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GS Paper: GS3

  • What is the Aravalli Safari Park Project?

    Why in the News?

    The Haryana government has proposed an ambitious 3,858-hectare Aravalli Safari Park spread across Gurugram and Nuh, which aims to be the world’s largest safari park.

    About the Aravalli Range

    • The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, dating back to the Proterozoic era.
    • It stretches 692 km from Gujarat to Delhi, passing through Rajasthan and Haryana.
    • The range acts as a natural green barrier, preventing the expansion of the Thar Desert into eastern Rajasthan and the Gangetic plains.
    • Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 meters) in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
    • Rivers originating from the Aravalli Range:
      • Banas and Sahibi Rivers (tributaries of the Yamuna).
      • Luni River, which flows into the Rann of Kutch.
    • Rich in mineral resources, including copper, zinc, lead, and marble.
    • The Aravalli hills play a critical role in groundwater recharge, acting as natural aquifers.
    • 80% of the range is in Rajasthan, while the rest is in Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.

    What is the Aravalli Safari Park Project?

    • The Haryana government has proposed a 3,858-hectare Aravalli Safari Park, intended to be the world’s largest.
    • The project covers 2,574 hectares in Gurugram and 1,284 hectares in Nuh.
    • It will include animal enclosures, botanical gardens, aquariums, cable cars, hotels, and an animal hospital.
    • Initially managed by the Tourism Department, the project is now under the Forest Department, with an expert committee overseeing its execution.

    Why is there Opposition?

    • Ecological Concerns: The Aravallis prevent desertification, and large-scale construction could disrupt groundwater recharge and biodiversity.
    • Threat to Water Security: The region acts as an aquifer, and excessive tourism, vehicular traffic, and construction could worsen Gurugram and Nuh’s water crisis, already classified as “over-exploited” by the Central Ground Water Board.
    • Legal Violations: The project falls under protected forest areas, governed by:
      • Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
      • Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900, restricting deforestation.
      • T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad Judgment (1996), which extends legal protection to non-notified forest land.

    PYQ:

    [2011] The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this Phenomenon?

    (a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth

    (b) It is a confluence of different bio-geographical zones.

    (c) Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region.

    (d) It has less human interference.

     

  • [pib] Matsya-6000

    Why in the news?

    India’s 4th generation deep-ocean submersible Matsya-6000 has successfully completed wet testing at Chennai harbor, paving the way for shallow-water demonstrations at depths of up to 500 meters by 2025.

    [pib] Matsya-6000

    About Matsya-6000

    • Made of titanium alloy to withstand extreme oceanic pressure.
    • Built with a 2.1-meter diameter sphere to accommodate three crew members.
    • Moves at speed of 5.5 km/hr using multidirectional thrusters.
    • Uses GPS, underwater acoustic positioning, and joystick-controlled maneuverability.
    • Operates for 12 hours, with an emergency endurance of 96 hours.
    • Includes emergency buoyancy modules and high–pressure-resistant escape hatches.
    • Features robotic arms for sample collection.
    • Uses high–resolution imaging and oceanographic sensors for deep-sea research.
    • Future Trials:
      • Shallow-water tests up to 500m planned by late 2025.
      • Full deep-sea trials at 6,000m scheduled for 2026.

    What is Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)?

      • The DOM launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in 2021, aims to enhance India’s deep-sea exploration capabilities while supporting the Blue Economy policy.
      • It focuses on resource utilization, climate monitoring, and marine biodiversity conservation.
    • Objectives of DOM:
    • Develop advanced technologies for ocean mining, biodiversity assessment, and deep-sea surveillance.
      • Enable climate change research through real-time ocean data collection.
      • Establish a Marine Station for Ocean Biology for research on marine ecosystems and pharmaceuticals.
      • Support the Samudrayaan Mission, which includes the development of Matsya-6000, India’s first deep-ocean human submersible.
    • Structural Mandate of DOM:
      • Deep-ocean survey and identification of polymetallic nodule and sulfide deposits.
      • Harnessing ocean energy through wave, tidal, and thermal sources.

  • Similipal Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has witnessed a significant reduction in poaching incidents following the installation of TrailGuard AI, an AI-powered early alert system that detects intruders in the forest.

    About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

    • Located in Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, characterized by hilly and undulating terrain with open grasslands and dense forests.
    • Twin peaks: Khairiburu and Meghashini, reaching 1,515 meters above sea level.
    • Inhabited by tribal communities such as Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
    • Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956 and brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
    • Recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
    • Flora:
      • 1,078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids.
      • Sal (Shorea robusta) is the dominant tree species.
    • Fauna:
      • Rich in wildlife, including Leopards, Elephants, Gaurs, Langurs, Barking Deer, Sloth Bears, Sambar, Pythons, Pangolins, and Flying Squirrels.
      • Diverse birdlife, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks.
      • Home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.

    Melanistic Tigers of Similipal:

    • Similipal is the only place in the world where pseudo-melanistic tigers are found in the wild.
    • 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24) live in Similipal, including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers.
    • The unique black-striped pattern in these tigers is due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.

    Which one of the following could be this?

    (a) Bhitarkanika

    (b) Chandipur-on-sea

    (c) Gopalpur-on-sea

    (d) Simlipal

     

  • Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Eilat recover after a ‘Shutdown’

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have discovered a significant pause in coral reef growth in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba during the late Holocene period.

    Key Highlights of the Study:

    • The study identified a 4,400 – 1,000-year hiatus in coral growth, similar to events observed in Mexico, Brazil, and Australia.
    • Scientists attribute this temporary halt to a sea-level drop caused by tectonic activity and cooling events, which exposed coral reefs and disrupted their development.
    • Despite this, the reef recovered by recolonizing from deeper coral communities, showcasing its natural resilience.

    Coral Reefs in the Gulf of Eilat recover after a ‘Shutdown'

    About Gulf of Eilat

    • Also known as the Gulf of Aqaba, it is a narrow extension of the Red Sea, located between the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) and the Arabian Peninsula.
    • It connects to the Red Sea through the Strait of Tiran and borders Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
    • The city of Eilat (Israel) and Aqaba (Jordan) lie along its shores, making it a strategic trade and tourism hub.

    Geographical and Political Significance:

    • Strategic Trade Route: Provides access to the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea, critical for Israel and Jordan’s maritime trade.
    • Bordering Multiple Nations: Shares coastlines with Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, making it a key area for regional diplomacy and security.
    • Tourism & Marine Biodiversity: Known for coral reefs and marine life, attracting divers and boosting the economies of Eilat and Aqaba.
    • Geopolitical Sensitivity: The Strait of Tiran has been historically significant in Arab-Israeli conflicts, especially during the Six-Day War (1967) when Egypt blocked Israeli access.
    • Energy & Trade Importance: It is an alternative route for oil shipments and goods trade, reducing reliance on the Suez Canal.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which of the following have coral reefs?

    1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

    2. Gulf of Kachchh

    3. Gulf of Mannar

    4. Sunderbans

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

  • Loggerhead Turtles use Geomagnetic Field to navigate large Distances

    Loggerhead Turtles use Geomagnetic Field to navigate large Distances

    Why in the News?

    A new study in Nature reveals that loggerhead turtles can learn and remember the magnetic signature of an area, using Earth’s geomagnetic field for navigation during long migrations.

    About Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta)

    • Loggerhead Sea Turtles belong to the Cheloniidae family, widely distributed across the world’s oceans.
    • They are commonly found in Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea.
    • They Spends most of its life in saltwater and estuarine habitats, coming ashore only to nest.
    • They are omnivorous, feeding primarily on bottom-dwelling invertebrates.
    • It is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
    • International trade banned under CITES Appendix I.

    Significance of the study

    • Loggerhead turtles travel thousands of kilometers across oceans and return to the same feeding and nesting sites.
    • Their ability to store magnetic memories helps them navigate vast distances, reinforcing the hypothesis that other migratory species may also rely on Earth’s magnetic field.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. Some species of turtles are herbivores.
    2. Some species of fish are herbivores.
    3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.
    4. Some species of snakes are viviparous.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only
    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

  • What is the Cancer Vaccine Russia is offering?

    Why in the News?

    In December 2024, Russia announced the development of a new mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine, with plans to make it available for free to patients by early 2025.

    What is mRNA (Messenger RNA)?

    • mRNA is a type of RNA that transports genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, guiding the production of proteins.
    • It tells the cell which proteins to make by providing the exact sequence of amino acids.
    • Unlike DNA, mRNA does not stay in the cell permanently; it gets degraded after protein synthesis.
    • mRNA-based vaccines (like COVID-19 vaccines) teach cells to produce harmless viral proteins, triggering an immune response.

    What is an mRNA Cancer Vaccine?

    • Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines provide genetic instructions to train the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells.
    • This technology gained prominence with the COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) and is now being adapted for cancer treatment.
    • These vaccines are therapeutic, designed for patients who already have cancer, not for prevention.

    How do mRNA Cancer Vaccines Work?

    • Cancer cells evade the immune system by suppressing immune responses.
      • Immunotherapy works by enhancing the body’s natural ability to detect and destroy these cancerous cells.
    • Unlike chemotherapy, which kills both healthy and cancerous cells, immunotherapy selectively targets only cancer cells, reducing harmful side effects.
    • mRNA cancer vaccines are customized for each patient, targeting specific tumor antigens, making them highly personalized and potentially more effective.
    • While traditional infectious disease vaccines prevent illness, mRNA cancer vaccines are therapeutic, meaning they are administered to patients who already have cancer to help their immune system fight the disease.

    PYQ:

    [2019] RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?

    1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
    2. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
    3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
    4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 4

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) 1 and 4 only

     

  • Sṛjanam- India’s first indigenous Automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plant

    Why in the News?

    Union Ministry of Science & Technology has launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, named “Sṛjanam,” at AIIMS, New Delhi.

    About Sṛjanam

    • Sṛjanam is India’s first indigenously developed Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, designed by CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram.
    • It provides a sustainable, non-incineration-based solution for biomedical waste disposal, aligning with India’s Waste to Wealth vision.
    • Key Features:
      • Eco-Friendly & Non-Incineration-Based: Eliminates the need for incineration, reducing toxic emissions.
      • High-Efficiency Pathogen Elimination: Disinfects blood, urine, sputum, and lab disposables, with third-party validated antimicrobial action.
      • Safe & Fully Automated: Minimizes human exposure, reducing the risk of infections and spills.
      • Capacity & Scalability: Processes 400 kg of biomedical waste daily, with 10 kg/day degradable waste capacity in phase one.
      • Odor Neutralization: Eliminates foul smells, ensuring safer surroundings.
      • Supports Circular Economy: Enhances waste segregation and recyclability, reducing landfill burden.

    PYQ:

    [2019] In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

    (a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998

    (b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999

    (c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011

    (d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011

     

  • Scientists discover ‘Einstein Ring’

    Why in the News?

    The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid Space Telescope has captured a rare Einstein Ring around a galaxy nearly 590 million light-years away from Earth.

    Scientists discover ‘Einstein Ring’

    What is an Einstein Ring?

    • An Einstein Ring is a circular ring of light caused by gravitational lensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.
    • It occurs when a massive celestial object (like a galaxy) bends and magnifies light from a more distant background galaxy that lies directly behind it.
    • The recent discovery by ESA’s Euclid telescope identified an Einstein Ring around NGC 6505, located 590 million light-years away, acting as a lens for a distant galaxy 4.42 billion light-years away.
    • Features of an Einstein Ring:
      • Perfect circular shape (only if source, lens, and observer align precisely).
      • Example of strong gravitational lensing, distorting background light.
      • Extremely rare (found in less than 1% of galaxies).
      • Not visible to the naked eye, observed only with advanced space telescopes like Euclid or Hubble.

    Significance of the Discovery:

    • Reveals Dark Matter: Helps indirectly map dark matter, which makes up 85% of the universe.
    • Magnifies Hidden Galaxies: Makes faint, distant galaxies visible for study.
    • Measures Universe’s Expansion: Tracks how light stretches over time, refining cosmological models.
    • Confirms Einstein’s Theory: Proves light bends in curved space-time, supporting gravitational lensing theory.
    • Demonstrates Euclid’s Capabilities: Shows Euclid’s high-resolution potential, promising more discoveries.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following phenomena:

    1. Light is affected by gravity.
    2. The Universe is constantly expanding.
    3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.

    Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?

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

     

  • Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY)

    Why in the News?

    Finance Minister while presenting the Union Budget announced the launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY).

    About the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY):

    • The PMDKY aims to enhance agricultural productivity, crop diversification, storage infrastructure, irrigation, and credit access.
    • Key Features
      • Identifies 100 districts with low productivity, moderate cropping intensity, and below-average credit access.
      • Develops panchayat/block-level storage and expands irrigation coverage.
      • Ensures affordable short-term & long-term loans for farmers.
      • Uses data-driven governance & district rankings.
    • Structural Mandate:
      • Implementation: Jointly executed by Central & State Governments.
      • Funding: Drawn from existing schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
      • Evaluation: Assessed based on yield improvements, credit flow, and irrigation expansion.

    PYQ:

    [2015] ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for:

    (a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates

    (b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas

    (c) promoting financial inclusion in the country

    (d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities

     

  • PARAS-2 Spectrograph

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at PRL, Ahmedabad, discovered the exoplanet TOI-6038A b, a dense sub-Saturn-sized planet with a mass of 78.5 Earth masses and a radius of 6.41 Earth radii, using the PARAS-2 spectrograph at Mount Abu Observatory.

    About TOI-6038A b

    • TOI-6038A b is a dense sub-Saturn-sized planet with a mass of 78.5 Earth masses and a radius of 6.41 Earth radii, orbiting a bright, metal-rich F-type star every 5.83 days in a circular orbit.
    • This is the 2nd exoplanet discovery using the PARAS-2 spectrograph.
    • It is also the 5th exoplanet detection combining efforts of PARAS-1 and PARAS-2, showcasing India’s growing expertise in astronomical instrumentation.

    About PARAS-2 Spectrograph:

    • PARAS-2 (PRL Advanced Radial-velocity All-sky Search-2) is a state-of-the-art high-resolution spectrograph designed for exoplanet detection.
    • The development of PARAS-2 began in mid-2018 and was successfully installed at the telescope site in mid-2022.
    • It is the highest-resolution stabilized radial velocity (RV) spectrograph in Asia, operating at a precision level of 30 cm/s.
    • It is installed at PRL’s 2.5-meter telescope at the Mount Abu Observatory, benefiting from high-altitude, clear sky conditions.
    • Key Features of PARAS-2:
      • Operates in the 380-690 nm waveband, making it suitable for studying a wide range of celestial objects.
      • Resolution of ~107,000, the highest in Asia, enabling ultra-precise exoplanetary studies.
      • Ultra-stable temperature and pressure environment: Maintained at 24 ± 0.001 °C and 0.005 ± 0.0005 mbar, ensuring minimal instrumental drift.
      • Uses a Uranium Argon Hollow Cathode Lamp (UAr HCL) for calibration, achieving a velocity precision of better than 2 m/s.
      • Advanced optical fiber system for capturing stellar light and spectral calibration data simultaneously.
    • It uses the radial velocity method, which detects tiny wobbles in a star’s motion caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet.
    • These wobbles cause shifts in the star’s light spectrum, allowing scientists to determine a planet’s presence, mass, and orbital period.
    • It can detect minute stellar movements, making it ideal for finding low-mass exoplanets like super-Earths.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:

    (a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
    (b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available
    (c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
    (d) search for meteorites containing precious metals