DRUM App (Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility)

Source: The Hindu

 The DRUM app, developed by researchers at IIT Kharagpur, is set to begin real-world trials after successful simulations in Delhi. It is designed to offer eco-friendly route planning aimed at reducing commuters' exposure to air pollution.

• DRUM is a web-based mobility application that suggests real-time route options using parameters such as pollution levels, energy consumption, speed, and distance.

DRUM app Offers five types of route suggestions:

• 1. Shortest Route
  2. Fastest Route
  3. Least Exposure to Air Pollution (LEAP)
  4. Least Energy Consumption Route (LECR)
  5. Balanced Suggested Route (optimized mix of the above metrics)
• Utilizes real-time traffic and air quality data from CPCB and World AQI—even for areas with sparse data.
• Built on GraphHopper and Mapbox platforms with support for vehicle-specific customization.
• Prioritizes exposure time to air pollution as a key optimization metric.
• Designed to be future-ready, with capabilities for crowdsourced sensor data and machine learning-powered DRUM 2.0, which will offer time-sensitive suggestions.

Significance:

• Can reduce pollution exposure by up to 50% in highly polluted areas like Central Delhi.
• Promotes sustainable urban mobility and contributes to better public health outcomes.
• Especially beneficial for vulnerable commuters such as cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport users.
• Encourages data-driven environmental governance and decision-making.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

GS Paper 2 – Governance & Health Policy

• E-Governance & Smart Mobility: Encourages data-based decisions in urban governance.
• Public Health: Helps in preventive strategies by reducing air pollution exposure.
• Citizen-Centric Services: Facilitates informed travel choices for healthier living.

GS Paper 3 – Environment & Technology

• Urban Pollution Mitigation: Real-time route planning helps reduce pollutant exposure.
• Innovation & Research: Demonstrates indigenous tech solutions for green transport.
• Climate Action & SDGs: Contributes to
  • SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13 – Climate Action

[1. List-Type Question]

Q. With reference to the DRUM App, consider the following features:

1. It provides route options based on pollution levels, energy use, speed, and distance.
2. It uses air quality data from CPCB and World AQI.
3. It is developed by researchers at IIT Madras.
4. It is built on GraphHopper and Mapbox platforms.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: DRUM is developed by IIT Kharagpur, not IIT Madras.

[2. Simple-Type Question]

Q. The DRUM App is primarily designed to optimize urban mobility by:
(a) Improving fuel prices in metro cities
(b) Planning metro rail expansions in smart cities
(c) Reducing commuter exposure to air pollution
(d) Monitoring road accidents in real time

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: DRUM is designed to reduce air pollution exposure through smart route planning.

[3. Match-the-Following]

Q. Match the DRUM route types with their descriptions:

Choose the correct option:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(c) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
(d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

✅ Answer: (a)

[4. Assertion-Reason Type]

Q.
Assertion (A): DRUM app prioritizes exposure time to air pollution while suggesting routes.
Reason (R): It is designed to improve public health and reduce urban pollution exposure.

Options:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: (a)

[5. Simple-Type Question]

Q. Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are directly supported by the DRUM App?
(a) SDG 7 and SDG 9
(b) SDG 11 and SDG 13
(c) SDG 1 and SDG 3
(d) SDG 5 and SDG 15

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: DRUM contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The World Bank Revised the Global Poverty Line

Source: LiveMint

The World Bank has revised the global poverty line from $2.15/day (PPP 2017) to $3/day (PPP 2021). This change is based on updated price data and improved household survey methodologies.

What Is the Global Poverty Line?

• A poverty line sets the minimum daily expenditure needed to meet basic human needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
• It is adjusted using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) to enable fair comparisons between countries, regardless of currency differences.

How Is the Poverty Rate Determined?

• Poverty is measured as the percentage of people living below a specific daily expenditure threshold, such as $2.15/day or $3/day.
• The World Bank uses household consumption data, adjusted for PPP and inflation, to estimate both national and global poverty levels.

Key Changes and Updates:

• The new poverty line of $3/day (PPP 2021) reflects more accurate and recent data on consumption and living costs, particularly in developing countries like India.
• The updated extreme poverty threshold is now based on the median national poverty line for low-income countries, rather than an older fixed baseline.

Implications for India:

1. Decline in Extreme Poverty (but adjusted upward due to new line):

• Under the old $2.15/day threshold, only 2.4% of Indians were considered extremely poor in 2022.
• With the revised $3/day line, the number increases to 5.3%, but this still marks a significant decline from 16.2% in 2011–12.

2. New Data Integration:

• The change is driven by the 2022–23 Consumption Expenditure Survey (CES), the first official CES in 11 years, which reflects higher average consumption, indicating better living standards.

3. Moderate Poverty Still a Concern:

• Under the $4.20/day poverty line (used for lower-middle-income countries), 23.9% of Indians were classified as poor in 2022.
• This highlights that while extreme poverty has declined, moderate poverty remains a key issue.

4. Improved Global Comparison:

• The updated PPP-adjusted benchmarks and integration of new domestic data provide a more accurate reflection of India’s development progress in global poverty comparisons.

5. Caution in Comparing with Older Data:

• Direct comparisons with earlier surveys (like the 2011–12 CES) are not advisable due to changes in survey methodology and inflation adjustments.

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)

Definition:

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is an economic theory which states that the exchange rate between two different countries’ currencies should be such that a fixed amount of money can purchase the same quantity of goods and services in both countries.

In Simple Terms:

If 1 kilogram of rice costs ₹40 in India and the same costs $1 in the USA, then according to PPP, ₹40 = $1 — even if the actual market exchange rate is different (e.g., ₹83 = $1).
The main goal of PPP is to determine the true purchasing power of different currencies by eliminating the distortions caused by nominal exchange rates.

Why Is PPP Used?

• To enable accurate economic comparisons between countries (e.g., GDP, poverty, standard of living).
• To measure the real value of a currency in terms of what it can buy domestically.
• To neutralize the impact of exchange rate fluctuations and inflation.

Major Uses of PPP:

• PPP-based GDP – Reflects a country’s real domestic production and purchasing power.
• Global Poverty Line – For instance, poverty lines like $2.15/day or $3/day are based on PPP to allow fair global comparisons.
• Price Level Comparisons – If an item is cheaper in India but expensive in Europe, PPP helps assess the cost of living differences.

Conclusion:

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) is a fair and accurate method for global economic comparison. It helps us better understand a country's standard of living, poverty levels, and real GDP beyond misleading nominal currency values.

[1. Simple-Type Question]

Q. What is the revised global poverty line as per the World Bank's 2024 update?
(a) $2.15/day (PPP 2017)
(b) $1.90/day (PPP 2011)
(c) $3/day (PPP 2021)
(d) $4.20/day (PPP 2021)

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: The World Bank revised the global poverty line from $2.15 (PPP 2017) to $3/day (PPP 2021).

[2. List-Type Question]

Q. With reference to the global poverty line, consider the following statements:

1. It is adjusted using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
2. It reflects the minimum daily income needed to live above poverty.
3. It is the same across all countries without adjustments.

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

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: The poverty line varies across countries using PPP; statement 3 is incorrect.

[3. Match-the-Following]

Q. Match the poverty line thresholds with their respective interpretations:

Options:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
(c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(d) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

✅ Answer: (a)

[4. Assertion-Reason Type]

Q.
Assertion (A): The new poverty line of $3/day (PPP 2021) shows an increase in India’s poverty rate.
Reason (R): The revised threshold is based on updated PPP data and improved survey methodologies.

Options:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: (a)

[5. Simple-Type Question]

Q. According to the 2022–23 CES, what percentage of Indians fall below the new $3/day poverty line?
(a) 2.4%
(b) 5.3%
(c) 16.2%
(d) 23.9%

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: 5.3% of Indians are below the $3/day poverty line.

[6. List-Type Question]

Q. With reference to Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), consider the following statements:

1. It compares currencies based on nominal exchange rates.
2. It helps in fair comparisons of living standards globally.
3. It is used to calculate global poverty lines.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect; PPP uses real purchasing power, not nominal rates.

[7. Match-the-Following]

Q. Match the uses of PPP with their applications:

Options:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
(c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
(d) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2

✅ Answer: (a)

[8. Assertion-Reason Type]

Q.
Assertion (A): PPP eliminates distortions caused by market exchange rates in global comparisons.
Reason (R): PPP is based on the idea that a unit of currency should buy the same basket of goods in every country.

Options:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: (a)

[9. Simple-Type Question]

Q. Which of the following explains why comparisons with the 2011–12 CES are not recommended?
(a) Data was not collected in 2011–12.
(b) Changes in PPP calculation methods.
(c) Inflation rates were constant.
(d) Survey methodology remained unchanged.

✅ Answer: (b)

[10. List-Type Question]

Q. Consider the following implications of the revised global poverty line for India:

1. Reflects improved living standards using updated CES data.
2. Moderate poverty remains a concern despite decline in extreme poverty.
3. PPP-adjusted benchmarks offer poor global comparability.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect — PPP improves global comparability, not weakens it

16th Finance Commission

Source: Business Standard

Context:

Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been appointed as a part-time Member of the 16th Finance Commission (XVIFC) following the resignation of Shri Ajay Narayan Jha.

What is the Finance Commission?

• The Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.
• Its primary function is to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States.
• It also assesses the fiscal needs of local bodies, like Panchayats and Municipalities.

Establishment and Tenure:

• The 16th Finance Commission was constituted on 31 December 2023.
• It is responsible for making recommendations for the award period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031.

Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 16th Finance Commission:

• Recommend the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Centre and the States (as per Part XII of the Constitution).
• Suggest principles for grant-in-aid of state revenues under Article 275, except for specific-purpose grants.
• Propose measures to augment the Consolidated Fund of States to support the Panchayats and Municipalities, based on State Finance Commissions' recommendations.

Administrative Details:

Qualifications for Members (As per the Finance Commission Act, 1951):

A member should have:

1. Judicial experience or be qualified to be a High Court judge, or
2. Expertise in finance, economics, or public administration, or
3. Knowledge of government finance and accounts.

Disqualifications:

A person is disqualified if:

1. Of unsound mind, or
2. An undischarged insolvent, or
3. Convicted of moral turpitude, or
4. Has financial interests likely to affect impartiality.

Term of Office:

• Tenure is decided through Presidential notification, and members are eligible for reappointment.
• A member may resign by submitting a letter to the President of India.

Powers and Functions:

• The Finance Commission has powers similar to a civil court under the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, including:
  • Summoning witnesses
  • Requiring document submission
  • Requisitioning public records
  • Seeking cooperation from public authorities
• It can demand information from individuals, institutions, and public bodies related to its scope.
• Its jurisdiction covers the entire territory of India.

[1. Simple-Type Question]

Q. Who was appointed as a part-time Member of the 16th Finance Commission following the resignation of Shri Ajay Narayan Jha?
(a) N. K. Singh
(b) Shri Ramesh Chand
(c) Shri T. Rabi Sankar
(d) Shri Bimal Jalan

✅ Answer: (c) Shri T. Rabi Sankar
Explanation: Shri T. Rabi Sankar, RBI Deputy Governor, was appointed after Ajay Narayan Jha’s resignation.

[2. List-Type Question]

Q. With reference to the 16th Finance Commission, consider the following statements:

1. It was constituted on 31 December 2023.
2. It will give recommendations for the period 2026–2031.
3. It is established under Article 265 of the Constitution.

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

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Finance Commission is established under Article 280, not Article 265.

[3. Match-the-Following]

Q. Match the following terms related to the Finance Commission with their corresponding provisions:

| A. Article 280 | 1. Grant-in-aid recommendations
| B. Article 275 | 2. Establishment of Finance Commission
| C. Finance Commission Act, 1951 | 3. Member qualifications and disqualifications
| D. Civil Procedure Code, 1908 | 4. Commission’s judicial powers

Options:
(a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(c) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
(d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

✅ Answer: (a)

[4. Assertion-Reason Type]

Q.
Assertion (A): The Finance Commission has powers equivalent to those of a civil court.
Reason (R): It is empowered to summon witnesses and request public records during its proceedings.

Options:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: (a)

[5. List-Type Question]

Q. According to the Finance Commission Act, 1951, which of the following are grounds for disqualification of a member?

1. Being of unsound mind
2. Being an undischarged insolvent
3. Conviction for moral turpitude
4. Holding dual citizenship

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: Holding dual citizenship is not mentioned among the disqualifications under the Act.

Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Space Mission

Source: Economic Times (ET)

Context:

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the four astronauts shortlisted for India’s Gaganyaan Mission, has been selected as the pilot for the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) space mission, which is scheduled to launch on June 10, 2025, from the United States.

About Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Space Mission:

What is Ax-4?

• Ax-4 is the fourth human spaceflight mission by Axiom Space, a U.S.-based commercial space company.
• It is a 14-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) focused on scientific research and international collaboration.

Launch Details:

• Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
• Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon capsule

Associated Organisations:

The Ax-4 mission is being executed by Axiom Space in collaboration with:

• NASA – for space infrastructure and launch support
• ESA (European Space Agency)
• Partner countries including India, Poland, and Hungary

Crew Members and National Significance:

Objectives of the Ax-4 Mission:

• Conduct around 60 scientific experiments representing 31 countries
• Research areas include:
  • Human health in microgravity
  • Life and material sciences
  • Earth observation and space biology
• Promote international STEM education, academic outreach, and industry partnerships
• Strengthen low-Earth orbit (LEO) research and redefine public-private space partnerships

Significance for India:

1. Experience for Gaganyaan:
   Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation provides vital pilot training and mission exposure ahead of ISRO’s first crewed mission, Gaganyaan (targeted for 2027).
2. Support for Indigenous Missions:
   Technical data and operational lessons from Ax-4 will benefit India’s future missions such as SpaDeX and the Bharatiya Antriksh Station (planned for 2035).
3. Science Diplomacy:
   Enhances India’s role as a global partner in space exploration, research, and microgravity science.

[1. Simple-Type Question]

Q. Who has been selected as the pilot for the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) space mission?
(a) Rakesh Sharma
(b) Peggy Whitson
(c) Shubhanshu Shukla
(d) Sławosz Uznański

✅ Answer: (c) Shubhanshu Shukla
Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from India has been chosen as the pilot for the Ax-4 mission.

[2. List-Type Question]

Q. With reference to the Axiom-4 mission, consider the following statements:

1. It is a commercial space mission by Axiom Space, USA.
2. It will be launched using Blue Origin’s New Shepard vehicle.
3. The mission aims to conduct 60 scientific experiments aboard the ISS.
4. It includes participation from India, Poland, and Hungary.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: The mission uses SpaceX Falcon 9, not Blue Origin. All other statements are correct.

[3. Match-the-Following]

Q. Match the crew members of Ax-4 with their respective countries:

| A. Peggy Whitson | 1. India
| B. Shubhanshu Shukla | 2. Hungary
| C. Sławosz Uznański | 3. USA
| D. Tibor Kapu | 4. Poland

Options:
(a) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
(b) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
(c) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
(d) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

✅ Answer: (a)

[4. Assertion-Reason Type]

Q.
Assertion (A): The Ax-4 mission is important for India’s Gaganyaan programme.
Reason (R): It provides international-level spaceflight experience and technical data that can support India's indigenous crewed space missions.

Options:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.

✅ Answer: (a)

[5. List-Type Question]

Q. Which of the following are key objectives of the Ax-4 mission?

1. Earth observation and space biology research
2. Development of an Indian orbital station by 2025
3. STEM education and industry partnership promotion
4. Strengthening public-private partnerships in space

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Bharatiya Antriksh Station is planned for 2035, not 2025.