💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Distribution: weekly

  • Guru Teg Bahadur: Martyrdom and Legacy

    guru teg bahadur

    Central Idea

    • PM paid homage to Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, on his martyrdom day, highlighting his bravery, moral integrity, and teachings that foster unity and peace.
    • His sacrifice, especially his defence of Kashmiri Pandits against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s forced religious conversions in the 17th century, stands as a pivotal moment in Indian history.

    Guru Teg Bahadur’s Life and Contributions

    • Extensive Travels: Guru Teg Bahadur, born on April 1, 1621, was known for his extensive travels across India, akin to Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.
    • Reviving Sikh Centers: His journeys were instrumental in revitalizing Sikh centers beyond Punjab, setting the stage for the formation of the Khalsa by his son, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1699.
    • Poetic Legacy: A prolific poet, Guru Teg Bahadur’s hymns are an integral part of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism.
    • Founder of Anandpur Sahib: He founded Anandpur Sahib in 1665, a city of great religious and historical significance for Sikhs.

    Execution by Aurangzeb

    • Protection of Kashmiri Pandits: In 1675, Kashmiri Pandits approached Guru Teg Bahadur for protection against Aurangzeb’s religious persecution.
    • Arrest and Martyrdom: Guru Teg Bahadur was arrested and later executed in Delhi on November 24, 1675, in Chandni Chowk, for refusing to convert to Islam and standing up for religious freedom.
    • Memorials in Delhi: Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib marks the place of his execution, and Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib commemorates the site where his body was cremated.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

    1. Dadu Dayal
    2. Guru Nanak
    3. Tyagaraja

    Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

    (a) 1 and 3

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3

    (d) 1 and 2

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”nyc60iuelx” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • What is Zero Trust Authentication (ZTA)?

    zero trust

    Central Idea

    • In response to rising cyberattacks, the Centre has established a secure e-mail system for 10,000 users across critical ministries and departments.
    • The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has designed this system, incorporating Zero Trust Authentication (ZTA).

    What is Zero Trust Authentication (ZTA)?

    • ZTA is a security concept and framework that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.”
    • This approach to cybersecurity is a significant shift from traditional security models that operated under the assumption that everything inside an organization’s network should be trusted.
    • In contrast, Zero Trust assumes that trust is never granted implicitly but must be continually evaluated and authenticated, regardless of the user’s location or the network’s perimeter.

    Key Principles of ZTA

    • Least Privilege Access: Users are granted only the minimum level of access needed to perform their job functions. This limits the potential damage in case of a security breach.
    • Strict User Verification: Every user, whether inside or outside the organization’s network, must be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted access to applications and data.
    • Micro-segmentation: The network is divided into small zones to maintain separate access for separate parts of the network. If one segment is breached, the others remain secure.
    • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): ZTA often requires multiple pieces of evidence to authenticate a user’s identity. This could include something the user knows (password), something the user has (security token), and something the user is (biometric verification).
    • Continuous Monitoring and Validation: The system continuously monitors and validates that the traffic and data are secure and that the user’s behaviour aligns with the expected patterns.

    Implementation of Zero Trust Authentication

    • Technology: Implementation of Zero Trust requires technologies like identity and access management (IAM), data encryption, endpoint security, and network segmentation tools.
    • Policy and Governance: Organizations need to establish comprehensive security policies that enforce Zero Trust principles, including how data is accessed and protected.
    • User Education and Awareness: Training users on the importance of cybersecurity and the role they play in maintaining it is crucial.

    Benefits of Zero Trust Authentication

    • Enhanced Security Posture: By verifying every user and device, Zero Trust reduces the attack surface and mitigates the risk of internal threats.
    • Data Protection: Sensitive data is better protected through stringent access controls and encryption.
    • Compliance: Helps in meeting regulatory requirements by providing detailed logs and reports on user activities and data access.
    • Adaptability: Zero Trust is adaptable to a variety of IT environments, including cloud and hybrid systems.

  • Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) Report, 2023

    Central Idea

    • The govt has released the LEADS (Logistics Ease across Different States) 2023 report, assessing logistics performance across Indian States and Union Territories (UTs).
    • The report includes 11 States and two UTs, encompassing coastal, landlocked, North Eastern States, and UTs.

    About LEADS Report

    • The LEADS index was launched in 2018 by the Commerce and Industry Ministry and Deloitte.
    • It was inspired by the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) of World Bank, and has evolved over time.
    • It ranks states on the score of their logistics services and efficiency that are indicative of economic growth.
    • States are ranked based on quality and capacity of key infrastructure such as road, rail and warehousing as well as on operational ease of logistics.

    Key Highlights of the 2023 Report

    • ‘Achievers’ Category: States like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, and UTs Chandigarh, Delhi are named as ‘Achievers’.
    • Category Shifts: Maharashtra moved from ‘Achievers’ to ‘Fast Movers’, while Odisha shifted from ‘Achievers’ to ‘Aspirers’.
    • ‘Fast Movers’: Kerala and Maharashtra among coastal States, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand among land-locked States, and Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland among North Eastern States are ‘Fast Movers’.
    • ‘Aspirers’: Goa, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and UTs like Daman & Diu/Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh are categorized as ‘Aspirers’.

    Policy perspectives

    • Digital Initiatives: Digital reforms like PM GatiShakti, Logistics Data Bank, ULIP, and GST are driving India’s improved global ranking.
    • India’s Improved LPI Rank: India’s LPI rank improved by six places to 38th position in 2023, reflecting the positive impact of these efforts.
    • Vision for Logistics Sector: India’s logistics sector is set to grow from a $3.5 trillion to $35 trillion economy by 2047.

  • Cassini Data reveals organic molecules in Enceladus’s Plume

    Enceladus

    Central Idea

    • A re-analysis of data from the Cassini mission has revealed a complex mix of molecules in the gaseous plumes of Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

    About Cassini Mission

    Details
    Launch Date October 15, 1997
    Mission Agencies NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), Italian Space Agency (ASI)
    Primary Focus Study of Saturn, its rings, moons, and magnetosphere
    Key Objectives – Study Saturn’s atmosphere

    – Investigate Saturn’s rings

    – Detailed studies of Saturn’s moons

    – Explore Saturn’s magnetosphere
    Major Achievements – Successful landing of the Huygens probe on Titan

    – Discovery of geysers on Enceladus

    – Identification of new moons

    – Detailed analysis of Saturn’s rings
    Enceladus Discoveries – Detection of water-ice geysers erupting from the south pole

    – Indications of a subsurface ocean

    – Analysis of organic compounds in the plumes
    Significant Milestones – Jupiter Flyby: December 2000

    – Saturn Orbit Insertion: July 1, 2004

    – Huygens Titan Landing: January 2005
    Mission Duration 1997-2017 (including extended missions)

    Discovery of Plumes and Initial Analysis

    • Cassini’s Initial Discovery: In 2005, the Cassini spacecraft discovered large plumes escaping from Enceladus’s southern hemisphere.
    • Source of Plumes: These plumes are believed to originate from a subsurface ocean through fissures in the moon’s icy surface.
    • Initial Molecular Findings: Earlier analyses identified water, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and molecular hydrogen in the plume samples.

    Re-examination of Cassini Data

    • Research Team: Led by Jonah Peter from the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California.
    • Methodology: The team re-examined data using a statistical analysis technique, comparing it against a vast library of known mass spectra.
    • Newly Identified Molecules: The analysis revealed the presence of hydrocarbons like hydrogen cyanide (HCN), acetylene (C2H2), propylene (C3H6), ethane (C2H6), along with methanol and molecular oxygen.

    Significant Discovery of Nitrogen

    • Definite Presence of Nitrogen: The study confirmed the presence of nitrogen in the form of HCN, resolving previous uncertainties due to overlapping signals in mass spectrometry data.
    • Potential for Habitability: The diverse chemical reservoir under Enceladus’s surface suggests conditions that might be consistent with a habitable environment.
    • Support for Microbial Life: The presence of these compounds, along with mineralogical catalysts and redox gradients, could potentially support microbial communities or complex organic synthesis.
    • Caveat on Life Support: The ability of these compounds to support life depends on their concentration in Enceladus’s subsurface ocean.

  • [pib] Indian Tent Turtles rescued in Lucknow

    Indian Tent Turtles

    Central Idea

    • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Zonal Unit, Lucknow, acted on specific intelligence to intercept an illegal wildlife trade of 436 baby Indian Tent turtles.

    About Indian Tent Turtles

    Details
    Scientific Classification Pangshura tentoria, Family: Geoemydidae
    Diet Mainly herbivorous, active swimmer.
    Habitat Prefers still water pools on river sides and slow running water near river banks.
    Distribution Native to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
    Conservation Status – Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

    – IUCN Status: Least Concern

    – CITES: Appendix II.
    Major Threats Illegal trade in the pet market due to its attractive appearance.

  • NASA to launch PACE Mission

    pace

    Central Idea

    • NASA is gearing up for the launch of PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission in 2024. The mission’s objective is to enhance the understanding of Earth’s atmosphere.

    PACE Mission

    Details
    Objective To study the interplay of light, aerosols, and clouds, and their impact on air quality and climate.
    Ocean Study Analysis of the ocean color to understand oceanic processes.
    Primary Instrument Ocean Colour Instrument (OCI) for measuring ocean color across a spectrum from ultraviolet to shortwave infrared.
    Payloads – Spectro-polarimeter for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone)

    – Hyper Angular Research Polarimeter (HARP2)
    Instrument Features – Complementary spectral and angular sampling

    – Polarimetric accuracy

    – Enhanced spatial coverage
    Mission Goals – Improved atmospheric correction

    – Comprehensive aerosol and cloud science data

    – Enhanced ocean research
    Significance Expected to make significant breakthroughs in aerosol-cloud-ocean research through its synergistic payload.

  • Channapatna Toys in Afghan school academics

    Channapatna Toys

    Central Idea

    • Channapatna toys, a traditional craft from Karnataka, India, have become part of children’s academic activities in Afghanistan.

    About Channapatna Toys

    Details
    Location Channapatna, the Gombegala Ooru (Toy-town), about 60 km from Bengaluru, in Ramanagara district, Karnataka, India.
    Industry Over 250 cottage units and around 50 factories dedicated to toy-making.
    History Originated during Tipu Sultan’s reign in the 18th century, influenced by Persian artisans.
    Features – Handmade using traditional techniques

    – Made primarily of Ivory Wood, also sandalwood and mango wood

    – Painted with organic, natural dyes

    – Safe shapes for children (round, blunt edges).
    Recognition Received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2005.

  • In news: Gandabherunda Art

    Gandabherunda Art

    Central Idea

    • Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has secured legal rights for the unique artistic representation of Gandabherunda Art as symbol of their corporate identity.

    About Gandabherunda Art

    Details
    Cultural Origin Ancient motif found in various cultures including Hittites, Egyptians, Sumerians, and Indians.
    Introduction to India Suggested by John Marshall to be introduced by the Shakas (Scythians), but also found in ancient Indian texts.
    Ancient Indian References Appears in Panchatantra, Mahabharata, Panini’s grammar, and Jain texts like Kalpa Sūtra.
    Archaeological Sites Found in Sirkap near Taxila and the Sanchi Stupa.
    Literary Appearances Featured in Buddhist literature and Panchatantra, often symbolizing unity and vigilance.
    Karnataka Temple Sculptures Prominently depicted in Hindu temples in Karnataka, linked to Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar in Narasimha Purana.
    Contemporary Significance State symbol of Karnataka; associated with the Mysuru royal family and the Order of Gandabherunda.
    Historical Usage Earliest depiction in the Mathura art period (1st century CE). Significant use in the Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 CE).
    Karnataka Emblem Official state emblem of Karnataka, adopted in 1956.
    Architectural Presence Common in South Indian temple architecture, especially in Karnataka. Notable at the Chennakesava Temple at Belur.
    Symbolism Represents material and spiritual power, strength, and fearlessness.

  • Maldives decides to end Hydrographic Survey Pact with India

    Hydrographic Survey

    Central Idea

    • The Maldives government has chosen not to renew a hydrographic survey agreement with India, marking a significant change in bilateral relations.

    Hydrographic Survey Pact: A Backgrounder

    • Nature of Hydrographic Surveys: These surveys involve mapping water bodies to facilitate safe and efficient maritime transportation.
    • 2019 Agreement: During Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the Maldives in June 2019, an MoU was signed for cooperation in hydrography between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

    Activities under the Pact

    • Joint Hydrographic Surveys: Three joint surveys were conducted in 2021, 2022, and 2023, involving Indian Naval Ships like INS Darshak and INS Sutlej.
    • Survey Objectives: The surveys aimed to update navigational charts and support sectors like tourism and fisheries. They also involved tidal observations and identifying new shoals.
    • Support to MNDF: India provided hydrographic equipment and training to MNDF personnel, aligning with its policy of supporting the Maldives in establishing hydrographic capabilities.

    India’s Hydrographic Survey Agreements with Other Countries

    • Global Hydrographic Efforts: India has conducted hydrographic surveys in various countries, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
    • International Cooperation: The National Hydrographic Office highlights the potential for international cooperation in hydrography, especially in regions with limited capabilities.

    Reasons behind Maldives’ Decision   

    • Regime Change: The election of Mohamed Muizzu of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), seen as more pro-China, contrasts with his predecessor President Solih’s India-friendly stance.
    • Geopolitical Dynamics: China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean region, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has impacted India’s traditional sphere of influence in the Maldives.
    • ‘India Out’ Campaign: Allegations of Indian military presence and the new administration’s emphasis on national security and self-reliance in hydrographic capabilities have influenced this decision.

    Possible outcomes

    • Changing Geopolitical Landscape: The Maldives’ decision reflects the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean, with growing Chinese influence challenging India’s traditional role.
    • Impact on India-Maldives Relations: This development could signify a recalibration of the Maldives’ foreign policy, potentially impacting India’s strategic interests in the region.

  • How the Hottest Summer ever affected the Arctic?

    arctic

    Central Idea

    • Unprecedented Warmth: The Arctic experienced its warmest summer on record in 2023, warming nearly four times faster than the global average since 1979.
    • NOAA’s Comprehensive Study: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Arctic Report Card, a peer-reviewed analysis by 82 scientists from 13 countries, details the critical impacts of this warming.

    Key Findings and Consequences of the Arctic Warming

    [1] Thawing of Subsea Permafrost

    • Accelerated Thawing Process: Warmer ocean temperatures are causing a faster thawing of subsea permafrost, which contains organic matter.
    • Release of Greenhouse Gases: This thawing leads to the decay of organic matter and the release of methane and carbon dioxide, intensifying global warming and ocean acidification.
    • Research Challenges: The extent of greenhouse gas release from subsea permafrost and its future impact on global warming remains uncertain due to limited research.

    [2] Food Insecurity

    • Decline in Salmon Populations: In Western Alaska, populations of Chinook and chum salmon were 81% and 92% below the 30-year mean, respectively.
    • Size Reduction and Species Variation: The size of adult salmon has decreased, and while Chinook and chum salmon declined, sockeye salmon numbers were 98% above the 30-year mean.
    • Impact on Indigenous Communities: These changes have led to fishery closures and significant cultural and food security impacts in Indigenous communities.

    [3] Raging Wildfires

    • Canada’s Severe Wildfire Season: Canada experienced its worst wildfire season, with over 10 million acres burned in the Northwest Territories.
    • Evacuations and Air Quality Impact: The fires led to mass evacuations and affected air quality, reaching as far as the southern United States.

    [4] Severe Flooding

    • Mendenhall Glacier Thinning: The Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska has thinned dramatically, causing annual floods.
    • Significant Flooding Event: In August 2023, a glacial lake burst through its ice dam, leading to unprecedented flooding and severe property damage in Juneau.

    [5] Greenland Ice Sheet Melting

    • Rare Melting Events: The highest point on Greenland’s ice sheet experienced melting for only the fifth time in 34 years.
    • Continued Mass Loss: Despite above-average winter snow accumulation, the ice sheet lost approximately 350 trillion pounds of mass between August 2022 and September 2023.
    • Contribution to Sea-Level Rise: Greenland’s ice sheet melting is the second-largest contributor to global sea-level rise.

    Conclusion

    • Immediate and Long-Term Impacts: The record-breaking temperatures in the Arctic have immediate consequences for local communities and long-term implications for global climate patterns.
    • Need for Further Research: Enhanced research is crucial to understand the full scope of Arctic warming and to develop effective mitigation strategies.
    • Global Responsibility: The findings highlight the urgent need for concerted global efforts to address climate change and its far-reaching impacts.