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Type: Prelims Only

  • Moon occulting the Antares (Jyeshtha)

    Why in the news?

    • The Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) captured the moon passing in front of Antares, a bright red star.
    • Moon occasionally occults bright stars such as Antares and planets as it orbits the Earth once a month.

    About Antares (Jyeshtha)

    • Antares is a red supergiant star also called ‘Alpha Scorpii,’ located in the constellation of Scorpius.
    • It is visible in the southern sky during the summer months in the northern hemisphere.
    • It is often referred to as the “heart of the scorpion” due to its location within the Scorpius constellation and its striking red color.
    • It is a massive star, with a diameter estimated to be around 700 times that of the Sun.
    • It has a relatively low surface temperature compared to other stars, which gives it its distinctive red color.
    • The distance to Antares from Earth is approximately 550 light-years, making it one of the closest red supergiant stars to our solar system.

    What is Occultation?

    • An occultation is a total or a partial cut-off of the light of a celestial body due to its passage behind another body.
    • The finest example of an occultation is the solar eclipse.
    • Strictly speaking, it is not an eclipse, but a lunar occultation of the sun.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] A person stood alone in a desert on a dark night and wanted to reach his village, which was situated 5 km East of the point where he was standing. He had no instruments to find the direction, but he located the pole-star. The most convenient way now to reach his village is to walk in the _______.

    (a) Direction facing the pole-star

    (b) Direction opposite to the pole-star

    (c) Direction keeping the pole-star to his left

    (d) Direction keeping the pole-star to his right

  • [pib] 57th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57)

    Why in the news?

    India’s Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) are participating in the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57) 57th session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

    About Commission on Population and Development (CPD)

    Details
    Establishment Established by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution 18(IV) in 1946 to advise on population and development issues.
    Mandate Provides guidance and recommendations on population and development policies to ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
    Membership Comprises 47 member states elected by ECOSOC for 4-year terms, based on geographic representation and expertise.
    Meetings Holds annual sessions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, typically in April.
    Themes Focuses each session on specific population and development themes, such as youth empowerment and gender equality.
    Reports and Resolutions Prepares reports and adopts resolutions containing recommendations for action by ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
    Linkage to SDGs Closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, 5, 10, and 17.
    Regional Collaboration Collaborates with regional commissions and expert groups to analyze population trends and develop strategies at regional and national levels.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.

    [2017] With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct?

    1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.

    2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.

    3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1 only

  • [pib] 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) in Kochi, Kerala.

    About Antarctic Treaty

    Details
    Signing and Entry into Force
    • Signed on December 1, 1959 at Washington DC.
    • Entered into force on June 23, 1961.
    • 12 Initial Countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the USSR, the UK, and the US.
    Objective Ensure Antarctica remains exclusively for peaceful purposes, free from international discord.
    Key Provisions
    • Art. I: Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only
    • Art. II: Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation
    • Art. III:  Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available

     
    Territorial Claims
    • Prohibits new territorial claims.
    • Preserves existing territorial sovereignty claims.
    Disarmament
    • Prohibits testing of nuclear weapons.
    • Prohibits disposal of radioactive waste
    Consultative Meetings Annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM) where member states discuss treaty implementation and cooperation
    Environmental Protection
    • Promotes protection of Antarctic environment.
    • Prohibits activities causing pollution or environmental damage
    Mineral Resource Exploitation
    • Bans mining activities until at least 2048.
    • Requires consensus for any review or modification
    Membership
      • 54 parties as of 2024.
      • 29 Consultative Parties actively participate in decision-making.
      • 25 Non-Consultative Parties.
    • India ratified the treaty in 1983.
    Madrid Protocol
    • Adopted in 1991.
    • Entered into force in 1998.
    • Strengthens environmental protection measures in Antarctic.

     

  • Studies Suggest More Water Ice on Moon: ISRO 

    Why in the news?

    A study has revealed evidence for enhanced possibility of sub-surface water ice occurrence in the polar craters of the Moon, according to ISRO.

    Water Ice on Moon: ISRO’s Findings 

    • The research indicates that the amount of sub-surface ice within the first few meters is significantly greater, about 5-8x more, than that found on the lunar surface.
    • Moreover, the study reveals that the Northern Polar region harbors twice as much water ice as the southern polar region.
    • It highlights the necessity of drilling to access this ice for future missions and sustained human presence on the Moon.

    Origin of Water Ice:

    • The study validates the hypothesis that sub-surface water ice in lunar poles originated from out-gassing during volcanic activity in the Imbrian period.
    • It suggests that Lunar Mare Volcanism and preferential impact cratering govern the distribution of water ice on the Moon.

    Methodology:

    • The research team utilized seven instruments aboard the NASA robotic spacecraft Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), including radar, laser, optical, neutron spectrometer, ultra-violet spectrometer, and thermal radiometer. LRO hovers over Lunar South Pole.
    • These instruments provided crucial data to understand the origin and distribution of water ice on the lunar surface.

    Significance of the findings

    • Accurate knowledge of water ice distribution and depth is vital for identifying suitable landing and sampling sites for future lunar missions.
    • The study supports ISRO’s future plans for in-situ volatile exploration on the Moon, aligning with its broader lunar exploration objectives.

    PYQ:

    Q. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development? (2016)

  • 10 Years of Street Vendors Act, 2014

    Why in the news?

    • It has been a decade since the enactment of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act on May 1, 2014.
    • It marks a significant milestone in the recognition of the rights and contributions of street vendors across India.

    About Street Vendors Act, 2014

      • The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, was enacted
        • Objective: To regulate street vendors in public areas and protect their rights.
      • It was introduced in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Parliament of India) on 6 September 2012 by then Union Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Selja.
      • The Act came into force from 1 May 2014.
    • History:
      • 2004: The bill aimed at providing social security and livelihood rights to street vendors, has its origins in the ‘National Policy for Urban Street Vendors’ introduced in 2004.
      • 2009: It was later revised as ‘National Policy on Urban Street Vendors’ in 2009.
    • 3 Recognized categories of street vending:

    Key Provisions of the Bill:

    Details
    Town Vending Committee
    • Responsible for conducting surveys of all vendors, issuance of certificates of vending, and designation of vending zones.
    • Surveys to be conducted every 5 years.
    • No eviction until certificates are issued.
    • TVCs to have 40% representation of street vendor representatives and 33% of women street vendors.
    Designated Vending Zones
    • All street vendors to be accommodated in designated vending zones.
    • Allocation of space by drawing lots if necessary.
    • Those unable to secure space in the same zone to be accommodated in adjoining zones.
    Certificate of Vending
    • Granted to street vendors above 14 years of age.
    • Can be transferred to family members in certain circumstances.
    • Can be cancelled if conditions are breached.
    No-Vending Zones
    • Prohibits vending activities in designated no-vending zones.
    • Relocation provisions for affected vendors.
    • Notice period of at least 30 days for relocation.
    • Failure to vacate may result in penalties.
    Dispute Resolution Body Consists of a Chairperson (civil judge or judicial magistrate) and two other professionals.
    Responsibility of Local Authorities for Implementation Responsibility for creating schemes and implementation delegated to local municipalities.
    Role of Town Vending Committee Each zone or ward of the local authority to have a Town Vending Committee.
    Relocation and Penalties Vendors failing to relocate from no-vending zones after notice may face penalties, including fines.
    Representation and Legal Ambiguities Criticisms include lack of adequate representation of street vendors in decision-making bodies and legal ambiguities.

     

    Also read about: PM SVANidhi Scheme

    PYQ:

    [2016] How has globalization led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?

  • Patachitra Scroll Paintings

    Why in the news?

    Patachitra Paintings of women in Paschim Medinipur’s Pingla block in West Bengal has become popular worldwide.

    About Bengal Patachitra

    • Patachitra, also spelled as Pattachitra, is a traditional form of scroll painting that originated in the eastern Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal, as well as parts of Bangladesh. The term “Patachitra” derives from Sanskrit, where “pata” means “cloth” and “chitra” means “picture.”
    • These paintings are typically created on cloth canvas, palm leaves, or paper. Artists associated with Patachitra are known as Patuas.
    • Origin: Bengal Patachitra is believed to have originated in rural Bengal, with some historical references suggesting its existence during the Pre-Pala period.
    • Themes and Style:
      • The themes of Bengal Patachitra are diverse, ranging from religious and mythological narratives to secular subjects.
      • Religious themes often depict stories from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as folklore such as Manasha and Chandi.
      • Secular themes include important news events, accidents, scandals, and social issues.
      • Each Patachitra is accompanied by a song called Patua Sangeet, sung by the artists while unfurling the scroll.
    • Aspects of Painting:
      • Chalchitra: Background paintings associated with religious idols, such as Durga Pratima.
      • Durga Pot: Special Patachitras worshiped during Durga Puja, often featuring images of gods and goddesses.
      • Various Technique: Different districts have distinct techniques, colors, and designs. For example, Purulia Patachitras prefer burnt sienna with white and yellow patches, while Hooghly and Manbhum scrolls exhibit modernistic abstract linear treatment.
      • Artists: Bengal Patua artists, also known as Chitrakars, are concentrated in villages like Naya in the Medinipur district.
      • Colors: Bengal Patachitra typically uses natural colors derived from materials like chalk dust (for white), pauri (for yellow), cultivated indigo (for blue), bhushakali (for black), and mete sindur (for red).

  • Taam Ja’: World’s Deepest Blue Hole

    Why in the news?

    Researchers have made a discovery in Mexico, uncovering the world’s deepest blue hole, known as Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH).

    What are Blue Holes?

    • Blue holes, such as TJBH, are formed in coastal regions with soluble bedrock, such as limestone, marble, or gypsum.
    • Water percolates through the rock, dissolving minerals and widening cracks, ultimately leading to the formation of sinkholes.
    • Famous examples: 410-foot Great Blue Hole in Belize, the 663-foot Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas and the 328-foot Blue Hole in the Red Sea near Dahab, Egypt.

    About Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH)

    • TJBH extends at least 1,380 feet (420 meters) below sea level, making it the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world.
    • It is located in Chetumal Bay off the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
    • It was first discovered in 2021, was originally thought to be 900 feet deep.
    • This discovery surpasses the previous record-holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole in the South China Sea, by an impressive 480 feet.

    Research Expedition and Findings

    • Scientists utilized a conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) profiler to collect data about the environmental conditions within the blue hole.
    • Despite reaching depths of 1,640 feet (500 meters), the CTD profiler was unable to reach the bottom of TJBH, indicating its remarkable depth.
    • Data from the profiler suggested the presence of different water layers within the blue hole, with conditions resembling those of the Caribbean Sea at depths below 1,312 feet (400 meters).

    PYQ:

    [2017] In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?

    1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams.

    2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs.

    3. Subterranean deep saline formations.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Unveiling of Raja Ravi Varma’s Indulekha Painting

    Why in the News?

    The first true copy of Raja Ravi Varma’s painting “Indulekha” will be unveiled at Kilimanoor Palace, the birthplace of the legendary artist, on his 176th birth anniversary celebrations.

    About the Indulekha Painting:

    • The painting depicts Indulekha, the protagonist of the first modern Malayalam novel by O. Chandu Menon, published in 1889.
    • The painting holds significance as it is believed to have inspired Ravi Varma’s famous work, “Reclining Lady.”
    • The oil painting portrays Indulekha holding a letter, dated 1892.
    • It exhibits meticulous attention to detail and symmetry, characteristic of Ravi Varma’s style.

    Who was Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906)?

    • Raja Ravi Varma was born in April 1848 in Kilimanoor, Kerala, to a family which was very close to the royals of Travancore.
    • Often referred to as the father of modern Indian art, he is widely known for his realistic portrayal of Indian gods and goddesses.
    • While he majorly painted for the royalty, he is also credited for taking art to the masses with his prints and oleographs.
    • Patronised by Ayilyam Thirunal, the then ruler of Travancore, he learnt watercolour painting from the royal painter Ramaswamy Naidu.
    • He later trained in oil painting from Dutch artist Theodore Jensen.

    Fame as a notable painter

    • Following a portrait of Maharaja Sayajirao of Baroda, he has commissioned 14 Puranic paintings for the Durbar Hall of the new Lakshmi Vilas Palace at Baroda.
    • Depicting Indian culture, Varma borrowed from episodes of Mahabharata and Ramayana for the same.
    • He also received patronage from numerous other rulers, including the Maharaja of Mysore and Maharaja of Udaipur.
    • As his popularity soared, the artist won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873.
    • He was also awarded three gold medals at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
    • Viceroy Lord Curzon honoured him with the Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal for his service.

    Nature of his artforms

    • Much of his celebrated art also borrows heavily from Indian mythology.
    • In fact, he is often credited with defining the images of Indian gods and goddesses through his relatable and more realistic portrayals often painted with humans as models.
    • The depictions include Lakshmi as the goddess of wealth, Saraswati as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, and Lord Vishnu with his consorts, Maya and Lakshmi.
    • Raja Ravi Varma aspired to take his art to the masses and the intent led him to open a Lithographic Press in Bombay in 1894.
    • The first picture printed at Varma’s press was reportedly The Birth of Shakuntala, followed by numerous mythological figures and saints such as Adi Shankaracharya.

    Major works

    • It is believed that he had made around 7,000 paintings before his death at the age of 58.
    • But only one painting is now left in ‘Chithrashala,’ the artist’s studio at Kilimanoor Palace — an unfinished portrait of ‘Parsi lady’ which was his last work.
    • Some of his popular works include ‘Lady in the Moonlight’, ‘Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair’, ‘Malabar Lady with Violin’, ‘Lady with Swarbat’, and ‘Maharashtrian Lady with Fruits’.
    [2018] The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the

    (a) Bundi school

    (b) Jaipur school

    (c) Kangra school

    (d) Kishangarh school

  • SEBI board approves amendment to Mutual Funds rules

    Why in the news?

    • The Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recently approved amendments to SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, aimed at enhancing the regulatory framework for Asset Management Companies (AMCs).
      • These amendments mandate AMCs to establish institutional mechanisms to deter potential market abuse, including front-running, following recent instances observed by the market regulator.

    What are Mutual Funds?

    • A mutual fund is a pool of money managed by a professional Fund Manager.
    • It is a trust that collects money from a number of investors who share a common investment objective and invests the same in equities, bonds, money market instruments and/or other securities.
    • And the income / gains generated from this collective investment is distributed proportionately amongst the investors after deducting applicable expenses and levies, by calculating a scheme’s “Net Asset Value” or NAV.
    • SEBI regulates mutual funds through the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.

    Categories of Mutual Funds:

    1. An actively managed fund is a mutual fund scheme in which the fund manager “actively” manages the portfolio and continuously monitors the fund’s portfolio, deciding on which stocks to buy/sell/hold and when, using his/her professional judgement, backed by analytical research.
    2. A passively managed fund, by contrast, simply follows a market index, i.e., in a passive fund , the fund manager remains inactive or passive inasmuch as, he/she does not use his/her judgement or discretion to decide as to which stocks to buy/sell/hold , but simply replicates / tracks the scheme’s benchmark index in exactly the same proportion.

    Fund Structure

    • Mutual funds in India operate under a three-tier structure, comprising the
    1. Asset Management Company (AMC),
    2. Trustees, and
    3. Custodians.
    • The AMC manages the fund’s investments, the Trustees oversee the operations, and the Custodians safeguard the fund’s assets.

    Key highlights of the recent update:

    • Institutional Mechanism: AMCs are required to implement enhanced surveillance systems, internal controls, and escalation processes to identify and address specific types of misconduct, such as front-running, insider trading, and misuse of sensitive information.
    • Whistleblower Mechanism: To foster transparency, AMCs are mandated to have a whistleblower mechanism.
    • Recording of Communication: SEBI has exempted face-to-face interactions during market hours from the requirement of recording all communication by dealers and fund managers. This exemption will be effective upon the implementation of the institutional mechanism by AMCs.
    • Prudential Norms for Passive Schemes: SEBI has streamlined prudential norms for passive schemes, allowing equity passive schemes to invest up to the weightage of constituents in the underlying index, subject to a 35% cap on investment in sponsor group companies.

    PYQ:

    [2014] What does venture capital mean?

    (a) A short-term capital provided to industries

    (b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs

    (c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses

    (d) Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries

  • Chin-Kuki-Zo Tribes: Backdrop of Ethnic Conflict in Manipur

    Why in the news?

    Manipur CM took it to social media where he alleged an “unnatural growth” in the population of the “Chin-Kuki-Zo” tribes in the state, posing a perceived threat to indigenous communities and national security.

    About Chin-Kuki-Zo Tribes

    Chin Tribe Kuki Tribe Zo Tribe
    Ethnic Composition Major ethnic group in Myanmar’s Chin State; known for distinct customs and language. Heterogeneous group in Northeast India; recognized for diverse subtribes. Diverse ethnic group in Northeast India, Myanmar, and parts of Bangladesh.
    Geographical Distribution Primarily in Myanmar’s Chin State; significant populations in Indian states like Mizoram. Mainly in Northeast India; also found in Chin State, Myanmar. Inhabits Northeast India, particularly Mizoram and Manipur; also in parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh.
    Language Chin language, part of Kuki-Chin subgroup of Tibeto-Burman family. Kuki-Chin languages; various dialects with distinct variations. Mizo-Kuki-Chin languages; different dialects within Tibeto-Burman family.
    Culture and Traditions Vibrant music, dance, festivals; celebrates Chin National Day. Rich oral traditions, folk music; celebrates festivals like Chavang Kut. Rich oral literature, vibrant festivals; celebrates Chapchar Kut and Mim Kut.
    Livelihood Historically practiced subsistence agriculture; now diversified livelihoods. Historically practiced shifting (Jhum) cultivation; now engaged in various occupations. Historically practiced shifting (Jhum) cultivation; now diverse livelihood patterns.
    Religion Predominantly Christianity with some traditional animistic beliefs. Predominantly Christianity with traditional animistic practices. Predominantly Christianity with remnants of traditional beliefs.
    Socio-Political Organization Advocates for cultural identity and rights; e.g., Chin National Front. Promotes Kuki identity; active organizations like Kuki National Organization. Promotes Zo identity; e.g., Zomi Council and Mizo Zirlai Pawl.

    Issues with their migration

    The Chin-Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur are contributing to the conflict in the state due to various factors.

    • There have been longstanding demands from various tribal groups for greater recognition of their ethnic identity and autonomy within Manipur.
    • Land ownership and control are significant issues among the Chin-Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur.
    [2016]  Consider the following pairs: (2016)

    Community sometimes  mentioned in the news In the affairs of
    1. Kurd Bangladesh
    2. Madhesi Nepal
    3. Rohingya Myanmar

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 2 and 3
    (d) 3 only