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  • Taam Ja’: World’s Deepest Blue Hole

    Why in the news?

    Researchers have made a discovery in Mexico, uncovering the world’s deepest blue hole, known as Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH).

    What are Blue Holes?

    • Blue holes, such as TJBH, are formed in coastal regions with soluble bedrock, such as limestone, marble, or gypsum.
    • Water percolates through the rock, dissolving minerals and widening cracks, ultimately leading to the formation of sinkholes.
    • Famous examples: 410-foot Great Blue Hole in Belize, the 663-foot Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas and the 328-foot Blue Hole in the Red Sea near Dahab, Egypt.

    About Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH)

    • TJBH extends at least 1,380 feet (420 meters) below sea level, making it the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world.
    • It is located in Chetumal Bay off the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
    • It was first discovered in 2021, was originally thought to be 900 feet deep.
    • This discovery surpasses the previous record-holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole in the South China Sea, by an impressive 480 feet.

    Research Expedition and Findings

    • Scientists utilized a conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) profiler to collect data about the environmental conditions within the blue hole.
    • Despite reaching depths of 1,640 feet (500 meters), the CTD profiler was unable to reach the bottom of TJBH, indicating its remarkable depth.
    • Data from the profiler suggested the presence of different water layers within the blue hole, with conditions resembling those of the Caribbean Sea at depths below 1,312 feet (400 meters).

    PYQ:

    [2017] In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?

    1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams.

    2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs.

    3. Subterranean deep saline formations.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Unveiling of Raja Ravi Varma’s Indulekha Painting

    Why in the News?

    The first true copy of Raja Ravi Varma’s painting “Indulekha” will be unveiled at Kilimanoor Palace, the birthplace of the legendary artist, on his 176th birth anniversary celebrations.

    About the Indulekha Painting:

    • The painting depicts Indulekha, the protagonist of the first modern Malayalam novel by O. Chandu Menon, published in 1889.
    • The painting holds significance as it is believed to have inspired Ravi Varma’s famous work, “Reclining Lady.”
    • The oil painting portrays Indulekha holding a letter, dated 1892.
    • It exhibits meticulous attention to detail and symmetry, characteristic of Ravi Varma’s style.

    Who was Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906)?

    • Raja Ravi Varma was born in April 1848 in Kilimanoor, Kerala, to a family which was very close to the royals of Travancore.
    • Often referred to as the father of modern Indian art, he is widely known for his realistic portrayal of Indian gods and goddesses.
    • While he majorly painted for the royalty, he is also credited for taking art to the masses with his prints and oleographs.
    • Patronised by Ayilyam Thirunal, the then ruler of Travancore, he learnt watercolour painting from the royal painter Ramaswamy Naidu.
    • He later trained in oil painting from Dutch artist Theodore Jensen.

    Fame as a notable painter

    • Following a portrait of Maharaja Sayajirao of Baroda, he has commissioned 14 Puranic paintings for the Durbar Hall of the new Lakshmi Vilas Palace at Baroda.
    • Depicting Indian culture, Varma borrowed from episodes of Mahabharata and Ramayana for the same.
    • He also received patronage from numerous other rulers, including the Maharaja of Mysore and Maharaja of Udaipur.
    • As his popularity soared, the artist won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873.
    • He was also awarded three gold medals at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
    • Viceroy Lord Curzon honoured him with the Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal for his service.

    Nature of his artforms

    • Much of his celebrated art also borrows heavily from Indian mythology.
    • In fact, he is often credited with defining the images of Indian gods and goddesses through his relatable and more realistic portrayals often painted with humans as models.
    • The depictions include Lakshmi as the goddess of wealth, Saraswati as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, and Lord Vishnu with his consorts, Maya and Lakshmi.
    • Raja Ravi Varma aspired to take his art to the masses and the intent led him to open a Lithographic Press in Bombay in 1894.
    • The first picture printed at Varma’s press was reportedly The Birth of Shakuntala, followed by numerous mythological figures and saints such as Adi Shankaracharya.

    Major works

    • It is believed that he had made around 7,000 paintings before his death at the age of 58.
    • But only one painting is now left in ‘Chithrashala,’ the artist’s studio at Kilimanoor Palace — an unfinished portrait of ‘Parsi lady’ which was his last work.
    • Some of his popular works include ‘Lady in the Moonlight’, ‘Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair’, ‘Malabar Lady with Violin’, ‘Lady with Swarbat’, and ‘Maharashtrian Lady with Fruits’.
    [2018] The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the

    (a) Bundi school

    (b) Jaipur school

    (c) Kangra school

    (d) Kishangarh school

  • SEBI board approves amendment to Mutual Funds rules

    Why in the news?

    • The Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recently approved amendments to SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, aimed at enhancing the regulatory framework for Asset Management Companies (AMCs).
      • These amendments mandate AMCs to establish institutional mechanisms to deter potential market abuse, including front-running, following recent instances observed by the market regulator.

    What are Mutual Funds?

    • A mutual fund is a pool of money managed by a professional Fund Manager.
    • It is a trust that collects money from a number of investors who share a common investment objective and invests the same in equities, bonds, money market instruments and/or other securities.
    • And the income / gains generated from this collective investment is distributed proportionately amongst the investors after deducting applicable expenses and levies, by calculating a scheme’s “Net Asset Value” or NAV.
    • SEBI regulates mutual funds through the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.

    Categories of Mutual Funds:

    1. An actively managed fund is a mutual fund scheme in which the fund manager “actively” manages the portfolio and continuously monitors the fund’s portfolio, deciding on which stocks to buy/sell/hold and when, using his/her professional judgement, backed by analytical research.
    2. A passively managed fund, by contrast, simply follows a market index, i.e., in a passive fund , the fund manager remains inactive or passive inasmuch as, he/she does not use his/her judgement or discretion to decide as to which stocks to buy/sell/hold , but simply replicates / tracks the scheme’s benchmark index in exactly the same proportion.

    Fund Structure

    • Mutual funds in India operate under a three-tier structure, comprising the
    1. Asset Management Company (AMC),
    2. Trustees, and
    3. Custodians.
    • The AMC manages the fund’s investments, the Trustees oversee the operations, and the Custodians safeguard the fund’s assets.

    Key highlights of the recent update:

    • Institutional Mechanism: AMCs are required to implement enhanced surveillance systems, internal controls, and escalation processes to identify and address specific types of misconduct, such as front-running, insider trading, and misuse of sensitive information.
    • Whistleblower Mechanism: To foster transparency, AMCs are mandated to have a whistleblower mechanism.
    • Recording of Communication: SEBI has exempted face-to-face interactions during market hours from the requirement of recording all communication by dealers and fund managers. This exemption will be effective upon the implementation of the institutional mechanism by AMCs.
    • Prudential Norms for Passive Schemes: SEBI has streamlined prudential norms for passive schemes, allowing equity passive schemes to invest up to the weightage of constituents in the underlying index, subject to a 35% cap on investment in sponsor group companies.

    PYQ:

    [2014] What does venture capital mean?

    (a) A short-term capital provided to industries

    (b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs

    (c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses

    (d) Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries

  • Chin-Kuki-Zo Tribes: Backdrop of Ethnic Conflict in Manipur

    Why in the news?

    Manipur CM took it to social media where he alleged an “unnatural growth” in the population of the “Chin-Kuki-Zo” tribes in the state, posing a perceived threat to indigenous communities and national security.

    About Chin-Kuki-Zo Tribes

    Chin Tribe Kuki Tribe Zo Tribe
    Ethnic Composition Major ethnic group in Myanmar’s Chin State; known for distinct customs and language. Heterogeneous group in Northeast India; recognized for diverse subtribes. Diverse ethnic group in Northeast India, Myanmar, and parts of Bangladesh.
    Geographical Distribution Primarily in Myanmar’s Chin State; significant populations in Indian states like Mizoram. Mainly in Northeast India; also found in Chin State, Myanmar. Inhabits Northeast India, particularly Mizoram and Manipur; also in parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh.
    Language Chin language, part of Kuki-Chin subgroup of Tibeto-Burman family. Kuki-Chin languages; various dialects with distinct variations. Mizo-Kuki-Chin languages; different dialects within Tibeto-Burman family.
    Culture and Traditions Vibrant music, dance, festivals; celebrates Chin National Day. Rich oral traditions, folk music; celebrates festivals like Chavang Kut. Rich oral literature, vibrant festivals; celebrates Chapchar Kut and Mim Kut.
    Livelihood Historically practiced subsistence agriculture; now diversified livelihoods. Historically practiced shifting (Jhum) cultivation; now engaged in various occupations. Historically practiced shifting (Jhum) cultivation; now diverse livelihood patterns.
    Religion Predominantly Christianity with some traditional animistic beliefs. Predominantly Christianity with traditional animistic practices. Predominantly Christianity with remnants of traditional beliefs.
    Socio-Political Organization Advocates for cultural identity and rights; e.g., Chin National Front. Promotes Kuki identity; active organizations like Kuki National Organization. Promotes Zo identity; e.g., Zomi Council and Mizo Zirlai Pawl.

    Issues with their migration

    The Chin-Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur are contributing to the conflict in the state due to various factors.

    • There have been longstanding demands from various tribal groups for greater recognition of their ethnic identity and autonomy within Manipur.
    • Land ownership and control are significant issues among the Chin-Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur.
    [2016]  Consider the following pairs: (2016)

    Community sometimes  mentioned in the news In the affairs of
    1. Kurd Bangladesh
    2. Madhesi Nepal
    3. Rohingya Myanmar

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 2 and 3
    (d) 3 only

  • RBI’s New Guidelines for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)

    Why in the news?

    The RBI has introduced updated guidelines for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) through a master direction, effective from April 24, 2024.

    What is an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC)?

    Description
    About ARC is a special financial institution that acquires debtors from banks at a mutually agreed value and attempts to recover the debts or associated securities.
    Regulation
    • ARCs are registered under the RBI.
    • Regulated under the SARFAESI Act, 2002 (Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act).
    Objective ARCs take over a portion of the bank’s non-performing assets (NPAs) and engage in asset reconstruction or securitization, aiming to recover the debts.
    Functions
    • Asset Reconstruction: Acquisition of bank loans or other credit facilities for realization.
    • Securitization: Acquisition of financial assets by issuing security receipts.
    Foreign Investment 100% FDI allowed in ARCs under the automatic route.
    Limitiations
    • ARCs are prohibited from undertaking lending activities.
    • They can only engage in securitization and reconstruction activities.
    Working
    • Bank with NPA agrees to sell it to ARC at a mutually agreed value.
    • ARC transfers assets to trusts under SARFAESI Act.
    • Upfront payment made to bank, rest through Security Receipts.
    • Recovery proceeds shared between ARC and bank.
    Security Receipts Issued to Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) for raising funds to acquire financial assets.
    Significance
    • Banks can clean up their balance sheets and focus on core banking activities.
    • Provides a mechanism for resolution of NPAs and debt recovery.

    What are the new guidelines laid out by the RBI?

    • Enhanced Capital Requirements:
        • Minimum Capital Requirement Increase: ARCs are now mandated to maintain a minimum capital requirement of Rs 300 crore, a significant increase from the previous Rs 100 crore stipulation established on October 11, 2022.
        • Transition Period for Compliance: Existing ARCs are granted a transition period to reach the revised Net Owned Fund (NOF) threshold of Rs 300 crore by March 31, 2026.
        • Interim Requirement: However, by March 31, 2024, ARCs must possess a minimum capital of Rs 200 crore to comply with the new directives.
    • Supervisory Actions for Non-Compliance:
        • ARCs failing to meet the prescribed capital thresholds will face supervisory action, potentially including restrictions on undertaking additional business until compliance is achieved.
    • Expanded Role for Well-Capitalized ARCs:
      • Empowerment of Well-Capitalized ARCs: ARCs with a minimum NOF of Rs 1000 crore are empowered to act as resolution applicants in distressed asset scenarios.
      • Investment Opportunities: These ARCs are permitted to deploy funds in government securities, scheduled commercial bank deposits, and institutions like SIDBI and NABARD, subject to RBI specifications. Additionally, they can invest in short-term instruments such as money market mutual funds, certificates of deposit, and corporate bonds commercial papers.
      • Investment Cap: Investments in short-term instruments are capped at 10% of the NOF to mitigate risk exposure.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade.
    2. To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Why the Thar Desert on the borders of India and Pakistan is getting greener?

    Why in the News?

    Rajasthan’s barren Thar Desert may turn green, says a recent study in the journal Earth’s Future.

    Thar Desert

    • The Thar Desert is the 18th largest subtropical desert globally and is one of the most densely populated deserts.
    • Approximately 40% of the human population in Rajasthan resides in the Thar Desert.
    • It extends from the Sutlej River and is bounded by the Rann of Kutch, the Aravalli Mountains, and the Indus River.
    • About 85% of the Thar Desert is located in India, with the remainder in Pakistan.
    • In India, it spans across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab as well.
    • Civilizations are believed to have thrived in the Thar region around 50,000 years ago across the extinct Saraswati River.
    • The Desert National Park (home to the endangered Great Indian Bustard, desert fox, desert cat, blackbuck, and Indian gazelle) is situated in the Thar Desert in the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan.

    Why is the Thar desert getting greener?

    • Climate Change Effects:
        • Alteration of Weather Patterns: Climate change is causing shifts in rainfall distribution in the thar desert area.
        • Potential for Vegetation Growth: The increased precipitation could provide favorable conditions for vegetation growth, contributing to the greening of the desert.
    • Indian Monsoon Dynamics:
        • Westward Extension of Indian Monsoon: The Indian monsoon, known for bringing heavy rainfall to eastern India, is now extending further westward into regions like the Thar Desert.
        • Impact on Moisture and Rainfall: This change in monsoon dynamics could lead to increased moisture and rainfall in the desert region, facilitating the growth of vegetation.
    • Expansion of Indian Ocean Warm Pool (IOWP):
        • Influence on Monsoon Patterns: The Indian Ocean Warm Pool (IOWP) influences monsoon patterns and rainfall distribution over the Indian subcontinent.
        • Westward Expansion due to Climate Change: Climate change is causing the IOWP to expand westward, potentially resulting in increased rainfall over semi-arid regions like the Thar Desert and promoting greening.
    • Water Management Practices:
        • Contribution to Greening: Effective water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and irrigation techniques like johad, kuis, and kunds, may be playing a role in the greening of the Thar Desert.
        • Utilization of Water Resources: By harnessing and efficiently utilizing available water resources, local communities and authorities can support vegetation growth and ecosystem restoration efforts in the desert.
    • Introduction of Irrigation  
      • Commercial Cropping: Irrigation was introduced during British colonial rule in the 19th and 20th centuries to convert arid and semi-arid ecosystems into cropland.
      • Restrictions on Grazing: The right to graze animals was restricted to landowners who cultivated crops, leading to the transformation of nomadic pastoralists into sedentary agro-pastoralists.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?

    1. Hard and waxy leaves
    2. Tiny leaves
    3. Thorns instead of leaves

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2020] The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.

    [2013] Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why?

  • [pib] Launching of LSAM 20 (Yard 130)  

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy has inducted the ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130) into its fleet.

    What is LSAM 20?

    • LSAM 20 (Yard 130) is the Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge (Storage) inducted by the Indian Navy.  (built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane).
    • LSAM 20 facilitates transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles/ammunition to IN Ships.
    • These Barges are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping.

    Objective 

    • A Torpedo Cum Missile Barge is a specialized vessel used by the Indian Navy to transport various types of ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles to operational areas.
    • These barges play a crucial role in providing logistical support to naval vessels by ensuring the uninterrupted transportation of essential military supplies. 

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

  • Anticyclones, hanging even now over India, link warming to heat | Explained

    Why in the news?

    The record warming of 2023 has so far not been fully explained since it was much warmer than expected just from the superposition of El Nino on global warming.

    About Anticyclone:

    • An anticyclone is a weather phenomenon defined as a large-scale circulation of winds around a central region of high atmospheric pressure, clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

    The link between ElNino and Anticyclone: 

    • El Nino events can lead to the formation of anticyclone events. During El Niño, the weakening or reversal of the Walker circulation and strengthening of the Hadley circulation caused warm ocean water to develop in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific.

    The link between anticyclone and heat 

    • Stability and Weather Patterns: Anticyclones are areas of high pressure in the atmosphere characterized by descending air, which stop the cloud formation and precipitation. This stable air mass tends to promote clear skies and can lead to prolonged periods of hot and dry weather.
    • Amplification by Global Warming: Studies suggest that global warming can intensify anticyclones, making them stronger and more persistent. Warmer temperatures due to climate change can enhance the evaporation of moisture from land and water surfaces, further reinforcing the stability of anticyclonic conditions.
    • Feedback Loop: Anticyclones can create a feedback loop with global warming. As anticyclones persist, they can exacerbate heatwaves by trapping heat near the surface, preventing it from escaping into the upper atmosphere. This trapped heat can then further strengthen the anticyclone, leading to a self-reinforcing cycle of heat and stability.

    What are the stages of early warnings?

    The stages of early warnings on the ‘ready-set-go’ system for disaster management

    • Ready: This stage involves providing a seasonal outlook based on background states and external factors like global warming and El Niño. The aim is to maximize the accuracy of longer-lead forecasts, enabling organizations like the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and local governments to prepare their disaster response systems accordingly.
    • Set: In this stage, subseasonal predictions for weeks two to four are utilized. Resource allocations are made, and potential hotspots are identified to ensure that disaster preparedness is in place. This step involves moving resources, including personnel, to areas that are identified as at risk based on the extended range forecasts.
    • Go: The final stage, based on short- and medium-range forecasts (days 1-10), involves the activation of disaster response efforts. This includes implementing rescue operations, setting up hydration centers, heat shelters, and other necessary measures to manage the disaster effectively.

    Conclusion: All evidence suggests India’s prediction system and early warning systems continue to improve and the NDMA has worked these details well into its ‘ready-set-go’ system.The remaining challenges are to build resilience for the future by better predicting the trajectory of the weather at every location over India.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.

    https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/anticyclones-hanging-even-now-over-india-link-warming-to-heat/article68117359.ece

  • In news: National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) Accreditation 

    Why in the news?

    • The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is gearing up to defend India’s human rights processes at a critical meeting of Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) in Geneva.
    • A decision on retaining India’s NHRC’s “A status” accreditation is imminent at this summit.

    About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

    Details
    Establishment
    • A Statutory Body;
    • Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
    Functions
    • Inquire into any violation of human rights
    • Recommend immediate interim relief to victims or their families
    • Intervene in court proceedings involving human rights violations
    • Review constitutional and legal safeguards for human rights
    • Study international instruments on human rights
    • Promote human rights literacy
    • Support the efforts of NGOs working in the field of human rights
    Powers
    • Regulate its own procedure
    • Possess all the powers of a civil court
    • Proceedings have a judicial character
    Chairperson
    • Must be a former Justice of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
    • Appointed by the President of India
    Members
    • Four full-time members;
    • Chairperson: former Supreme Court Justice or Chief Justice;
    • Other Member: former Judge of the Supreme Court;
    • Other Member: former Chief Justice of a High Court;
    • Three Members: with knowledge or experience in human rights, including at least one woman –
    • Seven ex-officio members:  Chairpersons of National Commissions viz., National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, National Commission for Women , National Commission for Minorities, National Commission for Backward Classes, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights; and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
    Appointment
    • Appointed by the President, based on a committee recommendation including the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Home Minister, Leaders of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and others
    • Consultation with the Chief Justice of India for judicial appointments
    Removal
    • Removal by order of the President of India
    • Consultation with the Supreme Court before removal
    Terms of Office
    • Hold office for a term of three years or until the age of 70
    • Ineligibility for further government employment after office
    • Eligible for reappointment
    Salaries Determined by the Central government
    Reporting
    • Submits annual or special reports to the Central government and the concerned State government
    • Reports laid before the respective legislatures, along with a memorandum of action taken on the recommendations and reasons for non-acceptance of any recommendations
    Limitations
    • The commission is not empowered to inquire into any matter after the expiry of one year from the date on which the act constituting the violation of human rights is alleged to have been committed
    • Functions are recommendatory in nature, with no power to punish or award relief to violators
    • Limited role concerning armed forces violations

     

    GANHRI Concerns about India’s NHRC

    India’s NHRC faced a potential downgrade in its accreditation status in 2023 due to concerns raised by the SCA regarding its operational independence and composition.

    • Political Interference: The NHRC-India faced objections related to political interference in appointments, compromising its independence.
    • Police Involvement: Involving the police in probes into human rights violations raised concerns about impartiality and fair investigations.
    • Lack of Cooperation: The NHRC’s poor cooperation with civil society was criticized, hindering its effectiveness in protecting human rights.
    • Lack of Diversity: The GANHRI highlighted the lack of diversity in staff and leadership positions within the NHRC. There is also lack of gender and minority representation.
    • Insufficient Protection of Marginalized Groups: The NHRC was found to have taken insufficient action to protect marginalized groups, contrary to the U.N.’s principles on national institutions (the ‘Paris Principles).

    Back2Basics: GANHRI (Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions)
    Purpose Promote and protect human rights globally
    Year Established 1993
    Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
    Members National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from 114 member institutions
    Key Functions
    • Promoting and strengthening NHRIs worldwide
    • Advocating for human rights at national, regional, and global levels
    • Facilitating cooperation and sharing of best practices among NHRIs
    • Providing capacity-building support to NHRIs etc.
    Organizational Structure
    • President: Elected from GANHRI members for a specified term
    • Bureau: Assists the President in overseeing GANHRI’s work
    • Sub-Committees: Focused on specific thematic or regional issues
    Key Documents
    • Paris Principles: Provide guidance for the establishment and operation of NHRIs
    • GANHRI Strategy: Outlines the organization’s strategic objectives and actions
    Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA)
    • Part of a five-year peer evaluation cycle for all 114 member institutions of GANHRI.
    • Accreditation status holds significance as it determines its voting rights at international human rights forums.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Consider the following:

    1. Right to education.
    2. Right to equal access to public service.
    3. Right to food.

    Which of the above is/are Human Right/Rights under “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) Project

    Why in the news?

    NASA has launched its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) spacecraft that uses sunlight for propulsion from New Zealand into space.

    About Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) Project

    • The spacecraft is slated to orbit 1,000 kilometers above Earth, deploying an 80-square-meter solar sail approximately 25 minutes after liftoff.
    • It harnesses sunlight as a renewable propulsion source, marking a novel advancement in space exploration.
    • It uses a compact CubeSat, similar in size to an oven, which facilitates propulsion by capturing solar particle energy.
    • Operational Phases:
    • The initial flight phase spans two months and involves subsystems checkout and solar sail deployment.
    • A series of pointing maneuvers will showcase orbit raising and lowering, validating the effectiveness of sunlight pressure on the sail.

    The Technology Behind: Solar Sailing

    • Solar sails typically consist of lightweight, reflective materials such as Mylar or aluminized Kapton, which are deployed in space to capture sunlight.
    • The sail is often configured as a large, thin membrane with a large surface area to maximize the amount of sunlight it can intercept.
    • When sunlight reflects off a shiny solar sail, some of its momentum is transferred, giving the sail a small push.

    Solar sailing offers several advantages over traditional propulsion methods, including:

    1. Efficiency: Solar sailing does not require onboard fuel, making it a highly efficient and sustainable propulsion method for long-duration missions.
    2. Continuous thrust: Unlike chemical rockets, which provide brief bursts of acceleration, solar sails can provide continuous thrust as long as they are exposed to sunlight.
    3. Maneuverability: Solar sails can change their trajectory by adjusting the orientation of the sail relative to the direction of incoming sunlight. This allows for precise navigation and maneuvering in space.
    4. Interstellar travel: Solar sailing has the potential to enable interstellar missions by gradually accelerating spacecraft to very high velocities over time, allowing them to explore distant star systems.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO