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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    25 years of the International Space Station (ISS)

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

    International Space Station

    Central Idea

    • This 20th November marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of the International Space Station (ISS), the largest man-made object in the solar system.
    • Since its launch on November 20, 1998, the ISS has stood as a testament to the power of international cooperation and has space research.

    About the International Space Station (ISS)

    • Orbital Marvel: The International Space Station (ISS), orbiting 430 kilometers above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
    • Speed: The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 kilometers per second.
    • Size: Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
    • Living Quarters: The ISS includes 6 sleeping areas, two bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
    • Solar Array and Wiring: Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 kilometers of electrical wiring.

    Inception and Key Milestones

    • Launch of Zarya: The ISS’s journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
    • Unity Node 1: The U.S. added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
    • 42 Assembly Flights: The station evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.
    • Continuous Habitation: Since its inception, the ISS has been continuously inhabited, hosting astronauts from various countries for groundbreaking research.

    Key Activities

    • Scientific Research: Astronauts conduct unique experiments, leading to significant discoveries.
    • Spacewalks and Maintenance: Regular spacewalks are essential for station upgrades and repairs.
    • Health Regimen: Astronauts follow strict routines to combat muscle and bone loss in microgravity, providing valuable data for future space missions.

    Scientific Contributions

    • Medical Advances: Research on the ISS has enhanced our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
    • Drug Development: Space research has expedited drug development processes.
    • Technological Innovations: Innovations in water purification and food production have emerged from ISS experiments.

    Future of the ISS

    • Current Uncertainties: The Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 casts doubt on the ISS’s future.
    • Global Space Ambitions: Countries like Japan, China, and India are aiming for independent space capabilities.
    • Continued Commitment: The US and Europe plan to support the ISS through 2030, with NASA focusing on lunar exploration and ESA developing the Starlab space station.

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    A short treatise on Indian Materialism

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

    Materialism

    Central Idea

    • This article explores materialism’s origins, its various cultural names, and its ethical implications.

    Introduction to Materialism

    • Philosophy as a Life Theory: Known as ‘Darshan’ in Sanskrit, philosophy seeks to explain the universe and guide human actions with a comprehensive worldview.
    • Materialism – Bhautikvad: This perspective, called ‘Bhautikvad’ in Sanskrit, views everything as fundamentally material, dismissing the supernatural and valuing empirical observation and perception for knowledge.

    Origins of Materialism

    • Ancient Beginnings: Materialism has deep roots and appears in different forms across cultures.
    • Indian Lokāyata: In India, materialism, known as Lokāyata, was championed by thinkers like Brhaspati, Ajita, and Jābāli. It focused on the physical world, rejecting theism.
    • Greek Atomism: Greek philosophers such as Democritus and Epicurus adopted materialism, with Democritus introducing the idea of atoms as reality’s basic elements.

    Materialism’s Names in India

    • Lokāyata: Meaning ‘worldly philosophy’, it emphasizes worldly objects and entities.
    • Chárváka: From ‘charv’, meaning ‘to chew’, it highlights materialism’s hedonic aspects.
    • Bhautikvad: From ‘Bhautika’, meaning ‘physical or material’, it underscores the importance of materiality.
    • Jadavāda: Focuses on the ‘jada’ or essence of existence.
    • Dehātmavāda: Highlights the unity of the self (‘atman’) with the body (‘deha’).

    Materialist Ontology

    • Perception as Knowledge Basis: Materialists view perception as the cornerstone of knowledge.
    • Use of Inference: Contrary to some beliefs, materialists did employ logical inference based on perceptual evidence.
    • Disregarding Divine Agency: They dismissed the idea of divine providence and supernatural realms, focusing on the human world.

    Ethics of Materialism

    • Emphasis on Pleasure: Materialism is often linked with enjoying life’s pleasures.
    • Living in the Present: The principle “yāvat jīvēt sukham jīvēt” advocates for a fulfilling present life.
    • Human-Created Values: Materialists view values as human constructs, independent of divine morality.
    • Action and Responsibility: They stress the impact of one’s actions on themselves and the world, highlighting ethical conduct.

    Materialist Views on Heaven and Hell

    • Earthly Heaven and Hell: Materialists redefined heaven and hell in worldly terms.
    • Heaven as Earthly Enjoyment: Heaven was perceived as enjoying life’s luxuries, akin to the gods’ enjoyment in mythological heavens.
    • Hell as Earthly Suffering: Hell was seen as earthly suffering, like diseases and hunger.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Bangladesh

    Bangladesh’s Elections: Concerns for India

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

    Bangladesh

    Central Idea

    • In recent months, Western nations, including the US, UK, and EU have been urging Bangladesh to hold free, fair, and participatory elections.
    • These calls have been accompanied by pressure on the Sheikh Hasina government to step down and allow a neutral caretaker administration to oversee the upcoming parliamentary elections in January.
    • While the US has eased its stance under Indian intervention, the EU continues to exert pressure.

    This article explores the intricate dynamics of Bangladesh’s political landscape, the potential consequences of fair elections, and the global interests at stake.

    Fair Elections vs. Radical Islamists

    • Opposition Demands: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) demands elections under a caretaker government, which the government has rejected.
    • Potential Outcome: With the BNP unlikely to participate, the elections may result in a one-sided contest favoring the Awami League, returning Sheikh Hasina to power for the fourth time.
    • Anti-Incumbency: After 15 years in power, the Awami League faces significant anti-incumbency, exacerbated by record-high inflation and economic challenges.
    • Economic Crisis: Falling forex reserves, currency depreciation, and mounting external debt have created a looming debt crisis.
    • Chinese Loans: Much of the infrastructure development relies on high-interest loans from China.

    Authoritarianism and Islamist Influence

    • Authoritarian Practices: The Awami League’s authoritarian measures, including arrests and harassment of opposition leaders, have fueled resentment among the masses.
    • Corruption and Nepotism: Perceived corruption and nepotism within the Awami League have widened the gap between the government and the impoverished population.
    • Islamist Influence: The Awami League’s encouragement of Islamist groups like Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has created a toxic environment within the ruling party.
    • Radicalization: Islamist organizations, through religious schools and mosques, have radicalized a significant portion of the population, especially the youth.
    • Islamist Opposition: The Islamist parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat, and Islami Oikyo Jote, now fill the opposition space.
    • Political Analyst’s Perspective: Political analysts argue that the Awami League’s crackdown on the BNP has inadvertently strengthened Islamist parties, which seek to implement strict Sharia laws and turn Bangladesh into an Islamic state.

    Potential Outcomes of Equitable Elections

    • Rise of Jihad: Fair and equitable elections may pave the way for radical Islamist parties to come to power.
    • Jamaat-e-Islami: Despite being banned from contesting elections, Jamaat nominees may run as Independents or on tickets from other parties, potentially leading to their victory.
    • Radicalists Victory: Political observers suggest that non-partisan elections would likely result in Islamist parties sweeping the polls and gaining power.
    • Impact on India: The rise of Islamists in Bangladesh could negatively affect India, potentially aligning Bangladesh with Pakistan and China, and posing a threat to India’s interests.
    • Global Concerns: An Islamist-controlled Bangladesh could become a breeding ground for jihadis and a potential failed state, posing a danger to global security.

    World’s Interest in the Election Process

    • Global Implications: Given the far-reaching consequences of Islamist rule in Bangladesh, the world has a vested interest in allowing the election process to proceed with limited interference.
    • Focus on Future Actions: While the elections may be flawed or unfair, the priority should be to ensure that after returning to power, the Awami League commits to keeping China at bay, curbing Islamist forces, allowing a responsible and secular opposition to thrive, and cleansing the party of Islamist elements.
    • Securing Bangladesh’s Future: Striking a balance between a flawed elections and securing Bangladesh’s democratic and secular future is essential for the world’s stability and security.

    Conclusion

    • The upcoming elections in Bangladesh present a complex dilemma for both the nation and the world.
    • While free and fair elections could bring radical Islamists to power, their absence could lead to continued authoritarianism.
    • Striking the right balance and securing Bangladesh’s future as a democratic and secular nation is paramount to global stability and peace.

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and Indian Ocean Weather Conditions

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Southern Annular Mode

    Central Idea

    • The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a division under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has made a significant discovery regarding the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), a crucial climate pattern.
    • Their research has revealed that SAM plays a pivotal role in influencing sea conditions across the Indian Ocean.

    What is Southern Annular Mode (SAM)?

    Description
    Idea behind
    • Mode of atmospheric variability representing north-south movement of the westerly wind belt around Antarctica.
    • Also known as Antarctic Oscillation (AAO).
    Phases
    1. Positive Phase: Wind belt contracts towards Antarctica.
    2. Negative Phase: Wind belt expands towards the equator.
    Impact on Weather Patterns
    • Influences temperature, rainfall, and storm intensity in the Southern Hemisphere.
    • Causes difference in the zonal mean sea level pressure at 40°S (mid-latitudes) and 65°S (Antarctica).
    Influence on Indian Ocean Affects ocean currents and sea surface temperatures, impacting regional weather and marine life.
    Climate Change Connection Trend towards more positive phases in recent decades, influenced by human-induced climate change.
    Effect on Antarctic Ice Impacts Antarctic ice sheets and sea ice extent through changes in wind patterns.
    Global Climate Interaction Interacts with other climate phenomena like ENSO.
    Predictability and Variability Exhibits seasonal predictability and interannual variability, important for long-term forecasting.
    Marine Ecosystems Affects marine ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, influencing productivity and species distribution.

    Role of Ocean Surface Waves

    • Coastal Processes: Ocean surface waves are key players in shaping coastal processes, impacting shoreline erosion, sediment transport, coastal engineering, and recreational activities.
    • Scientific Approach: The scientific team leveraged 40 years of data (1979 to 2018) from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast.

    Positive and Negative SAM Phases

    • Positive SAM Phase: During a positive SAM phase, a cyclic pattern of warm sea surface temperature anomalies emerges, accompanied by strong winds that increase wave activity in the Indian Ocean. A new swell generation region along the east African coast contributes to heightened wave heights in the Arabian Sea.
    • Negative SAM Phase: Conversely, during a negative SAM phase, the eastern tropical southern Indian Ocean becomes the primary region for generating swells, resulting in reduced wave heights in the Arabian Sea.

    Significance of SAM

    • Coastal Planning: Understanding SAM allows for better coastal planning, helping coastal communities prepare for the impact of changing sea conditions.
    • Resource Management: SAM insights can aid in more efficient resource management, optimizing the utilization of marine resources.
    • Disaster Preparedness: Knowledge of SAM patterns can enhance disaster preparedness efforts, enabling timely response to potential ocean-related disasters.
    • Wave Predictions: The research contributes to improving wave predictions, offering advanced forecasting capabilities.
    • Benefiting Stakeholders: Stakeholders in the blue economy, including shipping, maritime boards, and the oil industry, can optimize their multi-million-dollar operations at sea based on SAM insights.

    Implications for Various Sectors

    • Monsoon Season Impact: Typically, inland vessel operations and oil exploration activities face restrictions during the monsoon season.
    • Fair Sea State Windows: Predicting SAM phases through the Ocean Forecasting System can identify “Fair Sea state windows” during monsoons.
    • Impact on Blue Economy: These fair windows can be leveraged by oil and shipping industries, making a significant contribution to blue economy activities along the Indian coast

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    A $5 trillion economy, but for whom?

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Towards $5 Trillion Economy by 2025 – Transforming India

    Central idea

    The article critically examines India’s ambitious pursuit of a $5 trillion GDP by 2028, juxtaposing it with Japan’s economic trajectory. It highlights concerns about wealth disparity, inclusivity in high-tech sectors, and questions the impact on marginalized citizens.

    Key Highlights:

    • Extension of Welfare Scheme: Prime Minister Modi’s announcement to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna by five years.
    • Concerns about Hunger: Raised concerns about persistent hunger despite the ambitious target of achieving a $5 trillion GDP by 2028.
    • Japan’s Economic Challenges: Comparison with Japan’s economic growth and the social challenges faced, including suicide rates and social withdrawal.
    • Reliance on GDP Growth: Emphasis on India’s economic growth relying on capital, productivity, and labor.
    • Wealth Disparity: Identification of significant wealth disparity, with 1% of the population owning a substantial portion of the nation’s wealth.
    • Government’s Economic Tools: Government’s identification of sectors and tools, such as the digital economy, fintech, and climate change initiatives.

    Key Challenges:

    • Impact on Marginalized Citizens: Expressing concerns about the potential adverse impact on marginalized citizens in the race towards a $5 trillion economy.
    • Wealth Inequality: Highlighting the wealth disparity issue, with 1% of the population owning a significant portion of the nation’s wealth.
    • Inclusivity in High-Tech Sectors: Concerns about the ability of a large segment of the population to participate in cutting-edge sectors such as AI, data science, and fintech.
    • Lack of Per Capita Income Estimates: Criticism regarding the absence of estimates on India’s per capita income at the $5 trillion GDP mark.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna: Specific welfare scheme providing free foodgrains.
    • Hikikomori: Term referring to severe social withdrawal in Japan.
    • Kodokushi: Japanese term for lonely deaths.
    • GST (Goods and Services Tax): Mention of the significant contribution from the bottom 50% of the population.
    • Inclusive Growth: Government’s emphasis on growth that includes all segments of society.
    • Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code: Part of the identified tools for achieving the $5 trillion goal.
    • Make in India: Mention of one of the identified sectors for economic growth.
    • Start-Up India: Highlighting a sector emphasized for achieving economic targets.
    • Production Linked Incentives: Part of the government’s strategy for economic growth.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Japan’s Societal Challenges: Referring to suicide rates, social withdrawal, and lonely deaths in Japan as examples.
    • Wealth Distribution Statistics: Citing wealth distribution statistics from Oxfam.
    • Minister Chaudhri’s Identification: Referring to the government’s identification of tools and sectors for achieving the $5 trillion goal.
    • Per Capita Income Comparison: Comparing per capita income between Japan, China, and India.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Welfare Scheme Extension: Mentioning the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna.
    • Japan’s Economic History: Referring to Japan’s economic history and challenges post-2008.
    • Wealth Distribution Data: Citing wealth distribution data from Oxfam.
    • GST Contribution: Highlighting the significant contribution of different income groups to GST.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Societal and Economic Impact: Analyzing the potential impact of the $5 trillion goal on marginalized citizens and society.
    • Wealth Disparity and Inclusive Growth: Critical evaluation of wealth distribution and the need for inclusive economic policies.
    • Capability Mismatch: Examining the mismatch between targeted sectors/tools and the capabilities of a significant population segment.
    • Per Capita Income Concerns: Critically assessing the absence of estimates on per capita income and concerns about the inequality index.

    Way Forward:

    • Addressing Wealth Disparity: Emphasizing the need to address wealth disparity through inclusive economic policies.
    • Ensuring Inclusive Growth: Focusing on ensuring that economic growth benefits all segments of the population.
    • Skill Development and Education: Highlighting the importance of skill development and education to enable participation in emerging sectors.
    • Regular Assessment and Recalibration: Emphasizing the need for regular assessment and recalibration of economic goals to align with societal well-being.

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    In a world beset by economic uncertainty, India is a beacon of hope

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Central idea

    The article discusses positive economic indicators in India, including potential GDP growth, easing inflation, and successful festive season trading. It emphasizes the need for careful monitoring of oil prices, external demand, political developments, and continued policy coordination to sustain economic resilience and growth.

    Key Highlights:

    • Macroeconomic Positivity: November brings positive trends in India’s macroeconomic perspective, with optimism about second-quarter GDP growth.
    • Geopolitical Developments: Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and a summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping signal positive global geopolitical shifts.
    • Inflation Trends: Global inflation rates, particularly in the U.S. and the European Union, ease, contributing to reduced bond yields and increased equity market performance.
    • Indian Economic Signals: India experiences a decline in retail inflation and wholesale price index, with encouraging signals from festive season trading.

    Key Challenges:

    • Continued Monitoring: Factors such as oil prices, external demand, and political developments require continued monitoring for potential impacts on India’s economic trajectory.
    • Global Trade Weakness: The global trade environment remains weak, with projections indicating a decline in world trade growth.
    • Political Influences: Focus on general elections after state election results may influence government and private sector activities.
    • Policy Coordination: Maintaining monetary and fiscal policy coordination is crucial, considering global risks and persistent inflation threats.

    Key Terms:

    • GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
    • Inflation
    • Bond Yields
    • Geopolitics
    • Macro and Financial Stability
    • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
    • Fiscal Deficit
    • OPEC+ (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies)

    Key Phrases:

    • “Economic Resilience and Stability.”
    • “Sequential Changes for Meaningful Analysis.”
    • “Crucial Policy Coordination in a Shock-Prone World.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Geopolitical Shifts: Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, U.S.-China summit.
    • Global Inflation Trends: Positive trends in global inflation rates.
    • Indian Economic Signals: Decline in retail inflation, wholesale price index, and record festive season retail trading.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • U.S. Inflation: Consumer price index at 3.2% in October.
    • EU Inflation: Drops to 2.9% from 4.3%.
    • Indian Inflation: Retail inflation at a four-month low of 4.9%.
    • Expected GDP Growth: India’s GDP growth for Q2 expected to exceed 6.5%.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Emphasis on Fundamentals: Need for sound macroeconomic fundamentals and close monitoring of economic indicators.
    • Identification of Challenges: Recognition of potential challenges such as oil price fluctuations, weak external demand, and political uncertainties.
    • Policy Coordination: Importance of monetary and fiscal policy coordination in navigating a complex economic environment.

    Way Forward:

    • Economic Resilience: Continued focus on maintaining economic resilience and stability.
    • Monitoring and Response: Continuous monitoring and responsive measures for global and domestic economic challenges.
    • Policy Emphasis: Continued emphasis on policy coordination for sustained growth.
    • Preserving Global Standing: Importance of prudent economic management for preserving India’s relative global standing.

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  • Child Rights – POSCO, Child Labour Laws, NAPC, etc.

    The impact of violence on a child’s mind

    op-ed snap | Trivia | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Gaza's terrified children all too aware Israel's bombs steal their joy | Gaza News | Al Jazeera

    Central idea

    The article emphasizes the profound psychological impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on children, drawing insights from educational thinkers like Maria Montessori and Elias Canetti. It highlights challenges such as potential long-term repercussions, the failure of current education systems, and the need for inclusive educational initiatives.

    Key Highlights:

    • Montessori’s Perspective: Maria Montessori’s insights on the impact of childhood experiences, particularly exposure to violence, on the cycle of revenge and its contribution to the root causes of war.
    • Canetti’s Argument: Elias Canetti’s exploration of the child’s mind, emphasizing the development of revengeful thoughts from violent experiences and its potential evolution into adult rebellion.
    • Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The psychological aftermath of Israel’s assault on Gaza, with a focus on the predicted impact on Palestinian children, especially adolescents, facing forced displacement and an uncertain future.
    • Educational Philosophies: Montessori’s pedagogic philosophy linking childhood experiences to major societal issues and the inter-war movement’s attempt to use education to combat the culture of war.

    Key Challenges:

    • Psychological Impact: Predicted long-term psychological repercussions on Palestinian children due to the trauma of conflict, displacement, and loss of childhood.
    • Failure of Education Systems: Critique of current education systems worldwide for lacking the energy and focus needed to mitigate the political impact of dangerous ideologies and nurture peace.
    • Historical Hostilities: The perpetuation of divisive ideas through education, contributing to the reinforcement of historical hostilities in contiguously located hostile nations.
    • Political Ignorance: Leaders’ disregard for educational messages promoting peace, as exemplified by Israel’s leaders ignoring Montessori’s insights amid conflict.

    Key Examples discussed in article for your value addition in answers:

    • Reference to Maria Montessori’s classics, including “The Secret of Childhood” and “The Absorbent Mind.”
    • Collection of Montessori’s war and peace lectures during the 1930s in the book titled “Education and Peace.”
    • Elias Canetti’s insights in “Crowds and Power,” highlighting the impact of violence on the child’s mind and the development of revengeful thoughts.
    • Montessori and Rabindranath Tagore’s involvement in an inter-war movement using education to combat the culture of war.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Cycle of Revenge: Montessori’s concept that a child’s encounter with violence sets off a cycle of revenge, identified as a root cause of war.
    • Resistance to Social Norms: Canetti’s notion that violence experienced in childhood can lead to adult resistance, transforming into rebellion.
    • Culture of War: The inter-war movement’s initiative, involving educators like Montessori and Tagore, aimed at using education to combat the culture of war.
    • Impact of Dangerous Ideologies: Critique of education’s perceived inability to reverse the political impact of ideologies contributing to conflict.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Educational Potential: Acknowledgment of education’s potential to mitigate the impact of violent imagery, coupled with frustration over the perceived lack of energy in current education systems.
    • Global Disappointment with Education: Growing disappointment with education’s ability to nurture basic good sense, exemplified by the failure to prevent conflicts in Russia, Israel, and the U.S.
    • Focus on Politics: Critique of current discussions about the future of Gaza, primarily focused on politics, with a call to include considerations for the future of education in the region.
    • Reinforcement of Divisive Ideas: Observation that education often reinforces and perpetuates divisive ideas, preparing the adult mind to accept such ideas as the only way forward.

    Way Forward:

    • Inclusive Educational Initiatives: Emphasis on inclusive educational initiatives to combat the culture of war and break the cycle of historical influences on children’s minds.
    • Integration of Philosophical Perspectives: Advocacy for integrating educational and philosophical perspectives to pave the way for a more peaceful future, particularly in conflict-ridden regions.
    • Global Reassessment of Education: Urgent need for a global reassessment of education’s power to inculcate basic good sense and contribute to peace-building.
    • Educational Focus in Political Discussions: Call to include discussions about the future of education alongside political considerations in conflict-ridden regions like Gaza and Israel.

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  • Coal and Mining Sector

    Tantalum Reserves found in Sutlej River

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    tantalum

    Central Idea

    • Researchers from IIT-Ropar have found the presence of tantalum in Punjab’s Soil in Sutlej River Basin.
    • Although the source of tantalum in Sutlej is not clear yet. It could be due to movement of tectonic plates in the Himalayan region that is likely to contain the rare metal.

    Sutlej River

     

    • Origin: Starts from Lake Rakshastal in Tibet, near Mount Kailash.
    • Length: About 1,500 kilometres (930 miles); Longest of the five rivers of Punjab.
    • Path: Flows through Tibet, India (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab), and Pakistan.
    • Tributaries: Major tributary includes the Beas River in India.
    • Indus River System: Part of this system, joins the Chenab River in Pakistan.
    • Economic Role: Crucial for irrigation, and hydroelectric power (e.g., Bhakra Nangal Dam).
    • International River: Governed by treaties like the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan.

    About Tantalum

    • A Rare and Valuable Metal: Tantalum, with the atomic number 73, is a rare metal crucial in electronics and semiconductors. It is a dense, hard, gray metal, known for being one of the most resistant to corrosion.
    • Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Tantalum’s resistance to corrosion comes from its ability to form a protective oxide layer when exposed to air. This layer holds up even in very acidic environments.
    • Flexible and Durable: Pure tantalum is ductile, meaning it can be stretched into thin wires without breaking. It resists chemical damage below 150°C but is vulnerable to hydrofluoric acid and certain other substances.

    Historical Background

    • Swedish Discovery: Tantalum was first identified by Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekenberg in 1802 in Ytterby, Sweden. Initially, it was confused with niobium, a similar element.
    • Differentiating Tantalum and Niobium: In 1866, Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac established that tantalum and niobium are distinct elements.
    • Behind the name: The metal is named after Tantalus, a character from Greek mythology, known for his eternal punishment of being unable to reach the water and fruit around him. The name reflects the metal’s property of being ‘tantalizingly’ insoluble in acids.

    Uses of Tantalum

    • Tantalum capacitors are key in electronics, known for their ability to store a lot of electricity in a small space with minimal leakage. They’re used in smartphones, laptops, and cameras.
    • High melting point makes tantalum a substitute for platinum in various industries, including chemical and nuclear plants, aerospace, and missile systems.
    • Its non-reactive nature makes it perfect for surgical tools and implants, like artificial joints.
    • Tantalum carbide, when mixed with graphite, forms one of the hardest materials, used to enhance the cutting edges of high-speed machine tools.

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  • RBI Notifications

    What RBI’s increase in Risk Weights mean to the borrower?

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Central Idea

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently raised risk weights for unsecured loans, including credit cards, consumer durable loans, and personal loans.
    • Risk weights for bank lending to non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) serving this segment were increased to 125% from the existing 100%.

    What are Risk Weights?

    • Capital Implication: Every rupee lent by a bank has an impact on its capital position.
    • Attribution to Risk: Risk weights are assigned to loans and assets based on their nature and associated risk.
    • Capital Coverage: Banks must ensure that their capital is sufficient to cover these risk-weighted assets.
    • Varying Risk Weights: Different asset classes have varying risk weights. For example, home loans may have risk weights ranging from 50% to 75%, while corporate loans are assigned 100% risk weight.

    How does it impact Borrowers?

    • Interest Rates: Lower risk weights result in lower interest rates for borrowers. This principle guides the pricing of loans.
    • Examples: Home loans generally have lower interest rates due to their lower risk weights, while personal loans and credit cards carry higher interest rates due to their risk profile.

    RBI Decision: Concerns about Consumer Loans

    • Rising Share: Unsecured loans have seen rapid growth, constituting 10% of the banking system’s portfolio.
    • Fastest-Growing Segment: This segment has been the fastest-growing in recent years.
    • Unsecured Nature: Loans like consumer durable loans lack income-generating assets, making it challenging to ascertain borrowers’ true repayment capacity.
    • Granular Nature: While small-ticket in nature, the significant growth in this segment has raised regulatory concerns.

    https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blexplainer/bl-explainer-what-rbis-increase-in-risk-weights-mean-to-the-borrower/article67554070.ece

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  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    Gujarat declares ‘Ghol’ as State Fish

    Species | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Economics Of Animal-Rearing

    ghol

    Central Idea

    • The Gujarat government’s decision to declare the ‘Ghol’ as the state fish highlights its uniqueness and economic value.

    About Ghol Fish

    • The Ghol fish or the Blackspotted Croaker, is a significant species in marine fisheries.
    • It belongs to the family Sciaenidae and is scientifically known as Protonibea diacanthus.
    • It is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Persian Gulf to Indonesia and north to Japan.
    • The Ghol fish is characterized by its robust body, brownish color, and the presence of black spots on its sides.
    • It has a large mouth and a slightly protruding lower jaw.
    • This species can grow quite large, with some individuals reaching up to 1 meter in length and weighing around 25 kilograms.

    Economic Value of Ghol

    • The Ghol fish is highly valued, especially for its fish maw (dried swim bladder), which is a delicacy and used in traditional medicines, particularly in East Asian markets.
    • The fish maw is believed to have various health benefits and is often used in soups and stews.
    • It can fetch high prices in the market, sometimes as much as Rs 25,000 per kilogram.

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