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  • Who was Dara Shikoh (1615-1659)?

    The final resting place of Mughal prince Dara Shikoh remains a mystery, with the Archaeological Survey of India saying it has not located the grave within the Humayun’s Tomb complex.

    Dara Shikoh

    • Dara Shikoh, who was Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s son and expected heir, was killed on the orders of his brother Aurangzeb in 1659 after losing the war of succession.
    • He was the eldest son and heir-apparent of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
    • Dara was designated with the title Padshahzada-i-Buzurg Martaba (Prince of High Rank) and was favored as a successor by his father and his older sister, Princess Jahanara Begum.
    • In the war of succession which ensued after Shah Jahan’s illness in 1657, Dara was defeated by his younger brother Prince Muhiuddin (Aurangzeb).
    • He was executed in 1659 on Aurangzeb’s orders in a bitter struggle for the imperial throne.

    His legacy

    • Dara was a liberal-minded unorthodox Muslim as opposed to the orthodox Aurangzeb.
    • He authored the work The Confluence of the Two Seas, which argues for the harmony of Sufi philosophy in Islam and Vedanta philosophy in Hinduism.
    • It was Dara Shikoh who was responsible for making the Upanishads available to the West as he had them translated.
    • He had commissioned a translation of Yoga Vasistha.
    • A great patron of the arts, he was also more inclined towards philosophy and mysticism rather than military pursuits.
    • The course of the history of the Indian subcontinent, had Dara Shikoh prevailed over Aurangzeb, has been a matter of some conjecture among historians.

    Q.Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

    (a) Humayun

    (b) Akbar

    (c) Jahangir

    (d) Shah Jahan

    Answer this PYQ here:

  • CHAPEA Mission by NASA

    NASA is seeking applications for its new mission called the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA), which is related to Mars.

    CHAPEA

    • The mission is set to begin in 2022 and will give four successful applicants the chance to live and work in a 1,700 square-foot module that is created by a 3D printer and is called the Mars Dune Alpha.
    • The simulated quarters include a kitchen, areas for medical, recreation, fitness, work, crop growth, a technical work area and two bathrooms.
    • This habitat will simulate what it feels like to carry out missions on Mars including resource limitations, equipment failure, communication delays and any other environmental stressors.
    • The crew will be expected to perform simulated spacewalks, scientific research and use virtual reality and robotic controls and exchange communications.

    What is the purpose of this mission?

    • The habitat in which the crew members will stay will be as Mars-realistic as possible.
    • The results from this analog mission will provide scientific data that will help in validating the systems that will be used for actual missions to Mars and also help in solving problems for spaceflight research.
    • CHAPEA is not the only analog mission, there are others including Aquarius/NEEMO, Concordia, Desert RATS, and HESTIA.
    • Analog missions are required because not all experiments can be carried out in space because resources and money are limited.

  • What is Absorption Spectroscopy?

    Researchers from IIT Madras and IISER Kolkata have developed a method to detect minute quantities of chemicals in solution using Absorption Spectroscopy.

    Note: These days there has been a rise in questions from biology (rather cell biology in particular).

    Absorption Spectroscopy

    • Absorption spectroscopy is a tool to detect the presence of elements in a medium.
    • Light is shone on the sample, and after it passes through the sample is examined using a spectroscope.
    • Dark lines are seen in the observed spectrum of the light passed through the substance, which correspond to the wavelengths of light absorbed by the intervening substance and are characteristic of the elements present in it.
    • In usual methods, about a cubic centimeter of the sample is needed to do this experiment.
    • In the method developed here, minute amounts of dissolved substances can be detected easily.
    • Usually in absorption spectroscopy, the principle used is that light because of its wavelike nature, shows diffraction patterns, that is, dark and light fringes, when it scatters off any object.

    Studying small objects

    • A related concept called the Abbe criterion sets a natural limit on the size of the object being studied.
    • According to this criterion, the size of the observed object has to be at least of the order of the wavelength of the light being shone on it.
    • If one wants to perform absorption spectroscopy using visible light, namely, blue, green and red, the wavelengths [of these colours] are about 400 nm, 500 nm and 600 nm, respectively.

    What has Indian researchers achieved?

    • In the method used by the researchers here, tiny, nano-sized particles that can absorb light being shone on them and re-emit red, blue and green light were employed.
    • The particles emit electric fields that are analogous to how a tiny magnet would give off magnetic lines of force – this is called a dipole, and the particle is like a tiny mobile phone’s antenna.
    • This dipole generates an electromagnetic field depending upon the quantum properties of the erbium dopants in the glass.
    • The absorption leaves a gap in the reflected light, which is what is observed and used to analyse the nature of the absorbing material.

    Applications of this technology

    • There are many potential applications.
    • Small molecules almost ten-millionth of an mm in diameter can be detected while these pass the emission region of the glass particle.
    • The future is to use it to measure individual molecules, see absorption spectroscopy of a single DNA or protein molecule.

    Try this

    Q.Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?

    1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
    2. Plant cells do not have plasma membranes unlike animal cells which do.
    3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst an animal cell has many small vacuoles.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Answer this PYQ here:
  • Webinar Link Inside || Free Webinar by First Attempt UPSC Topper || Arnav Shivendu, AIR 283 || My Love for Civil Services and How to Clear the Exam in First Attempt

    Webinar Link Inside || Free Webinar by First Attempt UPSC Topper || Arnav Shivendu, AIR 283 || My Love for Civil Services and How to Clear the Exam in First Attempt

    Webinar Date: 8th August

    Time: 7 PM

    Join Zoom Meeting
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    You and I share the same love and the same dream…to become an IAS officer. But that’s not all that we share. I also share with you the fear and anxiety that comes with this dream. 

    Register For The Free Webinar (Click Here)

    It’s the same struggle every day, isn’t it? 

    1. How do I complete the syllabus?
    2. How do I maintain consistency?
    3. What to study, what not to study?
    4. How do I manage my time?
    5. How do I complete my optionals?
    6. How do write better answers?
    7. How can I remember this all?
    8. How can I manage current affairs? Etc.

    It was the same for me. The same concern every day. I felt lost and overwhelmed too. And I totally understand what you are going through right now!

    But, here’s the thing – All of these are SOLVABLE PROBLEMS!

    You CAN learn how to manage your syllabus, you CAN learn to manage your time, you CAN learn how to write good answers. All you need is the right support and guidance. For example – I too was inconsistent with my studies. But then I broke down the syllabus into small pieces. I prioritised the topics. And my mentors helped me frame a schedule that matched my learning pace. That’s it! With such a small change I was able to bring more consistency in my studies.

    And that’s exactly what I want to share with you. What are the small changes that you can make? What kind of schedule you can keep? Where can you look for the right study materials? Etc. And I would like you to learn from my experience so that your journey is smoother than mine.

    Quite frankly, I am inviting you to share my experiences with you. I would like to share the mistakes I made and how I corrected them. I am hoping that you would learn from these experiences and clear the exam on your first attempt!

    Register for the free webinar (click here)

    Remember, you can definitely clear this exam and I would like to share everything I learned with you. Do join me on the webinar at 7 P.M. on 8th August, and we can solve the problems together.

    About The Webinar Host:

    The Webinar is being hosted by a civil service officer Arnav Shivendu who cleared his exam in his first attempt in 2019 with AIR 283.

  • Registration Closing at 6 PM || Free Webinar by First Attempt UPSC Topper || Arnav Shivendu, AIR 283 || My Love for Civil Services and How to Clear the Exam in First Attempt

    Registration Closing at 6 PM || Free Webinar by First Attempt UPSC Topper || Arnav Shivendu, AIR 283 || My Love for Civil Services and How to Clear the Exam in First Attempt

    Webinar Date: 8th August

    Time: 7 PM

    You and I share the same love and the same dream…to become an IAS officer. But that’s not all that we share. I also share with you the fear and anxiety that comes with this dream. 

    Register For The Free Webinar (Click Here)

    It’s the same struggle every day, isn’t it? 

    1. How do I complete the syllabus?
    2. How do I maintain consistency?
    3. What to study, what not to study?
    4. How do I manage my time?
    5. How do I complete my optionals?
    6. How do write better answers?
    7. How can I remember this all?
    8. How can I manage current affairs? Etc.

    It was the same for me. The same concern every day. I felt lost and overwhelmed too. And I totally understand what you are going through right now!

    But, here’s the thing – All of these are SOLVABLE PROBLEMS!

    You CAN learn how to manage your syllabus, you CAN learn to manage your time, you CAN learn how to write good answers. All you need is the right support and guidance. For example – I too was inconsistent with my studies. But then I broke down the syllabus into small pieces. I prioritised the topics. And my mentors helped me frame a schedule that matched my learning pace. That’s it! With such a small change I was able to bring more consistency in my studies.

    And that’s exactly what I want to share with you. What are the small changes that you can make? What kind of schedule you can keep? Where can you look for the right study materials? Etc. And I would like you to learn from my experience so that your journey is smoother than mine.

    Quite frankly, I am inviting you to share my experiences with you. I would like to share the mistakes I made and how I corrected them. I am hoping that you would learn from these experiences and clear the exam on your first attempt!

    Register for the free webinar (click here)

    Remember, you can definitely clear this exam and I would like to share everything I learned with you. Do join me on the webinar at 7 P.M. on 8th August, and we can solve the problems together.

    About The Webinar Host:

    The Webinar is being hosted by a civil service officer Arnav Shivendu who cleared his exam in his first attempt in 2019 with AIR 283.

  • Last Few Seats left || Free Webinar by First Attempt UPSC Topper || Arnav Shivendu, AIR 283 || My Love for Civil Services and How to Clear the Exam in First Attempt

    Last Few Seats left || Free Webinar by First Attempt UPSC Topper || Arnav Shivendu, AIR 283 || My Love for Civil Services and How to Clear the Exam in First Attempt

    Webinar Date: 8th August

    Time: 7 PM

    You and I share the same love and the same dream…to become an IAS officer. But that’s not all that we share. I also share with you the fear and anxiety that comes with this dream. 

    Register For The Free Webinar (Click Here)

    It’s the same struggle every day, isn’t it? 

    1. How do I complete the syllabus?
    2. How do I maintain consistency?
    3. What to study, what not to study?
    4. How do I manage my time?
    5. How do I complete my optionals?
    6. How do write better answers?
    7. How can I remember this all?
    8. How can I manage current affairs? Etc.

    It was the same for me. The same concern every day. I felt lost and overwhelmed too. And I totally understand what you are going through right now!

    But, here’s the thing – All of these are SOLVABLE PROBLEMS!

    You CAN learn how to manage your syllabus, you CAN learn to manage your time, you CAN learn how to write good answers. All you need is the right support and guidance. For example – I too was inconsistent with my studies. But then I broke down the syllabus into small pieces. I prioritised the topics. And my mentors helped me frame a schedule that matched my learning pace. That’s it! With such a small change I was able to bring more consistency in my studies.

    And that’s exactly what I want to share with you. What are the small changes that you can make? What kind of schedule you can keep? Where can you look for the right study materials? Etc. And I would like you to learn from my experience so that your journey is smoother than mine.

    Quite frankly, I am inviting you to share my experiences with you. I would like to share the mistakes I made and how I corrected them. I am hoping that you would learn from these experiences and clear the exam on your first attempt!

    Register for the free webinar (click here)

    Remember, you can definitely clear this exam and I would like to share everything I learned with you. Do join me on the webinar at 7 P.M. on 8th August, and we can solve the problems together.

    About The Webinar Host:

    The Webinar is being hosted by a civil service officer Arnav Shivendu who cleared his exam in his first attempt in 2019 with AIR 283.

  • Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill

    Context

    With the government proposing to repeal the ‘retrospective tax’ amendment introduced in the Union Budget 2012-13, a 14-year-story has come to an end.

    Background of retrospective tax

    • In 2007 Vodafone acquired Hutchison Essar, the telecom company, for $11 billion. But the deal did not take place in India.
    • Yet, Vodafone was slapped with a huge income tax demand in India.
    • The Supreme Court rule in favour of Vodafone and said that the Indian authorities could not tax a deal executed in Cayman Islands.
    • This verdict led to the 2012 amendment in the Income Tax Act, to the effect that if an Indian asset was held by a foreign company and an acquirer bought this holding company, such a transaction was deemed to be taxable in India because the underlying asset was located in India.
    • More importantly, this change was made retrospectively from 1962.
    • Now, the government has introduced The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to undo this insidious provision from the Finance Bill, 2012.
    • The government will not raise tax demands in any such case if the transaction occurred before 28 May 2012.
    • The tax on the indirect sale of assets located in India still stays on the statute books, but it is fully visible to and understood by any parties looking to enter into such a transaction.

    Why repeal of retrospective taxation is a good move?

    • Resolution of case the cases: This will potentially help resolve 17 cases in which income tax demand had been raised, including two high profile cases—Cairn and Vodafone.
    • Visibility and stability: The government is putting to rest the concept of retrospective taxation and is also creating visibility and stability for the future.
    • Predictability: The most important aspect of any tax regime is its predictability and this decision helps bring that.
    • Honouring the rule of law: It also reiterates India’s commitment to honour the rule of law and treaties.
    • Build confidence: Apart from the various reform measures and incentives being offered, the sanctity of contracts is a key factor that any investing entity will look at when deciding on expanding business operations in India.
    • The government’s move would help build confidence and provide a fillip to Atmanirbhar Bharat.

    Conclusion

    As the post-covid recovery picks up, focus needs to be on the future rather than keeping a sword of uncertainty for the past dangling on potential investors. Such a decision needs political capital and ownership, which comes through strongly in this case.

     

  • Complete PRELIMS REVISION For Absolutely FREE! Increase Your Accuracy And Score 130+ In Prelims || New Session Starting today

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    Current affairs, static, CSAT, Optionals, Ethics and Essays

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    What do you have to do?

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    Here is a list of topics and discussions you can join immediately:

    Morning Current affairs Prashanth6:30 am
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    Science and TechDr. Keerti1:00 pm
    Samadhan CSATRavi Ranjan2:00 pm
    Geography through mapsSandip More4:00 pm
    Chat pe News: Current AffairsAnjum Sharma4:30 pm
    Polity Laxmikant Amoghavarsha5:30 pm
    Indian society and Social IssuesSiddharth 6:00 pm
    Abhyaas: Answer WritingGarima7:00 pm
    Samvad: Indian AgricultureRadhika Didwania7:30 pm
    UPSC MCQsJoshua8:00 pm
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  • Last Few Seats left || Free Webinar by First Attempt UPSC Topper || Arnav Shivendu, AIR 283 || My Love for Civil Services and How to Clear the Exam in First Attempt

    Last Few Seats left || Free Webinar by First Attempt UPSC Topper || Arnav Shivendu, AIR 283 || My Love for Civil Services and How to Clear the Exam in First Attempt

    Webinar Date: 8th August

    Time: 7 PM

    You and I share the same love and the same dream…to become an IAS officer. But that’s not all that we share. I also share with you the fear and anxiety that comes with this dream. 

    Register For The Free Webinar (Click Here)

    It’s the same struggle every day, isn’t it? 

    1. How do I complete the syllabus?
    2. How do I maintain consistency?
    3. What to study, what not to study?
    4. How do I manage my time?
    5. How do I complete my optionals?
    6. How do write better answers?
    7. How can I remember this all?
    8. How can I manage current affairs? Etc.

    It was the same for me. The same concern every day. I felt lost and overwhelmed too. And I totally understand what you are going through right now!

    But, here’s the thing – All of these are SOLVABLE PROBLEMS!

    You CAN learn how to manage your syllabus, you CAN learn to manage your time, you CAN learn how to write good answers. All you need is the right support and guidance. For example – I too was inconsistent with my studies. But then I broke down the syllabus into small pieces. I prioritised the topics. And my mentors helped me frame a schedule that matched my learning pace. That’s it! With such a small change I was able to bring more consistency in my studies.

    And that’s exactly what I want to share with you. What are the small changes that you can make? What kind of schedule you can keep? Where can you look for the right study materials? Etc. And I would like you to learn from my experience so that your journey is smoother than mine.

    Quite frankly, I am inviting you to share my experiences with you. I would like to share the mistakes I made and how I corrected them. I am hoping that you would learn from these experiences and clear the exam on your first attempt!

    Register for the free webinar (click here)

    Remember, you can definitely clear this exam and I would like to share everything I learned with you. Do join me on the webinar at 7 P.M. on 8th August, and we can solve the problems together.

    About The Webinar Host:

    The Webinar is being hosted by a civil service officer Arnav Shivendu who cleared his exam in his first attempt in 2019 with AIR 283.

  • Advocating for sustained focus on the maritime domain

    Context

    In an innovative departure from normal practice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside (in virtual mode) over the UN Security Council, on Monday (August 9) when India holds the President’s chair for one month. The subject of debate is maritime security.

    Issues with global maritime security

    • FON issue: There is  tension in the South China Sea over freedom of navigation (FON) rights in international waters and how China has laid claim to “territoriality” based on artificial structures (not natural islands).
    • This formulation has not been accepted by the US that has exercised transit rights in these waters.
    • Many ASEAN nations and Quad members such as Japan, Australia and India subscribe to the principle of FON and do not accept the Chinese interpretation of the “nine-dash-line”.
    • Traditional challenges: Piracy and non-traditional challenges at sea such as gun-running and smuggling are old chestnuts.
    • Maritime pollution: Accidents in the oceans have added to the anxiety about marine pollution and its downstream consequences for the health of the oceans.
    • Global warming: A UN report has come up with grim statistics about the impact of global warming on the chemistry of oceans.
    • This study notes that oceans have become more acidic as sea water absorbs more carbon dioxide.
    • Furthermore, the upper layers of the open ocean have lost between 0.5 per cent and 3.3 per cent of their oxygen since 1970 as temperatures have risen.

    Way forward for India at UNCS: Security and equitable growth

    • The subject to be deliberated upon by the UNSC members is “Enhancing maritime security: A case for international cooperation”.
    • This would be an extension of India’s advocacy of SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region) in relation to the Indian Ocean region (IOR).
    •  At the UNSC strategic and security issues such as the South China Sea and FON would find little consensus as China is a permanent member and would stall any meaningful debate.
    • Focus on global goods: What may find support for a useful debate at the UNSC would be those areas that could be brought under the rubric of the “global good”.
    • For instance, the welfare of seafarers who are the sinews of the global merchant marine, has received scant attention in this Covid-scarred period and the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) has been unable to effectively address such issues.
    • Correlation with globalisation: India can also advocate for sustained focus on the maritime domain and the correlation with globalisation, the blue economy, the health of the ocean and the overall impact on human security.

    Conclusion

    Security and equitable growth for all by husbanding the global ocean for future generations is a laudable goal and encouraging the UNSC to prioritise this issue is a worthy cause.

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