Prelims-Pinpointer-for-26-oct-2025

Prelims

Rani Chennamma

• Born on 23rd October 1778 in Kagati village, present-day Belagavi district, Karnataka.
• Married Raja Mallasarja of Kittur at age 15; he ruled until 1816.
  • After Mallasarja’s death, his son Shivalingarudra Sarja ascended the throne in 1816.
  • Shivalingarudra’s health deteriorated; he adopted Shivalingappa as successor before dying in 1824.
• The British East India Company refused to recognise Shivalingappa under the Doctrine of Lapse.
• John Thackery from Dharwad launched an attack on Kittur in October 1824.
• Battle Against the British
  • In 1824, 20,000 British soldiers positioned at Kittur fort foothills attempted an invasion.
  • Chennamma retaliated and killed British official to protect her homeland courageously.
  • Trained in martial arts and military tactics, she proved a formidable leader.
  • Led army using guerrilla warfare tactics to surprise British forces effectively.
  • British ultimately prevailed due to superior firepower after several days of conflict.
• Legacy
  • Captured and imprisoned in Bailhongal Fort, Belagavi, but spirit remained unbroken.
  • Her rebellion inspired countless Indians to resist British colonial rule courageously.
  • Indian government issued postage stamp in 2007 honouring her contributions.
  • Kannada lavanis (folk songs) remember her as protector and guardian fondly.
• Doctrine of Lapse
  • Annexation policy implemented by Lord Dalhousie during 1848-1856 as Governor-General.
  • Princely states without legal male heir would be annexed by Company.
  • Adopted sons could not be proclaimed heirs to Indian kingdoms.
  • States annexed: Satara (1848), Jhansi (1853), Nagpur (1854), among others.

India’s Largest Hydropower Project Begins Test Run

Project Overview

• India’s largest hydropower project straddles the Arunachal Pradesh-Assam boundary near the Gerukamukh location.
• Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project has a total capacity of 2,000 MW with significant generation potential.
• The project comprises eight units of 250 MW each for electricity generation capacity.

Project Timeline

• The project was launched in January 2005 at Gerukamukh on the inter-state boundary location.
• Work was suspended in 2011 due to anti-dam protests and downstream environmental impact concerns.
• Work resumed in October 2019 after the Prime Minister’s Office pushed for project completion.
• NHPC adopted enhanced mitigation and safety measures addressing environmental concerns raised earlier.

Significance

• NHPC Chairman called the achievement a “shining testament” to the corporation’s engineering excellence and capabilities.
• Reflects India’s path towards a self-reliant energy future and sustainable power generation goals.

Lokpal

Context: Lokpal complaints dropped sharply from 2,469 in 2022-23 to 233 this year, while a controversial tender for seven luxury BMW cars sparked public outrage.

More in News:

• Lokpal ordered preliminary inquiries in only 289 cases and granted prosecution sanctions in just seven cases since 2019-20 establishment.
• Anti-graft body hasn’t published annual reports since 2021-22; the prosecution wing was notified in June 2025, twelve years after the law’s enactment.

Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013

• Legislative Framework
  • Enactment Purpose: Established the Lokpal at the Union level and the Lokayukta at the State level for corruption complaints against public functionaries.
  • 2016 Amendment: Enabled the leader of the single largest opposition party to join the Lokpal selection committee without being recognised Leader of Opposition.
    • Also amended Section 44 regarding asset and liability disclosure provisions.
• Lokpal: Structure and Appointment
  • Composition
    • Chairperson with a maximum of eight members, ensuring 50% are judicial members.
    • Reservation: At least 50% total members from SC, ST, OBC, minorities and women.
    • Tenure: Five years or until 70 years age, whichever is earlier.
  • Selection Committee
    • The President appoints after the selection committee’s recommendations, comprising
      • Prime Minister (Chairperson), 
      • Lok Sabha Speaker, 
      • Leader of the Opposition 
      • Chief Justice of India 
      • One eminent jurist nominated by President.
  • Jurisdiction Coverage
    • Extensive Reach: Includes Prime Minister (except international relations, security, public order, atomic energy, space allegations), Ministers, Parliament members, and all Central Government officers (Groups A, B, C, D).
  • Powers and Functions
    • DSPE Superintendence: Exercises oversight over Delhi Special Police Establishment investigations for preliminary inquiries.
    • Investigation Powers: Authorises agencies for document search and seizure during investigations.
    • CVC Coordination: Central Vigilance Commission reports complaint actions; Lokpal issues disposal guidelines.
    • Judicial Powers: Possesses civil court powers under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for preliminary inquiries.
• Lokayukta: State-Level Framework
  • State Autonomy: Each state establishes Lokayukta through separate legislation with varying structure, eligibility, tenure and appointment methods.

DNA Matching

Context: Forensic experts are conducting DNA matching for 18 victims of the Kurnool bus fire accident, expected to be completed within 48 hours, while authorities intensify safety enforcement on private buses.

DNA Identification

• DNA identification is the gold standard for identifying human remains after mass fatality events.

• It is crucial when bodies are difficult to identify through conventional methods.
• Collection and Storage of DNA Samples
  • Human DNA starts degrading immediately after death occurs.
  • DNA preservation is better in cold, dry conditions compared to hot, humid environments.
  • Samples should be frozen at minus 20 degrees Celsius for optimal preservation.
  • Soft tissues like skin and muscles can be stored in 95% ethanol solution.
  • Hard tissues (bones, teeth) preserve DNA better than soft tissues (skin, muscles).
  • Hard tissue cells are protected from putrefaction and decomposition effects significantly.

Methods of DNA Analysis

• Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis
  • STR evaluates short repeating DNA sequences that vary widely among individuals.
  • Analysis of 15 or more hyper-variable DNA regions confirms family relationships confidently.
  • STRs exist on nuclear DNA located within the cell nucleus structure.
  • Requires non-degraded nuclear DNA extracted from samples for successful analysis.
• Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analysis
  • Used when nuclear DNA is degraded or unavailable for standard testing.
  • Found in mitochondria, the cell’s energy-producing organelles in multiple copies.
  • Easier to recover from poorly preserved human remains due to abundance.
  • Passed unchanged from mother to all children through maternal inheritance line.

• Y Chromosome Analysis
  • Examines STR panel on the Y chromosome inherited from father to son.
  • Useful when close relatives are unavailable; paternal line males can provide matches.
• Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Analysis
  • Applied when DNA is highly degraded and other methods fail.
  • SNPs are unique single-base variations in DNA sequences among individuals.

Central Board of Film Certification

Context: Kerala High Court judge watched Malayalam film Haal amid litigation over alleged censorship by Central Board of Film Certification, with Catholic Congress representatives attending the private screening.

Central Board of Film Certification

• CBFC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Commonly called Censor Board but primarily functions as a certification authority.
• Legal Framework
  • Operates under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 for regulatory powers and functions.
  • Functions according to Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983 for certification procedures.
  • Follows guidelines issued by the Central Government for film examination standards.
• Role and Structure
  • Regulates public exhibition of films across India through certification process.
  • No film can be publicly released without obtaining CBFC certification approval.
  • It is led by a Chairperson with 12 to 25 members appointed by Central Government.
  • Operates through nine regional offices across major Indian cities nationwide.
    • Regional offices located in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, Delhi, Cuttack, Guwahati.
  • Advisory Panels nominated by Government for two-year terms assist film examination.
• Categories of Certification
  • U (Universal) certification suitable for audiences of all age groups.
  • U/A certification requires parental guidance for children below twelve years.
  • A certification restricts viewing to adult audiences only for mature content.
  • S certification restricted to special classes like doctors or farmers exclusively.
  • New sub-categories introduced in 2023: UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+ categories.
  • Recent amendments align Indian certification standards with global best practices.

Citizenship Amendment Act 2019

Introduction

• Indian citizenship laws originate from the Constitution Articles 5 to 11 andthe  Citizenship Act 1955.
• The 1955 Act provides citizenship through birth, descent, registration, and naturalisation.

Key Features of CAA 2019

• Eligibility
  • Amended Citizenship Act 1955 to grant citizenship to specific illegal migrants.
  • Covers Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan.
  • Illegal migrants are those entering India without valid documents or overstaying permits.
  • Those entering India on or before December 31, 2014 eligible for naturalization.
  • Muslim community exempted from the provisions of this amendment act.
• Relaxation Provisions
  • Residency requirement reduced from 11 years to 6 years for naturalization.
  • Exempts specified communities from prosecution under Foreigners Act 1946 and Passport Act 1920.
  • Applicants exempted from being considered as “illegal immigrants” under law.
• Exceptions
  • Amendments not applicable to tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule in the northeastern states.
  • Sixth Schedule areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura remain excluded completely.
  • States regulated by the “Inner Line” permit under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations 1873 are exempted.

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

About the Scheme

• PMDDKY was announced in the Union Budget 2025 to modernise farming and increase profitability.
• Modelled after NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), focused on agriculture/allied sectors.
• No separate budgetary allocation, rather it converges the budgets of 36 existing schemes from 11 departments.
• Includes
  • PM-KISAN (cash transfers)
  • PM Fasal Bima Yojana (insurance)
  • PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (irrigation).
• Annual outlay Rs 24,000 crore from 2025-26 to 2030-31, totalling Rs 1.44 lakh crore.
• Budget distribution: 40% subsidies, 30% infrastructure, 20% loans, 10% training/market support.

Key Objectives

• Enhance agricultural productivity and increase farmer income substantially through targeted interventions.
• Promote crop diversification and sustainable farming practices for long-term agricultural resilience.
• Expand post-harvest storage and value addition infrastructure to reduce wastage significantly.
• Support women, youth, and allied sectors (dairy, fisheries, poultry) for diversified income sources.
• Achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains, pulses, and oilseeds, reducing India’s import dependence substantially.
• Strengthen irrigation infrastructure and improve access to long-term and short-term agricultural credit.

District Selection Criteria

• Low crop productivity: Yields below national averages (wheat <3.5 tonnes/hectare, rice <2.7 tonnes/hectare).
• Moderate cropping intensity: Districts with fewer than 1.55 crop cycles annually.
• Low credit access: Limited bank loans/Kisan Credit Card penetration, often below 30%.
• Geographic representation: Considers Net Cropped Area and operational holdings across states/UTs.
• Minimum one district selected from each state, ensuring balanced regional development nationwide.

Implementation

• Operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare with a district-level implementation mechanism.
• District Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (DDKY) Samiti was established, chaired by the District Collector.
• Implements the District Agriculture Development Plan (DADP), coordinating with local administrations and departments.
• 100 Central Nodal Officers (mostly joint secretaries) appointed for monitoring scheme performance.

Expected Outcomes

• Directly benefit 1.7 crore farmers across India through comprehensive agricultural support interventions.
• Integrates allied sectors like livestock, dairy, and fisheries for holistic rural development.

UNSC

About UNSC

• UNSC is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations with primary peacekeeping responsibility.
• Under the UN Charter, all member states must comply with the UNSC decisions mandatorily.
• Determines threats to peace, recommends settlement methods, imposes sanctions, and authorises military actions.

Structure and Membership

• UNSC consists of 15 members, each having one vote in the decision-making process.
• Five permanent members (P5) with veto power: China, France, Russia, the UK, USA.
• Ten non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
• Geographical representation:
  • 5 from Africa/Asia
  • 1 from Eastern Europe
  • 2 from Latin America
  • 2 from Western Europe/others.
• Headquartered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, United States.

G4 Nations’ Position and India’s Advocacy

• G4 (India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan) nations are actively advocating for comprehensive UNSC reform.
• India’s Permanent Representative declared the current UNSC structure outdated, not reflecting contemporary geopolitical realities.
• G4 proposal calls for expanding Council from 15 to 25-26 members total.
• The proposed structure includes 11 permanent members and 14-15 non-permanent members for better representation.
• Encourages Member States to submit models enabling formal negotiations for UNSC reform.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

Context: Centre announced Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar with 24 individual awards and one team honour; late physicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar received Vigyan Ratna for lifetime contribution.

More in News:

• Eight scientists received Vigyan Shri awards for distinguished contributions, including Gyanendra Pratap Singh, Yusuf Mohammed Shaikh, and K. Thangaraj.
• Fourteen scientists were honoured with Vigyan Yuva awards recognising exceptional contributions by young scientists under 45 years of age across various fields.
• CSIR Aroma Mission received the Vigyan Team award, given annually to teams comprising three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators collaborating together.
• The award selection process faced controversy last year with allegations of unfairness; an independent panel led by the Principal Scientific Adviser recommends recipients to the Minister.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar

• The Government of India announced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar for the Science, Technology, and Innovation fields.
• The National Award recognises outstanding scientific, technological, and innovation contributions by researchers/technologists/innovators.
• Award Categories
  • Vigyan Ratna (VR): Maximum three awards for lifetime achievements in Science and Technology.
  • Vigyan Shri (VS): Maximum 25 awards recognising distinguished contributions in Science and Technology.
  • Vigyan Yuva: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): Maximum 25 awards encouraging young scientists’ exceptional contributions.
  • Vigyan Team (VT): Maximum three awards for teams of three+ scientists/researchers/innovators.
• Domains Covered
  • Awards given in 13 domains:
    • Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science.
    • Other domains include Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, and Environmental Science.
    • Also covers Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
• Administration and Timeline
  • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) coordinates awards under the Ministry of Science/Technology.
  • Awards are announced on National Technology Day observed annually on 11th May.
  • Award Ceremony held on National Space Day celebrated annually on 23rd August.

Google’s AI for Drug Discovery

About C2S-Scale Model

• Cell2Sentence-Scale 27B (C2S-Scale) is a 27-billion-parameter foundation model that understands individual cell language.
• Built on the Gemma family of open models by Google DeepMind and Google Research.
• Represents a milestone for AI in science, integrating AI into the scientific discovery process.

Key Achievement

• The model was trained on a large dataset of real-world patients and cell-line data extensively.
• Suggested drug silmitasertib could improve the immune system’s ability to identify nascent cancerous tumours.
• Generated novel hypothesis about cancer cellular behaviour, confirmed through experimental validation in living cells.
• Reveals a promising new pathway for developing therapies to fight cancer through drug repurposing.

Silmitasertib Background

• Silmitasertib (CX-4945) is currently in clinical trials for multiple myeloma, kidney cancer, and medulloblastoma.
• The US FDA granted orphan drug status in January 2017 for advanced cholangiocarcinoma treatment.
• Google’s novelty: scanned vast cancer biology literature suggesting novel use for existing drug candidate.

Expert Assessment

• Experts called it “nice result, well-chosen problem” for LLM. It would have taken a focused research team several months to suggest such drug usage.
• The model didn’t suggest something beyond a trained biologist’s capability or discover new cancer biology.

AI Training Approach

• LLMs are trained on human-annotated data to understand language and solve complex problems.
• Model not trained on biological system rules; learns by reward-punishment approach instead.
• A similar training method is used for the most powerful chess-playing LLMs, achieving high performance.

Quantum Computing

Recent Breakthrough

• Google, MIT, Stanford, and Caltech published papers demonstrating quantum advantage.
• Willow quantum processor clearly outperforms existing supercomputers on specific computational problems.

Quantum Computing Fundamentals

• Quantum particles behave like waves; their wave functions describe probabilities of outcomes.
• Scientists control interference to amplify correct answer probabilities while cancelling incorrect ones.The 
• Decoded Quantum Interferometry (DQI) algorithm is designed to solve complex optimisation problems efficiently.
• DQI uses the quantum Fourier transform to manipulate the wave-like particle nature in computations.
• Constructive interference reinforces good solutions; destructive interference eliminates bad solutions naturally.

Information Scrambling

• Quantum information initially stored in one quantum bit spreads across all bits.
• Information becomes hidden in complex relationships between particles through quantum interactions.
• Researchers measured scrambling patterns showing how information is distributed in quantum systems.
• Out-of-Time-Ordered Correlator (OTOC) measurement technique used to detect scrambled information patterns.

Quantum Advantage Demonstration

• Willow processor completed the task in two hours; the world’s second fastest supercomputer needed three years.
• No mathematical proof exists yet confirming problem is permanently hard for classical computers.
• Applications remain largely prospective; outputs don’t yet translate to actual scientific discoveries.
• Error correction and scaling to thousands of reliable quantum bits are needed for practical applications.

Takeshima Island

About

• Takeshima Island is situated in the middle of the Sea of Japan, equidistant from Korea and Japan.
• Called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan, creating a nomenclature dispute.
• Also known as Liancourt Rocks, named by French whalers after their ship in 1849.
• Comprises two main islands and about 30 smaller rocks in the archipelago.

Sea of Japan

• The marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean is located in the Eastern Asia region.
• Bounded by Japan and Sakhalin Island to the east, and Russia and Korea to the west.
• Separated from the East China Sea by the Tsushima and the Korea straits to the south.
• Separated from the Sea of Okhotsk by the La Perouse (Sōya) and Tatar straits to the north.

Senkaku Islands

Location and Composition

• Uninhabited island group in the East China Sea, 90 nautical miles north of the Yaeyama Islands.
• Located 120 nautical miles northeast of Taiwan in a strategically important maritime zone.
• Known as Diaoyu Islands (China), Diaoyutai Islands (Taiwan), and Pinnacle Islands by observers.
• Total land area 6.3 square kilometres; the largest Uotsuri Island is 3.6 square kilometers.

Geological Features

• Consists of conglomerate sandstone, tuff, andesite, andesitic lava, elevated coral outcroppings.
• Coral outcroppings elevated above sea level during the Holocene era geological period.
• Highly volcanic surrounding area with faults associated with volcanic activity affecting land formation.

Territorial Dispute

• Islands are the focus of territorial disputes between Japan-China and Japan-Taiwan nations.