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Distribution: yearly

  • India discovers TOI 4603b Exoplanet

    exoplanet

    Central Idea

    • A new Jupiter-size exoplanet with the highest density known till this date has been discovered by an international team of scientists at the Exoplanet Research Group of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad.
    • Massive giant exoplanets are defined as those with a mass greater than four times that of Jupiter.

    About the Exoplanet TOI4603b

    • The exoplanet is found around the star called TOI4603 or HD 245134.
    • It has a mass 13 times greater than that of Jupiter and a density of approximately 14 g/cm3.
    • Initially, NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) declared TOI4603 as a possible candidate to host a secondary body of unknown nature.
    • Using PARAS, scientists confirmed the secondary body as a planet, and it was named TOI 4603b or HD 245134b.
    • The exoplanet is located 731 light years away and orbits a sub-giant F-type star TOI4603 every 7.24 days.

    Note: An exoplanet, short for “extra-solar planet,” is a planet that orbits a star other than our Sun. These planets are located outside of our solar system and are not part of our planetary system.

    Unprecedented Density and Proximity

    • TOI 4603b is one of the most massive and densest giant planets discovered to date.
    • It orbits very close to its host star at a distance less than 1/10th the distance between our Sun and Earth.
    • Comparisons between the TOI-4603 star-planet system and the Sun-Mercury and Sun-Jupiter systems highlight the close proximity of TOI-4603 b to its star.
    • The exoplanet is situated more than 50 times closer to its star than Jupiter is to the Sun.
    • TOI-4603b is 13 times more massive than Jupiter.

    Utilization of Indigenous Technology

    • The discovery of this massive exoplanet was made using the indigenously made PRL Advanced Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search spectrograph (PARAS) at the 1.2 m telescope of PRL at its Gurushikhar Observatory in Mt. Abu.
    • The mass of the planet was measured precisely using PARAS.

    Uniqueness of the Discovery

    • The planet falls into the transition mass range of massive giant planets and low-mass brown dwarfs, with masses ranging from 11 to 16 times the mass of Jupiter.
    • Only fewer than five exoplanets are currently known in this mass range.
    • The rarity of such discoveries makes this finding significant.

    Insights into Formation and Evolution

    • The exoplanet has a surface temperature of 1670 K and is likely undergoing high-eccentricity tidal migration with an eccentricity value of approximately 0.3.
    • The detection of such systems provides valuable insights into the formation, migration, and evolution mechanisms of massive exoplanets.

    India’s Contribution to Exoplanet Discoveries

    • This marks the third exoplanet discovery by India and the PRL scientists using the PARAS spectrograph and the PRL 1.2m telescope.
    • Previous discoveries include K2-236b in 2018 and TOI-1789b in 2021.

     

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  • Devastating Frog Disease: Chytridiomycosis

    frog

    Central Idea

    • A multinational study has recently published a breakthrough method in the journal Transboundary and Emerging Diseases to detect all known strains of the amphibian chytrid fungus.
    • This method will enhance our ability to detect and research the disease and work towards finding a widely available cure.

    Chytridiomycosis: The deadly frog disease

    • Chytridiomycosis, also known as chytrid, is a fungal disease that has been decimating frog populations worldwide for the past 40 years.
    • The disease has caused severe declines in over 500 frog species and led to 90 extinctions, making it the deadliest animal disease known.

    How does it infect?

    • Chytrid infects frogs by reproducing in their skin, damaging their ability to balance water and salt levels.
    • The mortality rate is extreme, and the disease has affected a high number of species, causing devastating declines and extinctions.
    • The disease originated in Asia and spread globally through amphibian trade and travel.

    Limitations in diagnosis

    • Researchers traditionally used swabs and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) tests, similar to COVID-19 testing, to detect chytrid in frogs.
    • The existing qPCR test could not detect chytrid strains from Asia, limiting research efforts.

    New and Improved qPCR Test

    • Researchers in India, Australia, and Panama have developed a new qPCR test that can detect strains of chytrid from Asia.
    • The test is also more sensitive, allowing for the detection of low infection levels and expanding the range of species that can be studied.
    • The test can also detect a closely related species of chytrid that infects salamanders.

    Understanding natural immunity in frogs

    • Some amphibian species, even those without an evolutionary history with chytrid, do not become sick when carrying the fungus, indicating natural immune resistance.
    • Frog immunity is complex, involving anti-microbial chemicals, symbiotic bacteria, white blood cells, antibodies, and more.
    • Research in Asia, where chytrid declines have not been observed, may provide insights into how resistance evolves and aid in finding a cure for affected regions.

     

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  • Shenzhou-16 successfully launches with 3 Astronauts to Space

    shenzhou

    Central Idea

    • China has achieved a successful launch of the Shenzhou-16 spacecraft carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station.

    What is Shenzhou-16?

    • Shenzhou-16 spacecraft is part of Chinese manned spaceflight missions and was designed to transport astronauts to the Tiangong space station.
    • This mission marks an important step in China’s space exploration efforts, with the crew set to conduct a range of tests and experiments during their five-month stay.
    • The Tiangong space station, operated by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), is an integral part of China’s ambitious space program and aims to be a hub for scientific research.

    Astronauts on Shenzhou-16

    • The crew of the Shenzhou-16 mission consists of three astronauts: Jing Haipeng as the leading commander, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao.
    • Jing Haipeng is an experienced senior spacecraft pilot and one of China’s first batch of astronaut trainees.
    • Zhu Yangzhu, a postdoctoral fellow in aerodynamics and former university teacher, will serve as a spaceflight engineer.
    • Gui Haichao is the first Chinese civilian to travel to space and will be responsible for overseeing science experiments at the space station.

    Objectives of the Mission

    • The Shenzhou-16 crew will replace the previous crew from the Shenzhou-15 mission that has been aboard the Tiangong space station since November.
    • The new crew will carry out large-scale tests and experiments in various fields, including the study of quantum phenomena, high-precision space time-frequency systems, verification of general relativity, and the origin of life.
    • These scientific endeavors are expected to lead to significant achievements during the crew’s five-month stay.

    About the Tiangong Space Station

    • The Tiangong space station, operated by the CMSA, was developed by China after being barred from collaborating with NASA due to concerns of espionage.
    • The station’s first module entered orbit in 2021, with two more modules added subsequently.
    • China’s long-term plan is to expand the station, with the next module set to dock and create a cross-shaped structure.
    • The Tiangong space station aims to become a leading outpost for scientific research once the International Space Station’s operations conclude in 2030.

     

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  • Delhi’s Ancient Secrets: Recent Excavations at Purana Qila

    purana qila

    Central Idea

    • Delhi’s Purana Qila, also known as the Old Fort, is a historic site with a rich and diverse past.
    • Recent excavations have shed light on its continuous history since the pre-Mauryan era.

    About Purana Qila

    • The origins of Purana Qila date back to antiquity, with the exact foundation period unknown.
    • It was later rebuilt by Sher Shah Suri and Mughal emperor Humayun.
    • The fort holds immense cultural and historical importance, and many believe it to be the site of Indraprastha mentioned in the Mahabharata.
    • The fort, believed to be the location of the ancient city of Indraprastha, showcases architectural remnants from various periods, including the Mughal and Rajput eras.

    Architectural marvels at Purana Qila

    • Purana Qila’s architectural features include walls that rise to a height of 18 meters, spanning approximately 1.5 kilometers.
    • It boasts three arched gateways, including the Bara Darwaza, the south gate (Humayun Gate), and the Talaqi Gate.
    • The fort’s Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541, showcases pre-Mughal architecture with its pointed arches and elegant prayer niches.
    • The Sher Mandal, a double-storeyed octagonal tower, served as Humayun’s private observatory and library.
    • It features decorative plaster-work and remnants of stone shelving for books.

    Recent excavation discoveries

    • Excavations have uncovered significant artifacts, including shards of Painted Gray Ware pottery dating from 1200 BC to 600 BC, indicating the pre-Mauryan period.
    • Other discoveries include a 900-year-old Vaikuntha Vishnu from the Rajput period, a terracotta plaque of Goddess Gaja Lakshmi from the Gupta period, and a 2,500-year-old terracotta ring well from the Mauryan period.
    • Numerous beads, seals, copper coins, and a bone needle have also been found, highlighting the site’s role as a center for trade activities.

    Cultural chronology and preservation

    • The ongoing excavation aims to establish a complete chronology of the site, spanning different historical periods from the Kushan to the Mughal era.
    • The remains of Purana Qila will be preserved, conserved, and transformed into an open-air museum to showcase the rich historical legacy of Delhi.
    • The excavated artifacts will also be displayed to delegates attending the G-20 summit, further promoting the cultural heritage of the site.

     

  • Low Enrollment of Muslims in Higher Education

    muslim

    Central Idea

    • All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21 conducted by the Ministry of Education reveals the underrepresentation of Muslims in higher education compared to other communities.

    What is the AISHE?

    • To portray the status of higher education in the country, the Ministry of Education conducts an annual web-based AISHE since 2010-11.
    • Data is collected on several parameters such as teachers, student enrolment, programmes, examination results, education finance and infrastructure.
    • Indicators of educational development such as Institution Density, Gross Enrolment Ratio, Pupil-teacher ratio, Gender Parity Index, Per Student Expenditure will also be calculated from the data collected through AISHE.
    • These are useful in making informed policy decisions and research for development of the education sector.

    AISHE 2020-21 data on Minority Education

    The survey highlights a decline in Muslim enrollment, potentially due to economic constraints and limited opportunities for pursuing higher education.

    (1) Decline in Muslim Enrollment:

    • Muslim enrollment in higher education declined by 8% in the 2020-21 academic year, while other marginalized communities experienced improved enrollment rates.
    • Economic impoverishment forces talented Muslim students to prioritize earning opportunities after completing school, rather than pursuing higher education.
    • Drastic declines were reported in UP (36%), J&K (26%), Maharashtra (8.5%), and TN (8.1%).
    • Delhi witnessed a significant portion of Muslim students failing to enroll for higher education.

    (2) Uttar Pradesh’s Low Enrollment Rate:

    • Muslims constitute around 20% of the population in the state.
    • Despite an increase in the number of colleges in UP, mere 4.5% Muslim enrollment is in higher education.

    (3) Kerala’s Exceptional Performance:

    • Kerala stands out as the only state where 43% of Muslims pursue higher education, bucking the trend of low enrollment.

    (4) Female enrolment improving:

    • Muslim and other minority communities exhibit higher female student enrollment than male students, indicating progress for women in minority communities.
    • Male members of the Muslim community face pressure to earn a living early, potentially hindering their pursuit of higher education.

    (5) Lack of Muslim Teachers:

    • Muslim representation among teachers in higher education institutions is alarmingly low, comprising only 5.6%.
    • General Category teachers account for 56%, while OBC, SC, and ST teachers make up 32%, 9%, and 2.5%, respectively.
    • Gender disparities among teachers persist, with only 59 female Muslim teachers for every 100 male Muslim teachers.

    Reasons for such low enrollment

    • Religious influence: Certain societal and cultural norms within the Muslim community prioritize early marriage and family responsibilities over pursuing higher education, especially for female students.
    • Economic Challenges: The Muslim community faces financial limitations that hinder their ability to afford higher education expenses, including tuition fees and accommodation.
    • Lack of Awareness and Guidance: Many Muslim students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, lack information about available higher education opportunities, scholarships etc.
    • Preferences for religious preachings: Many families prefer religious teachings at Madrasas over STEM education considering the acute competition and lack of reservation facilities.
    • Stereotypes and Discrimination: Instances of religious discrimination and bias discourage Muslim students from pursuing higher education and create a sense of unwelcomeness in educational institutions.
    • Socio-political Factors: Political decisions, policy changes, or the withdrawal of educational support programs can have a direct impact on the enrollment of Muslim students in higher education.

    Schemes promoting Muslim education in India

    • Maulana Azad National Fellowship: Provides scholarships for minority students pursuing M Phil and Ph D programs.
    • National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC): Offers interest-free loans and scholarships to economically disadvantaged minority students.
    • Nai Udaan Scheme: Provides free coaching and assistance for competitive exams to minority students.
    • Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn and Earn) Scheme: Offers skill development and vocational training to enhance employability among minority students.
    • Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes: Provides financial assistance for educational expenses to increase access to education for minority students.
    • Bridge Courses and Remedial Coaching: Helps minority students bridge educational gaps and improve academic performance.

    Way Forward

    Following efforts should be made to address the declining enrollment of Muslim students in higher education:

    • Providing scholarships and financial aid to economically disadvantaged Muslim students.
    • Creating awareness programs to highlight the importance of higher education and its long-term benefits.
    • Collaborating with community organizations to develop mentoring and support systems for Muslim students.
    • Implementing policies that promote inclusive education and equal opportunities for all communities.
    • Encouraging the recruitment and representation of Muslim teachers and non-teaching staff in higher education institutions.

     

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  • India’s Initiative for ASEAN Women in UN Peacekeeping

    asean un peacekeeping

    Central Idea

    India-ASEAN Initiative for Women in UNPK Operations

    • Defence Minister proposed this initiative last year to strengthen India-ASEAN defence cooperation.
    • Tailor-made courses for women peacekeepers from ASEAN member-states will be conducted at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in India.
    • Twenty peacekeepers, two from each country, will receive training in various aspects of peacekeeping.
    • A “Table Top Exercise” focusing on UNPK challenges will be held in December, specifically designed for women officers from ASEAN.

    India’s Training and Capacity Building

    • The Indian Army has established the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi, which trains over 12,000 troops annually in peacekeeping operations.
    • The CUNPK hosts foreign delegations, shares best practices, and dispatches mobile training teams to Friendly Foreign Countries for capacity building in UNPK.
    • India has deployed Female Engagement Teams, Women Military Police, and women staff officers and military observers in various UN missions.
    • India has the second-largest women contingent in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and UN Interim Security Force for Abyei.

    What is United Nations Peacekeeping?

    • UN Peacekeeping helps countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.
    • UN peacekeepers are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets) can include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.

    UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:

    1. Consent of the parties
    2. Impartiality
    3. Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate

    UNPKF in operation

    • Since 1948, UN Peacekeepers have undertaken 71 Field Missions.
    • There are approximately 81,820 personnel serving on 13 peace operations led by UNDPO, in four continents currently.
    • This represents a nine-fold increase since 1999.
    • A total of 119 countries have contributed military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping.
    • Currently, 72,930 of those serving are troops and military observers, and about 8,890 are police personnel.

    Why UN Peacekeeping is needed?

    • Conflict resolution: UN peacekeeping missions play a crucial role in assisting host countries in transitioning from conflict to peace.
    • Burden sharing: UN peacekeeping utilizes a global coalition of troops and police to share the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability worldwide.
    • Democratization: Peacekeepers provide security and political support to facilitate the early transition to peace and support democratic processes in post-conflict countries.

    India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping

    • Largest troop contributor: India has a long-standing history of contributing personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, with over 253,000 Indians serving in 49 out of 71 missions.
    • Current deployments: Approximately 5,500 Indian troops and police are deployed in UN peacekeeping missions, ranking India as the fifth-highest troop-contributing country.
    • Women in Indian Peacekeeping: India has played a pioneering role in deploying women peacekeepers, starting with an all-women contingent to Liberia in 2007.
    • Humanitarian services: Indian peacekeepers also provide medical care, veterinary support, and engineering services to communities in need.

    Issues with UN Peacekeeping

    [A] Issues for India

    • Kashmir interference: India has expressed discontent with the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) operating in Kashmir, considering it irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement.
    • Disregard for India-Pak ceasefire: UNMOGIP continues to observe hostilities and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, which India believes is unnecessary.

    [B] Global Challenges

    • Diverse security challenges: UN peacekeeping operations need to adapt to rapidly evolving security dynamics.
    • Resource allocation: Mandates of peacekeeping missions should align with available resources.
    • Greater involvement of troop-contributing countries: Countries providing troops and police should have a meaningful role in mission planning.
    • Investment in peacebuilding: Adequate financial and human resources are required for post-conflict peacebuilding.

    Way Forward

    • UNSC reform: Reform the UN Security Council to reflect the changing global landscape.
    • Multi-partner collaboration: Enhance effectiveness by involving actors beyond the UNSC in counterterrorism efforts.
    • Modernization of peacekeeping: Strengthen UN Peacekeeping Forces through modernization and inclusivity.
    • Human-centric decision-making: Promote accountability and transparency in the UNSC’s decision-making processes.

    Conclusion

    • India’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in UNPK operations underscores its dedication to global peace and security.
    • These initiatives aim to enhance the capabilities and representation of women in peacekeeping, recognizing their valuable contributions to maintaining peace and stability worldwide.

     

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  • ISRO successfully deploys NavIC NVS-1 Satellite

    isro

    Central Idea

    • The Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully launched its fifth satellite of 2023.
    • A 2,232-kilogram satellite named NVS-1 was launched into space as part of the NavIC

    What is NAVIC?

    • NavIC is a regional satellite navigation system consisting of seven satellites in orbit that provide positioning, navigation, and timing services to various sectors, including civil aviation and the military.

    (1) Origins and Motivation:

    • The idea of NAVIC emerged in the early 2000s as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) to address India’s need for an independent navigation system for strategic and civilian purposes.
    • The motivation behind NAVIC was to reduce dependence on foreign systems like GPS and enhance national security, sovereignty, and economic growth.

    (2) Satellite Deployment:

    • The NAVIC constellation consists of a total of 7* satellites.
    • The first satellite, IRNSS-1A, was launched in July 2013, followed by subsequent launches of IRNSS-1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and IRNSS-1I.
    • Each satellite is placed in a geostationary orbit or an inclined geosynchronous orbit, providing continuous coverage over the Indian landmass and surrounding regions.

    (3) Renaming to NAVIC:

    • In 2016, the system was officially named NAVIC, which stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation.
    • The name change aimed to create a distinct brand identity for the Indian regional navigation system.

    Key Features and Technical Details

    (1) Coverage Area:

    • NAVIC provides coverage within India and extends up to 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders.
    • The system covers the Indian landmass, as well as the Indian Ocean region.

    (2) Satellite Configuration:

    • The NAVIC satellites are equipped with atomic clocks to provide accurate timing signals.
    • They transmit signals on different frequencies, including L5 and S bands, for enhanced accuracy and reliability.

    (3) Applications and Services:

    • NAVIC has a wide range of applications, including terrestrial, aerial, and marine navigation.
    • It is utilized in various sectors such as transportation, agriculture, disaster management, surveying, and geodetic applications.
    • The system supports position determination, velocity measurement, and time synchronization services.

    About NVS-1 Satellite

    • NVS-1 is part of the second-generation NavIC satellite series and ensures continuity of existing services while introducing new services in the Li band.
    • The satellite features two solar arrays generating up to 2.4 kW of power, a lithium-ion battery for eclipse support, and thermal management and propulsion systems.
    • Notably, NVS-1 includes a Rubidium atomic clock developed in-house by the Space Applications Centre, showcasing India’s technical expertise in this advanced technology.

    India’s launch capabilities and recent missions

    • The NVS-1 launch marks the second successful mission in a month and the fifth launch of the year for ISRO.
    • In April, ISRO completed the PSLV-C55 mission, deploying two satellites, including TeLEOS-2 with a synthetic aperture radar payload.
    • The PSLV-C55 mission highlighted collaboration between India and Singapore in space exploration and technology.

    *Note: The numbers of satellites in this constellation is disputed. It is given as 7 and 8 on different sources. Total Nine satellites were launched out of which the very first (IRNSS-1A) is partially failed because of some issue in its Atomic Clock. Another and the last satellite had a launch failure. Hence the number 7/8.

     

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  • Parliamentary Institutions in Ancient India

    parliament

    Central Idea

    • The construction and history of the Indian Parliament building serve as a reminder of India’s rich democratic traditions.
    • Dr BR Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee for the Indian Constitution, highlighted the presence of democratic aspects in Indian history that predate Western influence.

    Democratic Traditions in Ancient India

    • Ambedkar had challenged the notion that India’s parliamentary procedures were borrowed from European countries.
    • Ambedkar referred to the Vinay–pitaka, a Theravada Buddhist scripture, as evidence of existing democratic procedures in India.
    • The scripture regulated meetings of the Bhikkhus Sangh (monks) and included rules for debates, motions, and voting through a secret ballot system.

    Comparison with Western Democracies

    • Ambedkar acknowledged the importance of contributions made by Western democracies in moving away from autocracy and religious dominance.
    • He highlighted the separation of Church and State in Western societies and the transition to secular laws created by the people rather than divine or religious authorities.

    Caution against Failure to Address Defects

    • Ambedkar pointed out the tendency of ancient societies to neglect repairing their own defects, leading to their decay.
    • He criticized the Indian society’s reliance on divine laws established by figures like Manu and Yajnavalkya, which hindered the ability to address societal issues.

    Conclusion

    • While acknowledging India’s rich democratic history, it is essential to continue building and strengthening democratic institutions to address the evolving needs and challenges of society.
    • This includes fostering an introspective approach, embracing inclusive governance, and upholding the principles of secularism, equality, and social justice.

    Back2Basics: Tripitaka

    • The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is a collection of sacred Buddhist scriptures that form the foundational texts of the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
    • It is divided into three sections, known as the Tripitaka, which literally means “Three Baskets.”

    History and significance

    • The Tripitaka was orally transmitted from the time of Gautama Buddha in the 5th century BCE until it was eventually written down in the 1st century BCE.
    • It holds immense historical and religious significance as it contains the teachings, discourses, rules, and guidelines given by the Buddha and his prominent disciples.

    Composition of the Tripitaka:

    (1) Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline):

    • Comprises the rules and guidelines for monastic discipline in the Buddhist community.
    • Provides detailed instructions on the conduct and behavior expected from monks and nuns.
    • Covers various aspects, including ethical guidelines, disciplinary codes, and procedures for resolving disputes.
    • Offers insights into the monastic life, the organization of the Sangha (monastic community), and the role of the monastic code in maintaining harmony and ethical conduct.

    (2) Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourses):

    • Contains the discourses and teachings delivered by Gautama Buddha and his close disciples.
    • Includes a vast collection of discourses covering a wide range of topics, such as ethics, meditation, philosophy, and social issues.
    • Consists of individual suttas (discourses) grouped into different collections or Nikayas, such as the Digha Nikaya (Long Discourses), Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Discourses), Samyutta Nikaya (Connected Discourses), and Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses).
    • Presents the Buddha’s profound teachings on the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, dependent origination, and other core concepts of Buddhism.

    (3) Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teachings):

    • Provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
    • Explores the nature of mind, consciousness, and reality in intricate detail.
    • Presents the teachings in a more technical and analytical manner, offering an advanced understanding of Buddhist concepts.
    • Divided into seven books, known as the Abhidhamma books, which delve into topics such as consciousness, mental factors, elements, and the path to liberation.
    • Offers a deep exploration of the ultimate nature of existence and the workings of the mind.

    Features and Characteristics

    • Authenticity and Authority: The Tripitaka is regarded as the most authoritative and authentic collection of Buddhist scriptures in the Theravada tradition.
    • Canonical Language: The texts are primarily written in Pali, an ancient Indian language close to the language spoken during the Buddha’s time.
    • Extensive Coverage: The Tripitaka covers a wide range of topics, offering comprehensive guidance for practitioners in various aspects of life.
    • Preservation of Early Buddhist Teachings: The Tripitaka is believed to preserve the original teachings of the Buddha, providing insights into his wisdom and teachings.

     

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  • Live streaming of Court Proceedings

    live streaming court

    Central Idea

    • The significance of live-streaming court proceedings as an extension of the ‘open justice’ and ‘open courts’ principle remains largely unrealized in India.
    • Only nine out of the 25 High Courts in the country have implemented live streaming, while the Supreme Court restricts it to Constitutional cases.

    What is live-streaming technology?

    • At its core, streaming content is meant to help people attend events, expos, and experiences they cannot attend in person.
    • Live streaming technology is how videos are streamed over the internet, live, in real-time, as they are being recorded.
    • Live streaming technology is the internet’s response to live television broadcasts, with the most popular being news shows and sports.

    Why discuss this?

    • The Supreme Court emphasized the need for live streaming in district courts and High Courts as these are the courts where most citizens seek justice.
    • Time and resource constraints, as well as the inability to travel long distances, limit public access to court hearings.
    • Videoconferencing became essential since the COVID-19 pandemic, as physical hearings were not possible.

    Early Adopters

    • The Gujarat HC pioneered live streaming in October 2020, streaming proceedings on YouTube as an experiment.
    • Other HCs, such as Karnataka and Meghalaya, followed with varying degrees of success.
    • The Gujarat HC’s YouTube channel gained 1.24 lakh subscribers and 1.9 crore views.

    Existing Restrictions

    • Model Rules for Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings: These exclude certain case categories from live streaming, including matrimonial matters, child adoption and custody, sexual offences, child sexual abuse, and juvenile cases.
    • Broadcasting rights issue: The Delhi High Court notified rules for live streaming proceedings but imposed restrictions such as a ban on reproducing or transmitting audio-visual recordings.

    Significance of live streaming

    • Instilling Faith in the Judiciary: Allowing ordinary people to view the workings of the highest court without barriers builds faith in the judiciary.
    • Empowering the Masses: Live streaming enables the legal system to empower the masses and develop an informed citizenry.
    • Respect for Rule of Law: Understanding the importance of the rule of law and how the judiciary protects the rights of marginalized sections of society.
    • Living up to Constitutional Expectations: Live streaming aligns with public interest and the preservation of constitutional Article 19 and 21.
    • Increased Transparency: Encourages the principle of open court, reduces reliance on second-hand information, and allows the public’s right to know.
    • Elevating Legal Standards: Lawyers become better prepared, refrain from irresponsible remarks, and take justice delivery more seriously.
    • Level Playing Field: Provides equal opportunities for younger lawyers to showcase their skills and competence.
    • Academic Advancement: Inspires law students and encourages legal research on the functioning of the judiciary and the legal profession.
    • Easy Accessibility: Eliminates the need for physical presence, allowing litigants to access proceedings from anywhere.

    Issues with such policy

    • Contempt of Court: Existing video clips of court proceedings on social media platforms often lack context and sensationalize events, potentially undermining the dignity of the court.
    • Disinformation and Sensationalism: There are concerns that misuse or selective use of live streaming content may contribute to the spread of disinformation among the public.
    • Unnecessary Activism: Increased visibility through live streaming could lead to justices behaving like politicians, seeking individual exposure rather than focusing solely on justice.

    Physical barriers for it

    • Internet Connectivity: Issues related to internet connectivity may hinder seamless live streaming, requiring attention for reliable access to court proceedings.
    • Adequate Infrastructure: Provision of well-equipped spaces where lawyers can effectively present their cases is crucial for a smooth transition to live-streamed proceedings.
    • Awareness and Training: Judges, court staff, and lawyers may lack familiarity with digital technology and its benefits. Efforts should be made to raise awareness and provide comprehensive training to ensure their proficiency.

    Global examples

    • Several countries, including the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, and China, have implemented live streaming of court proceedings in various formats.
    • Live streaming formats include audio recordings (US), video recordings streamed on television (Brazil), video streaming on court websites (UK, Canada), and live streaming from trial courts up to the supreme court (China).

    Way Forward

    To promote open justice and improve access to justice, the following steps are recommended:

    • Implementation of live streaming in all courtrooms of the Supreme Court and across all High Courts and district courts.
    • Ensuring adequate infrastructure for videoconferencing and live streaming beyond the pandemic.
    • Reviewing and revising restrictions on live streaming to strike a balance between transparency and privacy concerns.
    • Conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about the availability and benefits of live-streamed court proceedings.

     

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  • Slowing of Overturning Circulation in Antarctic

    overturning

    Central Idea

    • Recent research indicates that the Antarctic overturning circulation, a global network of ocean currents, is slowing down at a faster rate than previously predicted.
    • The overturning circulation is crucial for redistributing heat, carbon, and nutrients, and maintaining Earth’s climate stability and deep-ocean oxygen levels.

    What is Overturning Circulation?

    • The overturning circulation (OC) refers to the large-scale circulation pattern in the global ocean, involving both surface and deep currents.
    • It is a network of ocean currents that plays a crucial role in redistributing heat, carbon, and nutrients around the globe.
    • It is driven by the sinking of dense, cold, oxygen-rich water from the ocean surface to the deep ocean and the rising of less dense water in different regions.

    How does it work?

    • It operates on a global scale and involves the sinking and rising of water masses driven by density differences.
    • Cold, dense water sinks in certain regions, while warmer, less dense water rises in other areas, creating a continuous flow of water.

    Key components and processes

    • Antarctic Bottom Water: Cold, dense water forms near Antarctica and sinks to the ocean floor, spreading northward along the seafloor.
    • North Atlantic Deep Water: Another dense water mass forms in the North Atlantic and sinks to great depths.
    • Thermohaline Circulation: Temperature and salinity differences drive the sinking and rising of water masses, influencing the overturning circulation.
    • Deep Ocean Currents: Once the dense water sinks, it flows along the deep ocean basins, connecting various regions of the world ocean.

    Observing and studying the OC

    • Monitoring the overturning circulation is challenging due to its vast scale and complex dynamics.
    • Observations include ship-based measurements, moored instruments, floats, satellites, and numerical models.
    • Scientists use a combination of measurements and simulations to understand the behavior and changes in the overturning circulation.

    Importance of the Overturning Circulation

    • Heat redistribution: The overturning circulation helps regulate Earth’s climate by transporting heat from the equator to the poles and vice versa.
    • Assist carbon cycle: It plays a vital role in redistributing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, impacting the global carbon cycle.
    • Nutrient cycling: The circulation also facilitates the transport of nutrients, affecting marine ecosystems and productivity.

    Consequences of a Slowing OC

    • Climatic changes: A slowdown in the overturning circulation can have significant consequences for Earth’s climate and marine ecosystems.
    • Nutrient disruption: It can disrupt the transport of heat, carbon, and nutrients, leading to changes in regional and global climate patterns.
    • De-oxygenation: Reduced oxygen supply to the deep ocean can affect deep-sea marine life and potentially lead to shifts in species distribution.

    Impact of Melting Antarctic Ice

    • Melting Antarctic ice disrupts the formation of Antarctic bottom water, a key component of the overturning circulation.
    • Freshening of surface waters due to melt-water makes them less dense and less likely to sink, slowing down the circulation.

    Future Outlook

    • Antarctica’s ice loss is expected to continue and accelerate with global warming.
    • Anticipated freshening due to increased ice loss will prolong the slowdown and further decrease deep-ocean oxygen levels.
    • The consequences of the slowdown extend beyond Antarctica, affecting the global ocean, climate change, and sea level rise.
    • Urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to address these issues.

    Way forward

    • Intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Implement measures to mitigate ice loss from Antarctica and address the freshening of surface waters.
    • Promote scientific research and monitoring to understand and respond to the ongoing changes.
    • Raise awareness about the importance of the overturning circulation and its impact on climate and marine ecosystems.

     

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