From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GST Appellate Tribunal
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The Finance Ministry has formally established 31 Appellate Tribunals spanning 28 States and eight Union Territories for the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
This significant move aims to address the increasing number of taxpayer disputes with the Revenue Department.
What is GST Appellate Tribunal?
The GST Appellate Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body proposed to be established to resolve disputes related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
It will function as an independent body to hear appeals against orders passed by the GST authorities or the Appellate Authority.
The tribunal will be composed of a national bench and various regional benches, headed by a chairperson appointed by the central government.
The proposed tribunal is expected to help expedite the resolution of disputes related to GST and reduce the burden on the judiciary.
Under GST, if a person is not satisfied with the decision passed by any lower court, an appeal can be raised to a higher court, the hierarchy for the same is as follows (from low to high):
Adjudicating Authority
Appellate Authority
Appellate Tribunal
High Court
Supreme Court
Need for such Tribunal
Unburden judiciary: GST Appellate Tribunal will help resolve the rising number of disputes under the 68-month-old indirect tax regime that are now clogging High Courts and other judicial fora.
Improve efficiency of GST System: Overall, the establishment of the GST Appellate Tribunal is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the GST system in India.
Independent mechanism: The proposed Tribunal will provide an independent and efficient mechanism for resolving disputes related to GST.
Avoid tax evasion: It will help to expedite the resolution of disputes, reduce the burden on the judiciary, and promote greater certainty and predictability in the GST system.
Issues with present litigation
Compliance issues: The GST system is relatively new in India, having been implemented in 2017, and there have been several issues with compliance and interpretation of rules and regulations.
Complex adjudication hierarchy: The current dispute resolution mechanism involves multiple layers of adjudication, starting with the GST officer and as mentioned above.
Time consuming process: This process can be time-consuming, costly, and burdensome for taxpayers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
Significance
The creation of these tribunals had been in the pipeline since the implementation of the GST regime on July 1, 2017.
The number of pending appeals by taxpayers related to central GST levies had surged to over 14,000 (June 2023).
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: M Visvesvaraya
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
September 15 marks the birthday of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861-1962), celebrated for his pivotal role as a civil engineer and administrator during colonial India.
About M. Visvesvaraya
Early life: Born on September 15, 1861, in the village of Muddenahalli, Karnataka, Visvesvaraya commenced his educational journey in his hometown.
Academic Pursuits: He pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Madras and later embarked on a diploma course in civil engineering at the College of Science in Pune.
Career Achievements
Engineering Pioneer: After completing his engineering studies at Poona College of Science, Visvesvaraya commenced his career as an Assistant Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Government of Bombay at the age of 22.
Notable Projects: Among his initial projects was the construction of a pipe syphon across one of Panjra river’s channels.
Dewan of Mysore: In 1909, he assumed the role of Chief Engineer in the Mysore service, eventually becoming the 19th Dewan of Mysore.
Voluntary Retirement: In 1918, Visvesvaraya took voluntary retirement due to his disagreement with the proposal to allocate state jobs based on caste.
Committees and Contributions: Following retirement, he chaired or participated in various committees, including the Bombay Technical and Industrial Education Committee, Bombay University Committee for Promoting Chemical Industries, and the Cauvery Canal Committee.
Significant Works
Block System of Irrigation: In 1899, he introduced the block system of irrigation in the Deccan canals, enhancing the equitable distribution of irrigation benefits among numerous villages.
Water Quality Improvement: Visvesvaraya tackled the issue of “muddy and discolored” water in Sukkur, a city on the banks of the Indus River.
Invention of Automatic Gates: He invented automatic gates for regulating water flow in reservoirs, securing a patent for this innovation.
Implementation at Krishnaraja Sagar Dam: The Krishnaraja Sagar Dam in Karnataka became the first to adopt these gates in the 1920s.
Global Perspective
International Learning: Visvesvaraya travelled abroad to study various aspects of other countries’ systems. During a visit to Italy, he examined soil erosion problems and irrigation and drainage works.
Advocating for Indian Contributions: He challenged the perception that only British officers were capable of overseeing advanced engineering works, emphasizing that Indian expertise was valuable when supported by qualifications and dedication.
Vision for Progress
Inspirational Speech: In a speech delivered on March 16, 1912, at Central College Bangalore, Visvesvaraya emphasized the need for India to adopt modern practices, scientific precision, inventiveness, discipline, and economic fundamentals for progress.
Promoting Self-Examination: He encouraged a secular self-examination, comparing local conditions in India with global counterparts.
Authorship: Visvesvaraya authored two influential books, “Reconstructing India” (1920) and “Planned Economy of India” (1934).
Impact on Education
Education as a Catalyst: Visvesvaraya recognized the critical role of education in shaping an economy during his visit to Japan in 1898.
Founding the University of Mysore: As the Dewan of Mysore in 1916, he played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Mysore, emphasizing that educational institutions should mirror real-life conditions.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
India has reached out to Australia in its efforts to procure monoclonal antibody doses for combating the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala.
The monoclonal antibody has successfully passed phase-one trials and has been administered to 14 individuals globally.
Why use it for Nipah?
Currently, there is no effective treatment for Nipah virus infection apart from symptom relief.
The virus carries a high mortality rate ranging from 40% to 75%, making it a formidable threat.
In comparison, even during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the case fatality ratio (CFR) remained at around three percent.
What are Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)?
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a class of therapeutic proteins that have revolutionized medicine and healthcare.
They are used in a wide range of applications, from treating diseases to diagnosing conditions and conducting scientific research.
Structure of mAbs
Monoclonal antibodies are proteins produced by a single type of immune cell, known as a B cell.
They are called “monoclonal” because they are derived from a single, cloned parent cell.
These antibodies have a specific Y-shaped structure consisting of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains.
The variable region of the antibody binds to a specific antigen with high precision.
Applications of Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies have a wide range of applications in medicine, science, and diagnostics:
MAbs are used to treat various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and more.
They are used in diagnostic tests, such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), to detect specific molecules like antigens or antibodies.
Scientists use mAbs to study and manipulate biological processes. They can be labeled with fluorescent markers for imaging and are crucial tools in cell biology and molecular biology research.
Monoclonal antibodies labelled with radioactive isotopes or fluorescent markers can be used for diagnostic imaging techniques like PET (positron emission tomography) scans.
They can target specific molecules on cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells during cancer treatment.
Challenges and Advancements
Despite their significant benefits, monoclonal antibodies can have limitations, such as high production costs and the potential for immune responses.
Advances in technology, such as the development of humanized antibodies (antibodies with human components to reduce immune reactions), have addressed some of these challenges.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Constitution Bench
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, took a moment to address a lawyer’s misconceptions regarding the purpose of Constitution Benches in the Supreme Court.
What is a Constitution Bench?
The constitution bench is the name given to the benches of the Supreme Court of India.
The Chief Justice of India has the power to constitute a Constitution Bench and refer cases to it.
Constitution benches are set up when the following circumstances exist:
Interpretation of the Constitution: Article 145(3) provides for the constitution of at least five judges of the court which sit to decide any case “involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation” of the Constitution of India.
President of India seeking SC’s opinion: When the President has sought the Supreme Court’s opinion on a question of fact or law under Article 143 of the Constitution. Article 143 of the Constitution provides for Advisory jurisdiction to the SC. As per the provision, the President has the power to address questions to the apex Court, which he deems important for public welfare.
Conflicting Judgments: When two or more three-judge benches of the Supreme Court have delivered conflicting judgments on the same point of law, necessitating a definite understanding and interpretation of the law by a larger bench.
The Constitution benches are set up on ad hoc basis as and when the above-mentioned conditions exist.
Constitution benches have decided many of India’s best-known and most important Supreme Court cases, such as:
K. Gopalan v. State of Madras, 1950 (Preventive detention)
Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India, 1972 (OBC reservations) etc.
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, 1973 (Basic structure doctrine) and
Critique and Response
A Lawyer’s Concern: A litigant had expressed concerns in a letter to the top court’s Secretary General, suggesting that the court was investing excessive time in Constitution Bench cases, neglecting public interest petitions that directly impact common individuals.
Court’s Defense: CJI challenged this notion, emphasizing that not all Constitution Bench cases revolve around the interpretation of the Constitution.
Examples Matter: He provided an example of a recent Constitution Bench case concerning whether a person holding a light motor vehicle license can operate a commercial vehicle. This directly affects the livelihood of countless drivers across the nation.
CJI Dispelling Misconceptions
Not Just “Fancy” Matters: CJI clarified that the Supreme Court doesn’t convene Constitution Benches solely for matters detached from the everyday concerns of ordinary citizens.
Voice of the Nation: He highlighted instances like the Article 370 abrogation challenge, where the court engaged with the “voice of the nation.” Stakeholders from the Valley actively participated in extensive hearings.
Arguments against such hearings
People’s Perspective: The Advocate clarified that his objection wasn’t against the court hearing Constitution Bench matters but rather the court’s engagement in public policy issues without adequate public input.
Court’s Response: CJI countered this argument, citing the Article 370 case as an example where groups of individual interveners from the Valley actively presented their perspectives to the court.
Conclusion
Balancing Act: CJI’s remarks underscore the delicate balance between addressing constitutional matters and matters of public interest, highlighting that both have their place in the Supreme Court’s agenda.
Inclusive Justice: The exchange between the Chief Justice and the lawyer reflects the importance of ensuring that the court’s decisions consider the perspectives and concerns of the broader public, especially in cases with significant societal impact.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Vagus Nerve
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
There’s a growing buzz online about the vagus nerve—ways to stimulate it and the potential benefits for various health issues, from anxiety to obesity.
Videos and devices abound, offering suggestions for vagus nerve stimulation.
Recent research has even linked vagus nerve dysfunction to long COVID.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
A Pair of Nerves: The vagus nerve consists of two nerves, one on each side of the body. They run from the brainstem through the neck, chest, and stomach.
Part of the Parasympathetic Nervous System: These nerves are a vital component of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for relaxing and resting the body, regulating functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. They also play a role in the immune system.
Why is the Vagus Nerve being researched?
Several aspects make the vagus nerve a subject of intense research:
Extensive Reach: The vagal nerves are the longest cranial nerves, connecting the brain to the large intestine and passing through or connecting with crucial areas in the neck, heart, lungs, abdomen, and digestive tract.
Communication Hub: These nerves contain 75% of the nerve fibers of the parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating bidirectional communication between the brain and the body.
Health Implications: Researchers explore how stimulating these “sensory superhighways” could trigger the parasympathetic nervous system and potentially benefit various health conditions.
Conditions Treated by Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Epilepsy and Depression: Implantable vagus nerve stimulators are used to treat epilepsy and depression, particularly when conventional treatments are ineffective. These devices stimulate areas of the brain associated with seizures and mood regulation.
Inflammation Regulation: The vagus nerve plays a role in regulating inflammation. Suppressing inflammation after an infection is resolved has implications for treating various conditions.
Vagus Nerve and Long COVID
A study suggests a connection between vagus nerve dysfunction and post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) or long COVID. Patients with PCC exhibited symptoms related to vagus nerve dysfunction, indicating its potential role in the pathophysiology of PCC.
Other research explores impaired vagal activity in long COVID patients and potential therapeutic approaches involving vagal nerve stimulation.
Natural Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Numerous natural methods are believed to stimulate the vagus nerve, including:
Meditation: Focusing on longer exhales than inhales.
Exercise: Engaging in physical activity.
Massage: Techniques like reflexology.
Music: Humming and singing.
Cold Exposure: Placing a cold pack on your face or using icy water immersion.
Limitations
Implanted vagus nerve stimulation is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should not replace conventional treatment.
It serves as an adjunctive treatment for most conditions and requires further research to explore its potential therapeutic effects comprehensively.
Vagus nerve stimulation devices should only be used under medical supervision due to their influence on heart rate and blood pressure.
Different protocols must be followed, making clinic-based usage essential.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
India has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a 13th nation as OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology) certificate-issuing authority.
The other countries are Australia, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, United Kingdom, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden and Slovakia.
Understanding OIML
The OIML, established in 1955 and headquartered in Paris, is a renowned international standard-setting body in the field of legal metrology.
Its primary role is to develop model regulations, standards, and related documents for use by legal metrology authorities and industries worldwide.
These standards are crucial in harmonizing national laws and regulations concerning the performance of measuring instruments, such as clinical thermometers, alcohol breath analyzers, radar speed measuring instruments, ship tanks at ports, and petrol dispensing units.
India’s OIML Membership
India became an OIML member in 1956.
Simultaneously, India signed the metric convention, emphasizing its commitment to international standards in metrology.
OIML Certificate Significance
The OIML-CS (Certificate System) is a globally recognized system for issuing, registering, and using OIML certificates, along with their associated OIML type evaluation/test reports.
With India’s inclusion, the number of countries authorized to issue OIML certificates has risen to 13.
The OIML certificate is a single document accepted universally.
For instance, if an equipment manufacturer in Noida wishes to export their products to the US or any other country, they no longer need to obtain certification from one of the 12 other authorized countries.
India’s certification is now globally accepted, facilitating seamless exports and international compliance.
Benefits for the Indian Economy
India’s newfound status as an OIML certificate-issuing authority offers several advantages for the Indian economy:
Increased Exports: Indian manufacturers can now export their products with greater ease, reducing trade barriers and expanding their global market reach.
Foreign Exchange Earnings: The certification services provided by India will attract neighbouring countries and international manufacturers. This influx of clients seeking certification services will lead to an increase in foreign exchange earnings for India.
Employment Generation: To meet the growing demand for certification services, India is expected to witness a surge in employment opportunities in the legal metrology sector.
Resource Efficiency: The streamlined certification process will reduce redundancy and save valuable resources, making the certification process more efficient.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Special Session of Parliament
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The Union government of India has announced a special session of Parliament to be held in the newly constructed building.
This session holds particular significance as it marks the first official use of the new parliamentary facility.
Special Session of Parliament: An Overview:
A special session of Parliament refers to a unique meeting convened outside of the regular parliamentary sessions.
The term “special session” is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of India.
Its convening is carried out as per the provisions of Article 85(1) of the Constitution.
Procedure of calling such Session
Article 85(1) of the Indian Constitution stipulates the procedure for summoning Parliament.
This constitutional provision grants the President the authority to call Parliament into session, including special sessions, as deemed necessary.
It says:
“The President shall from time to time summon each House of Parliament to meet at such time and place as he/she thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene between its last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session.”
Historical Context of Special Sessions:
Special sessions of Parliament have varied in their focus and format over the years:
[A] Special Sessions with Debates:
2015: A special session commemorated Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary.
1997: Parliament convened to mark India’s 50th anniversary of independence.
1962: The agenda included a discussion on the India-China war situation.
[B] Midnight Special Sessions (Without Debates):
1972: A session was held to celebrate 25 years of India’s independence.
1992: A special session marked the 50th anniversary of the Quit India Movement.
2017: A session was convened to mark the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Operation Polo
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
September 13, 2023, marks the 75th anniversary of Operation Polo, a significant military action undertaken by the Indian Army in 1948 to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad.
This operation, also known as the “Police Action,” led to the Nizam of Hyderabad’s forces surrendering to the Indian Army by September 18, 1948.
Understanding the background and events surrounding Operation Polo is essential to appreciate its historical significance.
Context of Operation Polo
(1) The Nizam’s Stand:
The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Shah, was reluctant to join India or Pakistan after India’s Independence in 1947.
He exploited the diversion of Indian resources towards the Kashmir conflict, signing a standstill agreement with India in November 1947, maintaining the status quo in Hyderabad.
(2) Growing Tensions:
Hyderabad, a populous and prosperous state in the Deccan, was predominantly Hindu but administered by Muslim rulers.
The state had no common border with Pakistan, yet the Nizam sought amicable relations with Pakistan.
The Nizam’s forces, especially the Razakars, escalated tensions with their actions, including cross-border raids and overtures to Pakistan.
The Military Campaign: Operation Polo
(1) Hyderabad’s Forces and Situation:
Hyderabad’s military consisted of approximately 25,000 troops, with limited training and readiness.
The Razakars, though numerous, posed a minor military challenge.
(2) Indian Army’s Leadership:
Major General Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri, the General Officer Commanding of 1 Armoured Division, led the Indian forces.
(3) Multi-Directional Offensive:
The primary assault came from the west, led by 1 Armoured Division, supported by forces from the north, south, and east.
Key elements included the Smash Force, Kill Force, and Vir Force in the western thrust.
Additional thrusts were launched from Aurangabad, Jabalpur, and the eastern front.
The southern thrust originated from Vijayawada.
Conclusion: Surrender and Significance
(1) Ceasefire and Surrender:
The Nizam announced a ceasefire on September 17, 1948.
On September 18, Major General Chaudhuri entered Hyderabad, and Major General El Edroos surrendered to him.
Major General Chaudhuri was subsequently appointed as the Military Governor of Hyderabad.
(2) Honoring a Hero:
Havildar Bachhitar Singh of 2 Sikh was posthumously awarded the first Ashoka Chakra of Independent India for his role in Operation Polo.
He sacrificed his life on September 13, 1948, while advancing towards Naldurg, a part of Hyderabad state.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ITPGRFA
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
In a global seminar organized by the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), President of India underscored the importance of safeguarding farmers’ rights.
About ITPGRFA
Description
Objective
Conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
Enactment Year
2001
Key Principles
Conservation, Access and Benefit-Sharing, Farmers’ Rights.
Coverage
Multilateral system covering 64 vital crop species.
Implementation
Encourages signatory countries to integrate treaty provisions into national legislation.
Monitoring
Establishes a system for monitoring treaty implementation and reporting.
Global Impact
Contributes to preserving agricultural biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and equitable access to genetic resources.
India’s Role
India actively participates and supports the treaty, providing rights to farmers for unbranded seeds and registering their varieties, serving as a model for the world.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nipah Virus
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
The reappearance of Nipah infection in Kerala, with two confirmed deaths and two individuals under treatment, has raised concerns about this lethal viral disease.
Nipah, while not as contagious as COVID-19, is significantly more deadly, with a case fatality rate ranging from 40% to 75%.
What is Nipah Virus Infection?
Nipah is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted to humans through infected animals or contaminated food.
Direct person-to-person transmission through close contact with an infected individual is also possible.
Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, and vomiting.
In severe cases, Nipah infection can progress to disorientation, drowsiness, seizures, and encephalitis (brain swelling), ultimately leading to coma and death.
Transmission of Nipah Virus
Historical Outbreaks: The Nipah virus was first reported in Malaysia (1998) and Singapore (1999), deriving its name from a Malaysian village where it was first isolated. The primary mode of transmission from animals to humans is through the consumption of contaminated food. This can occur via the consumption of raw date palm sap or fruit contaminated with saliva or urine from infected bats.
Animal Host Reservoir: Fruit bats, commonly known as flying foxes, are the known hosts of the virus. They transmit it to other animals like pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep. Human infection usually occurs through direct contact with these animals or the consumption of food contaminated by their saliva or urine. Human-to-human transmission is also documented, particularly in families and healthcare settings.
Nipah Virus Spread and Mortality
Slow Spread: Unlike the rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the Nipah virus spreads more slowly. However, its high mortality rate is a significant concern.
High Mortality: During outbreaks, Nipah has shown a mortality rate as high as 68-75%. For example, in the 2001 Siliguri outbreak, 45 of the 66 infected individuals succumbed to the virus. Similarly, during the 2018 Kerala outbreak, 17 of the 18 confirmed patients died.
Localized Outbreaks: Notably, Nipah outbreaks have remained localized and were contained relatively quickly. The virus’s limited infectiousness and low human-to-human transmission contribute to this containment.
Reproductive Number (R0): Studies indicate an R0 of about 0.48 for Nipah outbreaks, signifying a slow rate of transmission within the population. An R0 value below one suggests that an infected person does not infect more than one other individual, leading to a relatively rapid end to the outbreak.
High Death Rates Limit Transmission: The virus’s high death rates also play a role in restricting its transmission.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gold and Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have pioneered a novel approach with the potential to detect and eradicate cancer cells, particularly those forming solid tumour masses.
Gold and Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles
Innovative Nanoparticles: IISc scientists have engineered hybrid nanoparticles that blend gold and copper sulfide, resulting in multifunctional nanoparticles with promising implications for cancer detection and treatment.
Photothermal and Oxidative Properties: These nanoparticles exhibit photothermal capabilities, where they absorb light and convert it into heat, effectively killing cancer cells. Moreover, they produce singlet oxygen atoms, which further contribute to the cells’ toxicity.
Combining Mechanisms: The nanoparticles employ both photothermal and oxidative mechanisms to target and eliminate cancer cells effectively.
Revolutionizing Cancer Diagnosis
Ultrasound Waves: Beyond cancer treatment, these hybrid nanoparticles hold potential for cancer diagnosis. Their photoacoustic property enables them to absorb light and generate ultrasound waves.
High Contrast Detection: The ultrasound waves enhance the contrast for detecting cancer cells once the nanoparticles reach them. This method offers superior image resolution compared to traditional CT and MRI scans.
Clarity and Oxygen Saturation Measurement: Scans generated through ultrasound waves boast greater clarity and the ability to measure oxygen saturation within tumors, enhancing cancer detection accuracy.
Integration with Existing Systems: The nanoparticles can be seamlessly integrated with current detection and treatment systems. For instance, endoscopes used for cancer screening can trigger nanoparticle-induced heat generation with focused light.
Overcoming Size Limitations
Size Advantages: These hybrid nanoparticles, measuring less than 8 nm, possess a critical advantage in terms of mobility within tissues and their ability to reach tumors.
Potential Safe Elimination: Due to their diminutive size, researchers anticipate that these nanoparticles can exit the human body naturally without accumulating. However, extensive safety studies are essential to confirm their suitability for internal use.
Successful Lab Testing: In laboratory settings, the researchers conducted successful tests using these nanoparticles on lung and cervical cancer cell lines, demonstrating their potential.
Clinical Development: The promising outcomes from this study propel the nanoparticles closer to clinical development.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Picoflare Jets
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
A recent revelation from the Solar Orbiter Aircraft, a collaborative endeavour between the European Space Agency and NASA, has illuminated the Picoflare jets erupting from the sun’s outer atmosphere.
These jets, marked by their supersonic emergence and brief durations of 20 to 100 seconds, have captured the attention of scientists and space enthusiasts alike.
What are Picoflare Jets?
Picoflare jets, observed amidst emissions from the observed coronal hole, are diminutive in scale but pack a potent punch.
Their ephemeral existence belies their significance, as scientists have calculated that they contribute a substantial portion of the solar winds’ energy.
These solar emanations earned their name, “picoflare jets,” owing to their energy levels, which hover around one-trillionth of the solar flares’ immense energy potential.
Solar winds, driven by strong gusts, can not only craft auroras in Polar Regions but also disrupt Earth’s magnetic field and jeopardize electronic systems on satellites and terrestrial circuits.
About Solar Orbiter Aircraft
A Stellar Journey: Launched in 2020, the Solar Orbiter Aircraft embarks on a mission to capture unprecedented images of the Sun, propelling closer than any previous spacecraft.
Instrumentation Excellence: Equipped with six remote-sensing instruments and four sets of in situ instruments, the spacecraft is primed for comprehensive solar exploration.
Mission Objectives: The Solar Orbiter Aircraft carries two primary objectives: to scrutinize the Sun’s 11-year cycle of magnetic activity ebbs and flows and to delve into the mysteries of the solar corona, the upper echelon of the Sun’s atmosphere.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Reciprocity Principle
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
Reciprocity, a fundamental principle of physics, dictates that if a signal can travel from Point A to Point B, it can also journey from Point B to Point A.
This intuitive concept holds significance in various aspects of daily life and serves as the basis for many technological breakthroughs and challenges.
Exploring Reciprocity
The Principle Defined: Reciprocity posits that a signal transmitted from a source (Point A) to a destination (Point B) can also travel in the reverse direction by merely swapping the positions of the source and destination.
Everyday Analogies: Familiar scenarios, such as shining a torchlight or observing an object under a streetlight, exemplify reciprocity in action.
Counterintuitive Instances: Some situations defy intuition, like interrogation scenes in movies where one party can see through a window while the other cannot, or observing someone walking in darkness.
Applications in Antennas and Beyond
Antennas: Reciprocity plays a pivotal role in antenna technology, enabling both the transmission and reception of signals. Engineers utilize reciprocity to assess antennas’ reception quality, simplifying testing processes for radar, sonar, seismic surveys, and MRI scanners.
Challenges in Spying: While reciprocity aids signal reception, it poses challenges in espionage, as it allows signals to be captured from an enemy base while potentially revealing one’s own location.
One-Way Traffic: To counteract reciprocity, scientists employ devices composed of components with specific properties. These devices break reciprocity, enabling signals to travel in one direction only.
Diverse Ways to Break Reciprocity
Magnet-Based Non-Reciprocity: Utilizing wave plates and Faraday rotators, this method disrupts reciprocity for electromagnetic waves.
Modulation: By continuously altering a medium’s parameters in time or space, modulation offers a means to control signal transmission.
Nonlinearity: Varying a medium’s properties based on signal strength and direction introduces nonlinearity, another avenue to break reciprocity.
Revolutionizing Technologies
Quantum Computing: Non-reciprocal devices find applications in quantum computing, where they amplify signals to detect quantum states effectively.
Miniaturization: The trend towards nanoscale and microscale devices includes non-reciprocal components, some as small as a strand of hair divided by a thousand. These miniature devices promise contributions to fields like self-driving cars, where efficient signal monitoring is essential for safety.
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: Gresham's Law
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The law, named after English financier Thomas Gresham, came into play most recently during the economic crisis in Sri Lanka last year.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has fixed the exchange rate between the Sri Lankan rupee and the U.S. dollar
About Gresham’s Law
Thomas Gresham: The law is named after Thomas Gresham, an English financier who advised the English monarchy on financial matters. It extends beyond paper currencies and applies to commodity currencies and various goods.
Bad money drives out good: This maxim illustrates a phenomenon that occurs when government-fixed exchange rates diverge from market exchange rates, causing undervalued currency to be withdrawn from circulation.
Arbitrarily Fixed Prices: Gresham’s Law operates whenever governments arbitrarily set prices, causing a commodity to become undervalued compared to its market exchange rate. This undervaluation drives the commodity out of the formal market.
Black Market: In such scenarios, the only way to acquire the undervalued commodity is through the black market, as it is no longer available through official channels.
Goods Outflow: Countries can also experience the outflow of certain goods when their prices are forcibly undervalued by the government.
Application to Commodity Money
Gold and Silver Coins: Gresham’s Law is particularly evident when a government fixes the exchange rate of commodity money, like gold and silver coins, well below their market value. In response, people may hoard or melt these coins to obtain their intrinsic value, which is higher than the government-set rate.
Recent Example in Sri Lanka
Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka: Gresham’s Law was observed during the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, where the central bank fixed the exchange rate between the Sri Lankan rupee and the U.S. dollar.
Rupee Overvaluation: The government mandated that the price of the U.S. dollar should not exceed 200 Sri Lankan rupees, even though the black market rate indicated a higher value. This overvaluation of the rupee led to a decline in the supply of dollars and pushed the U.S. dollar out of the formal foreign exchange market.
Black Market Transactions: Individuals seeking U.S. dollars for foreign transactions were compelled to purchase them from the black market at rates exceeding 200 Sri Lankan rupees per dollar.
Conditions for Gresham’s Law to Apply
Government-Imposed Fixed Rates: Gresham’s Law operates when government authorities establish and enforce fixed exchange rates between currencies.
Effective Implementation: Effective enforcement of these rates by authorities is essential for the law to take effect.
Anti-thesis Concept: Thiers’ Law
“Good Money Drives Out Bad”: In the absence of government-imposed exchange rate fixes, the opposite phenomenon occurs. People tend to abandon currencies they perceive as of lower quality in favour of those they consider better, leading to the dominance of “good money.”
Thiers’ Law: This concept, known as Thiers’ Law and named after French politician Adolphe Thiers, complements Gresham’s Law.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Disaster Management
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
In the wake of natural disasters, states often request assistance from the central government.
Himachal Pradesh CM recently requested for a special disaster relief package and urged the designation of the calamity as a ‘national disaster.’
Natural Disaster Mitigation in States
Legal Framework: The 2005 Disaster Management Act provides the legal framework for addressing disasters, whether natural or man-made.
Defining disaster: It defines a “disaster” as an event causing substantial loss of life, human suffering, property damage, or environmental degradation beyond the community’s coping capacity.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The Act established the NDMA, headed by the Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) led by Chief Ministers. These bodies, along with district-level authorities, form an integrated disaster management setup in India.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): The Act led to the creation of the NDRF, comprising several battalions or teams responsible for on-ground relief and rescue operations in various states.
Understanding the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF)
Mention in the Act: The NDRF is referenced in the 2005 Disaster Management Act and plays a crucial role in providing disaster relief.
State Disaster Relief Funds (SDRFs): States have their own SDRFs, which are the primary funds available for responding to notified disasters. The Central Government contributes 75% to SDRFs in general states and 90% in northeastern and Himalayan states.
Utilization of SDRFs: SDRFs are allocated for immediate relief efforts following notified calamities, including cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, and more.
Central Assistance: In the event of a severe calamity where state SDRF funds are insufficient, additional central assistance can be provided by the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
Who determines a Severe Calamity?
Procedure: States follow a specific procedure to classify a calamity as “severe.” This involves submitting a memorandum detailing sector-wise damage and fund requirements. An inter-ministerial central team assesses the damage on-site.
Committee Approval: Specific committees review these assessments and submit reports. A High-Level Committee must approve the immediate relief amount to be released from the NDRF.
Criteria: The classification of a calamity as “severe” considers factors such as intensity, magnitude, assistance needs, and more.
Additional Funds for Disaster Mitigation
Funds Allocation: Funds for NDRF and SDRFs, allocated for preparedness, mitigation, and reconstruction, are part of budgetary allocations.
Financing mechanism: The 15th Finance Commission introduced a new methodology for state-wise allocations, considering factors like past expenditure, risk exposure, hazard, and vulnerability.
Utilization: NDRF and SDRF funds are released in two equal instalments, typically with requirements like Utilization Certificates. However, in urgent situations, these requirements can be waived.
State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF): This fund supports activities such as forest restoration and public awareness. It received an allocation of Rs 32,030 crore from the 15th Finance Commission.
National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF): The NDMF, amounting to Rs 13,693 crore, is dedicated to national disaster mitigation efforts.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ancient India-Europe Maritime Trade Route, Port of Muziris
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, announced at the G20 Summit, traces its historical roots to an ancient maritime trade route connecting the Indian subcontinent and the Europe.
India- Europe: Glimpse into Historical Trade Route
Early Discoveries: The trade between Rome and India during antiquity was established by early excavations. Sir Mortimer Wheeler’s work at Arikamedu in the 1930s and 40s confirmed the existence of Indo-Roman trade in the 1st century CE.
Recent excavations: Ongoing archaeological excavations, such as those at Muziris in Kerala and Berenike in Egypt, continue to yield new evidence.
Revised Understanding: However, early interpretations often overlooked the agency of Indian merchants and ship owners in this trade. Recent discoveries have expanded and corrected our understanding of this ancient trade network.
Staggering Scale: Recent estimates, supported by the Muziris Papyrus, reveal the immense scale of the Red Sea trade. Custom taxes on goods from India, Persia, and Ethiopia possibly contributed up to one-third of the Roman exchequer’s income.
Details unveiled by Muziris Excavations
Custom Taxes: The Muziris Papyrus detailed a cargo’s value, highlighting its enormous worth, with one cargo alone being equivalent to the purchase of premium farmland in Egypt or a prestigious estate in central Italy.
Roman Revenue: The import tax collected on this cargo alone exceeded two million sesterces. Extrapolating from these figures, Indian imports into Egypt were likely worth over a billion sesterces annually, with tax authorities generating 270 million sesterces.
Comparative Significance: These revenues surpassed those of entire subject countries, emphasizing the pivotal role of this trade route in sustaining the Roman Empire’s vast conquests and legions.
Muziris Papyrus
Trade details
Peak Period: During the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, a maritime highway connected the Roman Empire and India through the Red Sea. This route witnessed hundreds of ships travelling in both directions annually.
Traded Goods: The Romans had a great demand for Indian luxuries, including perfumes, ivory, pearls, gemstones, and exotic animals like elephants and tigers. Pepper, India’s major export, was particularly sought after, finding its way into Roman cuisine.
Trade from Rome: The flow of goods from Rome to India was limited, with gold being a prominent export. Roman wine was one notable exception, appreciated by Indians.
Pre-Common Era Trade
Early Indian Diaspora: Evidence suggests the existence of an Indian diaspora in the Middle East during the time of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300-1300 BCE). This early trade was coastal and involved smaller quantities of goods.
Roman Period Expansion: The trade expanded significantly during Roman times, facilitated by large cargo ships directly connecting the subcontinent and the Roman Empire. Romans played a key role in industrializing this trade.
Post-Conquest Peak: The conquest of Egypt by the Romans in the 1st and 2nd centuries CE opened up the route to India, leading to a substantial increase in trade.
Organization and Duration of Journeys
Highly Organized Trade: Contracts were established between Indian merchants in Kerala and shippers in Alexandria. Goods were transported in containers, similar to modern practices, with references to insurance.
Understanding Monsoons: Indians recognized the monsoon winds’ seasonal patterns, enabling them to navigate the route efficiently. The journey to Egypt took approximately six to eight weeks, depending on favorable wind conditions.
Extended Stays: Indian diaspora rented houses in Egyptian ports while waiting for wind patterns to shift, allowing for the integration of Indian culture into these regions.
Roles of Indians in the Trade
Indian Seafaring Culture: Evidence suggests that Indian dynasties were interested in seafaring, as depicted in Ajanta paintings and early Indian coin designs featuring ships.
Indian Sailors: Graffiti left by Indian sailors, primarily Gujaratis from Barigaza (modern-day Bharuch), has been discovered in the Hoq caves on the island of Socotra, emphasizing their active participation in the trade network.
Comparing with the Silk Road
Indian Centrality: The ancient economic and cultural hub of Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and its ports played a central role in maritime East-West exchange. The concept of the “Silk Road” is relatively recent and inaccurately portrays the ancient trade routes.
Historical Invisibility: The Silk Road concept was coined in the late 19th century and did not exist in ancient or medieval times. It gained popularity in the 20th century, fostering romanticized ideas about East-West connectivity.
Recent Politicization: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative has politicized the Silk Road, making it a central component of Chinese foreign policy.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Earthquake
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
A devastating earthquake struck Morocco, resulting in significant casualties and damage.
Details of the Moroccan Earthquake
Shallow Epicenter: The quake’s epicentre was near the town of Ighil, approximately 70 km southwest of Marrakech. It was considered fairly shallow, with varying depth estimates.
Higher Energy: Shallow earthquakes are typically more dangerous as they carry more energy, making them more destructive compared to deeper quakes.
Major Causes
Tectonic Convergence: The earthquake resulted from the northward convergence of the African plate with the Eurasian plate along a complex plate boundary.
Faulting: The USGS attributed the quake to oblique-reverse faulting at a shallow depth within the Moroccan High Atlas Mountain range.
Fault Classification: Oblique-slip faults exhibit characteristics of both dip-slip and strike-slip faults, occurring in areas of compression where tectonic plates converge.
Why discuss this?
Low Seismicity: Earthquakes are uncommon in North Africa, with low seismicity rates along the northern margin of the continent.
Historic Strength: This earthquake was the strongest ever recorded in the mountainous region, catching Morocco unprepared for such an event.
Construction Vulnerabilities: Many Moroccan buildings, especially in rural areas and older cities, are not constructed to withstand strong tremors.
What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is an intense shaking of the ground caused by movement under the earth’s surface.
It happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another.
This releases stored-up ‘elastic strain’ energy in the form of seismic waves, which spreads through the earth and cause the shaking of the ground.
What exactly causes Earthquakes?
As we know, the earth’s outermost surface, crust, is fragmented into tectonic plates.
The edges of the plates are called plate boundaries, which are made up of faults.
The tectonic plates constantly move at a slow pace, sliding past one another and bumping into each other.
As the edges of the plates are quite rough, they get stuck with one another while the rest of the plate keeps moving.
Earthquake occurs when the plate has moved far enough and the edges unstick on one of the faults.
The location below the earth’s surface where the earthquake starts are called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is called the epicentre.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Vidya Samiksha Kendras (VSKs)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Under the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR), the Ministry of Education is spearheading the establishment of Vidya Samiksha Kendras (VSKs) across Indian states.
What are Vidya Samiksha Kendras (VSKs)?
VSKs are data repositories designed to consolidate information from various educational schemes and initiatives run by the Ministry of Education.
These repositories aim to streamline data management, promote data analysis, and enhance decision-making in the education sector.
Key Components of VSKs:
Comprehensive Data: VSKs will aggregate data from diverse educational programs, including:
PM-POSHAN mid-day meal programs
Teacher training records from the National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement portal
Textbook content from Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing
School dropout and attendance data via Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+)
Students’ learning outcomes from National Achievement Survey
Performance Grading Index evaluating state-level school education systems.
Central and State-Level Centers: At the central level, VSK operations are housed in the Central Institute of Educational Technology building within the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) campus. Ernst and Young, a multinational IT company, manages these operations.
Advisory Role: The EkStep Foundation, a non-profit organization co-founded by Nandan Nilekani, former Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), provides advisory support for the VSK project’s implementation.
Transition to Automation: While data entry currently relies on manual processes and is available for download in Excel format, there are plans to transition to automation through Application Programming Interface (API) integration. This shift will enable seamless communication and data integration between multiple platforms at the central, state, and district levels.
State-Level Initiatives
Funding Allocation: The central government has allocated funds ranging from ₹2 to ₹5 crore to each state for the establishment of VSKs. These funds cover pre-configured open-source hardware and software, as well as human resources.
States in Action: States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Jharkhand have already initiated the setup of these technological platforms.
Benefits of VSKs:
Data Correlation and Analysis: The primary objective of VSKs is to enable data analytics through correlation. With vast data from numerous educational schemes, VSKs seek to derive meaningful insights by connecting various data points.
Example Scenarios:
Attendance Patterns: Analyzing attendance data alongside student dropout rates to identify potential correlations.
Mid-Day Meals Impact: Investigating whether consistent mid-day meal provision in certain regions leads to increased school attendance.
Student Improvement Tracking: Monitoring students’ progress over time using data from weekly tests to tailor educational support.
Gross Access Ratio Mapping: VSKs will facilitate mapping the location of schools with population data to assess the Gross Access Ratio. This information can guide the establishment of new schools, support industry clusters in understanding skilling needs, and assist in higher education planning based on demand and future projections.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Orphan Diseases
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
Health discussions often revolve around common ailments, such as diabetes, which affect a significant portion of the population.
However, amidst these well-known health issues, there are numerous rare/ orphan diseases that, though infrequent, can have devastating consequences for patients and their families.
What are Orphan Diseases?
Rare diseases, often referred to as orphan diseases, are characterized by a low prevalence rate, typically affecting one person in a population of 10,000.
Challenges Posed
Difficulty in Diagnosis: Rare diseases are challenging to diagnose, particularly for young medical practitioners who may have limited exposure to such cases. The rarity of these conditions means that many healthcare professionals may not have encountered them during their training.
Lack of Research: Limited prevalence has historically resulted in insufficient research efforts. With fewer cases to study, there has been a lack of scientific understanding and effective treatments for many rare diseases.
High Treatment Costs: While advances in medical research have led to the development of therapies for some rare diseases, the costs associated with these treatments are often exorbitant. From an Indian perspective, these costs can range from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 20 million per year, making them unaffordable for many.
Initiatives and Progress in India
Increasing Awareness: Greater awareness of rare diseases and advancements in genomic technologies for diagnosis have begun to address these challenges. As awareness spreads, more cases are being identified and correctly diagnosed.
Regulatory Incentives: Several countries, including India, have introduced regulatory incentives to encourage pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and development for neglected diseases. This has led to increased interest in orphan drugs.
Patient-Driven Initiatives: Patient groups and organizations in India are actively contributing to rare disease research and treatment. One notable example is the Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust (DART), which is conducting clinical trials for Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy.
Government Initiatives: The government’s National Policy for Treatment of Rare Diseases is gradually making an impact. It aims to address rare diseases prevalent in India, such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, lysosomal storage disorders, and sickle-cell anaemia.
Lessons from Leprosy
Incidence Reduction: Leprosy, once prevalent in India, is now considered a rare disease due to successful efforts in reducing its incidence.
Research Benefits: Research on orphan diseases like leprosy can yield broader societal benefits. For instance, studies on synthetic antibiotics have shown a potential to curb the spread of leprosy to household relatives.
Government Goals: Research findings may contribute to achieving the government’s objective of making India leprosy-free by 2027.
Conclusion
Rare diseases present unique healthcare challenges that have long been neglected.
However, recent progress in diagnosis, research, and patient-driven initiatives is gradually improving the landscape for rare disease patients in India.
As awareness grows and regulatory support continues, there is hope for enhanced diagnosis, treatment options, and affordability, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by these conditions.
