From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: LVM3
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
ISRO is scheduled to launch the Chandrayaan 3 mission on July 14.
The mission will be carried out using the LVM-3 configuration.
The GSLV is used for heavier payloads and higher orbits, with the most powerful configuration known as LVM-3.
Soon a comprehensive article about Chandrayaan 3 would be released!
LVM3: Unlocking New Frontiers of Space Exploration
Expendable Space Launch Vehicle: LVM3 is an expendable space launch vehicle meticulously crafted by ISRO.
Purpose: Its primary objective is to deploy satellites and space objects into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO).
Launch History: ISRO successfully launched the first LVM3 on April 18, 2001, and has accomplished a total of 13 launches to date.
Impressive Specifications: With a lift-off mass of 420 tonnes, LVM3 demonstrates its robustness in handling complex missions.
Stages of LVM3: Powering the Journey to Orbit
First Stage:
S139 Solid Booster: The initial stage of LVM3 features the S139 solid booster, armed with 138 tonnes of propellant.
Liquid Strap-on Motors: Additionally, it incorporates four liquid strap-on motors, each carrying 40 tonnes of propellant.
Second Stage:
Liquid Engine: The second stage of LVM3 is equipped with a liquid engine, propelling the vehicle with 40 tonnes of liquid propellant.
Third Stage:
Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS): LVM3 showcases its technological prowess with the indigenously built CUS, capable of accommodating 15 tonnes of cryogenic propellants.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Turtle Rehabilitation
Mains level: Not Muchga
Central Idea
Hundreds of turtles will be released into the river as a joint endeavour between the Namami Gange Programme, the Forest and Wildlife Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
These turtles, hatched at a breeding and rehabilitation center in Varanasi, aim to contribute to the cleanliness and rejuvenation of the sacred Ganges.
Turtle Rehabilitation Center: A Crucial Element in Ganges Conservation
Significance: The turtle rehabilitation center in Varanasi, established under the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) in the late 1980s, plays a pivotal role in the conservation of the Ganges River.
Achievements: Over 40,000 turtles have been released from the center, with approximately 28,000 turtles released during the initial phase of the GAP.
Renewed Focus: The center has gained renewed attention and support following the launch of the Namami Gange Programme in 2014, a flagship initiative of the Central government aimed at combating pollution and restoring the river’s ecological balance.
Strengthening the Ganges Clean-up Efforts
Turtle Population: The center nurtures around a dozen turtle species, including herbivores and carnivores, which are vital in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Collection of Eggs: The Forest and Wildlife Department collects turtle eggs from the coastal areas of the Chambal region.
Controlled Hatching Process: The eggs are carefully monitored for 70 days in a specially designed room for hatching. They are buried in sand-filled wooden boxes placed on a water-filled ground with bricks on top.
Monitoring and Care: After hatching between June and July, the turtles are observed and nurtured in an artificial pond for two years to ensure their health and readiness for release into the river.
Role of Turtles in Ganges Restoration
Impact on Water Quality: Turtles contribute to improving the quality of the Ganges by feeding on meat and waste products present in the river.
Positive Indicators: Water quality assessments conducted by the Namami Gange Programme reveal improvements in biochemical demand (BOD), faecal coliform (FC), and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels.
Government’s Findings: The Uttar Pradesh Government confirmed that the pH levels at various locations, including Varanasi, meet bathing water quality criteria, while DO, BOD, and FC levels have shown improvement at 16, 14, and 18 out of 20 locations, respectively.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Performance Grading Index (PGI)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The annual Performance Grading Index (PGI) released by the Union government ranks the performance of States and Union Territories in school education for the year 2021-22.
While Chandigarh and Punjab emerged as the top performers, none of the states or UTs achieved the highest grade, Daksh, indicating room for improvement across the board.
Performance Grading Index (PGI)
The Performance Grading Index (PGI) is a tool to provide insights on the status of school education in States and UTs including key levers that drive their performance and critical areas for improvement.
The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) has designed the PGI to catalyse transformational change in the field of school education.
Key Parameters of the PGI
Learning Outcomes: Assessing students’ performance in subjects such as language, math, science, and social science.
Access to Education: Evaluating net enrolment ratio, retention rates, transitions between educational levels, and mainstreaming of out-of-school children.
Infrastructure: Examining availability of science labs, computer labs, book banks, vocational education subjects, mid-day meal supply, functional drinking water facilities, and provision of uniforms and free textbooks.
Equity: Considering the performance gap between marginalized communities and the general category, as well as the presence of inclusive infrastructure like ramps and disabled-friendly toilets.
Educational Governance and Management: Assessing digital attendance records, the presence of single-teacher primary schools, vacancies in educational posts, inspections, and teacher evaluations.
PGI Grades and Rankings
Daksh: The highest grade in the PGI, scoring above 940 out of 1,000 points.
Akanshi-3: The lowest grade, with scores up to 460 points.
Top Performers: Chandigarh and Punjab secured the sixth-highest grade, Prachesta-2, followed closely by Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu at Prachesta-3.
Improvement Needed: Thirteen states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, were categorized as Akanshi-1 states, indicating substantial room for improvement.
Action for Improvement
Domain-Wise Action: The report highlights that states can take specific actions in each domain to improve their overall score in the PGI.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nari Adalat
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The government is launching a unique initiative ‘Nari Adalat’ to establish women-only courts at the village level.
Nari Adalat
Nari Adalat aims to provide an alternative dispute resolution forum for issues such as domestic violence, property rights, and countering patriarchal norms.
The pilot project will commence in 50 villages each in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, with plans for nationwide implementation over the next six months.
Structure and Functioning
Composition: Each Nari Adalat will consist of 7-9 members, with half elected members of the gram panchayat and the other half being women with social standing, such as teachers, doctors, and social workers.
Objectives: It will address individual cases, promote awareness about social schemes, collect feedback, raise awareness about legal rights, and resolve cases falling within its jurisdiction.
Services Provided: The platform will offer alternate dispute resolution, grievance redressal, counseling, evidence-based decision making, pressure group tactics, negotiation, mediation, and reconciliation for accessible and affordable justice.
Implementation and Collaboration
Ministry-In-Charge: The Ministry of Women and Child Development will oversee the implementation of the scheme under the Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti, dedicated to women’s safety, security, and empowerment.
Collaborative Efforts: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Rural Development, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Common Service Centers will collaborate in the implementation process.
Standard Operating Procedures: Detailed procedures for all states have been prepared and will be released to ensure uniformity and effective functioning of Nari Adalats.
Inception of the idea
Previous Initiatives: The scheme draws inspiration from the Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats (People’s Court of Women) previously operated by the National Commission for Women (NCW).
Focus Areas: These courts addressed matters related to family affairs, matrimonial disputes, bigamy, succession, and motor vehicle accident disputes related to labor.
Discontinued Scheme: The NCW-assisted Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats conducted a total of 298 sessions before the scheme was discontinued in 2014-15.
Need for such scheme
Persisting Gender Bias: Women’s only courts counter gender bias in traditional court systems, providing a fair and non-discriminatory environment for women’s cases.
Cultural and Social Barriers: These courts break down cultural and social barriers that prevent women from seeking justice, offering a culturally sensitive space where they can freely participate.
Empowerment andAgency: Women’s only courts empower women to assert their rights, challenge patriarchal norms, and access justice independently.
Addressing Specific Issues: These courts focus on women’s unique issues, including domestic violence, property rights, and gender-based discrimination.
Enhanced Access to Justice: By being located at the village level, women’s only courts improve access to justice for women who face geographical and logistical challenges in reaching mainstream courts.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: These courts offer mediation and negotiation options, which are more effective and less adversarial for resolving disputes, particularly in family and community conflicts.
Precedents and Awareness: Women’s only courts set legal precedents and raise awareness about women’s rights, influencing social norms and promoting positive change.
Conclusion
The establishment of women-only courts at the village level through the Nari Adalat initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering women and promoting gender justice.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Dadabhai Naoroji
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Dadabhai Naoroji, the first Indian member of the British Parliament, played a significant role in India’s anti-colonial struggle.
His scholarly work exposed the economic exploitation of India under British rule, emphasizing the drain theory.
Who was Dadabhai Naoroji?
Early Life: Naoroji was born in Navsari, Gujarat, into a Parsi Zoroastrian family. He received his education at the Elphinstone Institute School.
Social Reforms: He founded the Rahnumai Mazdayasan Sabha and the Rast Goftar newspaper to promote Parsi social reforms and clarify Zoroastrian concepts.
Political Activism: Naoroji co-founded the London Indian Society and the East India Association, advocating for Indian political rights and countering negative stereotypes.
Indian National Congress: He played a crucial role in the Indian National Congress and served as its President on three occasions.
British Parliament: Naoroji became the first Indian MP in the British House of Commons, representing Finsbury Central from 1892 to 1895.
Economic Critique: His book “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India” exposed the drain of wealth from India to Britain and its impact on India’s development.
His proposition of Drain Theory and Poverty
Naoroji’s Drain Theory: He identified six factors contributing to the wealth drain, including foreign governance, lack of immigration, and unequal employment opportunities.
Impact of Drain: Naoroji estimated a drain of 200-300 million pounds from India to Britain, which hindered India’s economic progress.
Railways and Tribute: Naoroji argued that India paid for services like railways, but the profits were drained out of the country, leading to economic imbalances.
Exploitative Trade: British workers in India were encouraged to repatriate their earnings, and Indian goods were undervalued, allowing for economic exploitation.
Major works
Started the Rast Goftar Anglo-Gujarati Newspaper in 1854.
The manners and customs of the Parsees (Bombay, 1864)
The European and Asiatic races (London, 1866)
Admission of educated natives into the Indian Civil Service (London, 1868)
The wants and means of India (London, 1876)
Condition of India (Madras, 1882)
Legacy and Views
Naoroji’s Significance: He is considered a crucial figure in India’s independence movement, advocating for responsible government and Indian autonomy.
Influence on Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi was influenced by Naoroji’s writings and recognized him as a father figure for the Indian people.
Admirations: Bal Gangadhar Tilak praised Naoroji’s leadership and stated that Indians would unanimously elect him if given the chance.
Recognition: Naoroji’s contributions are honoured through various roads, streets, and awards named after him.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NanoSIMS
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
A team of scientists from IIT Kharagpur has discovered evidence of exceptionally high annual rainfall during the volcanic activity that formed the Deccan Traps in India around 66 million years ago.
Using a new technique called Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS), the researchers analyzed the isotopic composition of fossil trees from the Cretaceous period.
They determined the isotopic composition of the rainfall-derived lake water.
Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS)
NanoSIMS is an advanced analytical technique to determine the composition and distribution of elements and isotopes at a microscopic scale.
It allows for high-resolution imaging and quantitative analysis of samples.
The technique involves bombarding the sample surface with a focused beam of primary ions.
This causes the ejection of secondary ions from the sample surface.
The secondary ions are collected and analyzed using a mass spectrometer.
The mass spectrometer separates the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio and measures their abundance.
Analysis and Findings
New Technique: The team used Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry to analyze oxygen isotopes in fossil trees and measure the isotopic composition of the lake water derived from rainfall.
Depleted Oxygen Isotopes: The analysis revealed depleted oxygen isotope values, indicating higher tropical rainfall in India during the terminal Cretaceous period.
Link to Paleoclimatic Changes: The increase in rainfall closely corresponded to changes in paleo-atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, suggesting a potential underlying link between the two.
Implications and Comparison
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Concentration: The eruption of Deccan Trap lavas released a significant amount of carbon dioxide, raising atmospheric levels to as high as 1,000 ppm.
Comparison to Modern Rainfall: The data from fossil trees indicated an annual rainfall of 1,800-1,900 mm, exceeding the average modern rainfall of 1,000-1,200 mm in most parts of peninsular India.
Climate Change Predictions: The findings align with predictions made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for extreme warming scenarios, suggesting a correlation between high carbon dioxide levels and increased rainfall.
Climate Models and Future Projections
Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels: Fossil fuel emissions have raised carbon dioxide levels from 280 ppm to about 420 ppm in 2023.
Impact on Rainfall: Climate models indicate that doubling carbon dioxide levels will intensify atmospheric circulation and subsequently increase rainfall.
IPCC AR6 Report: The report warns of a significant increase in the wettest day precipitation and tropical cyclone-associated rainfall if carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise unabated.
Conclusion
The study provides evidence of high rainfall during the volcanic activity that formed the Deccan Traps in India millions of years ago.
The findings suggest a correlation between elevated carbon dioxide levels and increased rainfall, supporting predictions made by climate models for future climate change scenarios.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gravity Hole
Mains level: Not Much
The true shape of our Earth
Central Idea
One intriguing phenomenon recently discovered is the presence of a significant “gravity hole” in the Indian Ocean, where the gravitational pull is notably weaker.
Recent research sheds light on the possible causes behind this anomaly.
What is a Gravity Hole?
A “gravity hole” refers to a region on Earth where the gravitational pull is significantly weaker compared to the surrounding areas or the global average.
It is characterized by a dip or low gravity anomaly.
In such areas, the sea level may be lower than average due to the weaker gravitational force acting upon the water.
This term is often used to describe specific locations, such as the Indian Ocean geoid low (IOGL), where the gravitational pull is notably diminished compared to nearby regions.
The exact causes of gravity holes can vary and may involve factors such as variations in the Earth’s mass distribution or underlying geological features.
What is Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL)?
It is located approximately 1,200 kilometers southwest of the southernmost tip of India.
IOGL is an area in the Indian Ocean where the sea level is about 106 meters below the global average.
Unraveling the Causes of IOGL
Discovering the Anomaly: Geophysicist Felix Andries Vening Meinesz first identified the IOGL during a survey in 1948. Since then, it has been confirmed by subsequent ship-based experiments and satellite measurements.
Ancient Ocean Hypothesis: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science conducted computer-simulated models spanning 140 million years. They discovered remnants of an ancient ocean, located approximately 965 kilometers below the Earth’s crust, just beneath Africa.
Molten Rock Plumes: The simulations revealed molten rock plumes below Africa, potentially caused by tectonic plates subducting into the mantle. These plumes are believed to be a contributing factor to the IOGL.
Possible origination: Researchers said that the IOGL comprises slabs from the Tethys Sea, a long-lost sea that plunged into the depths of the planet millions of years ago. Tethys Sea, which once separated the supercontinents of Gondwana and Laurasia is believed to have perturbed the African Large Low Shear Velocity province.
Future Perspectives
Lack of Seismic Evidence: While the simulated models suggest the presence of molten rock plumes beneath the Indian Ocean, seismographic evidence has yet to confirm their actual existence.
Additional Factors at Play: The researchers emphasize that other factors contributing to the gravitational anomaly in the Indian Ocean need to be further explored before reaching a definitive conclusion.
Further Research: Continuation of studies, including seismic surveys and detailed modelling, is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of the IOGL and its causes.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ubinas Volcano
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
Peru declared a state of emergency for sixty days in areas around the Ubinas volcano.
The volcano has been spewing ash and gas and is probably set to erupt.
Ubinas Volcano
Ubinas is an active stratovolcano located in the Moquegua Region of southern Peru, approximately 60 kilometers east of the city of Arequipa.
It is part of the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes and stands at an elevation of 5,672 meters above sea level.
Geological Characteristics
Stratovolcano Formation: Ubinas is characterized by its stratovolcano structure, comprising layers of hardened lava, ash, and other volcanic materials.
Caldera and Crater: The volcano’s summit contains a 1.4-kilometer-wide and 150-meter-deep caldera, within which lies a smaller crater. This distinct feature adds to the volcano’s geological significance.
Ubinas I and Ubinas II: The volcano exhibits an upwards-steepening cone shape, with a notable notch on its southern side. The lower part is referred to as Ubinas I, while the steeper upper section is known as Ubinas II, representing different stages in the volcano’s geological history.
Volcanic Activity
Active Volcanic History: Ubinas is recognized as the most active volcano in Peru, displaying a history of small to moderate explosive eruptions and persistent degassing.
Notable Eruptions: The volcano has experienced notable eruptions throughout history, including the 2006–2007 event that resulted in eruption columns, ash fall, health concerns, and evacuations in the region.
Recent Activity: From 2013 to 2017, Ubinas exhibited lava flow within the crater, accompanied by ash falls, leading to further evacuations in nearby towns.
Eruption and Impact
Ash and Gas Emissions: The Ubinas volcano has been actively spewing ash and gas.
Smoke Cloud and Affected Areas: The smoke cloud generated by the eruption has reached towns located up to 10 kilometers away from the volcano. This has raised concerns for the well-being of approximately 2,000 people residing in the affected areas.
The “Ring of Fire”: The region where Ubinas is situated falls within the “Ring of Fire,” an area around the Pacific Ocean known for its high volcanic and seismic activity.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Solar Shooting Stars
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Astronomers have made a remarkable discovery of meteor-like streaks on the surface of the Sun, differentiating them from the shooting stars witnessed on Earth.
These solar shooting stars, observed during a phenomenon known as coronal rain, offer valuable insights into the Sun’s complex dynamics.
Observing Coronal Rain and Solar Shooting Stars
Distinction from Earthly Shooting Stars: While shooting stars on Earth are space rocks or dust fragments burning up in our atmosphere, solar shooting stars occur within coronal rain phenomena.
Coronal Rain: Coronal rain is a condensation process involving extremely hot material from the Sun’s corona. It forms dense clumps of plasma, which plummet back to the Sun’s surface due to its immense gravity.
European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter (SolO): The SolO spacecraft provided valuable observations of solar shooting stars, capturing high-resolution images and monitoring the heating and compression of gas beneath them.
Characteristics of such Stars
Findings: The Solar Orbiter observed the impacts of solar shooting stars for the first time, revealing intense bursts of brightness, upward movement of stellar material, and shock waves that heat up the Sun’s corona.
Unique Features: Unlike Earthly shooting stars, solar shooting stars lack bright tails due to powerful magnetic fields in the Sun’s corona stripping gas from the falling clumps.
Challenging Observations: The magnetic fields’ influence makes the observation of solar meteors challenging, and their true nature remained unknown until these recent observations.
Insights and Implications
Solving the Corona Mystery: Scientists believe that the discovery of solar shooting stars could help explain why the corona, the Sun’s outermost atmosphere, is hotter than the layers beneath it. This puzzles astronomers, as conventional solar models predict increasing temperatures closer to the Sun’s core.
Coronal Rain Formation: Coronal rains are formed by localized temperature drops, causing solar plasma to condense into dense lumps that fall to the Sun’s cooler surface, known as the photosphere, at speeds up to 220,000 miles per hour.
Proximity of Observation: The Solar Orbiter’s close distance of 30 million miles from the Sun allowed for detailed observations of these phenomena, closer than the orbit of Mercury.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise SALVEX
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
The Indian Navy and the US Navy recently concluded the seventh edition of the Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, known as SALVEX.
Exercise SALVEX
Since its inception in 2005, SALVEX has facilitated the exchange of expertise and the enhancement of capabilities in maritime salvage and EOD operations.
The IN-USN SALVEX exercise has become a cornerstone of bilateral naval cooperation between India and the United States, fostering mutual trust and collaboration.
The exercise featured the participation of INS Nireekshak and USNS Salvor, along with Specialist Diving and EOD teams from both navies.
Key outcomes
Shared Learning on Maritime Salvage: The Diving teams from both countries engaged in the exchange of experiences, lessons, and best practices in maritime salvage operations.
Training Synergies on EOD Operations: The exercise provided an ideal platform for joint training exercises, allowing divers and EOD teams to enhance their interoperability and refine their skills.
Mastery of Mine Detection and Neutralization: The participating divers received comprehensive training in the detection and neutralization of mines, enabling them to mitigate potential threats in underwater environments.
Efficient Wreck Location and Salvage Techniques: The exercise focused on honing the teams’ abilities to locate and salvage wrecks, a critical skill for ensuring safe navigation and effective disaster response.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Annapurti
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The recent demonstration of the Automated Multi-Commodity Grain Dispensing Machine, Annapurti, during the ‘National Conference of Food Ministers of States/UTs,’ showcased an innovative solution developed by the World Food Programme (WFP) India.
What is Annapurti?
Annapurti, also known as the Grain ATM, offers a fast, clean, and precise method of providing subsidized grains to beneficiaries through the Public Distribution System.
Developed by WFP India, it is an automated multi-commodity dispensing solution that ensures efficient access to commodities like rice, wheat, and grains.
Beneficiaries can securely access their entitlements through Annapurti following biometric authentication.
Key Features
Annapurti offers 24×7 access to full entitlements, eliminating spillage, waste, and inaccurate weighing.
The machine can dispense one or two grain commodities, up to 50 kilograms, within five minutes, with a minimal error rate of 0.01 percent.
Advantages and Potential Applications
(1) Ensuring Food Security:
Annapurti has significant potential for food-based safety nets, ensuring beneficiaries receive their monthly subsidized grains promptly.
The machine’s precision and reliability prevent losses and ensure individuals receive their entitled portions.
(2) Emergency Food Grain Distribution:
During emergencies, such as natural disasters or humanitarian crises, Annapurti can facilitate efficient and timely distribution of food grains to affected populations.
Its automated system streamlines the process, reducing dependency on manual labor and minimizing errors.
(3) Market Access for Smallholder Farmers:
Annapurti can play a crucial role in expanding market access for smallholder farmers.
By offering a reliable and efficient distribution channel, farmers can sell their produce directly to Annapurti, ensuring fair prices and reducing intermediaries.
Sustainable and Modular Design
(1) Energy Efficiency:
Annapurti is designed to prioritize food security while ensuring efficient energy consumption.
With a consumption rate of only 0.6 Watt per hour, it offers an environmentally friendly solution.
(2) Modular Design:
Annapurti’s modular design allows for flexibility and scalability based on available space.
The storage unit and components can be easily assembled and customized to suit different requirements.
(3) Integration with Renewable Energy:
Annapurti can be integrated with solar panels, inverter batteries, and elevators for automatic refilling.
This integration enhances the sustainability of the system by reducing dependency on conventional energy sources.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Collegium system, NJAC
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud, has recommended new Chief Justices for seven major High Courts in India.
The recommendations focus on criteria such as seniority, regional representation, and gender diversity.
What is Collegium System?
The Collegium of judges is the Indian Supreme Court’s invention.
It does not figure in the Constitution, which says judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the President and speaks of a process of consultation.
In effect, it is a system under which judges are appointed by an institution comprising judges.
After some judges were superseded in the appointment of the CJI in the 1970s, and attempts made subsequently to effect a mass transfer of High Court judges across the country.
Hence there was a perception that the independence of the judiciary was under threat. This resulted in a series of cases over the years.
Evolution: The Judges Cases
First Judges Case (1981) ruled that the “consultation” with the CJI in the matter of appointments must be full and effective.
However, it rejected the idea that the CJI’s opinion, albeit carrying great weight, should have primacy.
Second Judges Case (1993) introduced the Collegium system, holding that “consultation” really meant “concurrence”.
It added that it was not the CJI’s individual opinion, but an institutional opinion formed in consultation with the two senior-most judges in the Supreme Court.
Third Judges Case (1998): On a Presidential Reference for its opinion, the Supreme Court, in the Third Judges Case (1998) expanded the Collegium to a five-member body, comprising the CJI and four of his senior-most colleagues.
Functions of the Collegium
(1) Appointment of CJI
The President of India appoints the CJI and other Supreme Court judges.
The outgoing CJI recommends his successor, and the appointment is typically made based on seniority, following the controversy of the 1970s.
The Union Law Minister forwards the recommendation to the Prime Minister, who then advises the President on the appointment.
(2) Appointment of Other SC Judges
The proposal for appointing other judges to the Supreme Court is initiated by the CJI.
The CJI consults other members of the Collegium, as well as the senior-most judge from the High Court to which the recommended person belongs.
The opinions of the consultees must be recorded in writing and included in the file.
The Collegium sends the recommendation to the Law Minister, who forwards it to the Prime Minister for the President’s advice.
(3) Appointment of High Court Judges
Chief Justices (CJs) of High Courts are appointed based on the policy of having Chief Justices from outside the respective states. The Collegium makes the final decision on their elevation.
The appointment of High Court judges is recommended by a Collegium consisting of the CJI and two senior-most judges.
The Chief Justice of the High Court concerned initiates the proposal in consultation with two senior-most colleagues.
The recommendation is then sent to the Chief Minister, who advises the Governor to forward the proposal to the Union Law Minister.
(4) Transfer Recommendations by the Collegium
The Collegium is also responsible for recommending transfers of Chief Justices and other judges.
Article 222 of the Constitution allows for the transfer of judges from one High Court to another.
When a Chief Justice is transferred, a replacement must be simultaneously appointed for the concerned High Court. An acting Chief Justice can be appointed for a maximum of one month.
In transfer matters, the CJI’s opinion is determinative, and the consent of the judge being transferred is not required.
However, the CJI should consider the views of the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court and one or more Supreme Court judges who are in a position to provide their opinions.
All transfers must be made in the public interest, aiming for the betterment of the administration of justice.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kanwar Yatra
Mains level: NA
Central Idea: The Kanwar Yatra, a significant annual pilgrimage, commenced on July 4 and will continue until July 15.
What is Kanwar Yatra?
This pilgrimage sees millions of devotees, known as Kanwariyas or Kriyas, undertaking a journey to collect water from the Ganga River and offer it to Lord Shiva.
The Kanwar Yatra symbolizes the unbreakable bond between devotees and Lord Shiva and is considered an act of faith and devotion.
Mythological Origins of Kanwar Yatra
Samudra Manthan: Kanwar Yatra is believed to have originated from the mythological story of Samudra Manthan, where Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the world. To alleviate the effects of the poison, all the gods poured water from the Ganga River on Lord Shiva.
King Rama’s Offering: Another version suggests that the ritual of Kanwar Yatra began when King Ram offered water from the Ganga to a statue of Lord Shiva (shivalinga) in an earthen pot.
Customs and Rituals Performed
Collection of Ganga Water: Devotees, dressed in saffron attire, embark on foot to collect water from the Ganga River at Haridwar, Gomukh, and Gangotri. They carry two earthen pots filled with water, hung on a decorated bamboo stick, which they balance on their shoulders.
Significance of Purity: Devotees consider it essential to keep the pots from touching the ground or getting contaminated by dust, as it may impure the sacred water.
Challenging Journey: Kanwariyas undertake the yatra barefoot, covering long distances in challenging terrains and extreme weather conditions.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mosaic Viruses
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
Tomato growers in Maharashtra and Karnataka have reported significant yield losses due to the impact of two different Mosiac Viruses.
The cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has affected tomato crops in Maharashtra, while the tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) has been blamed for crop losses in Karnataka and other South Indian states.
Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)
Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)
Target Plants
Various plants, including cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and ornamentals
Plants in the Solanaceae family, including tobacco, tomatoes, peppers, etc.
Long-term viability in dried plant debris, tobacco products, contaminated surfaces
Control Measures
Vector control, seed selection, crop rotation
Crop rotation, sanitation, virus-free seeds/seedlings, cultural practices
Curability
No cure, management focuses on prevention
No cure, management focuses on prevention
Impact on Tomato Crops
Symptoms of ToMV: Infected plants exhibit alternating yellowish and dark green areas, blisters on leaves, leaf distortion, twisting of younger leaves, necrotic spots on fruits, and reduced fruit setting.
Symptoms of CMV: Leaf distortion, with top and bottom leaves most affected, mosaic-like patterns of yellow and green spots in cucumber, fruit deformation, and reduced production in tomato.
Control Measures
ToMV: Ensuring biosafety standards in nurseries, seed treatment, careful inspection of saplings before planting, continuous monitoring for infection, and removal of infected plants are crucial.
CMV: Due to its wide host range, controlling aphids becomes essential. Measures include spraying quick-acting insecticides or mineral oils, monitoring aphid migration, and clearing fields of weeds and plant material that may harbor the virus.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ambergris
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
The discovery of a sperm whale carcass on the shore of the Canary Island of La Palma has led to an extraordinary find.
During the post-mortem examination, a pathologist found ambergris, a highly valuable substance often referred to as “floating gold,” stuck in the whale’s colon.
The estimated worth of the retrieved lump of ambergris is around €500,000 (Rs 4,47,62,500).
What is Ambergris?
Origin: Ambergris is a waxy substance formed in the digestive system of protected sperm whales.
Formation: One theory suggests that ambergris is produced in the gastrointestinal tract of sperm whales to aid the passage of hard objects ingested during feeding.
Appearance and Odour: Freshly passed ambergris is light yellowish and fatty, but it ages and turns waxy, taking on red-brownish colors. It possesses a mild, earthy, sweet smell with hints of marine odor.
Uses and Rarity of Ambergris
Perfume Industry: Traditionally, ambergris is used in the production of perfumes, adding a musky note.
Historical Uses: In the past, ambergris was utilized to flavor food, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco in certain cultures.
Rarity and Value: Ambergris is a scarce substance, contributing to its high demand and significant price in the international market.
Legal Restrictions in India
Wildlife Protection Act: Sperm whales, the source of ambergris, are a protected species under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act in India.
Illegal Possession and Trade: The possession and trade of ambergris and its by-products, including in India, are prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Smuggling and Trade Routes: Smuggling networks involved in ambergris trade often procure the substance from coastal areas in India and transport it through countries with comparatively less stringent sea trade regulations.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SCO
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Iran as the newest member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the virtual summit of the grouping.
Iran’s membership has been discussed for years, and recent geopolitical shifts have made it more relevant.
About SCO
The SCO, formed in 2001, aims to enhance regional cooperation in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism in Central Asia.
Expansion of the SCO
Previous membership: The SCO consisted of eight member countries, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Observer and Dialogue Partner status: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia have Observer status, while Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Sri Lanka hold Dialogue Partner status.
Importance of Iran’s Membership
Nuclear deal context: After signing the nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2015, Iran’s path to SCO membership was facilitated.
Changing geopolitical landscape: The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has created opportunities for increased Chinese influence in the region.
Expanding alliances: Iran has sought to establish closer ties beyond its traditional ally Russia, including reaching out to Saudi Arabia and opening a border market with Pakistan.
Geopolitical Implications
China’s interests: Iran’s energy resources and cooperation in areas like oil are beneficial to China as it seeks to counter the US.
Russia’s alliances: Russia aims to strengthen its position by building alliances within the SCO, including potential full membership for Belarus.
US-India relations: India’s growing partnership with the US and their shared democratic values contrast with Chinese authoritarianism, creating a delicate balancing act for India.
India’s Balancing Act
Maintaining partnerships: India has strengthened ties with the US through significant technology and defence agreements, emphasizing shared democratic values.
Historical ties with Iran: India has had traditional commercial ties with Iran, primarily in the import of crude oil.
Challenges in balancing: India’s shifting alliances with the US and historical ties with Iran pose challenges as the dynamics of the SCO evolve.
Conclusion
Iran’s membership in the SCO signifies the changing geopolitical landscape and the increasing influence of China and Russia in the region.
India faces the challenge of balancing its partnerships with the US and historical ties with Iran while navigating the evolving dynamics within the SCO.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Leptospirosis
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
Leptospirosis has emerged as an important infectious disease in the world today.
It is a potentially fatal zoonotic bacterial disease that tends to have large outbreaks after heavy rainfall or flooding.
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that poses a significant global health threat, particularly after heavy rainfall or flooding.
It affects millions of people annually, with a high mortality rate, and its burden is expected to increase in the future.
The disease is caused by the bacterium Leptospira interrogans, primarily transmitted from animals to humans.
Disease Transmission and Risk Factors
Disease transmission: Leptospira is shed in the urine of infected animals, contaminating soil and water.
Carriers: Both wild and domestic animals, including rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs, can transmit the disease.
Human exposure: Direct contact with animal urine or indirectly through contaminated soil and water poses a risk.
Occupational hazards: Agricultural workers, animal handlers, and those in sanitary services are at an increased risk.
Recreational activities: Engaging in water-based activities in contaminated lakes and rivers can also raise the risk.
Symptoms and Misdiagnosis
Range of symptoms: Leptospirosis symptoms vary from mild flu-like illness to life-threatening conditions affecting multiple organs.
Misdiagnosis challenges: Symptoms mimic other diseases like dengue, malaria, and hepatitis, leading to underreporting and limited awareness.
Limited access to diagnostics: Lack of reliable diagnostic tools hinders accurate disease detection.
Lack of environmental surveillance: Insufficient monitoring of the environment contributes to underestimating the disease burden.
Misconceptions and Preventive Measures
Reservoir hosts: Rats are not the sole cause; various animals act as reservoir hosts.
Environmental factors: Humidity and extreme weather events like floods increase the risk of exposure.
Sanitary conditions: Poor waste management, high density of stray animals, and inadequate sanitation facilities contribute to the disease spread.
Prevention strategies: Adopting a ‘One Health’ approach involving humans, animals, and the environment is crucial.
Personal protective equipment: People working with animals or in flooded areas should use gloves and boots.
Animal health and prevention: Ensuring sanitary animal-keeping conditions reduces the risk of leptospirosis transmission.
Health education and awareness: Promoting proper hygiene practices, educating about the disease, and improving health literacy are essential preventive measures.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GIFT NIFTY
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
GIFT NIFTY (formerly known as SGX NIFTY) commenced trading from GIFT City in Gujarat, marking the first cross-border initiative between India and Singapore’s capital markets.
The trading session witnessed over 30,000 trades, signifying the growing significance of this collaboration.
What is GIFT NIFTY?
The migration to GIFT NIFTY was initiated by PM Modi in July 2022.
GIFT NIFTY plays a crucial role in expanding GIFT IFSC’s reach to foreign investors and enhancing the capital market ecosystem in GIFT City.
The collaboration between SGX and NSE strengthens the connection between two rapidly growing economies.
NSE IX is restricted from entering similar arrangements with other exchanges, providing stability to the partnership.
The initial five-year contract can be extended for an additional two years.
Operating time
GIFT NIFTY establishes a trading link where trading and matching take place in India, while clearing and settlement occur in Singapore.
It operates from 6:30 am to 3:40 pm in the Asia time zone.
The second session, from 4:35 pm to 2:45 am (next day), targets investors from the United States and Europe.
Deal between SGX and NSE
Revenue sharing: The five-year contract establishes a 50:50 revenue-sharing arrangement between Singapore Exchange (SGX) and NSE International Exchange (NSE IX).
Initial revenue split: For Singapore-generated business, SGX will receive 75% of the revenue, while NSE will receive the remaining 25%.
IFSC business: NSE will retain 75% of the International Financial Service Centre (IFSC) business, with the remaining 25% going to SGX.
Future volume-based sharing: Once a “threshold volume” is reached, the revenue sharing will be equally split between both entities.
Shift to GIFT NIFTY
Ceasing SGX NIFTY: On June 30, trading on SGX NIFTY in Singapore ended, with the entire trading volume and liquidity transitioning to GIFT IFSC.
Rechristened GIFT NIFTY: The trading platform was renamed GIFT NIFTY, offering four products: GIFT Nifty 50, GIFT Nifty Bank, GIFT Nifty Financial Services, and GIFT Nifty IT derivatives contracts.
Back2Basics: GIFT City, Gandhinagar
GIFT city is India’s first operational smart city and international financial services centre (much like a modern IT park).
The idea for GIFT was conceived during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summit 2007.
The initial planning was done by East China Architectural Design & Research Institute (ECADI).
Currently approximately 225 units/companies are operational with more than 12000 professionals employed in the City.
Key features
The entire city is based on the concept of FTTX (Fibre to the home/office).
The fiber optic is laid in fault-tolerant ring architecture so as to ensure maximum uptime of services.
Every building in GIFT City is an intelligent building.
There is piped supply of cooking gas. India’s first city-level DCS (district cooling system) is also operational at GIFT City.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Alluri Sitarama Raju
Mains level: Tribal revolts
Central Idea
The President of India, Draupadi Murmu, honoured the freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju during the closing ceremony of his 125th birth anniversary celebrations in Hyderabad.
The President highlighted the significance of Alluri Seetharama Raju’s struggle against injustice and exploitation in India’s freedom struggle.
About Alluri Sitarama Raju
Raju was believed to be born in 1897 or 1898 in Andhra Pradesh.
He became a sanyasi (ascetic) at the age of 18 and gained a mystical aura among the hill and tribal people due to his austerity, knowledge of astrology and medicine, and his ability to tame wild animals.
Revolutionary Activities of Alluri Sitarama Raju
Raju channelled the discontent of the hill people in Ganjam, Visakhapatnam, and Godavari into effective guerrilla resistance against the British.
The Forest Act of 1882 and other colonial policies threatened the tribals’ traditional podu cultivation and forced them into labor.
The tribals and muttadars (village headmen) who were affected by the curtailment of their powers by the British government joined together in armed resistance against colonial rule in August 1922.
Contribution to the Freedom Struggle
Raju’s guerrilla war, known as the Rampa or Manyam Rebellion, continued until May 1924.
Raju admired Gandhi and promoted his ideas of wearing khadi (homespun cloth) and giving up alcohol.
However, Raju believed that India could only be liberated through the use of force, contrary to Gandhi’s principle of non-violence.
Capture and Execution of Alluri Sitarama Raju
Raju’s resistance came to an end when he was captured by the British in May 1924.
He was executed for his involvement in the rebellion.
Raju became known as the ‘Manyam Veerudu’ or Hero of the Jungle, and his efforts are remembered as a significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
Conclusion
Overall, Alluri Seetharama Raju played a crucial role in leading a guerrilla resistance against British colonial rule, fighting for the rights of tribal communities, and advocating for India’s independence through forceful means.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Greedflation
Mains level: NA
Central Idea: Greedflation
The concept of “Greedflation” has emerged, suggesting that corporate greed for higher profits is a significant cause of the high inflation experienced in the United States since the pandemic.
Proponents of this theory argue that increased corporate profit margins have contributed to rising prices.
However, many economists question the validity of this narrative and offer alternative explanations for inflation.
Inflation and Business Pricing
Pricing Dynamics: Businesses set prices based on consumer willingness to pay, aiming to maximize profits.
Consumer Influence: Consumers ultimately determine the market price through their buying decisions.
Market Competition: Businesses unable to sell products at high prices must lower prices to clear their stock.
Inflation as a Macro-Level Phenomenon
Widespread Price Rise: Inflation refers to a general increase in the price level across the economy.
Corporate Influence on Prices: Corporations can impact overall prices by reducing supply, but there is no evidence of deliberate output reduction.
Monetary Policy and Inflation: The expansionary monetary policy of the U.S. Federal Reserve, combined with supply-chain disruptions, explains recent inflation.
Rising Corporate Profit Margins
Rising Costs vs. Consumer Prices: Input costs have risen faster than consumer goods prices, leading to unexpected profit margin growth.
Corporate Profits vs. Wider Economy: Large corporations may have benefited from smaller business closures during the pandemic, but they represent a small portion of the overall economy.
Profit Margins and Inflation: Rising profit margins do not directly cause high inflation; prices are determined by buyers, not sellers.
Critique of “Greedflation” as Cost-Push Inflation
Cost-Push Inflation Comparison: Greedflation is likened to cost-push inflation theories that attribute price increases to rising input costs.
Consumer Influence on Costs: The cost of inputs is indirectly determined by consumers through competitive bidding in the market.
Conclusion
The notion of greedflation, attributing high inflation to corporate greed, lacks support from economists who emphasize the influence of consumer behaviour and macroeconomic factors.
While rising profit margins of corporations may indicate market dominance, they do not directly drive inflation.
Instead, factors such as monetary policy and supply disruptions better explain the recent inflationary pressures experienced in the United States.
