01 August 2026

UPSC GS 1

Shaheed Udham Singh

·      News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to Shaheed Udham Singh on his Balidan Diwas (Martyrdom Day).

·      About Shaheed Udham Singh:

o  Shaheed Udham Singh was one of the prominent revolutionaries of India's freedom struggle.

o  He was also known by several names, including Sher Singh, Ude Singh, Frank Brazil, and Ram Mohammad Singh Azad.

o  The name "Ram Mohammad Singh Azad" symbolised the unity of Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, reflecting his vision of a united India.

·      Birth and Early Life:

o  He was born on 26 December 1899 at Sunam village in Sangrur district, Punjab, into a Sikh family.

o  Orphaned at a young age, he was raised at the Central Khalsa Orphanage in Amritsar, where he was given the name Udham Singh.

o  In his early years, he worked as a labourer, including in Mesopotamia during World War I and on Uganda's railways, where he came into contact with members of the Ghadar Party.

o  He later travelled to the United States, assisted Punjabi migrants, and founded the Azad Party in Chicago as an offshoot of the Ghadar Party.

·      Revolutionary Activities:

o  He witnessed the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919), an event that profoundly influenced his revolutionary path.

o  In 1924, he joined the Ghadar Party and was also associated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).

o  In 1927, he was arrested under the Arms Act and sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

o  During his imprisonment, he continued to spread revolutionary ideas despite repeated flogging and transfers between prisons.

o  While lodged in Mianwali Jail (now in Pakistan), he came into contact with Bhagat Singh, who had a significant influence on his revolutionary ideology.

o  On 13 March 1940, he assassinated Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, at Caxton Hall, London, to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

o  During his trial, he adopted the name "Ram Mohammad Singh Azad" to symbolise India's religious unity.

·      Execution and Death:

o  He was executed by hanging at Pentonville Prison, London, on 31 July 1940.

o  His ashes were repatriated to India in 1974 and are preserved at the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, Amritsar.

·      Legacy:

o  He is remembered as "Shaheed-i-Azam" (Great Martyr) for his courage and sacrifice in India's struggle against British rule.

o  His birth anniversary is observed on 26 December, while his martyrdom is commemorated on 31 July. 

UPSC GS 3

India's First Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Insurance Product

·      News: The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has launched India's first sovereign-backed Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance product under the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP).

·      About India's First Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Insurance Product:

o  It is India's first sovereign-backed Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance product designed to provide domestic P&I cover for Indian ships and vessels engaged in Indian trade.

o  It has been launched under the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP).

·      Launched by: Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance.

·      Designed by:  The New India Assurance Company Limited. It is a third-party liability insurance for shipowners.

·      Coverage:

o  Unlike Hull and Machinery Insurance, which covers damage to the vessel itself, P&I insurance covers the shipowner's legal liabilities towards third parties, including:

o  Injury, illness, or death of crew members, passengers, and other persons.

o  Collision liabilities.

o  Oil pollution and environmental damage.

o  Wreck removal expenses.

o  Cargo-related liabilities.

o  Legal expenses arising from maritime claims.

·      About Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP):

o  The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) is India's first sovereign-backed domestic maritime insurance pool.

o  It is backed by a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore.

·      Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

·      Objectives:

o  Strengthen India's maritime insurance ecosystem.

o  Reduce dependence on foreign insurers and international P&I Clubs.

o  Enhance the resilience of India's shipping sector during geopolitical conflicts, sanctions, or disruptions in global insurance markets.

·      Key Features of BMIP: Covers major maritime insurance risks, including:

o  Hull and Machinery.

o  Cargo.

o  Protection and Indemnity (P&I).

o  War Risk.

·      Policies will be issued by member insurance companies using the Pool's combined underwriting capacity.

·      The Pool has an underwriting capacity of approximately ₹950 crore.

·      Promotes the development of marine underwriting, claims management, and maritime legal expertise within India.

·      Provides insurance solutions tailored to Indian shipping conditions and regulatory requirements. 

Malvi Camel

·      The Malvi camel, a rare indigenous camel breed, is facing the threat of extinction, prompting a conservation initiative by the National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC).

·      About Malvi Camel:

o  The Malvi camel is one of the nine recognised camel breeds in India.

o  It is valued for both draught purposes and milk production, with a female capable of yielding around 4–5 kg of milk per lactation cycle.

·      Distribution:

o  It is primarily found in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, including Mandsaur, Neemuch, Ratlam, and Gwalior, and in parts of Rajasthan, including Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, and Baran.

·      Physical Characteristics:

o  It is known for its distinct white colour and is considered the smallest among India's recognised camel breeds.

o  Malvi camels are generally medium-sized, with a robust build, a well-developed hump, and a light brown to reddish-brown coat.

·      Adaptability:

o  These camels are well adapted to semi-arid as well as relatively humid conditions, making them suitable for the climatic conditions of the Malwa region.

·      Utility:

o  They are used for transportation, agricultural operations, and carrying loads.

o  They are known for their high endurance, strength, and milk production.

·      Threat:

o  The declining population of the breed has raised concerns about its survival, leading to conservation efforts by the National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC).

·      About National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC):

o  It is located in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

o  It functions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

o  It is India's premier institution for camel research, breeding, conservation, and development. 

SHetA2 Therapy

·      News: A new SHetA2 pill has shown promising results in preventing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections from progressing into cervical cancer.

·      About SHetA2 Therapy:

o  SHetA2 is a small molecule therapy designed to prevent HPV infection from causing cancer.

o  Small molecule therapies are chemically manufactured, low-molecular-weight compounds that are easily absorbed by the body.

o  It is being developed to treat HPV-induced cervical dysplasia (precancerous lesions) and cervical cancer.

o  The therapy is currently being evaluated in an oral capsule form.

·      Working Mechanism: SHetA2 targets three proteins in the human body:

§ Mortalin.

§ Heat Shock Cognate 70 (Hsc70).

§ Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 (Grp78).

o  These proteins are essential for the survival and proliferation of the HPV oncoprotein E7, which promotes cancer development.

o  The therapy works by breaking the interaction between the HPV-E7 protein and a host protein inside human cells.

o  Once this protective interaction is disrupted, the E7 protein is destroyed by the body's natural defence mechanisms, preventing damage to healthy cells and reducing the risk of cancer progression.

·      Target Group:

o  Intended for individuals with HPV-induced precancerous cervical lesions (cervical dysplasia).

o  Aims to prevent the progression of these lesions into cervical cancer.

·      About Human Papillomavirus (HPV):

o  Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

o  More than 100 types of HPV have been identified.

o  While many HPV infections are harmless, certain high-risk types can cause cervical cancer and other cancers, whereas some low-risk types cause genital warts.

·      Transmission:

o  HPV spreads primarily through skin-to-skin contact.

o  Most genital HPV infections are transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact.

o  Around 80% of people are estimated to acquire an HPV infection at some point in their lifetime.

·      Symptoms:

o  Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and resolve naturally.

o  Some infections may cause genital or anal warts.

o  Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to cancer of the cervix, mouth, throat, anus, penis, vulva, or vagina.

·      Prevention and Treatment:

o  There is no cure for HPV infection.

o  HPV vaccination is the most effective method of preventing HPV-related cancers.

o  Regular cervical cancer screening helps detect precancerous changes at an early stage. 

Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ)

·      News: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Government of Madhya Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish India's first integrated Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

·      About Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ):

o  The Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) is envisaged as a 350-acre integrated plug-and-play industrial cluster for telecom and electronics manufacturing.

o  It will provide world-class infrastructure for manufacturing, research and development (R&D), innovation, testing, and allied activities.

o  It aims to strengthen India's domestic telecom manufacturing ecosystem and position Gwalior as a major telecom and technology hub.

·      Objectives:

o  Strengthen India's domestic telecom manufacturing ecosystem.

o  Promote the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

o  Reduce dependence on imports and enhance self-reliance in telecom equipment.

o  Develop Gwalior as a global hub for telecom manufacturing and innovation.

·      Convergence with Other Initiatives: The project will complement:

o  India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).

o  Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).

o  Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF).

o  Industry Participation

o  Leading companies expected to anchor the project include:

§ Dixon Technologies.

§ HFCL.

§ Tejas Networks.

§ VVDN Technologies.

§ Syrma SGS.

·            Governance: A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will implement the project.

o  Equity structure:

§ 51% – Government of Madhya Pradesh.

§ 49% – Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

·      Financial Support:

o  Central Government:

§ Will provide 100% funding for Phase-I.

§ Allocated ₹493 crore for the development of core infrastructure.

o  Government of Madhya Pradesh: Has provided approximately 170 acres of land free of cost, including:

§ 100 acres in the SADA region.

§ 70 acres in the Gwalior IT Park.

o  The land is valued at approximately ₹596 crore.

o  Additional land will be made available at a nominal premium of ₹1 and an annual lease rent of ₹1 per square metre for 30 years.

·      Key Features: Integrates the entire telecom value chain, including:

o  Mobile devices.

o  Optical fibre.

o  Advanced semiconductor technologies.

o  Next-generation 5G and 6G research and development.

·      Will establish:

o  Dedicated R&D centres.

o  Common testing laboratories.

o  Certification facilities.

·      Incentives:

o  Units established in the TMZ will receive:

o  Reimbursement of stamp duty and registration charges.

o  Power tariff rebates and other fiscal incentives.

o  50% capital subsidy on Eligible Fixed Capital Investment (EFCI), up to ₹200 crore.

o  Employment generation assistance of ₹5,000 per employee per month for five years.

o  Skill development support of up to ₹13,000 per new employee.

·      R&D and Export Promotion:

o  50% freight subsidy for exports.

o  Financial assistance for standalone R&D units.

o  100% reimbursement of expenses incurred for filing patents, copyrights, and trademarks, subject to prescribed limits.

·      Expected Outcomes:

o  Reduce dependence on imported telecom equipment.

o  Strengthen domestic telecom supply chains.

o  Promote exports and innovation.

o  Enhance telecom security.

o  Position India as a global hub for telecom manufacturing and technology development.

Pithora Painting

·      News: Pithora Painting, a centuries-old wall art tradition of Gujarat's Rathwa tribal community, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

·      About Pithora Painting:

o  Pithora Painting is a traditional tribal wall art that originated in the tribal regions of Gujarat, particularly Panchmahal and Chhota Udaipur districts.

o  It is practised mainly by the Rathwa, Bhil, and Bhilala tribes, who have deep faith in nature, spirits, and divine powers.

o  The tradition dates back to around the 13th century.

o  The art form is named after Pithora De, the tribal deity associated with marriage, prosperity, and the well-being of the community.

·      Significance:

o  Traditionally, Pithora paintings are created on the walls of houses during important occasions such as weddings, childbirth, festivals, and the fulfilment of vows.

o  They are believed to invoke divine blessings, prosperity, and protection.

o  The paintings also preserve the oral traditions, beliefs, customs, and cultural identity of the tribal communities.

·      Artists:

o  Traditionally executed by specialist ritual painters known as Lakharas under the guidance of a priest called Badwa.

·      Surface Preparation:

o  The walls are traditionally prepared by applying a mixture of cow dung and clay before painting.

·      Colours and Tools:

o  Artists use natural pigments derived from minerals, plants, and other organic materials.

o  Common colours include red, yellow, green, and blue.

o  The paintings are created using bamboo sticks, cotton, and wooden stencils.

·      Themes: Pithora paintings depict:

o  Pithora De and other tribal and Hindu deities.

o  Horses, which are considered sacred symbols.

o  Animals and birds.

o  Farming, hunting, dancing, and other scenes from daily tribal life.

o  Nature and cultural traditions.

·      Contemporary Practice: Although traditionally practised as wall art, modern artists also create Pithora paintings on paper and canvas for commercial purposes while preserving the traditional style.

·      Recognition: Pithora Painting received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2026. 

Andromeda Galaxy (M31)

·      News: A new study using data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has found that star formation in the Andromeda Galaxy has been declining over the past 500 million years.

·      About Andromeda Galaxy:

o  The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is the closest major galaxy to the Milky Way and is comparable to it in size.

o  It is a barred spiral galaxy, named after its location in the constellation Andromeda.

o  It is located about 2.5 million light-years from Earth.

o  It is one of the few galaxies that is visible to the naked eye under favourable observing conditions.

o  The galaxy is currently transitioning from an active, star-forming galaxy to a more quiescent (less active) stage.

o  It is moving towards the Milky Way at a speed of approximately 110 km/s, and the two galaxies are expected to merge several billion years in the future.

·      Key Features:

o  Galaxy Type: Barred spiral galaxy.

o  Distance from Earth: Approximately 2.5 million light-years.

o  Constellation: Andromeda.

o  Nearest Major Galaxy: Closest large galaxy to the Milky Way.

o  Visibility: Visible to the naked eye in dark skies.

·      Significance:

o  Serves as an important laboratory for understanding the formation and evolution of spiral galaxies.

o  Helps astronomers study star formation, galactic structure, and galaxy evolution.

o  Its future collision with the Milky Way provides valuable insights into the long-term evolution of galaxies.

·      About Hubble Space Telescope:

o  The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a space-based astronomical observatory launched by NASA.

o  It is named after the renowned astronomer Edwin Hubble.

o  It was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1990.

o  Hubble observes the universe across the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

o  It is one of NASA's Great Observatories and has transformed our understanding of the universe through high-resolution observations.