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  • Cyclone Michaung makes landfall

    Central Idea

    • Cyclone Michaung (name suggested by Myanmar) makes landfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Michaung is the fourth tropical cyclone over the Bay of Bengal this year.

    About Cyclone Michaung

    • Uncommon Intensity: December cyclones in the North Indian Ocean typically do not reach high intensities. Michaung, with its severe storm classification, is an exception.
    • Upgraded Intensity: Initially predicted as a tropical cyclone, IMD upgraded Michaung to a ‘severe’ storm due to its unexpected intensification.
    • Heat Index Contribution: The intensification is attributed to the above-normal heat index values off the southern Andhra Pradesh coast.

    Indian Tropical Storms: An Overview

    • Annual Cyclones: The North Indian Ocean basin averages about five cyclones per year, predominantly in the Bay of Bengal.
    • Arabian Sea Cyclones: Though less frequent, Arabian Sea cyclones often reach higher intensities and can cause extensive damage.
    • Peak Cyclone Seasons: Cyclones are most common during pre-monsoon (April-June) and post-monsoon (October-December) months, with May and November seeing more intense storms.

    Factors Influencing Storm Intensification

    • Ocean Heat: Cyclones draw energy from warm ocean temperatures, typically around 26 degrees Celsius or higher.
    • Tropical Cyclone Heat Potential (TCHP): This oceanographic parameter is crucial in cyclone genesis and intensification.
    • Complex Atmospheric Conditions: Various atmospheric factors like wind shear, convection, and air-sea interactions also play a role in cyclone development.
    • Coriolis Effect: This effect influences cyclone formation in the northern hemisphere, causing air to move anticlockwise in low-pressure areas.

    Back2Basics: Extratropical and Tropical Cyclones

    • General Definition: Cyclones are large-scale air systems rotating around a low-pressure center, often accompanied by violent storms.
    • Extratropical Cyclones: Found outside the tropics, these cyclones have a cold core and gain energy from interactions between cold and warm air masses. They can form over both land and sea.
    • Tropical Cyclones: These form in tropical regions and are powered by the condensation of water vapor. They lack associated warm or cold fronts and are known as hurricanes or typhoons in different regions.

    Cyclone Naming Process

    • Rotational Basis for Naming: The naming of cyclones is done by countries on a rotational basis, following certain existing guidelines.
    • Responsibilities of RSMCs and TCWCs: Worldwide, there are six regional specialized meteorological centers (RSMCs) and five regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centers (TCWCs) mandated for issuing advisories and naming of tropical cyclones.
    • IMD’s Role: IMD is one of the six RSMCs providing tropical cyclone and storm surge advisories to 13 member countries under the WMO/Economic and Social Commission for Asia-Pacific (ESCAP) Panel.
    • Naming Authority of IMD: RSMC, New Delhi, is also mandated to name the tropical cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
    • Guidelines for Naming: Some rules are to be followed while naming cyclones, such as being neutral to politics, religious beliefs, cultures, and gender, avoiding offensive or cruel names, and keeping the name short and easy to pronounce.
    • Future Naming: After ‘Michaung’, the next cyclone as per India’s suggestion will be named ‘Tej’.

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Naval Legacy

    navy

    Central Idea

    • On Navy Day, December 4, PM Modi highlighted Chhatrapati Shivaji’s understanding of naval power and announced the incorporation of his emblem on naval officers’ epaulettes.

    Indian Navy’s Acknowledgment of Maratha Heritage

    • Training Establishment: The Indian Navy’s training facility in Lonavla is named INS Shivaji.
    • Administrative Hub: The Western Naval Command’s logistics and administrative center in Mumbai is named INS Angre, after Kanhoji Angre, a prominent Maratha naval commander.
    • New Naval Ensign: The Indian Navy’s new Ensign, unveiled in 2022, features the octagonal design of Shivaji’s seal, symbolizing his maritime vision.

    About Maratha Navy

    Details
    Foundation and Expansion – Founder: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

    – First Vessel: Built around 1654 near Kalyan

    – Strategic Naval Bases: Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Khanderi, Colaba

    – Philosophy: Principle of ‘Jalameva yasya, balameva tasya’ (‘He who rules the seas is all powerful’).
    Composition and Command – Personnel: Native Konkani sailors and mercenaries

    – Notable Commanders: Shivaji Maharaj, Admiral Kanhoji Angre
    Naval Fleet and Technology – Ship Types: ‘Gurab’ (large, three-masted) and ‘Galbat’ (smaller, faster),  Tarande , Shibad, Pal, Taru, Tirkiti and Machchava.

    – Artillery and Arms: Equipped with various cannons, known for innovative naval tactics
    Tactics and Strategies – Coastal Dominance: Excelling in coastal defense

    – Guerrilla Tactics: Using hit-and-run tactics, exploiting shallow creeks and bays
    Major Conflicts and Battles – Against European Powers: Engagements with the British and Portuguese

    – Conflict with the Siddis: Ongoing conflicts with the Siddis of Janjira
    Decline and Legacy – Reasons for Decline: Internal strife, technological advancements by Europeans, rise of British naval power

    – Legacy: Remembered for resisting colonial powers, protecting the western coast of India

  • Places in news: Julian Felipe Reef

    Julian Felipe Reef

    Central Idea

    • The Philippines confirmed that more than 135 Chinese vessels made incursion on Julian Felipe Reef (also known as Whitsun Reef), a place off its coast.

    About Julian Felipe Reef

    • Julian Felipe Reef is part of the Spratly Islands, located in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea.
    • It lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
    • It is a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef.

    Recent Dispute

    • The reef gained international attention in early 2021 when a large number of Chinese vessels, described by the Philippines as maritime militia, were spotted at the reef.
    • It is subject to a territorial dispute involving several countries, primarily the Philippines, China, and Vietnam.
    • The Philippines claims the Reef as part of its territory, specifically within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, under the UNCLOS.
    • This dispute is part of the larger and complex South China Sea territorial disputes involving various countries in the region.
    • The Philippines has sought international arbitration under UNCLOS to assert its claims.

  • Vaishali Rameshbabu: India’s New Chess Grandmaster

    Grandmaster

    Central Idea

    • Grandmaster Title: Indian chess player Vaishali Rameshbabu ( Pragnananda’s sister) has achieved the Grandmaster title by crossing 2,500 FIDE ranking points at the IV El Llobregat Open in Spain.
    • Significance: She becomes only the third Indian woman player to earn this title, joining the ranks of Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli.

    Understanding the Grandmaster Title

    • Highest Chess Honor: The Grandmaster title is the pinnacle of achievement in chess, awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
    • Prestige: It signifies recognition as one of the world’s most talented chess players, proven in highly competitive environments.

    Other Recognized Chess Titles

    • FIDE Titles: Besides Grandmaster, FIDE awards seven other titles, including International Master (IM), FIDE Master (FM), Candidate Master (CM), Woman Grandmaster (WGM), Woman International Master (WIM), Woman FIDE Master (WFM), and Woman Candidate Master (WCM).
    • Lifetime Validity: All FIDE titles, including the Grandmaster title, are valid for life, barring revocation due to offenses like cheating.

    History and Criteria of Grandmaster Title

    • Origins: The term ‘grandmaster’ dates back about a century and was formalized by FIDE in 1950.
    • Initial Awardees: The first batch of Grandmaster titles in 1950 included 27 players, such as then-world champion Mikhail Botvinnik.
    • Current Criteria: To achieve the Grandmaster title, a player must reach a FIDE Classical or Standard rating of 2,500 and earn three Grandmaster norms.
    • Grandmaster Norms: These norms are based on stringent rules regarding tournament performance, including a performance rating of 2,600 or higher in a FIDE tournament with specific conditions.

    Vaishali Rameshbabu’s Path to Grandmaster

    • Performance: Vaishali’s achievement of the Grandmaster title is a testament to her exceptional performance in international chess tournaments.
    • Representation: Her success adds to India’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in the global chess community.

     

  • Centre approves fourth phase roll-out of GIAN Scheme

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Education is preparing to restart the fourth phase of Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) scheme.

    Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN)

    • The GIAN was initiated in 2015.
    • It is a project under the Ministry of Education.
    • Coordinating Body: IIT Kharagpur
    • Purpose: To harness the expertise of international scientists and entrepreneurs, fostering their involvement with Indian higher education institutions.
    • This initiative aims to enhance India’s academic resources, speed up quality improvements, and raise India’s scientific and technological standards to a globally competitive level.

    Key Components of GIAN

    • Foreign experts receive an honorarium to cover their travel and other expenses.
    • These international experts/faculties conduct short-term courses in Indian institutions.
    • Initially aimed at fostering India-USA collaborations, the program later expanded its reach.
    • Course durations vary, ranging from a minimum of one week to a maximum of three weeks.
    • Foreign experts can receive a total payment of up to US$ 8000 (~ ₹7 lakh) for 12 to 14 hours of teaching and up to US$ 12000 (~ ₹12 lakh) for 20 to 28 hours, covering their travel and honorarium.

  • What is Vo5G (Voice over 5G)?

    Central Idea

    • India witnessed a significant improvement in call quality with the introduction of VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) in 2016, offering clearer voice calls compared to 3G/2G networks.
    • With the advent of 5G in India, there’s growing anticipation for a new calling standard, Vo5G (Voice over 5G), already deployed in several countries.

    What is Vo5G?

    • Definition: Vo5G, also known as Voice over New Radio (VoNR), is the next generation of voice calling, utilizing 5G networks for voice transmission.
    • Advantages: It leverages 5G’s speed, capacity, and responsiveness to enhance voice call quality.
    • Global Trend: While Vo5G is gaining traction globally, its adoption in countries like India is still in the nascent stages.

    VoNR vs. VoLTE: The Advancements

    • Call Quality: VoNR offers superior call quality with advanced audio codecs, thanks to 5G’s higher bandwidth.
    • Connection Time: Reduced network latency in 5G ensures faster call connections with VoNR.
    • Reliability: VoNR promises better call continuity with lower packet loss, potentially reducing voice cut-outs.
    • Network Transition: VoNR aims to eliminate call drops experienced during the transition from 5G to 4G for VoLTE calls.

    Requirements for Vo5G

    • Compatible Device: Users need a Vo5G-supported phone, typically available in models released after 2022 with 5G capabilities.
    • Carrier Support: A network provider that offers Vo5G services is essential, along with a plan that includes Vo5G calling.
    • 5G Coverage: Effective use of Vo5G requires being in an area with 5G network coverage.

    VoNR in India

    • Availability: As of now, VoNR is not available in India, despite the ongoing 5G rollout in major cities.
    • Carrier Testing: Leading carriers like Reliance are reportedly testing VoNR for seamless integration with existing 4G and 5G networks.
    • Timeline: The exact timeline for VoNR’s widespread availability in India remains uncertain.

    Try this question from CSP 2019:

    Q.With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

    1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
    2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”l68j4x9ayu” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • Population-Level Genome Sequencing and Its Impact

    ‘deCODE’ Initiative

    Central Idea

    • The UK recently completed sequencing half a million whole genomes, nearly 0.7% of its population, under ‘deCODE’ Initiative.
    • Various countries have launched large-scale genome projects, with some focusing on specific populations like African ancestry.

    About ‘deCODE’ Initiative

    • Inception: Launched in Iceland in 1996, deCODE genomics enrolled most of the Icelandic population for genetic studies.
    • Contributions: The initiative enhanced disease genetics understanding and set standards for handling genomic data, integrating medical records with genealogies.

    Merit of Large-Scale Sequencing

    • Disease Research and Understanding: Large-scale genome sequencing allows researchers to identify genetic variations associated with various diseases. This information is crucial for understanding the genetic basis of diseases, including rare genetic disorders and complex conditions like cancer.
    • Personalized Therapies: With a better understanding of an individual’s genetic makeup, it becomes possible to develop personalized and targeted therapies. 
    • Genetic Counseling: Large-scale genome sequencing provides valuable information for genetic counseling, helping individuals and families understand their risk for certain genetic conditions.
    • Identification of Rare Variants: Large-scale sequencing efforts contribute to the identification of rare genetic variants that might be responsible for certain diseases. These discoveries are essential for expanding our knowledge of the genetic landscape and improving diagnostic capabilities.
    • Population Genetics and Evolution: Genome sequencing on a large scale allows researchers to study the genetic diversity within populations. This information is valuable for understanding human evolution, migration patterns, and population-specific genetic traits.

    Ethical and Regulatory Challenges

    • Privacy Concerns: Genome sequencing generates highly sensitive and personal information. There is a risk that genetic data could be misused or lead to privacy breaches.
    • Informed Consent: Obtaining informed consent for genome sequencing is complex due to the vast amount of information generated and the potential for incidental findings.
    • Data Ownership and Control: Balancing individual rights with the need for research and medical advancements requires careful consideration of data sharing, ownership, and access policies.
    • Genetic Discrimination: Concerns about genetic discrimination in areas such as employment, insurance, and education may discourage individuals from undergoing genome sequencing. L
    • Access to Genetic Services: Disparities in access to genetic services and genomic technologies may exacerbate existing healthcare inequalities.
    • Ethical Use of Genetic Data in Research: Researchers must adhere to ethical standards when using genetic data in research. This includes obtaining proper consent, ensuring data security, and transparently communicating the purpose and potential risks of the research.

    Long-Term Impact and Future Prospects

    • Beyond Individual Health: Population-scale genomics will enhance our understanding of human evolution, migration, and adaptation.
    • Personalized Medicine: It paves the way for personalized healthcare based on individual genetic profiles.
    • Billion Genome Project: The possibility of sequencing a billion genomes in a single project is on the horizon, alongside individuals’ rights to access and understand their own genomic data.

    Conclusion

    • Population-scale genomics is at the forefront of a genomic revolution, with the potential to transform healthcare, deepen our understanding of human biology, and shape our approach to medicine and biology.
    • This evolving field promises to bring personalized, precise treatments and a richer comprehension of our genetic heritage.

  • Six Exoplanets found in the Coma Berenices Constellation

    exoplanet

    Central Idea

    • Six exoplanets have been discovered orbiting HD 110067, a bright star in the Coma Berenices constellation, approximately 100 light-years away.
    • The planets’ radii range between that of Earth and Neptune, classifying them as ‘sub-Neptunes’.

    About Sub-Neptune Exoplanets

    • Prevalence: Sub-Neptunes are commonly found in close-in orbits around more than half of all Sun-like stars.
    • Mystery: Despite their prevalence, the composition, formation, and evolution of these planets remain largely unknown.

    Observational Details

    • TESS Observations: NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) observed dips in HD 110067’s brightness in 2020 and 2022.
    • CHEOPS Contribution: Additional observations from the CHaracterising ExOPlanets Satellite (CHEOPS) helped confirm the presence of six planets transiting the star.
    • Orbital Calculations: The study calculated the orbits of all six planets, ranging from about nine days for the innermost planet to approximately 54 days for the outermost planet.

    Characteristics of the Planets

    • Mass and Density Estimates: The planets have relatively low densities, suggesting the presence of large, hydrogen-rich atmospheres.
    • Resonant Orbits: All six planets are in resonant orbits, indicating regular gravitational interactions among them.
    • System’s Age: The resonant orbits suggest that the system has remained largely unchanged since its formation, estimated to be at least four billion years ago.

    HD 110067’s Uniqueness

    • Brightness and Host Status: HD 110067 is the brightest star known to host more than four transiting exoplanets.
    • Potential for More Discoveries: There is a possibility of additional planets within or beyond the star’s temperate zone, though such observations have not yet been made.
    • Learning Opportunity: The HD 110067 system presents a unique opportunity to study sub-Neptunes and understand how such planetary systems form and evolve.

  • Off-Budget Borrowing in India and its Fiscal Implications

    Central Idea

    • In recent years, India’s fiscal management has faced the significant challenge of off-budget borrowings by various states.
    • These borrowings, while providing short-term financial relief, have raised concerns regarding the overall fiscal health and transparency of the country’s finances.

    Understanding Off-Budget Borrowings

    • Definition: Off-budget borrowings are debts incurred not directly by the government but by public sector units or special purpose vehicles, with principal and interest serviced from the budget.
    • Legislative Oversight: These borrowings are not subject to legislative scrutiny and are outside the budget.
    • FRBM Act Bypass: They allow governments to circumvent borrowing limits set under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003.

    How are off-budget borrowings raised?

    • Issuance of Bonds: The government can ask an implementing agency to raise the required funds from the market through loans or by issuing bonds.
    • Utilizing savings: For example, the food subsidy is one of the major expenditures of the Centre. In the Budget presentation for 2020-21, the government paid only half the amount budgeted for the food subsidy bill to the Food Corporation of India. The shortfall was met through a loan from the National Small Savings Fund.
    • Borrowing: Other PSUs have also borrowed for the government. For instance, public sector oil marketing companies were asked to pay for subsidized gas cylinders for PM Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries in the past.
    • Bank sources: Public sector banks are also used to fund off-budget expenses. For example, loans from PSU banks were used to make up for the shortfall in the release of fertilizer subsidy.

    Prevalence of Off-Budget Borrowings

    • Recent Trends: Off-budget borrowings were rampant until recently, with significant amounts in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Sikkim.
    • Magnitude: Estimates show ₹2.79 trillion in 2020-21 and ₹1.71 trillion in 2021-22.
    • Fiscal Transparency Concerns: The 15th Finance Commission and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) have flagged these borrowings for undermining fiscal transparency and sustainability.

    Centre’s Stance on Off-Budget Borrowings

    • Past Practices: The Centre had substantial off-budget borrowings, reaching ₹1.62 trillion in 2018-19.
    • Recent Changes: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the end of such borrowings in the Union Budget for 2020-21, reducing them significantly in subsequent years.

    Centre’s Measures against State Off-Budget Borrowings

    • New Policy: In March 2022, the Centre declared that state off-budget borrowings would count towards their regular borrowing ceiling.
    • Impact on States: This policy limited states’ borrowing capacity, leading to cash flow issues in some states and prompting protests and threats of legal action.

    Current State of India’s Balance Sheet

    • Reduction in Off-Budget Borrowings: States’ off-budget borrowings are expected to decrease to ₹18,499 crore in 2022-23.
    • Overall Fiscal Health: True fiscal sustainability requires both the Centre and states to align their deficits with FRBM Act targets.
    • Deficit Targets: The FRBM Act aims for the elimination of a revenue deficit and a fiscal deficit of 3% of GDP. However, in 2023-24, 11 states are projected to have a revenue deficit, and the aggregate fiscal deficit of all states is expected to be 3.1%. The Centre’s revenue and fiscal deficits are anticipated to be 2.9% and 5.9% of GDP, respectively.

    Conclusion

    • The clampdown on off-budget borrowings is a step towards greater fiscal discipline in India.
    • While it has led to immediate challenges for some states, the long-term goal is to enhance fiscal transparency and sustainability in line with the FRBM Act.
    • Achieving these targets will be crucial for the overall health of India’s economy.

    Try this PYQ:

    With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements:

    1. The Department of Revenue is responsible for the preparation of Union Budget that is presented to the Parliament.
    2. No amount can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without the authorization from the Parliament of India.
    3. All the disbursements made from Public Account also need authorization from the Parliament of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • On Constitution Day, more people-friendly laws

    Simplifying the law for the citizens of India

    Central idea

    The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is actively simplifying legal language to promote “Access to Justice,” making legal texts more understandable for every citizen. This strategic initiative, aligned with constitutional principles, addresses historical ambiguities and leverages technology to enhance accessibility, contributing to global legal recognition and fostering a transformative journey toward inclusive justice.

    Key Highlights:

    • Legal Language Simplification: The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is undertaking a mission to simplify legal language, aligning with the vision of “Access to Justice” and aiming to make legal texts more accessible to the common citizen.
    • Constitutional Principle: The initiative reflects the constitutional principle that legal language should be understandable to every citizen, emphasizing the importance of ensuring citizens comprehend their rights and responsibilities.
    • Correction of Ambiguities: The government is addressing historical ambiguities in legal language, such as those in Sections 213 and 214 of the IPC, to enhance legal precision and effective enforcement, eliminating potential loopholes.
    • Global Recognition: The government’s commitment to simplifying legal language has gained international recognition, positioning India as a forward-thinking adopter of progressive measures for legal accessibility.
    • Digital Transformation: The simplification efforts align with the Digital India campaign, leveraging technology to enhance accessibility, with online platforms and digital resources making legal information more readily available.

    Key Challenges:

    • Historical Complexities: Addressing historical intricacies in legal language poses a challenge, requiring thorough examination and correction of ambiguities that have persisted over time.
    • Public Engagement: While seeking public input in the simplification process is a positive step, ensuring effective public engagement and capturing diverse perspectives can be challenging.

    Key Phrases:

    • Access to Justice: The overarching vision guiding the simplification initiative, aiming to remove barriers of legal complexity that hinder the common citizen’s understanding of legal texts.
    • Legal Empowerment: The goal of simplification extends beyond language, aiming to empower citizens with legal knowledge, fostering a sense of legal empowerment among the diverse population.

    Key Quotes:

    • “We must see that the constitution is not only passed by the Constituent Assembly but that it is also worked by the common people of the country.” – B R Ambedkar
    • “The government envisions a legal landscape where language is not a barrier but a bridge to justice.”

    Critical Analysis:

    • The reduction in legal disputes due to misunderstandings and misinterpretations underscores the positive impact of the simplification initiatives in fostering a clearer legal framework.

    Way Forward:

    • Continue the integration of plain language drafting principles into legal education to nurture a generation of legal professionals capable of navigating legal intricacies with clarity and precision.
    • Sustain efforts to engage the public in the simplification process, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered for comprehensive legal accessibility.
    • Monitor and evaluate the impact of simplification on reducing legal disputes and enhancing India’s global economic competitiveness.
    • Explore additional measures, such as comprehensive glossaries in multiple languages, to further enhance the understanding of legal language among citizens.