From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Voyager 1 and 2
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
After more than four decades in space, Voyager 2, Earth’s longest-running space probe, experienced a communication loss with NASA.
Voyager Mission
Originally planned to explore the five outer planets (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) with four complex spacecraft, NASA changed its approach due to budget constraints.
The agency decided to send two identical probes, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, initially slated to explore only Jupiter and Saturn. In 1974, they were redirected to explore Uranus and Neptune as well.
The Voyager spacecraft took advantage of a rare alignment of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune that occurs once every 175 years.
This alignment allowed the spacecraft to harness the gravity of each planet, enabling them to swing from one to the next using minimal fuel.
Features of the Voyager
Identical Design: Both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are equipped with 10 different instruments to carry out various experiments. These instruments include cameras for celestial imaging, infrared and ultraviolet sensors, magnetometers, plasma detectors, and cosmic-ray sensors.
Nuclear Power Source: As their missions involved traveling far from the Sun, the spacecraft relied on a small nuclear power plant fueled by the radioactive decay of plutonium pellets, providing hundreds of watts of power.
Golden Phonograph Records: Each spacecraft carries a golden phonograph record, intended as a time capsule for any extraterrestrial life that might encounter the probes in the distant future. The record contains images, natural sounds, music, greetings in multiple languages, and instructions for playing it.
Notable Achievements of Voyager Spacecraft
Jupiter Encounter: Voyager 1 reached Jupiter on March 5, 1979, followed by Voyager 2 on July 9. Among the exciting discoveries were active volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon, Io, and three new moons: Thebe, Metis, and Adrastea.
Saturn Revelations: Voyager 1 passed by Saturn’s moon, Titan, revealing it was not the largest moon in the solar system, as previously thought. Titan’s atmosphere was found to be composed mainly of nitrogen, and it likely had clouds and methane rain.
Uranus Exploration: Voyager 2 arrived at Uranus in 1986, providing stunning photographs and confirming that its main constituents are hydrogen and helium. The spacecraft discovered 10 new moons, two new rings, and made significant observations about Uranus’s atmosphere.
Neptune Flyby: Voyager 2 became the first human-made object to fly past Neptune in 1989. It discovered new moons and rings, observed the Great Dark Spot—a massive spinning storm on Neptune—and measured winds blowing at 1,100 kph.
Continuing Journey Among the Stars
Entering Interstellar Space: Both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 officially entered interstellar space in 2012 and 2018, respectively. These milestones helped astronomers define the edge of interstellar space, around 18 billion kilometers from the Sun.
Communication Loss and Hope: Voyager 2 recently experienced a glitch after a faulty command, affecting its ability to receive commands and transmit data. However, the “heartbeat” signal detected by NASA assures that the spacecraft is still operational, and scientists hope to regain full communication soon.
Silent Journey: While most instruments on the spacecraft are no longer operational, both Voyagers will continue their silent journey among the stars, powered by their small nuclear power sources. Eventually, their missions will end.
Conclusion
Voyager 2, a symbol of human ingenuity and exploration, continues its journey through the cosmos, exploring distant planets and paving the way for future space missions.
Despite communication loss, the spacecraft’s “heartbeat” signal signifies its resilience and ongoing operation, reminding us of the indomitable spirit of human curiosity.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
The Centre has launched the Vivad se Vishwas II scheme, a one-time settlement scheme, to effectively resolve pending contractual disputes with vendors or suppliers to the government and its undertakings.
Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme
The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.
It aims to settle government and government undertakings’ contractual disputes wherein arbitral awards are challenged in courts.
The Vivad Se Vishwas I scheme was announced under Union Budget 2020 to reduce ongoing legal disputes under direct taxation.
Around 150,000 cases were resolved with the recovery of about 54 per cent of the amount under litigation.
The scheme was started in March 2020, and closed on March 31, 2021.
Key details about the Scheme
Deadline and Guidelines: The scheme sets an October 31 deadline for firms to submit their claims for consideration. The Department of Expenditure had earlier issued guidelines for its operation in late May.
Eligibility: The scheme applies to domestic contractual disputes where one of the parties is either the Government of India or an organization working under its control.
Cut-off Dates: To be considered for settlement, an arbitral award must have been secured by the aggrieved party by January 31, 2023, while the cut-off date for court orders is set at April 30.
Graded Settlement Terms: The scheme offers graded settlement terms based on the pendency level of the disputes. For cases involving court awards, the settlement amount offered to the contractor can be up to 85% of the net amount awarded or upheld by the court. For arbitral awards, the threshold is “up to” 65% of the net amount.
Processing and Registration: Eligible claims shall be processed only through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which has developed a dedicated web-page for implementing this scheme. For Ministry of Railways’ contractors, claims can be registered on the Indian Railways E-Procurement System.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to allow commercial mining of lithium and five more minerals.
This move is aimed at increasing the exploration and mining of these valuable resources from newly discovered mines by opening them to private sector participation.
Mining of Critical Minerals
Minerals Removed from Atomic Minerals List: The law removes lithium, beryllium, titanium, niobium, tantalum and zirconium from the list of atomic minerals, which previously restricted their exploration and mining to state-run companies only.
Private Sector Participation: With the removal of these minerals from the atomic minerals list, private companies can now participate in the exploration and mining processes.
Why such move?
New Lithium Reserves in J&K: Earlier this year, lithium reserves were discovered in the federally administered region of Jammu and Kashmir. The government plans to find more reserves later this year.
Expected Increase in Exploration and Mining: The government expects a significant increase in the exploration and mining activities of these minerals across the country due to private sector involvement.
Significance of Private Sector Involvement
Force Multiplier: The involvement of private companies is seen as a “force multiplier” as it is expected to boost the production of these critical minerals, meeting the growing demands of the country.
Increased Production Capacity: The participation of private players is likely to lead to increased production capacity, enabling India to meet the rising demand for electric vehicle batteries and other industrial applications.
Need for Vigorous Exploration and Production
Meeting Growing Demands: India’s increasing focus on electric vehicles and other technological advancements necessitates a robust supply of critical minerals. Vigorous exploration and production are crucial to fulfill the country’s requirements.
Conclusion
The passage of the law by India’s Parliament marks a significant step towards increasing the exploration and mining of critical minerals, including lithium, for electric vehicle batteries and other industrial applications.
By allowing private sector participation, the government aims to bolster the production capacity and meet the growing demands of the country, ensuring a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 370
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The Supreme Court deliberated on the President’s power to declare Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to J&K, inoperative after the dissolution of the State’s Constituent Assembly in 1957.
The court questioned whether the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution nullifies the substantive part of Clause 3 in Article 370.
Senior counsel argued that Article 370 cannot be revoked after the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution, but the court questioned the extent of the President’s powers.
The Constituent Assembly of J&K was a temporary body convened for drafting the State’s Constitution, becoming functus officio after its completion.
Article 370 was considered “temporary” because it allowed the people of J&K to determine their Constitution and the jurisdiction of Union of India.
The collaborative relationship between the Union and J&K, with constant dialogue and parliamentary laws applying to J&K through Constitution Orders, was disrupted by the abrogation of special constitutional status in 2019.
Contentions raised against A370 Revocation
Constituent Assembly’s Role: The provision requiring the J&K Constituent Assembly’s recommendation for abrogation has no application, given its specific purpose was to draft the State’s Constitution.
Impact on Democracy: The argument raised concerns about silencing the people’s will in J&K, where representative democracy had been absent for five years. The State’s unique relationship with India was emphasized.
Parliament’s Authority: The counsel questioned Parliament’s authority to declare itself the legislature of J&K and abrogate Article 370, asserting that Parliament could not act outside the Constitution.
Temporary Provision: It was clarified that Article 370 was mentioned as a “temporary” provision because it allowed the people of J&K to determine their future through their Constituent Assembly.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s examination of the President’s power over Article 370 after the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution raises significant questions about the unique constitutional structure and the collaboration between the Union and J&K.
The verdict will determine whether Article 370 remains operative and its implications on the historical relationship between the State and the Union.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Superconductivity
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Recently, two South Korean researchers sparked excitement in the physics community by claiming to have achieved Superconductivity at room temperature.
They claim to have developed a lead-based compound exhibiting superconducting properties at normal room temperature and pressure (NTP) conditions.
NTP (Normal Temperature and Pressure):
Normal Temperature: Defined as 20 degrees Celsius (20°C) or 293.15 Kelvin (K).
Normal Pressure: Defined as 1 atmosphere (atm) or 101.325 kilopascals (kPa), which is the same pressure as STP.
NTP is another standard set of conditions used for specific applications, but it is less commonly used than STP.
STP (Standard Temperature and Pressure):
Standard Temperature: Defined as 0 degrees Celsius (0°C) or 273.15 Kelvin (K). At this temperature, the average kinetic energy of gas molecules is minimal.
Standard Pressure: Defined as 1 atmosphere (atm) or 101.325 kilopascals (kPa). This is the average atmospheric pressure at sea level.
STP is often used to express gas properties and perform calculations under uniform conditions to allow for meaningful comparisons between different gases or processes.
What is Superconductivity?
Zero Resistance: Superconductivity occurs when a material offers almost zero resistance to the flow of electric current, enabling energy-efficient electrical appliances and lossless power transmission.
Magnetic Behavior: Superconductors also display fascinating behavior under magnetic fields, enabling technologies like MRI machines and superfast Maglev trains.
Exploring the Material LK-99
Apatite Structure: The Korean group utilized copper-substituted lead apatite, a phosphate mineral with unique tetrahedral motifs, to create LK-99.
Superconducting Behavior: LK-99 displayed essential superconducting properties, with almost zero resistance to current flow and sudden emergence of resistance above a critical current threshold.
Magnetic Resilience: LK-99 retained superconductivity even under the presence of a magnetic field until reaching a critical threshold.
Current Superconductors and Their Limitations
Earlier Discoveries: In the 1980s, scientists found copper oxide materials exhibiting superconductivity above -240°C. Subsequent research yielded limited success in achieving higher temperatures.
Extreme Conditions: Existing superconductors operate at extremely low temperatures, often below -250°C, close to absolute zero (-273°C).
Critical Temperatures: Materials like Mercury, Lead, and Aluminum, Tin, and Niobium exhibit superconductivity at critical temperatures just above absolute zero.
Cautious Optimism: The scientific community responded cautiously to the claims of LK-99’s room-temperature superconductivity, given previous controversies and unverified claims.
Technical Errors: Some data in the research papers raised questions and were deemed “sloppy” or “fishy” by independent scientists.
Replication Efforts: Numerous research groups worldwide are attempting to reproduce the results to validate the claim.
Mixed Perspectives: The authors’ unwavering confidence in their work contrasts with certain aspects of the research that appear hurried or contentious.
Conclusion
The search for room-temperature superconductors represents a holy grail in science, promising immense rewards and recognition.
Although the recent claim by South Korean researchers has captured attention, it awaits rigorous validation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Anna Bhau Sathe
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Telangana CM has expressed a desire to see social reformer, writer, and folk poet Anna Bhau Sathe honoured with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award.
Who was Anna Bhau Sathe?
Anna Bhau Sathe, born Tukaram Bhaurao Sathe on August 1, 1920, in Maharashtra’s Wategaon village, emerged as a prominent figure in the field of literature, poetry, and social activism.
His journey from humble beginnings in a Dalit family to becoming a prolific writer and folk poet is a testament to his indomitable spirit and commitment to social reform.
Early Life and Struggles
Mumbai Sojourn: In 1930, Sathe’s family moved to Mumbai, where he worked as a porter, hawker, and cotton mill helper, enduring the hardships of working-class life.
Labour Activism: His participation in the 1934 workers’ strike, led by the Lal Bawta Mill Workers Union, marked the beginning of his engagement in labor and social issues.
Learning to Read and Write: Denied schooling due to his Dalit identity, Sathe joined labor study circles where he learned to read and write.
Evolution as a Writer
Early Poetry: His first poem, focusing on the menace of mosquitoes in the labour camp, laid the foundation for his future creative endeavours.
Cultural Group: Sathe formed the Dalit Yuvak Sangh, a cultural group that composed poems reflecting workers’ protests and agitations.
Influence of Progressive Writers: The Progressive Writers Association’s national formation, with writers like Premchand and Faiz Ahmad Faiz, exposed him to translated Russian works, inspiring him to write plays, stories, and novels.
Wide-ranging Impact of His Work
Spreading Awareness: Together with his group, Sathe travelled across Mumbai, raising awareness about workers’ rights and social issues.
Prolific Output: Over 49 years, he authored 32 novels, 13 collections of short stories, four plays, a travelogue, and 11 ballads (povadas).
Cinematic and International Recognition: Several of his works were adapted into films, and some were translated into other languages, including Russian. His “Bangalchi Hak” was presented at London’s Royal Theatre.
Depiction of Social Realities: Sathe’s literature delved into the caste and class realities of Indian society during his time.
Left-leaning Ideology and Russian Connection
Influence of Marxism: While influenced by Marxism, he also depicted the harsh realities of the caste system in his work.
The Lal Bawta Kala Pathak: In 1943, Sathe founded this group, which toured Maharashtra, performing programs on caste atrocities, class conflict, and workers’ rights.
Dedication to Dr. Ambedkar: His most famous novel, “Fakira,” was dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, reflecting his commitment to the Dalit cause.
Russian Inspiration
Maxim Gorky’s Influence: Often referred to as the “Maxim Gorky of Maharashtra,” Sathe drew inspiration from Gorky’s work “The Mother” and the Russian Revolution, evident in his writings.
Visit to Russia: In 1961, Sathe travelled to Russia with a group of other Indians, fostering his connection with Russian culture.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI Tag
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai recently granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag to many distinctive products from across India.
GI Tags for Rajasthani Crafts
Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft: This traditional craft involves ornamenting weapons with intricate designs, gold and silver wire embedding, and polishing. The process results in exquisite and finely crafted metalware.
Bikaner Kashidakari Craft: Traditional craftspeople from the Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts create this craft on cotton, silk, or velvet. The intricate fine stitches and mirror-work are mainly used for marriage-related objects and are believed to ward off the ‘evil eye.’
Jodhpur Bandhej Craft: Known for its vibrant and colorful appeal, Bandhej is an ancient Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing textiles. The fabrics, including muslin, silk, and voile, are tied with cotton thread before dyeing.
Bikaner Usta Kala Craft: Also known as gold nakashi or gold manauti work, this craft is characterized by the use of untreated raw camel hide. The skilled Dapgar community of leather craftspeople meticulously processes and molds the leather to create durable and golden-hued products.
Other GI Tagged Products
Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (Uttar Pradesh): This craft from Jalesar in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district involves making decorative metal craft and brassware, including ghungrus (anklets) and ghantis (bells). The Thatheras community, residing in the Hathuras locality, is responsible for creating these beautiful metal products.
Goa Mankurad Mango (Goa): Also known as malcorada, cardozo mankurad, corado, and Goa mankur, this variety of mango was granted a GI tag. The All Goa Mango Growers Association filed the application for this mango, which holds historical significance with its Portuguese-inspired name.
Goan Bebinca (Goa): Known as the ‘queen of Goan desserts,’ Bebinca is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding. The All Goa Bakers and Confectioners Association filed the application for the GI tag.
Kanniyakumari Matti banana (TN): It is a banana variety grown in the Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its unique sweet taste and small size. It is cultivated in the southernmost part of India, and its retail market value has increased. The variety is in high demand, especially in the Thiruvananthapuram region of Kerala, where it is exported to Gulf countries. The banana is used in the making of “panchamirtham.”
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Akira Ransomware
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) issued a warning about the Akira ransomware, a highly dangerous cyber threat that has been wreaking havoc on corporate networks worldwide.
What is the Akira Ransomware?
Encryption and Data Theft: Akira ransomware encrypts sensitive data on targeted devices and appends the “akira” extension to filenames, making the files inaccessible to users.
Shadow Volume Deletion: The ransomware deletes Windows Shadow Volume copies, hindering data recovery options for affected organizations.
Ransom Demands: The ransomware operators extort victims by demanding a double ransom for decryption and recovery, threatening to leak sensitive data on their dark web blog if payment is not made.
Infection and Working Mechanism
Spread Methods: Akira ransomware is primarily distributed through spear-phishing emails with malicious attachments, drive-by downloads, and specially crafted web links. It also exploits insecure Remote Desktop connections to infiltrate systems.
Selective Encryption: The ransomware avoids encrypting specific system folders to maintain system stability.
Negotiation Process: Each victim is given a unique negotiation password to communicate with the ransomware gang via the threat actor’s Tor site.
Major targets
Corporate Networks: Akira ransomware targets corporate networks across various sectors, including education, finance, real estate, manufacturing, and consulting.
Data Exfiltration: In addition to encryption, the threat actors steal sensitive corporate data, using it as leverage in their extortion attempts.
Protective Measures against Akira Ransomware
Regular Backups: Maintain up-to-date offline backups to ensure data recovery in case of an attack.
System Updates: Regularly update operating systems and networks, and implement virtual patching for legacy systems.
Email Authentication: Establish Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC), Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Sender Policy Framework (SPF) to prevent email spoofing and spam.
Strong Authentication: Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure user accounts.
Data Encryption: Implement data-at-rest and data-in-transit encryption to protect sensitive information.
Attachment Blocking: Block suspicious attachment file types like .exe, .pif, or .url to prevent malicious downloads.
Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits, especially for critical networks and database servers, to identify vulnerabilities.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kuril Islands
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, leading to challenges in resource allocation along its western border.
Japan sees a chance to reclaim the Kuril Islands, also known as the Northern Territories in Japan, which were seized by Soviet forces during WWII.
About Kuril Islands
The Kuril Islands, also known as the Kurile Islands, are a volcanic archipelago situated in the northern Pacific Ocean.
They stretch from the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, Japan, to the southernmost tip of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
It consist of 56 islands, with Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai being the most significant.
The Kuril Islands are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with intense volcanic and seismic activity, due to the movement of tectonic plates.
The islands are home to several active volcanoes, with some of the notable ones being Alaid, Ebeko, and Chikurachki.
What is the dispute?
The islands have been a subject of territorial dispute between Russia and Japan since the end of World War II.
After the war, the Soviet Union took control of the Kuril Islands, leading to the displacement of around 17,000 Japanese residents who were living there.
Japan claims the southernmost islands (Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai) and refers to them as the “Northern Territories.”
Russia maintains sovereignty over the islands and considers them an integral part of its territory.
The territorial dispute has hindered the signing of a formal peace treaty between Russia and Japan to officially end World War II hostilities.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Zero FIR
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Recent incidents of violence and crime in Manipur have brought the concept of the ‘Zero First Information Report (FIR)’ into the spotlight.
The Supreme Court has sought for all data regarding such FIRs in Manipur Gangrape Incidence.
What is Zero FIR?
Provision and Purpose: Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognisable offence without assigning a regular FIR number initially.
No diary: Whereas FIRs have serial numbers assigned to them, zero FIRs are assigned the number ‘0’. Hence the name.
Swift Action: The relevant police station subsequently registers a fresh FIR and commences the investigation.
Focus on Victims: It is designed to expedite complaint lodging, particularly for serious crimes involving women and children, without the need to approach multiple police stations.
Preserving Evidence: Early registration helps prevent the loss or tampering of crucial evidence and witnesses.
Transferred Jurisdiction: The Zero FIR is later transferred to the relevant police station where the offence occurred or where the investigation should be conducted.
How does it work?
After a police station registers a zero FIR, it has to transfer the complaint to a police station that has the jurisdiction to investigate the alleged offence.
Once a zero FIR is transferred, the police station with the appropriate jurisdiction assigns it a serial number, thereby converting it into a regular FIR.
Legal Provisions for Zero FIR
The provision of Zero FIR finds support in various judgments and recommendations.
Satvinder Kaur vs. State (1999): The Delhi High Court held that a woman has the right to lodge her complaint from any place other than where the incident occurred.
Justice Verma Committee (2012): The introduction of Zero FIR was based on the recommendation of the Justice Verma Committee, which was formed in response to the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case.
Lalita Kumari vs. Govt. of UP (2014): The Supreme Court ruled that registration of an FIR is mandatory when information discloses the commission of a cognizable offence.
Back2Basics: First Information Report (FIR)
Essential Document: An FIR is a written document prepared by the police upon receiving information about a cognisable offence.
What is a cognisable offences? It is when an officer can arrest a suspect without a court’s warrant if/she has “reason to believe” that the person committed the offence and arrest is necessary based on certain factors.
Triggering Investigation: It serves as the first step towards initiating the investigation process and subsequent police actions.
Registration for Cognizable Offences: Section 154(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) empowers the police to register an FIR for cognizable offences.
Punishment for Non-Registration: Section 166A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) provides punishment for public servants failing to record information related to a cognizable offence, with imprisonment of up to two years and a fine.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Worldcoin
Mains level: Not Much
PC: The Hindu
Central Idea
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently reintroduced Worldcoin, a project that was previously overshadowed by the popularity of ChatGPT.
What isWorldCoin?
The Worldcoin venture involves a unique model where individuals have their eyes scanned to establish their human uniqueness.
In return for the eye scan, participants receive cryptocurrency and a World ID, forming the basis of the project.
Worldcoin’s aim is to create the “world’s largest identity and financial public network,” accessible to people globally.
How does it works?
Orb Operators: Worldcoin relies on volunteers called “Orb operators” who use a device called “Orb” to scan people’s iris patterns and collect their biometric data.
World ID: Participants receive a World ID through the World app after getting their irises scanned. This unique ID allows them to claim Worldcoin cryptocurrency and conduct transactions.
Proof of Personhood: Scanning irises ensures that people cannot sign up multiple times to receive more crypto rewards.
Cryptocurrency and Transactions: Users can collect WLD at regular intervals or use it for transactions, similar to a standard digital currency.
WLD Cryptocurrency and Compliance
WLD Token: WLD is a cryptocurrency based on the Ethereum blockchain and can be bought, sold, or traded on major exchanges.
Regulatory Compliance: Worldcoin ensures compliance with Europe’s GDPR and uses zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to maintain user privacy. User data is encrypted and not sold, though it may be shared with necessary third parties.
Various risks
Price Volatility: As with most cryptocurrencies, the price of WLD is subject to fluctuations. Its value can rise or fall, and users should be cautious about investing in lesser-known digital currencies.
Security Risks: Users must be wary of potential scams or hacks related to cryptocurrency investments.
Criticism and Controversies
Privacy Concerns: Worldcoin faced criticism over privacy concerns about the use of biometrics for verification.
Scanning in Emerging Economies: Reports indicated that Worldcoin scanned underprivileged people’s irises in emerging economies during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising ethical questions about informed consent and rewards for scans.
Worldcoin in India
Orb Operators in India: Worldcoin has deployed Orb operators in various locations, particularly in Delhi, Noida, and Bangalore, where people’s irises are scanned to join the network.
Conclusion
Worldcoin’s vision of a global digital network with biometric identity and cryptocurrency rewards is both promising and controversial.
While it aims to foster financial inclusion and provide digital opportunities, it must address privacy and ethical concerns to gain wider acceptance and trust among users worldwide.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cell Free DNA vs. Normal DNA
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Researchers worldwide are increasingly using Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a valuable tool to better comprehend human diseases, improve diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis.
What is Cell-free DNA?
CfDNA refers to small fragments of nucleic acids that are released from cells and found outside the cell in body fluids.
Its discovery dates back to the late 1940s when it was first observed in the blood of pregnant women.
cfDNA can be generated and released from cells in various situations, such as cell death and other physiological processes.
The release of cfDNA is associated with several disease processes, including autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.
How is it different from normal DNA?
Cell-free DNA
Normal DNA
Found in the bloodstream and other bodily fluids
Found within the cell nucleus or mitochondria
Released from dying or dead cells into the circulation
Remains within the cell’s nucleus or mitochondria
Exists in a fragmented form
Exists as an intact double-stranded helix
Can be isolated and analyzed from blood samples
Requires cell extraction and purification for analysis
Provides valuable genetic information for personalized medicine
Forms the basis of genetic inheritance and traits
Valuable in infectious disease diagnosis and monitoring
Not used for infectious disease diagnosis
Used in forensics for DNA profiling and crime investigations
Not typically used in forensics
Applications of CfDNA
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
Detect genetic abnormalities in foetuses
Screening for Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome
Cancer Screening and Monitoring
Identify genetic mutations in tumour cells
Determine cancer type
Monitor treatment response and disease progression
Transplant Rejection Monitoring
Monitor immune response after organ transplantation
Early detection of organ rejection
Infectious Disease Diagnosis
Identify viruses and bacteria in the bloodstream
Aid in diagnosing infections and guiding treatment
Personalized Medicine
Provide genetic information for tailored treatment plans
Enable precision medicine based on individual genetic profile
Tracking Tumour Mutations
Monitor drug-resistant mutations in cancer patients for treatment adjustments
Recent Advances in Therapeutics
GEMINI Test: Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Centre developed a new test called ‘GEMINI’ that uses cfDNA for early cancer detection. By analyzing genetic mutations and using machine learning, they achieved over 90% accuracy in detecting lung cancer, even in early-stage cases.
Potential Impact: Early detection of cancers using cfDNA could significantly improve patient outcomes and survival rates.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid (BPaL) Treatment
Mains level: Elimination of TB from India
Central Idea
The interim results of a randomized phase-3/4 trial conducted in India to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of BPaL Regimen, an all-oral, short-course treatment are promising.
BPaL is administered for individuals with pre-XDR TB or treatment-intolerant/non-responsive MDR pulmonary TB
What is BPaL?
The trial uses only three drugs—Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid (BPaL).
The treatment duration is only 26 weeks, contrasting with the conventional 18-month treatment involving eight to nine tablets per day.
Trial Outcomes
It offered a significantly reduced number of tablets per day, resulting in better treatment adherence and improved outcomes.
Approximately 70% of the trial participants have completed the 26-week treatment, with a cure rate exceeding 85%.
In comparison, the cure rate for conventional treatment for DR-TB is 60-65% even with strict adherence.
Treatment Superiority
Advanced TB Cases: The trial participants had advanced TB affecting both lungs, yet the cure rate was above 85%, demonstrating the superiority of the BPaL short-course therapy.
Importance of Early Diagnosis: Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment with the three-drug regimen can lead to even better outcomes for patients with pre-XDR TB.
Issues with the treatment
Three to four trial participants experienced serious adverse effects, but these were either managed or occurred too late in the disease’s progression to be helped.
Some cases of mild adverse effects caused by linezolid included a drop in haemoglobin and platelet counts, as well as neuropathy (tingling sensation and numbness in the legs).
TB Menace in India
Total TB Cases: In 2021, there were approximately 21.3 lakh (2.13 million) reported TB cases in India.
Incidence Rate: The incidence rate of TB in India in 2021 was 210 cases per lakh population.
Drug-Resistant TB: The number of drug-resistant TB cases in India declined from around 1.49 lakh in 2015 to 1.19 lakh in 2021.
Government Initiatives: To combat TB, India has set the target of eliminating the disease by 2025, and various initiatives have been implemented, including active case finding, screening, and improved access to diagnostic tests and treatment.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Stapled Visa
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The issuance of stapled visas by China to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir has been a contentious issue between the two countries.
What is Stapled Visa?
A Stapled Visa is an unstamped piece of paper attached to the passport, different from a regular visa that is affixed and stamped.
China has been issuing stapled visas to Indian nationals from certain regions, notably Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, which are territories that China disputes with India.
By using stapled visas for residents of these regions, China is making a unilateral claim over the disputed territories, suggesting that it considers them as part of its own territory.
China’s Dispute over Indian Territory:
Sovereignty Dispute: China disputes India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and questions the legal status of the McMahon Line, the boundary agreed upon between Tibet and British India in 1914. This dispute underlies Chinese claims over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its repeated border transgressions into Indian Territory.
Unilateral Claim: China claims approximately 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, referring to it as “Zangnan” or “South Tibet.” Chinese maps often depict Arunachal Pradesh as part of China.
Use of Stapled Visas:
Signaling Intentions: Chinese state media began referring to Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet” in 2005. In 2006, China refused to grant a visa to an Indian government official serving in Arunachal Pradesh. Subsequently, China started issuing stapled visas to all Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
Timeline of Events: Stapled visas for Jammu and Kashmir residents appeared around 2008-09. Over the years, China repeatedly issued stapled visas to Indian nationals, including sports athletes, weightlifters, and archers, leading to tensions between the two countries.
India’s Response and Stance
Protest and Diplomatic Efforts: The Indian government has consistently protested against the issuance of stapled visas and conveyed its stance to China, asserting that there should be no discrimination based on domicile or ethnicity in the visa regime for Indian citizens.
Refusal to Accept Stapled Visas: India has refused to accept stapled visas as valid travel documents and cautioned Indian citizens that such visas are not considered valid for travel out of the country.
Sovereignty Assertion: India firmly asserts its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and maintains that stapled visas undermine its territorial integrity.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Muharram
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
For the first time in over three decades, the Jammu and Kashmir government permitted a Muharram procession in Srinagar, drawing thousands of Shia mourners on the 8th of Muharram.
The decision has been widely hailed.
What is Muharram?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds significant religious and historical importance for Muslims worldwide.
The word “Muharram” itself means “forbidden” in Arabic, signifying the sacred nature of this month.
It is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare and conflicts are traditionally prohibited.
It is observed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims (and even Hindus), though it holds different historical and religious significance for each group.
Celebration of Ashura
Ashura is the tenth day of Muharram and is the most significant day within the month.
Shia Muslims: They commemorate the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, Imam Hussain, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The prophet’s son-in-law, Ali, and Ali’s elder son, Hassan, are also remembered during this period as having suffered and died. On Ashura, Shia Muslims observe unique mourning rituals, including self-flagellation, chest-beating, and in some cases, forehead cutting using sharpened knives and chains with attached blades. ‘Taziya’, a tableaux procession is also held by the Shia Community.
Sunni Muslims: Ashura marks the day when Prophet Moses and the Children of Israel were saved from Pharaoh’s tyranny by crossing the Red Sea.
Hindu community: Some Hindus also observe Muharram by getting themselves painted in tiger stripes, visiting households and performing “huli kunita” as part of their “harake” (vow).
Ashura Celebration in Kashmir
Ban under Dogra Rulers: During the reign of Dogra rulers, Muharram processions were either prohibited or allowed only at night, citing tensions between Shia and Sunni communities.
1920s: In the 1920s, despite the Dogra order for morning processions, mourners marched during the day, with both Shias and Sunnis joining the procession. This became associated with the Muslim freedom struggle in Kashmir.
Selective Permits: Later, certain individuals and families were issued permits to take out processions, but the main Muharram procession was banned when militancy began.
Significance of allowing processions
The permission for the Muharram procession in Srinagar after a long ban is a significant milestone, signifying progress towards religious freedom in the region.
It emphasizes the need to respect the religious sentiments of the people and uphold the values of inclusivity and unity among different communities in the valley.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Offer for Sale (OFS)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The government’s stake sale in Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) through an offer-for-sale (OFS) received an enthusiastic response from institutional investors.
About Offer for Sale (OFS)
OFS is a method of share sale introduced by India’s securities market regulator SEBI in 2012.
The primary aim was to facilitate promoters of listed companies to reduce their holdings and comply with the minimum public shareholding norms within the stipulated time frame.
This mechanism gained popularity among both state-run and private listed companies as a means to adhere to SEBI’s order.
Subsequently, the government also embraced OFS to divest its shareholding in public sector enterprises.
Key Features of Offer for Sale:
Stake Dilution: In an OFS, the promoters of a company reduce their stake by selling existing shares to retail investors, companies, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), and Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) through an exchange platform.
Restriction on Fresh Issuance: Unlike a follow-on public offering (FPO), where companies can raise funds through issuing fresh shares or promoters can sell their existing stakes (or both), OFS is used exclusively for the sale of existing shares.
Eligibility Criteria: Only promoters or shareholders holding more than 10% of the share capital in a company can conduct an OFS.
Limited to Top 200 Companies: The OFS mechanism is available to the top 200 companies based on market capitalization.
Reserved Quota for Institutions: A minimum of 25% of the shares offered in an OFS is reserved for mutual funds (MFs) and insurance companies. Additionally, no single bidder, other than MFs and insurance companies, can be allocated more than 25% of the offering size.
Retail Investor Participation: A minimum of 10% of the offer size is reserved for retail investors, encouraging their participation in the share sale.
Discount Provision: Sellers have the option to offer a discount to retail investors either on the bid price or on the final allotment price.
Timely Notification: The company must inform the stock exchanges about its intention to conduct an OFS at least two banking days prior to the event.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Circular Economy Coalition
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was launched with 39 multinational corporations committing to resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
What is RECEIC?
Foundation: The RECEIC, conceived during India’s G20 Presidency, is an industry-led initiative with a global focus on promoting resource efficiency and circular economy practices
Objectives: It aims to address environmental issues arising from waste, such as plastics, microplastics, e-waste, and chemical waste.
Participation: 39 multinational corporations from sectors such as steel, FMCG, and electronics joined RECEIC’s launch.
Leadership: The coalition will be industry-led, with the government playing a supporting role.
Focus: The coalition aims to address environmental challenges arising from different types of waste through resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
Presence: Ministers from Mauritius, Denmark, Italy, Canada, UAE, France, and the European Union attended the event.
India’s measures in this regard
In 2021-22, India generated around 41 lakh tonnes of plastic waste, with 30 lakh tonnes allocated to registered recyclers and plastic waste processing units.
The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, established Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR) guidelines to manage plastic waste effectively.
Plastic waste processors generated 2.6 million tonnes of EPR certificates, and purchased approximately 1.51 million tonnes of those certificates for 2022-23 obligations.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Maitree Super Thermal Power Project
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), a state-owned engineering firm, achieved a major milestone in Bangladesh.
The 660-MW Unit-2 of the 1,320-MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) was successfully synchronized with the electricity grid in Bangladesh.
Maitree Super Thermal Power Project
Location: The Maitree STPP is a 1,320-MW power plant situated at Rampal, Mongla, Bagerhat, Bangladesh.
Joint Venture: BHEL is responsible for setting up the power plant, which is a 50:50 joint venture between the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and NTPC Ltd.
Infrastructure Priority: The project serves as a symbol of successful cooperation between India and Bangladesh and is a priority infrastructure development initiative for Bangladesh.
Objective: The primary goal of the project is to establish a reliable and cost-effective base-load power production system in Bangladesh.
BHEL’s Technological Prowess and Global Leadership:
The successful synchronisation of the 660-MW Unit-2 underscores BHEL’s expertise and technological prowess in the power sector.
This accomplishment further solidifies BHEL’s position as a leading global player in providing dependable and sustainable energy solutions.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hematene
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery of nanoflakes of a material known as hematene, extracted from iron ore.
These nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in withstanding and shielding against high laser intensities.
What is Hematene?
Hematene is a novel 2D material that has been derived from hematite (common iron ore).
It is a thin, single-layer material with unique properties that make it promising for various applications, especially in the field of optics.
Hematene nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in withstanding and shielding against high laser intensities, making them valuable for optical limiting applications.
The material’s stability and potential for futuristic technologies have garnered significant interest from researchers and scientists.
How is it made?
Hematene is derived from naturally occurring hematite, the mineral form of iron oxide, through a process involving sonication, centrifugation, and vacuum-assisted filtration.
With a thickness of just 3 atoms, it exhibits improved photocatalysis efficiency.
Being ferromagnetic, like common magnets, it possesses magnetic properties.
Notably, it has the exceptional ability to withstand and provide shielding against high laser intensities.
Applications of Hematene Nanoflakes
Optical Limiting: Hematene nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional optical limiting capabilities, making them valuable in protecting sensitive optical equipment, such as sensors, detectors, and other optical devices, from high laser intensities.
Photodetectors: Hematene’s properties make it suitable for developing high-performance photodetectors, which are used to detect and convert light signals into electrical signals. This application has potential in telecommunications, imaging, and optical communications.
Energy Storage: Hematene can be explored for applications in energy storage devices, such as batteries and super-capacitors, due to its unique electronic and electrochemical properties.
Optoelectronics: The material’s properties make it suitable for optoelectronic devices, which involve the interaction of light and electricity, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photovoltaic cells.
Photothermal Therapy: Hematene’s ability to withstand and shield against high laser intensities may find applications in photothermal therapy, a medical technique that uses light to treat diseases like cancer.
Environmental Applications: Hematene’s stability and potential for use in various environments may make it valuable in environmental applications, such as water purification and pollution control.
Sensors: The material’s unique properties may be utilized in developing high-performance sensors for various applications, including gas sensing and environmental monitoring.
Catalysts: Hematene’s surface characteristics and electronic properties could be explored for catalytic applications, promoting chemical reactions in various industrial processes.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Full-Reserve Banking
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Full-reserve banking, also known as 100% reserve banking, and fractional-reserve banking are two different systems of banking that determine how banks handle customer deposits and lending practices.
This article discusses the key differences between these two banking systems and the arguments put forth by proponents of each approach.
What is Full-Reserve Banking?
Custodian Role: In a full-reserve banking system, banks hold all money received as demand deposits from customers in their vaults, acting as safekeepers of depositors’ funds.
Limited Lending: Banks can only lend money from time deposits, which customers can withdraw after an agreed-upon period.
Preventing Bank Runs: The full reserve ensures banks can meet depositor demands even if all customers seek to withdraw their money simultaneously, reducing the risk of a bank run.
Restricted Money Supply: Banks cannot create money through loans, limiting their influence on the economy’s money supply and potentially preventing artificial booms and busts.
Contrary Idea: Fractional-Reserve Banking
Lending with Electronic Money: Banks in a fractional-reserve system predominantly lend in the form of electronic money, allowing them to lend more than the physical cash they have in vaults.
Risk of Bank Runs: Although electronic money minimizes cash withdrawals, excessive loans can lead to a bank run if depositors demand cash that exceeds the actual cash reserves.
Supporting Economic Growth: Proponents argue that fractional-reserve banking fuels investment and economic growth by allowing banks to create loans without relying solely on customer savings.
Arguments for both systems
Fractional-Reserve Banking: Supporters believe fractional-reserve banking frees the economy from the constraints of real savings, stimulating investment and growth.
Full-Reserve Banking: Supporters argue that full-reserve banking is more natural, prevents bank runs, and limits banks’ ability to create money, which could prevent economic instability.
