and global healthcare supply chains.
• Improves accessibility and affordability of advanced medicines for Indian population.

Cervical Cancer

About The Disease

• Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower narrow part of the uterus.
• It usually develops slowly over several years, starting from abnormal cell changes.
• In early stages, symptoms may not appear, which makes regular screening very important.
• If detected early, it is highly preventable and treatable.

Causes and Role of HPV

• The main cause is Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection.
• HPV can affect skin, genital areas, and even the throat, often without noticeable symptoms.
• In most people, the immune system clears the virus naturally, without causing harm.
• However, in some cases, the virus persists and leads to cancerous changes in cervical cells.
• Around 14 types of HPV are cancer-causing, with types 16 and 18 responsible for about 70% cases globally.

HPV Vaccines

• Vaccines are designed to protect against high-risk HPV types before infection occurs.
• Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil) protects against four HPV types (16, 18, 6, 11).
• Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix) targets the two most cancer-causing types (16 and 18).
• Non-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9) offers broader protection against nine HPV types.
• India has developed Cervavac, a more affordable indigenous vaccine for wider public use.
• How the Vaccine Helps
  • The vaccine works by preventing the virus from entering the body and infecting cells.
  • It is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, usually before sexual activity begins.
  • By stopping infection early, it helps prevent cervical cancer as well as genital warts.
  • It plays a major role in reducing long-term disease burden and treatment costs.

Prevention and Screening

• Vaccination between 9–14 years of age is considered the most effective preventive measure.
• Regular screening from around 30 years of age helps detect early-stage disease.
• Early treatment of abnormal cells can completely prevent development of cancer.
• Awareness, access to healthcare, and timely vaccination are key to controlling cervical cancer. 

Parkinson’s Disease

Basic Understanding

• Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that mainly affects body movement and coordination.
• It develops gradually and can lead to reduced mobility and, in advanced stages, cognitive decline.
• The disease is more common in older individuals, though younger people can also be affected.
• Men are more frequently affected than women.
• Globally, cases have increased significantly in last 25 years, with India contributing nearly 10% burden.

Causes & Mechanism

• Exact cause is not fully known, but involves both genetic and environmental factors.
• It is mainly due to loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
• Dopamine is important for smooth and coordinated muscle movements.
• Reduction in dopamine leads to motor as well as non-motor symptoms over time.

Symptoms

• Motor symptoms include tremors, slow movement (bradykinesia), muscle rigidity, and difficulty in walking.
• Patients may experience postural instability and balance problems as disease progresses.
• Non-motor symptoms include memory issues, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
• Other symptoms may include pain, fatigue, and sensory problems affecting daily life.

Treatment & Management

• There is no complete cure, but treatment helps in managing symptoms effectively.
• Levodopa/carbidopa is the most commonly used medicine to increase dopamine levels.
• Other approaches include surgery, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation support.
• Early diagnosis and continuous care help improve quality of life of patients. 

Hudsonian Godwit

Context: Population of Hudsonian Godwit has declined by nearly 95% in last four decades, raising serious conservation concerns.

Basic Understanding

• Hudsonian Godwit is a large migratory shorebird belonging to the sandpiper family Scolopacidae.
• Scientifically known as Limosa haemastica, it is famous for its extraordinary long-distance migration.
• Considered one of the world’s most remarkable avian travellers due to its endurance and navigation ability.

Habitat & Distribution

• Breeds in wetland ecosystems like sedge meadows and muskeg in sub-Arctic and Boreal regions.
• Found across North America during breeding season and migrates to South America.
• Spends non-breeding period in southern regions like Patagonia.
• Depends heavily on coastal wetlands and shallow water ecosystems during migration.

Unique Features

• Has long legs and slightly upturned bill, adapted for feeding in shallow waters.
• Shows distinct breeding plumage of gold, brown and reddish tones, turning grey-brown later.
• Can fly nearly 11,000 km non-stop without food, water or rest, a rare biological feat.
• Feeds mainly on insects and crustaceans by probing into soft mud or shallow water.

Threats

• Habitat loss due to wetland degradation is a major concern across its migratory route.
• Climate change affects breeding grounds and food availability in Arctic regions.
• Being a long-distance migrant, it faces multiple threats across different countries and ecosystems.

Conservation Status

• Listed as Vulnerable in IUCN Red List, indicating high risk of population decline.
• Sharp population decline highlights importance of international conservation cooperation.