Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Justice Fathima Beevi
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India (also the first Muslim woman Judge of SC), passed away at the age of 96 in Kerala’s Kollam.
Who was Justice Fathima Beevi?
- Early life: Born in 1927, Justice Beevi was the eldest of eight children and came from a family where her father, Annaveetil Meera Sahib, encouraged his daughters’ education despite societal norms.
- Decision for Law: Her father persuaded her to pursue law instead of post-graduation in Chemistry, inspired by the story of Anna Chandy, the first woman judicial officer in Travancore.
- Breaking Barriers: She made history by graduating in law in 1950, becoming the first woman law graduate to receive the gold medal from the Bar Council.
A Symbol of Women’s Empowerment
- Pioneering Achievement: Justice Fathima Beevi’s appointment as the first Muslim woman judge of the Supreme Court was a milestone in India’s legal history.
- Role Model: She became an icon of women’s empowerment, encouraging women to pursue careers in the legal field.
- Recognition for Kerala: Kerala gained recognition as the state that contributed the first female judge to the country through her appointment.
A Trailblazing Legal Career
- Junior Advocate: She began her legal career as a junior advocate at Kollam district court, facing resistance from orthodox elements due to her headscarf.
- Barrier Breaker: Despite initial challenges, Justice Beevi rose through the ranks, eventually joining the judicial service as a munsiff in 1958.
- Remarkable Achievements: She continued to break barriers, becoming the district sessions judge in 1974 and getting elected as a munsiff through a competitive exam.
Political Career
- Judicial Ascension: Justice Beevi’s journey continued as she was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 1983, and later elevated to the Supreme Court in 1989.
- Champion of Equality: In the Supreme Court, she advocated for equality in significant verdicts, including cases related to reservation and constitutional safeguards against arbitrary state authority.
- Governor of Tamil Nadu: Justice Beevi served as the governor of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001, making headlines for her role in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case and political developments.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has made a crucial recommendation to designate the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, adjacent to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, as a core critical tiger habitat.
Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: It is situated in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district, Karnataka.
- Geographic Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a 30.32 sq km expanse and was officially declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the State.
- Unique Geography: The sanctuary includes the backwaters of Nugu dam on its western side and shares borders with Alaganchi State Forest, a part of Bandipur TR, on the southwest side.
- Flora and Fauna: Despite recovering from past degradation, the flora of Nugu shares similarities with Bandipur. The sanctuary supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, striped hyena, sloth bear, gaur, sambhar, chital, and four-horned antelope.
- Riverine Wildlife: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to two important riverine wildlife species: the smooth-coated otter and the marsh crocodile, emphasizing its rich biodiversity.
Conservation Efforts
- Buffer Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and serves as a buffer area for Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
- Ecological Significance: This sanctuary offers an inviolate and ideal habitat for tigers and elephants, making it a prime candidate for Core/Critical Tiger Habitat status within Bandipur TR.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Space Station (ISS)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- This 20th November marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of the International Space Station (ISS), the largest man-made object in the solar system.
- Since its launch on November 20, 1998, the ISS has stood as a testament to the power of international cooperation and has space research.
About the International Space Station (ISS)
- Orbital Marvel: The International Space Station (ISS), orbiting 430 kilometers above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
- Speed: The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 kilometers per second.
- Size: Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
- Living Quarters: The ISS includes 6 sleeping areas, two bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
- Solar Array and Wiring: Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 kilometers of electrical wiring.
Inception and Key Milestones
- Launch of Zarya: The ISS’s journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
- Unity Node 1: The U.S. added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
- 42 Assembly Flights: The station evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.
- Continuous Habitation: Since its inception, the ISS has been continuously inhabited, hosting astronauts from various countries for groundbreaking research.
Key Activities
- Scientific Research: Astronauts conduct unique experiments, leading to significant discoveries.
- Spacewalks and Maintenance: Regular spacewalks are essential for station upgrades and repairs.
- Health Regimen: Astronauts follow strict routines to combat muscle and bone loss in microgravity, providing valuable data for future space missions.
Scientific Contributions
- Medical Advances: Research on the ISS has enhanced our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
- Drug Development: Space research has expedited drug development processes.
- Technological Innovations: Innovations in water purification and food production have emerged from ISS experiments.
Future of the ISS
- Current Uncertainties: The Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 casts doubt on the ISS’s future.
- Global Space Ambitions: Countries like Japan, China, and India are aiming for independent space capabilities.
- Continued Commitment: The US and Europe plan to support the ISS through 2030, with NASA focusing on lunar exploration and ESA developing the Starlab space station.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Materialism's Names in India
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- This article explores materialism’s origins, its various cultural names, and its ethical implications.
Introduction to Materialism
- Philosophy as a Life Theory: Known as ‘Darshan’ in Sanskrit, philosophy seeks to explain the universe and guide human actions with a comprehensive worldview.
- Materialism – Bhautikvad: This perspective, called ‘Bhautikvad’ in Sanskrit, views everything as fundamentally material, dismissing the supernatural and valuing empirical observation and perception for knowledge.
Origins of Materialism
- Ancient Beginnings: Materialism has deep roots and appears in different forms across cultures.
- Indian Lokāyata: In India, materialism, known as Lokāyata, was championed by thinkers like Brhaspati, Ajita, and Jābāli. It focused on the physical world, rejecting theism.
- Greek Atomism: Greek philosophers such as Democritus and Epicurus adopted materialism, with Democritus introducing the idea of atoms as reality’s basic elements.
Materialism’s Names in India
- Lokāyata: Meaning ‘worldly philosophy’, it emphasizes worldly objects and entities.
- Chárváka: From ‘charv’, meaning ‘to chew’, it highlights materialism’s hedonic aspects.
- Bhautikvad: From ‘Bhautika’, meaning ‘physical or material’, it underscores the importance of materiality.
- Jadavāda: Focuses on the ‘jada’ or essence of existence.
- Dehātmavāda: Highlights the unity of the self (‘atman’) with the body (‘deha’).
Materialist Ontology
- Perception as Knowledge Basis: Materialists view perception as the cornerstone of knowledge.
- Use of Inference: Contrary to some beliefs, materialists did employ logical inference based on perceptual evidence.
- Disregarding Divine Agency: They dismissed the idea of divine providence and supernatural realms, focusing on the human world.
Ethics of Materialism
- Emphasis on Pleasure: Materialism is often linked with enjoying life’s pleasures.
- Living in the Present: The principle “yāvat jīvēt sukham jīvēt” advocates for a fulfilling present life.
- Human-Created Values: Materialists view values as human constructs, independent of divine morality.
- Action and Responsibility: They stress the impact of one’s actions on themselves and the world, highlighting ethical conduct.
Materialist Views on Heaven and Hell
- Earthly Heaven and Hell: Materialists redefined heaven and hell in worldly terms.
- Heaven as Earthly Enjoyment: Heaven was perceived as enjoying life’s luxuries, akin to the gods’ enjoyment in mythological heavens.
- Hell as Earthly Suffering: Hell was seen as earthly suffering, like diseases and hunger.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Southern Annular Mode (SAM)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a division under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has made a significant discovery regarding the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), a crucial climate pattern.
- Their research has revealed that SAM plays a pivotal role in influencing sea conditions across the Indian Ocean.
What is Southern Annular Mode (SAM)?
|
Description
|
| Idea behind |
- Mode of atmospheric variability representing north-south movement of the westerly wind belt around Antarctica.
- Also known as Antarctic Oscillation (AAO).
|
| Phases |
- Positive Phase: Wind belt contracts towards Antarctica.
- Negative Phase: Wind belt expands towards the equator.
|
| Impact on Weather Patterns |
- Influences temperature, rainfall, and storm intensity in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Causes difference in the zonal mean sea level pressure at 40°S (mid-latitudes) and 65°S (Antarctica).
|
| Influence on Indian Ocean |
Affects ocean currents and sea surface temperatures, impacting regional weather and marine life. |
| Climate Change Connection |
Trend towards more positive phases in recent decades, influenced by human-induced climate change. |
| Effect on Antarctic Ice |
Impacts Antarctic ice sheets and sea ice extent through changes in wind patterns. |
| Global Climate Interaction |
Interacts with other climate phenomena like ENSO. |
| Predictability and Variability |
Exhibits seasonal predictability and interannual variability, important for long-term forecasting. |
| Marine Ecosystems |
Affects marine ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, influencing productivity and species distribution. |
Role of Ocean Surface Waves
- Coastal Processes: Ocean surface waves are key players in shaping coastal processes, impacting shoreline erosion, sediment transport, coastal engineering, and recreational activities.
- Scientific Approach: The scientific team leveraged 40 years of data (1979 to 2018) from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast.
Positive and Negative SAM Phases
- Positive SAM Phase: During a positive SAM phase, a cyclic pattern of warm sea surface temperature anomalies emerges, accompanied by strong winds that increase wave activity in the Indian Ocean. A new swell generation region along the east African coast contributes to heightened wave heights in the Arabian Sea.
- Negative SAM Phase: Conversely, during a negative SAM phase, the eastern tropical southern Indian Ocean becomes the primary region for generating swells, resulting in reduced wave heights in the Arabian Sea.
Significance of SAM
- Coastal Planning: Understanding SAM allows for better coastal planning, helping coastal communities prepare for the impact of changing sea conditions.
- Resource Management: SAM insights can aid in more efficient resource management, optimizing the utilization of marine resources.
- Disaster Preparedness: Knowledge of SAM patterns can enhance disaster preparedness efforts, enabling timely response to potential ocean-related disasters.
- Wave Predictions: The research contributes to improving wave predictions, offering advanced forecasting capabilities.
- Benefiting Stakeholders: Stakeholders in the blue economy, including shipping, maritime boards, and the oil industry, can optimize their multi-million-dollar operations at sea based on SAM insights.
Implications for Various Sectors
- Monsoon Season Impact: Typically, inland vessel operations and oil exploration activities face restrictions during the monsoon season.
- Fair Sea State Windows: Predicting SAM phases through the Ocean Forecasting System can identify “Fair Sea state windows” during monsoons.
- Impact on Blue Economy: These fair windows can be leveraged by oil and shipping industries, making a significant contribution to blue economy activities along the Indian coast
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sutlej River, Tantalum
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Researchers from IIT-Ropar have found the presence of tantalum in Punjab’s Soil in Sutlej River Basin.
- Although the source of tantalum in Sutlej is not clear yet. It could be due to movement of tectonic plates in the Himalayan region that is likely to contain the rare metal.
Sutlej River
- Origin: Starts from Lake Rakshastal in Tibet, near Mount Kailash.
- Length: About 1,500 kilometres (930 miles); Longest of the five rivers of Punjab.
- Path: Flows through Tibet, India (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab), and Pakistan.
- Tributaries: Major tributary includes the Beas River in India.
- Indus River System: Part of this system, joins the Chenab River in Pakistan.
- Economic Role: Crucial for irrigation, and hydroelectric power (e.g., Bhakra Nangal Dam).
- International River: Governed by treaties like the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan.
|
About Tantalum
- A Rare and Valuable Metal: Tantalum, with the atomic number 73, is a rare metal crucial in electronics and semiconductors. It is a dense, hard, gray metal, known for being one of the most resistant to corrosion.
- Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Tantalum’s resistance to corrosion comes from its ability to form a protective oxide layer when exposed to air. This layer holds up even in very acidic environments.
- Flexible and Durable: Pure tantalum is ductile, meaning it can be stretched into thin wires without breaking. It resists chemical damage below 150°C but is vulnerable to hydrofluoric acid and certain other substances.
Historical Background
- Swedish Discovery: Tantalum was first identified by Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekenberg in 1802 in Ytterby, Sweden. Initially, it was confused with niobium, a similar element.
- Differentiating Tantalum and Niobium: In 1866, Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac established that tantalum and niobium are distinct elements.
- Behind the name: The metal is named after Tantalus, a character from Greek mythology, known for his eternal punishment of being unable to reach the water and fruit around him. The name reflects the metal’s property of being ‘tantalizingly’ insoluble in acids.
Uses of Tantalum
- Tantalum capacitors are key in electronics, known for their ability to store a lot of electricity in a small space with minimal leakage. They’re used in smartphones, laptops, and cameras.
- High melting point makes tantalum a substitute for platinum in various industries, including chemical and nuclear plants, aerospace, and missile systems.
- Its non-reactive nature makes it perfect for surgical tools and implants, like artificial joints.
- Tantalum carbide, when mixed with graphite, forms one of the hardest materials, used to enhance the cutting edges of high-speed machine tools.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Risk Weights
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently raised risk weights for unsecured loans, including credit cards, consumer durable loans, and personal loans.
- Risk weights for bank lending to non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) serving this segment were increased to 125% from the existing 100%.
What are Risk Weights?
- Capital Implication: Every rupee lent by a bank has an impact on its capital position.
- Attribution to Risk: Risk weights are assigned to loans and assets based on their nature and associated risk.
- Capital Coverage: Banks must ensure that their capital is sufficient to cover these risk-weighted assets.
- Varying Risk Weights: Different asset classes have varying risk weights. For example, home loans may have risk weights ranging from 50% to 75%, while corporate loans are assigned 100% risk weight.
How does it impact Borrowers?
- Interest Rates: Lower risk weights result in lower interest rates for borrowers. This principle guides the pricing of loans.
- Examples: Home loans generally have lower interest rates due to their lower risk weights, while personal loans and credit cards carry higher interest rates due to their risk profile.
RBI Decision: Concerns about Consumer Loans
- Rising Share: Unsecured loans have seen rapid growth, constituting 10% of the banking system’s portfolio.
- Fastest-Growing Segment: This segment has been the fastest-growing in recent years.
- Unsecured Nature: Loans like consumer durable loans lack income-generating assets, making it challenging to ascertain borrowers’ true repayment capacity.
- Granular Nature: While small-ticket in nature, the significant growth in this segment has raised regulatory concerns.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blexplainer/bl-explainer-what-rbis-increase-in-risk-weights-mean-to-the-borrower/article67554070.ece
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mosquitofish
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In recent months, Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab have introduced mosquitofish to combat mosquito infestations.
- However, the unintended ecological consequences of introducing this invasive species have raised concerns.
Backgrounder: Vector Borne Diseases
- Global Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevalence: Mosquito-borne diseases affect over 150 countries and 500 million people worldwide.
- India’s Burden: India alone reports approximately 40 million cases of mosquito-borne diseases annually.
What is Mosquitofish?
- Introduction in the 1960s: In the 1960s, biological control methods were adopted to combat mosquitoes, including the introduction of mosquitofish (Gambusia species).
- Environmental Alternatives: These methods were considered environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides, which posed health and environmental risks.
- Global Proliferation: Mosquitofish, originally from the U.S., have now become widespread globally, adapting to various environments with adverse ecological impacts.
Mosquitofish in India
- Historical Introduction: In 1928, Gambusia was introduced in India during British rule, mainly for malaria control.
- Multiple Authorities Involved: Various governmental and private organizations, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), municipal corporations, and health departments, introduced mosquitofish across India.
Ecological Impact
- Invasive Alien Species: Mosquitofish are considered among the hundred most detrimental invasive alien species.
- Negative Effects: They prey on native fauna, leading to the extinction of native fish, amphibians, and freshwater communities.
- Examples from Other Countries: Australia and New Zealand have reported similar ecological harm due to introduced mosquitofish.
- WHO’s Stand: The World Health Organization stopped recommending Gambusia for mosquito control since 1982.
Current Situation and Recommendations
- Enforcement Measures: Stringent enforcement measures are essential to prevent further introduction of mosquitofish and mitigate past introductions’ consequences.
- Alternative Solutions: Collaboration between mosquito biologists, entomologists, invasion ecologists, and fish taxonomists is suggested to identify native fish species capable of controlling mosquito larvae.
- Local Solutions: Local alternatives should be favored over invasive species to preserve indigenous aquatic biodiversity and native species’ well-being.
- National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC): The NCVBDC should remove its recommendation for the use of Gambusia and Poecilia (guppy) fishes for mosquito control.
Conclusion
- India faces a pressing ecological challenge with the unintended consequences of mosquitofish introduction.
- To safeguard the environment and native species, stringent enforcement and local solutions should replace invasive species in mosquito control efforts.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- NASA is set to launch the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) to investigate how Earth’s weather influences Space weather.
What is AWE Mission?
- As part of NASA’s Heliophysics Explorers Program, the AWE mission aims to shed light on the interactions between Earth’s weather and Space weather.
- Mounted on the International Space Station (ISS), AWE will observe Earth’s airglow bands from an exceptional viewpoint.
- AWE will analyze airglow in the mesopause region (about 85-87 km above Earth) to understand AGW behavior and its influence on Space weather.
- The mission includes the Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (ATMT) to precisely map temperature variations in the mesopause, revealing airglow dynamics.
Space Weather Explained
- Space weather, much like Earth’s weather, is influenced by solar activities like flares and emissions, and it impacts the surrounding cosmic environment.
- Variations in Space weather can disrupt essential services on Earth, including satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids.
- Interestingly, Earth’s own weather conditions also significantly affect Space weather, creating a complex interplay between our planet and the cosmos.
How do Atmospheric Gravity Waves (AGWs) impact space weather?
- Nature’s Oscillations: AGWs are similar to ripples caused by a stone thrown into a pond. They are vertical waves generated by sudden atmospheric changes or extreme weather, causing air to move up and down.
- Various Sources: AGWs originate from events like thunderstorms and hurricanes, and they travel from the lower atmosphere to Space, influencing Space weather.
- Thriving in Stability: AGWs are most prominent in stable atmospheric conditions, where they create wave-like patterns due to temperature differences in rising air.
- Vital Atmospheric Profiling: To fully understand AGWs and their impact on terrestrial and Space weather, detailed data on the atmosphere’s vertical profile is essential.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Eclipses
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- While Eclipses are intriguing, one might wonder why eclipses do not occur with every new and full moon.
What are Eclipses?
- Eclipses are astronomical events that occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align in specific ways.
- There are two primary types of eclipses: solar and lunar.
- A solar eclipse happens when the moon comes between the sun and Earth during a new moon, blocking out the sun’s light.
- Conversely, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon during a full moon, casting a shadow on the moon.
Visit this page to read more about Eclipses:
What are Eclipses?
Why is there no eclipse every full and new moon?
Ans. Moon’s Unique Orbit
- Moon’s Path: The moon orbits around Earth, completing one orbit roughly every month.
- Ecliptic Plane: In an ideal scenario, if the moon’s orbit matched Earth’s orbital plane, called the ecliptic, we would witness a solar eclipse during every new moon and a lunar eclipse during every full moon.
- Moon’s Inclination: However, the moon’s orbit is inclined at an angle of about 5 degrees to Earth’s orbital plane, causing irregular eclipse patterns.
Role of Lunar Nodes
- Lunar Nodes: The moon’s orbit intersects Earth’s orbital plane at specific points known as nodes, categorized as ascending or descending nodes depending on the moon’s orbital direction.
- Eclipse Occurrence: Eclipses happen when a full or new moon closely aligns with one of these nodes, ensuring the sun, moon, and Earth are in alignment.
Eclipse Pairs and Seasons
- Eclipse Pairs: Solar and lunar eclipses typically occur in pairs, with one following the other within a two-week period.
- Eclipse Seasons: Eclipse seasons, lasting around 34 to 35 days, usually feature two eclipses – one solar and one lunar. Occasionally, three eclipses may occur in a single season.
- Frequency: Contrary to common perception, there are more eclipses than expected, with the 21st century witnessing 224 solar eclipses and 230 lunar eclipses.
Understanding the Lunar Nodes and Eclipses
- Eclipse Seasons: Eclipse seasons take place approximately every 173 days when the lunar nodes precisely align with the Earth and the sun.
- Moon’s Progression: The moon’s phases shift about 30 degrees along the zodiac every month concerning the nodes.
- Future Eclipses: After a pair of eclipses, the next pair usually occurs nearly 6 calendar months later.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Vajra Prahar
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Recently, the 14th edition of the Vajra Prahar 2023 exercise, a joint venture between India and the USA Special Forces, concluded in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. Here are the key highlights:
Exercise Vajra Prahar
- Vajra Prahar is an annual exercise alternately hosted by the Special Forces of India and the United States.
- These Special Forces units are dedicated to covert operations, counterterrorism, and other specialized military tasks.
- It is crucial for addressing the security challenges both nations face in the current global context.
- It has reinforced the friendship and defence cooperation between the Special Forces of India and the USA.
Objectives
- The 21-day joint exercise aimed to enhance skills in Airborne Operations, Special Operations, and Counter Terrorism under the United Nations Charter.
- It was divided into two stages:
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- The initial stage focused on combat conditioning and tactical special mission training.
- The second stage involved a 48-hour validation exercise to assess the training received in the first phase.
Other Joint Exercises between India and the USA
- Yudh Abhyas: Annual army exercise focusing on enhancing military cooperation and understanding.
- Malabar Exercise: Naval exercise, also including Japan and Australia, focusing on complex maritime operations.
- Cope India: Air force exercise aimed at improving interoperability and mutual understanding between air forces.
- Tiger Triumph: Tri-service amphibious exercise focusing on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
- Red Flag: Advanced aerial combat training exercise involving the U.S. Air Force and international participants, including India.
- Spartan Shield: Army exercise aimed at building operational capacity in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- A Star’s Explosive End: About two billion years ago, far beyond our Milky Way galaxy, a huge star exploded into a supernova. This explosion sent out a massive burst of gamma rays, the most powerful type of energy wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Gamma-Ray Bursts: These bursts are short-lived but incredibly intense, often associated with the most dramatic events in the universe, like the death of massive stars.
Why discuss this?
- These gamma rays travelled across space for billions of years, finally reaching Earth in 2022.
- When they arrived, they caused a significant disturbance in Earth’s ionosphere, a layer of electrically charged gases high in our atmosphere.
What are Gamma-Ray Bursts?
- What Are They? Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are incredibly intense flashes of gamma rays, which are the most energetic form of light in the electromagnetic spectrum. These bursts are the most powerful explosions observed in the universe.
- How They Occur: They usually happen when massive stars collapse into neutron stars or black holes, or during the merger of neutron stars. These cosmic catastrophes release a tremendous amount of energy.
- Duration and Energy: GRBs can last from a few milliseconds to several hours, but they typically last a few seconds. The amount of energy released in this short time can be more than the Sun will emit in its entire 10-billion-year lifetime.
- Afterglow: Following the initial burst, GRBs are often followed by an ‘afterglow’ emitted at longer wavelengths (X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and radio).
Earthly Consequences and Research
- Lasting Effects: The gamma rays disturbed the ionosphere for several hours and even set off lightning detectors in India.
- Scientific Importance: Although this burst didn’t harm life on Earth, it showed how sensitive our ionosphere is to space events.
- A Rare Event: Such a powerful gamma-ray burst is expected to hit Earth only once every 10,000 years.
Looking Ahead: Protecting Earth from Cosmic Threats
- Preparing for Future Events: Scientists are studying the potential risks of a similar event happening closer to Earth, within our own Milky Way.
- Low Risk: However, the chance of such a dangerous event happening is very low.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Langlands Program
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Robert Langlands, a mathematician famous for his “Langlands Program,” has shifted his focus to Turkish literature in his later years.
- This program is about finding deep links between two areas of math: number theory (the study of numbers) and harmonic analysis (a type of math that breaks down functions or signals into simpler parts).
Langlands Program: A Journey to Connect Different Math Areas
- Beginning: In 1967, Robert Langlands, a young mathematician at Princeton, started this journey with a letter to another mathematician, Andre Weil, sharing some groundbreaking ideas.
- Complex Ideas: The program is full of complicated ideas that are hard for even experts to fully understand.
- Goal: It aims to connect number theory and harmonic analysis, two areas of math that don’t seem related at first.
The Purpose of the Program
- Abel’s Discovery: In 1824, Niels Henrik Abel showed that it’s impossible to find a one-size-fits-all solution for certain math equations (polynomial equations) beyond a certain complexity.
- Galois’s Approach: Evariste Galois, who didn’t know about Abel’s work, suggested looking at patterns (symmetries) in the solutions of these equations instead of trying to solve them directly.
- Galois Groups: These are groups that show the patterns in the solutions of these equations and are key to the Langlands Program.
- Linking Ideas: The program tries to connect these Galois groups with something called automorphic functions, which would allow using calculus (a branch of math) to explore these equations, connecting harmonic analysis and number theory.
Automorphic Functions: Connecting Different Areas of Math
- Example of Automorphic Function: Think of functions that have a repeating pattern, like the way sine functions in trigonometry work.
- Special Symmetry: Automorphic functions have a unique property where they remain the same even after certain transformations, showing a special kind of symmetry.
- Role in Langlands Program: The program’s goal is to link these special functions with Galois groups, leading to new ways of understanding and solving math problems.
Impact of the Program
- Solving an Old Puzzle: In 1994, Andrew Wiles and Richard Taylor used ideas from the Langlands Program to solve Fermat’s Last Theorem, a famous and old math problem.
- Creating New Functions: This program helps in making new types of automorphic functions, which could help solve other complex math problems, like the Ramanujan conjectures.
- Geometric Langlands: This is a branch of the Langlands Program that looks at connections between different fields like algebraic geometry, representation theory, and even physics.
- Math and Physics Connection: Recent studies suggest that this program might help in understanding things in physics, like the study of electromagnetic waves.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Freemartinism
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In the realm of animal husbandry, a phenomenon known as Freemartinism sheds light on the extraordinary diversity found in cattle.
Freemartinism: A Unique Phenomenon
- Freemartins are sterile female cattle born exhibiting characteristics of both sexes.
- This phenomenon arises when a male and a female twin develop within the same uterus, occurring in approximately 90% of twin pregnancies in cattle.
- The exchange of blood between the male and female foetuses during gestation plays a pivotal role in Freemartinism.
- Freemartinism is primarily attributed to the sharing of cells carrying the Y chromosome from the male twin with the female twin.
- Y chromosome triggers the development of male reproductive organs in the male foetus, while the female foetus, influenced by male hormones, undergoes incomplete development of its reproductive system.
- Freemartins possess underdeveloped or non-functional reproductive tracts, rendering them incapable of reproduction.
Agricultural Significance
- In agricultural settings, identifying freemartins is crucial to enhance reproductive efficiency in cattle breeding.
- Farmers often utilize physical and behavioural traits to identify freemartins, subsequently removing them from the breeding herd.
- This culling strategy helps improve the overall breeding program by ensuring that non-reproductive cattle do not contribute to the herd.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lachit Borphukan
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- An animation film on an iconic Ahom general Lachit Borphukan has been selected for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2023 to be held in Goa.
Lachit Borphukan
- Lachit Borphukan was a legendary military commander from the northeastern region of India, specifically from the state of Assam. Here are some facts related to him:
|
Description |
| Timeline |
1622-1672 |
| Dynasty |
Ahom Dynasty |
| Mughal Threat |
Faced the Mughal Empire’s expansion into Assam |
| Battle of Saraighat |
Led Ahom forces to victory against the Mughals in 1671
Defended Assam against the Aurangzeb’s forces led by Ram Singh |
| Leadership |
Known for strategic brilliance and guerrilla tactics |
| Legacy |
Revered as a symbol of Assamese pride and resistance |
| INS Lachit |
Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer named in honor |
| Lachit Divas |
Celebrated annually on November 24th in Assam |
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/assam-ips-officer-directed-animation-film-chosen-for-iffi-2023/article67550668.ece
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Onattukara Ellu (Sesame)
Mains level: NA
Context
- Kerala is taking efforts to expand the cultivation of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Onattukara sesame, a unique and valuable agricultural product.
- Onattukara sesame was granted the GI tag in January this year.
Onattukara Sesame (Ellu )
|
Description |
|
Region of Cultivation
|
Primarily cultivated in the Onattukara region, covering Alappuzha, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala, India. |
| Medicinal Properties |
Onattukara sesame is known for its medicinal properties and high quality. |
| Traditional Use |
Traditional ayurvedic doctors in the region have used Onattukara sesame oil for treating rheumatism and skin protection since the 18th century. |
| Nutritional Value |
Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Contains essential fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid. |
| Varieties |
Grown in various varieties, including ‘ayali,’ Kayamkulam-1, thilak, thilathara, and thilarani, developed by ORARS, Kayamkulam. |
| Market Potential |
Obtaining the GI tag is expected to increase its popularity and market value, leading to higher prices for sesame seeds and oil. |
| Pricing |
Current prices: Sesame seeds – ₹200 to ₹250 per kilogram, Sesame oil – ₹500 to ₹600 per kilogram. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sea Buckthorn
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Geographical Indication Registry has officially granted the GI tag to ‘Ladakh Sea Buckthorn’.
- It is the fourth GI tag after Apricot (Raktsey Karpo), Pashmina, and Ladakhi Wood Carving in Ladakh.
About Sea Buckthorn
- Sea buckthorn is a plant that grows in Europe and Asia.
- In India, it’s found in the Himalayan region, especially in dry places like the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
- This plant produces small orange or yellow berries that are sour but full of vitamins, especially vitamin C.
- It can survive really hot and really cold temperatures, which makes it perfect for the cold deserts.
- Every part of the plant—berries, leaves, twigs, roots, and thorns—are useful for medicine, food, fuel, and fencing.
- It’s also a vital food source for many birds and provides nutritious food for animals like sheep, goats, donkeys, cattle, and camels in the cold desert regions.
- It is often called the ‘Wonder Plant,’ ‘Ladakh Gold,’ ‘Golden Bush,’ or ‘Gold Mine’ of the cold deserts.
Back2Basics: GI Tag
- 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.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: POCSO Act
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In a recent decision, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that the failure to report sexual crimes against minors is a bailable offence.
- This ruling has raised significant legal questions regarding the interpretation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, particularly with respect to the nature of the offence and its implications for pre-arrest bail.
What is the POCSO Act?
- The POCSO Act came into effect on November 14, 2012, following India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.
- Its primary objective is to address offences related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, which were previously either not specifically defined or inadequately penalized.
- According to the Act, a child is defined as any person below the age of 18 years.
- In 2019, the Act underwent a review and amendment, introducing more stringent punishments (after Nirbhaya Case), including the death penalty, for those committing sexual crimes against children.
|
Interpretation of the POCSO Act
- Section 21 of POCSO Act: This section of the POCSO Act mandates the reporting of sexual offences against children. However, it does not explicitly specify whether the offence is bailable or not.
- Reference to CrPC: The court, in its ruling, argued that since the POCSO Act does not provide clarity on the bailability of the offence, it should be determined by referring to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
- CrPC Classification: The CrPC classifies offences as either bailable or non-bailable based on the maximum punishment they entail. Offences punishable with imprisonment of less than three years are generally considered bailable and non-cognizable.
- POCSO Act’s Penalty: Section 21 of the POCSO Act prescribes a penalty of imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 1 year. Consequently, this makes it fall within the category of bailable offences under the CrPC.
Case Context
- Allegations: The case in question involved a hotel manager accused of failing to report an offence committed against a minor, as mandated by Section 21 of the POCSO Act.
- Main Accused: The main accused had committed a sexual assault on a minor schoolgirl and recorded a video of the incident in a hotel.
- Legal Charges: The accused faced charges under Sections 376 (Rape) and 506 (Criminal Intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Sections 6 and 21 of the POCSO Act, which address aggravated penetrative sexual assault and the failure to report sexual crimes against children.
- Hotel Manager’s Involvement: The hotel manager was also named in the FIR due to the mandatory reporting provision under the POCSO Act.
Mandatory Reporting Under POCSO
- Section 19: Section 19 of the POCSO Act obliges “any person” who apprehends or has knowledge of a sexual offence against a child to report it to the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) or the police.
- Penalty for Non-Reporting: Section 21 of the POCSO Act prescribes a penalty, including imprisonment, for failing to report such offences.
- Exemptions: Children are not held liable for failing to report sexual offences, and those making false complaints are also exempt from punishment under Section 22 of the Act.
Supreme Court’s Perspective
- The seriousness of Non-Reporting: The Supreme Court has consistently held that the failure to report such cases is a serious crime, emphasizing the importance of reporting child sexual abuse.
- Specific Obligations: In certain cases, the Supreme Court has placed additional obligations on professionals, such as medical practitioners and educators, to report child sexual abuse cases to appropriate authorities.
Balancing Reporting Requirements with Privacy
- SC’s Balance Attempt: In a recent case (X vs The Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt of NCT of Delhi), the Supreme Court sought to balance the mandatory reporting provision under POCSO with the confidentiality provision under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.
- Minors Seeking Medical Termination: The court recognized that minors may seek medical termination of pregnancies resulting from consensual sexual activity, and the mandatory reporting requirement might deter them from approaching qualified doctors.
- Harmonious Interpretation: To ensure that minors’ rights to privacy and reproductive autonomy are protected, the court advocated for a harmonious interpretation of both the POCSO Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.
- Exemption for RMPs: The court suggested that registered medical practitioners, upon the request of minors and their guardians, can be exempted from disclosing a minor’s identity and personal details when reporting an offence under Section 19(1) of the POCSO Act or in any ensuing criminal proceedings.
Conclusion
- The Himachal Pradesh High Court’s ruling on the availability of the failure to report sexual crimes against minors has sparked discussions on the interpretation of the POCSO Act and its alignment with the CrPC.
- Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s efforts to strike a balance between mandatory reporting requirements and minors’ privacy rights underscore the complexity of addressing child sexual abuse within the legal framework.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Quota in Private Employment
Central Idea
- In a significant verdict, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has invalidated a law passed by the Haryana government in 2020, which reserved 75% of private sector jobs for residents of the state.
- The court ruled that discriminating against individuals based on their non-residency in the state is unconstitutional, as it violates fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Haryana Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020: The Controversy
- Origins: Enacted by the Haryana Assembly in November 2020, the law aimed to reserve 75% of jobs in the private sector with monthly salaries under Rs 30,000 (originally Rs 50,000) for Haryana residents.
- Effective Date: The law received the Governor’s approval on March 2, 2021, and came into effect on January 15, 2022.
- Key Provisions: All private entities, including companies, societies, trusts, and individual employers with ten or more employees, were covered. The law mandated recruitment through a designated online portal, with provisions for employer exemptions.
High Court’s Verdict and Rationale
- Unconstitutional Restrictions: The High Court held that Sections 6 and 8 of the Act, which required employers to submit quarterly reports on local candidates employed and gave authorized officers powers to verify compliance, amounted to an “Inspector Raj.” These provisions placed undue control over private employers, which is permissible for public employment but not for the private sector.
- Violation of Fundamental Rights: The court found that the law severely impaired an individual’s right to carry on an occupation, trade, or business under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. It emphasized that the State cannot discriminate against individuals based on their non-residency in a particular state.
- Inspector Raj and Legal Immunity: The court also criticized the Act’s provision under Section 20, which protected authorized or designated officers acting in “good faith.” This provision effectively restricted legal proceedings against such officers, further impinging on employers’ rights.
Reasons for quashing
- Article 19(1) (g) Violation: The Act potentially infringes upon Article 19(1)(g), which guarantees the right to carry out any occupation, trade, or business. It may impede this right by mandating job reservations in the private sector, affecting individuals’ occupational freedom.
- Article 16 Boundaries: The Act’s provision of reservation based on domicile or residence may cross constitutional boundaries. Article 16 ensures equal opportunity in public employment, but the Act extends this to the private sector, a prerogative of Parliament.
- 50% Reservation Limit: The Act breaches the 50% reservation limit set by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney case. Exceptional circumstances must be proven for such a breach, challenging the equality principle.
- One Nation Concept: India’s constitutional vision as one nation with equal rights for all is challenged by these laws. Restricting out-of-state citizens’ job opportunities hinders their freedom to reside and work anywhere in India.
- Economic Implications: The Act could raise operational costs for businesses and exacerbate income inequality among States.
What Comes Next
- Supreme Court’s Involvement: The Haryana government, determined to pursue the reservation policy, plans to move the Supreme Court and file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging the High Court’s verdict.
- Prior Legal Proceedings: The High Court had previously stayed the law on February 3, 2022, but the Supreme Court later set aside this stay, directing the High Court to decide on the law’s validity within four weeks.
Conclusion
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s ruling, declaring Haryana’s 75% reservation law for private jobs unconstitutional, marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over state-based job reservations in India.
- The impending Supreme Court battle will determine the fate of this contentious legislation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BDS Movement
Mains level: Anti-Semitism, Racism, Apartheid
Central Idea
- An article in a German newspaper accused Indian poet Ranjit Hoskote of “anti-Semitism” and supporting the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement.
What is BDS Movement?
- BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement was launched in 2005 by over 170 Palestinian groups.
- It aims to garner international support for Palestinian people’s rights.
- BDS describes itself as an “inclusive, anti-racist human rights movement” opposing all forms of discrimination, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
- It draws inspiration from the South African anti-apartheid movement.
BDS Goals
- BDS calls for nonviolent pressure on Israel until it complies with international law, with three key demands:
- Ending Israel’s occupation and colonization of Arab lands and dismantling the Wall.
- Recognizing the rights of Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality.
- Respecting, protecting, and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, as per UN Resolution 194.
Strategies of BDS
- BDS involves boycotts of Israeli government, associated institutions, and companies involved in human rights violations.
- Divestment campaigns urge institutions to withdraw investments from Israel.
- Sanctions campaigns seek to pressure governments to fulfill legal obligations to end Israeli apartheid.
- BDS focuses on a smaller number of carefully selected companies and products for maximum impact.
Israeli Government’s Response
- Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has linked BDS to anti-Semitism.
- BDS argues that criticism of Israel’s violations of international law should not be equated with anti-Semitism.
- Israeli Minister Gilad Erdan led efforts against the economic boycott of Israel but downplayed the threat.
Economic Impact of BDS
- BDS has led to some brands and celebrities refusing to work in Israel.
- Impact on an entire state’s economy is challenging to measure due to various factors.
- BDS aims to become a powerful tool in ending western support for Israeli apartheid and settler colonialism.
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