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Type: Prelims Only

  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Hepatitis B: Everything you need to know

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hepatitis B

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • A recent study by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, revealed alarming deficiencies in public knowledge (transmission, effects & vaccination) about Hepatitis B in India.
    • Despite the availability of a vaccine for over 30 years, HBV infection rates remain high in India, with prevalence estimates ranging from 2% to 8% and approximately 37 million carriers nationwide.

    About Hepatitis

    • Hepatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the liver.
    • It can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (hepatitis viruses), alcohol consumption, certain medications, toxins, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders.
    Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C
    Causative Virus Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
    Transmission Fecal-oral route (contaminated food/water) Blood and body fluids (unsafe sex, sharing needles) Blood-to-blood contact (sharing needles, transfusions)
    Vaccine Available Yes Yes Yes
    Chronic Infection No (usually acute) Yes (can become chronic) Yes (often becomes chronic)
    Symptoms Mild flu-like symptoms, jaundice Variable, from none to severe symptoms Often asymptomatic, but can lead to liver damage
    Chronic Complications None Cirrhosis, liver cancer Cirrhosis, liver cancer
    Preventable by Vaccine Yes Yes No
    Treatment Supportive care Antiviral medications Antiviral medications

     

    PYQ:

     

    Which one of the following statements is not correct? (2019)

    (a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.

    (b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.

    (c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.

    (d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.

     

    Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? (2013)

    1.    Chikungunya

    2.    Hepatitis B

    3.    HIV-AIDS

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

     

    Consider the following statements regarding Hepatitis C virus:

    1.    It is spread mainly through contaminated water and food.

    2.    It primarily affects the functioning of respiratory system.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • NGOs vs. GoI: The Conflicts and Scrutinies

    MHA extends FCRA Registration of NGOs

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: NGO, SHG & Civil Society

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Home Affairs extended till June 30 the validity of all FCRA registered NGOs whose licences are expiring on March 31.

    What is Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)?

    • The FCRA regulates foreign donations and ensures that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security.
    • First enacted in 1976, it was amended in 2010 when a slew of new measures was adopted to regulate foreign donations.
    • The FCRA is applicable to all associations, groups and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations.
    • It is mandatory for all such NGOs to register themselves under the FCRA.
    • The registration is initially valid for 5 years and it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.

    What contributes to Foreign Donations?

    • Foreign Contribution’ means the donation, delivery or transfer made by any foreign source of any:
    1. Article (whose market value is not more than one lakh rupees);
    2. Currency (whether Indian or foreign);
    3. Securities
    • Foreign donations may be those from Governments, international agencies, foreign companies, trusts, corporations, foreign citizens
    • However, some agencies like the UN, World Bank, IMF etc. are EXEMPTED from the definition of foreign donors.

    Who cannot accept donations under FCRA?

    According to the FCRA, foreign donations cannot be accepted by:

    1. Election candidates
    2. Editors and publishers of newspapers
    3. Judges and government employees.
    4. Political parties and members of legislature etc.

    What was the recent Amendment?

    The FCRA was amended in September 2020 to introduce some new restrictions:

    • There is now a capping of the administrative expenses of NGOs at 20% of their foreign donations.
    • The new amendment requires them to have a State Bank of India account at a Delhi Branch.
    • It also prohibits the transfer of grants received under FCRA to any other outfit.
    • It also gives sweeping powers to the Ministry of Home Affairs to cancel the FCRA certificate of an NGO.
    • It made legal for political parties to accept foreign aid through Indian subsidiaries.
    • Under the Act, the government may suspend the registration of a person for a period not exceeding 180 days.
    • Providing Aadhar is mandatory for all office bearers, directors or key functionaries of the organization.

     

    PYQ:

    2015: Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.

     

    2015: How can be the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements regarding “Foreign Contribution (regulation) Act”:

    1.    World Bank is excluded from the definition of foreign sources under the act.

    2.    Political parties are prohibited from taking foreign donations under the act.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Corruption Challenges – Lokpal, POCA, etc

    Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Money-Laundering & Its Prevention

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The Supreme Court has rejected review petitions challenging its ruling on the initiation of proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
    • The judgment clarified that Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code cannot be invoked for PMLA proceedings unless the alleged conspiracy pertains to a scheduled offence.

    Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002

     

    • The PMLA was enacted in 2002 with the aim of preventing money laundering and providing for confiscation of property derived from money laundering.
    • It applies to all financial institutions, banks (including the RBI), mutual funds, insurance companies, and their financial intermediaries.
    • The Act empowers government authorities to confiscate property and/or assets earned from illegal sources and through money laundering.
    • It has been amended three times, in 2005, 2009, and 2012.
    • Under the PMLA, the burden of proof lies with the accused, who must demonstrate that the suspect property/assets have not been obtained through proceeds of crime.

     

    Penalties under PMLA:

    • Freezing or Seizure of property and records, and/or attachment of property obtained through crime proceeds.
    • Rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 7 years. In cases where money laundering is linked with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the punishment can extend up to 10 years, along with a fine.
    • Fine imposition.

     

    Authorities for investigation under PMLA:

    1. Enforcement Directorate (ED): It is responsible for investigating offenses under the PMLA.
    2. Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND): It is the national agency tasked with receiving, processing, analyzing, and disseminating information related to suspect financial transactions.

    What is Article 120 of Indian Penal Code (IPC)?

    • Section 120 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the concept of “Conspiracy to commit an offense”.
    • It states that when two or more persons agree to do, or cause to be done, an illegal act, or an act which is not illegal by illegal means, such an agreement is designated a criminal conspiracy.
    • Section 120A defines “criminal conspiracy” as when two or more persons agree to do, or cause to be done, an illegal act or an act which is not illegal by illegal means.
    • Section 120B prescribes the punishment for criminal conspiracy, with death, imprisonment for life, or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offense.

    Punishment for Criminal Conspiracy

    • Nature of Conspiracy: IPC 120B categorizes conspiracy based on the gravity of the offense and prescribes punishments accordingly.
    • Serious Offenses: Conspiracy to commit serious crimes punishable by death, life imprisonment, or rigorous imprisonment for 2 years or more warrants severe punishment equivalent to the offense committed.
    • Other Offenses: Conspiracy for illegal acts not falling under the serious category incurs imprisonment for up to six months, a fine, or both, as per Section 120B.

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following statements are correct regarding ‘Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 (PMLA)’?

    1. Enforcement Directorate (ED) is responsible for investigating offences under the PMLA

    2. The Act enables government authorities to confiscate property earned through money laundering.

    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

     

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Global Spread of H5N1 Bird Flu

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: H5N1 Bird Flu

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • Since 2020, the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been spreading globally, posing a significant threat to both birds and mammals.

    H5N1 Bird Flu: Details

    • H5N1 originated from a virus outbreak on a goose farm in China in 1996 and has since evolved into a highly pathogenic strain.
    • The virus quickly spread from Europe to Africa, Asia, North America, and South America, and most recently, it reached mainland Antarctica.
    • H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds, known as avian influenza or “bird flu”.
    • Influenza A viruses are classified by subtypes based on the properties of their surface proteins, with H5N1 being one subtype.

    How widespread is it?

    • The virus has affected birds in over 80 countries, resulting in mass culling of poultry and wild birds.
    • Furthermore, it has now begun infecting mammals, including seals, sea lions, and marine mammals.
    • While humans rarely contract bird flu, those at risk are typically individuals who have extensive contact with infected birds at poultry farms.
    • Bird flu first broke out in Maharashtra in 2006.
    • The H5N1 virus led to the culling of millions of poultry so as to contain the virus. But it has resurfaced from time to time.

    Impact on Animals

    • Bird Species Affected: Numerous bird species, including Great Skuas and Barnacle Geese, have experienced significant mortality rates due to H5N1.
    • Endangered Species Threatened: Endangered birds like the California condors have been severely affected, with a notable percentage of the population succumbing to the virus.
    • Mammalian Casualties: H5N1 has crossed species barriers, infecting mammals such as foxes, pumas, skunks, and marine mammals like sea lions and dolphins.
    • Devastating Consequences: Mass mortalities of marine mammals, particularly elephant seals, have been reported, raising concerns about the long-term ecological impact.

    Factors behind Spread

    • Climate Change: Some scientists attribute the large-scale spread of bird flu to climate change, which alters bird behavior and facilitates the transmission of the virus.
    • Warmer Seas: Warmer sea temperatures have weakened marine mammal populations, making them more susceptible to disease outbreaks.

    PYQ:

     

    2015: H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?

    (a) AIDS

    (b) Bird flu

    (c) Dengue

    (d) Swine flu

     

    Practice MCQ:

    How many of the given statements about H5N1 Virus is/are correct?

    1.    It is a type of influenza virus causing highly infectious, respiratory disease in birds.

    2.    It is highly contagious in humans.

    3.    Seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals are vulnerable to this Virus.

    Select the correct codes from below –

    (a) One

    (b) Two

    (c) Three

    (d) None

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Discovery of Amino Acid unveils How Light makes Stomata Open in Plants

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

    Why in the news?

    Scientists from Nagoya University have made a discovery about the regulation of Stomatal opening in plants, a process vital for efficient photosynthesis by a type of amino acid threonine (Thr881).

    What are Stomatal Openings?

    • Stomata are microscopic pores on plant leaves crucial for gas exchange.
    • They particularly uptake carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis.

    How does Light make Stomata Open?

    • Research unveiled a novel regulatory mechanism involving the phosphorylation of the 881st threonine residue (Thr881) of the plasma membrane proton pump in response to red and blue light.
    • Phosphorylation, a process involving the addition or removal of a phosphate group from amino acids, acts as a regulatory switch, influencing protein structure and function.
    • The researchers focused on the phosphorylation of Thr881 and its role in stomatal opening.
    • They observed phosphorylation in response to both red and blue light conditions, highlighting the interplay between photosynthesis and light signaling.

    Significance of Thr881 Phosphorylation

    • Mutant studies confirmed the critical role of Thr881 phosphorylation in stomatal opening.
    • Plants expressing a mutant proton pump lacking Thr881 phosphorylation exhibited reduced stomatal aperture and transpiration rates, emphasizing the regulatory significance of this amino acid residue.
    • The study identified Thr881, along with Thr948, as crucial phosphorylation sites for the activation of the enzyme H+-ATPase, essential for stomatal opening.
    • Manipulating Thr881 could offer avenues for promoting plant growth, enhancing carbon dioxide absorption, and reducing fertilizer usage.

    PYQ:

    2014: Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?

    a)    Potential energy is released to form free energy

    b)    Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored

    c)    Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water

    d)    Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out

     

    Practice MCQ:

    What is the significance of phosphorylation of the threonine residue (Thr881) in the context of plants?

    a)    It helps in reducing carbon dioxide uptake and photosynthesis efficiency.

    b)    It enhances photosynthesis in dark conditions.

    c)    It reduces transpiration leading to enhanced water conservation.

    d)    It is essential for regulating stomatal aperture and facilitating gas exchange in plants.

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    T + 0 Settlement System kick starts today

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: T+0 Settlement Cycle

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    India’s stock market will begin the with a ‘beta version’ of T+0 settlement system (same day settlement) from today. This is the world’s fastest stock settlement system.

    About T+0 Settlement Cycle

    • SEBI has planned to introduce the shorter cycle in two phases:
    1. T+0 Settlement Details: In Phase 1, trades executed until 1:30 PM will be settled by 4:30 PM on the same day.
    2. Instant Settlement Mechanics: Phase 2 envisages immediate trade-by-trade settlement, with trading continuing until 3:30 PM.

    Features of the T+0 Settlement Mechanism

    • Early Pay-In Trend: A large percentage of retail investors already make early pay-ins of funds and securities, indicating readiness for instant settlement.
    • Instant Receipt Benefits: The mechanism enables instant receipt of funds and securities, reducing settlement shortages and enhancing investor control.
    • Investor Protection: Direct crediting of funds and securities into investors’ accounts, especially for UPI clients, strengthens investor protection.

    Settlement Cycle: A Quick History  

     

    • SEBI shortened the settlement cycle from T+5 to T+3 in 2002, and then to T+2 in 2003.
    • The T+1 cycle was introduced in 2021 and fully implemented by January 2023.
    • In T+1, the settlement of funds and securities occurs on the next day after the trade.

    Scope and Implementation of T+0

    • Initially, the T+0 settlement will be available for the top 500 listed equity shares based on market capitalization, implemented in three tranches.
    • The same surveillance measures applicable in the T+1 cycle will apply to the T+0 cycle.
    • Trade-for-trade settlement securities will NOT be eligible for T+0.

    Rationale behind T+O Cycle

    • Market Growth and Efficiency: With the significant growth in market volumes and participants, SEBI aims to enhance market efficiency and safety, especially for retail investors.
    • Technological Advancements: The evolution of payment systems like UPI and the sophistication of market infrastructure support the feasibility of shorter settlement cycles.
    • Investor Attraction: Faster transactions, reliability, and low costs are key factors that attract investors, making Indian securities a more appealing asset class.

    Benefits of the New Mechanism

    • Flexibility for Clients: The new mechanism offers faster payouts of funds to sellers and securities to buyers, providing greater flexibility and control.
    • Market Ecosystem Advantages: The faster settlement cycle is expected to enhance the operational efficiency of the securities market, benefiting the entire ecosystem.

     

    PYQ:

    2017: The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to

    a)    ASEAN

    b)    BRICS

    c)    EU

    d)    G20

     

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the T+0 Settlement Cycle, consider the following statements:

    1.    Trades executed until 1:30 PM will be settled by 4:30 PM on the same day.

    2.    Trade-for-trade settlement securities will also be eligible for T+0.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    a)    Only 1

    b)    Only 2

    c)    Both 1 and 2

    d)    Neither 1 nor 2

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) discovers 5000th Comet

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    A Czech citizen has spotted a comet in an image from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft, which has now been confirmed to be the 5,000th comet discovered using SOHO data.

    Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)

    • The SOHO is a spacecraft jointly operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.
    • Launched in December 1995, its primary mission is to study the Sun, particularly its outer atmosphere, known as the corona, and the solar wind.
    • SOHO observes the Sun in various wavelengths of light, enabling scientists to study phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections.
    • SOHO orbits the Sun at Lagrange Point L1, about 1.5 million kilometers (nearly 1 million miles) from Earth, providing an uninterrupted view of the Sun.
    • Its observations have led to discoveries such as-
    1. Identifying the source regions of solar wind,
    2. Tracking solar eruptions, and
    3. Monitoring changes in the Sun’s activity over its 11-year solar cycle.

     

    What are Lagrange Points?

    • Lagrange Points are named after the French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange who discovered them in 1772.
    • They are specific points in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies, such as the Earth and the Sun, or the Earth and the Moon, balance the centrifugal force felt by a smaller body.
    • These points are stable locations where objects can maintain their relative positions concerning the larger bodies, without drifting away or falling towards them.

    There are five Lagrange Points, denoted as L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5:

    1. L1: Located on the line connecting the two large bodies and closer to the smaller body, L1 is particularly useful for space observatories like the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) because it provides an unobstructed view of the Sun from Earth’s perspective.
    2. L2: Situated on the opposite side of the smaller body from the larger one, L2 is an excellent location for deep space observatories such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) because it remains relatively shielded from solar interference.
    3. L3: Located on the line connecting the two large bodies but on the opposite side of the larger body from the smaller one, L3 is less stable and less frequently used than the other Lagrange Points.
    4. L4 and L5: These points form equilateral triangles with the two large bodies, with the smaller body at the third vertex. L4 precedes the smaller body in its orbit, while L5 follows it. These points are stable and have been found to accumulate natural objects, such as asteroids, known as Trojan asteroids.

     

    PYQ:

    2013: Consider the following phenomena:

    1. Size of the sun at dusk

    2. Colure of the sun at dawn

    3. Moon being visible at dawn

    4. Twinkle of stars in the sky

    5. Polestar being visible in the sky

    Which of the above are optical illusions?

    a)    1, 2 and 3

    b)    3, 4 and 5

    c)    1, 2 and 4

    d)    2, 3 and 5

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Regarding the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), consider the following statement:

    1.    SOHO spacecraft was launched in December 1995.

    2.    It is jointly operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.

    3.    It orbits the Earth in sun-synchronous orbit.

    How many of the above statements is/are correct?

    a)    One

    b)    Two

    c)    Three

    d)    None

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

    Artform in news: Mohiniyattam Danceform

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Mohiniyattam and its features

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for arts and culture, has unanimously lifted gender restrictions allowing boys for learning Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form.

    About Mohiniyattam

    Description
    Name Meaning Mohini – female enchantress avatar of Vishnu;

    Aattam – rhythmic motion or dance (Malayalam)
    Roots Natya Shastra, ancient Hindu Sanskrit text on performance arts
    Style Lasya Style – delicate, eros-filled, and feminine
    Performers Traditionally women, but men also perform in contemporary times
    Music Includes Carnatic music, singing, and enactment of plays through dance
    Language Manipravalam : a Malayalam-Sanskrit hybrid
    Posture Parted feet, gentle swaying of body, soft footwork synchronized with music beats
    Gestures Follow the classical text of Hastha Lakshanadeepika with elaborate mudras (hand gestures)
    Costumes Plain white or off-white sarees with golden brocade, pleated sheets for freedom of movement, adorned with jewellery
    Accessories Jewellery on fingers, wrists, neck, and ears, ankle bells (for female performers), dhotis and similar accessories (for male performers)
    Makeup Natural with brilliant red lips, tikka (Gobi) on forehead, lined eyes
    Music Various rhythms and compositions in Manipravalam, accompanied by instruments like Mridangam, Idakka, flute, Veena, and Kuzhitalam
    Ragas Rendered in the Sopana Style, a slow melodic style rooted in the Natya Shastra

     

     

    PYQ:

    2012: How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

    1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
    2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following statements about Mohiniyattam is not true?

    1. Mohiniyattam derives its name from “Mohini,” the female enchantress avatar of Vishnu, and “Aattam,” meaning rhythmic motion or dance in Malayalam.
    2. Its roots can be traced back to the Natya Shastra, an ancient Hindu Sanskrit text on performance arts.
    3. Mohiniyattam is characterized by the Tandava style, known for its vigorous movements.
    4. Performances of Mohiniyattam typically include enactment of plays through dance, accompanied by singing and Carnatic music.

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    50,000-year-old Magnetic Fossils found in Bay of Bengal

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Magnetofossils, Magnetotactic bacteria

    Mains level: NA

    What is the news?

    Scientists from the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa have found in the Bay of Bengal a 50,000-year-old sediment containing giant magnetofossils, shedding light on ancient geological conditions.

    What are Magnetofossils?

    • Magnetofossils are fossilized magnetic particles created by magnetotactic bacteria, aiding scientists in understanding past environmental conditions.
    • Described initially in the 1960s and 1970s, magnetotactic bacteria utilize iron-rich minerals to navigate the Earth’s magnetic field, leaving behind distinctive fossil remnants.
    • These unique creatures were first described in 1963, by Salvatore Bellini, an Italian doctor and then again in 1975 by Richard Blakemore of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
    • These organisms were believed to follow the magnetic field to reach places that had optimal oxygen concentration.
    • Using an electron microscope, Blakemore found the bacteria contained “novel structured particles, rich in iron” in small sacs that essentially worked as a compass.
    • These magnetotactic bacteria create tiny crystals made of the iron-rich minerals magnetite or greigite, aiding them in navigating changing oxygen levels in the water body they reside in.

    Special Attributes of Bay of Bengal Sediment

    • Previous studies on magnetofossils often ascertained their origins to be hyperthermal vents, comet impacts, changes in oceanic ventilation, weathering or the presence of oxygen-poor regions.
    • Sediments deposited at the core site originate from the Godavari, Krishna, and Penner Rivers, highlighted on the map.

    Findings of the Study

    • Scientific Approach: In the study, combined magnetic analyses and electron microscopy to study the sediment sample.
    • Sediment Characteristics: The three-metre-long sediment core from the southwestern Bay of Bengal consisted mainly of “pale green silty clays,” they wrote in their paper. They also reported finding abundant benthic and planktic foraminifera — single-celled organisms with shells found near the sea bed and free-floating in water.
    • Microscopic Revelations: High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed the fossil to be in the shape of needles, spindles, bullets, and spearheads.
    • Environmental Insights: Earlier, studies of sediments suggested that nearly 29,000 to 11,700 years ago, during the last Glacial Maximum-Holocene period, the northeast and southwest monsoon strengthened and resulted in significant weathering and sedimentation.

     

    PYQ:

    Consider the following kinds of organisms:

    1. Copepods
    2. Cyanobacteria
    3. Diatoms
    4. Foraminifera

    Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?

    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2 and 3
    3. 3 and 4
    4. 1 and 4

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the following statements is correct about the ‘Magnetofossils’?

    1. They are fossilized magnetic particles created by magnetotactic bacteria.
    2. They follow the magnetic field to reach places that have optimal oxygen concentration.
    3. They are tiny crystals made of the iron-rich minerals magnetite or greigite.
    4. All of these.

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Monuments of National Importance (MNI) and their Listing/De-Listing

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Monuments of National Importance (MNI)

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to remove 18 “centrally protected monuments” from its list of Monuments of National Importance (MNI), citing a lack of national significance.
    • ASI currently has 3,693 monuments under its purview, which will fall to 3,675 once the current delisting exercise is completed in the next few weeks.

    What are Monuments of National Importance (MNI)?

    • MNI in India are legally protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
    • This act empowers the Centre to declare certain monuments as MNIs through official notifications published in the Gazette of India.
    • It mandates the protection, preservation, and maintenance of MNIs to ensure their integrity and authenticity for future generations.
    • The Act empowers the central government to appoint authorities, such as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), to oversee the protection and management of MNIs.

    Key Features of MNI Protection

    • Prohibited Activities: The Act prohibits certain activities within the precincts of MNIs, such as construction, excavation, and removal of artifacts, without prior permission from the relevant authorities.
    • Designated Zones: Within a 100-meter radius of the monument, construction activities are prohibited to prevent encroachment and damage. An additional 200-meter radius (100 + 200 meters) constitutes a regulated area where construction is subject to specific regulations to maintain the monument’s integrity and surroundings.
    • Maintenance of Records: The Act requires the maintenance of records and registers documenting the history, conservation, and management of MNIs.

    Understanding Monument Delisting

    • Once delisted, monuments are no longer subject to ASI conservation efforts, allowing for regular construction activities in the vicinity.
    • Section 35 of the AMASR Act allows for the delisting of monuments deemed to have lost national importance.
    • The delisting process involves official notifications, with a two-month public feedback period to address objections or suggestions.

     

    PYQ:

    2015: With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

    1. Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
    2. Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
    3. Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
    4. Varaha Image at Udayagiri

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to remove 18 “centrally protected monuments”. This essentially implies:

    1. The site will no longer be conserved, protected, and maintained by the ASI.
    2. Activities related to construction and urbanisation in the area can be carried out in a regular manner.

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. Only 1
    2. Only 2
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

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