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Distribution: yearly

  • Orders on ONDC grow rapidly

    ondc

    Central Idea

    • The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a government-backed modular network for e-commerce, food and grocery delivery, and cabs in India.
    • ONDC has witnessed significant growth, with a rising number of orders and participants.
    • India Post, one of the world’s largest logistics systems, is expected to join ONDC, strengthening the network.

    About ONDC

    • The ONDC is a private non-profit Section 8 company established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Government of India.
    • It aims to develop open e-commerce by creating a set of specifications designed to foster open interchange and connections between shoppers, technology platforms, and retailers.
    • It was incorporated on December 31, 2021, with an initial investment from Quality Council of India and Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited).

    What does one mean by ‘Open-sourcing’?

    • Free for all: An open-source project means that anybody is free to use, study, modify and distribute the project for any purpose.
    • Open licensing: These permissions are enforced through an open-source licence easing adoption and facilitating collaboration.

    What processes are expecting to be open-sourced with this project?

    • Several operational aspects including onboarding of sellers, vendor discovery, price discovery and product cataloguing could be made open source on the lines of Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
    • If mandated, this could be problematic for larger e-commerce companies, which have proprietary processes and technology deployed for these segments of operations.

    What does the DPIIT intend from the project?

    • ONDC is expected to-
    1. Digitize the entire value chain,
    2. Standardize operations,
    3. Promote inclusion of suppliers,
    4. Derive efficiencies in logistics and
    5. Enhance value for stakeholders and consumers

    Processes in the ONDC

    • Seller Onboarding: Sellers can register and onboard their businesses onto the ONDC platform.
    • Vendor Discovery: Buyers can discover relevant vendors and sellers on the ONDC network.
    • Price Discovery: Transparent marketplace for comparing prices across sellers.
    • Product Cataloguing: Sellers can create and manage catalogues of their products on the platform.
    • Transaction Processing: Secure and seamless payment infrastructure for completing purchases.
    • Order Fulfillment: Coordinating delivery or provision of purchased products or services.
    • Customer Support: Assistance for addressing queries and concerns of buyers and sellers.
    • Data Management and Security: Robust practices to protect user data and ensure security.

    Why such a move by the govt?

    • Digital boom: This COVID pandemic has made every business to go digital. India is a country with 700 million internet users of whom large crunch of population are active buyers on e-coms.
    • Promoting competition: ONDC aims to foster a more competitive marketplace by providing opportunities for small retailers and businesses.
    • Fostering inclusivity: It seeks to enable small retailers to access a wider customer base, promoting inclusivity in the digital commerce ecosystem.
    • Curbing monopolistic practices: ONDC addresses potential monopolistic behavior and rent-seeking tendencies by certain e-commerce platforms.
    • Enhancing efficiency: By streamlining operations and standardizing processes, ONDC aims to drive efficiencies in the digital commerce ecosystem.
    • Digital Public Infrastructure: ONDC is part of the government’s efforts to build and support essential digital services and infrastructure.
    • Government support: The government’s involvement in ONDC demonstrates its commitment to supporting small businesses and advancing digital transformation.

    Scope for ONDCs success

    • Government backing: ONDC is a government-backed initiative, indicating strong support and resources from the government to drive its success.
    • Inclusive approach: ONDC aims to create a level playing field for small retailers and businesses, empowering them to compete with larger e-commerce platforms.
    • Industry expertise: The drafting panel of ONDC includes experienced individuals from various sectors, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the table.
    • Successful track record: India has previously executed successful public digital platforms like UPI and Aadhaar-linked projects, demonstrating the country’s capability in implementing digital initiatives.
    • Open-Sourcing approach: The open-sourcing of processes within ONDC can foster innovation, collaboration, and widespread adoption, similar to the success of UPI.
    • Growing digital market: India has a large population of internet users, making it a thriving market for digital commerce. ONDC can tap into this market and capitalize on the increasing adoption of online services.
    • Potential for disruption: ONDC’s entry into the digital commerce ecosystem can disrupt existing players and bring about positive changes, offering more choices and opportunities for businesses and consumers.

    Issues that can be raised

    • EODB concerns: They may raise hues over operability and ease of doing business.
    • Compliance burden: MSMEs have already raised the growing compliance burden for e-commerce.

    Other challenges

    • Every platform has its own challenges so would the ONDC may have.
    • While UPI was ruled out (BHIM being the first) people were reluctant in using it due to transaction failures.
    • With subsequent improvements and openness people and businesses are using it in every walks of life. So it would work with ONDC.

    Conclusion

    • While challenges may exist, the combination of government support, industry expertise, and the aim to create a more inclusive and competitive digital commerce landscape provides a strong foundation for the success of ONDC.

     

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  • Groundwater Extraction and Land Subsidence

    groundwater

    Central Idea: Groundwater extraction in northwestern India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Faridabad, has led to land subsidence and structural damage.

    What is Groundwater?

    • Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock.
    • It is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand and rocks called aquifers.
    • Aquifers are typically made up of gravel, sand, sandstone, or fractured rock, like limestone.
    • Water can move through these materials because they have large connected spaces that make them permeable.
    • Aquifers, hand-dug wells, and artesian wells are different types of sources of groundwater.

    Reasons for Depletion

    • Increased demand for water for domestic, industrial and agricultural needs and limited surface water resources lead to the over-exploitation of groundwater resources.
    • Limited storage facilities owing to the hard rock terrain, along with the added disadvantage of lack of rainfall, especially in central Indian states.
    • Green Revolution enabled water-intensive crops to be grown in drought-prone/ water deficit regions, leading to over-extraction of groundwater.
    • Frequent pumping of water from the ground without waiting for its replenishment leads to quick depletion.
    • Subsidies on electricity and high MSP for water-intensive crops is also leading reasons for depletion.
    • Inadequate regulation of groundwater laws encourages the exhaustion of groundwater resources without any penalty.
    • Deforestation, unscientific methods of agriculture, chemical effluents from industries, and lack of sanitation also lead to pollution of groundwater, making it unusable.
    • Natural causes include uneven rainfall and climate change that are hindering the process of groundwater recharge.

    Impact of groundwater depletion

    • Lowering of the water table: Groundwater depletion may lower the water table leading to difficulty in extracting groundwater for usage.
    • Reduction of water in streams and lakes: A substantial amount of the water flowing in rivers comes from seepage of groundwater into the streambed. Depletion of groundwater levels may reduce water flow in such streams.
    • Subsidence of land: Groundwater often provides support to the soil. When this balance is altered by taking out the water, the soil collapses, compacts, and drops leading to subsidence of land.
    • Increased cost for water extraction: As the depleting groundwater levels lower the water table, the user has to delve deep to extract water. This will increase the cost of water extraction.

    Mechanism of Land Subsidence

    • The relationship between excessive groundwater extraction and land subsidence became evident through the analysis of data from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites.
    • Excessive groundwater withdrawal, coupled with limited monsoon rain, has resulted in critically low groundwater levels in the region.
    • Land subsidence occurs when underlying aquifers, which are deep water channels storing percolated water, are not adequately recharged.
    • The depletion of aquifers causes the layers of soil and rock above them to sink gradually.
    • This sinking of soil is similar to “soil settlement” observed in mining operations.

    Regulation of Groundwater in India

    (1) Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

    • It has the mandate of regulating groundwater development and management in the country.
    • It is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
    • CGWA issues advisories, public notices and grant No Objection Certificates (NOC) for ground water withdrawal.

    (2) National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM)

    • The NAQUIM is an initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti for mapping and managing the entire aquifer systems in the country.
    • It maintains the Hydrological Map of India.

    (3) Atal Bhujal Yojana 

    • It is a Central Sector Scheme, for sustainable management of groundwater resources with community participation in water-stressed blocks.

    Way Forward

    • Routine survey: There should be regular assessment of groundwater levels to ensure that adequate data is available for formulating policies and devising new techniques.
    • Assessment of land use pattern: Studies should be carried out to assess land use and the proportion of agricultural land falling under overt-exploited units.
    • Changes in farming methods: To improve the water table in those areas where it is being overused, on-farm water management techniques and improved irrigation methods should be adopted.
    • Reforms in power supply subsidies: The agricultural power-pricing structure needs to be revamped as the flat rate of electricity adversely affects the use of groundwater.
    • Monitoring extraction: There should be a policy in place to monitor the excessive exploitation of groundwater resources to ensure long-term sustainability.

     

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  • Supreme Court guideline for granting Bail

    bail

    Central Idea: The Supreme Court emphasized that orders in bail cases should adhere to the constitutional principle of personal liberty.

    Supreme Court on Bail

    • Short debates: Prolonged debates on bail may prejudice the accused in their case.
    • Upholding liberty: Delays in pronouncing bail decisions impinge on the personal liberty of the undertrial.
    • No extensive discussions and elaborations: The Supreme Court highlights the significance of brevity (state of being brief, concise) in bail orders.
    • No early delving into case details: Long orders may unnecessarily delve into the details of the case, which is not appropriate at the bail stage.
    • Ensuring fairness and impartiality: Such brevity ensures that the case is not unduly influenced or prejudiced during the bail proceedings.
    • Promptness in pronouncing bail decisions: The Court emphasized the need for prompt pronouncement of bail decisions. Every day of waiting affects the personal liberty of the undertrial.

    What is Bail?

    • Bail is the conditional release of a defendant with the promise to appear in court when required.
    • The term also means the security that is deposited in order to secure the release of the accused.

    Types of Bail in India

    • Depending upon the sage of the criminal matter, there are commonly three types of bail in India:
    1. Regular bail: Regular bail is generally granted to a person who has been arrested or is in police custody. A bail application can be filed for the regular bail under section 437 and 439 of CrPC.
    2. Interim bail: This type of bail is granted for a short period of time and it is granted before the hearing for the grant of regular bail or anticipatory bail.
    3. Anticipatory bail: Anticipatory bail is granted under section 438 of CrPC either by session court or High Court. An application for the grant of anticipatory bail can be filed by the person who discerns that he may be arrested by the police for a non-bailable offense.

    Conditions for Grant of Bail in Bailable Offences

    • Section 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, lays down that a person accused of a bailable offence under IPC can be granted bail if:
    1. There are sufficient reasons to believe that the accused has not committed the offence.
    2. There is sufficient reason to conduct a further inquiry in the matter.
    3. The person is not accused of any offence punishable with death, life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years.

    Conditions for Grant of Bail in Non-Bailable Offences

    • Section 437 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 lays down that the accused does not have the right to apply for bail in non-bailable offences.
    • It is discretion of the court to grant bail in case of non-bailable offences if:
    1. The accused is a woman or a child, bail can be granted in a non-bailable offence.
    2. There is a lack of evidence then bail in non-Bailable offenses can be granted.
    3. There is a delay in lodging FIR by the complainant, bail may be granted.
    4. The accused is gravely sick.

    Why bail needs reform?

    • Huge pendency of undertrials: Referring to the state of jails in the country, where over two-thirds lodged are undertrials,
    • Indiscriminate arrests: Of this category of prisoners, majority may not even be required to be arrested despite registration of a cognizable offense, being charged with offenses punishable for seven years or less.
    • Disadvantageous for some sections: They are not only poor and illiterate but also would include women. Thus, there is a culture of offense being inherited by many of them.
    • Colonial legacy: Theoretically, the court also linked the idea of indiscriminate arrests to magistrates ignoring the rule of “bail, not jail” to a colonial mindset.

    What is the law on bail?

    • The CrPC does not define the word bail but only categories offences under the Indian Penal Code as ‘bailable’ and ‘non-bailable’.
    • The CrPC empowers magistrates to grant bail for bailable offences as a matter of right.
    • This would involve release on furnishing a bail bond, without or without security.

    Way forward

    • Bail Law would certainly take care of not only the unwarranted arrests but also the clogging of bail applications before various courts.
    • With restrictive bail conditions and a conservative view on bail, we may forget the meaning of personal liberty, which is the greatest of human freedoms enjoyed in India.

     

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  • UK sees success in Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy

    mitochondria

    Central Idea

    • The birth of a baby using three persons’ DNA using Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT) in the UK has generated significant attention and discussion.
    • The baby has three parents, with the mitochondria coming from a donor in addition to the genetic material from the biological parents.
    • This pioneering technology was employed to prevent the baby from inheriting the mother’s mitochondrial disease.

    What is Mitochondria?

    Description
    Structure Membrane-bound organelles with outer and inner membranes
    Energy Production Generate ATP through cellular respiration and oxidative phosphorylation
    ATP Production Breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the inner membrane
    DNA and Replication Possess their own circular DNA (mtDNA) and can replicate independently
    Other Functions Involved in calcium signalling, apoptosis, and synthesis of molecules
    Inheritance Maternally inherited during fertilization
    Evolutionary Origin Arise from a symbiotic relationship with bacteria-like organisms
    Disorders Mutations or dysfunction can cause mitochondrial diseases

     

    • Certain defects in mitochondria can lead to mitochondrial diseases, impacting the function of energy-hungry tissues in various organs.
    • Mitochondrial diseases have no cure but can be treated, and their incidence is estimated to be one in 5,000 people.
    • In this case, the mother had a mitochondrial disease that she wanted to avoid passing on to her baby, but she did not want to use a donor egg.

    What is Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)?

    • MRT is a medical technique used to prevent the transmission of certain mitochondrial diseases from a mother to her child.
    • It involves replacing faulty mitochondria in an egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria from a donor.
    • The procedure is typically performed using in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques.
    • The nucleus, containing the majority of the genetic material, is transferred from the intended parents’ egg or embryo to a donor egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria.
    • The resulting embryo, with nuclear DNA from the intended parents and healthy mitochondria from the donor, is then implanted into the mother’s uterus for gestation.

    How does it work?

    • The father’s sperm fertilizes the eggs from the biological mother and a female donor with healthy mitochondria.
    • The genetic material from the donor’s egg is replaced with that of the biological parents, resulting in an egg with the parents’ DNA and the donor’s mitochondria.
    • This modified egg is then implanted into the mother’s uterus and carried to full term, resulting in a baby free from the mother’s mitochondrial disease.

    Uses of MRT

    • Prevention of Mitochondrial Diseases: MRT helps prevent the transmission of certain mitochondrial diseases from mothers to their children.
    • Family Planning: It enables individuals or couples with mitochondrial DNA mutations to have genetically related children without the risk of disease inheritance.
    • Improved Health: MRT can significantly improve the overall health and well-being of individuals by avoiding debilitating mitochondrial diseases.
    • Ethical Considerations: It provides an alternative to traditional donor egg options, allowing intended parents to have a child with their own genetic material while avoiding disease transmission.
    • Scientific Advancements: MRT contributes to scientific research and advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, expanding our understanding of mitochondrial biology and potential treatment options for mitochondrial disorders.

    Recent advancements in UK

    • The baby primarily carries DNA from its biological parents and a small percentage from the donor whose mitochondria was used during fertilization.

    Scientific process

    • Mitochondrial diseases are inherited from the mother, prompting research to find ways to protect infants from inheriting these diseases.
    • The Newcastle Fertility Clinic developed an advanced in vitro fertilization technique known as Mitochondrial Donation Treatment (MDT).

    Legal Facilitation of MDT

    • The UK government amended the law in 2015 to allow for mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) or MDT.
    • The Newcastle Fertility Centre became the first center to obtain a license to perform the procedure, and the first cases were approved in 2018.

    Issues with MRT

    • Transfer of Defective Mitochondria: There is a minimal risk of transferring small amounts of defective mitochondria along with healthy ones during the procedure.
    • Long-Term Safety: The long-term safety of MRT is still being studied, and ongoing monitoring is necessary to assess any potential risks or effects.
    • Ethical and Social Concerns: MRT raises ethical and social considerations related to the creation and destruction of embryos, use of donor gametes, and altering the germline.
    • Limited Availability: MRT is a highly regulated procedure, and its availability may be limited to specific countries or cases approved by regulatory bodies.
    • Emotional and Psychological Impact: Undergoing MRT involves emotional implications and decision-making, which can have an impact on individuals and couples involved.

     

     

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  • Palghat Gap: A break in the Western Ghats

    palghat

    Central Idea: The article discusses the Palghat (Palakkad) Gap, a significant corridor in the Western Ghats of India. It provides information about the geological origin of the gap.

    What is Palghat Gap?

    • The Palghat Gap is a 40 km wide corridor in the Western Ghats, known for its steep hills and serving as a gateway to Kerala.
    • It is a crucial passage for roads and railways connecting Coimbatore and Palakkad.
    • The Bharathappuzha River flows through the Palghat Gap.
    • The vegetation in the gap is classified as dry evergreen forest, different from the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats.
    • The Palghat Gap marks a distinct divide in the flora and fauna of the region.

    Geological origin of the Palghat Gap

    • The Palghat Gap is a geological shear zone running from east to west.
    • Shear zones are weak regions in the Earth’s crust, occasionally causing tremors in the Coimbatore region.
    • The formation of the Palghat Gap occurred when the continental shelves shifted after the separation of Australia and Africa from the Gondwana landmass.
    • India and Madagascar were connected until volcanic activity led to their split, with a similar gap called the Ranotsara Gap in Madagascar.

    Biogeographic distinctions and ancient history

    • The biogeographic distinctions in species north and south of the Palghat Gap may be attributed to an ancient river or an incursion of the sea in the distant past.
    • Elephant populations on the Nilgiris side of the gap have different mitochondrial DNA from elephants in the Anamalai and Periyar sanctuaries.
    • DNA analysis of the White-bellied Shortwing, an endemic bird species, shows divergence between populations in the Nilgiris and the Anamalai regions.

    Biodiversity south of the Palghat Gap

    • The southern region of the Western Ghats, located south of the Palghat Gap, exhibits high species richness and phylogenetic diversity.
    • A recent study reports over 450 tree species, including ancient species like Magnolia champaca, dating back 130 million years.
    • The warm weather and moist air of the southern Western Ghats support a diverse range of life, making it an island refuge during cycles of ice ages and droughts.
    • The southern Western Ghats receive rainfall more evenly throughout the year compared to the northern region.

    Back2Basics: Western Ghats

    • The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri mountain range, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
    • It spans an area of 160,000 sq. km. and stretches for 1,600 km parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, passing through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
    Description
    Flora and Fauna The Western Ghats are home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including over 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 227 reptile species, 179 amphibian species, 290 freshwater fish species, and 6,000 insect species.
    Geological Significance The Western Ghats, known as the “Great Escarpment of India,” are older than the Himalayas. They influence India’s monsoon weather patterns by intercepting rain-laden monsoon winds from the southwest during late summer.
    Geographic Features Stretching north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, the Western Ghats separate the plateau from the narrow coastal plain called the Western Coastal Plains, which lies along the Arabian Sea.
    Catchment Area The Western Ghats cover a vast catchment area for complex riverine drainage systems, contributing to almost 40% of India’s total drainage. The range acts as a barrier, blocking southwest monsoon winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau.

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  • Thirunelli Temple

  • RBI advises banks to transit away from LIBOR

    Central Idea: The RBI has issued an advisory to banks and other RBI-regulated entities regarding the transition away from London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) July 1.

    What is London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)?

    Explanation
    Definition LIBOR is a benchmark interest rate used in financial transactions such as loans, derivatives, and bonds.

    It is the interest rate at which banks can borrow funds from other banks in the London interbank market.

    It serves as a benchmark rate for various financial transactions worldwide.
    Calculation Method LIBOR rates are calculated based on submissions from a panel of major banks in London.

    These banks estimate their borrowing costs for various currencies and tenors.

    The submissions are used to calculate an average rate, which is published daily by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the administrator of LIBOR.
    Currencies and Tenors LIBOR is calculated for different currencies and tenors ranging from overnight to one year.

    The currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF, and others.

    The tenors represent the time periods for which the rates are quoted.
    Importance It has been widely used since the 1980s as a benchmark for financial contracts worth trillions of dollars globally.

    It serves as a reference rate for various loans, derivatives, and other financial instruments.

     

    Why is RBI moving away from LIBOR?

    Like many other countries, has been working towards transitioning away from LIBOR. The primary reasons for this transition include:

    • Manipulation risks: Following the global financial crisis in 2008, there were concerns about the reliability and potential manipulation of LIBOR.
    • Discontinuation of LIBOR: The regulatory authority in the UK that oversees LIBOR, announced in 2017 that it will no longer compel banks to submit the necessary data to calculate LIBOR after the end of 2021.
    • Adoption of alternative Reference Rates: Various countries, including India, have identified and adopted alternative reference rates that are more reliable and based on actual market transactions. Ex RBI introduced the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).
    • Alignment with International Standards: Many countries have already initiated the shift to alternative reference rates, necessitating India’s alignment to maintain consistency and harmonization in international financial markets.
    • Risk Mitigation: RBI’s move aims to mitigate the potential risks associated with an unreliable or manipulated benchmark rate.

    Related terminologies

    Mumbai Interbank Forward Outright Rate (MIFOR): MIFOR is a benchmark rate used in Indian financial markets. It represents the forward premium or discount on the USD-INR exchange rate based on the LIBOR rate.

    Fallbacks: They are provisions inserted into contracts to establish alternative reference rates if the original benchmark rate (such as LIBOR) becomes unavailable or unreliable.

     

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  • RBI to join Greenwashing TechSprint

    Central Idea: The RBI has announced its participation in the Global Financial Innovation Network’s (GFIN) Greenwashing TechSprint.

    What is Greenwashing?

    • Greenwashing is a term used to describe the practice of making exaggerated, misleading, or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials of a product, service, or company.
    • It is a deceptive marketing strategy that aims to portray an organization as environmentally friendly or socially responsible, even when its actions or practices do not align with these claims.
    • It creates the perception that a company is taking steps towards sustainability or social responsibility, but in reality, it may be engaging in practices that are harmful to the environment or society.

    There are various forms of greenwashing that companies may employ to deceive consumers or investors. These include:

    1. Vague or ambiguous claims: Companies may use general statements or buzzwords without providing specific details or evidence to support their environmental or social claims. For example, stating that a product is “eco-friendly” without explaining the specific environmental benefits or certifications.
    2. Irrelevant or misleading labels: Companies may use misleading labels or certifications that give the impression of sustainability or social responsibility but lack meaningful standards or independent verification. This can confuse consumers who rely on such labels to make informed choices.
    3. Hidden trade-offs: Greenwashing can involve emphasizing one positive aspect of a product or company’s operations while ignoring or downplaying other negative impacts. For instance, a company may highlight its use of renewable energy while disregarding other harmful environmental practices.
    4. Lack of transparency: Companies may fail to provide transparent information about their sustainability practices or refuse to disclose relevant data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to verify the accuracy of the company’s claims.
    5. Inconsistent messaging: Some companies may adopt green initiatives or promote sustainable products as a public relations exercise, without making substantial changes to their overall operations. This inconsistency between their messaging and actual practices is a form of greenwashing.

    Implications of greenwashing

    • It undermines consumer trust, as people may make purchasing decisions based on misleading information.
    • It also hampers the credibility of genuinely sustainable businesses by creating scepticism in the market.
    • Moreover, it can divert attention and resources away from genuinely sustainable companies and initiatives.

    Back2Basics: Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN)

    • GFIN was officially launched in January 2019.
    • It was inspired by the successful collaboration between 11 financial regulators during a cross-border pilot project known as the “Global Sandbox” in 2018.
    • The pilot project demonstrated the benefits of regulatory cooperation and information sharing in fostering responsible innovation in the financial sector.
    • GFIN consists of financial regulators and related organizations from around the world.
    • The network includes regulatory authorities, central banks, and supervisory bodies.

     

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  • What is Carbon Dating? How does it work?

    carbon dating

    Central Idea: Allahabad high court ordered the ASI to conduct the carbon dating process of the ‘Shivling’ found in the premises of the Gyanvapi mosque, without causing any damage to the structure.

    What is Carbon Dating?

    • Carbon dating is a widely-used method for determining the age of organic materials that were once living.
    • The method is based on the radioactive decay of Carbon-14 (C-14), an isotope of carbon with an atomic mass of 14.
    • It works by measuring the ratio of C-12 to C-14 in the atmosphere, as well as in plants and animals that acquire carbon through photosynthesis or food consumption.

    The half-life concept

    • Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5,730 ± 40 years—i.e., half the amount of the radioisotope present at any given time will undergo spontaneous disintegration during the succeeding 5,730 years.
    • Because carbon-14 decays at this constant rate, an estimate of the date at which an organism died can be made by measuring the amount of its residual radiocarbon.

    Limitations of Carbon Dating

    • Carbon dating has certain limitations and cannot be applied in all circumstances.
    • It is not suitable for determining the age of non-living things such as rocks.
    • Carbon dating becomes less accurate for objects older than 40,000-50,000 years, as the amount of detectable C-14 becomes significantly small.
    • Other radiometric dating methods are employed to determine the age of inanimate objects, which rely on the decay of radioactive elements present in the material.
    • Examples of such methods include potassium-argon dating and uranium-thorium-lead dating, which analyze the ratios of specific isotopes to estimate the age of rocks.

    Other Dating Methods

    In addition to radiometric dating, there are alternative methods to determine the age of objects.

    • Cosmogenic nuclide dating: CRN is one such method that utilizes radioactive decay to estimate age and is commonly used to study the age of ice cores in Polar Regions.
    • Potassium-argon dating: A radiometric dating method that measures the ratio of potassium to argon isotopes in rocks to determine their age.
    • Uranium-thorium-lead dating: A radiometric dating method that analyses the ratios of uranium, thorium, and lead isotopes in rocks to estimate their age.

     

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  • Species in news: Alligator Gar

    alligator-gar

    Central Idea: The Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) discovered a rare type of fish known as “Alligator Gar” for the first time during the ongoing cleaning of famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.

    Alligator Gar

    Information
    Scientific Name Atractosteus spatula
    Size and Weight Up to 8 feet in length, over 300 pounds
    Appearance Long, narrow body; crocodile-like head; sharp teeth
    Distribution Central and North America, freshwater habitats
    Fossil Record Traces back to the Early Cretaceous, over 100 million years ago
    Feeding Habits Voracious predator, feeds on fish, turtles, waterfowl, etc.
    Coloration Brown or olive on upper body, lighter underside
    Longevity Can live for several decades
    Conservation Status Least Concerned (IUCN)

     

     

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