💥UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (April Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    ISRO gears up for Aditya-L1 Mission

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Aditya L1 mission

    Mains level: Not Much

    aditya-l1

    Central Idea

    • Although the mission launch date is yet to be announced, the Aditya-L1 satellite has arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for integration with the launch vehicle, PSLV.

    Aditya-L1 Mission

    • Aditya-L1’s primary objective is to closely observe the Sun and gather insights into its corona, solar emissions, flares, solar winds, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
    • The satellite is equipped with seven advanced payloads for these scientific endeavors.
    • The mission promises round-the-clock imaging of the Sun, enabling an unprecedented understanding of its behavior and impacts.

    Significance of the mission

    • Solar Influence: The evolution of every celestial body, including Earth and distant exoplanets, is intricately linked to its parent star. The Sun’s weather and environment have a profound impact on the entire solar system.
    • Space Weather Impact: Variations in solar activity can disrupt satellite orbits, damage electronics, trigger power blackouts, and induce disturbances on Earth. Accurate knowledge of solar events is essential for comprehending and predicting space weather phenomena.

    L1 Lagrange Point Advantage

    • Continuous Solar Observations: Positioned at the Lagrangian Point 1 (L1) — about 1.5 million km from Earth — Aditya-L1 will be uniquely positioned to observe the Sun without the interference of occultation or eclipses. L1 is an orbital location where gravitational forces create stable regions of attraction and repulsion.
    • L1’s Significance: The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO) is stationed at L1 and has facilitated groundbreaking solar research. Aditya-L1’s observations will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of solar behavior.

    Comparison with International Missions

    • Closer than Ever: While NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has ventured closer to the Sun, Aditya-L1 will focus on direct solar observations from a greater distance.
    • Technical Challenges: Many instruments and components for Aditya-L1 are being developed in India for the first time, representing both a challenge and an opportunity for the nation’s scientific and engineering communities.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • RBI Notifications

    Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Features of the platform

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has unveiled a Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit to transform credit accessibility and lending efficiency.

    About the Public Tech Platform 

    • It is developed by the RBI’s subsidiary Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH).
    • It aims to streamline the credit delivery process by enabling seamless digital information flow to lenders.
    • It intends to simplify the credit assessment by providing an end-to-end digital ecosystem that facilitates the smooth exchange of essential digital data among stakeholders.

    Features of the Platform

    • Open Architecture: The platform adopts an open architecture model, fostering interoperability and collaboration among various financial sector players.
    • Plug and Play Model: The open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and standards enable seamless integration and interaction among participating entities.
    • Efficiency and Scalability: The platform aims to enhance lending efficiency, reduce costs, expedite disbursement, and scale up lending operations.

    Launch and Scope

    • Calibrated Rollout: The platform is set to launch as a pilot project on August 17, 2023, with gradual access to information providers and use cases.
    • Initial Focus: The pilot phase will focus on credit products like Kisan Credit Card loans, dairy loans, collateral-free MSME loans, personal loans, and home loans.
    • Integration and Services: The platform will integrate services such as Aadhaar e-KYC, state government land records, satellite data, PAN validation, Aadhaar e-signing, account aggregation, and more.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Red Fort’s symbolism for Independence Day

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Red Fort

    Mains level: Not Much

    red fort

    Central Idea

    • Every year on August 15, India commemorates its Independence Day with the hoisting of the national flag at the iconic Red Fort in Delhi.
    • This historic tradition, initiated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, holds deep significance in India’s journey towards self-rule and liberation from colonial rule.

    About Red Fort

    • Constructed by: The Red Fort, also known as “Lal Qila” in Hindi, was constructed during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Its construction began in 1638 and was completed in 1648. It was designed to be the main residence of the Mughal emperors.
    • Architectural Marvel: The Red Fort is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, characterized by its red sandstone walls and intricate marble decorations. It combines Persian, Timurid, and Indian architectural styles.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Red Fort was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. It is recognized for its historical and cultural significance and its exceptional architectural design.
    • Layout: The Red Fort is a massive structure with walls extending over 2 kilometers. It is designed in the shape of an irregular octagon, with two main entrances: the Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate.
    • Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas: The complex houses the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience). The former was used for addressing the general public, while the latter was reserved for private meetings and discussions.
    • Mumtaz Mahal: Within the complex, there is a white marble structure known as Mumtaz Mahal, often mistaken for the Taj Mahal. It is the burial place of Shah Jahan’s wife Mumtaz Mahal.

    Historical Significance of the Red Fort

    • Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Era: Under the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule, Delhi emerged as a pivotal capital city. It became synonymous with the seat of power, and the Mughals established their dominion from the magnificent Red Fort.
    • Symbolic Rulership: The Mughal emperors’ association with Delhi granted them symbolic legitimacy even as their actual authority waned. They continued to be recognized as the sovereign rulers of India, despite their diminishing control.
    • Rebellion of 1857: The Rebellion of 1857 further emphasized the Red Fort’s symbolic significance. The rebels rallied around the aged Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, underscoring the fort’s role as a rallying point for indigenous authority.

    Impact of British Imperialism

    • British Rule and Red Fort: After suppressing the Rebellion of 1857, the British retained the Red Fort but stripped it of its grandeur. They transformed the fort into a British garrison, erasing elements of its Mughal heritage.
    • Co-opting Symbolism: Despite reducing Delhi’s significance, the British recognized its symbolic importance. The Delhi Durbars and the decision to shift the capital to Delhi from Calcutta highlighted its centrality and authority.

    Red Fort and India’s Independence Struggle

    • INA Trials: The Red Fort regained prominence during the Indian National Army (INA) trials, where INA officers were tried for treason. These trials evoked nationalistic sentiments and established the Red Fort as a symbol of resistance against British oppression.
    • Reclaiming for Independence: As India approached independence, Nehru’s decision to hoist the national flag at the Red Fort in 1947 symbolized the reclamation of this historical site from British colonial rule. It marked the assertion of India’s sovereignty and the culmination of its struggle for freedom.

    Key events

    • INA Trials: The Red Fort played a crucial role in the trials of the Indian National Army (INA) officers in the mid-1940s. The trials stirred nationalist sentiments and highlighted the site as a symbol of resistance against British rule.
    • Nehru’s Flag Hoisting: Jawaharlal Nehru’s decision to hoist the national flag from the Red Fort on August 15, 1947, signified the reclamation of the site from colonial dominance and marked India’s emergence as a sovereign nation.

    Annual Celebration and Symbolism

    • Continuing Tradition: The tradition of hoisting the national flag and delivering the Independence Day address from the Red Fort continues to this day.
    • Reclamation of Identity: The celebrations at the Red Fort annually emphasize the triumph of India’s struggle for independence and the reclaiming of its cultural and historical identity from colonial rule.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Tribes in News

    Evolution of the Malaiyali Tribe

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Social Empowerment

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Malaiyali Tribe

    Mains level: Not Much

    malaiyali

    Central Idea

    • The Malaiyali tribe, scattered across Tamil Nadu’s hilly regions, has undergone a remarkable transformation over two centuries.
    • From their initial foraging lifestyle to settling atop the Yelagiri hill and constructing traditional clay huts, the tribe has transitioned into a more modern way of life.
    • Amidst the evolving landscape, one old-fashioned hut remains as a testament to their history.

    Malaiyali Tribe

    • Historical Settlement: Over 200 Malaiyali tribespeople established a comprehensive system on Yelagiri hill with clay huts for shelter, storage, farming, and cattle.
    • Modern Evolution: Today, only one antiquated hut endures, belonging to tribesman Govinthasamy, while the rest have given way to brick-and-mortar homes.
    • Malaiyali Tribe: “Malai” means hill and “yali” means people, depicting the tribespeople who settled across Tamil Nadu’s hilly regions.

    Significance of Red Clay

    • Integral Material: Red clay played a pivotal role in building huts, burying the dead, and sustaining the tribe’s lifecycle from birth to death.
    • Unique Construction: Huts were constructed with red clay on teak wood frames, embodying the tribe’s connection to nature.
    • Practicality and Value: Despite its worn appearance, the hut holds immense value due to the scarcity and high cost of materials like teak wood.

    Distinctive Hut Features

    • Roofing: A 12-foot thatched roof made of dry bamboo leaves, waxed with cow dung to prevent leaks during monsoons.
    • Interior Space: Deceptively small from outside, the hut accommodates eight people and an attic for storing household items.
    • Functional Evolution: Originally meant for living, the hut transformed into a storage space for seeds during sowing and grains post-harvest.
    • Elevated Structure: The hut stands on a teak wood stilt to prevent flooding during heavy rains and deter rodents.
    • Storage Space: Stilts create additional storage beneath the house for grains or poultry.
    • Traditional Living: The one-room structure housed various activities, highlighting the tribe’s reliance on agriculture.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Fertilizer Sector reforms – NBS, bio-fertilizers, Neem coating, etc.

    Urea Gold: Making Urea more efficient

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Urea Gold

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    urea gold

    Central Idea

    • The recent launch of “Urea Gold,” a fortified fertiliser by Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd (RCF), has sparked interest as it combines urea with sulphur to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).
    • It seeks to tackle challenges of escalating urea consumption and declining agricultural efficiency.

    What is Urea Gold?

    • Composition: “Urea Gold” blends urea with sulphur to create a fortified fertiliser aimed at improving NUE and crop performance.
    • NUE Enhancement: The fortified blend ensures gradual nitrogen release, sustaining plant health and potentially reducing fertiliser application frequency.

    Challenges of Urea Consumption and NUE Decline

    urea

    • Urea Consumption Surge: Urea consumption has risen from 26.7 million tonnes to 35.7 million tonnes between 2009-10 and 2022-23, making it India’s predominant fertiliser choice.
    • Import Dependency: Domestic urea production relies heavily on imported natural gas. India’s annual consumption trails only China’s, where coal-based production prevails.
    • Declining NUE: Only around 35% of nitrogen applied through urea benefits crops, raising concerns about resource wastage and increased fertiliser application.

    Fortified Fertiliser Solution

    • Coating Strategy: Fortified fertilisers entail coating primary nutrients (N, P, K) with secondary nutrients (S, calcium, magnesium) and micronutrients (zinc, boron, manganese, etc.).
    • Enhanced Benefits: Coated fertilisers act as “carrier products” for secondary and micronutrients, thereby increasing their N and P use efficiency and ensuring controlled nutrient release.
    • Innovation by Yara International: The “Procote” technology facilitates micronutrient coating, demonstrating improved fertiliser efficacy.
    • Efficacy Confirmation: The trials substantiated amplified paddy and wheat yields through micronutrient-coated fertilisers, potentially mitigating NUE concerns.

    Pricing and Distribution Challenges

    • Pricing Complexities: Existing subsidies for coated fertilisers like zincated urea and boronated DAP may not incentivise companies to promote fortified products.
    • Farmer Adoption Hurdles: Discrepancies in pricing between fortified and non-fortified fertilisers have deterred farmers from embracing coated options.
    • Optimal Implementation: Advocates suggest factory-level coating to ensure uniform nutrient distribution and user convenience. Freeing maximum retail prices (MRPs) for coated fertilisers could bolster adoption.
    • Striking Pricing Balance: Since traditional fertilisers receive substantial subsidies, fortified product premiums must remain reasonable to encourage affordability.

    Conclusion

    • Amidst the challenges of dwindling NUE and escalating urea consumption, the introduction of “Urea Gold” and fortified fertilisers holds promise for enhancing agricultural efficiency.
    • The journey to successful implementation necessitates addressing pricing discrepancies and distribution intricacies.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Zoonotic Diseases: Medical Sciences Involved & Preventive Measures

    Metagenome Sequencing and Pathogen Surveillance

    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: Metagenomics

    Mains level: NA

    metagenome

    Central Idea

    • Genome sequencing technologies played a crucial role in identifying the causative agent of the COVID pandemic.
    • This approach, known as metagenomics, revolutionized pathogen identification and surveillance, enabling rapid response to emerging threats.

    Metagenomics and COVID-19

    • Unprecedented Scale: Scientists rapidly applied genome sequencing to identify SARS-CoV-2, making it one of the most sequenced organisms in history.
    • Break from Tradition: Instead of traditional microbiological methods, patient samples were directly subjected to genome sequencing, expediting virus identification.
    • Global Genome Surveillance: The success of genome sequencing led to the development of technologies like CovidSeq assay and spurred national and international SARS-CoV-2 genome surveillance initiatives.

    What is Genome Sequencing?

    • Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome.
    • The genome refers to the entire set of genetic material present in an organism’s cells, including all the genes and non-coding regions.
    • Genome sequencing involves reading and deciphering the order of the nucleotide bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) that make up an organism’s DNA.
    • The genome sequencing process typically involves several steps:
    1. DNA Extraction: Genetic material (DNA) is extracted from the cells of the organism being studied.
    2. DNA Fragmentation: The extracted DNA is broken down into smaller fragments for sequencing. These fragments are usually around a few hundred base pairs in length.
    3. Sequencing: The individual DNA fragments are then sequenced using advanced sequencing technologies. Various methods, such as Sanger sequencing or next-generation sequencing (NGS), can be employed for this purpose.
    4. Data Analysis: The sequence data generated is processed and analyzed using specialized bioinformatics tools. The data is assembled to reconstruct the complete genome sequence.
    5. Annotation: Once the genome sequence is assembled, it is annotated to identify genes, regulatory elements, and other functional components within the genome.

    Application in Pathogen Surveillance

    • Genome Surveillance Technologies: Several technologies based on genome sequencing, such as the CovidSeq assay, were developed for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
    • GISAID Repository: GISAID became a repository for global genome-sequence data, reflecting high-throughput genome surveillance activities.
    • India’s Initiatives: India initiated a national genome-sequencing and surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2, fostering national-level efforts.

    Nigerian Study and Metagenomic Sequencing

    • Application of Metagenomics: Nigerian scientists employed metagenomic sequencing to study pathogen surveillance in three cohorts of patients.
    • Versatile Approach: The study identified 13 distinct viruses among the cohorts and aided in detecting co-infections and undiagnosed conditions.
    • Diagnostic Power: Metagenomics helped link symptoms to pesticide poisoning in some cases, showcasing its diagnostic potential.

    Diverse Applications and Future Prospects

    • Expanding to Other Pathogens: Genome sequencing technologies are being applied to detect other pathogens like Zika, dengue, lumpy skin disease, and drug-resistant tuberculosis.
    • Environmental Surveillance: Genome surveillance is being extended to diverse sources, such as wastewater, air, soil, and animals, aiding in early detection and response strategies.
    • Mainstay for Pathogen Defense: The speed, accuracy, and adaptability of genome sequencing make it a cornerstone for future pathogen detection, surveillance, and response.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Lunar South Pole Mission: Russia’s Luna 25 and India’s Chandrayaan-3

    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: Luna 25, Chandrayaan

    Mains level: Not Much

    luna

    Central Idea

    • The moon exploration scene has intensified as Russia’s “Luna 25” mission prepares for a soft landing near the lunar South Pole, challenging India’s “Chandrayaan-3” in the race to touch down first.
    • While Luna 25’s earlier launch and more direct trajectory give it an edge, Chandrayaan-3’s unique features and India-Russia collaboration in space activities also merit attention.

    Luna 25’s Accelerated Journey

    • Launch and Orbit: Luna 25 was launched on August 10, aiming to enter lunar orbit by August 16.
    • Lunar Landing Date: The Russian lander is anticipated to attempt a soft landing between August 21 and 22, ahead of Chandrayaan-3’s possible landing date of August 23.

    Key Factors behind Luna 25’s Lead

    • Trajectory and Fuel Storage: Luna 25 followed a direct trajectory due to its lighter payload and higher fuel efficiency.
    • Payload Comparison: Luna 25’s lift-off mass is 1,750 kg, significantly lighter than Chandrayaan-3’s 3,900 kg. The latter includes a Lander-Rover and propulsion module.
    • Lunar Dawn Advantage: Luna 25 benefits from an earlier lunar dawn at its landing site, ensuring optimal power generation through solar panels.

    What is Lunar Dawn?

    • Lunar dawn is the period on the Moon when the Sun is about to rise over the lunar horizon, resulting in the gradual illumination of the lunar surface, similar to Earth’s sunrise.
    • During lunar dawn, the Moon’s surface transitions from darkness to light as the Sun’s rays gradually touch and illuminate different areas.
    • It occurs due to the Moon’s rotation on its axis, causing changing lighting conditions as it orbits the Earth.
    • Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks a significant atmosphere, resulting in distinct lighting, sharp shadows, and no diffusion of sunlight.
    • Astronauts on lunar missions, like the Apollo missions, have observed lunar dawn first-hand, providing unique perspectives on the Moon’s surface.

    Chandrayaan-3’s Distinct Features

    • Coated Rover: Chandrayaan-3 boasts a rover with a 500-metre range, unlike Luna 25.
    • Scientific Objectives: Chandrayaan-3 emphasizes soil and water-ice study, especially near the southern pole, owing to craters in permanent shadow.
    • Experiment Suite: Chandrayaan-3’s Lander carries experiments like RAMBHA, ChaSTE, ILSA, and LRA, providing crucial insights into moon’s properties.

    Collaboration and Competition

    • India-Russia Space Collaboration: Both countries have collaborated extensively in space activities, such as Russia’s contribution to India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission’s lander-rover design.
    • Chandrayaan-1 to Chandrayaan-2 Gap: India developed its lander-rover technology independently after Russia’s withdrawal, leading to an 11-year gap between Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 missions.

    Future Prospects

    • Human Moon Missions Race: India, the US, and China are actively pursuing human moon missions after India’s Chandrayaan-1’s water molecule discovery in 2008.
    • Progress and Challenges: While India has made strides, countries like the US and China have achieved landing and sample return missions. India’s efforts to develop heavier launch vehicles for more ambitious missions continue.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Who was Sant Guru Ravidas?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sant Ravidas, Bhakti Movement

    Mains level: Not Much

    ravidas

    Central Idea

    • Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a ₹100 crore temple dedicated to Sant Ravidas in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar.

    Guru Ravidas

    • Ravidas was an Indian mystic poet-saint of the Bhakti movement and founder of the Ravidassia religion during the 15th to 16th century CE.
    • Venerated as a guru (teacher) in the region of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and mainly Punjab and Haryana. He was a poet-saint, social reformer and spiritual figure.
    • The life details of Ravidas are uncertain and contested. Scholars believe he was born in 1450 CE, in the cobbler caste.
    • Ravidas’s devotional verses were included in the Sikh scriptures known as Guru Granth Sahib.
    • The Panch Vani text of the Dadupanthi tradition within Hinduism also includes numerous poems of Ravidas.
    • He taught the removal of social divisions of caste and gender and promoted unity in the pursuit of personal spiritual freedoms.

    Significance of his teachings

    • Philosophy and values of Sant Ravidas like social justice, equality and fraternity have been imbued in our constitutional values.
    • He had envisaged a society that is based on equality and free from any kind of discrimination.
    • He gave it the name ‘Be-gampura’ (a city near Lahore) where there is no place for any kind of grief or fear.
    • Such an ideal city would be bereft of fear, vulnerability or scarcity. Rule of law based on the right ideas like equality and welfare of all would be the principle for governance.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Climate change impacts ancient moss Takakia

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Takakia

    Mains level: Not Much

    Takakia

    Central Idea

    • Takakia, a unique moss genus that has thrived at high altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau for millions of years, has captured the attention of international scientists.
    • Astonishingly, the same habitat that nurtured Takakia for eons is now rapidly transforming due to climate change, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.

    Takakia and its Evolution

    • Adaptive Traits: Takakia is slender turf with finger-like leaves and resilience to harsh weather conditions. Genetic traits protecting it from frost and high UV radiation have evolved over 65 million years.
    • Living Fossil: Despite its rapidly evolving genome, Takakia’s physical appearance has remained unchanged for over 165 million years, making it a remarkable example of a living fossil.
    • Evolutionary Paradox: The juxtaposition of constant appearance and evolving genome poses an intriguing challenge for evolutionary biologists, shedding light on the species’ unique adaptation.

    Its scientific significance

    • Hybrid Characteristics: Takakia blends features from mosses, liverworts, and green algae, intriguing researchers for its evolutionary diversity.
    • Ancient Separation: Research confirms that Takakia’s divergence from other mosses occurred around 390 million years ago, soon after the emergence of the first land plants.

    Climate Change Impacts on Takakia

    • Changing Habitat: Takakia’s habitat, which sheltered it for millions of years, is now experiencing rapid climate change within decades.
    • Temperature and Glacier Shifts: Recorded measurements since 2010 indicate a temperature increase of nearly half a degree Celsius per year on the Tibetan Plateau, accompanied by a glacier’s retreat of almost 50 meters per year.
    • Species Resilience: Unlike some other plants that benefit from warming, Takakia’s populations have diminished over the study period. Its struggle to cope with rising temperatures raises concerns about its survival.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Earendel: Most distant Star discovered

    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: Earendel

    Mains level: NA

    Earendel

    Central Idea

    • The remarkable discovery of the star Earendel by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2022 has been further illuminated by the James Webb Space Telescope.

    About Earendel

    • Earendel is the farthest star ever detected, observed within the first billion years after the big bang.
    • It’s a massive B-type star, more than twice as hot as the Sun, and a million times more luminous.
    • The star is part of the Sunrise Arc galaxy, detectable due to the gravitational lensing
    • Gravitational lensing is a natural phenomenon where the mass of a massive object bends and magnifies light from a background object.
    • The massive galaxy cluster WHL0137-08 acts as a “magnifying glass,” allowing telescopes to observe Earendel even though it’s distant.

    How was it discovered?

    • JSWT discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope employed its Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to build upon Hubble’s observations of Earendel.
    • Star’s Characteristics: The revelations from NIRCam showcase Earendel as a massive B-type star, surpassing our Sun’s heat by over twofold and radiating luminosity a million times greater.
    • 9 Billion Light-Years Away: Situated approximately 12.9 billion light-years from Earth, Earendel holds insights into the early universe’s cosmic evolution.
    • Gravitational Lensing: Both Webb and Hubble harnessed gravitational lensing—a phenomenon where foreground galaxies magnify distant objects—to detect Earendel, with galaxy cluster WHL0137-08 acting as a cosmic magnifying lens.

    Glimpse into it’s Past

    • Single Point of Light: Due to its immense distance, Earendel appears as a solitary point of light even on Webb’s high-resolution infrared imagery.
    • Snapshot from 1 Billion Years Post-Big Bang: Although Earendel remains a faint pinpoint, the telescope’s data indicates that we are witnessing the star as it appeared 1 billion years after the Big Bang.
    • Historic Perspective: This revelation pushes the boundaries of our knowledge, as the previous farthest observed star had been documented around 4 billion years post-Big Bang.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor