Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Performers' Right
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea
- This article discusses a recent case involving Bollywood actor and producer, in which the Bombay High Court ruled that sales tax cannot be levied on the transfer of copyright.
- The ruling has implications for the entertainment industry, particularly in terms of taxation and copyright protection as well as performer’s rights.
What are Performer’s Rights?
- It refer to the legal rights granted to performing artists or performers in relation to their performances.
- These rights generally include the right to control and protect their performances from unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, and public performance.
- Performer’s rights may include the right to control the following:
- Recording: Performers have the right to prevent others from recording their live performances without their consent.
- Broadcasting and Communication to the Public: Performers have the right to control the broadcasting, communication, and distribution of their performances to the public, including radio, television, and online streaming platforms.
- Reproduction: Performers have the right to control the reproduction of their performances in any media format.
- Adaptation: Performers have the right to control the adaptation of their performances into other forms, such as musicals or films.
- Attribution: Performers have the right to be identified as the performers of their works, and to prevent others from falsely claiming authorship of their performances.
Legal protection of performer’s right
Legal protection of performers’ rights has evolved over time through international treaties and national laws.
- The Rome Convention in 1961 was the first significant development in the protection of performers’ rights.
- Performers’ rights are protected under various international treaties such as the Rome Convention and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty.
- In 1996, WIPO Performance and Phonogram Treaty (WPPT) recognized the moral rights of performers for the first time in any international treaty.
- In India, performer rights were recognized under the Copyright Act of 1957 in 1994.
- The Copyright Act is in conformity with the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), both concluded in 1996.
- The protection of performers’ rights in India lasts for 50 years from the end of the year in which the performance was fixed or took place.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nathu La Pass
Mains level: Not Much
Several people have been killed and many others are feared trapped under snow after a massive avalanche near Sikkim’s Nathu La Mountain pass.
Nathu La Pass
| Location |
Sikkim, on the border between India and China |
| Altitude |
4,310 meters (14,140 ft) |
| Importance |
Historical Silk Route |
| Trade |
Reopened in 2006 for border trade between India and China |
| Restrictions |
Only for Indian and Chinese nationals with a valid visa |
| Connectivity |
Connects the Indian state of Sikkim with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China |
| Military importance |
Strategic importance in the Sino-Indian War of 1962 |
| Tourism |
Restricted due to the sensitive nature of the region |
| Weather |
Harsh and unpredictable, with heavy snowfall in winter months |
| Border dispute |
The pass was closed by China after the 1962 war and was reopened only after the Chinese president visited India in 2003. |
How has it been at the centre stage of India-China disputes?
- Sino-Indian War: In 1962, Nathu La pass was a battleground between the Indian and Chinese armies during the Sino-Indian War. The conflict resulted in casualties on both sides, with China ultimately capturing the pass.
- Skirmishes in 1967: In 1967, there were several minor skirmishes between the Indian and Chinese armies near Nathu La pass. The conflict was resolved through diplomatic negotiations.
- Standoff in 2017: In 2017, there was a 73-day-long standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies near the Doklam plateau, which is close to Nathu La pass. The dispute was over the construction of a road by China in the disputed area. The standoff ended with both sides agreeing to disengage.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Basohli Paintings, GI tag
Mains level: Not Much
The famous Basohli Painting, known for its miniature art style from Kathua district, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
Basohli Paintings
- Basohli Paintings are a form of miniature paintings that originated in the town of Basohli in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- They are known for their vibrant color, intricate details, and depictions of Hindu mythology and legends.
- Basohli Paintings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are considered to be the earliest examples of Pahari paintings.
Key features
|
Description |
| Miniature art |
Known for their miniature art style, characterized by intricate and detailed work |
| Bold and vibrant color |
Made from natural dyes and pigments |
| Depiction of Hindu mythology |
Life of Lord Krishna and stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata |
| Elaborate compositions |
Multiple figures and scenes depicted in a single painting |
| Fine detailing |
Intricate patterns and designs that are often difficult to replicate |
| Gold and silver accents |
Such accents add to their ornate and intricate appearance |
Other GI products from J&K
- The UT of Jammu and Kashmir has included 33 products on the list that have received the GI tag on 31 March 2023.
- The products that received the GI tags include Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products (Kathua), Chikri Wood Craft (Rajouri), Bhaderwah Rajma (Doda), Mushkbudji Rice (Anantnag), Kaladi (Udhampur), Sulai Honey (Ramban), Anardana (Ramban), and Ladakh Wood Carving (Ladakh).
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Same-sex marriage, Read the attached article
Central Idea
- The Centre’s opposition to the legalization of same-sex marriages based on cultural and societal concepts of marriage and family is examined and critiqued.
The Centre’s Argument
- The Centre argues that same-sex marriages are not recognized in Indian traditions, ethos, culture, and societal concepts of marriage.
- The Parliament, and not the Court, should decide on legalizing same-sex marriages.
Societal Conceptualization of Marriage
- Marriage is a social institution, and the Centre’s stance finds backing in four interrelated sub-arguments.
- Same-sex marriages demand nuanced alteration of the conventional understanding of marriage.
- The current legislative framework promotes the conventional understanding of marriage.
- Religious and societal morality still conceptualizes intercourse as a procreative activity.
- Conventional conceptualisations of family and marriage are facing evolutionary challenges.
- Same-sex marriage is the legal recognition of a marriage between two individuals of the same sex.
- It grants same-sex couples the same legal and social recognition, rights, and privileges that are traditionally associated with marriage, including property rights, inheritance rights, and the ability to make decisions for each other in medical emergencies.
- The recognition of same-sex marriage varies around the world, with some countries legalizing it while others do not.
- The issue has been the subject of much debate and controversy, with arguments for and against same-sex marriage based on religious, cultural, social, and legal considerations.
The Language of Rights
- The Court must evaluate the Centre’s argument on its own merits.
- While addressing the violations of fundamental rights resulting from non-recognition of same-sex marriages, the question of same-sex marriages is about the rights of a society to conserve traditions and an individual’s constitutional freedoms.
Back to Basics: Special Marriage Act?
- The Special Marriage Act is a law in India that allows individuals of different religions or nationalities to marry each other.
- It was enacted in 1954 and came into effect from 1955.
- The Special Marriage Act allows for inter-caste and inter-religious marriages, and couples who register under this act are not required to change their religion or follow any religious rites or rituals.
- The act also provides for divorce on certain grounds and maintenance to the spouse and children.
Conclusion
- While the rights issues concerning same-sex couples are substantial, the implications of recognizing same-sex unions as a couple require a broader debate in society and the legislature. The push to formalize the institution of same-sex unions must come from representative bodies such as Parliament.
Mains Question
Q. Provide a detailed analysis including relevant legal, social, cultural, and ethical considerations of same sex marriage in India along with a way ahead
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Related facts
Mains level: Sodium Intake, and burden of Hypertension and cardio vascular diseases
Central Idea
- The WHO recently published the ‘Global Report on Sodium Intake Reduction’ which sheds light on the progress of its 194 member states towards reducing population sodium intake by 30% by 2025. Regrettably, progress has been lethargic, with only a few countries making considerable headway towards the objective. Consequently, there is a proposal to extend the deadline to 2030.
The target of reducing population sodium intake
- The target of reducing population sodium intake by 30% by 2025 was set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in 2013.
- The plan aims to reduce premature deaths from non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, by 25% by 2025, and to achieve a 30% reduction in the mean population intake of salt/sodium.
- The target of reducing population sodium intake is aimed at reducing the burden of hypertension, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Why reducing sodium intake is essential for India?
- Reduced sodium intake and decreased blood pressure: There is a strong correlation between reduced sodium intake and decreased blood pressure, leading to a decrease in stroke and myocardial infarction incidence. Lowering sodium intake by 1 gram per day leads to a 5 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure, as per a study in The BMJ.
- Cardiovascular disease: Elevated BP is a critical risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. It contributed to 54% of strokes and 47% of coronary heart diseases globally in 2001.
- Economic impact of cardiovascular disease on LMICs: Cardiovascular disease has a staggering economic impact on LMICs, estimated at $3.7 trillion between 2011 and 2025 due to premature mortality and disability. This represents 2% of the GDP of LMICs. The Indian economy alone faces losses surpassing $2 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for effective interventions to mitigate the economic and health consequences of the disease in LMICs.
How cardiovascular disease and hypertension pose significant challenges in India?
- Cardiovascular diseases as primary cause of mortality and morbidity:
- As per data from the Registrar General of India, WHO, and the Global Burden of Disease Study, cardiovascular diseases have emerged as the primary cause of mortality and morbidity. Data from the Registrar General of India, WHO, and the Global Burden of Disease Study
- Age-adjusted cardiovascular disease mortality rate increased by 31% in the last 25 years
- Hypertension as leading risk factor for such diseases in India
- Prevalence of hypertension in India:
- More prevalent among men aged 15 and above compared to women
- More common in southern states, particularly Kerala, while Punjab and Uttarakhand in the north also report high incidence rates
- Pre-hypertensive population in India
- Defined by systolic blood pressure levels of 120-139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure levels of 80-89 mmHg
- 5% of women and 49.2% of men at the national level
- Significant risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature mortality for Indians with BP readings between 130 and 139/80-89 mmHg
- Many Indians classified as pre-hypertensive are now included in the newly defined stage-I hypertension by the American guidelines.
- Circulatory system diseases: The 2020 Report on Medical Certification of the Cause of Death shows that circulatory system diseases account for 32.1% of all documented deaths, with hypertension being a major risk factor.
Global Efforts to Reduce Sodium Intake
- The WHO aims to reduce population sodium intake by 30% by 2025
- Only a few countries have made considerable progress towards the objective
- India’s score of 2 on the WHO sodium score signifies the need for more rigorous efforts to address the health concern
Government Initiatives
- Voluntary programmes: The Union government has initiated several voluntary programmes aimed at encouraging Indians to decrease their sodium consumption
- Eat Right India: The FSSAI has implemented the Eat Right India movement, which strives to transform the nation’s food system to ensure secure, healthy, and sustainable nutrition for all citizens
- Aaj Se Thoda Kam: FSSAI launched a social media campaign called Aaj Se Thoda Kam.
Urgent Need for a Comprehensive National Strategy
- Despite of awareness efforts, the average Indian’s sodium intake remains alarmingly high. Evidence shows an average daily consumption of approximately 11 grams.
- India needs a comprehensive national strategy to curb salt consumption
- Collaboration between State and Union governments is essential to combat hypertension, often caused by excessive sodium intake
Conclusion
- The excessive consumption of salt can lead to severe health consequences, and India has a pressing need to reduce its sodium intake. While the government has initiated several voluntary programs, these have fallen short of the goal. India needs a comprehensive national strategy, engaging consumers, industry, and the government, to curb salt consumption. Collaboration between State and Union governments is essential to combat hypertension, often caused by excessive sodium intake.
Mains Question
Q. Reducing population sodium intake is a critical step towards preventing and controlling non- cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Comment.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GHG's, carbon tax,
Mains level: Carbon pricing mechanism, global efforts
Central Idea
- Environmental destruction has been a consequence of boosting GDP growth in every country due to the absence of a price for natural resources like air and forests. To combat this, the biggest economies of the G-20 must agree on valuing nature, including by pricing carbon effluents. As president of the G-20 this year, India can take the lead in carbon pricing, which will open unexpected avenues of decarbonization.
Pricing Carbon at present
- Three ways of pricing carbon: carbon tax, emissions trading system (ETS), and import tariff on the carbon content
- GHG emission: 46 countries price carbon, covering only 30% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- IMF’s proposed price: International Monetary Fund (IMF) proposed price floors of $75, $50, and $25 a ton of carbon for the United States, China, and India, respectively
- Benefits: Economy-wide benefits of carbon pricing in terms of damages avoided generally outweighed the cost it imposed on individual industries in EU, British Columbia, Canada, and Sweden
- Boost to renewables: Carbon pricing makes investment in renewable energy such as solar and wind more attractive.
Facts for prelims
| Carbon Pricing Method |
Description |
| Carbon Tax |
A domestic tax imposed on carbon emissions, directly discouraging the use of fossil fuels and raising revenue for investment in cleaner sources of energy or protection of vulnerable consumers. Example: Korea and Singapore. |
| Emissions Trading System (ETS) |
A system that allows entities with excess emissions allowances to sell them to those that are emitting more than their allotted limit. Example: European Union and China. |
| Import Tariff on Carbon Content |
A tax on imported goods based on the amount of carbon emissions produced during their manufacturing process, designed to discourage importing high-emissions products. Example: Proposed by the European Union. |
| Carbon Offsets |
A voluntary mechanism in which companies or individuals pay for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These projects may include reforestation, renewable energy, or energy efficiency initiatives. The amount of emissions reduced by the project can then be used to offset the emissions of the buyer. |
- Among the three ways of pricing, India could find a carbon tax appealing as it can directly discourage fossil fuels, while raising revenues which can be invested in cleaner sources of energy or used to protect vulnerable consumers
- IMF proposed $25 a ton as a starting point for India
- The main obstacle is the argument by industrial firms about losing their competitive advantage to exporters from countries with a lower carbon price
- All high, middle, and low-income countries should set the same rate within each bracket
Way ahead: Need for Global Carbon Pricing
- The first movers will be the most competitive: High enough carbon tax across China, the US, India, Russia, and Japan alone (more than 60% of global effluents), with complementary actions, could have a notable effect on global effluents and warming. The first movers will be the most competitive
- India’s leadership: India can play a lead role by tabling global carbon pricing in the existential fight against climate change as president of the G-20 summit this September
- Communication is important: Any type of carbon pricing faces stiff political opposition therefore communicating the idea of wins at the societal level is vital.
Back to Basics: GHG’s
|
Greenhouse Gas
|
Properties |
Major Sources |
Impact
|
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) |
-Long-lived in atmosphere.
-Traps heat from the sun |
– Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
-Deforestation |
– Accounts for 76% of global GHG emissions – Primary cause of climate change |
| Methane (CH4) |
– Short-lived in atmosphere
– Traps more heat than CO2 |
– Agriculture (livestock digestion, manure management)
– Energy production
– Landfills |
– Accounts for 16% of global GHG emissions – Contributes to both climate change and air pollution |
| Nitrous Oxide (N2O) |
– Long-lived in atmosphere
– Traps more heat than CO2 |
– Agriculture (fertilizer use, manure management)
– Industrial processes
– Combustion of fossil fuels |
– Accounts for 6% of global GHG emissions
– Contributes to both climate change and air pollution |
| Fluorinated Gases (HFCs, PFCs, SF6) |
– Can have high global warming potential |
– Industrial processes (refrigeration, air conditioning)
– Semiconductors
– Electrical transmission equipment |
– Accounts for less than 3% of global GHG emissions
– Can have very high global warming potential |
| Ozone (O3) |
– Not a GHG, but plays a role in climate change |
– Human-made chemicals that release ozone into the atmosphere |
– Contributes to climate change by trapping heat |
| Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) |
– Human-made chemicals that destroy ozone in the atmosphere |
– Used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol sprays |
– Contributes to climate change by destroying ozone, which leads to greater heat-trapping |
Conclusion
- India can take the lead in carbon pricing as president of the G-20 this year. By pricing carbon effluents, India can promote investment in renewable energy, protect vulnerable consumers, and contribute to the global fight against climate change. However, there is a need for effective communication to ensure that the idea of carbon pricing is understood at the societal level, and any type of carbon pricing faces stiff political opposition.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NATO
Mains level: Read the attached story
NATO Secretary-General said that Finland will become the 31st member of the military alliance.
What is the North Atlantic Treaty?
- North Atlantic Treaty, often referred to as the Washington Treaty, states the parties to the treaty seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area.
- The signatories affirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and express their desire to live in peace with all people and governments, the treaty states.
|
|
| Establishment |
April 4, 1949 |
| Headquarters |
Brussels, Belgium |
| Membership |
30 member countries, including the United States, Canada, and most of Europe |
| Objective |
Collective defense against external aggression and the preservation of peace and security |
| Article 5 |
Collective defense clause which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all members |
| Military Commanders |
Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) |
| Main Decision-Making Body |
North Atlantic Council (NAC) |
| Funding |
Contributions from member countries, based on a cost-sharing formula |
| Partnerships |
NATO has partnerships with several countries and international organizations, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United Nations |
| Criticisms |
Criticized for its role in the Cold War and for its intervention in conflicts outside of Europe, such as the war in Afghanistan |
What is the process for securing NATO membership?
| Process for Securing NATO Membership |
Description |
| Establishment of consensus |
Member countries establish consensus about a country’s potential membership. |
| Invitation to join Membership Action Plan (MAP) |
Applicant countries may be invited to join MAP. This provides preparatory advice, assistance, and practical support tailored to their specific needs. It concludes with the formal timetable for the completion of prerequisite reforms. |
| Annual feedback report |
NATO draws an annual report providing feedback to the aspirant country about its progress in their annual national programmes, and identifying areas for further action. |
| Confirmation of intent |
NATO experts and representatives of the invited countries meet in Brussels to obtain formal confirmation of the invitee’s willingness and ability to meet the political, legal, and military obligations and commitments of NATO membership. |
| Issue of letter of intent |
The applicant country issues a formal letter of intent to NATO, confirming the obligations and commitments of the organization. |
| Necessary amendments and ratification |
The necessary amendments are made to make the invitee a party to the Washington Treaty, followed by ratification of the applicant country’s constitutional protocols for facilitating membership. |
| Acceding to the Treaty |
Secretary-General calls the potential new members to accede to the North Atlantic Treaty. This is after all NATO members notify their acceptance to the government of the United States, the depository of the Washington Treaty, about the applicant. |
| Membership confirmed |
Following the invitee depositing their instruments of accession with the US State Department, the applicant becomes a member of NATO. |
The MAP obligations
| Chapter |
Issues identified |
| Political and Economic |
Settle disputes peacefully, promote human rights and democracy, refrain from force, contribute to collective defence, establish civilian control of armed forces |
| Defence |
Improve military capabilities, participate in Partnership for Peace Programme, contribute to collective defence planning, ensure interoperability |
| Resources |
Allocate sufficient budget resources, contribute to NATO’s common-funded activities |
| Security |
Ensure security of sensitive information in adherence to NATO security policy |
| Legal |
Scrutinize domestic law for compatibility with NATO rules and regulations |
Current applicants and members
| Year |
New Members |
| Formation: 1949 |
Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, UK, US |
| 1952 |
Greece, Turkey |
| 1955 |
West Germany |
| 1982 |
Spain |
| 1999 |
Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland |
| 2004 |
Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia |
| 2009 |
Croatia, Albania |
| 2020 |
North Macedonia |
Why does Russia fume over NATO?
- NATO’s expansion: Russia views NATO’s expansion into Eastern Europe as a threat to its security and influence in the region. The alliance’s decision to accept former Soviet republics and Warsaw Pact members as members is seen by Russia as a direct challenge to its strategic interests.
- Military exercises: Russia has also expressed concern over NATO military exercises in the region, which it sees as a provocation and a show of force. NATO’s decision to station troops and equipment in Eastern Europe has also been criticized by Russia.
- Missile defense system: Russia has been particularly critical of NATO’s missile defense system, which it sees as a threat to its own nuclear deterrence capabilities. Russia argues that the system is designed to neutralize its strategic weapons and that it undermines global strategic stability.
- Ukraine and Georgia: Russia has accused NATO of interfering in the affairs of Ukraine and Georgia, two former Soviet republics that are seeking closer ties with the West. Russia sees NATO’s support for these countries as an attempt to encircle and contain Russia.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: RLV
Mains level: Read the attached story
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a successful autonomous landing mission experiment for a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
What is a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)?
- RLV is a type of spacecraft that is designed to be reused multiple times for launching payloads into space, instead of being discarded after a single launch like traditional rockets.
- They are seen as a more cost-effective and sustainable option for space launches, as they reduce the need for manufacturing new rockets for each mission.
- They typically consist of a reusable orbiter, similar to a space shuttle, and a reusable booster that provides the initial thrust needed to lift the orbiter and payload into space.
- After the payload is released into orbit, the orbiter and booster return to Earth and land back on a runway, where they can be refurbished and reused for future launches.
Why developing RLV is a big feat?
Developing RLVs requires advanced technologies, including-
- Heat-resistant materials for protecting the spacecraft during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere
- Advanced guidance and control systems for landing and
- Reliable propulsion systems for launching and landing
ISRO’s RLV-TD project
- ISRO is developing essential technologies for a fully reusable launch vehicle to enable low-cost access to space.
- The RLV-TD is being used to develop technologies like hypersonic flight (HEX), autonomous landing (LEX), return flight experiment (REX), powered cruise flight, and Scramjet Propulsion Experiment (SPEX).
- It looks like an aircraft and consists of a fuselage, a nose cap, double delta wings, and twin vertical tails.
Development of RLV
(1) First RLV experiment:
- In 2016, the RLV-TD was launched into space on a rocket powered by a conventional solid booster (HS9) engine.
- The spacecraft travelled at a speed of Mach 5 when re-entering the earth’s orbit and travelled a distance of 450 km before splashdown in the Bay of Bengal.
- Critical technologies such as autonomous navigation, guidance and control, reusable thermal protection system, and re-entry mission management were successfully validated.
(2) Second RLV experiment:
- The RLV LEX test on April 2, 2023, involved a Chinook Helicopter lifting the RLV LEX to a height of 4.5 km and releasing the RLV.
- After midair release, the RLV carried out an autonomous landing on the Aeronautical Test Range airstrip, under the exact conditions of a Space Re-entry vehicle’s landing.
- It achieved landing parameters as might be experienced by an orbital re-entry space vehicle in its return path.
Advantages of RLVs
- Reusable launch vehicles are considered a low-cost, reliable, and on-demand mode of accessing space.
- The cost of a launch can be reduced by nearly 80 percent of the present cost by using RLVs.
Global RLV technologies
- NASA space shuttles have been carrying out dozens of human space flight missions.
- The private space launch services provider SpaceX demonstrated partially reusable launch systems with its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets since 2017.
- SpaceX is also working on a fully reusable launch vehicle system called Starship.
- Several private launch service providers and government space agencies are working on developing reusable launch systems.
Significance
- RLVs have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of space launches, as a significant portion of the cost of traditional rockets comes from the need to manufacture new rockets for each mission.
- By reusing spacecraft, the cost per launch can be significantly reduced.
- Additionally, RLVs can provide greater flexibility and reliability for space launches, as they can be launched on-demand instead of needing to be manufactured and assembled for each mission.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ice Memory Project
Mains level: Not Much
Scientists from Italy, France, and Norway have set up camp in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago to extract samples of ancient ice for analysis before the frozen layers melt away due to climate change.
‘Ice Memory’ Project
- Scientists will drill a series of tubes as far as 125 meters (137 yards) below the surface, which contains frozen geochemical traces dating back three centuries.
- The scientists will work for three weeks in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius (-13 Fahrenheit) to extract ice.
- The Ice Memory foundation is running the operation.
- The ice cores will provide scientists with valuable data about past environmental conditions.
Analysis and storage
- One set of ice tubes will be used for immediate analysis, while a second set will be sent to Antarctica for storage in an “ice memory sanctuary” under the snow.
- The samples will be preserved for future generations of scientists.
Reason for drilling
- The Arctic is warming between two and four times faster than the global average, and water from melting ice is altering the geochemical records preserved in ancient ice beneath.
- Hence, scientists are in a race against time to preserve crucial ice records before it disappears forever from the surface of the planet.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SNAP 10A
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The newscard is about the US government-sponsored System for Nuclear Auxiliary Power (SNAP) program, also known as SNAPSHOT for Space Nuclear Auxiliary Power Shot, and its SNAP-10A space nuclear reactor.
What is SNAP-10A?
|
|
| SNAP-10A |
A nuclear reactor sent to space by the US in 1965 |
| SNAP program |
A government-sponsored program for developing compact, lightweight, and reliable atomic devices for use in space, sea, and land |
| Objective |
To produce at least 500 watts of electricity for a year or longer in Earth orbit |
| Components |
Enriched uranium fuel with zirconium hydride as a moderator, and liquid sodium-potassium alloy as the coolant |
| Conversion |
A thermoelectric converter was used to directly convert heat from the reactor into electricity |
| Payload |
Weighed less than 431 kg, including the instruments and shielding, and was designed to be remotely started and operated in space |
| Launch |
April 3, 1965, on an Atlas-Agena D rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base and placed in a polar orbit |
| Operations |
Achieved on-orbit criticality within six hours of startup and set to autonomous operation at full power after 200 hours of reactor operations |
| Contact loss |
Contact was lost with SNAP-10A for about 40 hours on May 16, 1965, and the reactor’s reflectors ejected from the core, causing the core to shut down and bringing an end to the reactor’s operations |
| Test objectives |
All test flight objectives were met, except the length of operation, which was just 43 days as opposed to the expected year or more |
| Significance |
Only known nuclear reactor sent to space by the US, while Russia has sent several, including one that crashed and scattered radioactive debris over Canada in 1978 |
| Current status |
Continues to be in Earth orbit, and NASA expects it to do so for 2,000 years or more |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ferns, ENP
Mains level: NA
Eravikulam National Park, located in Munnar, India, is known for its natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, and has recently introduced a new attraction – a Fernarium.
What are Ferns?
- Ferns are a type of vascular plant that reproduces via spores, rather than seeds.
- They have distinctive leaves, called fronds, which are often intricately divided into smaller leaflets.
- Ferns can grow in a wide variety of environments, from rainforests to deserts, and they play an important role in many ecosystems as a habitat for animals, as well as by providing food and shelter for a variety of other plants.
Importance of Ferns
- Ferns are ecological indicators of healthy forests, and the climatic conditions inside the park are suitable for growing ferns.
- Ferns are part of the Epiphytic family and grow naturally in soilless conditions.
- They obtain water and nutrients through leaching from trees, and a large number of ferns are found on trees inside the park.
Fernarium @ Eravikulam
- The Fernarium is a collection of ferns and it is the first of its kind in Munnar.
- Currently, 52 varieties of ferns have been planted, and the plan is to cover all 104 varieties that are found in the park.
- This initiative aims to provide visitors with awareness about the biodiversity of the park.
Back2Basics: Eravikulam National Park
| Location |
Perched 7000 ft. above sea level, the Park was a former hunting preserve of British planters |
| Designation |
Declared a Sanctuary in 1975, and a National Park in 1978 |
| Significance |
Protects the highly endangered mountain goat, Nilgiri Tahr, and is the land of the Neelakurinji flower that blooms once in twelve years |
| Extent |
Covers an area of 97 sq. km of rolling grasslands and high-level sholas |
| Climate |
Receives heavy showers during the southwest (June/July) and retreating (October/November) Monsoons; one of the wettest areas in the world |
| Topography |
Undulating terrain with grass, hillocks, and sholas; highest peak south of the Himalayas, the Anamudi, is located here |
| Vegetation |
Majorly covered with rolling grasslands, with several patches of shola forests; important flora includes Actinodaphne bourdilloni, Microtropis ramiflora, Strobilanthus Kunthianus (Neela Kurinji), etc. |
| Wildlife Population |
29 species of mammals, including the endemic Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Tiger, Leopard, Giant Squirrel, and wild dog; 140 species of birds, including 10 unique to the Western Ghats; more than 100 varieties of butterflies and 20 species of amphibians are also recorded here. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mission Karmayogi
Mains level: Citizen-Centric Governance, initiatives and Citizen participation
Central idea
- Citizen-centric governance is an evolving concept, and to put it into action requires clarity in the actions that civil servants perform and how citizens engage with the state. Citizen engagement is about collaborative partnerships and dialogue and must involve all stakeholders to ensure the overall development of a community or a nation.
Citizen-Centric Governance
- Paradigm shift in traditional governance: Citizen-centric governance refers to a paradigm shift in the traditional governance structures where the focus is shifted from the power holders to the citizens.
- Access to information and services to citizens: Traditionally, governance structures hold the power to make decisions that affect the lives of citizens. But citizen-centric governance focuses on providing citizens with access to information, services, and resources and on engaging them in the policy-making process.
- Increased citizen participation: The objective of citizen-centric governance is to increase citizen participation in decision-making processes
Mission Karmayogi
- Capacity building of civil servants: Mission Karmayogi, the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building has been strategically working to build the capacities of civil servants through various innovative interventions to sensitise and reframe the fabric of citizen participation.
- karmachari to karmayogi: Today, thousands of railway employees, Gramin Dak Sevaks, police personnel in the UTs and employees of BSNL are all going through an outcome-based capacity-building programme that is shifting them from thinking like a karmachari to acting like a karmayogi.
Citizen Engagement
- Citizen engagement refers to how citizens participate in the political, social and economic aspects of their community or society.
- Citizen engagement is highly embedded in the nature of the political and governance context and existing power relations.
- It needs to be understood as a core component of any governance system, and in democracies, citizen engagement is a basic principle because it is understood that governments derive their authority and power from the people.
What the multi-stakeholder engagement requires?
- Constructive dialogue: Development by the people and for the people is indeed possible. Citizen engagement towards democratising the process of development necessarily involves a constructive dialogue between and amongst all stakeholders.
- Mutual trust and respect: Meaningful dialogue among the stakeholders the state, citizenry, private sector, media, civil society and academia can sustain only when there is mutual trust. The relationship between these multiple stakeholders needs to be driven by mutual respect and an appreciation of interdependence and reciprocity.
- Redrawing boundaries of engagement: However, this may involve redrawing boundaries of engagement and roles that stakeholders have traditionally assumed for themselves.
- Partnership approach: The multi-stakeholder engagement would require the adoption of the partnership approach by all parties involved.
Conclusion
- Citizen-centric governance and citizen engagement are important aspects of development in any democracy. By adopting a partnership approach and mutual respect for each other’s roles, stakeholders can work together to ensure the overall development of a community and nation at large. The Indian government’s program, Mission Karmayogi, is a right step towards building the capacities of civil servants and sensitizing them to citizen participation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Autism
Mains level: Autism spectrum disorders, Prevalence in India and way ahead
Central Idea
- In India, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a widely debated issue due to a lack of systematic estimates. Most estimates have been derived from studies based on school children, revealing that over one crore Indians may be on the autism spectrum. However, there are notable cultural differences in diagnosing autism between countries, which highlights the need to assess the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders specifically in the Indian context.
What is Autism?
- Spectrum disorder: Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. It is called a spectrum disorder because the symptoms and severity can vary widely between individuals.
- Common symptoms: Some common symptoms of autism include difficulty with social interactions, such as maintaining eye contact or understanding nonverbal cues, delayed speech and language development, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.
- Cause: Autism is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause is not yet fully understood.
- Cure: There is currently no cure for autism, but early interventions and therapies can help individuals with autism lead fulfilling and independent lives.
Prevalence of Autism in India
- Lack of systematic estimates: Autism is a global issue and affects individuals of all cultures, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, there is a lack of systematic estimates of autism prevalence in India.
- Methos failed: Researchers have attempted to estimate prevalence through government hospitals, but this method failed due to the absence of central medical registries.
- Conservative estimates: As a result, prevalence was estimated through school-based assessments. According to conservative estimates, well over one crore Indians are on the autism spectrum. This highlights the need for further research and attention to address the prevalence of ASD in India.
- Cultural Differences and Diagnosis of Autism:
- Notable cultural differences exist in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. In the US and UK, the majority of children with autism spectrum diagnosis are verbal, with average or higher IQ, and attending mainstream schools.
- However, in India, a significant majority of children with a clinical diagnosis of autism also have intellectual disability and limited verbal ability. This difference is driven by sociological factors, such as access to appropriate clinical expertise, provisions for inclusion in mainstream schools, and availability of medical insurance coverage.
Challenges in Assessing Autism
- Assessment tools: Assessment of autism spectrum disorder is primarily behavioral, and most widely used autism assessment tools are not available in Indian languages.
- Indigenous autism assessment tools challenges: There has been a rise in the development of indigenous autism assessment tools. Despite the development of these tools, it can be challenging to compare across different assessment measures.
Demand and Supply in India
- Shortage of mental health professionals: Most autism assessment tools need to be administered by specialist mental health professionals. However, there is a significant shortage of mental health professionals in India, with less than 10,000 psychiatrists, a majority of whom are concentrated in big cities.
- Delay is costly: Delay in interventions can be costly for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.
- Demand and supply gap need to be met: This gap between demand and supply cannot be met directly by specialists alone, and parallel efforts to widen the reach of diagnostic and intervention services through involving non-specialists is required. Emerging evidence suggests the feasibility of involving non-specialists in autism identification and intervention through digital technology and training programs.
Way ahead: Need for an All-India Program
- National program on autism: The need of the hour is to develop a national program on autism in India that links researchers, clinicians, service providers to the end-users in the autism community.
- Essential components: This program needs to have three essential components that are joined up: assessment, intervention, and awareness.
- Assessment: Research is needed to develop appropriate assessments and design efficient implementation pathways.
- Intervention: Clinical and support service workforce needs to be expanded by training non-specialists such that a stepped-care model can be rolled out effectively across the nation.
- Awareness: Large-scale initiatives need to be launched to build public awareness that can reduce the stigma associated with autism and related conditions.
Conclusion
- There are challenges in diagnosing and assessing autism in India which highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated effort to address them. By expanding the clinical and support service workforce, training non-specialists, and developing appropriate assessments and interventions, India can improve outcomes for those on the autism spectrum and reduce the stigma associated with the condition. This national program needs to be informed by consultation with different stakeholders, with a primary focus on end-users within the Indian autism community.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ICJ
Mains level: Climate justice and reparations
Central idea: On March 29, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution that requested an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the obligations countries have towards climate change reduction.
Facts for prelims: International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN).
- It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in April 1946.
- The court is the successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ), which was brought into being through, and by, the League of Nations.
- It held its inaugural sitting at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, in February 1922.
- After World War II, the League of Nations and PCIJ were replaced by the United Nations and ICJ respectively.
- The PCIJ was formally dissolved in April 1946, and its last president, Judge José Gustavo Guerrero of El Salvador, became the first president of the ICJ.
- Four Indians have been members of the ICJ so far.
- Justice Dalveer Bhandari, former judge of the Supreme Court, has been serving at the ICJ since 2012.
|
Vanuatu seeks climate reparations
- The resolution, which was passed by consensus, was pushed through by the Pacific Island of Vanuatu, which was devastated by Cyclone Pam in 2015.
- This resolution is significant because it invokes article 96 of the U.N. Charter and seeks to clarify the legal obligations of states to protect the climate system.
Resolution A/77/L.58: What does it seek?
The draft resolution (A/77/L.58) asks the ICJ to deliberate on two questions:
- Obligations of states: Under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system for present and future generations
- Legal consequences: For states that have caused significant harm to the climate system, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and for people who are harmed?
Frameworks invoked by Vanuatu
The resolution refers to several international protocols, including the-
- Paris Agreement
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
What do sponsors of the resolution want?
- The sponsors of the resolution expect an advisory opinion from the ICJ to bolster the efforts under the global climate pledge.
- The opinion is also expected to clarify more contentious issues, such as-
- Climate reparations by the developed world,
- Legal culpability for countries that don’t achieve their NDC promises
- Climate support to the most vulnerable parts of the world
Where does India stand over this?
- India has been silent about the resolution, although it is generally supportive of climate justice and holding the developed world accountable for global warming.
- India did not co-sponsor the draft resolution, unlike its neighbors Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
If ICJ intervenes, what would change?
- Only advisory opinion: The ICJ is being asked for an advisory opinion, which would not be legally binding as an ICJ judgment.
- Puts moral obligation: The ICJ carries “legal weight and moral authority”.
- Symbolic significance: ICJ’s clarification of international environmental laws would make the process more streamlined, particularly as the COP process looks at various issues like climate finance, climate justice, and the most recently agreed to “loss and damages” etc.
Conclusion
- The resolution passed by the UNGA requesting an advisory opinion from the ICJ is a step in the right direction towards clarifying the legal obligations of states to mitigate climate change and protect the environment for future generations.
- To ensure the success of this effort, countries need to continue to engage in diplomatic efforts and work towards shared goals.
- Countries should also actively participate in the ICJ process and respect the advisory opinion it delivers.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Vostro and Nostro Accounts, SWIFT
Mains level: Trade settlement in Rupees
India and Malaysia have agreed to settle their trade in Indian rupees instead of the US dollar.
What is the move?
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had allowed the settlement of international trade in the Indian rupee in July 2022.
- Malaysia was one of the eighteen countries that were permitted to open Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) to settle payments in Indian rupees.
Volume of bilateral trade
- India-Malaysia bilateral trade reached $19.4 billion during 2021-22.
- Malaysia is the third-largest trading partner of India in the ASEAN region, after Singapore and Indonesia, with $30.1 billion and $26.1 billion in bilateral trade with India.
Facts for prelims: Nostro and Vostro Accounts
Nostro and vostro accounts are two types of accounts used in international trade and banking to facilitate foreign currency transactions.
A Nostro account is a foreign currency account held by a domestic bank in a foreign bank. It is used to facilitate international transactions, such as foreign currency payments, and to hold foreign currency deposits. The word “nostro” means “ours” in Italian, and the term reflects the fact that the foreign bank holds the domestic bank’s funds on its behalf.
A Vostro account, on the other hand, is a domestic currency account held by a foreign bank in a domestic bank. It is used by the foreign bank to hold domestic currency deposits, and to facilitate domestic currency transactions such as payments to local vendors. The word “vostro” means “yours” in Italian, and the term reflects the fact that the domestic bank holds the foreign bank’s funds on its behalf. |
What are Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs)?
- SRVAs are a mechanism introduced by the RBI to allow banks from certain countries to open accounts in Indian rupees with Indian banks.
- These accounts can be used to settle trade transactions between the two countries in Indian rupees, instead of using other currencies.
- The aim of this initiative is to facilitate the growth of global trade and to support the interests of the global trading community in Indian rupees.
- The Union Bank of India has become the first bank in India to operationalize this option by opening a SRVA through its corresponding bank in Malaysia – India International Bank of Malaysia.
- Banks from 18 countries so far are allowed by the RBI to open Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) to settle payments in Indian rupees.
Significance of the move
- The move aims to provide better pricing for goods and services traded between the two countries and overcome currency-related obstacles that have affected bilateral trade.
- This shift away from the US dollar signals India’s de-dollarization efforts.
- The decision also comes against the backdrop of ongoing official efforts to safeguard Indian trade from the impact of the Ukraine crisis.
Broader implications
- The sanction on the Russian economy and the ongoing war in Ukraine have made it increasingly difficult to make payments to Russia in US dollars.
- Many countries are exploring alternatives to the US dollar as the dominant reserve currency for international trade.
Try this MCQ
Q. Which of the following is a key difference between Nostro and Vostro accounts?
A) A Nostro account is held by a bank in a foreign country, while a Vostro account is held by a bank in the home country.
B) A Vostro account is used for incoming transactions, while a Nostro account is used for outgoing transactions.
C) A Nostro account is denominated in the local currency of the home country, while a Vostro account is denominated in a foreign currency.
D) A Vostro account is used for trade financing, while a Nostro account is used for personal banking transactions.
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 6G Technology
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central idea: Despite over 45,000 Indian villages lacking 4G connectivity and ongoing efforts to build out 5G networks, the Indian government has set its sights on 6G.
Why in news?
- On March 22, PM Modi unveiled the Bharat 6G Vision Document, aimed at gearing up policymakers and the industry for the next generation of telecommunications.
What is 6G?
- 6G is the next generation of wireless telecommunications technology, which is expected to offer significantly faster data speeds, higher bandwidth, and lower latency than 5G.
- It is still in the development stage, and its commercial rollout is not expected for several years.
- However, many countries, including India, are already working on developing 6G technology and setting standards for its implementation.
Differences between 6G and 5G
- While 6G will offer faster loading times, improved video quality, and faster downloads, like every new generation of technology, it is unclear how much better it will be.
- With latency already at the speed of light on existing networks, the benefits of 6G will depend on how different groups plan to use the spectrum.
- Satellite constellations will join telecom towers and base stations, integrating networks and extending them to rural areas.
Motivations for pursuing 6G
- Encourage local industry: The Indian government hopes to encourage local manufacturing of telecom gear and support Indian companies and engineers in international discussions around standardization.
- Avoid delay unlike 5G: India aims to avoid the delay in previous generations of telecommunications technology, which started rolling out in India years after countries like South Korea and the United States.
- Increased connectivity: Additionally, the lower frequency in 4G networks may not be able to keep up with the demand for traffic with increasing data usage, making 6G a necessity.
Government Plans for 6G
- The Indian government plans to financially support “research pathways” to advance connectivity goals and establish an “apex body”.
- India’s 6G goals include-
- Guaranteeing every citizen a minimum bandwidth of 100Mbps
- Ensuring every gram panchayat has half TB (terabyte) per second of connectivity, and
- Providing over 50 million internet hotspots with thirteen per square kilometre.
Roadmap for 6G in India
- The government plans to implement 6G in two phases.
- Phase 1 will support explorative ideas, risky pathways, and proof-of-concept tests.
- Phase 2 will support ideas and concepts that show promise for global acceptance, leading to commercialisation.
- It would appoint an apex council to oversee the project and deal with standardisation, identification of spectrum, finances for research and development, and more
- The council will finance research and development of 6G technologies by Indian start-ups, companies, research bodies, and universities.
- Key focus of the council will be on new technologies such as Terahertz communication, radio interfaces, tactile internet, and artificial intelligence.
- Bharat 6G Mission aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and aims to make India a leading supplier of advanced telecom technologies that are affordable and contribute to the global good.
Approaches to 6G in Other Countries
- South Korea plans significant investments in 6G technology development, with a focus on laying the ground for key original technologies and domestic production of core equipment and components.
- Countries are also starting to work together, with Japan and Germany planning a workshop to work on everything from “fundamental technologies to demonstrations.”
- Europe’s equivalent of the Indian 6G Vision Document emphasizes leadership in strategic areas and establishing secure and trusted access to key technologies.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Deep Sea Mining
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The International Seabed Authority has announced that it will start accepting applications from companies for deep sea mining from July.
Why in news?
- This decision was made in the absence of a mining code that has not been put in place yet.
What is Deep Sea Mining?
- Deep-sea mining is the process of extracting minerals from the deep ocean floor.
- The minerals that are extracted can include valuable metals such as copper, gold, nickel, and manganese, as well as rare earth metals that are used in high-tech devices such as smartphones, computers, and electric vehicles.
- The minerals are found in the form of polymetallic nodules that are located on the ocean floor at depths of around 4 to 6 kilometers.
- Deep-sea mining involves the use of specially designed equipment that can withstand the extreme pressure and temperature conditions found at these depths.
About International Seabed Authority
- The International Seabed Authority is a Jamaica-based organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- The authority holds jurisdiction over the ocean floors outside of the Exclusive Economic Zones of its 167 member states.
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Reasons behind undersea mining
- The mining is aimed at extracting cobalt, copper, nickel, and manganese from the ocean’s floor.
- The undersea mining will extract key battery materials from polymetallic nodules found at depths of 4 kilometers to 6 kilometers.
- These nodules are potato-sized rocks containing cobalt, copper, nickel, and manganese.
Key concern: Mining code missing
- Despite 10 years of discussion, there is no mining code in place.
- The governing council of ISA is uncertain about the process it should adopt for reviewing applications for mining contracts.
Issues with deep-sea mining
- Deep-sea mining is a controversial issue that has raised concerns among non-governmental organizations, experts, and some countries.
- One major concern is the potential damage to the seabed and the essential function of deep-sea ecosystems in regulating the climate.
- Mining activities can also have wider impacts on fish populations, marine mammals, and other ocean life.
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India’s Deep Ocean Mission
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Hydrogen, Carbon Laser
Mains level: Not Much
Scientists at IIT Mandi have created an innovative carbon-based catalyst that can enhance the efficiency of water electrolysis to generate green hydrogen.
Water electrolysis and its Challenges
- Water electrolysis is the process of splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity inside an electrolyser.
- However, this process consumes a lot of electrical energy.
- A well-known solution is to use a catalyst to induce the water molecules to split at a much lower energy.
- The better catalysts are often based on the metals iridium and ruthenium, which are expensive, in great demand in other sectors, and not consistently stable as the reaction progresses.
IIT’s breakthrough: Development of Laser Carbon
- Researchers have developed a porous carbon material containing nitrogen that functions both as a catalyst and as the anode in electrolyser units.
- This material, called “laser carbon,” was produced by exposing a sheet of a polymer called polyimide to a laser beam, which carbonised the exposed bits, leaving the remainder rich in nitrogen.
How does laser carbon work?
- The nitrogen atoms in laser carbon draw electron clouds towards themselves, rendering the nearby carbon atoms to bond with atoms or molecules containing electron pairs.
- This makes the location of these atoms active sites for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
- OER is a bottleneck in this ideal reaction process because it proceeds slowly, with many intermediate steps, lowering the total reaction efficiency.
- Laser carbon offers to fix this problem by reducing the OER overpotential, which means the reaction kicks off sooner and proceeds with more vigor.
Advantages of laser carbon
Laser carbon has several advantages over other carbon-based catalysts.
- It is “highly power efficient,” cheaper to produce, has a simpler synthesis technique, and “can be batch-manufactured with a laser.”
- The manufacturing process is also environment-friendly, as no waste is generated, and there are no wet chemicals that would require disposal.
- Additionally, it does not require a substrate as it is self-supported in the form of a film, acting as both electrode and electrocatalyst.
Challenges
- The catalytic activity of laser carbon may not be as high as that of some metals but is comparable.
- Further improvements in the fabrication process and use of other polymers may address this challenge.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kala Azar
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The Kolkata-based Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) have established the potential of quinoline derivatives to treat drug-resistant leishmaniasis, which is also called kala-azar or black fever.
What is Kala Azar?
- Kala-Azar is a vector-borne (sandfly) neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasites of the genus leishmania.
- It afflicts the world’s poorest populations in over 90 countries throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South America.
- Current annual estimates of kala-azar are about 1,00,000.
- More than 95% of cases reported to the WHO are from India and other tropical countries, most importantly co-infection with HIV, which leads to an immunocompromised state.
How does Quinoline work over this?
- The quinoline derivative is a potent inhibitor of an enzyme called topoisomerase 1 (LdTop1).
- This enzyme is essential for the maintenance of DNA architecture in parasites and is distinct from the one found in humans.
- Poisoning LdTop1 imparts significant cytotoxicity to both Leishmania parasites found in the gut of sandfly vectors (promastigotes) and those found in infected humans (amastigotes) of both the wild type and the antimony-resistant isolates.
- This is done without inducing lethality to human and mice host cells.
Significance of quinoline treatment
- Overcoming drug resistance in clinical leishmaniasis is a severe challenge in rural India.
- The current treatment regimens against kala-azar use formulations that are toxic and induce high levels of drug-resistance.
What is the breakthrough?
- The novel inhibitor targeting the leishmania parasites was identified by screening them against recombinant Leishmania topoisomerase 1 enzyme.
- In all, 21 derivatives were prepared and evaluated for their antileishmanial activity, and one of them was found to be effective.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central idea: Bandipur completed 50 years as a Project Tiger Reserve on April 1, 2023.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve
- The reserve is located in the Indian state of Karnataka and is spread over an area of 912.04 sq. km.
- It is recognized as one of the prime tiger habitats in the world and is an important component of the country’s first biosphere reserve – Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Tiger Population in Bandipur
- When Project Tiger was launched in 1973, there were 12 tigers in Bandipur, according to Ramesh Kumar, director, of Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
- Today, the number of tigers utilizing the park is 173 while the number of tigers within the reserve has been pegged at 126 as per the Status of Tigers Co-predators and Prey in India, 2018.
History of conservation efforts in Bandipur
- Much before the Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972, was passed, the erstwhile rulers of Mysuru had realized the importance of conserving flora and fauna.
- The Mysore Game and Fish Preservation Act was passed in 1901, and several forest areas were preserved as Game Reserves, and Tiger Blocks were identified with shooting restrictions imposed.
- Initially, an area spread over 35 sq miles was declared as a Game Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar State Forest of Mysore district in 1931 and was protected for 10 years.
Bandipur’s inclusion in Project Tiger
- When Project Tiger was launched in 1973, Bandipur was among the first nine reserves to be brought under the flagship program, and it included most areas that were already protected under the Venugopal Wildlife Park.
- The park was upgraded to a national park and renamed Bandipur, and the adjacent reserve forests were included under it to extend its area to 874.20 sq km.
Significance of the area
- The landscape spanning Bandipur, Nagarahole, Mudumalai, and Wayanad complex is home not only to the highest number of tigers in the country – about 724 – but also to the largest Asian Elephant population.
- The Bandipur Tiger Reserve is an important component of the country’s first biosphere reserve – Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Tap to read more about:
[Sansad TV] Perspective – Project Tiger: Reclaiming Territories
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