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Type: Prelims Only

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

    Blue Ocean Event: Arctic Ocean to be Ice-Free by 2030s

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Blue Ocean Event

    Mains level: Not Much

    blue ocean

    Central Idea

    • A new study published in Nature Communications warns that the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer by the 2030s, even with significant emission reduction efforts.
    • This alarming conclusion challenges previous predictions and highlights the global, damaging, and dangerous consequences of such a scenario.

    Accelerated Climate Heating in the Arctic

    • Fastest Heating: The Arctic region has been experiencing climate heating at a faster rate than any other part of the planet, making it a frontline area for climate change.
    • Focus on Sea Ice: Scientists and local indigenous communities closely monitor the sea ice that covers much of the Arctic Ocean during winter, as it is a critical indicator of climate change.
    • Diminishing Sea Ice: Over the past 40 years, multiyear sea ice, which remains at the end of summer, has reduced from approximately 7 million sq. km to 4 million sq. km, representing a significant loss.

    Predicting an Ice-Free Arctic: Blue Ocean Event

    • What is it: Scientists have been studying when the Arctic Ocean might become ice-free in summer, known as a “blue ocean event,” defined by the sea ice area dropping below 1 million sq. km.
    • Complex Modeling: Sea ice is challenging to model accurately due to its sensitivity to atmospheric and oceanic circulation and heat transfer. Previous climate models underestimated the loss of sea ice compared to actual observations.
    • Observationally Constrained Projections: The latest study takes a calibrated approach, using observational data to refine the models and project sea ice decline. It suggests the Arctic could become ice-free in summer as early as the 2030s, even with emission reductions.

    Implications of an Ice-Free Arctic:

    • Climate Feedback: The loss of Arctic sea ice amplifies warming through positive feedback, as it reduces sunlight absorption by the ocean, potentially accelerating the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and contributing to sea-level rise.
    • Environmental Shifts: An ice-free Arctic would lead to changes in atmospheric circulation, storm tracks, and ocean biological activity, with far-reaching and undesirable consequences.
    • Slender Benefits: While there may be some perceived benefits, such as shorter shipping routes, they pale in comparison to the negative impacts on the climate system and global ecosystems.

    Conclusion

    • The potential ice-free Arctic Ocean by the 2030s, as indicated by the study, underscores the urgent need for climate action.
    • The consequences of such a scenario extend far beyond.
    • The study highlights the imperative of mitigating climate change to avoid further damage to the Arctic and the planet as a whole.

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  • Indian Army Updates

    [pib] Ex Khaan Quest 2023

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Ex Khaan Quest 2023

    Mains level: Not Much

    khaan

    Central Idea: The multinational peacekeeping joint exercise, Ex Khaan Quest 2023, has commenced in Mongolia, with the participation of military contingents and observers from over 20 countries.

    Ex Khaan Quest 2023

    • This 14-day exercise aims to enhance interoperability, share experiences, and provide training for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
    • The exercise is co-sponsored by the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and the United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).
    • The Indian Army, represented by a contingent from the GARHWAL RIFLES, is actively involved in this endeavor.

    Agenda of the exercise

    1. Fostering Interoperability: This Exercise focuses on strengthening interoperability among participating nations, facilitating better coordination during joint operations.
    2. Sharing Experience: The exercise provides a platform for sharing experiences and best practices among military personnel involved in UNPKO, enabling them to learn from each other’s expertise.
    3. Training for UN Peacekeeping: Participants will be trained for future UN Peacekeeping missions, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and capabilities to carry out peace operations effectively.
    4. Diverse Training Components: The exercise encompasses various training elements such as Command Post Exercise (CPX), Field Training Exercises (FTX), combat discussions, lectures, and demonstrations.

    Back2Basics: UN Peacekeeping

    • UN Peacekeeping was established in 1948 to maintain international peace and security.
    • The first mission was deployed in 1948 for the Arab-Israeli conflict ceasefire.
    • Its missions involve soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel known as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets.
    • Guided by principles of consent, impartiality, and limited use of force, UN Peacekeeping deploys approximately 81,820 personnel from 119 countries in 13 missions worldwide.
    • With their assistance, UN Peacekeeping promotes peace, stability, and humanitarian aid globally.

    Major Contributors to UN Peacekeeping:

    • India: Largest troop contributor, with over 253,000 personnel in 49 missions.
    • Bangladesh: Second-largest contributor, with over 150,000 personnel deployed since 1988.

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  • Banking Sector Reforms

    NaBFID to Boost Infrastructure Financing

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: NaBFID

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure & Development (NaBFID) is making significant strides in infrastructure financing, with ambitious goals for loan disbursement and expansion.
    • Operational for less than a year it has already made substantial progress in lending and aims to further strengthen its presence in the infrastructure sector.

    What is NaBFID?

    • The NBFID was established in 2021 through the enactment of The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021.
    • It serves as a specialized Development Finance Institution (DFI) in India.
    • Its primary objectives include addressing the gaps in long-term non-recourse finance for infrastructure development, strengthening the development of bonds and derivatives markets in India, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will regulate and supervise NBFID as an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI).
    Development Finance Institutions (DFIs): They are government-owned or public institutions that provide funding for infrastructure and large-scale projects. They play a crucial role in financing projects that are often unviable for traditional banks to lend to. DFIs offer two types of funds: Medium-term funds with a maturity period of 1-5 years, and Large-scale funds with a maturity period exceeding 5 years.

     

    Loan Disbursement and Expansion Targets

    • Disbursement Target: NaBFID aims to disburse approximately ₹60,000 crore by the end of this fiscal year, showcasing its commitment to fostering infrastructure development.
    • Sanctioning Loans: NaBFID is poised to sanction loans amounting to ₹1 lakh crore during this fiscal year. These loans will be directed towards both greenfield and brownfield assets in the vital infrastructure space.
    • Debt Raise: Recently, NaBFID successfully raised ₹10,000 crore through debt issuance, signalling the institution’s ability to attract substantial funding.
    • High Demand: The debt issuance received an overwhelming response, with bids worth ₹23,629.50 crore, nearly five times the base issue of ₹5,000 crore.
    • Largest Debt Issuance: The debt securities, with a 10-year tenor, mark the largest debt issuance by a national-level institution.

     

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

    Bonn Climate Conference: Key Takeaways

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Global Stocktake (GST)

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    bonn climate

    Central Idea

    • The Bonn Climate Change Conference was held from 5 to 15 June 2023.
    • Building on the mandates that emerged from COP 27 in Egypt last year, the conference hosted a large number of mandated events and continue discussions on issues of critical importance.
    • It is expected to make progress on these and other important issues and prepare draft decisions for adoption at COP 28 / CMP 18 / CMA 5 in the UAE in December 2023.

    Key ideas discussed

    • Some progress was made on the global stocktake (GST) discussions.
    • However, the issues of historical responsibility and finance remained contentious, hindering the strengthening of climate actions.

    climate

    What is Global Stocktake (GST)?

    • GST is a process established under the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
    • It serves as a mechanism to assess global progress in addressing climate change and to enhance collective climate action.
    • The GST aims to review the implementation of the Paris Agreement’s goals and targets and identify areas where additional efforts are needed to meet those objectives.

    Key aspects of the Global Stocktake include:

    1. Timing: The Paris Agreement mandates that the GST be conducted every five years, starting in 2023. This regular assessment allows for tracking progress and adjusting strategies accordingly.
    2. Assessment of Collective Efforts: GST evaluates the collective efforts of all countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and providing support to developing nations.
    3. Review of Goals and Targets: It assesses the effectiveness of countries’ actions in meeting the long-term temperature goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, primarily the goal to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
    4. Transparency and Accountability: The GST promotes transparency and accountability by encouraging countries to report on their progress and actions taken toward achieving their climate goals. This allows for a comprehensive and objective assessment of global climate action.
    5. Identification of Gaps and Opportunities: The stocktake identifies gaps in collective efforts, including finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support, and explores opportunities for enhanced actions to bridge those gaps.
    6. Decision-Making: The findings and recommendations from the GST inform future decision-making, including the setting of new targets and the adjustment of national climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

    Challenges in Climate Negotiations

    • Disputes and Delayed Agendas: Developed and developing countries engaged in disagreements, leading to delays in agreeing on meeting agendas.
    • Historical Responsibility Debate: Australia’s attempt to diminish the historical responsibility of developed nations in causing global warming sparked controversy.
    • Developing Countries’ Perspective: Developing nations emphasized the importance of acknowledging historical responsibility in addressing climate change.
    • Potential Conflict at COP28: The issue of historical responsibility is expected to resurface at COP28, posing challenges to reaching consensus.

    Finance and Technology Transfer

    • Disparity in Support: Developing countries expressed concerns about inadequate financial and technological support from developed nations.
    • Burden of Implementation: Insufficient funds hinder the ability of developing countries to implement robust climate action plans.

    Future Outlook

    (1) Bridging Adequacy Gap:

    • Developed Nations’ Perspective: Australia and the United States questioned the sole responsibility of developed countries in bridging the adequacy gap.
    • Developing Nations’ Concerns: Developing countries emphasized the need for financial support and technology transfers to enhance their climate actions.
    • Value Addition: Bridging the adequacy gap requires global cooperation, equitable burden-sharing, and increased financial assistance for developing countries.

    (2) Financing Climate Action:

    • Insufficient Funds: Current financial commitments fall short of the required resources for implementing climate action plans.
    • Summit for a New Global Financial Pact: A Paris summit aims to redirect global financial flows and raise new funds for climate change initiatives.

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  • Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

    TRAI suggests norms for Undersea Cables

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: India's Cable Projects

    Mains level: Undersea Fibre Optic Cables

    undersea cable

    Central Idea

    • The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued recommendations on rules governing undersea cables connecting Indian telecom networks to the global internet.
    • These recommendations address concerns raised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regarding the participation of Indian firms in undersea cable projects and related regulatory clearances.

    What are Undersea Cables?

    • Undersea cables, also known as submarine cables, are fiber optic strands enclosed in protective layers laid on the ocean floor.
    • They are essential for global connectivity, transmitting data and communication signals between continents and nations.
    • These cables form the backbone of international communications infrastructure, ensuring reliable internet connectivity and supporting seamless communication worldwide.
    • They play a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration, trade, and socio-cultural interactions on a global scale.

    Key Recommendation by TRAI

    (A) Ownership Requirements for Undersea Cables:

    • Proof of Ownership: TRAI recommends that all Indian telecom companies operating undersea cables must demonstrate ownership of the portion of cables located in Indian waters.
    • Significance: This requirement ensures that Indian firms have a stake in undersea cable infrastructure and fosters their active participation in global connectivity.

    (B) Distinction between Cable Landing Stations and Points of Presence (PoPs):

    • Differentiation of Facilities: TRAI suggests distinguishing between cable landing stations and PoPs, which are further connected to the stations.
    • Regulatory Simplification: Owners of PoPs would be exempted from multiple clearance requirements but would need to comply with lawful interception regulations.
    • Significance: This differentiation streamlines the regulatory process for telecom companies and promotes ease of doing business.

    (C) Allowance for Dark Fiber and Stubs:

    • Dark Fiber Usage: TRAI recommends permitting the use of dark fiber (unused optical fiber) on existing cable landing stations.
    • Use of Stubs: TRAI suggests allowing the installation of stubs, short cables in Indian waters, for potential future expansion and use.
    • Significance: Allowing dark fiber usage and stub installations enhances the flexibility and scalability of undersea cable infrastructure in India.

    (D) Financial Viability Models for Repair Vessels

    • Commissioning Indian Flagged Ships: TRAI proposes that a government committee explore financial viability models for commissioning Indian flagged ships for the repair and maintenance of undersea cables.
    • Significance: This promotes indigenous capabilities and supports the growth of the domestic maritime industry.

    (E) Domestic Traffic and Terrestrial Networks

    • Permission for Domestic Traffic: TRAI recommends explicitly permitting the carrying of domestic traffic on undersea cables, allowing for connectivity between domestic locations.
    • Extension through Terrestrial Networks: The regulator suggests enabling undersea cable systems to extend further inland through terrestrial networks to facilitate the flow of international traffic.
    • Significance: This improves efficiency and promotes seamless communication within India.

    Critical Information Infrastructure Protection

    • Notification of Critical Infrastructure: TRAI proposes notifying undersea cables as critical information infrastructure, making them eligible for protection by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC).
    • Significance: Recognizing undersea cables as critical infrastructure strengthens their security and safeguards against potential cyber threats.

    India’s Cable Projects and Future Expansion

    • India-Asia Xpress (IAX) and India-Europe Xpress (IEX): Reliance Jio is leading these projects, connecting India to Singapore, the Persian Gulf, and Europe. The capacity is around 200 Tbps, with funding from a consortium including Facebook and Google.
    • MIST: This cable will link Mumbai and Cochin in India to Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. It has a capacity of 218 Tbps and is scheduled for operation in 2024.
    • Blue-Raman: Connecting Italy, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and India, this cable bypasses the Egyptian chokepoint. It has a capacity of over 200 Tbps and is funded by a consortium led by Google.
    • SEA-ME-WE 6: Upgrading the link from Singapore to Marseille, this cable spans 19,200 km with a capacity of 126 Tbps. It is scheduled to be operational in 2025 and involves a consortium of telecommunications companies.
    • 2 Africa Pearl: Extending from India and Pakistan, this cable orbits Africa, connecting 33 nations across three continents. It has a capacity of 180 Tbps and is funded by a consortium that includes Facebook and China Mobile.

    India’s Significance in Undersea Connectivity

    • Growing digital economy: India’s rapidly expanding digital market and high data usage make it a significant consumer and provider of global data connectivity.
    • Strategic location: Situated at the crossroads of major regions, India serves as a vital link connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East through undersea cable networks.
    • Technical expertise: India boasts a large pool of skilled professionals in the tech industry, enabling it to actively participate in the development, deployment, and maintenance of undersea cables.
    • Rising global influence: With its projected economic growth, population size, and geopolitical significance, India’s increasing influence positions it as a key player in shaping the future of undersea cable connectivity.
    • Connectivity expansion: India’s efforts to enhance domestic and international connectivity, coupled with its focus on improving infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, contribute to its importance in undersea cable networks.

    Conclusion

    • TRAI’s recommendations on undersea cables aim to enhance the participation of Indian firms, simplify regulatory processes, and strengthen the security and efficiency of undersea cable infrastructure in India.
    • These recommendations promote the growth of the telecom industry and support the country’s digital connectivity goals.

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  • Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

    Senior IPS officer Ravi Sinha appointed Chief of R&AW

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Research and Analysis Wing (RandAW)

    Mains level: Not Much

    R&AW

    Central Idea: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed senior IPS officer Ravi Sinha as Secretary, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the country’s external intelligence agency.

    About Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW)

    • Foreign Intelligence: R&AW’s primary function is to gather foreign intelligence, focusing on counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, and advancing India’s foreign strategic interests.
    • National Security: It also plays a role in safeguarding India’s nuclear program and advising policymakers on matters related to national security.
    • Social and Political Events: R&AW has been involved in major events, such as the accession of the state of Sikkim to India in 1975.

    History and Establishment

    • Background: Prior to R&AW, intelligence collection was the responsibility of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) during the British Raj.
    • Need for a Dedicated Agency: The failure of intelligence during the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 led to the establishment of a separate foreign intelligence agency.
    • Formation: R&AW was officially formed in 1968, with Rameshwar Nath Kao appointed as its first chief.
    • Organizational Structure: R&AW’s structure is modeled after the CIA, and it reports to the Prime Minister without parliamentary oversight.
    • Additional Child Agencies: Over the years, R&AW added agencies like the Radio Research Center, Electronics & Tech. Services, Aviation Research Centre, and Special Frontier Force to enhance its capabilities.

    Operations and Activities:

    • Global Operations: R&AW carries out operations and intelligence activities in various countries, focusing on political, military, economic, and scientific developments that affect India’s national security.
    • Liaison with Foreign Agencies: R&AW maintains active relationships and coordination with intelligence agencies of other countries, including Russia’s SVR, Afghanistan’s NDS, Israel’s Mossad, Germany’s BND, the CIA, and MI6.
    • Field Formations: R&AW has ten field formations, known as Special Bureaus, strategically located along India’s borders.
    • Recruitment and Training: R&AW recruits personnel from various civil services, armed forces, and universities. Training involves both basic and advanced levels, covering areas such as intelligence techniques, espionage, and self-defence.

    Challenges and Controversies

    • Staff Shortage: R&AW faces a significant shortage of employees, with a deficit of 40% below the sanctioned strength.
    • Criticisms and Controversies: R&AW has faced criticism over bureaucratic issues, favoritism in promotions, corruption allegations, inter-departmental rivalries, and ethnic imbalances in the officer level.
    • Legal Status and Accountability: R&AW is not answerable to the Parliament of India and is exempt from the Right to Information Act, which has raised concerns about transparency and accountability.

    Impact and Significance

    • National Security and Foreign Policy: R&AW plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s national security, shaping foreign policy, and countering threats to the country.
    • Counter-Terrorism Operations: R&AW is actively involved in anti-terror operations, neutralizing elements posing a threat to India’s security.
    • International Cooperation: R&AW collaborates with intelligence agencies from various countries, sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts to address common challenges.

    Major Operations

    Description
    Operation Smiling Buddha R&AW assisted in monitoring and managing India’s first nuclear test in 1974.
    Operation Topaz R&AW supported the merger of Sikkim with India in 1975, ensuring a smooth transition.
    Liberation of Bangladesh (1971) R&AW played a significant role in supporting the liberation movement in Bangladesh. It provided training, intelligence, and ammunition to the Bangladeshi guerrilla organization Mukti Bahini. R&AW’s assistance was instrumental in the successful creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
    Operation Kahuta R&AW gathered intelligence on Pakistan’s nuclear program by infiltrating the Kahuta Research Labs.
    Operation Chanakya R&AW provided support to the Tamil militant group LTTE during the Sri Lankan Civil War.
    Operation Leech R&AW targeted Burmese rebel groups, particularly the Kachin Independence Army.
    Counterintelligence Operations R&AW actively count

     

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Gita Press to receive Gandhi Peace Prize

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: The International Gandhi Peace Prize

    Mains level: Not Much

    gandhi gita

    Central Idea

    • Gita Press, located in Gorakhpur is awarded the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021.
    • The jury, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unanimously selects Gita Press for this honor.

    The  International Gandhi Peace Prize
    Establishment 1995
    Award Details Cash prize of ₹1 crore (US$130,000), which can be converted into any currency worldwide

    Includes a plaque and a citation
    Jury composition PM (Chair), Leader of the Opposition, Chief Justice, Speaker, and Eminent person
    Evaluation Evaluation based on contributions to non-violence and Gandhian methods

    Nominees are considered from competent individuals

    Award can be withheld if no deserving candidate is found
    Recent laureates Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Bangladesh Founder) was posthumously awarded in 2020

    Significance of the Prize

    • The International Gandhi Peace Prize pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy.
    • The award recognizes outstanding contributions to social, economic, and political transformation through non-violence and Gandhian methods.

    About Gita Press

    • Founding and Establishment: Gita Press was officially founded in 1923 by Jaydayal Goyandka, a businessman from Bankura, West Bengal.
    • Authenticity of texts: Goyandka’s extensive travels as a businessman led him to form satsangs with like-minded individuals in various towns.
    • Translation work: The group desired an authentic translation and commentary of the Bhagavad Gita, which led to the establishment of Gita Press.
    • Publication: Gita Press emerged as a prominent publisher with the launch of its monthly magazine, Kalyan, in 1926.
    • Versatility: It offers over 1,850 religious books in 15 languages, with approximately 93 crore copies sold.

    Pioneering work by the Press

    • Promotion of Hindi: It played a pivotal role in the consolidation of Hindi as a language of masses.
    • Bridging Divisions: Gita Press strategically focused on emotional cultivation and avoided highlighting differences between various Hindu sects, fostering unity among the Hindu community.

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

    Groundwater Extraction Shifts Earth’s Tilt Axis

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Earth's Axis and Rotation

    Mains level: Not Much

    earth tilt

    Central Ideas

    • A recent study conducted by scientists at Seoul National University has revealed that the extraction of groundwater from the earth has caused a shift in the planet’s axis, tilting it nearly 80 cm to the east.
    • This phenomenon, along with the movement of water through melting ice caps and glaciers, has implications for both the earth’s rotation, sea-level rise, and the distribution of water resources.

    Earth’s Axis and Rotation

    • The Earth’s axis and rotation play significant roles in shaping our planet’s climate, seasons, and day-night cycles.
    • Here are some key points about Earth’s axis and rotation:
    1. Axis: The axis is an imaginary line that extends between the North Pole and the South Pole and is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. This tilt is responsible for Earth’s seasons.
    2. Rotation: Earth rotates on its axis from west to east, completing one full rotation in approximately 24 hours. This rotation is what gives us the cycle of day and night. The side of the Earth facing the Sun experiences daylight, while the opposite side experiences darkness, resulting in day and night.
    3. Polar Regions: The axis of the Earth is inclined with respect to its orbital plane. This inclination causes the Polar Regions to experience variations in daylight throughout the year. During the summer solstice (around June 21), the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in 24 hours of continuous daylight in the Arctic Circle and 24 hours of darkness in the Antarctic Circle. The opposite occurs during the winter solstice (around December 21).
    4. Equator: The equator is an imaginary line equidistant from the poles and divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The equator experiences relatively consistent day and night lengths throughout the year, with two equinoxes occurring when the Sun is directly above the equator. During the equinoxes (around March 21 and September 21), day and night are approximately equal in length worldwide.
    5. Precession (Cyclic Wobble): In addition to its axial tilt, Earth experiences a slow, cyclic wobble called precession. This wobble causes the orientation of Earth’s axis to change slightly over a period of approximately 26,000 years. Precession does not affect the tilt or the length of the seasons but does influence the positions of the celestial poles and the timing of Earth’s closest approach to the Sun (perihelion) and farthest point (aphelion).

    Why in news?

    • Unlike a stable rotating globe, the earth’s axis experiences a wobble due to various factors such as weather, seasonal changes, the molten core, and natural events like hurricanes.
    • Scientists track this motion relative to astronomical phenomena, but the role of water movement, including groundwater extraction, had not been fully considered until now.
    • The earth’s axis wobbles in a circular pattern several meters wide every year.

    Study Findings

    • Researchers at Seoul National University built a climate model linking the earth’s axis shift with water movement, including the melting of ice caps and glaciers.
    • Initially, the model did not match the observed drift of the axis until groundwater extraction was added to the equation.
    • Groundwater pumping accounted for the unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift.
    • The shift in the earth’s axis due to groundwater extraction was measured at nearly 80 cm tilt to the east.

    Implications for Sea-Level Rise

    • The study revealed that approximately 2,150 billion tonnes of groundwater were pumped and drained into the oceans between 1993 and 2010, contributing to a sea-level rise of 6.24 mm.
    • Groundwater depletion plays a significant role in the location and magnitude of the axis drift.
    • Mid-latitude regions, particularly northwest India and western North America, showed the most significant groundwater redistribution effects.

    Impact on Water Resources

    • Groundwater extraction for human activities, including irrigation, is affecting the distribution and availability of water resources.
    • Excessive groundwater pumping has led to a significant redistribution of water, altering the balance between surface water and groundwater reserves.

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Orvakallu Rock Paintings in AP

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Orvakallu Rock Paintings

    Mains level: Not Much

    rock cave

    Central Idea

    • A recent discovery by D. Kanna Babu, former Superintending Archaeologist, reveals a Mesolithic period rock painting in Orvakallu village, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh.
    • The painting depicts a person tilling land, shedding light on the social life and culture of the ancient inhabitants.

    Orvakallu Rock Paintings

    rock cave

    • The researchers while conducting a survey of the lower River Krishna Valley, identified a new prehistoric rock painting in Orvakallu.
    • The painting was found on the walls and ceiling of natural rock shelters on a hillock.
    • The site consists of five caves, two of which exhibit distinct depictions of rock paintings from the Mesolithic Age (approximately 5000 BC).

    Composition and Condition of the Paintings

    • The paintings were created using natural white kaolin and red ochre pigments.
    • The passage of time and exposure to air and wind have significantly damaged most of the paintings.
    • Despite the deterioration, some sketches and outlines remain visible for visitors.

    Significance of the Find

    • The discovery sheds light on the social life and culture of the people who inhabited the area during the Mesolithic Age.
    • One painting depicts a man catching a wild goat while holding a hooklike implement.
    • Another painting portrays two couples with raised hands, accompanied by a child.
    • Notably, a painted figure shows a man holding a plough, suggesting a semisettled life pattern and agricultural practices.

    Understanding the Painted Figures

    • The depiction of a man tilling land indicates the cultivation of crops and a semi-settled lifestyle.
    • The paintings offer valuable insights into the daily activities, occupations, and interactions with the environment of the ancient community.

    Back2Basics:

    Paleolithic Mesolithic Neolithic Bronze Age Iron Age
    Time Period 2.6 million  10,000 BCE 10,000  6,000 BCE 6,000  2,000 BCE 3,300  1,200 BCE 1,200  500 BCE
    Characteristics Use of crude stone tools Transition from hunter-gatherer to settled lifestyle Agriculture and farming practices become more prominent Introduction of bronze, a metal alloy made of copper and tin Transition from bronze to iron as the dominant metal
    Animals in use Hunter gatherer lifestyle Domestication of plants and animals Domestication of animals Advanced metallurgical techniques Increased trade and warfare
    Economy Nomadic existence Emergence of early agriculture and semi-permanent settlements Development of pottery and weaving techniques Rise of complex societies and city-states Emergence of empires and large scale political systems
    Artistic Development Cave paintings and engravings Advanced stone tools, including micro-liths Establishment of permanent settlements and early civilizations Development of writing systems and recorded history Flourishing of art, literature, and technology

     

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    Exploring Phonons as Information Units for Quantum Computing

    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: Phonons

    Mains level: Not Much

    phonon

    Central Idea

    • Quantum computing and artificial intelligence are emerging fields in computing.
    • IBM recently published a paper demonstrating the potential of quantum computers to solve complex problems.
    • Qubits are the fundamental units of information in quantum computers.

    Qubits – Basic Units of Information in Quantum Computing

    • Qubits are the building blocks of quantum computers.
    • Unlike classical computers, qubits can exist in superposition, representing both ‘on’ and ‘off’ states simultaneously.
    • Quantum physics allows particles, such as electrons, to exhibit unique properties for qubit representation.
    • The encoding of information in a quantum system enables complex calculations beyond the reach of classical computers.
    • Different types of quantum computing employ various units of information, such as photons in linear optical quantum computing (LOQC).

    Exploring Phonons as Qubits

    • Researchers explore the possibility of using phonons as qubits.
    • Phonons are packets of vibrational energy, analogous to sound.
    • A recent study published in Science suggests that phonons can serve as information units in a quantum computer.
    • Manipulating phonons requires new tools, leading to the development of an acoustic beam-splitter.
    • Beam-splitters, widely used in optics research, split a stream of photons into two beams.

    Behavior of Phonons and Interference Patterns

    • Beam-splitters operate on the principles of quantum physics.
    • The interaction of photons with beam-splitters creates interference patterns.
    • Interference patterns also emerge when shining photons one by one, highlighting wave-particle duality.
    • Phonons, like photons, exhibit wave-like behavior and exist in a superposition of states.
    • When a phonon interacts with the acoustic beam-splitter, it undergoes superposition and produces interference patterns.

    Experimental Study on Phonons

    • Researchers developed an acoustic beam-splitter device with metal bars.
    • The experiment involved a two-mm-long channel of lithium niobate with superconducting qubits at each end.
    • Phonons were emitted and detected by the qubits, representing the collective vibrations of numerous atoms.
    • The interaction between phonons and the beam-splitter showed similar behavior to photon interactions.
    • Phonons emitted from one side were reflected or transmitted, depending on the experiment.

    Implications and Future Prospects

    • The study confirms that phonons behave according to quantum mechanics.
    • Building a functional phonon-based quantum computer is a significant challenge.
    • Researchers view this as an extension of the quantum computing toolbox.
    • Future advancements and research will continue to explore the potential of phonons in quantum computing.

    Conclusion

    • Phonons have shown promise as potential information units for quantum computing.
    • The study highlights the need for further research and development in this area.
    • While a functional phonon-based quantum computer is still a distant goal, the exploration of new possibilities in quantum computing continues.

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