Date-25th February 2025

● 27th Western Zonal Council Meeting

● UNGA resolution on Russia-Ukraine
war
● How does space travel affect health of
an astronaut?
● WAVES 2025 and Extended Reality
(XR)
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Contents
Topics of the day

GS Paper II
● Indian Polity-27th Western Zonal Council Meeting
● International Relations-UNGA resolution on
Russia-Ukraine war
GS Paper III
● S&T-How does space travel affect health of an
astronaut?
● S&T-WAVES 2025 and Extended Reality (XR)
1. 27th Western Zonal Council Meeting

Syllabus-
● GS Paper II-Indian Polity
● Prelims

Source -The Indian Express

1. 27th Western Zonal Council Meeting
Different political structures

There can be three distinct political structures based on the relation

between the central and provincial governments.
1. Unitary Government
● All the powers of government are vested in the central
government.
● Example-The UK.There are Provincial governments in the UK
but they work on directions of the central government.
2. Federal Government
● Constitution/People are supreme.
● The powers of government are divided between the centre
and the State units.
● India(known as Federal system with Unitary bias),The US are
examples of it.
3. Confederation system
● A political arrangement in which independent states or regions
come together to form a union while retaining their
sovereignty and authority.
● Example-The European Union, The US(before adopting the
Constitution in 1789).
1. 27th Western Zonal Council Meeting

Types of Federalism

Depending upon the relations between the states and

Centre Federalism can be classified into two parts-
1. Cooperative Federalism
● The cooperative federalism involves the Centre and
States governments work together with each other
for the overall development of the nation/public
interest.
● Examples of Cooperative Federalism-Inter-state
council, Zonal Councils etc
2. Competitive Federalism
● The competitive federalism involves the healthy
competition amongst the states for ensuring good
governance and economic benefits.
● Examples-SDG Index,State Health Index,School
Education Quality Index etc In Competitive Federalism states
In India NITI Aayog aims to balance the spirit of compete amongst each other and also
Cooperative and Competitive federalism. sometimes against the centre for its
benefits
1. 27th Western Zonal Council Meeting Interstate Council members
Interstate Council ● Chairman- PM
● Other members
● The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body to facilitate a. Chief Ministers of all states
coordination between states and the centre. and Union Territories (having
● It is an advisory body. legislative Assembly),
● It has been set up according to Article 263 of the constitution. b. Union Ministers(nominated
Article 263 by the PM)
● Article 263 says that “if at any time it appears to the President c. Administrators of Union
that the public interest would be served by the establishment Territories which do not have
of a Council charged with the duty of – legislative Assembly
1. inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have
arisen between States;
2. investigating and discussing subjects in which some issues
between Union and States.
How Inter State Council established in India?
● On recommendation of Sarkaria Commission (1988),
interstate council was established as per a Presidential order
in 1990.
Note-The Inter-state council is not a permanent body. It is generally The council meets infrequently
suspended. It is constituted as per Presidential order as and when (only 12 times since 1990)-last one
need arises. in 2017
1. 27th Western Zonal Council Meeting
Zonal Councils States
Reorganisat
There are 5 five Zonal councils namely: ion Act 1956
1. The Northern Zonal Council
2. The Central Zonal Council,
3. The Eastern Zonal Council
4. The Western Zonal Council
5. The Southern Zonal Council
Members of Zonal Council
● The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of
these Councils.
● Vice Chairman – The Chief Ministers of the States
included in each zone on rotation basis.
● Members– Chief Minister and two other Ministers as
nominated by the Governor from each of the States and
two members from Union Territories included in the
zone.
Note-Zonal Councils are Statutory bodies established under North East
the States Reorganisation Act 1956 Council act
of 1971
1. 27th Western Zonal Council Meeting
North Eastern Council

● It is a statutory body created by North East Council act of

1971(NEC started functioning in 1972).
● It includes all 8 North Eastern states.
● Earlier there were only seven North Eastern states in it,
Sikkim was added by amending North Eastern Council act of
1971 in 2002.
● Its headquarter is in Shillong.
Members
● Union Home Minister- Chairman
● Minister of Development of North Eastern region(DoNER)- Vice
Chairman
● Chief ministers of all 8 North Eastern states.
Functions-
● Function as a regional planning body for the North Eastern
Area and while formulating a regional plan.
● It will discuss the schemes and projects benefiting two or
more states provided that in the case of Sikkim, the Council
shall formulate specific projects and schemes for that State.
1. 27th Western Zonal Council Meeting
Recent Developments

● 27th meeting of the Western Zonal

Council held in Pune (February 22,
2025), chaired by Union Home
Minister Amit Shah.
● These Zonal councils and their
regular meeting is seen as anti-dote
to ‘linguistic hostility and
bitterness’.
1. 27th Western Zonal Council Meeting

Q1. Consider the following statements

about the composition of Zonal Council:
1. The Chief Minister of each of the
States included in the zone and two
other minister of each such state
nominated by the Governor.
2. Where any Union Territory is
included in the zone, two members
from each such territory nominated
by the president.
Which of the above statements is/are
correct?
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Mains Practice Question
Q. Both the Union and State government derives their power from the constitution,yet Indian
constitution provides for a Federal system with Unitary bias.Explain role of Inter State Council in this
regard for smooth functioning.

Hints’
● Briefly define Federal and Unitary system.
● Highlight Federal Features of Indian Constitution-Written Constitution,Division of Powers,Supremacy of
the Constitution,Independence of judiciary,Bi-cameral legislature
● Highlight Features of Unitary bias-Single Constitution,Single citizenship,Integrated Judiciary,national
emergency etc
● Briefly mention factors leading to such system- Huge diversity,ensure territorial integrity, historical
reasons(partition of India) etc
● But in order to ensure smooth functioning of Federal system-Sarkaria Commission emphasized
strengthening of co-operative federalism in India through Inter State Council.
● Mention about Inter State Council, its role. Also mention current challenges of infrequent meetings.
2. UNGA resolution on Russia-Ukraine war
Syllabus-
● GS Paper II-International
Relations
● Prelims

Source -The Indian Express(Pg 1)

2. UNGA resolution on Russia-Ukraine war
Structure of the United Nations

● The UN comprises of 6 institutions known as Principal Organs of the UN.

1. UN Secretariat
● Responsible for carrying out the day-to-day work of the UN.
● Supports other organs of the UN.
2. General Assembly
● Comprises representatives from all 193 member states.
● Functions as an organ of the UN for collective discussions and
decision-making(one country-one vote).
3. Security Council Headquarters
● Handles international peace and security responsibilities. ● Five of these
4. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) organs are located
● Discusses and recommends policies on economic, social, and at the UN
environmental issues. Headquarters in
5. International Court of Justice (ICJ) New York.
● Acts as the judicial organ of the UN. ● ICJ is located in
6. Trusteeship Council The Hague,
● For transition of trust territories from colonies to sovereign nations Netherlands
● Suspended its activities in 1994, when Palau, the last of the original 11
trust territories, gained its independence.
2. UNGA resolution on Russia-Ukraine war
United Nations General Assembly
● One of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN).
Composition and Membership
● Total Members: 193 (All UN member states are part of the UNGA).
● Each country has one vote, regardless of size or power.
● Non-member observers (e.g., Vatican City, Palestine) can participate but
cannot vote. Voting Requirements
Functions and Powers at UNGA-
1. Deliberation on Global Issues 1. Regular
● Discusses and makes recommendations on peace, security, human rights, Resolutions
development, and international law. requires Simple
2. Election of Key UN Officials Majority
● Elects non-permanent members of the UN Security Council(UNSC). 2. Important
● Appoints the UN Secretary-General (on Security Council recommendation). Matters like UN
3. Adoption of UN Budget Budget,
● Approves and allocates funds for UN peacekeeping operations and other admission of
programs. new member
4. International Treaties ● Requires
● Eg Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), Paris Climate Agreement Two-Thirds
under UNFCCC. Majority
Note-General Assembly resolutions are non-binding (except budget decisions).
2. UNGA resolution on Russia-Ukraine war
Current context
● The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
passed a resolution on condemning Russia's
aggression against Ukraine and calling for the
withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian
territory.
Resolution Demands
● Immediate withdrawal of Russian military forces
from Ukraine.
● Respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial Vote Outcome
integrity. ● 93 countries voted in favor.
● Cessation of attacks on civilians ● India,China abstained from the vote.
Significance of the Resolution ● 18 countries, including the US voted
1. Symbolic but non-binding against it.
● As a General Assembly resolution, it does not have The US changing stance under Trump
legal enforcement power but demonstrates ● The US voting against the resolution
international sentiment against Russia’s actions. highlights divergence between the U.S.
2. Increased diplomatic pressure and its European allies and convergence
● The resolution aims to isolate Russia and with Russia regarding the approach to the
emphasize Ukraine’s sovereignty. Ukraine conflict.
2. UNGA resolution on Russia-Ukraine war

Prelims Practice Question

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA):
1. The UNGA is one of the six principal organs of the United
Nations and serves as its main deliberative, policymaking,
and representative body.
2. All 193 UN member states have equal representation in the
General Assembly, each with one vote.
3. The General Assembly has the authority to impose legally
binding resolutions on all UN member states.
4. The UNGA elects the non-permanent members of the UN
Security Council.
How many of the above statements are correct?
a. Only one
b. Only two
c. Only three
d. All four
3. How does space travel affect health of an astronaut?

Syllabus-
● GS Paper III-S&T
● Prelims

Source -The Hindu(Pg 7)

3. How does space travel affect health of an astronaut?

Health impact of space travel

● The human body is not built for space travel.
● Multiple physiological and psychological changes are
witnessed in astronauts after space travel.
Recovery After Spaceflight
1. Short-duration missions (a few days)
● 95% of biological damage is reversed upon return.
2. Long-duration missions (months in space):
● Recovery is proportional to time spent in space.
● Most physiological systems gradually return to normal.
● Some issues persist, such as Spaceflight-Associated
Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), causing vision
impairment.
3. How does space travel affect health of an astronaut?
Health impact of space travel
1. Effect of Cosmic radiations
● Space lacks Earth’s atmospheric and magnetic field
protection, exposing astronauts to high-energy
cosmic radiation.
● This can cause DNA damage, increased cancer risk,
neurodegeneration, and immune system issues. Earth’s magnetic field acts as shield
● Low-Earth orbit missions receive partial protection, against cosmic radiations
but missions to the Moon and beyond face higher
radiation doses.
2. Effects of Microgravity
● Loss of mechanical loading on bones and muscles
results in bone density loss and muscle atrophy.
● Bodily fluid shifts upward, leading to increased
intracranial pressure affecting vision.
3. Psychological and Social Challenges
● Isolation, confinement, and limited social
interaction cause stress, sleep disturbances, and Due to Microgravity(negligible gravity)
mood disorders. muscles are not required to support body.
3. How does space travel affect health of an astronaut?

Prelims Practice Question

Q3.Consider the following statements regarding
the effects of space travel on the health of an
astronaut:
1. Prolonged exposure to microgravity can
lead to muscle atrophy and bone density
loss in astronauts.
2. Space travel has no significant impact on
the cardiovascular system of astronauts.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
4. WAVES 2025 and Extended Reality (XR)

Syllabus-
● GS Paper III-S&T
● Prelims

Source - The Hindu

4. WAVES 2025 and Extended Reality (XR)
What is WAVES 2025?

● World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit

(WAVES) 2025 is an initiative of the Ministry
of Information and Broadcasting,
Government of India.
● It is designed as a pivotal platform for ideas,
collaboration, and innovation within the media
and entertainment (M&E) industry.
Current news?
● Wavelaps( a company working in field of AI and
Extended Reality) organised Extended Reality
(XR) Hackathon at WAVES 2025.
4. WAVES 2025 and Extended Reality (XR)
What is Extended Reality?

● Extended reality (XR) represents a fusion of immersive

technologies that blend the physical and virtual worlds.
● They extend the reality we experience by either blending the
virtual and “real” worlds or by creating a fully
immersive(virtual) experience.
● Extended Reality includes both Virtual Reality and Augmented
Reality.
Virtual Reality
● Physical world is completely shut out.
● We are immersed into a completely virtual world.
Augmented Reality
● Augmented Reality (AR) is the technology that superimposes an
image onto a user’s view of the real world and enhances it with
sound, touch, and even smell.
● It is a combination of the real scene viewed by the user and a
virtual scene generated by the computer.
4. WAVES 2025 and Extended Reality (XR)

Prelims Practice Question

Q4. Which of the following best describes
Extended Reality (XR)?
a. A technology that includes only Virtual
Reality (VR).
b. A combination of Virtual Reality (VR),
Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality
(MR).
c. A term used only for gaming applications.
d. A system that replaces reality entirely with
a digital environment.
Answers of previous day questions

Prelims Practice Question

Prelims Practice Question
Q2.Consider the following statements regarding
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding
the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental
the provisions on official language:
Organisation (BOBP-IGO):
1. Article 351 states that Hindi in Devanagari
1. The BOBP-IGO is a regional fisheries
script is the official language of the Union.
advisory body established in 2003 to
2. The Official Language Act, 1963, was
promote sustainable coastal fisheries
passed to ensure that English remains an
development and management in the Bay of
official language indefinitely along with
Bengal region.
Hindi.
2. The organization evolved from the Bay of
3. The Official Language Act, 1963, allows
Bengal Programme initiated by the Food and
only Hindi to be used for official
Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United
communication at the Union level.
Nations in 1979.
Which of the above statements are incorrect?
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a. 1,2 only
a. 1 only
b. 1,3 only
b. 2 only
c. 2,3 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. 1,2,3 all
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answers of previous day questions
Prelims Practice Question
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding
Majorana Particles: Prelims Practice Question
1. Majorana fermions are hypothetical particles Q4.Consider the following statements
that act as their own antiparticles, unlike regarding Servicification of Manufacturing:
regular fermions that have distinct 1. Servicification refers to the increasing
antiparticles. integration of services (such as R&D,
2. The concept of Majorana fermions was first design, logistics, and after-sales support)
proposed by Ettore Majorana in 1937, and into traditional manufacturing processes.
they are of great interest in quantum 2. The trend of servicification is driven by
computing and particle physics. globalization, digital transformation, and
Which of the above statements is/are correct? the rising demand for value-added
a. 1 only services in manufacturing industries.
b. 2 only Which of the above statements is/are correct?
c. Both 1 and 2 a. 1 only
d. Neither 1 nor 2 b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2