Note4Students
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.
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Note4Students
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.
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Note4Students
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.
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Note4Students
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.
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Note4Students
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.
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Note4Students
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.
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Note4Students
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. |
| Transmission |
Aphids, seeds, mechanical contact, infected plant debris |
Direct contact, mechanical transmission, contaminated plant material |
| Symptoms |
Mosaic patterns, yellowing, stunted growth, leaf curling, distorted fruits or flowers |
Mosaic patterns, yellowing, leaf curling, stunted growth |
| Impact on Crops |
Reduced yield and quality |
Reduced yield, impact on flavor and quality |
| Longevity |
Not specified |
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.
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Note4Students
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.
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Note4Students
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.
Also read
PM Modi to host SCO 2023 Summit
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Note4Students
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.
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Note4Students
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.
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Note4Students
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.
- The rebellion coincided with Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement.
- 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.
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Note4Students
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.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CH3+
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The recent discovery of the CH3+ molecule, also known as methyl cation, by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has provided significant insights into the building blocks of life.
- This simple organic molecule, consisting of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms, has been found in the Orion Nebula.
- This reveals the potential for the formation of complex organic molecules necessary for life.
What is CH3+?
- The methyl cation, also known as the carbocation CH3^+, is an organic molecular ion consisting of a positively charged carbon atom (C+) with three hydrogen atoms (H) attached to it.
- It is the simplest carbocation and belongs to the alkyl cation family.
- The methyl cation is highly reactive due to its positive charge and the electron-deficient nature of the carbon atom.
- Due to its reactivity, the methyl cation tends to undergo reactions to achieve greater stability by accepting a pair of electrons.
- It can react with nucleophiles, which are electron-rich species, to form new chemical bonds.
How does it support life?
- Carbon-Based Organic Molecules: In biological processes, carbon atoms typically exist in stable organic molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which are essential for life.
- Importance of CH3+: The detection of the CH3+ molecule in space indicates the presence of basic building blocks for life beyond Earth.
Significance of discovering CH3+ in Space
- Molecular Fingerprints: Scientists analyze light emitted or absorbed by atoms and molecules to identify their unique spectroscopic signatures.
- Spectroscopy with JWST: The JWST observed the Orion Nebula, a swirling disk of dust and gas surrounding a young star, and detected the distinctive fingerprints of CH3+ in its light.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: D4R Tool
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool, has been modified to adapt to the Indian context by researchers from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).
- The tool aims to support restoration programs in India by improving decision-making and promoting sustainable development.
What is D4R tool?
- The Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool is a tool developed by Bioversity International.
- It is designed to assist in promoting effective agroforestry and ecosystem restoration.
- The tool aims to improve decision-making in restoration programs by providing information on tree species selection and their ecological benefits.
Key features and functions of the D4R
- Species Identification: Helping users identify tree species that align with their restoration objectives.
- Geographic Suitability: Assisting in determining which plant species are best suited for specific geographic locations.
- Resilience and Adaptation: Identifying species that can withstand local stresses and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
- Seed Procurement: Providing information on areas and regions to obtain seeds for the required species.
- Plant Functional Traits: Incorporating information on economic and ecological uses of tree species to guide selection.
- Habitat Suitability Modeling: Predicting suitable habitats for specific tree species based on present and future climate scenarios.
- Comprehensive Information: Providing details on commercial benefits, physiological resilience, windbreaking capabilities, nitrogen-fixing, and pollinator support of tree species.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PRISM Hotline
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Lok Sabha Speaker has established ‘PRISM’ a 24-hour research reference telephone hotline for Members of Parliament (MPs) to provide assistance with policy issues.
What is PRISM?
- The Parliamentary Research and Information Support for Members of Parliament (PRISM) offers round-the-clock services, including weekends during Parliament Sessions.
- It aims to support first-term MPs and those without extensive secretarial teams who may find it daunting to speak in Parliament on policy matters.
- A team of 30-32 officers serves on the hotline on a rotational basis to provide research and reference support.
Usage and Enquiries
- Between 2019 and 2023, 87% of MPs have utilized either online or offline reference services, which are also shared through WhatsApp and email.
- Enquiries mainly focused on bills such as the Juvenile Justice Bill, Wildlife Protection Bill, and short-duration discussions on topics like climate change, drug abuse, and price rise.
Need for PRISM
- First-term MPs often face challenges when asked to speak on bills without extensive research support.
- The hotline and reference services have proven invaluable in assisting MPs, allowing them to contribute effectively to debates and discussions.
- The initiative has particularly aided MPs who may not be proficient in English or Hindi, enabling them to raise pertinent issues in Parliament.
Significance
- Parliament can be a fragmented environment, with various cliques and clubs forming over the years.
- Backbenchers, in particular, often spend much time in obscurity.
- The research and reference services provided by PRISM can make these years on the backbench more productive by facilitating informed participation in policy debates.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Har Ghar Jal Initiative
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Har Ghar Jal initiative, part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, aims to provide potable water connections to all rural households in India by 2024.
- However, multiple sources and data analysis indicate that the initiative is likely to fall short of its target, with only 75% of village homes expected to have drinking water taps by April 2024.
Har Ghar Jal Initiative: A quick recap
- Har Ghar Jal (translation: Water to Every Household) is a scheme initiated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti under Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019.
- It aimed to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024.
- Finance Minister announced the scheme in 2019 Union budget.
- In August 2022, Goa and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu became the first ‘Har Ghar Jal’ certified State and UT respectively with 100% tap-water access.
- As of January 2023, other states and UTs Gujarat, Puducherry and Telangana have also achieved 100% tap-water access.
- Since its inception, the scheme has significantly improved household clean tap water availability in India.
Challenges Faced by the Initiative
- Delayed Progress: The COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of qualified manpower in states have contributed to the delayed implementation of the scheme.
- Shortages of Essential Materials: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war resulted in major shortages of steel and cement, crucial for manufacturing and connecting metal pipes, leading to delays and price revisions.
- Manpower Shortage: Some states faced challenges in finding skilled workers to construct tanks, cisterns, and water connections of acceptable quality.
- State-Specific Issues: Certain states, such as Rajasthan, face challenges in ensuring the availability of water, while West Bengal and Kerala struggle with water contamination issues.
- Certification Gap: While the states report high coverage figures, there is a significant gap between reported and verified connections.
Expectations and Progress
- Revised Expectations: The officials now expect about 75% of households to be covered by March 2024 and 80% by December 2024.
- Work Yet to Begin: Around one crore households (5% of the total) have not even begun work under the scheme.
- Timeframe Challenges: Connecting all households in villages that already have access to water sources takes an average of eight months, making it unlikely to finish in some places before 2025-26.
Political Factors and Connection Status
- Political Angle: Some states, like Bihar and Telangana, did not rely on central funds and did not certify their connection status due to political considerations.
- Significance of Certification: “Har Ghar Jal” villages certified as 100% compliant prominently display the images of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, especially if Central funds were used.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hul Diwas, Santhal Revolt
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Prime Minister commemorated Hul Diwas, honoring the sacrifice of Santhals in their fight against British colonial authorities.
What is Hul Divas?
- The Santhal rebellion, known as the ‘Hul,’ was an organized war against colonialism led by the Santhals, who stood against various forms of oppression inflicted upon them by the British.
- This article explores the significance of the Santhal rebellion, their identity, the reasons behind the Hul, its organization, and its lasting impact.
Santhals and their Migration
- The Santhal people, or Santhalis, migrated from the Birbhum and Manbhum regions of Bengal to modern-day Santhal Pargana.
- The British relocated the Santhals to the forested area of Damin-i-Koh, dislodging the indigenous Pahariya community, as part of their revenue collection strategy.
- However, the Santhals faced severe colonial oppression, including exploitative moneylenders and the police.
Reasons behind the Hul
- The Santhals rebelled against the British due to extortions, oppressive extractions, dispossession of property, false measurements, and other illegalities.
- Tribal councils and meetings discussed the possibility of rebellion, leading to a massive assembly of over 6,000 Santhals on June 30, 1855, marking the beginning of the rebellion.
- Led by Sidhu and Kanhu, the Santhals rose against the British, attacking symbols of colonial rule and executing moneylenders and zamindars.
Organization of the Hul
- Contrary to popular belief, the Hul was a well-planned and organized political war.
- Evidence from documents and historical accounts reveals preparations such as guerrilla formations, military teams, detectives, secret bases, logistics, and a network of message carriers for coordination.
- Non-Adivasi Hindu castes also participated in the rebellion, highlighting the diverse nature of the movement.
Lesser-Known Facts about the Hul
- The rebellion saw participation from 32 communities, both tribals and non-tribals, challenging the notion that it was solely a Santhal rebellion.
- Phulo-Jhano, two sisters, led an army of 1,000 women, playing crucial roles in providing food supply, gathering information, and attacking British camps.
- The East India Company’s army was defeated twice during the rebellion, debunking the belief that they were invincible.
British Narratives and Accounts
- British reports and personal narratives provide insights into the causes of the Santhal rebellion, including excessive taxation, falsehood, and negligence of British officials, extortion by moneylenders, corruption, and oppression.
- The sufferings inflicted by moneylenders or ‘mahajans’ on the Santhals were a primary cause of the uprising.
Accounts from Prisoners and Divine Intervention
- Similar to other tribal uprisings, accounts exist of deities appearing in dreams or before the rebels.
- Judicial proceedings of captured Santhals revealed instances where deities instructed rebellion leaders to fight against the British and oppressors.
Lasting Impact of the Hul
- The Santhal rebellion did not end with its suppression in 1855; it continued to inspire future uprisings, such as the Santhal involvement in the 1857 mutiny.
- The Hul rebellion symbolized resistance against British colonialism and laid the foundation for subsequent movements in Jharkhand.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Aspartame
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO) is reportedly considering listing aspartame, a popular sugar substitute ‘Aspartame’ as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
- This potential listing by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has generated controversy as it contradicts previous studies that found no evidence linking aspartame to cancer.
What is Aspartame?
- Aspartame is widely used as an artificial sweetener in various food and beverage products.
- It is made from the dipeptide of two amino acids, L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine.
- It is approximately 200 times sweeter than table sugar and is commonly used in diet soft drinks, sugar-free gum, and other sugar-free products.
- It is favored by those seeking to reduce calorie intake or manage diabetes.
Safety Record and Regulatory Approvals
- Aspartame has undergone extensive studies over 40 years, with over 100 studies finding no evidence of harm caused by its consumption.
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has permitted its use in food since 1981, and it has been reviewed multiple times for safety.
- The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as well as national regulators in various countries, also deem aspartame safe for consumption.
- However, individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder, should avoid aspartame due to the presence of phenylalanine.
Controversies and Impact of WHOs Listings
- Past IARC rulings have raised concerns, led to lawsuits, and influenced manufacturers to seek alternatives due to public confusion.
- The potential listing of aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic” by the IARC contradicts previous scientific consensus on its safety.
- Critics argue that IARC assessments can be confusing to the public and may create unnecessary fear and misinformation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IceCube Neutrino Observatory , Ghost Particle
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a gigaton detector located at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, has achieved a significant scientific breakthrough by producing an image of the Milky Way using neutrinos.
- Neutrinos are minuscule particles and serve as ghostlike astronomical messengers.
IceCube Neutrino Observatory
- The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a unique detector encompassing a cubic kilometer of Antarctic ice with over 5,000 light sensors.
- It detects high-energy neutrinos, which possess energies millions to billions of times higher than those produced by stellar fusion reactions.
What are Neutrinos?
- Neutrinos are fundamental particles in the Standard Model of particle physics.
- They belong to the family of elementary particles called leptons, which also includes electrons and muons.
- Neutrinos have extremely low mass, and they interact very weakly with matter, making them challenging to detect.
Properties of Neutrinos
|
| Electric Charge |
Electrically Neutral |
| Mass |
Extremely Low (Exact Masses Not Known) |
| Flavors |
Electron Neutrino, Muon Neutrino, Tau Neutrino |
| Interaction |
Weak Interaction |
| Speed |
Close to the Speed of Light |
| Spin |
Fermion, Half-Integer Spin |
| Neutrino Oscillations |
Neutrinos Change Flavor during Travel |
| Interactions |
Very Weak Interaction with Matter |
| Abundance |
Among the Most Abundant Particles in the Universe |
| Cosmic Messengers |
Can Carry Information from Distant Cosmic Sources |
Neutrino Emission from the Milky Way
- The IceCube Collaboration’s research reveals evidence of high-energy neutrino emission from the Milky Way.
- This emission, unlike light, allows researchers to observe the universe beyond nearby sources within our galaxy.
- The detection of neutrinos from the galactic plane of the Milky Way confirms its status as a source of cosmic rays and high-energy particles.
Challenges and Breakthroughs
- Detecting neutrinos from the Milky Way’s southern sky presented challenges due to background interference from cosmic-ray interactions with Earth’s atmosphere.
- IceCube researchers developed advanced data analysis techniques, including machine learning algorithms, to identify and analyze neutrino events.
- These methods improved the identification of neutrino cascades and enhanced the accuracy of energy and direction reconstruction.
Implications and Future Prospects
- The study utilized 60,000 neutrinos from ten years of IceCube data, providing a more comprehensive analysis than previous studies.
- The research confirms the Milky Way as a source of high-energy neutrinos, leading to further investigations to identify specific sources within the galaxy.
- Neutrino astronomy offers a unique perspective to explore the universe, complementing traditional observations using light.
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