Prelims-Pinpointer-for-02-NOV -2025

Prelims

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared the state ‘free from extreme poverty.

Syllabus: Issues relating to poverty and hunger

Context: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared the state ‘free from extreme poverty’ at a special Assembly session, becoming India’s first state to achieve this milestone.

Types of Poverty

• Extreme Poverty
  • Characterised by living below the international poverty line, typically defined as earning less than $1.90 per day (PPP adjusted).
• Moderate Poverty
  • Living below a higher poverty threshold than extreme poverty, often defined as earning less than $3.20 per day (PPP adjusted).
  • Headcount Poverty Ratio (HCR) for PPP $3.2 poverty line declined significantly from 53.6% to 20.8% in India.
• Relative Poverty
  • A measure of poverty relative to the overall income/wealth distribution within society, comparing median income levels.
  • Individuals are considered relatively poor if their income falls below a certain proportion of the median income/wealth in society.
  • Decline in urban and rural inequality (reduced Gini coefficients) reflects a positive trend reducing relative poverty.
• Chronic Poverty
  • Persistent, long-term poverty endured by individuals/households over an extended period, often spanning multiple generations.
  • Significant reduction in overall poverty levels (declining HCR across poverty lines) suggests a positive trajectory in alleviating chronic poverty.
• Multidimensional Poverty
  • Accounts for various factors beyond income: education, healthcare, housing, and basic amenities, providing a holistic understanding.
  • India registered a significant decline: 29.17% (2013-14) to 11.28% (2022-23) i.e., a reduction of 17.89 percentage points.
  • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Ayushman Bharat, and housing for all address multidimensional poverty by improving access to services.
• Urban Poverty
  • Poverty in urban areas is characterised by inadequate housing, limited access to basic services, and informal employment challenges.
  • Urban HCR decreased to 1% indicating improved living standards and economic opportunities in urban areas.
• Rural Poverty
  • Poverty in rural areas is characterised by agricultural dependence, limited infrastructure, and lower service access than in urban areas.
  • Rural poverty remains slightly higher than urban; a significant reduction reflects progress in addressing rural challenges.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

Context: Lucknow was declared a UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ at the 43rd General Conference in Uzbekistan, recognising centuries-old Awadhi cuisine and living food traditions.

More in News:

• Recognition celebrates the city’s Awadhi cuisine, living food traditions, and inclusive cultural heritage, positioning it among the world’s top gastronomic destinations for culinary tourism.
• ‘Creative City’ status will strengthen global outreach, promote food-based entrepreneurship, and encourage more sustainable tourism in the region through cultural gastronomy.
• The government said recognition marks a milestone for the state, showcasing how food heritage can become a symbol of cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism globally.

About UCCN

• Created in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities, identifies creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable development.
• Launched to promote UNESCO’s goals of cultural diversity and strengthen resilience to climate change, inequality, and rapid urbanisation.
• Aim
  • Network aimed at leveraging the creative, social, and economic potential of cultural industries for urban development.
  • Encourages a culture of creativity in urban planning and innovative solutions to urban problems.
• Objectives
  • Allows member cities to recognise creativity as an essential component of urban development through public-private-civil society partnerships.
  • Develop hubs of creativity, innovation, and broaden opportunities for creators and professionals in the cultural sector.
  • Cities must achieve the UN Agenda of Sustainable Development as part of network membership requirements.
• Indian Cities in UCCN
  • Ten Indian cities are part of a network representing diverse creative fields across India.
  • Recent additions: Kozhikode (Literature) and Gwalior (Music) feature in the list, representing cultural richness.
  • Earlier members: Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Arts), Varanasi (Music), Chennai (Music), Mumbai (Film) , showcasing diversity.
  • Also includes Hyderabad (Gastronomy) and Srinagar (Crafts and Folk Arts), representing India’s creative heritage globally.

Cloud Seeding

• Definition and Purpose
  • Cloud seeding is the deliberate introduction of substances into clouds acting as condensation/ice nuclei.
  • Aims to induce precipitation artificially by modifying cloud formation processes for rainfall generation.
• Historical Development
  • The first experiments were conducted in 1946 by American chemist and meteorologist Vincent J. Schaefer.
  • Since then, seeding has been performed from aircraft, rockets, cannons, and ground generators for precipitation.
• Substances Used
  • Many substances tested; solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) and silver iodide proven most effective.
  • Calcium chloride particles are used in clouds at temperatures above freezing, providing condensation nuclei.

• Process in Supercooled Clouds
  • In supercooled clouds (water droplets at temperatures below freezing), substances form nuclei around droplets.
  • Water droplets evaporate around nuclei, resulting in water vapour being deposited into ice crystals rapidly.
  • Ice crystals build quickly as water droplets attach themselves, forming precipitation-ready particles.
• Process in Warmer Clouds
  • In clouds above freezing temperature, calcium chloride particles provide condensation nuclei effectively.
  • Raindrops form around these nuclei through the condensation process, leading to induced rainfall.

Air Quality Index (AQI) 

Air Quality Index (AQI)

• The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a colour-coded system.
• It provides simple and accessible information on air quality.
• AQI uses a “one number-one colour-one description” model for easy understanding.
• AQI monitors eight pollutants:
  • PM10 – Particulate Matter up to 10 micrometers
  • PM2.5 – Particulate Matter up to 2.5 micrometers
  • NO2 – Nitrogen Dioxide
  • SO2 – Sulphur Dioxide
  • CO – Carbon Monoxide
  • O3 – Ozone
  • NH3 – Ammonia
  • Pb – Lead

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

• CPCB is a statutory organisation established in September 1974.
• It was constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• CPCB also works under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• It provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Principal Functions
  • Promote the cleanliness of streams and wells by controlling water pollution.
  • Improve air quality and prevent air pollution.
  • Advise the Central Government on matters related to air and water pollution control.
  • Coordinate with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and assist in conflict resolution.
  • Delegate powers under pollution control laws to regional administrations in Union Territories.
• Standard Development Activities
  • Develop and revise environmental standards.
  • Upgrade the Comprehensive Industrial Document (COINDS) and provide guidelines for industrial environmental management.
  • Prepare manuals, codes, and guidance for sewage, trade effluents, and air emissions.
• Standards Developed by CPCB
  • National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
  • Water Quality Criteria from various sources.
  • Emission/Discharge Standards for pollutants from industries.
  • Standards for biomedical waste treatment and disposal.
  • Emission and noise limits for diesel engines, LPG, and CNG generators.
  • Minimal National Standards (MINAS) for effluents, emissions, noise, and solid waste in industries.

Booth Level Officer (BLO)

About BLO

• A Booth Level Officer (BLO) is a government official working at the lowest level of the election process, the polling booth.
• Link between voters and the Election Commission of India (ECI), ensuring electoral integrity at the grassroots level.
• Responsible for maintaining the voter list, helping with voter ID, and ensuring fair, smooth elections in the assigned booth area.
• Face of the Election Commission at the village or ward level connecting citizens with the electoral process.

Appointment

• Appointed by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of a particular assembly constituency for electoral duties.
• Overall control and guidelines from the ECI for operational standards.
• Chosen from government school teachers, revenue staff, Anganwadi workers, Panchayat secretaries, and local government employees.

Qualification

• No national-level entrance test, as it is not a permanent job or separate post, additional responsibility for existing employees.
• Minimum 12th pass (most are graduates) with government/semi-government employment status required.
• Preferred background: teaching, revenue, health, and local body services, with basic computer knowledge preferred.
• Must have local area knowledge, be familiar with the area and local voters, for effective functioning.
• Communication skills are important: should talk politely and clearly with voters, ensuring accessibility and trust.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Voter list verification: visits households, verifying voter detail,s ensuring accuracy ofthe electoral roll regularly.
• Deletion of ineligible names: removes deceased, shifted, duplicate voters from list, maintaining clean electoral rolls.
• Addition of new voters: helps include names of new eligible voters, especially those who turned 18 recently.
• Form assistance: assists in filling Form 6 (add name), Form 7 (delete name), Form 8 (correction).
• Submits filled forms to the Election Officer for further processing and official record updating systematically.
• EPIC distribution: delivers EPIC (Voter ID cards) to new voters personally, ensuring accessibility to documents.
• Voter awareness: educates the public about the importance of voting, motivates youth to participate in democracy.
• Support during elections: updates rolls, assists voters, guides polling officers, and shares booth information comprehensively.
• Maintains neutrality: avoids political influence or bias, ensuring impartial conduct during electoral processes.

Importance

• Crucial for free and fair elections by regularly updating and verifying the voter list, eliminating errors.
• Helps eliminate fake entries and ineligible voters, and maintains the accuracy of electoral records for credible elections.
• Builds transparency and public trust in the election process, acting as a bridge between ECI and citizens.
• Ensures every eligible voter is informed, included, and empowered to participate in the democratic process, strengthening democracy.
• Backbone of the Indian election system at the village/ward level; their work strengthens the foundation of the electoral system.

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

Context: Foundation stone laid for ₹2,067 crore silicon carbide semiconductor plant by SiCSem Private Limited under India Semiconductor Mission.

More in News:

• SiCSem Private Limited will establish an integrated semiconductor facility approved under the India Semiconductor Mission program.
• Facility expected to have the capacity to process 60,000 SiC wafers annually and package approximately 96 million units once fully operational.
• Over 1,000 direct jobs are expected to be created by the silicon carbide semiconductor production plant, boosting local employment and skill development.
• Silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors are crucial for power electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy applications, addressing growing demand in these strategic sectors nationwide.
• Foundation stone laying ceremony marks a major step in India’s efforts to establish a domestic semiconductor ecosystem under the government’s semiconductor manufacturing mission initiative.

About ISM

• Approved in 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore for semiconductor sector development.
• Aim: provide financial support for investments in semiconductor fabrication, display manufacturing, and chip design, strengthening global integration.
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)administers and implements the mission comprehensively.
• Mission Focus
  • Set up chip manufacturing plants (fabs), establishing domestic semiconductor production capacity in India.
  • Create packaging and testing units for complete semiconductor ecosystem development and infrastructure.
  • Support startups in chip design, fostering innovation and indigenous semiconductor design capabilities.
  • Train young engineers to build a skilled workforce for the semiconductor industry requirements and growth.
  • Bring global companies to invest in India, attracting FDI and technology transfer.
• Key Schemes
  • Semiconductor Fabs Scheme: provides up to 50% fiscal support for setting up semiconductor wafer fabrication units.
  • Display Fabs Scheme: offers up to 50% financial assistance of project cost for display fabrication units.
  • Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: promotes semiconductor design startups and MSMEs with financial support across development stages.
• Significance
  • Tap India’s rising semiconductor market, expected to reach $100-110 billion by 2030, significantly.
  • De-risk global supply chain, reduce dependence on Taiwan (60%+ world production), China, USA, ensuring strategic autonomy.

PM-SHRI Scheme

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme (2022), establishing 14,500+ PM SHRI Schools by upgrading existing schools to showcase NEP 2020 implementation.
• Objective
  • Create an inclusive, nurturing environment promoting student well-being and safety, offering diverse learning experiences and quality infrastructure/resources.
• Funding Pattern
  • 60:40 (Centre: State/UTs with legislature, except J&K).
  • 90:10 (NE, Himalayan States, J&K UT).
  • 100% Central (UTs without legislature).
  • States must sign an MoU with the Education Ministry for participation.
• Duration
  • 2022-23 to 2026-27; thereafter, States/UTs maintain benchmarks.

• Key Features
  • Pedagogy
    • Focus on holistic development: Communication, collaboration, critical thinking.
    • Experiential, inquiry-driven, learner-centred teaching.
    • Competency-based assessments apply knowledge to real-life situations.
  • Infrastructure
    • Modern facilities: Smart Classrooms, Computer Labs, Integrated Science Labs, Vocational/Skill Labs, Atal Tinkering Labs, libraries, and art rooms.
    • Green initiatives: Water conservation, waste recycling.
  • Eligibility
    • Schools managed by the Central/State/UT Governments, local bodies.
    • All Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas (non-project, permanent buildings).
  • Monitoring
    • School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF): Standards and best practices for excellence; regular evaluations ensure high standards.
• Selection Process (Challenge Mode – 3 Stages)
  • Stage-1: Sign MoU with Centre.
  • Stage-2: Identify eligible schools using UDISE+ data.
  • Stage-3: Challenge method where eligible schools compete on criteria; States/UTs/KVS/JNV verify and recommend; Expert committee (headed by Secretary) makes final selection.

 Arya Samaj celebrates its 150th foundation anniversary

Context: Arya Samaj celebrates its 150th foundation anniversary

About Arya Samaj

• Founded in 1875 by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in Bombay initiating socio-religious reform movement.
• Religious Reforms
  • Denounced idolatry and ritualistic worship; preached respect and reverence for human beings.
  • Believed in the infallible authority of the Vedas
  • Slogan ‘Back to Vedas’ for spiritual purity.
• Social Reforms
  • Opposed to caste as hereditary, untouchability
  • Advocated Vedic education for all castes, ensuring equality.
  • Against child marriage, forced widowhood, campaigned for women’s education, and promoted gender equality.
• Educational Reforms
  • Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) Trust was established in 1886 to impart scientific and modern education.
• Freedom Movement
  • Prominent members: Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, Ram Prasad Bismil, and Madan Lal Dhingra contributed significantly.

Contemporary Relevance

• Social equality: opposition to casteism echoes constitutional values of equality and justice.
• Gender empowerment: aligns with Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam schemes.
• Education and rationalism: DAV institutions continue legacy; support scientific temper under Article 51A(h).

Wy important Baltic Sea

Location

• Situated in Northern Europe, bordering Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Germany, Denmark, and Russia.
• The Kiel Canal connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea
• It is connected to Atlantic Ocean through the Danish Straits.
• Characteristics
  • The world’s largest brackish inland water body is due to lower water salinity than the World’s Oceans.
  • Low salinity from the inflow of fresh water from the surrounding land and the sea’s shallowness characteristics.

Alfven Waves

About Alfven Waves

• Magnetic waves are travelling along the Sun’s magnetic field lines, causing plasma to oscillate sideways.
• It occurs in plasma state (conducting fluid) from the interaction of magnetic fields and electric currents.
• Believed to carry energy from the Sun’s surface into the corona, contributing to extremely high temperatures.
• Significance
  • Coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, and improved space weather forecasting applications are critical.

Iberian Lynx Conservation Status

• Conservation Status
  • IUCN status: Vulnerable
  • IUCN Green Status: Largely Depleted
  • CITES: Appendix I protection.

• Habitat: a mosaic of dense scrub for shelter, open pasture for hunting and rabbit abundance is essential.
• Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal (sleep during the day) but can be active during the day occasionally.

Threats

• Rabbit population collapses, habitat loss, fragmentation, disease transmission, low genetic diversity, and poaching are major threats.