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GS Paper: GS3

  • [pib] Pest-Control Pheromone Dispenser

    Why in the News?

    A new sustainable pheromone dispenser has been developed through a collaborative research project by scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR–NBAIR).

    What is the Pest-Control Pheromone Dispenser?

    Details
    What is it? A device designed to release pheromones that alter the behaviour of pests, primarily used in agriculture to control infestations and prevent crop damage.
    Developed By A collaborative project by scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, and ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR–NBAIR), India.
    How it Works
    • Releases synthetic pheromones that mimic natural insect signals.
    • Attracts pests to traps or disrupts mating cycles, preventing infestations.
    Technology
    • Uses mesoporous silica matrix technology for controlled release.
    • Ensures consistent pheromone release, independent of external factors like temperature.
    Benefits
    • Cost-effective: Fewer replacements of pheromones reduce overall costs.
    • Labor-saving: Longer intervals between replacements lower labor requirements.
    • Environmentally friendly: Reduces chemical pesticide use, promoting sustainable agriculture.
    • Increased efficacy: Stable release rate ensures effective pest control over extended periods.
    Scalability Suitable for both small-scale farms and large industrial agricultural operations, making it highly scalable.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.

    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.

    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Square Kilometer Array (SKA) becomes partially functional

    Why in the News?

    The Square Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope, has carried out its first observations, marking a major milestone.

    About Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project:

    Details
    Project Overview SKA is a global project aimed at building the world’s largest radio telescope network to explore the universe, galaxies, dark matter, and extraterrestrial life.
    Construction Phases Two phases:

    1. SKA-Mid in South Africa operates in higher frequency ranges.
    2. SKA-Low in Australia operates in lower frequency ranges.

    Phase 1 (SKA- Mid) began in December 2022. Full operations expected by 2029.
    Headquarters Jodrell Bank Observatory, UK
    Site Locations Telescope arrays in Australia (low-frequency) and South Africa (mid-frequency).
    Design and Features
    • 197 parabolic radio antennae in South Africa
    • 131,072 low-frequency antennae in Australia

    These are capable of detecting faint radio signals from vast distances.
    Global Consortium 16 member countries, including Australia, South Africa, India, China, Japan, and several European nations.
    India’s Role
    • India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (NCRA, TIFR) is a key partner
    • SKA India consortium (20+ institutions) involved in software, signal processing, and digital hardware development
    Key Technologies Advanced interferometer system using wave interference for data collection.
    Scientific Objectives
    • Explore galaxies at the edge of the universe
    • Study the ‘Dark Ages’ and phenomena like dark matter and dark energy
    • Search for extraterrestrial life
    Frequency Range Operates between 50 MHz to 15.4 GHz
    Global Collaboration Key collaboration among India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, and other member nations for data generation, analysis, and installation of antennas.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?

    [2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:

    1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.

    2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter

    3. It is buried deep in the ice.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

  • FATF on India: Effective Money Laundering system, low prosecution

    Why in the News?

    The FATF placed India in the “regular follow-up” category for having an “effective” anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing system but highlighted the need for significant improvements in prosecuting such cases.

    Key Highlights of the FATF Mutual Evaluation Report on India:

    • “Regular Follow-up” Category: India has been placed in the “regular follow-up” category, signifying that its system for combating money laundering and terror financing is effective.
      • Financial institutions need better risk profiling of customers, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) registry needs improved monitoring for accurate ownership information.
    • Money Laundering Risks: The primary sources of money laundering in India come from fraud, cyber-enabled fraud, corruption, and drug trafficking.
      • Terror threats are mainly linked to Islamic State or al-Qaeda groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs): India should strengthen measures to prevent abuse of the NPO sector for terror financing, and enhance outreach to NPOs at risk.
    • Improvements in Sanctions Framework: India needs to improve its targeted financial sanctions framework to ensure the timely freezing of funds and assets related to terror financing.
    • Domestic Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs): The report urged India to define domestic PEPs under its anti-money laundering laws and improve identification and risk-based measures related to them.
    • Delay in prosecution: The report noted delays in prosecution due to review petitions are still pending, which delays the resolution of cases under the PMLA.

    Challenges faced by the Indian Government:

    • Prosecution and Conviction Delays: Despite an increase in investigations, the number of prosecutions and convictions remains low, with significant delays in concluding trials, especially under the PMLA.
    • Constitutionality Issues: Legal challenges to the constitutionality of the PMLA between 2014-2022 disrupted the momentum in terror financing and money laundering prosecutions.
    • Risk Profiling of Financial Customers: There is a need for better risk profiling of customers in financial institutions to address money laundering more effectively.
    • Inaccurate Ownership Information: Ensuring accurate owner information in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) registry remains a challenge, especially concerning investments from tax havens.
    • Non-Profit Organisations: Ensuring that non-profits are not abused for terror financing requires better coordination and focused outreach by authorities.
    • Lack of Definition for Domestic PEPs: While India has defined foreign PEPs, the absence of a clear definition for domestic PEPs under PMLA creates a gap in the anti-money laundering framework.
    • Fast-Tracking Trials: The need to fast-track trials in money laundering and terror financing cases is recognized, but progress in addressing this challenge remains slow.

    Way Forward: 

    • Strengthen Legal and Institutional Framework: India should establish clear definitions for domestic Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) under anti-money laundering laws and enhance targeted financial sanctions to ensure timely asset freezing.
    • Enhance Risk Management and Monitoring: Financial institutions should improve risk profiling and implement stricter Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, while the Ministry of Corporate Affairs should ensure accurate ownership data, especially for investments from tax havens.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • Why US Fed cut interest rates, how India could be impacted? 

    Why in the News?

    The United States Federal Reserve, responsible for the country’s monetary policy, announced on Wednesday that it will lower its key interest rate, called the Federal Funds Rate, by 0.5%, or 50 basis points.

    Why did the Fed cut interest rates?

    • The Federal Reserve cut the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to address rising unemployment concerns while inflation was stabilizing.
    • After a series of aggressive rate hikes to counter inflation that surged due to post-COVID recovery and the Russia-Ukraine war, inflation began to moderate, nearing the Fed’s target of 2%.
    • Rising unemployment data signaled that the restrictive monetary policy might harm the labor market, prompting the Fed to act.

    Will the US economy achieve a soft landing?

    • Optimistic Projections: Despite earlier predictions that high inflation would lead to a recession, the Fed’s strategy may succeed in achieving a soft landing, reducing inflation without crashing the economy.
    • GDP Growth: The Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) estimates GDP growth to remain around 2% for the next few years, indicating a stable economy.
    • Unemployment: While the unemployment rate has risen slightly to 4.4%, it remains manageable, with expectations of improvement.
    • Risks: Potential policy shifts, especially related to the upcoming presidential election, could disrupt the economic outlook, particularly if trade tariffs are imposed.

    How will India be affected?

    • Increased Foreign Investments: Lower US interest rates could encourage foreign investors to borrow in the US and invest in India through stocks, bonds, or foreign direct investment (FDI), benefiting capital inflow.
    • Rupee Strengthening: With falling US interest rates, the US dollar may weaken against the Indian rupee, potentially strengthening the rupee. This would negatively affect Indian exporters but benefit importers.
    • RBI’s Interest Rate Decisions: While the Fed’s rate cuts influence global markets, India’s central bank, the RBI, may not directly follow suit due to differing inflation targets and mandates. The RBI prioritizes inflation control and GDP growth over unemployment figures.

    Way forward: 

    • Encourage Capital Inflows: India should take advantage of lower US interest rates by attracting foreign investments through improved ease of doing business, fostering growth in key sectors like infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.
    • Maintain Monetary Stability: The RBI should carefully assess global trends but prioritize domestic conditions when adjusting interest rates, focusing on inflation control, financial stability, and sustained GDP growth.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • White Revolution 2.0

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Cooperation unveiled White Revolution 2.0, focusing on empowering women farmers and creating job opportunities in the dairy cooperative sector.

    What is White Revolution 2.0?

    Details
    Objective Transforming India’s dairy sector by empowering women farmers, increasing milk production, and modernizing dairy infrastructure.
    Target  Increase procurement from the current 660 lakh litres per day to 1,000 lakh litres per day.
    Funding • Initial funding of ₹40,000 per Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) by National Dairy Development Board.
    • Total outlay of ₹70,125 crore with full government budgetary support.
    Provisions and Features 1. Women Empowerment: Focus on empowering women in the dairy sector and strengthening women’s cooperatives.
    2. Increase in Milk Procurement: Aims to raise procurement by 50% over the next five years.
    3. Cooperative Infrastructure: 100,000 new and existing cooperative societies (district cooperative societies and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) to be set up or enhanced.
    4. RuPay Kisan Credit Cards: Nationwide rollout for dairy farmers, with micro-ATMs at cooperative societies.
    5. Computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies: 67,930 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies will be computerised for better management.
    Significance 1. Women Empowerment: Creates leadership opportunities for women in dairy, promoting gender equality.
    2. Boost to Rural Economy: Strengthening cooperatives and milk procurement will improve rural livelihoods.
    3. Improved Infrastructure: Modern technology, micro-ATMs, and computerisation will increase efficiency.
    4. Job Creation: Expanding cooperatives and modern practices will generate jobs for 130 million farmers.
    5. Malnutrition Reduction: Enhances dairy quality to combat malnutrition.
    6. Cooperative Modernisation: Focus on Artificial Intelligence and advanced technologies.
    7. Dairy Exports Boost: Improved production and quality to enhance India’s dairy exports.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?

  • Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

    Why in the News?

      • This year, Kerala faced a sudden surge in Amoebic Meningoencephalitis cases, caused by free-living amoebae (FLA) found in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers.
    • Kerala also saw a diverse range of amoebic infections, caused by Naegleria fowleri, Vermamoeba vermiforis, and Acanthamoeba.

    What is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?

    • PAM is caused by the Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba“. It destroys brain tissue, causing severe swelling and is fatal in most cases.
      • An amoeba is a type of cell or unicellular organism with the ability to alter its shape, primarily by extending and retracting pseudopods.
      • Higher temperatures of up to 115°F (46°C) are conducive to its growth and it can survive for short periods in warm environments.
    • The amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically during activities like swimming, and travels to the brain, causing severe damage.
    • PAM is also non-communicable.
    • Symptoms: Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and coma.
      • According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with PAM die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin. It usually leads to coma and death after 5 days.

    Diagnosis and Treatment:

    • Currently, there are no established effective treatments for PAM.
    • Diagnosis involves PCR tests of cerebrospinal fluid, though detection can be challenging due to the rarity of PAM.
    • Treatment follows CDC guidelines, including miltefosine, Azithromycin, and Amphotericin B, with miltefosine recently procured by the State Health Department from Germany.
      • Medical interventions typically involve a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.

  • INCOIS Launches Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas  

    Why in the News?

    INCOIS unveiled an ‘Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas’ for India’s EEZ, highlighting vast marine energy potential from solar, wind, waves, tides, currents, and thermal resources.

    About INCOIS:

    • The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous body established in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in India.
    • Its primary mission is to provide ocean data, information, and advisory services to various stakeholders, including society, industry, government, and the scientific community through sustained ocean observations.

    Key Features of the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas

    • The Atlas encompasses marine meteorological energy sources like solar and wind, and hydrological energy forms such as waves, tides, currents, ocean thermal, and salinity gradients within India’s EEZ.
    • It identifies areas with high potential for energy generation and will serve as a reference for policymakers, industry and researchers for harnessing these rich energy resources.
    • INCOIS prepared the annual, monthly, and daily energy estimates of ocean energy components that can be visualised through a WebGIS interface at 5 km grid resolution.

    Significant potential of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

    • INCOIS has estimated integrated ocean energy of approximately 9.2 lakh TWh per annum within the EEZ of India.
    • The vast coastline of over 7,000 km and the EEZ covering up to 220 km from the coast offers ample scope for generating energy from blue renewable sources like tidal waves, currents, solar and wind.

    What India can learn from this Report? (Way forward)

    • The Atlas provides a blueprint for India to tap into its vast untapped ocean energy resources to meet its growing energy demands in a sustainable manner.
    • It offers estimated values of renewable energy that can be generated from individual or integrated blue renewable sources at potential sites along the coast
    • The detailed mapping of energy potential at a granular 5 km grid level can help industries plan and make informed decisions for developing offshore renewable energy projects.
    • Collaborating with industrial partners and public sector companies to harness energy at high-potential zones identified in the Atlas can accelerate the adoption of marine energy technologies.
    • The Atlas can serve as a model for other countries in the Indian Ocean region to assess their blue energy reserves and promote regional cooperation in harnessing ocean energy resources.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • TRISHNA Mission

    Why in the News?

    Philippe Baptiste, head of the French Space Agency, talked about the joint India-France “TRISHNA Mission.”

    TRISHNA Mission:

    Details
    Overview A joint Indo-French Earth observation satellite project developed by ISRO and CNES (French Space Agency).

    Acronym for “Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment” (TRISHNA Mission)
    Launch Year Targeted for 2026.
    Mission Lifespan Designed for a 5-year operational life.
    Primary Objectives • Monitor water and energy budgets of the continental biosphere.

    • Assess evapotranspiration for efficient water management.

    • Improve agricultural water productivity and assist in irrigation water management.

    • Provide high-resolution observations of water quality in coastal and inland waters. 

    • Assess urban heat islands and detect heat anomalies.
    Payloads • Thermal Infrared (TIR) Payload: Provided by CNES, this sensor maps surface temperature and emissivity in high resolution.

    • Visible-Near Infrared-Short Wave Infrared (VNIR-SWIR) Payload: Developed by ISRO, this sensor uses seven spectral bands for detailed mapping of surface reflectance.
    Orbit and Spatial Resolution • TRISHNA will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 761 km.

    • Spatial resolution: 57 meters for land and coastal areas, 1 km for ocean and polar regions.
    Application and Significance   • Supports water resource management, agriculture, and urban planning through precise data on water stress, crop productivity, and urban heat islands.
    • Enhances climate resilience by tracking droughts, evapotranspiration, and permafrost changes.
    • Contributes to global environmental initiatives like GEOGLAM and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing key agricultural and climate variables.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?

    [2010] In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?

    (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India

    (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II

    (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India

    (d) A space telescope developed by India

  • Chandrayaan-4, Venus orbiter gets approval from Cabinet

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the expansion of the Chandrayaan-4 mission, Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan Misison), Gaganyaan, the development of India’s first space station (the Bharatiya Antariksh Station), and NextGen launch vehicles.

    About Chandrayaan-4 Mission

    • Chandrayaan-4 is the fourth mission in India’s Chandrayaan program (2003).
    • The mission is currently under conceptualisation and expected to launch around 2027.
    • Aims: To develop technology for a successful moon landing and ensure a safe return to Earth.
    • The mission will be launched in two phases onboard two LVM3 rockets.
    • It will collect lunar samples for analysis on Earth.

    About Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)

    • The VOM, also called Shukrayaan-1, is an upcoming ISRO mission targeting a 2028 launch. 
    • The mission aims to study Venus’ surface, atmosphere, volcanic activity, and solar wind interactions with its ionosphere.
    • It will have a mission duration of 4 years.
    • The spacecraft will operate in an elliptical orbit, with distances of 60,000 km at apoapsis and 500 km at periapsis.
    • Its payload has a capacity of 100 kg, is powered by 500 watts, and will feature Indian and international instruments for comprehensive analysis.
    • For the mission’s payload and technology, collaborations with NASA, CNES (France), and Russia have been established.

    PYQ:

    [2016] The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO:

    1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
    2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
    3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

  • Ammonium Nitrate imports cause concern                                                                       

    Why in the News?

    • Ammonium Nitrate (AN) imports from Russia have sharply increased affecting domestic fertilizer companies in India.
      • The import of Ammonium Nitrate is concerning due to increased dependence on foreign supply, price disparity impacting domestic industries, and potential risks to national energy and security.

    What is Ammonium Nitrate?

    • Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a nitrogen-rich, white, crystalline chemical compound.
    • It is soluble in water and commonly used in various industries.
    • Uses:
      • It is widely used as a fertilizer in agriculture.
      • It serves as a component for anaesthetic gases and cold packs.
      • It is also a key ingredient in commercial explosives used for mining and construction.
    • Ammonium nitrate is classified as an oxidizing substance under Grade 5.1 by the United Nations.
    • India’s Regulations:
      • AN is regulated under The Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, and its manufacture or use requires a license.
      • The Explosives Act, 1884 defines ammonium nitrate as any compound with more than 45% AN by weight.
      • Storage Restrictions: Storing large quantities of AN in populated areas is illegal in India.
      • For manufacturing, companies need an industrial license under the Industrial Development and Regulation Act, 1951.

    Why is it a Cause of Concern?

    • Ammonium Nitrate is a primary component in explosive mixtures like ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil).
    • Though not explosive on its own, it becomes highly dangerous when mixed with detonators like RDX or TNT.
    • It has been used in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups.
    • Accidents involving AN, like the Beirut port explosion in 2020, have raised serious concerns about its storage and handling.
    • Its widespread use in fertilizers leads to concerns about environmental impact, especially when mishandled.
    • Improper storage in populated areas can result in devastating accidents, which is why stringent regulations are in place to control its use, storage, and transport.

    PYQ:

    [2015] What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?

    1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.

    2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.

    3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3