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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Why Earth will temporarily get a ‘Mini-Moon’ in September?

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Why in the News?

    In a rare celestial event, Earth’s gravitational field will witness a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, creating a “mini-moon” for two months.

    What is Mini-Moon?

    • A mini-moon is a small asteroid temporarily captured by Earth’s gravitational field, orbiting the planet for a short period before escaping back into space.
    • Unlike Earth’s permanent moon, mini-moons only stay for a few months to a few years before being ejected from orbit.
    • Mini-moons are a rare occurrence because most asteroids either pass by Earth or burn up in the atmosphere rather than being captured by Earth’s gravity.
    • Mini-moons are usually small, often just a few meters in diameter.
      • For example, 2024 PT5 is only about 33 feet (10 meters) in length.
    • They are hard to detect and are usually discovered using advanced telescopic surveys like NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).

    Significance of Mini-Moons

    • Mini-moons offer scientists a unique opportunity to study near-Earth objects, enhancing our understanding of asteroids’ behavior and composition.
    • Mini-moons could contain valuable minerals or water, making them potential targets for future space missions to extract resources.
    • Studying mini-moons helps scientists learn more about Earth’s gravitational influence and how it interacts with space objects.

    PYQ:

    [2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

    1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
    2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
    3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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  • Indian Army Updates

    [pib] A poem on ‘National War Memorial’ and a chapter on ‘Veer Abdul Hameed’ included in NCERT

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    A poem on National War Memorial and a chapter about Veer Abdul Hameed (PVC) introduced by the Ministries of Defence and Education has been included in the NCERT Class VI curriculum.

    About National War Memorial

    • The National War Memorial was unveiled on 25th February 2019 to honor Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in conflicts with Pakistan, China, 1961 Goa war and Operation Pawan.
    • The monument is designed in a C-hexagon layout, with names of the fallen soldiers inscribed on its walls.
    • It was designed by Yogesh Chandrasan of WeBe Design Lab.
    • Key features include the Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality) with the ‘Eternal Flame’ symbolizing the nation’s commitment to remembering the soldiers.
    • The Veerta Chakra showcases six bronze murals depicting acts of bravery.
    • The Rakshak Chakra symbolizes protection with trees representing troops safeguarding the nation.
    • Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice) features concentric granite walls honoring the soldiers who have died since Independence.
    • The memorial also features busts of 21 soldiers who have received the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.

    Who was Veer Abdul Hameed?

    • Abdul Hamid was a soldier in the 4th Grenadiers of the Indian Army.
    • He fought in the Battle of Asal Uttar during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, which took place near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab.
    • On 10th September 1965, he destroyed 3 Pakistani tanks and damaged a 4th near Chima village. He was killed during the battle.
    • For his exceptional bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.
    • A war memorial now stands at the site of his death, featuring a captured Pakistani Patton tank as a tribute to his courage.

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  • INCOIS Launches Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas  

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

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

    About INCOIS:

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

    Key Features of the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas

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

    Significant potential of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

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

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

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

    Mains PYQ:

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

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  • One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges

    Simultaneous polls plan gets Union Cabinet nod

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet accepted the Kovind committee’s recommendations for simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, with municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days.

    What are the recommendations given by the Kovind Panel?     

    • The panel recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as a first step, followed by municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of the general election.
    • The President would issue a notification setting an “Appointed Date” to mark the start of the new electoral cycle. All State Assemblies formed after this date would conclude their terms before the next general election.
    • The panel recommended amendments to Article 83 (duration of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of State Legislatures) to account for scenarios like a hung assembly or no-confidence motion.
    • A single electoral roll for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies was proposed to streamline the election process, requiring coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions (SECs).
    • The panel suggested 18 amendments to synchronize elections, most of which do not require ratification by State Assemblies but will require a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.

    Significance of Simultaneous Polls:

    • Cost Efficiency: Holding simultaneous elections is expected to reduce the financial burden by cutting down on the repetitive cost of conducting separate elections.
    • Increased Governance Efficiency: Simultaneous polls would allow governments to focus on governance rather than being in continuous election mode.
    • Reduced Electoral Fatigue: Voters and political parties will face fewer disruptions caused by the constant election cycle, leading to more stable and efficient governance.
    • Economic Benefits: By reducing the frequency of elections, resources can be allocated more effectively toward development and economic growth.

    What do the critics say?

    • Impracticality in a Federal Setup: Critics, including the Congress president, argue that simultaneous elections undermine federalism and the autonomy of State legislatures, which may need to dissolve at different times.
    • Constitutional Hurdles: Critics emphasize that the changes required would demand significant amendments to the Constitution and may face legal and political challenges, including garnering the required majority in Parliament.
    • Logistical Concerns: Managing elections for both national and local bodies across a large and diverse country like India would pose logistical difficulties.
    • Impact on Democracy: Some fear that simultaneous polls may result in the overshadowing of local issues by national politics, potentially harming the representation of state-specific concerns.

    Way forward: 

    • Consensus Building and Pilot Implementation: Gradually introduce simultaneous elections by building political consensus through consultations with state governments and stakeholders, and consider a phased implementation, starting with a few states as a pilot.
    • Strengthening Electoral Framework: Enhance coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions (SECs), and ensure legal reforms such as the creation of a unified electoral roll and addressing potential challenges like a hung assembly through constitutional safeguards.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pakistan

    India to Freeze Negotiations with Pakistan on Indus Treaty  

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

    Why in the News?

    The Permanent Indus Commission meetings are on hold until India and Pakistan talk about updating the 64-year-old Indus Water Treaty. The last meeting took place in May 2022.

    What is the Indus Treaty?

    • The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed on September 19, 1960, is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, mediated by the World Bank.
    • The treaty allocates the waters of the Indus River system, which includes three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) to India and three western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum) to Pakistan.
    • This framework was established to manage the sharing of water resources in a region where water scarcity is a significant concern due to agricultural demands and population growth.

    Features of Treaty: 

    • Permanent Indus Commission: The treaty established the Permanent Indus Commission, which consists of representatives from both nations tasked with resolving disputes and facilitating communication regarding water management.
    • Dispute Resolution: The treaty includes mechanisms for dispute resolution, allowing for consultation with neutral experts or arbitration through international courts if disagreements arise.

    Why did the Indian government opt to modify and review the Treaty?

    • Changed Demographics: India emphasizes that significant changes in population demographics necessitate a reassessment of water-sharing obligations under the treaty.
    • Environmental Considerations: The need to accelerate clean energy development (Hydro power electricity) to meet emission targets has been highlighted as a reason for modifying the treaty’s provisions, reflecting broader environmental concerns.
    • Security Issues: Persistent cross-border terrorism has been cited as a factor undermining India’s ability to utilize its rights under the treaty fully.
    • Perceived Imbalance: Analysts in India have described the treaty as “one-sided,” arguing that it disproportionately favors Pakistan given India’s larger population and growing water needs.
      • They believe India’s leverage over western rivers should be enhanced, especially during heightened tensions.

    Way forward: 

    • Renegotiation of Terms: India and Pakistan should engage in bilateral talks to update the Indus Waters Treaty, reflecting modern challenges like demographic changes, energy needs, and security concerns, while ensuring fair water distribution.
    • Enhanced Cooperative Framework: Strengthen the role of the Permanent Indus Commission by introducing regular environmental and security assessments, and improving communication to prevent conflicts and ensure sustainable water management.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (UPSC IAS/2016)

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    TRISHNA Mission

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

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

    TRISHNA Mission:

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

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

    • Assess evapotranspiration for efficient water management.

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

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

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

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

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

     

    PYQ:

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

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

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

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

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

    (d) A space telescope developed by India

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    The Volcanic Island of Rapa Nui

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Rapa Nui

    Why in the News?

    The Volcanic Island of Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) has always been mysterious due to its harsh geography and iconic Moai statues.

    About Rapa Nui Island

    Details
    Location • Situated in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, Rapa Nui is part of Polynesia and a territory of Chile.
    • One of the most remote islands, about 3,500 km from Chile.
    Size • Covers an area of 160 sq. km.
    Geographical details • The island has a volcanic origin, featuring lava-covered terrain and rocky soil.

    • Notable volcanoes include Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau.

    • Tropical climate with average temperatures ranging between 18°C and 28°C.

    • Rainfall occurs mostly in the winter months.
    Moai Statues • Famous for over 900 moai statues, some as tall as 40 ft and weighing 75 tonnes.
    • These statues were built between the 13th and 16th centuries to honor revered ancestors.
    • Carved from volcanic rock and transported across great distances.
    Discovery • Discovered by European sailors on Easter Sunday, 1722, which gave it the name Easter Island.
    • The island had been settled centuries earlier by Polynesian explorers who navigated thousands of kilometers of ocean.
    Significance of New Findings • Recent studies, including the use of AI analysis of satellite images, have debunked earlier theories of ecological collapse.
    • Genetic studies show Native American ancestry before European contact, indicating earlier interactions with South America.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.

    2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.

    3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1 and 3

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  • Rural Infrastructure Schemes

    Pradhan Mantri-Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the “Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan” with a total outlay of ₹79,156 crore (₹56,333 crore as central share and ₹22,823 crore as state share).

    About Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)

    Details
    Objective Improve socio-economic conditions of tribal communities through scheme convergence.
    Outlay ₹79,156 crore (₹56,333 crore central; ₹22,823 crore state share).
    Coverage 63,000 villages; 5 crore people in 549 districts across 30 States/UTs.
    Focus Areas Housing, healthcare, education, skill development, livelihoods, infrastructure.
    Implementation 25 interventions by 17 ministries; monitored via PM Gati Shakti Portal.
    Social Component
    • Pucca houses (PMAY), water supply (Jal Jeevan Mission), road and mobile connectivity, education, healthcare.
    • Increase GER, build tribal hostels, reduce IMR & MMR through Mobile Medical Units.
    Economic Push Tribal Home Stays, Sickle Cell Disease management (Centers of Competence), 100 Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMCs) for tribal product marketing.
    Sustainable Livelihood Support 22 Lakh Forest Rights Act (FRA) patta holders for forest rights and sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, and allied activities.
    Special Initiatives Tribal Home Stays, SCD management, and establishment of Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMC).
    Eligibility Tribal-majority villages: 500+ population (plains), 250+ (NE & Hill States), 100+ (LWE districts based on Census 2011).

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?​

    (a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.​

    (b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj​

    (c) Ministry of Rural Development​

    (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs​

    [2017] What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?

    [2016] Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Chandrayaan-4, Venus orbiter gets approval from Cabinet

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

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

    About Chandrayaan-4 Mission

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

    About Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)

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

    PYQ:

    [2016] The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO:

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

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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  • Fertilizer Sector reforms – NBS, bio-fertilizers, Neem coating, etc.

    Ammonium Nitrate imports cause concern                                                                       

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

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

    What is Ammonium Nitrate?

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

    Why is it a Cause of Concern?

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

    PYQ:

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

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

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

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

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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