CIVIL SERVICE INFO

IMPORTANCE OF GRASSLAND   This article argues that grasslands and savannahs are critical yet neglected components of global climate strategy, which currently focuses too heavily on forests. key themes: 1. Ecological and Climate Significance  * Carbon Sequestration: Grasslands are vital carbon sinks. Unlike forests, they store much of their carbon underground, making it more secure during wildfires.  * Interdependence: Biomes are linked; for example, the destruction of the Brazilian Cerrado (savannah) directly threatens the water systems that sustain the Amazon rainforest. 2. The "Wasteland" Perception & Threats  * Policy Neglect: Many governments incorrectly categorize grasslands as "wastelands." This leads to them being diverted for industrial use or "misguided" afforestation (planting trees where they don't belong), which can actually destroy the existing ecosystem.  * Key Threats: These include agricultural expansion, invasive speci...

IMPORTANCE OF GRASSLAND   This article argues that grasslands and savannahs are critical yet neglected components of global climate strategy, which currently focuses too heavily on forests. key themes: 1. Ecological and Climate Significance  * Carbon Sequestration: Grasslands are vital carbon sinks. Unlike forests, they store much of their carbon underground, making it more secure during wildfires.  * Interdependence: Biomes are linked; for example, the destruction of the Brazilian Cerrado (savannah) directly threatens the water systems that sustain the Amazon rainforest. 2. The "Wasteland" Perception & Threats  * Policy Neglect: Many governments incorrectly categorize grasslands as "wastelands." This leads to them being diverted for industrial use or "misguided" afforestation (planting trees where they don't belong), which can actually destroy the existing ecosystem.  * Key Threats: These include agricultural expansion, invasive species (like buf...

सुप्रीम कोर्ट का निर्णय: 'ओपन' सीटें कोटा नहीं, योग्यता का आधार हैं मुख्य निर्णय उच्चतम न्यायालय ने यह स्पष्ट किया है कि "ओपन" (खुली) या "अनारक्षित" श्रेणी की सीटें सवर्णों या किसी विशेष वर्ग के लिए आरक्षित कोटा नहीं हैं। इसके बजाय, ये पूरी तरह से योग्यता (merit) पर आधारित सीटें हैं, जिनमें एससी, एसटी, ओबीसी और ईडब्ल्यूएस सहित सभी श्रेणियों के उम्मीदवार प्रवेश पा सकते हैं, बशर्ते उन्होंने सामान्य श्रेणी के लिए निर्धारित कट-ऑफ अंक प्राप्त किए हों। प्रमुख कानूनी सिद्धांत  * श्रेणी पर योग्यता की प्राथमिकता: यदि आरक्षित श्रेणी का कोई उम्मीदवार सामान्य श्रेणी के कट-ऑफ से अधिक अंक प्राप्त करता है, तो उसे 'ओपन' सीट पर नियुक्त किया जाना चाहिए। न्यायालय के अनुसार, आरक्षण एक 'न्यूनतम गारंटी' (floor) है, न कि आरक्षित वर्गों के लिए कोई 'अधिकतम सीमा' (ceiling)।  * ' दोहरे लाभ' का भ्रम : न्यायालय ने राजस्थान उच्च न्यायालय के उस तर्क को खारिज कर दिया कि आरक्षित श्रेणी के उम्मीदवारों को ओपन सीटों पर विचार करना "दोहरा लाभ" है। कोर्ट ...

SC Ruling: The 'Open' Nature of Unreserved Seats This Supreme Court ruling is a cornerstone of Indian jurisprudence regarding the reservation policy and the definition of the "General Category." Here is a concise analysis tailored for UPSC Civil Services preparation (General Studies Paper II: Constitution & Polity). SC Ruling: The 'Open' Nature of Unreserved Seats The Core Verdict The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that "Open" or "General" category seats are not a quota for upper castes. Instead, they constitute a merit-based pool accessible to every candidate—regardless of their caste, tribe, or gender—provided they meet the general merit criteria. Key Legal Principles  * Merit over Category: If a candidate from a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) scores higher than the general category cut-off, they must be adjusted against the "Open" seats. This ensures that reservation acts as a floor (minimum guarantee) rather t...

HAL’s Dhruv NG: A Milestone in Civil Aviation Indigenization   General Studies Paper III (Science and Technology, Indigenization of Technology) and GS Paper II (Government Policies & Interventions). HAL’s Dhruv NG: A Milestone in Civil Aviation Indigenization Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) has officially entered the domestic civil helicopter market with the successful maiden flight of the Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter. This development marks a significant shift for the Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), which has historically focused on the defense sector. 1. Key Features of the Dhruv NG  * Type: 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter.  * Design & Origin: Fully designed and manufactured indigenously in India.  * Operational Capability: Engineered to operate across India's diverse and challenging terrains (from high-altitude regions to coastal belts).  * Engine: Powered by the Shakti civil engine, developed in participation...

critical analysis of the fiscal health of Indian states .  For a UPSC aspirant, this falls under General Studies Paper III (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment ). The Crisis of ‘Freebie Culture’ and Declining State Capital Expenditure Context Recent budgetary estimates for the fiscal year 2025-26 reveal a concerning trend in state finances. A significant portion of state revenue—up to 80% in some cases—is being consumed by "committed expenditures" such as salaries, pensions, interest payments, and populist subsidy schemes (freebies). This leaves negligible funds for developmental projects like roads, electricity, and housing. Key Data Insights (FY 2025-26 Estimates) According to the report, states are struggling with a shrinking fiscal space for development:  * The Punjab Crisis: Punjab is in the most precarious position, with committed expenses and debt servicing far exceeding its earnings, leading to...