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Type: Prelims Only

  • Air Pollution

    NGT Intervention to prevent Stubble Burning

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Green Tribunal (NGT), Pusa-Biodecomposer

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Punjab government to devise a comprehensive strategy for managing the estimated 19.52 million tonnes of paddy stubble in the state.

    About National Green Tribunal (NGT)

    Description
    Establishment Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory body.
    Objective

     
    • To deal with cases related to environmental issues and ensure speedy implementation of decisions.
    • Responsible for making many prominent decisions aimed at environmental protection, including addressing air pollution in Delhi and cancelling coal block clearances.
    Composition
    • Headquartered in Delhi, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge
    • Included Judicial Members and Expert Panel.
    Powers Empowered to decide on questions related to various environmental laws and hear civil cases concerning environmental issues:

    1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;
    2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977;
    3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
    4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;
    5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
    6. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
    7. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
    Exceptions Prohibited to hear any issues which are covered under:

    1. The Indian Forest Act, 1927,
    2. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and
    3. Any other laws made by States which are related to protection of trees, forests, etc.
    Places
    • Principal bench in Delhi;
    • Additional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
    Governing Principles
    • Governed by principles of natural justice, not bound by Indian Evidence Act.
    • Applies principles of sustainable development, precautionary, and polluter pays.
    Review and Challenge
    • NGT orders can be reviewed as per Rule 22 of NGT Rules.
    • Can be challenged before the Supreme Court within ninety days.

    NGT intervention in Punjab

    • The ban and action against people burning crop residue are regulated under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
    • Punjab is required to provide details on the steps taken to utilize paddy straw in the previous year, including the mode and manner of removal, transportation, and utilization in various units.
    • Punjab estimated an increase in paddy straw generation to 52 million tonnes in 2024, with a projected utilization of 18.66 million tonnes.
    • Notably, the off-site utilization is expected to see a significant 60% increase, with 5.96 million tonnes being utilized in industrial and energy plants.

    Alternatives used for Stubble Burning

    • In-Situ Treatment: This involves managing crop residue directly in the field. Examples include using zero-tiller machines and bio-decomposers to break down stubble.
    • Ex-Situ Treatment: This method involves treating crop residue outside the field. An example is using rice straw as cattle fodder.
    • Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) Technique: This can uproot stubble and sow seeds while clearing the field. The stubble can then be used as mulch.

    Pusa-Biodecomposer

    • Pusa-Biodecomposer is a fungi-based liquid solution developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
    • It softens hard stubble, making it easy to mix with soil as compost.
    • It produces enzymes to digest cellulose, lignin, and pectin in paddy straw, rapidly converting crop residues and other waste into organic manure.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following:

    1.    Carbon monoxide

    2.    Methane

    3.    Ozone

    4.    Sulphur dioxide

    Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Microbial Formulations for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bactolime, Bactogypsum, and Trichogypsum; Soil Microbes

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), located in Kozhikode, has introduced and validated three new microbial formulations (Bactolime, Bactogypsum, and Trichogypsum) aimed at improving agricultural productivity.

    IISR Microbial Formulations

    • It leverages granular lime and gypsum to address soil pH issues while simultaneously delivering beneficial microorganisms.
    • These are developed using IISR’s proprietary patent-applied technology.
    • The formulations are:
    1. Bactolime:
    • Bactolime, the flagship product, combines beneficial bacteria, specifically plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria, with liming material in a single formulation.
    • This integration ensures not only the correction of soil acidity but also the provision of essential nutrients to plants.
    1. Bactogypsum and Trichogypsum:
    • The other two formulations, Bactogypsum and Trichogypsum, utilize gypsum as a base material to buffer soil pH to a near-neutral level.
    • By creating an optimal environment for beneficial microbes, these formulations improve soil structure, enhance the availability of secondary nutrients, and boost overall microbial activity.

    Back2Basics: Soil Microbes

    Soil microbes refer to microorganisms that inhabit the soil environment and play vital roles in soil health, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. These microorganisms are diverse and include bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, and algae.

    Function Benefits
    Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, making it available to plants Enhance soil fertility, improve plant growth and yield
    Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria Solubilize insoluble phosphorus, making it available to plants Increase phosphorus availability, promote root development and flowering
    Mycorrhizal Fungi Form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, facilitate nutrient uptake Improve soil structure, enhance nutrient absorption, increase plant resilience
    Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Stimulate plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, suppress pathogens Promote root development, improve nutrient efficiency, increase stress tolerance
    Actinomycetes Decompose organic matter, produce antibiotics Enhance soil fertility, control soil-borne diseases and pests
    Azotobacter Fix atmospheric nitrogen, produce growth-promoting substances Increase nitrogen availability, stimulate root growth and nutrient uptake
    Azospirillum Fix atmospheric nitrogen, produce phytohormones Enhance nitrogen availability, promote root growth and stress tolerance
    Bacillus spp. Produce antimicrobial compounds, enzymes Control plant diseases and pests, improve soil health and fertility

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?

    (a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms

    (b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil

    (c) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields

    (d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Candidates have a Right to Privacy from Voters: SC

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Representation Of People’s Act

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Right to Privacy, RPA

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The Supreme Court affirmed a candidate’s right to privacy from voters, stating that candidates need not divulge every aspect of their personal lives and possessions to the electorate.
    • It held that Voters Right to Know about the electors is NOT ABSOLUTE.

    Right to Privacy in India:

    • The Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is interpreted as an intrinsic part of the fundamental right to life and personal liberty.
    • Article 21 states that “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”
    • In the landmark judgment of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court explicitly recognized the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21.
    • The court held that privacy is an essential aspect of personal liberty and dignity, encompassing informational privacy, decisional autonomy, bodily integrity, and spatial privacy.
    • This right protects individuals against unwarranted intrusions into their private lives by the state or any other entity.
    • It includes the right to keep personal information confidential, to make decisions about one’s life and body without interference, and to maintain physical and spatial autonomy.

     

    A candidate doesn’t need to declare every item of movable property, such as clothing, shoes, crockery, stationery, and furniture, unless these items are of such value as to constitute a sizeable asset in itself or reflect upon the candidate’s candidature in terms of their lifestyle – Supreme Court. 

    What are Corrupt Practices under the RPA?

    • Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 defines “corrupt practices” to include bribery, undue influence, false information, and promotion of enmity among citizens based on religion, race, caste, etc.
    • Section 123(2) deals with “undue influence,” involving interference with electoral rights through threats or promises.
    • Undue influence can manifest in various forms, including threats of physical harm, coercion, intimidation, promises of reward or benefit, or exploitation of vulnerabilities.

    Supreme Court’s Verdict

    1. Emphasis on Candidate’s Right to Privacy:
    • Upholding the appeal, the Supreme Court emphasized the candidate’s right to privacy, stating that not every non-disclosure automatically constitutes a defect.
    • The court highlighted that a candidate is not required to disclose every item of movable property unless it reflects upon their candidature or lifestyle.
    1. Case-specific Evaluation:
    • The court emphasized that each case must be judged on its own merits, without applying a blanket rule.
    • The Court emphasized that non-disclosure of certain personal possessions does not amount to a “defect of a substantial nature” under Section 36(4) of the 1951 Act.
    1. Example of “High-value” Assets:
    • Suppression of high-priced assets, indicating a lavish lifestyle, would constitute undue influence.
    • However, ownership of simple, low-value items may not be considered a defect.

    PYQ:

    [2017] For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by-

    (a) Anyone residing in India.

    (b) A resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested.

    (c) Any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.

    (d) Any citizen of India.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    NASA to establish Coordinated Lunar Time

    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: Coordinated Lunar Time, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The White House directed NASA to establish a time standard for the Moon, named Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) by the end of 2026.
    • This move aims to facilitate coordination among international bodies and private companies operating on the lunar surface.

    Timekeeping on the Moon

    • The Moon has its own day and night cycle, which lasts about 29.5 Earth days.
    • Currently, the time on the Moon is measured using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is the same timekeeping system used on the Earth.
    • However, because the Moon’s day is much longer than Earth’s day, it would be difficult to use UTC for day-to-day activities on the Moon.

    Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

    • UTC is a time standard introduced on January 1, 1960.
    • It is based on International Atomic Time (TAI), which is maintained by atomic clocks around the world.
    • It is the primary time standard used by many countries, international organizations, and scientific research institutions.
    • It is expressed as a 24-hour clock and is used to indicate the time offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+0).
    • Time zones are defined as an offset from UTC, with some time zones being ahead of UTC (UTC+1, UTC+2, etc.) and others being behind UTC (UTC-1, UTC-2, etc.).
    • It is adjusted periodically to account for changes in the Earth’s rotation, which can cause variations in the length of a day.
    • These adjustments are made through the addition of leap seconds to UTC, which help to keep the time standard synchronized with the Earth’s rotation.

    Need for a Lunar Time Standard

    1. Earth’s Time Standard:
    • Earth’s time standard is primarily based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), set by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Paris, France.
    • UTC is determined by a weighted average of over 400 atomic clocks worldwide, providing a universally agreed-upon standard for time measurement.
    1. Challenges with Earth’s Time Standard on the Moon:
    • Time on the Moon differs from Earth due to factors like gravity and the Moon’s rotation.
    • Time on the Moon ticks slightly faster due to lower gravity (about 56 microseconds every day) as per Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity.

    Establishing a Lunar Time Standard:

    1. Technical Considerations:
    • LTC cannot be based on UTC due to the time differences between Earth and the Moon.
    • Current lunar missions operate on independent timescales linked to UTC, but this approach becomes challenging with multiple space crafts on the Moon.
    1. Deployment of Atomic Clocks:
    • Like on Earth, atomic clocks can be deployed on the lunar surface to establish a time standard.
    • A 2023 report suggests placing at least three atomic clocks on the Moon’s surface, accounting for variations in lunar rotation and local gravity.
    1. Synthesizing Time Measurements:
    • Atomic clocks placed at different lunar locations will tick at the Moon’s natural pace.
    • Output from these clocks will be combined using algorithms to generate a unified time standard for the Moon, tied back to UTC for Earth operations.

    Earth’s Latitudinal Variations on Time

    • On Earth, atomic clocks placed at different latitudes experience variations in time due to differences in rotational speed of Earth.
    • Earth rotates faster at the Equator compared to the poles, resulting in different time measurements.

    Benefits offered by Lunar Time

    • Having a lunar time zone would also make it easier for scientists and researchers to conduct experiments and collect data on the Moon.
    • It would also help to prevent confusion and errors that could arise from using different timekeeping systems on Earth and the Moon.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following?

    1. The gravitational force of the Sun

    2. The gravitational force of the Moon

    3. The centrifugal force of the Earth

    Select the correct option using the code given below:

    (a) 1 Only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Invasive Alien Species and their Management

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Invasive Alien Species

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration sought assistance from the Wildlife Institute of India to manage the increasing population of chital (spotted deer) in Ross Island, officially known as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island.

    Chital in Andaman Islands

    • The Chital, originally native to mainland India, were introduced to Ross Island (0.3 sq km) by the British in the early 20th century.
    • Lacking natural predators or competitors and possessing strong swimming abilities, the Chital rapidly proliferated across the Andamans.

    About Chital(spotted deer)

    • The Spotted Deer, scientifically known as Axis axis, is a species of deer native to the Indian subcontinent.
    • It is characterized by its reddish-brown coat adorned with white spots, particularly prominent in juveniles.
    • Spotted Deer inhabit various types of forest habitats, including dry and moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and open woodlands.
    • The Spotted Deer is classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and Schedule II animal under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

    Definition of Invasive Alien Species (IAS):

    • The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines invasive alien species (IAS) as species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution poses a threat to biological diversity.
    • These species encompass animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms, and can affect various types of ecosystems.
    • According to the CBD, characteristics of IAS include their ability to “arrive, survive, and thrive” in new environments.
    • The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

    Legal Definition in India:

    • In India, the legal definition of IAS, as per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), is narrower.
    • It refers to species of animal or plant not native to India whose introduction or spread may threaten or adversely impact wildlife or its habitat.
    • Notably, this definition EXCLUDES species within India that may be invasive to specific regions, such as the chital in the Andamans.

    Examples of Invasive Wildlife in India:

    1. Fish Species:
      • Examples include the African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, and alligator gar.
      • These species were introduced to fulfill the demand for maintaining aquariums.
      • Reports indicate their presence in various inland systems and lakes in India.
    2. Turtle Species:
      • Notably, the red-eared slider, a favored exotic pet in India, is often abandoned in local water bodies.
      • Originating from North America, this species is known for outcompeting local freshwater species due to its rapid reproduction.

    Impact of IAS on Native Flora and Fauna

    1. Disruption of Ecosystem Balance:
      • Invasive species act as disruptors in the food chain, disturbing the balance of ecosystems.
      • In habitats lacking competition, invasive species can dominate the entire ecosystem.
    2. Specific Examples:
      • In Keoladeo Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the African catfish has been observed preying on waterfowl and migratory birds.
      • Studies have shown that the proliferation of chital in the Andamans has negatively impacted the regeneration of native vegetation, as these deer are known to consume seeds and seedlings.

    IAS’ Economic Impact:

    1. Global Perspective:
      • A report by the UN-founded Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in September 2023 revealed that approximately 37,000 established alien species were introduced worldwide, with roughly 200 new alien species introduced annually.
      • The economic cost of IAS globally surpassed $423 billion annually in 2019, primarily due to the damage inflicted on natural ecosystems.
    2. Local Implications:
      • In India, the National Biodiversity Action Plan of 2019, published by the National Biodiversity Authority, highlighted the economic impact of invasive species such as the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis).
      • This invasive species, native to North America, has significantly affected cotton crops in the Deccan region, leading to substantial yield losses.

    PYQ:

    [2023] Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?

    (a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
    (b) The United Nations Environment Programme
    (c) The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
    (d) The World Wide Fund for Nature

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  • Horticulture, Floriculture, Commercial crops, Bamboo Production – MIDH, NFSM-CC, etc.

    CDP-SURAKSHA Digital Platform for Horticulture Subsidies

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Cluster Development Programme (CDP), CDP-SURAKSHA

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The government has introduced a new platform called CDP-SURAKSHA for disbursing subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).

    India’s Horticulture Sector:

    • India’s horticulture sector contributes nearly 1/3rd to the agriculture GVA, making a substantial economic contribution.
    • The total production of horticulture crops has increased, from 240.53 million tonnes in 2010-11 to 334.60 million tonnes in 2020-21.

    What is CDP-SURAKSHA?

    • CDP-SURAKSHA is a digital platform acronym for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.”
    • It facilitates instant subsidy disbursal to farmers’ bank accounts using the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
    • It provides upfront subsidies during material purchase, and vendors receive payment only after farmers verify delivery.

    Key Features include database integration with PM-KISAN, cloud-based server space from NIC, UIDAI validation, eRUPI integration, LGD, content management system, geotagging, and geo-fencing.

    Operational Mechanism of CDP-SURAKSHA

    1. Farmer Interaction:
      • Farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDAs), and National Horticulture Board (NHB) officials can access the platform.
      • Farmers can log in using their mobile number, place orders for planting material, and contribute their share of the cost.
    2. Subsidy Disbursement:
      • After raising the demand, farmers receive the subsidy amount automatically on the screen.
      • Upon paying their contribution, an e-RUPI voucher is generated and received by the vendor, who supplies the planting material.
      • Farmers verify the delivery through geo-tagged media, following which the IA releases payment to the vendor.

    Significance of e-RUPI

    • e-RUPI is a one-time payment mechanism redeemable without cards or digital payment apps, used for specific purposes.
    • It is shared with beneficiaries via SMS or QR code and accepted at merchants supporting e-RUPI.

    Old System vs. CDP-SURAKSHA:

    • Previously, farmers purchased planting materials independently and then approached officials for subsidy release.

    Cluster Development Program (CDP)

     

    • CDP, under National Horticulture Board (NHB), aims to leverage horticulture clusters’ geographical specialization for integrated development.
    • It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at growing and developing identified horticulture clusters to make them globally competitive.
    • 55 clusters have been identified, with 12 selected for the pilot phase, covering 9 lakh hectares and 10 lakh farmers.
    • It provides government assistance based on cluster size—up to Rs 25 crore for mini clusters, Rs 50 crore for medium, and Rs 100 crore for mega clusters.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019]Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?

    (a) Spices

    (b) Fresh fruits

    (c) Pulses

    (d) Vegetable oils

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  • Tribes in News

    Tribes in news: Jenu Kuruba

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Jenu Kuruba Tribals

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    This newscard is an excerpt from an articles which delves into the historical and social context of the Jenu Kuruba community, including their displacement from their traditional lands in the Western Ghats due to conservation efforts.

    About Jenu Kuruba

    • The Jenu Kuruba tribe, numbering around 37,000, resides primarily in the Nilgiris region, bordering Kerala and Karnataka.
    • Their traditional occupation involves collecting honey in the forest, reflected in their name where ‘Jenu’ means ‘honey’ in Kannada.
    • In the early 20th century, they lived in forest huts and engaged in cultivation.

    Social organization of Jenu Kurubas’

    • They speak the Jenu Kurumba language, which is related to Kodava or considered a rural dialect of Kannada.
    • Historically, they engaged in activities like food gathering, collecting minor forest produce, and handling elephants.
    • They typically reside in small settlements known as Hadi and practice shifting cultivation.
    • Social organization within the community is semi-nomadic, with decentralized authority led by a head-man (yajamana) and a ritual head or shaman (gudda).

    Their rehabilitation

    • The tribe has fought for their rights to live in reserved forests, most recently in 2020 under the Forest Rights Act.
    • In 2021, protests continued against the forest department for promoting eco-tourism and safaris, which are deemed illegal under Indian and international laws.
    • From the 1970s onwards, many Jenu Kurubas have been evicted from their homes due to conservation efforts in tiger reserves like Nagarhole and Bandipur.
    • Those relocated outside the forest often work as daily wagers, agricultural laborers, or on coffee estates in Kodagu.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following pairs :

    Tribe: State

    1. Limboo Limbu : Sikkim

    2. Karbi : Himachal

    3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha

    4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu

    Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

    [2014] With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statement :

    1.    They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.

    2.    They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.

    3.    They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Air-breathing Magnesium- Copper- Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Magnesium – Copper -Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • Researchers at the University of Kerala have devised an eco-friendly fuel cell that primarily utilizes air and seawater to generate power.

    Magnesium – Copper -Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

    • A semiconducting layer of Cupric Oxide grown over Copper substrate was used in a Magnesium- Sodium Chloride based fuel cell.
    • It breathes air; produces only electricity and heat during its operation and emits pure water.
    • The prototype, measuring 3 cm × 1.5 cm × 1 cm, delivered a voltage of 0.7 V and a current of 0.35 A for a duration of 10 minutes, showcasing the potential for practical application.

    What is a Fuel Cell?

    • A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy into electricity of a fuel and an oxidizing agent.
    • It generates electrical energy from fuel through an electrochemical reaction, offering high efficiency and zero emissions.
    • They are an innovative technology poised to revolutionize electricity generation, often referred to as the “battery of the future“.
    • Fuel cells provide high efficiency, low emissions, and can be used in various applications.
    • Note: Any electrochemical cell generates DC (Direct Current) output.

    Significance of the Device

    • This innovative fuel cell technology is anticipated to disrupt the market dominance of Lithium-ion batteries, offering a higher power output.
    • Unlike conventional batteries, the Magnesium-based fuel cells utilized in this research operate by utilizing saline water as fuel and extracting oxygen from the surrounding air.

    PYQ:

    2015:

    With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements :

    1.    If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.

    2.    Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.

    3.    Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

    Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    POEM-3: ISRO’s ‘Zero Orbital Debris’ Milestone

    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: PSLV-C58/XPoSat , POEM-3

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has practically left zero debris in earth’s orbit.

    About PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3)

    • Launched on January 1, 2024, POEM-3 utilized the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle, which initially launched XPoSat.
    • It is a three-axis-altitude controlled platform with power generation and tele-command & telemetry capabilities, for supporting Payloads.
    • The XPoSat mission aimed to leave no debris in space, demonstrating ISRO’s commitment to responsible space practices.
    • Upon deployment into its orbit at 650 km, POEM-3 was maneuvered to a 350 km circular orbit to minimize orbit decay time after the experiment’s completion.
    • After completing 400 orbits, POEM-3 re-entered Earth’s atmosphere after 73 days in space.

    Significance of this achievement

    • With the rise in the number of satellites in orbit around the earth, space debris has become a pressing issue.
    • Space debris in the low earth orbit (LEO) mainly comprises pieces of spacecraft, rockets, and defunct satellites, and the fragments of objects that have deteriorated explosively as a result of anti-satellite missile tests.
    • This debris often flies around at high speeds of up to 27,000 kilometres per hour.
    • Due to their sheer volume and momentum, they pose a risk to several space assets.

    Threats posed by Space Debris

    • Space debris also leads to two major risks:
    1. It creates unusable regions of the orbit due to excessive debris, and
    2. Leads to the ‘Kessler syndrome’ – creation of more debris due to cascading collisions resulting from one collision.

    Various Initiatives to mitigate the Space Debris Issue

    Description
    Project NETRA ISRO initiative for early warning system in space to detect debris and hazards to the Indian satellites.

    It can spot, track and catalogue objects as small as 10 cm, up to a range of 3,400 km and equal to a space orbit of around 2,000 km.
    Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines Established in 2002 by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and endorsed by the United Nations in 2007.
    Zero Debris Charter by ESA Adopted by the European Space Agency (ESA) with the goal of achieving zero space debris by 2030.
    NASA’s Orbital Debris Program NASA’s initiative since 1979, focusing on reducing orbital debris creation, tracking existing debris, and exploring debris removal technologies.
    Space Force Tracking System Implemented by the U.S. Space Force to monitor space debris and assess collision risks in low Earth orbit (LEO).
    Chinese Debris Removal Initiatives China’s efforts include deploying spacecraft for debris removal with innovative technologies like solar sails.
    Japanese CRD2 Demonstration Partnership between Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Astroscale to develop debris removal technologies.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) recently re-entered Earth’s Orbit. What is so significant about this re-entry?

    (a) It practically left zero debris in earth’s orbit.

    (b) It facilitated groundbreaking research on the effects of microgravity on biological organisms.

    (c) It paved the way for the development of reusable spacecraft technology, reducing the cost of future space missions.

    (d) None of these.

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  • Urban Transformation – Smart Cities, AMRUT, etc.

    In news: Cantonment Boards

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Panchayats & Local Bodies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Cantonments, Cantonment Board

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The Centre has reportedly initiated measures to reduce the land jurisdiction of 10 major cantonment boards across five states.
    • In May 2023, the Centre had kicked off a plan to abolish all 62 colonial-era Cantonments across the country.

    What are Cantonments?

    • Cantonments are Permanent military stations where a group of military personnel are stationed for administrative purposes.
    • They are governed by the Cantonments Act, 2006, which provides for municipal administration and control of these areas.
    • India currently has 62 cantonments spread across various states, with some areas known for their better infrastructure and facilities compared to other parts of the country.
    • Cantonments are managed by Cantonment Boards, which are democratic bodies comprising elected and nominated members.
    • The Station Commander of the Cantonment serves as the ex-officio President of the Board.

    Historical Background

    • The Cantonments Act, 1924, was enacted by the British to regulate the municipal administration of cantonments.
    • After India’s independence, the Cantonments Act was modified to suit the democratic setup of the country.
    • The current Cantonments Act, 2006, replaced the previous version, aiming to provide greater autonomy and accountability to the Cantonment Boards.

    Categories of the erstwhile Cantonments

    Cantonments are categorized based on the population size residing within them:

    1. Category I: Cantonments with a population of over 50,000.
    2. Category II: Cantonments with a population of 10,000 to 50,000.
    3. Category III: Cantonments with a population of less than 10,000.
    4. Category IV: Industrial or training Cantonments, irrespective of their population size.

    Centre’s plan to re-regulate Cantonments

    • Conversion to Exclusive Military Stations: Under the plan, military areas within all cantonments will be carved out and designated as “exclusive military stations.” The Army will exercise “absolute control” over these areas, streamlining their administration and operations.
    • Merger with Local Municipalities: The civilian areas of cantonments will be integrated with the respective local municipalities. These municipalities will take up the responsibility of maintaining these areas, along with providing essential services and infrastructure.
    • Move Away from Traditional Cantonment Concept: Post-independence, the Indian Army moved away from the traditional cantonment concept, primarily due to friction between military and civilian authorities. However, certain major cantonments continued to exist, such as Pune Cantonment and Agra Cantonment.

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