💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • RBI proposes rationalising regulations on Export-Import Transactions

    Why in the News?

    Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to rationalise regulations governing export and import transactions. The aim is to promote ease of doing business and empower banks to provide more efficient service to their foreign exchange customers.

    RBI Proposal and Directions

    • The RBI issued ‘Regulation of Foreign Trade under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 – Draft Regulations and Directions.’
    • Key propositions include:
      • Repatriation Timeline: The full export value of goods and services must be realised and repatriated to India within 9 months from the date of shipment for goods and the date of invoice for services.
      • Caution Listing: Exporters who fail to realise the full value within the specified time may be caution-listed by the authorised dealer.
      • Caution-Listed Exporters: Caution-listed exporters can undertake exports only against receipt of advance payment in full or an irrecoverable letter of credit, to the satisfaction of the authorised dealer.
      • Advance Remittance Restrictions: No advance remittance for the import of gold and silver is permitted unless specifically approved by the RBI.

    Expected Benefits 

    • Ease of Doing Business: The proposed regulations are intended to promote ease of doing business, especially for small exporters and importers.
    • Empowerment of Banks: The regulations aim to empower authorised dealer banks to provide quicker and more efficient service to their foreign exchange customers.

    About Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999

    • The FEMA, 1999, regulates foreign exchange and trade in India.
    • FEMA replaced the older Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973.

    How does FEMA regulate EXIM Transaction?

    Regulation under FEMA
    Resident Indian Criteria Defined in Section 2(v) of FEMA;

    A person residing in India for more than 182 days during the course of the preceding financial year.
    Current Account Transactions Permitted freely for EXIM activities, including trade payments and remittances.
    Capital Account Transactions Regulated by RBI, includes FDI in export-oriented units and overseas investments by Indian entities.
    Documentation and Declarations Exporters and importers must furnish declarations to RBI to ensure compliance and monitor foreign exchange.
    Export Declarations Declare the value of goods/services exported, expected earnings, and timeframe for realization.
    Import Declarations Provide details of goods/services imported, and foreign exchange spent, and ensure payments through authorized channels.
    Authorized Dealers Only RBI-approved dealers (banks/financial institutions) can handle foreign exchange transactions for EXIM.
    Import Payment Regulations Payments must be made through authorized channels within prescribed time limits, complying with DGFT terms.
    Foreign Currency Accounts Entities can maintain foreign currency accounts for efficient handling of foreign exchange for EXIM activities.

    Significance of FEMA in Regulating EXIM Transactions

    • Facilitates Trade: By providing a clear regulatory framework, FEMA facilitates smoother and more efficient EXIM transactions, contributing to the growth of international trade.
    • Economic Stability: Ensures that foreign exchange earnings and expenditures are monitored and regulated, maintaining economic stability and preventing illegal outflows.
    • Investor Confidence: A transparent and regulated foreign exchange environment boosts investor confidence, attracting more foreign investment.
    • Liberalization: Replaces the stringent controls of FERA with a more liberal approach, encouraging businesses to engage in global trade.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Which of the following constitutes Capital Account?

    1. Foreign Loans

    2. Foreign Direct Investment

    3. Private Remittances

    4. Portfolio Investment

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1, 2 and 4

    (c) 2, 3 and 4

    (d) 1, 3 and 4

  • [pib] Metal Oxide Nano-composite developed for Environmental Clean-up

    Why in the News?

     A new metal oxide nanocomposite has been developed by The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST)  that can help photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants like dyes and pharmaceuticals and hence can be used as sustainable technologies for cleaning up the environment.

    Understanding Photocatalysis and Metal Oxides

    • Photocatalysis is a process that uses light to accelerate chemical reactions, particularly useful for degrading harmful substances in water and air.
    • They facilitate this reaction without being consumed.
    • Examples: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Zinc Oxide (ZnO)  and Tungsten Trioxide (WO3)

    How do they work?

    • When exposed to light, these metal oxides generate electron-hole pairs.
    • These pairs are highly reactive and can break down pollutants into harmless by-products.
      • Work Efficiency: The overall efficiency of this process depends on several factors, including the choice of metal oxide, its crystal structure, light intensity, pollutant concentration, pH level, and the amount of catalyst used.
      • Optimisation: Optimizing these factors is crucial for maximising the degradation rates of pollutants. Adjustments in the type of metal oxide, light parameters, and other conditions can significantly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency.

    Breakthrough by IASST: NiTF Composite

    • The team developed a nanocomposite called NiTF, which stands for Nickel-doped Titanium Dioxide on Fuller’s Earth. 
    • This innovative material combines the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide with the adsorption capabilities of Fuller’s earth, a type of natural clay.

    What is Fuller Earth?

    • Fuller’s earth is a term for various clays used as an absorbent, filter, or bleaching agent.
    • Products labeled fuller’s earth typically consist of palygorskite or bentonite.
    • Primary modern uses include as absorbents for oil, grease, and animal waste, and as a carrier for pesticides and fertilizers

    Testing and Results

    • The NiTF nanocomposite was tested for its ability to decolorize methylene blue, a common dye.
      • Methylene blue is a persistent pollutant toxic to aquatic life, harmful to human health, and causes colour pollution in water bodies.
    • The results were impressive, with the composite achieving a 96.15% decolorization of the dye solution at a pH of 9.0 under visible light within 90 minutes.
    • Fuller’s earth enhanced the TiO2’s ability to adsorb pollutants, even in the absence of light.
    • This suggests that the NiTF nanocomposite could be a cost-effective solution for environmental photocatalysis, providing benefits even in low-light conditions.

    Potential Applications

    • Catalysis: The nanocomposite can enhance the efficiency of various chemical reactions.
    • Energy Storage: It has the potential to improve systems for storing energy.
    • Sensors: The material can be used to develop highly sensitive detection devices.
    • Optoelectronics: The nanocomposite can advance technologies that use light for electronic devices.
    • Biomedical Fields: It can be applied in medical treatments and diagnostics.
    • Coatings: The material can be used to create protective and functional surfaces.
    • Renewable Energy: It can facilitate water splitting to produce renewable energy.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in the health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
    2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Worlds Oldest Prehistoric Ostrich Nest discovered in Andhra 

    ostrich
    PC: India Today

    Why in the News?

    Archaeologists have discovered a 41,000-year-old ostrich nest in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh.

    Prehistoric Ostrich Nest: Details of the Discovery

    • The nest, identified as the world’s oldest known ostrich nest, measures 9-10 feet in width.
    • The nest was once home to 9-11 eggs but was capable of holding 30-40 eggs at a time.
    • Ostriches are mega omnivores, weighing between 90 and 140 kg and standing seven to nine feet tall.

    What are Megafauna?

    • Megafauna generally refers to animals weighing more than 50 kg, though scientific definitions vary.
    • The term was first used by Alfred Russel Wallace in his 1876 book, “The Geographical Distribution of Animals.”
    • Megafauna can be classified into:
      • Megaherbivores (plant-eaters),
      • Megacarnivores (meat-eaters), and
      • Megaomnivores (who eat both plants and meat).

    Historical Evidence of Megafauna

    • Early Documentation: Richard Lydekker in 1884 presented the earliest documented evidence of ostriches in the subcontinent, identifying the extinct Struthio asiaticus in the Dhok Pathan deposits in Upper Siwalik Hills, present-day Pakistan.
    • Discoveries in Maharashtra: Archaeologist S A Sali in 1989 reported ostrich eggshell beads and engraved pieces dating back to 50,000–40,000 years ago at Patne, Maharashtra.
    • CCMB Research in 2017: Researchers at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad established the presence of ostriches in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat 25,000 years ago.

    Broader Implications and Studies

    • Biogeographical Dispersion: The presence of ostriches in India is attributed to bio-geographical dispersion from the continental drifting of Gondwanaland.
    • Late Quaternary Extinctions: The study, titled ‘Late Quaternary extinctions in the Indian Subcontinent,’ established that the disappearance of large animals began around 30,000 years ago, coinciding with the arrival of humans.
    • Co-Evolution Hypothesis: The study supports the hypothesis that fauna and their resilience to extinction resulted from coevolution with hominins, with geographic isolation and abiotic factors accelerating extinction.

    PYQ:

    [2018] The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of:

    (a) Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.

    (b) Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.

    (c) Large-scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.

    (d) Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.

  • India seeks Tariff Elimination on key items in CEPA Talks with South Korea

    Why in the News?

    • India wants, South Korea to eliminate tariffs on items such as varieties of meat, milk, fruits, fish, stones, yarn, and petroleum products.
      • These items were previously exempted or protected against steep cuts in the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

    What is CEPA?

    Details
    Definition A CEPA is a broad trade agreement that encompasses trade in goods and services, investments, intellectual property rights, and economic cooperation.
    Key Components
    • Trade in Goods: Reduction/elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
    • Trade in Services: Liberalization of service sectors.
    • Investment: Protection and promotion of investments.
    • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Strengthening protection of IPR.
    • Economic Cooperation: Collaboration on economic and technical aspects.
    • Dispute Resolution: Mechanisms for resolving disputes.
    Objectives
    • Enhance bilateral trade.
    • Promote investment.
    • Foster economic integration.
    • Encourage innovation and economic growth.
    Examples
    • India-Japan CEPA: Signed in 2011, focuses on tariff reduction, service trade liberalization, and investment promotion.
    • India-Mauritius CECPA: Effective from April 2021, includes provisions on trade in goods, services, and investment.
    • India-UAE CEPA: Entered into force on May 1, 2022
    Significance for India
    • Economic Growth: Provides new markets for Indian goods and services.
    • Job Creation: Increased trade and investment can create jobs.
    • Technological Advancements: Access to new technologies and best practices.
    • Strategic Partnerships: Strengthens economic and strategic ties.
    Challenges
    • Implementation Issues: Requires robust legal and institutional frameworks.
    • Domestic Industry Impact: Concerns about increased competition.
    • Regulatory Harmonization: Differences in regulatory standards can pose challenges.

    India-South Korea CEPA: A quick recap

    • The India-South Korea CEPA was signed in August 2009 and implemented in January 2010.
    • It covers trade in goods, investments, services, and bilateral cooperation.
    • Tariff Concessions:
      • India offered tariff elimination or concessions on 83.8% of tariff lines from South Korea.
      • While South Korea offered concessions on 93.2% of tariff lines.

    Upcoming Negotiations

    • Trade Deficit Focus: Narrowing the trade deficit with South Korea is high on India’s agenda.
    • Stakeholder Involvement: Indian industry stakeholders have been provided with a draft request list and asked to suggest more items for tariff cuts or propose deletions if needed.
    • Standards and Technical Barriers: The Department of Commerce has requested the industry to share issues related to SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) and TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) standards faced while exporting to South Korea.

    Back2Basics:

    Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures:

    • SPS measures are protocols implemented by countries to protect human, animal, and plant life from diseases, pests, and contaminants. 
    • These measures are primarily focused on ensuring the safety of food products and preventing the spread of diseases and pests across borders.
    • SPS measures must be based on scientific evidence and risk assessments to ensure they are appropriate and effective.
    • Examples: quarantine requirements for imported plants and animals, limits on pesticide residues in food, and import bans from regions affected by specific diseases.

    Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT):

    • TBT are regulations and standards related to product safety, quality, and environmental impact.
    • They aim to protect human health and safety, animal and plant life, the environment, and to prevent deceptive practices.
    • These measures should not create unnecessary obstacles to international trade and must be transparent and non-discriminatory.
    • Examples: Labeling requirements for food products, safety standards for electrical appliances, and environmental regulations for vehicle emissions.

    Major Issue: Trade Deficit Concerns

    • Trade Deficit Focus: Reducing the trade deficit with South Korea is a key discussion point for India.
      • Before CEPA (2007-09), India’s average exports to South Korea were $3.4 billion, with imports at $7.3 billion, leading to an average trade deficit of $4 billion.
    • Trade Statistics: In 2023-24, India’s imports from South Korea were $21.13 billion, while exports were only $6.41 billion.
    • Post-CEPA Data: After CEPA (2022-24), average exports increased to $7.1 billion, and imports surged to $19.9 billion, resulting in an average trade deficit of $12.8 billion.
    • GTRI Analysis: The Global Trade and Research Initiative (GTRI) report indicates a 220% increase in the trade deficit from the pre-CEPA period to the post-CEPA period.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the:

    (a) Food and Agriculture Organization

    (b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change

    (c) World Trade Organization

    (d) United Nations Environment Programme

  • Kozhikode awarded ‘City of Literature’ at UNESCO Creative Cities Network Conference

    Why in the News?

    • “Kozhikode” was awarded the title of ‘City of Literature’ at the 16th annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in Braga, Portugal.
      • The theme of this year’s UCCN conference is ‘Bringing youth to the table for the next decade’.

    About UNESCO Creative Cities Network

    Purpose To promote cooperation among cities for cultural and creative industry development
    Initiation Established by UNESCO in 2004
    Seven Categories/Criteria
    • Sector-Specific Excellence: Prominence in one of the seven creative fields: Craft and Folk Art, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature, or Music.
    • Commitment to Creativity: Long-term dedication to creativity and culture as key drivers for urban development.
    • Supportive Infrastructure: Established cultural institutions, educational programs, and events promoting creativity.
    • Alignment with SDG 11: Initiatives supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
    • Inclusivity: Ensuring creative activities are inclusive and accessible to all societal segments.
    Member Cities Over 250 cities from around the world
    Objectives Foster innovation, cultural diversity, and sustainable urban development
    Activities Collaborative projects, cultural events, and initiatives
    Selection Process Cities apply and are designated by UNESCO based on criteria related to creativity
    Network Coordination UNESCO provides coordination and support
    Impact Enhances cities’ cultural identity, economy, and international visibility
    Other Indian Cities in UCCN
    • Gwalior – Music Category (2023)
    • Srinagar– Crafts and Folk Arts (2022)
    • Jaipur– Crafts and Folk Arts (2015)
    • Varanasi– Creative City of Music (2015)
    • Chennai– Creative City of Music (2017)
    • Mumbai– Film (2019)
    • Hyderabad– Gastronomy/Food (2019)

    Reasons for Kozhikode’s Selection

    • Rich Literary Tradition: Kozhikode has a deep and rich literary heritage that spans centuries, contributing significantly to the cultural and intellectual life of the region.
    • Prominent Literary Figures: The city has been home to many renowned authors, poets, and scholars who have significantly contributed to Malayalam literature.
    • Cultural Festivals and Events: Kozhikode hosts various literary festivals, book fairs, and cultural events that promote literature and reading among the community.
    • Educational Institutions: The presence of several prestigious educational institutions that emphasise literature and the arts played a crucial role in its selection.
    • Community Engagement: Active involvement of local communities in promoting and preserving literary culture through libraries, reading clubs, and literary societies.
    • Literary Infrastructure: Well-established libraries, publishing houses, and bookshops that support and nurture the scholarly ecosystem.

    Historic Contributions of Kozhikode

    • Malayalam Literature: Kozhikode has been a centre for Malayalam literature and scholarly activities. It has produced notable literary figures and is a hub for literary festivals and cultural events.
    • Astronomy and Mathematics: The region, under the patronage of the Zamorins, was a centre for advancements in astronomy and mathematics, contributing significantly to the fields through scholars like the 14th-century mathematician and astronomer Madhava of Sangamagrama.

  • In news: Santhal Hul of 1855 

    Why in the News?

    • The Santhal Revolt of 1855 was a revolt against imperialism led by four brothers, Sidho, Kanho, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu, along with sisters Phulo and Jhano.
      • June 30 marks the 169th anniversary of the beginning of the revolt.

    About Santhal Hul

    • The Santhal people revolted against the British East India Company and the Zamindari system, also known as the Santhal Rebellion or Santhal Hul.
    • The rebellion began on June 30, 1855.
    • Martial Law was imposed on November 10, 1855, by the East India Company, lasting until January 3, 1856, when the rebellion was suppressed.

    Who are the Santhals?

    • Santhals were agricultural people living in the Rajmahal Hills of Bihar.
    • Ol Chiki (Ol Chemet) is the writing script of Santhals.
    • The British asked them to clear forests for agriculture to increase revenue.
    • Damin-i-Koh (1832) was created as a designated area for Santhals, now known as Santhal Pargana.
    • Over time, the British began exploiting the Santhals, leading to the Santhal Rebellion.

    What makes the revolt so unique?

    • Marginalized Indigenous Community: Led by the Santhal tribe, a marginalized indigenous community in mid-19th century India.
    • Agrarian Uprising: Primarily a fight against exploitative land laws, high taxes, and forced labor rather than political or religious issues.
    • Tribal Unity and Guerrilla Tactics: Characterized by a strong sense of tribal unity and guerrilla warfare tactics, making it unique and significant.

    Causes of the Santhal Revolt:

    • Permanent Settlement System (1793): Introduced by the British East India Company, giving Zamindars long-lasting property rights.
    • Oppression by Zamindars: Zamindars misused their power to oppress and enslave peasants, leading to resentment.
    • Exploitation and Debt: Santhals faced exploitation through high-interest loans and lost their land and freedom.
    • Violent Suppressions: British police supported Zamindars and moneylenders in evicting Santhals violently.
    • Disruption of Traditional Structures: Traditional social and political structures of the Santhals were disrupted, pushing them into debt and poverty.
    • Economic Hardship: Led to the Santhals revolting against the British and Zamindars to escape their predicament.

    About the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876) and Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908)

    • Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876): Enacted by the British as a result of the Hul.
      • Land Inheritance: Prohibits the transfer of Adivasi lands to non-Adivasis and allows land to be inherited only as per the Act.
      • Self-Governance: Retains the rights of Santhals to self-govern their land.
    • Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908): Result of the Birsa Movement.
      • Land Transfer Restrictions: Allows land transfers within the same caste and geographical areas with District Collector’s approval.
      • Protection of Adivasi and Dalit Land: Restricts the sale of Adivasi and Dalit land but allows transfers within the same community.

    PYQ:

    [2018] After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

    1. The territories called `Santhal Parganas’ were created.
    2. It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • What was the tussle over Covaxin IPR?

    Why in the News?

    • Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL), maker of the indigenous coronavirus vaccine Covaxin, admitted to an “inadvertent error” in patent filings. The error involved failing to include scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as co-inventors in the patent filings.

    COVAXIN Story

    • BBIL patented the process of making a batch of vaccines from virus strains provided by ICMR-NIV (National Institute of Virology).
    • ICMR-NIV’s role involved extracting viruses, identifying characteristics, conducting tests, and qualifying strains for vaccine development.
      • ICMR funded these clinical trials with ₹35 crore and incurred costs in developing Covaxin.
      • In return, ICMR was to receive 5% of the royalties BBIL earned from the sale of Covaxin.

    Vaccine Patents in India 

    • In India, patents, including those for vaccines, are governed by the Patents Act, 1970, and its subsequent amendments.
    • This act aligns with the TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) under the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    Key Provisions of the Patents Act, 1970:

    • Patentable Inventions:
        • An invention must be novel, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application.
        • Section 3 of the Patents Act outlines what are not considered inventions, which includes methods of treatment, and processes for medicinal, surgical, curative, prophylactic, diagnostic, therapeutic, or other treatments of human beings.
    • India grants both process and product patents:
      • Product Patents: Grant a monopoly over a specific drug.
      • Process Patents: Prevent competitors from using the same sequence of steps to create a similar product.
    • Compulsory Licensing:
      • Under Section 84, compulsory licenses can be issued if the patented invention is not available to the public at a reasonably affordable price, or if the reasonable requirements of the public are not being met.
    • Bolar Provision:
      • Section 107A allows the use of patented inventions, including vaccines, for the purpose of research and development to obtain regulatory approval before the patent expires.

    Why was the ICMR not included?

    • Bharat Biotech initially excluded ICMR from patent applications because they viewed the ICMR’s role primarily as providing virus strains and conducting clinical trials, rather than being directly involved in the technical processes of vaccine development.
    • There might have been a miscommunication or oversight regarding the understanding of intellectual property rights and inventorship between BBIL and ICMR initially.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. (200 words)

    [2014] In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.

  • In news: Shyok River

    Why in the News?

    Five soldiers lost their lives when a tank was drowned away by powerful water currents in the Shyok River during a military training exercise in Ladakh.

    About Shyok River

    • The Shyok River is a significant river flowing through the Ladakh region of India and the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.
    • It is a tributary of the Indus River and is known for its length and the rugged terrain it traverses.
    • The Shyok River spans approximately 550 kilometres in length.
    • It has a drainage basin covering parts of both India and Pakistan, making it an essential water source for the regions it traverses.

    Source and Course:

    • The river originates from the Rimo Glacier, located to the southeast of the Karakoram Pass.
    • It flows northwest to enter the Nubra Valley in Ladakh, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and sand dunes.
    • The river then turns southwest and flows through the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan, eventually joins the Indus River near Skardu.

    Tributaries:

    • The Shyok River has several tributaries, the most notable being the Nubra River, which flows through the Nubra Valley.
    • Other significant tributaries include the Saltoro River, originating from the Siachen Glacier region.

    Cultural and Historical Significance:

    • The river flows through that have been part of ancient trade routes between Central Asia and South Asia.
    • The Nubra Valley, through which the Shyok flows, is also known for its ancient monasteries and the Bactrian camels, which were used for trade along the Silk Route.

    Geographical significance of Shyok River 

    • Strategic Location: The Shyok River flows through the Ladakh region of India and serves as a vital geographical feature due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. Its strategic location influences military deployments and infrastructure development in the region, particularly in the context of border disputes and security concerns.
    • Glacial Melt and Water Resources: Originating from the Rimo Glacier and fed by numerous tributaries, the Shyok River contributes significantly to the water resources of the region. Its flow is crucial for agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and sustenance of local ecosystems, impacting the livelihoods and socio-economic activities of communities along its banks.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Siachen Glacier is situated to the

    (a) East of Aksai Chin

    (b) East of Leh

    (c) North of Gilgit

    (d) North of Nubra Valley

  • Nouka Baich: Boat Race festival of Bengal   

    Why in the News?

    With the southwest monsoon gradually setting in, Nouka Baich boat races will soon commence in West Bengal and Bangladesh.

    About Nouka Baich

    • Nouka Baich is the traditional boat race of Bengal.
    • It is predominantly held in the rural pockets of West Bengal, including Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas.
    • Historically male-dominated, recent years have seen increasing participation by women.
    • Timing and Duration:
      • Monsoon Season: The races commence with the onset of the south-west monsoon, usually starting in the middle of the rainy season.
      • Extended Period: The events continue until September, with some races extending into October and November, depending on the region.

    Types of Boats Used:

    • Diverse Fleet: Unlike Kerala’s boat races, which typically feature a single type of boat, Bengal’s races use various traditional boats.
    • Common Boat Types: Chhip, Kaile Bachhari, Chande Bachhari, Chitoi, Sorpi, and Sorengi are commonly used in the races.
    • Unique Features: Each boat type has unique design features and historical significance, with some boats like the Sorengi being over 90 feet long and designed to mimic natural forms.

    Similar festivals celebrated in other parts that highlight cultural similarities in India:

    Location Occasion Highlights
    Nehru Trophy Boat Race Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha, Kerala Second Saturday of August Named after Jawaharlal Nehru; features snake boats (Chundan Vallams) accommodating over 100 rowers.
    Champakulam Moolam Boat Race Pampa River, Alappuzha, Kerala June or July One of the oldest boat races, commemorates the installation of Lord Krishna’s idol at Ambalappuzha Temple.
    Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali Pampa River, Aranmula, Kerala Onam (August or September) Features Palliyodams (large snake boats); significant for the Parthasarathy Temple.
    Payippad Jalotsavam Payippad Lake, Alappuzha, Kerala Onam (August or September) Celebrates the installation of deity at Subramanya Swamy Temple; features snake boats and canoes.
    Indira Gandhi Boat Race Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala Last week of December Part of Cochin Carnival; attracts tourists, named after Indira Gandhi.
    Pongal Boat Race Bhuvanagiri, Tamil Nadu Pongal festival (January) Vibrant cultural displays; local fishermen participate.
    Hiyang Tannaba Manipur Lai Haraoba festival Traditional boat race with long narrow boats, reflecting the Meitei community’s traditions.
    Sithargal Boat Race Chennai, Tamil Nadu Pongal festival Highlights the maritime culture of the region; attracts numerous participants and spectators.

  • Activated Carbon Production from Coconut Husks for Supercapacitors

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, have developed a way to make activated carbon from coconut husks, which are a common leftover from farming in Kerala. This activated carbon is well-suited for making supercapacitors.

    Back2Basics: Supercapacitors

    • Supercapacitors, also known as ultra-capacitors or electrochemical capacitors, are energy storage devices that bridge the gap between conventional capacitors and batteries.
    • They store energy through the electrostatic separation of charges rather than through chemical reactions as in batteries.
    • This allows supercapacitors to charge and discharge much faster than batteries.

    Key Characteristics:

    • High Power Density: Supercapacitors can deliver and accept charge much more rapidly than batteries.
    • Long Cycle Life: They can endure millions of charge-discharge cycles without significant degradation.
    • Wide Operating Temperature Range: Supercapacitors perform well in a broad range of temperatures, making them suitable for various applications.

    Structure and Components:

    • Electrodes: Made of materials like activated carbon, carbon aerogels, or graphene, which have high surface areas.
    • Electrolyte: The medium that allows ionic conductivity between the electrodes, typically a liquid or gel.
    • Separator: A porous membrane that prevents electrical contact between the electrodes but allows ionic movement.

    What is Activated Carbon?

    • Activated Carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a highly porous form of carbon.
    • It is processed to have small, low-volume pores with increased surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions.
    • It is widely used for purification, decontamination, and as a filtration medium.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • High Surface Area: Due to its extensive network of pores, activated carbon has a very high surface area, typically ranging from 500 to 1500 m²/g.
      • Porosity: The structure includes micropores, mesopores, and macropores, allowing it to adsorb a variety of molecules.

    How is it produced?

    • Activated carbon is produced from carbonaceous source materials such as coconut shells, peat, wood, coir, lignite, coal, and petroleum pitch.
    • The production involves two main steps:
    1. Carbonization: The raw material is subjected to high temperatures (600-900°C) in an inert atmosphere (usually nitrogen or argon) to remove volatile components.
    2. Activation/Oxidation: The carbonized material is treated with oxidizing agents (such as steam or carbon dioxide) at high temperatures (800-1000°C) to develop a porous structure.

    Types:

    • Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC): Finely ground carbon particles primarily used in liquid phase applications.
    • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): Larger particles used in both liquid and gas phase applications, such as water and air filtration.
    • Extruded Activated Carbon (EAC): Cylindrical pellets used mainly for gas phase applications due to their low pressure drop and high mechanical strength.
    • Impregnated Activated Carbon: Activated carbon treated with chemicals to enhance its adsorption capacity for specific contaminants.

    Applications:

    • Water Treatment: Removes contaminants like chlorine, odors, and organic compounds from drinking water.
    • Air Purification: Adsorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and airborne pollutants.
    • Medical Uses: Used in poisoning cases to absorb toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Industrial Processes: Utilized in the recovery of solvents, purification of gases, and in gold purification.
    • Food and Beverage: Helps in decolorization and purification processes in sugar, wine, and juice production.

    About Coconut Husk-Derived Activated Carbon

    • Coconut husk-derived activated carbon is a sustainable and efficient green solution for high-performance supercapacitors.
    • This material is readily available, low-cost, and eco-friendly.
    • It was produced by Microwave-Assisted Method designed at the Centralised Common Instrumentation Facility (CCIF) at the college.

    Importance of Supercapacitors

    • Energy Storage: Supercapacitors have significantly higher capacitance and energy storage capacity compared to conventional capacitors.
    • Search for Ideal Material: Finding the ideal supercapacitor electrode material has been a significant challenge in sustainable energy storage solutions.

    Research Findings:

    • Efficiency: Prototype supercapacitors made from coconut husk-derived activated carbon are four times more efficient than existing supercapacitors.
    • Cost-Effective and Efficient: Activated carbon produced using this technology is inexpensive and exhibits exceptional supercapacitor capability.