π Glacial Landforms
π Formed by erosion and deposition as glaciers move under gravity. Key landforms:
π Erosional Landforms:
β Cirques β Bowl-shaped depressions at high elevations
β Nunataks β Rocky peaks protruding through glacier ice
β ArΓͺtes β Sharp ridges between glaciers
β Horns β Pointed peaks carved by multiple glaciers
β Crevasses β Deep cracks in moving glaciers
β Fjords β Long inlets where glacial valleys meet the sea (πUPSC 2023)
π Depositional Landforms:
β Moraines β Ridges of sediments deposited by melting glaciers
β Glacial Till β Unsorted rock mix left behind by glaciers
ββπΉ Glacial Flour β Finest sediment causing cloudiness in glacial rivers
β Glacial Erratics β Large boulders deposited far from their origin
π Significance:
β Clues to past climates (e.g. glacial boulders in Talcher, India β ancient glaciation)
ο»Ώ#Geography #UPSCPrelims #GlacialLandforms #DisasterManagement #GS1 #PhysicalGeography #Geology
π Formed by erosion and deposition as glaciers move under gravity. Key landforms:
π Erosional Landforms:
β Cirques β Bowl-shaped depressions at high elevations
β Nunataks β Rocky peaks protruding through glacier ice
β ArΓͺtes β Sharp ridges between glaciers
β Horns β Pointed peaks carved by multiple glaciers
β Crevasses β Deep cracks in moving glaciers
β Fjords β Long inlets where glacial valleys meet the sea (πUPSC 2023)
π Depositional Landforms:
β Moraines β Ridges of sediments deposited by melting glaciers
β Glacial Till β Unsorted rock mix left behind by glaciers
ββπΉ Glacial Flour β Finest sediment causing cloudiness in glacial rivers
β Glacial Erratics β Large boulders deposited far from their origin
π Significance:
β Clues to past climates (e.g. glacial boulders in Talcher, India β ancient glaciation)
π Prelims Q:
Which of the following are correctly matched with glacial origin?
1. Cirques β Bowl-shaped depressions
2. Moraine β Glacial deposition
3. ArΓͺtes β Sharp ridges between glaciers
4. Fjords β River valley erosion
A. 1, 2 and 3 β
B. All four
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 and 4 only
π Correct: A (Fjords = glacial, not river erosion)
π Mains Q (GS1):
Explain the formation and significance of glacial landforms. Highlight how these features act as indicators of past climatic changes. (150 words)
ο»Ώ#Geography #UPSCPrelims #GlacialLandforms #DisasterManagement #GS1 #PhysicalGeography #Geology
β€5π1
doc202586601001.pdf
2.4 MB
π National Handloom Sector: Heritage, Challenges & Support
π Sector Overview
β India has the largest number of handlooms in the world β a symbol of self-reliance, culture & rural employment.
β Employs over 35 lakh weavers, largely women & marginalized groups.
β Integral to Indiaβs freedom movement (Swadeshi) & craft identity
π Key Features
β Decentralised, eco-friendly, low-capital & employment-intensive
β High cultural diversity β Banarasi, Kanchipuram, Chanderi, Paithani, Pochampally, etc.
β Linked to GI Tags, One District One Product (ODOP), and vocal for local initiatives
π Challenges
β Competition from powerlooms & imported fabrics
β Irregular incomes, ageing artisan base
β Weak design-market linkages
β Low penetration of tech, e-commerce & global branding
π Government Support Initiatives
β National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
β Handloom Weaversβ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme
β India Handloom Brand β Quality assurance for high-end markets
β e-Dhaga App β Direct access to yarn supply chain
β PM Vishwakarma Yojana β Credit + training support
β National Handloom Day β Observed on 7th August, commemorating the Swadeshi movement (1905)
#Handloom #GS1 #GS3 #Culture #Economy #UPSCPrelims #UPSCMains
Join @PIB_UPSC
π Sector Overview
β India has the largest number of handlooms in the world β a symbol of self-reliance, culture & rural employment.
β Employs over 35 lakh weavers, largely women & marginalized groups.
β Integral to Indiaβs freedom movement (Swadeshi) & craft identity
π Key Features
β Decentralised, eco-friendly, low-capital & employment-intensive
β High cultural diversity β Banarasi, Kanchipuram, Chanderi, Paithani, Pochampally, etc.
β Linked to GI Tags, One District One Product (ODOP), and vocal for local initiatives
π Challenges
β Competition from powerlooms & imported fabrics
β Irregular incomes, ageing artisan base
β Weak design-market linkages
β Low penetration of tech, e-commerce & global branding
π Government Support Initiatives
β National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
β Handloom Weaversβ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme
β India Handloom Brand β Quality assurance for high-end markets
β e-Dhaga App β Direct access to yarn supply chain
β PM Vishwakarma Yojana β Credit + training support
β National Handloom Day β Observed on 7th August, commemorating the Swadeshi movement (1905)
π Prelims Question (2025)
Q. Consider the following statements about the handloom sector in India:
1. It is the second-largest employment generator in the rural economy after agriculture.
2. The India Handloom Brand guarantees GI certification to all products.
3. National Handloom Day commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi movement.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
β Answer: (a)
Explanation: India Handloom Brand ensures quality, not GI certification.
π Mains Question (GS1/GS3)
Q. Examine the socio-economic significance of the handloom sector in India. What measures are needed to make handloom sustainable in the face of modern industrial competition?
#Handloom #GS1 #GS3 #Culture #Economy #UPSCPrelims #UPSCMains
Join @PIB_UPSC
β€3
doc2025810604301.pdf
784 KB
π Integrated Disaster Preparedness Drill β Key Highlights
π Context β Indiaβs multi-hazard vulnerability (58% land prone to earthquakes, 68% cultivable land to drought, frequent floods, cyclones, GLOFs) necessitates simulation-based drills.
π Legal Framework β Disaster Management Act, 2005 establishes NDMA, SDMAs, DDMAs; mandates disaster plans, funds, and capacity building.
π NDMAβs DMEx Guidelines β
β Regular simulation exercises at all levels
β Align with DM Plans & Incident Response System
β Involve NDRF, SDRF, local bodies, NGOs, media, communities
π Recent Example β Exercise Suraksha Chakra (Aug 2025) β First multi-state earthquake drill in Delhi-NCR (55 locations, 18 districts) testing SOPs in schools, hospitals, metros, residential complexes.
π Significance β
β Tests preparedness & coordination
β Builds community resilience
β Aligns with Sendai Framework goals
#disaster_management #UPSCPrelims #UPSCMains
π Context β Indiaβs multi-hazard vulnerability (58% land prone to earthquakes, 68% cultivable land to drought, frequent floods, cyclones, GLOFs) necessitates simulation-based drills.
π Legal Framework β Disaster Management Act, 2005 establishes NDMA, SDMAs, DDMAs; mandates disaster plans, funds, and capacity building.
π NDMAβs DMEx Guidelines β
β Regular simulation exercises at all levels
β Align with DM Plans & Incident Response System
β Involve NDRF, SDRF, local bodies, NGOs, media, communities
π Recent Example β Exercise Suraksha Chakra (Aug 2025) β First multi-state earthquake drill in Delhi-NCR (55 locations, 18 districts) testing SOPs in schools, hospitals, metros, residential complexes.
π Significance β
β Tests preparedness & coordination
β Builds community resilience
β Aligns with Sendai Framework goals
Prelims Practice Q
With reference to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, consider the following statements:
1. It is legally binding on UN member states.
2. It emphasizes the primary role of the State while sharing responsibility with other stakeholders.
3. It covers both natural and man-made hazards.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Mains Practice Q
βIndiaβs disaster management framework has shifted from a relief-centric to a preparedness-oriented approach.β Discuss this transformation in light of NDMAβs DMEx Guidelines and recent integrated mock drills.
#disaster_management #UPSCPrelims #UPSCMains
β€10π1π1
doc202593626701.pdf
569.9 KB
π Income Tax Bill, 2025 β Key Points
π Context
β Parliament passed the Income Tax Bill, 2025 to replace the old Income Tax Act, 1961 β aims to simplify, rationalise, and shorten provisions.
π Major Features
β Virtual Digital Space Defined β covers emails, social media, online accounts, cloud servers, websites, etc.
β‘οΈ Tax authorities may get power to access these in case of suspected tax evasion (with company assistance).
β Uniform βTax Yearβ β replaces βassessment yearβ & βprevious yearβ with a single tax year (1st April β 31st March).
β No TCS on Education Remittances β Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) remittances for education (financed by banks/FIs) exempt from TCS.
β Nil TDS Certificate β taxpayers with no liability can apply in advance.
β Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) β applicability for LLPs aligned with existing IT Act. Ensures those availing deductions still pay minimum tax.
π About Income Tax
β A direct tax levied on income earned by individuals, companies, or other entities in a financial year.
β Collected via progressive tax slabs β rates vary under new regime & deductions.
β Direct Tax Collections (2025-26): βΉ7.99 lakh crore (β1.9% from FY 2024-25).
#FiscalPolicy #UPSCPrelims #economy
π Context
β Parliament passed the Income Tax Bill, 2025 to replace the old Income Tax Act, 1961 β aims to simplify, rationalise, and shorten provisions.
π Major Features
β Virtual Digital Space Defined β covers emails, social media, online accounts, cloud servers, websites, etc.
β‘οΈ Tax authorities may get power to access these in case of suspected tax evasion (with company assistance).
β Uniform βTax Yearβ β replaces βassessment yearβ & βprevious yearβ with a single tax year (1st April β 31st March).
β No TCS on Education Remittances β Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) remittances for education (financed by banks/FIs) exempt from TCS.
β Nil TDS Certificate β taxpayers with no liability can apply in advance.
β Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) β applicability for LLPs aligned with existing IT Act. Ensures those availing deductions still pay minimum tax.
π About Income Tax
β A direct tax levied on income earned by individuals, companies, or other entities in a financial year.
β Collected via progressive tax slabs β rates vary under new regime & deductions.
β Direct Tax Collections (2025-26): βΉ7.99 lakh crore (β1.9% from FY 2024-25).
#FiscalPolicy #UPSCPrelims #economy
β€7
π Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) β Indiaβs UNESCO Recognitions
π What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?
β UNESCO defines it as living expressions passed across generations, evolving with environments, giving communities a sense of identity & continuity.
β Includes: oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, nature-related knowledge, traditional crafts.
β ICH List was established in 2008 by UNESCO.
π Indiaβs Recognized ICH Elements
β Garba of Gujarat (2023)
β Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021)
β Kumbh Mela (2017)
β Navroz (2016)
β Yoga (2016)
β Thatherasβ brass & copper craft, Punjab (2014)
β Sankirtana of Manipur (2013)
β Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh (2012)
β Chhau Dance (2010)
β Kalbelia folk songs & dances, Rajasthan (2010)
β Mudiyettu, ritual theatre of Kerala (2010)
β Ramman festival & ritual theatre, Uttarakhand (2009)
β Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre (2008)
β Tradition of Vedic Chanting (2008)
β Ramlila, performance of Ramayana (2008)
β Mains Question:
βUNESCOβs Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition provides global visibility to Indiaβs traditions. Discuss its role in cultural diplomacy and local community empowerment.β
β¨ #Culture #UNESCO #UPSCPrelims
π What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?
β UNESCO defines it as living expressions passed across generations, evolving with environments, giving communities a sense of identity & continuity.
β Includes: oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, nature-related knowledge, traditional crafts.
β ICH List was established in 2008 by UNESCO.
π Indiaβs Recognized ICH Elements
β Garba of Gujarat (2023)
β Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021)
β Kumbh Mela (2017)
β Navroz (2016)
β Yoga (2016)
β Thatherasβ brass & copper craft, Punjab (2014)
β Sankirtana of Manipur (2013)
β Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh (2012)
β Chhau Dance (2010)
β Kalbelia folk songs & dances, Rajasthan (2010)
β Mudiyettu, ritual theatre of Kerala (2010)
β Ramman festival & ritual theatre, Uttarakhand (2009)
β Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre (2008)
β Tradition of Vedic Chanting (2008)
β Ramlila, performance of Ramayana (2008)
β Mains Question:
βUNESCOβs Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition provides global visibility to Indiaβs traditions. Discuss its role in cultural diplomacy and local community empowerment.β
β¨ #Culture #UNESCO #UPSCPrelims
β€7β€βπ₯2