UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 May (2025)
• Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises Report
Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises Report
GS Paper 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 May (2025)
• Early Arrival of Monsoon
Early Arrival of Monsoon
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Dark Patterns
Dark Patterns
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Bharat Forecasting System (BFS)
Bharat Forecasting System (BFS)
• A New Method to Detect Topological Invariants in Quantum Materials
A New Method to Detect Topological Invariants in Quantum Materials
• Breakthrough Prize Physics 2025
Breakthrough Prize Physics 2025
• Madhubani and Gond Art
Madhubani and Gond Art
• Customised Gene-Editing Treatment
Customised Gene-Editing Treatment
• Biennial Election for Rajya Sabha
Biennial Election for Rajya Sabha
Mapping:
• South Africa
South Africa
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –27 May 2025
#### GS Paper 3:
Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises Report
Syllabus: MSME
Source: NITI
Context: NITI Aayog has released a landmark report titled “Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises”, aimed at empowering medium enterprises to become future industrial giants and drive India’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047.
Summary of the Report “Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises”:
What are Medium Enterprises?
• Medium Enterprises are defined (as of April 2025) as businesses with: Investment up to ₹125 crores Turnover up to ₹500 crores
• Investment up to ₹125 crores
• Turnover up to ₹500 crores
• They form 0.3% of MSMEs but contribute 40% of MSME exports, indicating their strategic role.
Sector Overview:
• GDP Contribution: MSMEs contribute 29% to GDP and medium enterprises form a vital manufacturing backbone.
• Employment: Medium enterprises generate 89 jobs per unit on average—more than micro (5.7) or small (19.1).
• Export Impact: Contribute ~₹50,562 crore in forex income annually.
• R&D Investment: Medium enterprises account for 81% of total R&D expenditure by MSMEs.
Analysis of the Report:
• Positive Aspects:
• High Productivity Units: High per-unit profitability and employment generation rates. Export Engines: 40% of MSME exports come from this 0.3% group. Innovation Focused: Spend more on R&D per unit than micro/small enterprises. Untapped Growth Multiplier: A 20% increase in medium enterprises could generate ~₹5.4 lakh crore extra in forex and create 12 lakh jobs. Strong Case for Policy Realignment: Emphasizes missed potential due to a skewed incentive structure in favour of micro and small enterprises.
• High Productivity Units: High per-unit profitability and employment generation rates.
• Export Engines: 40% of MSME exports come from this 0.3% group.
• Innovation Focused: Spend more on R&D per unit than micro/small enterprises.
• Untapped Growth Multiplier: A 20% increase in medium enterprises could generate ~₹5.4 lakh crore extra in forex and create 12 lakh jobs.
• Strong Case for Policy Realignment: Emphasizes missed potential due to a skewed incentive structure in favour of micro and small enterprises.
• Key Challenges Identified:
• Low Awareness: Only 10% use government scheme portals and most unaware of tailored support. Finance Gap: No dedicated working capital scheme and over-reliance on personal savings. Tech Backwardness: 82% lack access to Industry 4.0 tools like AI and IoT. Skill Deficit: Existing training doesn’t meet sector-specific enterprise needs. R&D Support Lacking: Absence of central R&D mechanism tailored for medium units. Compliance Complexity: Red tape and fragmented information ecosystem.
• Low Awareness: Only 10% use government scheme portals and most unaware of tailored support.
• Finance Gap: No dedicated working capital scheme and over-reliance on personal savings.
• Tech Backwardness: 82% lack access to Industry 4.0 tools like AI and IoT.
• Skill Deficit: Existing training doesn’t meet sector-specific enterprise needs.
• R&D Support Lacking: Absence of central R&D mechanism tailored for medium units.
• Compliance Complexity: Red tape and fragmented information ecosystem.
Way Ahead:
• Tailored Finance: ₹5 crore credit card facility at market rates. Working capital scheme linked to turnover.
• ₹5 crore credit card facility at market rates.
• Working capital scheme linked to turnover.
• Industry 4.0 Integration: Upgrade Technology Centres into SME 4.0 Competence Centres.
• Cluster-Based Testing: Add sector-specific facilities under MSE-CDP for medium enterprises.
• Skilling Reform: Custom training linked to region, industry, and growth stages.
• R&D Push: Create 3-tier R&D framework with national-level project funding.
• Digital One-Stop Portal: AI-powered sub-portal within Udyam for scheme discovery, compliance help.
Conclusion:
The NITI Aayog report rightly focuses on a dedicated policy that addresses long-standing gaps in support for this high-impact segment. A focused, innovation-led, and tech-integrated policy approach can turn them into drivers of exports, jobs, and economic growth.
• Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. (10 M)
#### GS Paper 1:
Early Arrival of Monsoon
Syllabus: Geogrpahy
Source:
Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala on May 24, 2025, eight days ahead of the usual June 1 date.
• This marks one of the earliest monsoon arrivals in over a decade, last seen in 2009.
About Early Arrival of Monsoon:
What is the Southwest Monsoon?
• The Southwest Monsoon is a seasonal wind system that brings over 70% of India’s annual rainfall during June–September.
• It plays a critical role in agriculture, water availability, and overall economic activity.
When is Monsoon Onset Declared?
The IMD uses three main criteria to confirm the monsoon’s onset over Kerala:
• Rainfall Trigger: 60% of 14 designated stations must record ≥2.5 mm rainfall for two consecutive days.
• Wind Field Criteria: Westerlies should extend up to 600 hPa (hectoPascals) level with wind speeds of 15–20 knots at 925 hPa.
• Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR): OLR must be below 200 W/m², indicating active convection and cloud cover.
Factors Behind Early Monsoon Onset 2025:
• Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO): Enhanced eastward-moving tropical disturbance boosted convection and rainfall over the Indian Ocean.
E.g. MJO impact observed from May 13 over the south Andaman Sea (IMD).
• Mascarene High Intensification: Strong high-pressure system over the southern Indian Ocean aided in directing moist winds to Indian coastlines.
• Convection Surge: Rising heat and moisture movements increased vertical cloud build-up, bringing early rains.
• Somali Jet Strengthening: Cross-equatorial winds became stronger, accelerating the arrival of monsoon currents over Kerala and Karnataka.
• Heat Low Formation: Persistent low pressure over Pakistan and NW India created suction for moist monsoonal air.
• Monsoon Trough Activation: Elongated low-pressure zone stretching from Arabian Sea to Bay of Bengal activated rainfall over central India and NE India.
Consequences of Early Monsoon Onset
• Agriculture Boost: Early sowing of Kharif crops such as paddy and pulses can begin, improving crop calendar adherence.
• Reservoir Recharge: Helps early water level replenishment in drought-prone states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Urban Flooding Risk: Cities unprepared for early rain, e.g., Bengaluru, may see increased urban flooding.
• Altered Weather Patterns: Early monsoon may disrupt normal temperature patterns, seen in cooler summer 2025 trends across south India.
• Forecast Challenges: Early onset may or may not ensure a longer or stronger monsoon season, posing risks for water management planning.
Conclusion:
The early onset of the 2025 monsoon is the result of favourable atmospheric and oceanic conditions including MJO and Somali Jet dynamics. While it brings hope for agriculture and water security, it also demands preparedness against urban flooding and misaligned rainfall patterns.
• Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in the Bhojpur region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? (10 M)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Dark Patterns
Context: Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister will hold a high-level meeting with major e-commerce stakeholders to address concerns regarding dark patterns—a growing digital consumer rights issue.
About Dark Patterns:
• What are Dark Patterns? Dark patterns are deceptive interface designs used in websites or apps to trick or manipulate users into making decisions they would not have made otherwise.
• Dark patterns are deceptive interface designs used in websites or apps to trick or manipulate users into making decisions they would not have made otherwise.
• Key Features of Dark Patterns:
• False Urgency: Creating fake time pressure (e.g., “Only 1 seat left!”). Basket Sneaking: Adding extra products/services at checkout without consent. Confirm Shaming: Guilt-tripping users into agreeing (e.g., “No, I don’t want to save money”). Forced Action: Compelling users to perform unrelated tasks to proceed. Subscription Trap: Making it easy to subscribe but hard to cancel. Interface Interference: Deliberately hiding important info or buttons. Bait and Switch: Promoting one offer, then switching to another.
• False Urgency: Creating fake time pressure (e.g., “Only 1 seat left!”).
• Basket Sneaking: Adding extra products/services at checkout without consent.
• Confirm Shaming: Guilt-tripping users into agreeing (e.g., “No, I don’t want to save money”).
• Forced Action: Compelling users to perform unrelated tasks to proceed.
• Subscription Trap: Making it easy to subscribe but hard to cancel.
• Interface Interference: Deliberately hiding important info or buttons.
• Bait and Switch: Promoting one offer, then switching to another.
• Issues and Challenges:
• Consumer Deception: Erodes trust in digital platforms. Market Distortion: Gives unfair advantage to unethical sellers. Legal Gaps: Difficulty in identifying and proving manipulation. User Harm: Leads to financial losses, privacy breaches, and buyer’s remorse.
• Consumer Deception: Erodes trust in digital platforms.
• Market Distortion: Gives unfair advantage to unethical sellers.
• Legal Gaps: Difficulty in identifying and proving manipulation.
• User Harm: Leads to financial losses, privacy breaches, and buyer’s remorse.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 2 – Governance, Transparency & Accountability:
• Regulatory frameworks in digital economy Role of government in consumer protection Public-private partnerships in governance
• Regulatory frameworks in digital economy
• Role of government in consumer protection
• Public-private partnerships in governance
• GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology:
• Ethical issues in technology Digital consumer rights and cybersecurity Role of AI tools in ensuring responsible digital commerce
• Ethical issues in technology
• Digital consumer rights and cybersecurity
• Role of AI tools in ensuring responsible digital commerce
• Essay/Ethics:
• Ethics in business practices Role of transparency in governance and tech policy
• Ethics in business practices
• Role of transparency in governance and tech policy
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Bharat Forecasting System (BFS)
Source: ET
Context: The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences launched the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS) on May 26, 2025.
• It is the world’s highest-resolution weather prediction model using a 6 km x 6 km grid, powered by India’s supercomputer Arka.
About Bharat Forecasting System (BFS):
• What is BFS? BFS is India’s most advanced numerical weather prediction system. It provides highly localized, short-term weather forecasts up to panchayat level using ultra-high-resolution grids.
• BFS is India’s most advanced numerical weather prediction system.
• It provides highly localized, short-term weather forecasts up to panchayat level using ultra-high-resolution grids.
• Developed by Developed by scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. Led by researcher Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay.
• Developed by scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
• Led by researcher Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay.
• How It Works? Utilizes supercomputer Arka (11.77 PetaFLOPS, 33 Petabyte storage) to run simulations faster (within 4 hours). Uses real-time inputs from 40+ Doppler Weather Radars, which will soon expand to 100. Processes data for regions between 30° South to 30° North latitude, covering tropical zones including India.
• Utilizes supercomputer Arka (11.77 PetaFLOPS, 33 Petabyte storage) to run simulations faster (within 4 hours).
• Uses real-time inputs from 40+ Doppler Weather Radars, which will soon expand to 100.
• Processes data for regions between 30° South to 30° North latitude, covering tropical zones including India.
• Key Features: Highest global resolution: 6 km grid (compared to 9–14 km used by EU, UK, US models). Faster processing: Cuts prediction time by 60% compared to previous model Pratyush. Covers India comprehensively: Including small villages and blocks. Supports nowcasting – forecasts for the next 2 hours.
• Highest global resolution: 6 km grid (compared to 9–14 km used by EU, UK, US models).
• Faster processing: Cuts prediction time by 60% compared to previous model Pratyush.
• Covers India comprehensively: Including small villages and blocks.
• Supports nowcasting – forecasts for the next 2 hours.
• Significance: Disaster Risk Reduction: Enables quicker evacuation and flood alerts. Agricultural Resilience: Assists farmers with timely rainfall, heatwave, and drought warnings. Water Resource Planning: Better irrigation management and reservoir operations. Food Inflation Management: Helps stabilize prices by reducing crop losses. Public Health: Early warning for heatwaves and pollution episodes.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Enables quicker evacuation and flood alerts.
• Agricultural Resilience: Assists farmers with timely rainfall, heatwave, and drought warnings.
• Water Resource Planning: Better irrigation management and reservoir operations.
• Food Inflation Management: Helps stabilize prices by reducing crop losses.
• Public Health: Early warning for heatwaves and pollution episodes.
A New Method To Detect Topological Invariants in Quantum Materials
Source: DD News
Context: Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, have discovered a new method to detect topological invariants in quantum materials using spectral function.
About A New Method to Detect Topological Invariants in Quantum Materials:
• What is Spectral Function?
• The spectral function is a quantum tool that describes how energy and particles like electrons behave inside a material. It’s widely used to study electronic structure, such as density of states and dispersion relations.
• The spectral function is a quantum tool that describes how energy and particles like electrons behave inside a material.
• It’s widely used to study electronic structure, such as density of states and dispersion relations.
• Developed By: Developed by Raman Research Institute (RRI), under the Department of Science and Technology.
• How It Works?
• The team analysed momentum-space spectral function (SPSF), which acts like a quantum fingerprint. SPSF maps how electrons distribute over energy and momentum, revealing hidden topological features.
• The team analysed momentum-space spectral function (SPSF), which acts like a quantum fingerprint.
• SPSF maps how electrons distribute over energy and momentum, revealing hidden topological features.
• Key Features:
• Topology Detection: Unveils invariants like winding numbers (1D) and Chern numbers (2D). Non-Invasive Technique: Avoids complex physical manipulation or destructive probing. Faster and Accessible: Easier than traditional tools like ARPES (Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy). Universal Application: Can be applied across different classes of topological materials. Quantum Insight: Provides deeper understanding of electron dynamics and material behaviour at the quantum level.
• Topology Detection: Unveils invariants like winding numbers (1D) and Chern numbers (2D).
• Non-Invasive Technique: Avoids complex physical manipulation or destructive probing.
• Faster and Accessible: Easier than traditional tools like ARPES (Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy).
• Universal Application: Can be applied across different classes of topological materials.
• Quantum Insight: Provides deeper understanding of electron dynamics and material behaviour at the quantum level.
• Significance:
• Revolutionizes Quantum Research: Opens new avenues in condensed matter physics. Boosts Quantum Technology: Aids development of quantum computing, energy-efficient devices, and fault-tolerant electronics. Simplifies Material Classification: Helps identify topological materials without advanced experimental setups.
• Revolutionizes Quantum Research: Opens new avenues in condensed matter physics.
• Boosts Quantum Technology: Aids development of quantum computing, energy-efficient devices, and fault-tolerant electronics.
• Simplifies Material Classification: Helps identify topological materials without advanced experimental setups.
Breakthrough Prize Physics 2025
Source: PIB
Context: The 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics has been awarded to major experimental teams at CERN—ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb—based on their findings from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Run-2 data (2015–2024).
About Breakthrough Prize Physics 2025:
• What It Is?
• Often dubbed the “Oscars of Science,” the Breakthrough Prize honors transformative achievements in fundamental physics.
• Often dubbed the “Oscars of Science,” the Breakthrough Prize honors transformative achievements in fundamental physics.
• Awarded by: Given annually by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation.
• Awarded to: Teams behind ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb experiments at CERN, comprising over 13,500 researchers.
• Prize Amount: $3 million awarded jointly to the four LHC experiments.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Recognizes major discoveries and data-driven contributions that advance understanding of the Universe.
• Recognizes major discoveries and data-driven contributions that advance understanding of the Universe.
• Awarded For: Work contributing to understanding the: Higgs boson Quark-gluon plasma Matter-antimatter asymmetry Physics beyond the Standard Model
• Higgs boson
• Quark-gluon plasma
• Matter-antimatter asymmetry
• Physics beyond the Standard Model
• India’s Contributions:
• Indian institutions like TIFR, BARC, IITs, IISc, VECC, IUAC, IOP etc., made crucial contributions in: Detector R&D Data analysis Worldwide LHC Computing Grid Manpower training India plays an active governance role in CERN’s scientific boards and decision-making.
• Indian institutions like TIFR, BARC, IITs, IISc, VECC, IUAC, IOP etc., made crucial contributions in: Detector R&D Data analysis Worldwide LHC Computing Grid Manpower training
• Detector R&D
• Data analysis
• Worldwide LHC Computing Grid
• Manpower training
• India plays an active governance role in CERN’s scientific boards and decision-making.
About the Large Hadron Collider (LHC):
• What It Is?
• The LHC is the world’s most powerful particle accelerator used to probe the fundamental structure of matter.
• The LHC is the world’s most powerful particle accelerator used to probe the fundamental structure of matter.
• Developed By: Built and operated by CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) near Geneva, Switzerland.
• Key Features:
• Structure: 27-km underground ring using 1232 superconducting dipole magnets. Cooling: Operates at −271.3°C using liquid helium—colder than outer space. Collisions: Sends two beams of protons or heavy ions near light-speed in opposite directions for high-energy collisions. Experiments: Four major detectors—ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, LHCb—placed at beam collision points. Magnets and Control: Uses dipoles to bend and quadrupoles to focus beams, controlled centrally from the CERN Control Centre.
• Structure: 27-km underground ring using 1232 superconducting dipole magnets.
• Cooling: Operates at −271.3°C using liquid helium—colder than outer space.
• Collisions: Sends two beams of protons or heavy ions near light-speed in opposite directions for high-energy collisions.
• Experiments: Four major detectors—ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, LHCb—placed at beam collision points.
• Magnets and Control: Uses dipoles to bend and quadrupoles to focus beams, controlled centrally from the CERN Control Centre.
• Significance:
• Helped confirm the existence of the Higgs boson (2012). Enabled study of early universe conditions via quark-gluon plasma. Essential for progress in quantum field theory, supersymmetry, and dark matter research. Strengthens international science diplomacy and India’s global scientific stature.
• Helped confirm the existence of the Higgs boson (2012).
• Enabled study of early universe conditions via quark-gluon plasma.
• Essential for progress in quantum field theory, supersymmetry, and dark matter research.
• Strengthens international science diplomacy and India’s global scientific stature.
Madhubani and Gond Art
Source: PIB
Context: Artists of Madhubani and Gond art met President Droupadi Murmu under the Artists-in-Residence Programme – Kala Utsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
About Madhubani and Gond Art:
About Madhubani Art (Mithila Art):
• Region: Originates from the Mithila region of Bihar; also referred to as Mithila painting.
• What It Is?
• A folk-art form traditionally created by women on walls and floors of huts during auspicious occasions. Now practiced on cloth, canvas, and handmade paper.
• A folk-art form traditionally created by women on walls and floors of huts during auspicious occasions.
• Now practiced on cloth, canvas, and handmade paper.
• Key Features
• Natural Materials: Uses plant-based pigments, cow dung-treated paper, and bamboo pens. Bold Outlines: Black lines made with cow dung and charcoal; filled with vibrant natural colors.
• Natural Materials: Uses plant-based pigments, cow dung-treated paper, and bamboo pens.
• Bold Outlines: Black lines made with cow dung and charcoal; filled with vibrant natural colors.
• Themes: Religious: Depictions of Hindu deities like Radha-Krishna, Shiva, Saraswati, etc. Social: Scenes from village life, weddings, and festivals. Nature: Birds, animals, trees (Tulsi, Banyan), sun, and moon. Cultural Identity: Symbol of female creativity and rural tradition passed down through generations.
• Religious: Depictions of Hindu deities like Radha-Krishna, Shiva, Saraswati, etc.
• Social: Scenes from village life, weddings, and festivals.
• Nature: Birds, animals, trees (Tulsi, Banyan), sun, and moon.
• Cultural Identity: Symbol of female creativity and rural tradition passed down through generations.
About Gond Art:
• Region: Practiced by Pardhan Gond tribes of Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Central Indian states.
• What It Is?
• Tribal art form with roots in oral storytelling and ritualistic practices. Initially drawn on walls of homes to depict folk tales and nature.
• Tribal art form with roots in oral storytelling and ritualistic practices.
• Initially drawn on walls of homes to depict folk tales and nature.
• Key Features:
• Mythical Narratives: Depicts divine stories, village folklore, and animist beliefs. Pattern Work: Fills motifs with fine dots and lines to create visual rhythm. Nature Connection: Harmonious coexistence of humans, flora, and fauna. Colour Use: Bright, bold colour schemes with creative compositions. Global Reach: Popularized internationally through works like “The Night Life of Trees” by Tara Books.
• Mythical Narratives: Depicts divine stories, village folklore, and animist beliefs.
• Pattern Work: Fills motifs with fine dots and lines to create visual rhythm.
• Nature Connection: Harmonious coexistence of humans, flora, and fauna.
• Colour Use: Bright, bold colour schemes with creative compositions.
• Global Reach: Popularized internationally through works like “The Night Life of Trees” by Tara Books.
Customised Gene-Editing Treatment
Source: IE
Context: A nine-month-old boy suffering from a rare CPS1 deficiency became the first known human to receive a customised gene-editing treatment using a base editing technique.
About Custom Gene Editing Technique:
• What It Is?
• A personalised gene therapy based on an evolved form of CRISPR-Cas9, known as base editing. It allows for single-base correction in DNA without breaking both strands, unlike traditional CRISPR.
• A personalised gene therapy based on an evolved form of CRISPR-Cas9, known as base editing.
• It allows for single-base correction in DNA without breaking both strands, unlike traditional CRISPR.
• Organisation Involved: Developed by University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
• Procedure:
• Diagnosis: The child (KJ) was found to have a mis paired base in his DNA, leading to CPS1 deficiency. Programming the Edit: Scientists designed a guide RNA and attached it to a base-modifying enzyme fused with Cas9. Targeted Delivery: The tool identified the faulty base and converted it to the correct base without making a double-strand cut. Analogy: Base editing is like using a pencil and eraser, whereas CRISPR is like scissors and glue.
• Diagnosis: The child (KJ) was found to have a mis paired base in his DNA, leading to CPS1 deficiency.
• Programming the Edit: Scientists designed a guide RNA and attached it to a base-modifying enzyme fused with Cas9.
• Targeted Delivery: The tool identified the faulty base and converted it to the correct base without making a double-strand cut.
• Analogy: Base editing is like using a pencil and eraser, whereas CRISPR is like scissors and glue.
• Gene editing vs Base Editing:
• Significance:
• First Human Success: Pioneering example of real-time precision medicine in rare genetic disorders. No Foreign DNA Required: Unlike older CRISPR methods, this does not require external DNA insertion. Compact Delivery: Easier to deliver using viral vectors due to fewer components. Potential Reach: Can treat thousands of genetic conditions once personalised sequencing is done.
• First Human Success: Pioneering example of real-time precision medicine in rare genetic disorders.
• No Foreign DNA Required: Unlike older CRISPR methods, this does not require external DNA insertion.
• Compact Delivery: Easier to deliver using viral vectors due to fewer components.
• Potential Reach: Can treat thousands of genetic conditions once personalised sequencing is done.
• Limitations:
• High Cost: Currently costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it unaffordable for most. One-Time Customisation: Each tool is unique to the patient, making mass-scale application difficult. Lack of Regulatory Clarity: Countries like India face regulatory bottlenecks, delaying clinical use. Low Pharma Incentive: Not commercially viable for pharmaceutical firms due to individual-specific design.
• High Cost: Currently costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it unaffordable for most.
• One-Time Customisation: Each tool is unique to the patient, making mass-scale application difficult.
• Lack of Regulatory Clarity: Countries like India face regulatory bottlenecks, delaying clinical use.
• Low Pharma Incentive: Not commercially viable for pharmaceutical firms due to individual-specific design.
Biennial Election for Rajya Sabha
Source: News on Air
Context: The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the biennial elections for the eight Rajya Sabha seats including six seats from Tamil Nadu and two seats from Assam.
About Biennial Election for Rajya Sabha:
• What It Is? Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Parliament, representing the States and Union Territories. It is a permanent body, and elections are held periodically to fill the seats of retiring members.
• Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Parliament, representing the States and Union Territories.
• It is a permanent body, and elections are held periodically to fill the seats of retiring members.
• Term and Membership: Total strength: 250 (maximum), currently 245 members. 233 elected members (States and UTs) 12 nominated members by the President (experts in literature, art, science, or social service) Tenure: Each member serves a 6-year term. Retirement: One-third of members retire every 2 years.
• Total strength: 250 (maximum), currently 245 members. 233 elected members (States and UTs) 12 nominated members by the President (experts in literature, art, science, or social service)
• 233 elected members (States and UTs)
• 12 nominated members by the President (experts in literature, art, science, or social service)
• Tenure: Each member serves a 6-year term.
• Retirement: One-third of members retire every 2 years.
• Election Process: Indirect Elections: Conducted via proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. State MLAs elect representatives from States. UT Electoral Colleges elect members from Union Territories (Delhi, Puducherry, J&K). Bye-Elections: Held when a seat becomes vacant before the term ends. Member elected serves only the remainder of the predecessor’s term. Qualifications (Article 84): To be eligible for Rajya Sabha membership, a person must: Be a citizen of India. Be at least 30 years of age. Make and subscribe an oath of office (as per the Third Schedule). Meet any other qualifications prescribed by law. Disqualifications: A person can be disqualified if: They hold an office of profit under the government. They are declared unsound of mind or insolvent. They are not a citizen of India or have acquired foreign citizenship. They incur disqualification under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law).
• Indirect Elections: Conducted via proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. State MLAs elect representatives from States. UT Electoral Colleges elect members from Union Territories (Delhi, Puducherry, J&K).
• Conducted via proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
• State MLAs elect representatives from States.
• UT Electoral Colleges elect members from Union Territories (Delhi, Puducherry, J&K).
• Bye-Elections: Held when a seat becomes vacant before the term ends. Member elected serves only the remainder of the predecessor’s term.
• Held when a seat becomes vacant before the term ends.
• Member elected serves only the remainder of the predecessor’s term.
• Qualifications (Article 84): To be eligible for Rajya Sabha membership, a person must: Be a citizen of India. Be at least 30 years of age. Make and subscribe an oath of office (as per the Third Schedule). Meet any other qualifications prescribed by law. Disqualifications: A person can be disqualified if: They hold an office of profit under the government. They are declared unsound of mind or insolvent. They are not a citizen of India or have acquired foreign citizenship. They incur disqualification under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law).
• To be eligible for Rajya Sabha membership, a person must: Be a citizen of India. Be at least 30 years of age. Make and subscribe an oath of office (as per the Third Schedule). Meet any other qualifications prescribed by law.
• Be a citizen of India.
• Be at least 30 years of age.
• Make and subscribe an oath of office (as per the Third Schedule).
• Meet any other qualifications prescribed by law.
• Disqualifications: A person can be disqualified if: They hold an office of profit under the government. They are declared unsound of mind or insolvent. They are not a citizen of India or have acquired foreign citizenship. They incur disqualification under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law).
• A person can be disqualified if: They hold an office of profit under the government. They are declared unsound of mind or insolvent. They are not a citizen of India or have acquired foreign citizenship. They incur disqualification under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law).
• They hold an office of profit under the government.
• They are declared unsound of mind or insolvent.
• They are not a citizen of India or have acquired foreign citizenship.
• They incur disqualification under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law).
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 May 2025 Mapping:
South Africa
Source: DTE
Context: Study published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth reported that land in South Africa has been rising at 2 mm per year from 2012 to 2020.
About South Africa Land Uplift:
• What It Is?
• A gradual uplift of land observed in parts of South Africa due to reduced surface and groundwater pressure.
• A gradual uplift of land observed in parts of South Africa due to reduced surface and groundwater pressure.
• Reason Behind the Uplift:
• Elastic rebound effect: Removal of surface water (from drought or overuse) reduces weight on the Earth’s crust, causing it to rise upward. Confirmed via GNSS-Trignet base stations and satellite data (GRACE). Unlike subsidence caused by aquifer collapse, this is a loading-unloading effect.
• Elastic rebound effect: Removal of surface water (from drought or overuse) reduces weight on the Earth’s crust, causing it to rise upward.
• Confirmed via GNSS-Trignet base stations and satellite data (GRACE).
• Unlike subsidence caused by aquifer collapse, this is a loading-unloading effect.
• Key Features:
• Uplift Rate: About 2 mm/year, totaling nearly 6 mm between 2012 and 2020. Cape Town Impact: Severe drought years showed clear correlation between Total Water Storage (TWS) loss and land uplift. Measurement Tools: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), hydrological models, and gravity satellite data (GRACE). Distinction from Subsidence: Uplift = Loss of surface load (elastic rebound). Subsidence = Collapse of pore structure due to groundwater over-extraction (poro-elastic effect).
• Uplift Rate: About 2 mm/year, totaling nearly 6 mm between 2012 and 2020.
• Cape Town Impact: Severe drought years showed clear correlation between Total Water Storage (TWS) loss and land uplift.
• Measurement Tools: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), hydrological models, and gravity satellite data (GRACE).
• Distinction from Subsidence: Uplift = Loss of surface load (elastic rebound). Subsidence = Collapse of pore structure due to groundwater over-extraction (poro-elastic effect).
• Uplift = Loss of surface load (elastic rebound).
• Subsidence = Collapse of pore structure due to groundwater over-extraction (poro-elastic effect).
About South Africa:
• Location: Southernmost country on the African continent.
• Bordered by: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini Encloses Lesotho as an independent country.
• Encloses Lesotho as an independent country.
• Capitals & Cities:
• Pretoria (Executive capital) Cape Town (Legislative capital) Bloemfontein (Judicial capital)
• Pretoria (Executive capital)
• Cape Town (Legislative capital)
• Bloemfontein (Judicial capital)
• Geological Features:
• Mountains: Great Escarpment includes Drakensberg Mountains (Njesuthi: 3,408m) Other ranges: Stormberg, Roggeveld, Table Mountain ranges Plateaus: Dominated by Highveld Plateau (1,200–1,800m elevation) Formed from ancient Karoo System rocks Rivers: Orange River and tributaries (Caledon, Vaal) drain into Atlantic Limpopo System drains north-east into Indian Ocean Other rivers: Tugela, Mgeni, Great Kei, Gourits
• Mountains: Great Escarpment includes Drakensberg Mountains (Njesuthi: 3,408m) Other ranges: Stormberg, Roggeveld, Table Mountain ranges
• Great Escarpment includes Drakensberg Mountains (Njesuthi: 3,408m)
• Other ranges: Stormberg, Roggeveld, Table Mountain ranges
• Plateaus: Dominated by Highveld Plateau (1,200–1,800m elevation) Formed from ancient Karoo System rocks
• Dominated by Highveld Plateau (1,200–1,800m elevation)
• Formed from ancient Karoo System rocks
• Rivers: Orange River and tributaries (Caledon, Vaal) drain into Atlantic Limpopo System drains north-east into Indian Ocean Other rivers: Tugela, Mgeni, Great Kei, Gourits
• Orange River and tributaries (Caledon, Vaal) drain into Atlantic
• Limpopo System drains north-east into Indian Ocean
• Other rivers: Tugela, Mgeni, Great Kei, Gourits
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