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GS Paper: GS3

  • India, US to reactivate Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS)

    Why in the news?

    India and the US have decided to reactivate the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS).

    What is IndOOS?

    • Established in 2006, the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS) comprises moored buoys strategically placed across the Indian Ocean.
    • It consists of a network of 36 moored buoys in the high seas to collect high-resolution ocean and atmospheric data for weather forecasts.
    • These buoys measure various parameters like seawater temperature, salinity, ocean currents, atmospheric humidity, and wind speed.
    • IndOOS originally focused on understanding and predicting the monsoon.
    • It now aids in climate modelling under changing climatic conditions and predicts extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and cyclones.

    Objectives of IndOOS include:

    1. The primary objective of IndOOS is to provide continuous and high-quality oceanographic and meteorological data to support informed decision-making and improve scientific understanding of weather and climate.
    2. It aims to foster partnerships among Indian Ocean countries and beyond to enhance long-term monitoring and forecasting capabilities.

    Need for IndOOS

    • The Indian Ocean region, home to nearly one-third of the global population, faces significant vulnerabilities due to climate change and extreme weather events.
    • Fisheries and rain-dependent agriculture in these regions are heavily influenced by the monsoon, making accurate weather forecasts crucial for mitigating potential damage to crops and livelihoods.
    • The Indian Ocean’s influence extends beyond its boundaries, redistributing heat across the planet and modulating the climate in the Pacific, North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.

    Observing Networks under IndOOS

    • The framework for IndOOS comprises five observing networks:
    1. Research Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction (RAMA)
    2. Profiling floats (part of the global Argo array)
    3. Surface drifters (Global Drifter Program, GDP)
    4. Repeat temperature lines (eXpendable Bathy Thermograph (XBT) network)
    5. Tide gauges
    • These networks are complemented by satellite observations of surface wind, sea level, temperature, salinity, rainfall, and ocean color.

    Partnerships and Support:

    • IndOOS originated from discussions among scientists during the First International Conference on the Ocean Observing System for Climate (OceanObs) in 1999.
    • An implementation plan for IndOOS was developed by the Indian Ocean Panel, established under the Climate and Ocean Variability, Predictability, and Change (CLIVAR) and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission – Global Ocean Observing System (IOC-GOOS) programs.

  • Crafted in Indian labs, NexCAR19 takes India to next level in Cancer Care

    Why in the News? 

    • President Droupadi Murmu launched India’s first indigenously-developed CAR T-cell therapy, hailing it as a major breakthrough against cancer.
    • This therapy was developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and the Tata Memorial Centre, and it is known as ‘NexCAR19 CAR T-cell therapy’.

    BACK2BASICS:

    What is CAR T cell thearpy? 

    CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that involves modifying a patient’s T cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system, to recognize and attack cancer cells. This therapy is designed to target specific proteins found on the surface of cancer cells, such as CD19, which is commonly found on B cells.

    How are CAR-T cells made?

    Significance of CAR T Thearpy:

    • Promising results:  This therapy has shown promising results in treating some types of blood cancers, including certain kinds of lymphoma, pediatric leukemia, and adult leukemia.  It has shown with approximately 70% of patients responding to the treatment.
    • Less time for treatment: CAR T-cell therapies are generally a single infusion with less than 2 weeks of inpatient care, while stem cell transplants and chemotherapy treatment regimens can take months to complete

    Limitiations of CAR-T Therapy:

    • Risks of CAR-T Therapy: The efficacy of CAR-T therapy varies from person to person, and it is too early to declare it a complete cure. While it has shown remarkable progress in challenging cases, its effectiveness is not universal.
    • High Cost Therapy: NexCAR19 is priced at a fraction of its US counterpart, it remains relatively high for many Indians, ranging from ₹40 to 45 lakh.
    • It’s Side Effects includes:
      • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): CRS is the most common side effect of CAR-T therapy, triggering an ‘Inflammatory Response’ that leads to immune system hyperactivity.
      • Neurotoxicity: Although not observed in early-stage clinical trials, neurotoxicity is a common side effect of CAR-T therapy that can manifest as confusion, seizures, or difficulty speaking or walking.
      • Infections and Blood Cell Counts: Patients undergoing CAR-T therapy may experience infections and low blood cell counts as anticipated side effects.

    Conclusion: India’s is moving towards heralding a breakthrough in Cancer Care Therapy. Despite cost challenges, Government efforts are aimed to enhance accessibility and better outputs in Healthcare Sector.

  • NGT Intervention to prevent Stubble Burning

    Why in the news?

    The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Punjab government to devise a comprehensive strategy for managing the estimated 19.52 million tonnes of paddy stubble in the state.

    About National Green Tribunal (NGT)

    Description
    Establishment Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory body.
    Objective

     
    • To deal with cases related to environmental issues and ensure speedy implementation of decisions.
    • Responsible for making many prominent decisions aimed at environmental protection, including addressing air pollution in Delhi and cancelling coal block clearances.
    Composition
    • Headquartered in Delhi, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge
    • Included Judicial Members and Expert Panel.
    Powers Empowered to decide on questions related to various environmental laws and hear civil cases concerning environmental issues:

    1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;
    2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977;
    3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
    4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;
    5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
    6. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
    7. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
    Exceptions Prohibited to hear any issues which are covered under:

    1. The Indian Forest Act, 1927,
    2. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and
    3. Any other laws made by States which are related to protection of trees, forests, etc.
    Places
    • Principal bench in Delhi;
    • Additional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
    Governing Principles
    • Governed by principles of natural justice, not bound by Indian Evidence Act.
    • Applies principles of sustainable development, precautionary, and polluter pays.
    Review and Challenge
    • NGT orders can be reviewed as per Rule 22 of NGT Rules.
    • Can be challenged before the Supreme Court within ninety days.

    NGT intervention in Punjab

    • The ban and action against people burning crop residue are regulated under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
    • Punjab is required to provide details on the steps taken to utilize paddy straw in the previous year, including the mode and manner of removal, transportation, and utilization in various units.
    • Punjab estimated an increase in paddy straw generation to 52 million tonnes in 2024, with a projected utilization of 18.66 million tonnes.
    • Notably, the off-site utilization is expected to see a significant 60% increase, with 5.96 million tonnes being utilized in industrial and energy plants.

    Alternatives used for Stubble Burning

    • In-Situ Treatment: This involves managing crop residue directly in the field. Examples include using zero-tiller machines and bio-decomposers to break down stubble.
    • Ex-Situ Treatment: This method involves treating crop residue outside the field. An example is using rice straw as cattle fodder.
    • Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) Technique: This can uproot stubble and sow seeds while clearing the field. The stubble can then be used as mulch.

    Pusa-Biodecomposer

    • Pusa-Biodecomposer is a fungi-based liquid solution developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
    • It softens hard stubble, making it easy to mix with soil as compost.
    • It produces enzymes to digest cellulose, lignin, and pectin in paddy straw, rapidly converting crop residues and other waste into organic manure.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following:

    1.    Carbon monoxide

    2.    Methane

    3.    Ozone

    4.    Sulphur dioxide

    Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Microbial Formulations for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity

    Why in the news?

    The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), located in Kozhikode, has introduced and validated three new microbial formulations (Bactolime, Bactogypsum, and Trichogypsum) aimed at improving agricultural productivity.

    IISR Microbial Formulations

    • It leverages granular lime and gypsum to address soil pH issues while simultaneously delivering beneficial microorganisms.
    • These are developed using IISR’s proprietary patent-applied technology.
    • The formulations are:
    1. Bactolime:
    • Bactolime, the flagship product, combines beneficial bacteria, specifically plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria, with liming material in a single formulation.
    • This integration ensures not only the correction of soil acidity but also the provision of essential nutrients to plants.
    1. Bactogypsum and Trichogypsum:
    • The other two formulations, Bactogypsum and Trichogypsum, utilize gypsum as a base material to buffer soil pH to a near-neutral level.
    • By creating an optimal environment for beneficial microbes, these formulations improve soil structure, enhance the availability of secondary nutrients, and boost overall microbial activity.

    Back2Basics: Soil Microbes

    Soil microbes refer to microorganisms that inhabit the soil environment and play vital roles in soil health, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. These microorganisms are diverse and include bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, and algae.

    Function Benefits
    Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, making it available to plants Enhance soil fertility, improve plant growth and yield
    Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria Solubilize insoluble phosphorus, making it available to plants Increase phosphorus availability, promote root development and flowering
    Mycorrhizal Fungi Form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, facilitate nutrient uptake Improve soil structure, enhance nutrient absorption, increase plant resilience
    Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Stimulate plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, suppress pathogens Promote root development, improve nutrient efficiency, increase stress tolerance
    Actinomycetes Decompose organic matter, produce antibiotics Enhance soil fertility, control soil-borne diseases and pests
    Azotobacter Fix atmospheric nitrogen, produce growth-promoting substances Increase nitrogen availability, stimulate root growth and nutrient uptake
    Azospirillum Fix atmospheric nitrogen, produce phytohormones Enhance nitrogen availability, promote root growth and stress tolerance
    Bacillus spp. Produce antimicrobial compounds, enzymes Control plant diseases and pests, improve soil health and fertility

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?

    (a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms

    (b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil

    (c) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields

    (d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops

  • Understanding perspectives: Farmers’ Protests raise divisive opinions

    Why in the news? 

    A recent survey conducted by CSDS-Lokniti aimed to gather opinions regarding the ongoing farmer protests.

    Opinion about the Farmer Protest:

    The major key demands of Farmers in India include:

    • On Minimum Support Price (MSP): Farmers demand a legal guarantee for MSP for crops, which is a crucial lifeline for farmers facing market uncertainties.
    • On Electricity Act 2020: Farmers are demanding the repeal of the Electricity Act 2020, which they believe will negatively impact their income.
    • On Compensation: Farmers are demanding compensation for farmers who died during the previous agitation in Lakhimpur Kheri.
    • Withdrawal of Cases: Farmers are demanding the withdrawal of cases registered against farmers during the 2020-21 agitation.

    Government Initiatives: 

    • Negotiations: The government has taken several steps to address the farmer agitation, including negotiations with protesting farmers, proposing the formation of a committee to provide statutory backing to the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and engaging in talks with farmer representatives.
    • Demands: Despite promises made to farmers in 2021, the government has not fully responded to their demands, leading to continued tensions and protests. The government’s reaction to the protest still appears to be focused on maintaining law and order rather than proactively addressing the underlying issues raised by the farmers

    Conclusion: The CSDS-Lokniti 2024 pre-poll survey highlights divisive opinions on farmer protests, citing demands for an MSP guarantee, repeal of the Electricity Act, and compensation for fatalities. Despite negotiations, unresolved grievances persist, indicating a need for proactive governmental action and dialogue

  • NASA to establish Coordinated Lunar Time

    Why in the news?

    • The White House directed NASA to establish a time standard for the Moon, named Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) by the end of 2026.
    • This move aims to facilitate coordination among international bodies and private companies operating on the lunar surface.

    Timekeeping on the Moon

    • The Moon has its own day and night cycle, which lasts about 29.5 Earth days.
    • Currently, the time on the Moon is measured using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is the same timekeeping system used on the Earth.
    • However, because the Moon’s day is much longer than Earth’s day, it would be difficult to use UTC for day-to-day activities on the Moon.

    Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

    • UTC is a time standard introduced on January 1, 1960.
    • It is based on International Atomic Time (TAI), which is maintained by atomic clocks around the world.
    • It is the primary time standard used by many countries, international organizations, and scientific research institutions.
    • It is expressed as a 24-hour clock and is used to indicate the time offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+0).
    • Time zones are defined as an offset from UTC, with some time zones being ahead of UTC (UTC+1, UTC+2, etc.) and others being behind UTC (UTC-1, UTC-2, etc.).
    • It is adjusted periodically to account for changes in the Earth’s rotation, which can cause variations in the length of a day.
    • These adjustments are made through the addition of leap seconds to UTC, which help to keep the time standard synchronized with the Earth’s rotation.

    Need for a Lunar Time Standard

    1. Earth’s Time Standard:
    • Earth’s time standard is primarily based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), set by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Paris, France.
    • UTC is determined by a weighted average of over 400 atomic clocks worldwide, providing a universally agreed-upon standard for time measurement.
    1. Challenges with Earth’s Time Standard on the Moon:
    • Time on the Moon differs from Earth due to factors like gravity and the Moon’s rotation.
    • Time on the Moon ticks slightly faster due to lower gravity (about 56 microseconds every day) as per Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity.

    Establishing a Lunar Time Standard:

    1. Technical Considerations:
    • LTC cannot be based on UTC due to the time differences between Earth and the Moon.
    • Current lunar missions operate on independent timescales linked to UTC, but this approach becomes challenging with multiple space crafts on the Moon.
    1. Deployment of Atomic Clocks:
    • Like on Earth, atomic clocks can be deployed on the lunar surface to establish a time standard.
    • A 2023 report suggests placing at least three atomic clocks on the Moon’s surface, accounting for variations in lunar rotation and local gravity.
    1. Synthesizing Time Measurements:
    • Atomic clocks placed at different lunar locations will tick at the Moon’s natural pace.
    • Output from these clocks will be combined using algorithms to generate a unified time standard for the Moon, tied back to UTC for Earth operations.

    Earth’s Latitudinal Variations on Time

    • On Earth, atomic clocks placed at different latitudes experience variations in time due to differences in rotational speed of Earth.
    • Earth rotates faster at the Equator compared to the poles, resulting in different time measurements.

    Benefits offered by Lunar Time

    • Having a lunar time zone would also make it easier for scientists and researchers to conduct experiments and collect data on the Moon.
    • It would also help to prevent confusion and errors that could arise from using different timekeeping systems on Earth and the Moon.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following?

    1. The gravitational force of the Sun

    2. The gravitational force of the Moon

    3. The centrifugal force of the Earth

    Select the correct option using the code given below:

    (a) 1 Only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Invasive Alien Species and their Management

    Why in the news?

    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration sought assistance from the Wildlife Institute of India to manage the increasing population of chital (spotted deer) in Ross Island, officially known as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island.

    Chital in Andaman Islands

    • The Chital, originally native to mainland India, were introduced to Ross Island (0.3 sq km) by the British in the early 20th century.
    • Lacking natural predators or competitors and possessing strong swimming abilities, the Chital rapidly proliferated across the Andamans.

    About Chital(spotted deer)

    • The Spotted Deer, scientifically known as Axis axis, is a species of deer native to the Indian subcontinent.
    • It is characterized by its reddish-brown coat adorned with white spots, particularly prominent in juveniles.
    • Spotted Deer inhabit various types of forest habitats, including dry and moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and open woodlands.
    • The Spotted Deer is classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and Schedule II animal under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

    Definition of Invasive Alien Species (IAS):

    • The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines invasive alien species (IAS) as species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution poses a threat to biological diversity.
    • These species encompass animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms, and can affect various types of ecosystems.
    • According to the CBD, characteristics of IAS include their ability to “arrive, survive, and thrive” in new environments.
    • The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

    Legal Definition in India:

    • In India, the legal definition of IAS, as per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), is narrower.
    • It refers to species of animal or plant not native to India whose introduction or spread may threaten or adversely impact wildlife or its habitat.
    • Notably, this definition EXCLUDES species within India that may be invasive to specific regions, such as the chital in the Andamans.

    Examples of Invasive Wildlife in India:

    1. Fish Species:
      • Examples include the African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, and alligator gar.
      • These species were introduced to fulfill the demand for maintaining aquariums.
      • Reports indicate their presence in various inland systems and lakes in India.
    2. Turtle Species:
      • Notably, the red-eared slider, a favored exotic pet in India, is often abandoned in local water bodies.
      • Originating from North America, this species is known for outcompeting local freshwater species due to its rapid reproduction.

    Impact of IAS on Native Flora and Fauna

    1. Disruption of Ecosystem Balance:
      • Invasive species act as disruptors in the food chain, disturbing the balance of ecosystems.
      • In habitats lacking competition, invasive species can dominate the entire ecosystem.
    2. Specific Examples:
      • In Keoladeo Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the African catfish has been observed preying on waterfowl and migratory birds.
      • Studies have shown that the proliferation of chital in the Andamans has negatively impacted the regeneration of native vegetation, as these deer are known to consume seeds and seedlings.

    IAS’ Economic Impact:

    1. Global Perspective:
      • A report by the UN-founded Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in September 2023 revealed that approximately 37,000 established alien species were introduced worldwide, with roughly 200 new alien species introduced annually.
      • The economic cost of IAS globally surpassed $423 billion annually in 2019, primarily due to the damage inflicted on natural ecosystems.
    2. Local Implications:
      • In India, the National Biodiversity Action Plan of 2019, published by the National Biodiversity Authority, highlighted the economic impact of invasive species such as the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis).
      • This invasive species, native to North America, has significantly affected cotton crops in the Deccan region, leading to substantial yield losses.

    PYQ:

    [2023] Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?

    (a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
    (b) The United Nations Environment Programme
    (c) The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
    (d) The World Wide Fund for Nature

  • CDP-SURAKSHA Digital Platform for Horticulture Subsidies

    Why in the news?

    The government has introduced a new platform called CDP-SURAKSHA for disbursing subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).

    India’s Horticulture Sector:

    • India’s horticulture sector contributes nearly 1/3rd to the agriculture GVA, making a substantial economic contribution.
    • The total production of horticulture crops has increased, from 240.53 million tonnes in 2010-11 to 334.60 million tonnes in 2020-21.

    What is CDP-SURAKSHA?

    • CDP-SURAKSHA is a digital platform acronym for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.”
    • It facilitates instant subsidy disbursal to farmers’ bank accounts using the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
    • It provides upfront subsidies during material purchase, and vendors receive payment only after farmers verify delivery.

    Key Features include database integration with PM-KISAN, cloud-based server space from NIC, UIDAI validation, eRUPI integration, LGD, content management system, geotagging, and geo-fencing.

    Operational Mechanism of CDP-SURAKSHA

    1. Farmer Interaction:
      • Farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDAs), and National Horticulture Board (NHB) officials can access the platform.
      • Farmers can log in using their mobile number, place orders for planting material, and contribute their share of the cost.
    2. Subsidy Disbursement:
      • After raising the demand, farmers receive the subsidy amount automatically on the screen.
      • Upon paying their contribution, an e-RUPI voucher is generated and received by the vendor, who supplies the planting material.
      • Farmers verify the delivery through geo-tagged media, following which the IA releases payment to the vendor.

    Significance of e-RUPI

    • e-RUPI is a one-time payment mechanism redeemable without cards or digital payment apps, used for specific purposes.
    • It is shared with beneficiaries via SMS or QR code and accepted at merchants supporting e-RUPI.

    Old System vs. CDP-SURAKSHA:

    • Previously, farmers purchased planting materials independently and then approached officials for subsidy release.

    Cluster Development Program (CDP)

     

    • CDP, under National Horticulture Board (NHB), aims to leverage horticulture clusters’ geographical specialization for integrated development.
    • It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at growing and developing identified horticulture clusters to make them globally competitive.
    • 55 clusters have been identified, with 12 selected for the pilot phase, covering 9 lakh hectares and 10 lakh farmers.
    • It provides government assistance based on cluster size—up to Rs 25 crore for mini clusters, Rs 50 crore for medium, and Rs 100 crore for mega clusters.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019]Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?

    (a) Spices

    (b) Fresh fruits

    (c) Pulses

    (d) Vegetable oils

  • Tribes in news: Jenu Kuruba

    Why in the news?

    This newscard is an excerpt from an articles which delves into the historical and social context of the Jenu Kuruba community, including their displacement from their traditional lands in the Western Ghats due to conservation efforts.

    About Jenu Kuruba

    • The Jenu Kuruba tribe, numbering around 37,000, resides primarily in the Nilgiris region, bordering Kerala and Karnataka.
    • Their traditional occupation involves collecting honey in the forest, reflected in their name where ‘Jenu’ means ‘honey’ in Kannada.
    • In the early 20th century, they lived in forest huts and engaged in cultivation.

    Social organization of Jenu Kurubas’

    • They speak the Jenu Kurumba language, which is related to Kodava or considered a rural dialect of Kannada.
    • Historically, they engaged in activities like food gathering, collecting minor forest produce, and handling elephants.
    • They typically reside in small settlements known as Hadi and practice shifting cultivation.
    • Social organization within the community is semi-nomadic, with decentralized authority led by a head-man (yajamana) and a ritual head or shaman (gudda).

    Their rehabilitation

    • The tribe has fought for their rights to live in reserved forests, most recently in 2020 under the Forest Rights Act.
    • In 2021, protests continued against the forest department for promoting eco-tourism and safaris, which are deemed illegal under Indian and international laws.
    • From the 1970s onwards, many Jenu Kurubas have been evicted from their homes due to conservation efforts in tiger reserves like Nagarhole and Bandipur.
    • Those relocated outside the forest often work as daily wagers, agricultural laborers, or on coffee estates in Kodagu.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following pairs :

    Tribe: State

    1. Limboo Limbu : Sikkim

    2. Karbi : Himachal

    3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha

    4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu

    Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    [2014] With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statement :

    1.    They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.

    2.    They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.

    3.    They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Air-breathing Magnesium- Copper- Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

    Why in the news?

    • Researchers at the University of Kerala have devised an eco-friendly fuel cell that primarily utilizes air and seawater to generate power.

    Magnesium – Copper -Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

    • A semiconducting layer of Cupric Oxide grown over Copper substrate was used in a Magnesium- Sodium Chloride based fuel cell.
    • It breathes air; produces only electricity and heat during its operation and emits pure water.
    • The prototype, measuring 3 cm × 1.5 cm × 1 cm, delivered a voltage of 0.7 V and a current of 0.35 A for a duration of 10 minutes, showcasing the potential for practical application.

    What is a Fuel Cell?

    • A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy into electricity of a fuel and an oxidizing agent.
    • It generates electrical energy from fuel through an electrochemical reaction, offering high efficiency and zero emissions.
    • They are an innovative technology poised to revolutionize electricity generation, often referred to as the “battery of the future“.
    • Fuel cells provide high efficiency, low emissions, and can be used in various applications.
    • Note: Any electrochemical cell generates DC (Direct Current) output.

    Significance of the Device

    • This innovative fuel cell technology is anticipated to disrupt the market dominance of Lithium-ion batteries, offering a higher power output.
    • Unlike conventional batteries, the Magnesium-based fuel cells utilized in this research operate by utilizing saline water as fuel and extracting oxygen from the surrounding air.

    PYQ:

    2015:

    With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements :

    1.    If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.

    2.    Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.

    3.    Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

    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