Prelims Pinpointer 13-04-2026

Delimitation CommissionDelimitation Commission – Constitutional Provisions (Article 82, 170), Amendments, and Process

About Delimitation Commission

• The Delimitation Commission is a statutory and quasi-judicial body constituted by the Government of India.
• Its primary responsibility is to redraw the boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies based on the latest Census.
• This process ensures that each constituency represents roughly an equal population, thereby strengthening democratic equality.
• The Commission functions with a high degree of independence:
  • Its decisions are final and have the force of law.
  • These decisions cannot be challenged in any court, ensuring neutrality in the process.
• Delimitation Acts
  • India has enacted Delimitation Acts in 1952, 1962, 1972, and 2002, each linked to a Census.
  • These Acts led to the constitution of Delimitation Commissions to restructure constituencies and update reservations.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 82 empowers Parliament to enact a Delimitation Act after every Census.
• Article 170 provides for readjustment of State Assembly seats.
• Articles 330 and 332 ensure reservation of seats for SCs and STs based on population.
• Article 327 gives Parliament the power to legislate on election matters.
• Article 329(a) bars judicial interference in delimitation orders.
• Key Constitutional Amendments
  • The 42nd Amendment (1976) froze the total number of seats to encourage population control.
  • The 84th Amendment (2002) extended this freeze till 2026, while allowing internal adjustments.
  • The 87th Amendment (2003) mandated the use of the 2001 Census for delimitation and SC/ST reservation.
  • Together, these amendments ensure stability in representation, though they delay adjustment to current population realities.

Composition

• The Commission is headed by a retired Judge of the Supreme Court.
• It includes the Chief Election Commissioner and State Election Commissioners as members.
• Associate Members (MPs/MLAs) participate in discussions, but do not have voting powers.

Criteria for Delimitation

• The Commission follows a balanced approach while drawing boundaries:
  • It ensures equal population representation across constituencies.
  • It maintains geographical compactness, avoiding fragmented areas.
  • It respects natural features like rivers and hills.
  • It considers administrative convenience, avoiding unnecessary division of districts or tehsils.
  • It allocates SC/ST reserved seats proportionately.
  • It invites public feedback before finalising boundaries. 

Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem – Geopolitical and Religious Significance

About Al-Aqsa Mosque

• Al-Aqsa Mosque (“the Farthest Mosque”) is the third holiest site in Islam.
• It is located in the Old City of Jerusalem.
• The mosque is situated on the Temple Mount, known in Islam as:
  • Al-Aqsa Compound or
  • Haram esh-Sharif
• It was built several decades after Prophet Muhammad’s death.
• Religious Significance:
  • Islamic belief holds that Prophet Muhammad was taken from the Great Mosque of Mecca to Al-Aqsa during the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj).
  • Initially, Muslims offered prayers facing this site until about the 16th–17th month after migration (Hijra).
  • Later, the direction of prayer (Qibla) was changed to the Kaaba in Mecca.

About Jerusalem

• Jerusalem is located in Western Asia.
• It lies on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea.
• It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
• The city is surrounded by:
  • Mount of Olives (East)
  • Mount Scopus (North-East)
• Religious Importance:
  • Jerusalem is sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
• Geopolitical Features
  • Jerusalem lies along the Green Line, dividing Israel and the West Bank.
  • Both Israel and Palestine claim Jerusalem as their capital.
  • These claims are not widely recognised internationally, reflecting an ongoing dispute.

Important Landmarks and Recognition

• The Old City of Jerusalem:
  • Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1981)
  • Listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger (since 1982)
• Mount Herzl:
  • Located in western Jerusalem
  • Serves as the national cemetery of Israel

UNIFIL – Mandate, Composition, and India’s Contribution to Peacekeeping

About UNIFIL

• United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon is a UN peacekeeping force established in March 1978 by the UN Security Council.
• It was created after Israel’s invasion of Lebanon during the South Lebanon Conflict.
• Original Mandate:
  • To confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
  • To restore international peace and security

Mandate and Functions

• Following the 2006 Israel–Hezbollah war (34 days), UNIFIL’s mandate was expanded.
• It now:
  • Monitors the cessation of hostilities
  • Supports the deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon
  • Helps maintain peace and stability in the region
• Rules of Engagement: Use of force is permitted only in self-defence or for carrying out assigned duties

Structure and Contribution

• UNIFIL consists of around 10,500 peacekeepers.
• Troops are contributed by 48 countries.
• Major contributors include:
  • Indonesia (largest contributor)
  • Italy, India, Nepal, and China

Cancer Therapies – Immunotherapy, PD-1 Inhibitors, Keytruda, and CAR-T Cell Therapy

Context

• A major investigation revealed leakage and circulation of fake high-cost cancer drug Keytruda in India. The case highlights concerns related to drug authenticity, hospital supply chains, and affordability of cancer therapies.

About Cancer Drugs (Keytruda Example)

• Keytruda is the brand name of Pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug.
• It is used for treating multiple cancers such as:
  • Melanoma
  • Lung cancer
  • Cervical cancer
  • Renal cell cancer
• It belongs to a class of drugs called PD-1 inhibitors (checkpoint inhibitors).
• Mechanism:
  • It works by blocking PD-1 receptors on T-cells, preventing cancer cells from evading the immune system.
  • This enables the body’s immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells.
• Approval and Market:
  • First approved in 2014 (USA).
  • One of the best-selling cancer drugs globally.

Types of Cancer Therapies

• Immunotherapy
  • It trains the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells.
  • It is highly targeted and may have long-lasting effects, sometimes even after treatment stops.
  • Includes:
    • Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., Keytruda)
    • CAR-T cell therapy → modifies patient’s T-cells to attack cancer
    • mRNA vaccines (under development)
• Chemotherapy and Radiation
  • These therapies directly kill cancer cells and some healthy cells.
  • They are less targeted compared to immunotherapy.
• Targeted Therapy (Monoclonal Antibodies)
  • Drugs like Keytruda are monoclonal antibodies, designed to target specific molecules on cancer cells.

Issues

• Cost and Accessibility
  • Keytruda is extremely expensive:
    • Around ₹1.5 lakh per vial
    • Monthly treatment cost can reach ₹3–4 lakh
• Access is limited due to:
  • High cost of biologic drugs
  • Patent protection (expiry expected around 2028)
  • Limited insurance coverage

Sabarimala Temple – History, Traditions, and Supreme Court Judgment on Women Entry

About Sabarimala Temple

• The Sabarimala Sri Ayyappa Swami Temple is a major pilgrimage centre in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
• The temple opens only during specific periods, especially the Mandalam–Makaravilakku season (November–January).
• Devotees undertake a 41-day vrat (fast) before visiting the temple.
• Pilgrimage practices include:
  • Wearing black robes
  • Carrying Irumudi (sacred twin bags)
  • Chanting “Swami Sharanam Ayyappa”
• The temple also houses shrines of:
  • Vavar Swami (Muslim saint)
  • Malikappuram Devi
• This reflects a tradition of religious harmony and inclusiveness.

Location

• The temple is located in Pathanamthitta district (Kerala), in the Sabari Hills of the Western Ghats.
• It lies within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, surrounded by 18 hills.
• The temple is situated at an altitude of about 914 metres.

Architecture and Structure

• The temple follows traditional Kerala-style architecture, known for its simplicity and spiritual design.
• The sanctum houses the idol of Lord Ayyappa in a yogic posture.
• The temple has a gold-plated roof (copper-plated).
• A key feature is the 18 sacred steps (Pathinettam Padi):
  • Symbolise 18 hills or 18 virtues
  • Covered with gold plating
• Other features:
  • Presence of a lamp post
  • Smaller shrines around the main deity
• The temple was rebuilt after a fire in 1950.

Historical and Cultural Aspects

• The temple is believed to be around 800 years old.
• It is associated with the legend of Ayyappa, son of Shiva and Mohini (form of Vishnu), who defeated Mahishi.
• It is believed to have been built by King Rajasekhara.
• Vavar Swami, a Muslim warrior, is revered as a companion of Ayyappa, symbolising communal harmony.
• The Makaravilakku (Jyoti Darshan) ceremony holds great religious significance.

Women Entry Issue

• Traditionally, women aged 10–50 years were not allowed entry, as Lord Ayyappa is considered a perpetual celibate (Naishtika Brahmachari).
• 1991 → Kerala High Court upheld this restriction.
• 2006 → Indian Young Lawyers Association filed a petition in the Supreme Court.
• Supreme Court Judgment
  • On 28 September 2018, the Supreme Court (4:1 majority) declared the restriction unconstitutional.
  • It held that the ban violated:
    • Article 14 (Equality)
    • Article 15 (Non-discrimination)
    • Article 25 (Freedom of religion)
  • The Court ruled that:
    • The practice is not an essential religious practice.
    • Women have the right to worship.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) – Features, Components, and Implementation

Overview

• PMAY is a flagship housing scheme launched in:
  • 2015 (PMAY–Urban)
  • 2016 (PMAY–Gramin)
• The scheme aims to provide affordable pucca houses with basic amenities to the poor.
• It reflects a shift from mere shelter provision to holistic habitat development, including sanitation, energy access, and livelihood linkages.

PMAY–Gramin (PMAY-G)

• Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, PMAY-G focuses on houseless households and those living in kutcha or dilapidated houses.
• It ensures that beneficiaries receive not just a house, but a livable and dignified dwelling space.
• Targeting and Inclusion
  • Beneficiaries are selected using SECC 2011 data, with final verification by the Gram Sabha, ensuring transparency and community participation.
  • The scheme prioritises: Landless households and SC/ST communities (minimum 60% allocation at national level)
• Financial Support and Design
  • Each house must have a minimum area of 25 sq. m, including a hygienic cooking space.
  • Financial assistance provided:
    • ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas
    • ₹1.30 lakh in hilly/difficult areas
  • Funding pattern:
    • 60:40 between Centre:State
    • 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states
    • 100% for Union Territories
• Implementation is strengthened through digital platforms:

• AwaasSoft MIS
• AwaasApp, ensuring transparency and real-time tracking

PMAY–Urban (PMAY-U)

• Implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, PMAY-U aims to provide affordable housing to urban poor, including slum dwellers.
• It is implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, except for the Interest Subsidy Scheme, which is a Central Sector Scheme.
• Key Components
  • Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC)
  • Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP)
  • Affordable Rental Housing (ARH)
  • Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS)
• Eligibility and Coverage
  • The scheme covers EWS, LIG, and MIG households.
  • A key condition is that the beneficiary must not own a pucca house anywhere in India.
  • Additional provisions:
    • Houses of 21 sq. m can be expanded to 30 sq. m
    • Ownership is preferably in the name of an adult female member or jointly, promoting gender empowerment
  • Coverage extends to:
    • All statutory towns (Census 2011)
    • Towns notified subsequently by States

• Funding pattern:
  • 60:40 between Centre:State
  • 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states
  • 100% for Union Territories
• The scheme converges with multiple initiatives such as:
  • Smart Cities Mission
  • Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)
  • National Urban Livelihoods Mission
  • PM SVANidhi, Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, PM Vishwakarma
• The Technology Innovation Sub-Mission (TISM) promotes: Green, disaster-resilient, and cost-effective construction technologies

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists – Mechanism, Clinical Outcomes, and Public Health Implications

Context

• The entry of GLP-1 based weight-loss drugs such as semaglutide (by Novo Nordisk) and tirzepatide (by Eli Lilly) in India reflects a growing shift towards advanced pharmacological management of obesity.
• These drugs have demonstrated 15–20% body weight reduction, making them comparable to bariatric surgery outcomes, and thus highly relevant in public health discussions.

About GLP-1 Drugs

• GLP-1 drugs are GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medicines used to manage type-2 diabetes and obesity.
• They mimic incretins, which are natural gut hormones responsible for regulating blood sugar and appetite.
• Key drugs:
  • Semaglutide
  • Tirzepatide
• New drugs under development:

• Retatrutide
• CagriSema
• Survodutide
• These therapies also provide additional health benefits, including improvement in:
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Kidney diseases
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Obstructive sleep apnea

Mechanism of Action

• GLP-1 receptor agonists act through multiple coordinated pathways:
  • They enhance insulin secretion, improving glucose utilisation.
  • They inhibit glucagon release, thereby reducing glucose output from the liver.
  • They slow gastric emptying, preventing sudden spikes in blood glucose.
  • They suppress appetite, creating a sense of satiety.
• Tirzepatide has an additional mechanism:
  • It also mimics GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), enhancing metabolic regulation.
• Semaglutide:

• Developed as a weekly injectable formulation
• Demonstrated higher effectiveness
• Approved for obesity management in 2021

Clinical Outcomes

• These drugs show significant therapeutic benefits:
  • Weight loss:
    • Semaglutide → ~15% body weight reduction
    • Tirzepatide → up to 20% weight loss
  • Cardiovascular benefits:
    • Reduction in major cardiovascular events by 20%
    • Reduction in all-cause mortality by 19%
  • Liver-related benefits:
    • Resolution of fatty liver in 63% cases
    • Improvement in liver fibrosis in 37% cases

Export Inspection Council (EIC) – Role in Quality Control and Export Certification

Context: The Export Inspection Council (EIC) plays a crucial role in ensuring that Indian exports meet global quality and safety standards, thereby strengthening India’s credibility in international trade.

About Export Inspection Council

• The Export Inspection Council is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963.
• It functions as the official export certification body of India.
• Its primary role is to ensure the sound development of export trade through quality control and inspection mechanisms.
• Organisational Structure:
  • Headed by a Chairman
  • Executive Head → Director of Inspection & Quality Control (responsible for day-to-day functioning)
• Administrative Details:
  • Nodal Ministry → Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • Headquarters → New Delhi
• Core Functions
  • The Council ensures that products notified under the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963:
    • Meet the quality and safety standards of importing countries
    • Comply with international trade requirements

Certification Mechanism

• Mandatory certification is required for several food products, including:
  • Fish and fishery products
  • Dairy products
  • Honey
  • Egg products
  • Meat and poultry products
  • Animal casing, gelatine, ossein, crushed bones
  • Feed additives and pre-mixtures
• For other food and non-food products, certification is voluntary.
• The Council operates through Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs) located at: Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Delhi, and Chennai

National Productivity Council (NPC) – Objectives, Functions, and Asian Productivity Organisation

About National Productivity Council

• The National Productivity Council was established in 1958 as an autonomous organisation.
• It functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• NPC is a multipartite, non-profit organisation, which ensures balanced representation from:
  • Government
  • Employers’ organisations
  • Workers’ organisations
  • Technical and professional institutions
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• It is a constituent of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), a Tokyo-based intergovernmental body, of which India is a founding member.

Objectives of NPC

• To create awareness about productivity concepts and techniques across sectors.
• To strengthen the microeconomic foundations of economic development.
• To function as a think tank for the Government on productivity-related issues.
• To provide high-quality consultancy and training services.
• To enhance the overall focus on productivity and efficiency in the economy.

Core Functions

• NPC supports organisations through:
  • Consultancy services for productivity improvement
  • Training programmes for personnel at different levels
  • Dissemination of knowledge through seminars, workshops, and conferences
  • Productivity research and database development
  • Publications related to productivity enhancement