Space weather refers to the varying conditions within the solar system and its heliosphere, influenced by the Sun and solar wind.
The main components of space weather include: solar wind, coronal mass ejections, and solar flares.
These components can compress the Earth’s magnetosphere, triggering geomagnetic storms.
This can disrupt communication, power transmission, damage spacecraft electronics, and pose threats to astronauts.
Solar Cycle and Its Importance
The activity of the Sun follows an approximately 11-year periodic cycle, marked by variations in the number of sunspots on the Sun’s surface.
This solar cycle influences space weather, Earth’s atmosphere, and climate variations.
Predicting the amplitude of the solar cycle is a major challenge in astrophysics, as it directly affects related phenomena and space weather.
Research Findings
IIA researchers discovered that the width of supergranular cellson the solar surface during the minimum year of the solar cycle is correlated with the number of sunspots observed during the subsequent solar cycle maximum.
This simple method can be used to predict the strength of the upcoming solar cycle, which is valuable for space weather forecasting.
What are Supergranular Cells?
Supergranular Cells are large convective cells on the Sun’s surface, with diameters of about 30,000 km.
These cells are part of the solar convection zone where hot plasma rises, cools as it reaches the surface, and then sinks back down in a continuous cycle.
Characteristics:
Supergranular cells are larger than granules, another type of convective cell on the Sun. Its borders, known as supergranular lanes, are about 5,000 km thick.
Plasma within these cellsmoves from the center of the cell toward the edges, where it sinks back into the Sun’s interior. This movement creates a network of lanes that can be observed on the solar surface.
Supergranular cells are associated with the magnetic field concentrations on the Sun’s surface, often where sunspots and other magnetic features appear.
PYQ:
[2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
GPS and navigation systems could fail.
Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
Power grids could be damaged.
Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over pola-regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)
Why in the News?
The Centre has launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) to help farmers connect with agriculture scientists and experts for pests’ control.
What is the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)?
The NPSS is an AI-based platform launched by the government on August 15, 2024.
It is designed to help farmers connect with agricultural scientists and experts for effective pest control using their phones.
It aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers.
It provides data for selected crops i.e. Rice, Cotton, Maize, Mango and Chilies.
How will farmers use it?
Farmers can take photos of infested crops or pests using the NPSS platform, which are then analyzed by scientists and experts.
Then they will suggest the correct quantity of the pesticide at the right time, reducing excessive pesticide use.
Target Groups: Approximately 14 crore farmers across India.
Significance
It will reduce crop damage, improve pest management practices, and reduce the risk of soil damage by minimizing excessive pesticide use.
PYQ:
[2014] With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:
1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ramsar Wetland sites in India
Why in the News?
The Environment Ministry announced the designation of three more wetlands: Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (TN), Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (TN) and Tawa Reservoir (MP) as Ramsar Sites.
This makes the total Ramsar sites count in India to 85.
About the newly designated Ramsar Sites:
Location
Geographical Features
Key Species
Ecosystem
Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary
Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu
Located on the banks of Nanjarayan Tank;
~125 hectares
Herons, egrets, pelicans
Wetland habitats, surrounded by agricultural lands
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary
Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu
Brackish water wetland near Bay of Bengal;
~5,000 hectares
Flamingos, pelicans, storks, waterfowl
Mix of freshwater and saltwater habitats, includes mangroves
Tawa Reservoir
Hoshangabad District, Madhya Pradesh
Part of Narmada River Basin, foothills of Satpura Range;
~225 sq. km
Mahseer fish, surrounded by Satpura forests
Aquatic life, forested surroundings
Important Facts:
India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
India is one of the contracting parties to the Ramsar Convention, which was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
With the inclusion of these 3 new sites, India now has 85 Ramsar sites, covering a total area of 13,58,068 hectares.
Tamil Nadu currently has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, with 18 sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.
India’s Ramsar wetlands constitute about 10% of the total wetland area in the country, spread across 18 states.
UK leads globally with 175 sites, followed by Mexico with 142 sites.
Bolivia, however, has the largest area under Ramsar protection, spanning 148,000 sq. km.
According to the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment by ISRO, India’s wetlands cover approximately 1,52,600 sq. km., which is 4.63% of total geographical area.
India has 19 types of wetlands, with Gujarat having the largest area, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of the Ramsar Convention.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Captagon Drug
Why in the News?
Captagon, the “poor man’s cocaine,” has become increasingly popular among young adults in the Middle East and North Africa.
What is the Drug Captagon?
Captagon is a synthetic drug that was originally developed in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s.
It was initially created as a pharmaceutical treatment for attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy, and sometimes depression.
The primary active ingredient in Captagon is fenethylline, a compound that, once ingested, is metabolized into two powerful stimulants: amphetamine and theophylline.
These substances stimulate the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and a sense of euphoria.
How Addictive is Captagon?
Captagon is highly addictive due to its powerful effects on the brain and body.
As a psychostimulant, Captagon significantly impacts the central nervous system, leading to a range of effects that can make it very difficult for users to stop taking the drug once they start.
It is also reportedly used byfighters in conflict zones to enhance their endurance and suppress fatigue.
The primary effects of Captagon include:
Euphoria: Users often experience an intense feeling of happiness or well-being.
Increased Wakefulness: The drug reduces the need for sleep, keeping users awake and alert for extended periods.
Enhanced Physical and Mental Performance: Users may feel stronger, more focused, and more capable of performing both physically and mentally demanding tasks.
However, the heavy use of Captagon comes with serious risks such as cognitive impairment, cardiovascular issues, and risk of addiction.
Where is Captagon Made?
In recent years, Syria the “narco state” of Middle East has emerged as the largest producer of Captagon.
Its production increased after 2011 Arab Spring protests, which led to civil unrest and conflict in the region.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Extremophile bacteria
Why in the News?
Researchers have isolated extremophile bacteria from harsh environments like volcanic vents, permafrost, acid mines, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and lakes beneath polar ice caps.
What are Extremophiles?
Extremophiles are microorganisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions where other life forms typically cannot survive.
For example: Volcanic vents, Permafrost, Acid mines, Deep-sea hydrothermal vents, dark lakes buried beneath polar ice caps, on the exteriors of spacecraft, around nuclear waste storage sites.
Adaptation and Evolution:
Extremophiles have developed unique biological and biochemical processes over millions of years to adapt to diverse habitats.
Unlike more complex life forms, which have one set of proteins, extremophiles have multiple sets of proteins, each adapted to specific environmental conditions.
These proteins are ‘activated’ based on the surrounding environment, enabling survival during extreme conditions like high temperatures, lack of water, or high acidity.
Significance: Some scientists believe that life on Earth may have begun as an extremophile in extreme environmental niches before spreading and adapting to more temperate ecosystems.
About the ‘Earth Microbiome Project’
It is a global initiative aimed at mapping, organising, and understanding the diversity of microbial life across different environmental niches on Earth.
The project was founded in 2010.
Objective:
To sequence 200,000 genetic samples from diverse environments.
To assemble 500,000 microbial genomes, creating a comprehensive map of microbial diversity on Earth.
Significance:
The project is part of broader efforts to understand the microbial world, which is still in its infancy.
It is related to other significant projects like the ‘Earth Biogenome Project,’ which aims to sequence the genomes of all eukaryotic organisms on the planet.
Understanding microbial diversity has numerous biological and industrial applications, such as developing new enzymes for molecular biology or finding new ways to adapt organisms to challenging environments.
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?
1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
There has been a significant increase in importsof precious metals from the UAE under the trade agreement.
Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has raised concerns about the spurt in imports of gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds with zero tariffs in the coming years.
GTRI’s report highlights potential revenue losses and a shift in import business from banks to private traders, favouring Dubai-based firms.
It also claims that many imports do not meet the Rules of Origin conditions, making them ineligible for concessions.
Review of IT Hardware Import Regime
When asked about the review of the new authorisation regime for monitoring imports of certain IT hardware products, Barthwal indicated that the government would make a decision at the appropriate time.
The government had previously adjusted import restrictions on laptops and computers, allowing importers to bring in shipments under an ‘authorisation’ system until September.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PHEIC, Mpox
Why in the news?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).
What is a PHEIC?
A PHEIC is a formal declaration by the WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005.
It refers to an “extraordinary event” posing a public health risk through the international spread of disease, potentially requiring a coordinated global response.
Criteria for PHEIC:
Serious and unusual event: Poses a significant public health risk.
Cross-border implications: Affects more than one country.
International response needed: Requires immediate global coordination.
Purpose: Mobilizes resources, raises awareness, and coordinates efforts to manage and contain the threat.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a disease caused by the orthopoxvirus, related to the smallpox virus.
First detected in humans in 1970, it is endemic in central and West Africa.
Transmission: Spread from animals to humans (zoonotic) and between humans via close contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials.
Symptoms: Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes; can lead to severe complications or death.
Vaccination: WHO recommends vaccines, widely used in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to control outbreaks.
Recent Developments:
In recent years, there has been an increase in mpox cases, including the emergence of new strains such as clade 1b, which has spread to countries outside of its typical endemic regions.
This led to the declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its potential for widespread impact.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following diseases
1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: FloodWatch India Version 2.0 App
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched Version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application.
About FloodWatch India Version 2.0
FloodWatch India Version 2.0 is a mobile application developed by Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The app provides real-time information and forecasts related to flood situations across India.
It now covers 592 flood monitoring stations, up from 200 in the previous version, offering a more comprehensive overview of flood conditions.
The app includes information on the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs in India, aiding in flood management.
Key features include:
It provides real-time river flow data and flood forecasts up to 7 days in advance.
Users can view state-wise and basin-wise flood forecasts and advisories.
The app uses satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to ensure accurate and timely flood information.
The app is available in English and Hindi and offers both readable and audio broadcast formats.
PYQ:
[2016] The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Udara Shakti, 2024
Why in the News?
The recent edition of Exercise Udara Shakti was recently concluded in Malaysia.
About Exercise Udara Shakti
Udara Shakti is a bilateral air force exercise conducted between India and Malaysia.
The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance military cooperation, improve mutual understanding, and share operational expertise.
Features of the Exercise
Both India and Malaysia deploy their Sukhoi-30 fighter jets for the exercise, facilitating direct comparison and operational cooperation.
A distinctive feature of this initiative is the HOP (Hands-On Participation) Exercise, where pilots from both nations swap aircraft.
The Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) component focuses on sharing knowledge and skills in aviation and engineering specific to the Sukhoi-30 aircraft.
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operation was a goal of this operation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘GAURAV’
Why in the News?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the long-range glide bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’.
The test was carried out from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of IAF.
About LRGB GAURAV
LRGB Gaurav is a 1,000 kg class long-range glide bomb developed by the DRDO.
It is air-launched from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force.
The bomb is designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
Adani Defence and Bharat Forge participated as Development cum Production Partners in the Gaurav project.
Key Features:
It uses a hybrid navigation system that combines Inertial Navigation System (INS) with Global Positioning System (GPS) data for highly accurate targeting.
The glide bomb is capable of hitting targets at long distances, although the exact range is not publicly disclosed.
Gaurav enhances India’s precision strike capabilities, allowing for significant impact on various target types with reduced risk to aircraft.
PYQ:
[2014] Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Model Solar Village
Why in the news?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued operational guidelines for the Implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The centre recently allocated ₹800 crore for the same.
About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Description
Purpose
To provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries through an investment of ₹75,000 crores.
Deadline
Extended the deadline from 2022 to 2026.
Announcement
Initially announced in an Interim Budget 2024-25 speech by the Finance Minister.
Target
Aimed to light up 1 crore households.
Implementation
Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats are incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems.
Financial Support
Average Monthly Electricity Consumption (units)
Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity
Subsidy Support
0-150
1-2 kW
₹ 30,000 to ₹ 60,000
150-300
2-3 kW
₹ 60,000 to ₹ 78,000
> 300
Above 3 kW
₹ 78,000
Features of the ‘Model Solar Village’ Initiative:
Details
Comprehensive Solarization
Solarize all households and public areas with home lighting, water systems, pumps, and streetlights.
Seeks to create one Model Solar Village per district.
Implementing Agency
State Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) or another entity nominated by the State/UT Government will implement the scheme.
24×7 Solar-Powered Village
Develop villages powered entirely by solar energy, promoting self-reliance in meeting energy needs.
Central Financial Assistance (CFA)
₹1 crore grant per village based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Implementing Agency.
The total financial allocation for this initiative is ₹800 crore.
Eligibility Criteria
Revenue village with a population over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special category states).
Based on installed renewable energy capacity, overseen by the District Level Committee (DLC) 6 months after the declaration.
Fund Disbursement
40% on the award of works, 40% after completion, 20% after 6 months of operation.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kursk Operation
Why in the News?
Ukrainian troops have advanced up to 35 kilometers into Russian territory in the Kursk region.
What is the Kursk Operation?
The Kursk operation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The operation has been characterized by intense fighting, with reports of casualties.
About Kursk Region:
It is located in the western part of Russia, bordering Ukraine to the southwest.
The region holds historical significance Battle of Kursk as the site of the, which took place from July to August 1943 and is recognized as the largest tank battle in history during World War II.
The Kursk region is rich in iron ore, which has led to substantial mining operations in the area.
The region experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers.
Significance of the Kursk Operation for Ukraine
Strategic Leverage: Strengthens Ukraine’s position in future negotiations by capturing Russian territory for potential land exchanges.
Buffer Zone Creation: Enhances security for contested Ukrainian areas by establishing a protective buffer on Russian soil.
Military Diversion: Forces Russia to redeploy troops, weakening their main front lines and easing pressure on Ukrainian forces.
PYQ:
[2023] Consider the following pairs:
Regions often mentioned in news
Reason for being in news
1. North Kivu and Ituri
War between Armenia and Azerbaijan
2. Nagorno-Karabakh
Insurgency in Mozambique
3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia
Dispute between Israel and Lebanon
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nankai Trough
Why on the News?
Japanese authorities have warned its citizens of a ‘megaquake’ and large tsunamis along the Nankai Trough.
What is the Nankai Trough?
The Nankai Trough is an extensive subduction zone, nearly 900 km long.
It is the place of collision of the Eurasian Plate over the Philippine Sea Plate.
This trough has a history of producing large earthquakes approximately every 100 to 150 years.
The most recent Nankai Trough quake happened in 1946 with magnitude 8.0 tremor and 6.9 metre tsunami, killing 1,330 people.
Potential for a Megaquake:
Japan’s researchers estimated in January 2022 that there is a roughly 70% chance of a magnitude 8-9 megaquake striking the Nankai Trough within next 30 years.
Such a quake could affect a vast region stretching from central Shizuoka, about 150 km south of Tokyo, to southwestern Miyazaki.
PYQ:
[2014] Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Perseid Meteor Shower
Why in the News?
The Perseid meteor shower, which began in July, is currently at its peak activity from August 11 to 13, 2024.
About Perseid Meteor Shower
Details
Origin
Named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to originate.
Cause
Caused by debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle as it orbits the Sun.
How It Occurs
Consists of ice, rock, and dust particles shed by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
Earth passes through this debris field annually between mid-July and late August.
Particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at around 214,000 km/h, causing them to heat up and create bright streaks of light.
Discovery
The connection between the Perseid meteor shower and Comet Swift-Tuttle was established in 1862 by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle.
Historical Observations
Observed for centuries, with records dating back to ancient Chinese, Japanese, and European civilizations.
Impact of Earth’s Gravity
Earth’s gravity pulls particles from the debris field, causing them to enter the atmosphere.
Larger particles can create fireballs—bright meteors that are more intense and last longer.
Note: In the 1990s, scientists feared comet Swift-Tuttle might hit Earth or the Moon in 2126, but later calculations confirmed safety for two millennia.
PYQ:
[2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Diamond Imprest Licence
Why in the News?
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry has introduced Diamond Imprest Licence at the 40th edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2024.
The event was organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
What is the Diamond Imprest Licence?
The Diamond Imprest Licence is a regulatory framework introduced by the Indian government to facilitate the import of diamonds for exporters, particularly benefiting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the diamond industry.
It will allow Indian diamond exporters who meet a certain export turnover threshold to import up to 5% of their average export turnover over the preceding three years.
This policy aims to create a level-playing field for MSME diamond exporters, enabling them to compete more effectively with larger industry peers.
About the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC )
Details
Establishment
Established in 1966 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
Granted an autonomous status in 1998.
Headquarters
Mumbai, India
Regional offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat, Jaipur
Membership
Represents almost 7,000 exporters from across India.
Role and Functions
Promotes exports of gems and jewellery
Presents industry issues to the government and recommends policy interventions.
Common Facility Centers (CFCs)
Established in Amreli, Visnagar, Palanpur, and Junagadh in Gujarat.
Services include planning, laser sawing, and cutting facilities to process diamonds.
Awards
Organizes premier jewellery design competitions and awards, celebrating creativity and innovation in jewellery design.
Key Events
Hosts the Design Inspirations seminar annually in Mumbai, educating jewellers, designers, and students about upcoming trends in India, Europe, and the US.
Educational Institutes
Operates 7 educational institutes across five cities, including the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) in Mumbai, Jaipur, Delhi, Varanasi, and Udupi.
Gemmological Laboratories
Gemmological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai: Established in 1971, focusing on gemological training, research, and certification.
Gem Testing Laboratory, Jaipur: Specializes in grading and certifying colored gemstones.
Indian Gemological Institute, New Delhi: Provides gem testing and certification services, particularly for the North Indian market.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following foreign travelers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: A23a Iceberg
Why in the News?
A23a, the world’s largest iceberg, has recently started spinning in place after drifting away from Antarctica in 2020.
Now it is near South Orkney Islands, about northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
What is A23a?
A23a is an iceberg, about 3,855 square kilometers in area, which is 5 times the size of New York City.
It was originally part of an even larger iceberg called A23.
It broke off from the Filchner Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 1986.
What is happening with A23a?
It is now trapped over a seamount, and is spinning slowly in place.
It is completing a full spin approximately in 24 days.
Reason behind the spinning: Icebergs spin in Iceberg Alley because they get pulled by the strong Antarctic Circumpolar Current, moving into warmer waters where they melt.
Implications
A23a’s melting does not contributetoglobal sea level rise since it is already floating.
Its extended stay in this vortexcould impact marine life in the area, especially plankton and other organisms in the food chain.
The situation also provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study how such large icebergs behave in the ocean.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:
1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.
2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2021] How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.
