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Showing posts from March 11, 2025

Crack UPSC Prelims 2025: 75-Day Strategy for Success!

  The UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2025 is scheduled for May 25, 2025 , which means you have about 75 days left to turn your UPSC dream into reality. The Prelims is not just an exam—it’s the first big hurdle that separates aspirants from achievers. This guide will provide you with a strategic study plan, essential resources, and expert tips to maximize your score and ensure success in UPSC Prelims 2025. 1. Understanding UPSC Prelims 2025 – Exam Structure Before diving into preparation, it's essential to understand the exam pattern. Paper 1: General Studies (GS) Total Questions: 100 Total Marks: 200 Duration: 2 Hours Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd deduction for wrong answers) Topics Covered: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Tech, Environment, and Current Affairs Paper 2: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Total Questions: 80 Total Marks: 200 Duration: 2 Hours Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd deduction for wrong answers) Qualifying Marks: ...

Extradition Treaty: Meaning, Process, and Challenges

Introduction Extradition is a crucial legal process that allows a country to request the surrender of an individual accused or convicted of a serious crime. It ensures that fugitives cannot evade justice by seeking refuge in another country. Recently, the US Supreme Court rejected Tahawwur Rana’s plea against extradition to India, clearing the way for his trial in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case. India has been pursuing his extradition since 2011, but delays in the US legal system prolonged the process. What is an Extradition Treaty? An extradition treaty is a formal agreement between two countries to transfer individuals accused or convicted of crimes, ensuring they face legal proceedings. Such treaties strengthen international cooperation in combating terrorism, financial fraud, organized crime, and other transnational offenses. Countries with Which India Has an Extradition Treaty India has signed extradition treaties with 48 countries , including: United States, United Kingdom, ...

Satkosia Tiger Reserve: A Struggling Sanctuary for Conservation

Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR), located in Odisha, remains a critical biodiversity hotspot despite facing significant conservation challenges. Recently, the reserve has gained attention due to human-wildlife conflicts, with 674 families being relocated as part of a tiger conservation initiative. However, despite these efforts, Satkosia remains one of the four tiger reserves in India without a single tiger. Overview of Satkosia Tiger Reserve Location & Geographical Significance Satkosia Tiger Reserve spans across four districts in Odisha: Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh. It serves as a crucial transitional zone between the Eastern Ghats and the Deccan Plateau, contributing to rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems. Establishment & Area Established: 2007, through the merger of Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary (1976) and Baisipali Wildlife Sanctuary (1981). Total Area: 1,136.70 sq. km. Flora and Fauna Satkosia Tiger Reserve is home to over 400 plant species, including Sal, Mahua, Bamb...

Madhav National Park: India’s 58th (newest) Tiger Reserve

Source: TOI Context Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh has been designated as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve and the 9th in the state, enhancing conservation efforts for the Bengal tiger and boosting eco-tourism in the region. About Madhav National Park Location: Shivpuri district, Chambal region, Madhya Pradesh. Established: 1958. Area Covered: 354 sq km. Flora and Fauna: Dry deciduous forest with teak, sal, and dhok trees. Home to tigers, leopards, wolves, chinkara, nilgai, and crocodiles. Historical Significance: Named after Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia. Previously a royal hunting ground. Reintroduction of Tigers: Tiger reintroduction began in 2023, with three tigers (including two females) introduced. Major Attractions: Sakhya Sagar Lake, George Castle, and eco-tourism activities. What is a Tiger Reserve? A Tiger Reserve is a protected area dedicated to the conservation of Bengal tigers and their ecosystems. It falls under Project Tiger (1973), a centrally sponsored scheme by ...

Closing the Gender Gap in India's Higher Judiciary

  Introduction Women’s representation in India’s judiciary has evolved significantly since Cornelia Sorabji became the first woman lawyer in 1924. However, despite increasing participation in the legal profession, gender disparity persists in the Supreme Court and High Courts. The underrepresentation of women in the higher judiciary highlights systemic barriers, biases, and procedural opacity. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring a diverse, inclusive, and equitable judiciary. Current Status of Women in the Higher Judiciary 1. Representation in High Courts Women constitute only 14.27% of High Court judges (109 out of 764). Several High Courts, including Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, and Tripura , have no women judges. Allahabad High Court , the largest in India, has just 3 women judges out of 79 (approximately 2%). 2. Representation in the Supreme Court The Supreme Court currently has only two women judges : Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Bela Trivedi . With Justice ...

Impact of Climate Change on India’s Wheat Production l UPSC CSE Notes

  Introduction India's wheat production is facing significant challenges due to climate change. February 2025 was recorded as the hottest in 124 years, intensifying the risks to wheat crops. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and frequent heat waves are disrupting the wheat growing cycle, impacting yield, quality, and food security. This article explores the effects of climate change on wheat production in India, its economic consequences, and adaptive strategies for sustainable agriculture. Impact of Rising Temperatures on Wheat Production 1. Record-Breaking Temperatures February 2025 was India's hottest February in 124 years, with extreme heat expected in March. Unseasonal temperature spikes during the crucial grain-filling stage reduce wheat yields. 2. Delayed Sowing Patterns Warming of the Indian Ocean has disrupted the kharif season, leading to delays in wheat sowing. Late sowing exposes wheat crops to early-season heat stress, impacting growth and productivity...

Climate Action & ESG Policies: Challenges & Future Trends

Introduction Climate action and diversity policies are increasingly facing challenges due to shifting global political and economic priorities. The United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies highlight a trend of reduced commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Corporate strategies are also changing, with many businesses shifting away from Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in favor of profit-driven models. While ESG once played a crucial role in corporate responsibility, its future now appears uncertain. Climate Action Under Pressure 1. U.S. Policy Rollback and Its Impact The U.S. has weakened its climate commitments, impacting global cooperation on carbon emissions reduction. At COP29 (Baku, 2024), global leaders pledged $300 billion annually for climate finance in developing nations. However, reduced U.S. leadership weakens trust in these commitments. The European Green Deal remai...