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Type: Prelims Only

  • OSIRIS-REx Mission Returns to Earth with Asteroid Samples

    osiris-rex

    Central Idea

    • The NASA OSIRIS-REx mission has achieved a significant milestone by successfully returning to Earth with an estimated 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of material gathered from the surface of an asteroid.
    • These precious samples hold the potential to provide critical insights into differentiating authentic asteroid-origin materials from potential terrestrial contaminants or alterations across various meteorite types.

    OSIRIS-REx Mission

    (a) Mission Launch and Journey:

    • OSIRIS-REx embarked on its journey when it was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in 2016.
    • Over a span of two years, it traversed space to reach Bennu, a carbon-rich asteroid nestled between Earth and Mars.

    (b) Orbiting Bennu:

    • The spacecraft reached its destination, Bennu, in December 2018.
    • It spent two years in orbit around the asteroid, conducting a comprehensive suite of measurements.
    • These measurements encompassed critical aspects such as Bennu’s mass, density, albedo, surface composition, and particle environment.
    • The landing site chosen on Bennu was named “Nightingale.”

    (c) Notable Discoveries:

    • During the reconnaissance phase, the OSIRIS-REx mission uncovered several intriguing findings:
    • Bennu is classified as an active asteroid, periodically ejecting material from its surface.
    • The surface of Bennu exhibited a considerably rougher terrain than initially expected, featuring numerous boulders exceeding ten meters in diameter.
    • Bennu’s bulk density was found to be lower than anticipated, suggesting the presence of substantial empty space within the asteroid’s structure.
    • Surface features on Bennu indicated signs of past aqueous activity, and the asteroid’s rotation was observed to be accelerating due to the YORP effect.

    Previous such missions

    • Previous space missions like Japan’s Hayabusa and Hayabusa2, as well as China’s Chang’e 5, have made substantial contributions to our understanding of celestial bodies and their compositions.
    • The return of asteroid samples by OSIRIS-REx marks NASA’s first sample return mission since Stardust in 2006 and Genesis in 2004.

    Significance of Sample Return

    • The return of material directly from celestial sources, such as asteroids, comets, the solar wind, and the Moon, holds immense scientific significance.
    • It provides the means to answer questions that lie beyond the scope of remote observations, landers, rovers, or even meteorites.
    • Collecting samples directly from the source ensures the preservation of intricate details that may otherwise be lost during a meteorite’s passage through Earth’s atmosphere and subsequent impact.

  • Documented Tripitaka: Tracing Buddhism’s Sri Lanka Connection

    tripitaka

    Central Idea

    • A team from Buddhavanam Theme Park in Hyderabad embarked on a significant visit to Sri Lanka.
    • Their destination: the third-century BC Buddhist rock-cut caves at Mathale, situated on the Colombo-Kandy route.

    Why such move?

    • The team noted that the teachings of Lord Buddha, known as Tripitaka (Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma pitakas), were originally transmitted orally.
    • However, it was under the auspices of Sri Lankan king Devanampiya Tissa, a contemporary of King Asoka, that these teachings were written on palm leaves in Sri Lanka.
    • This event marked the advent of Buddhist literature in India.

    About Tripitaka

    • The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is a collection of sacred Buddhist scriptures that form the foundational texts of the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
    • It is divided into three sections, known as the Tripitaka, which literally means “Three Baskets.”

    History and significance

    • The Tripitaka was orally transmitted from the time of Gautama Buddha in the 5th century BCE until it was eventually written down in the 1st century BCE.
    • It holds immense historical and religious significance as it contains the teachings, discourses, rules, and guidelines given by the Buddha and his prominent disciples.

    Composition of the Tripitaka:

    (1) Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline):

    • Comprises the rules and guidelines for monastic discipline in the Buddhist community.
    • Provides detailed instructions on the conduct and behavior expected from monks and nuns.
    • Covers various aspects, including ethical guidelines, disciplinary codes, and procedures for resolving disputes.
    • Offers insights into the monastic life, the organization of the Sangha (monastic community), and the role of the monastic code in maintaining harmony and ethical conduct.

    (2) Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourses):

    • Contains the discourses and teachings delivered by Buddha and his close disciples.
    • Includes a vast collection of discourses covering a wide range of topics, such as ethics, meditation, philosophy, and social issues.
    • Consists of individual Suttas (discourses) grouped into different collections or Nikayas, such as the Digha Nikaya (Long Discourses), Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Discourses), Samyutta Nikaya (Connected Discourses), and Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses).
    • Presents the Buddha’s profound teachings on the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, dependent origination, and other core concepts of Buddhism.

    (3) Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teachings):

    • Provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
    • Explores the nature of mind, consciousness, and reality in intricate detail.
    • Presents the teachings in a more technical and analytical manner, offering an advanced understanding of Buddhist concepts.
    • Divided into seven books, known as the Abhidhamma books, which delve into topics such as consciousness, mental factors, elements, and the path to liberation.
    • Offers a deep exploration of the ultimate nature of existence and the workings of the mind.

    Features and Characteristics

    • Authenticity and Authority: The Tripitaka is regarded as the most authoritative and authentic collection of Buddhist scriptures in the Theravada tradition.
    • Canonical Language: The texts are primarily written in Pali, an ancient Indian language close to the language spoken during the Buddha’s time.
    • Extensive Coverage: The Tripitaka covers a wide range of topics, offering comprehensive guidance for practitioners in various aspects of life.
    • Preservation of Early Buddhist Teachings: The Tripitaka is believed to preserve the original teachings of the Buddha, providing insights into his wisdom and teachings.

  • Types of Majorities in Parliament

    Central Idea

    • In a very rare event, the Parliament passed the women’s reservation bill with a near-unanimous 2/3rd Majority Votes.
    • Rajya Sabha gave the green light in an absolute majority vote.
    • In Lok Sabha, 454 members voted in favour of the bill that seeks to reserve one-third of seats to women in central and state legislatures.

    Types of Majority in Indian Parliament

      Description Examples of Use
    Absolute Majority More than 50% of the total membership of the house. Formation of government at the Center and States.
    Effective Majority More than 50% of the effective strength of the house (total strength minus vacancies). Removal of Vice-president in RS, Speaker/Deputy Speaker removal.
    Simple Majority More than 50% of the members present and voting. Passing Ordinary/Money/Financial bills, Confidence Motion, etc.
    Special Majority All majorities other than absolute, effective, or simple majority. Constitutional amendment bills, National emergency approval, etc.

    Types of Special Majority in Parliament
    Article 249 2/3rd members present and voting. Empowering Parliament to make laws in the state list.
    Article 368 2/3rd members present and voting + more than 50% of the total strength of the house. Constitutional amendment bills not affecting federalism.
    Article 368 + State Ratification 2/3rd members present and voting + more than 50% of state legislatures by a simple majority. Constitutional amendment bills affecting federalism.
    Article 61 2/3rd members of the total strength of the house. Impeachment of the Indian President.

     

  • Why Gandhi opposed Caste-based Separate Electorates?

    gandhi fast

    Central Idea

    • Mahatma Gandhi used fasting as a potent tool to press for change during India’s struggle for independence.
    • He employed it both as a form of personal penance and as a means to pressure the British authorities to meet his demands.

    The Gandhi-Ambedkar Debate

    • The 1932 Turning Point: In September 1932, within the walls of the Yerawada Central Jail in Pune, Gandhi initiated a hunger strike against the idea of separate electorates for the harijans (lower castes). This action brought him into a fierce debate with another prominent leader, B.R. Ambedkar.
    • The Debate’s Legacy: The “Gandhi-Ambedkar debate” revolved around their differing views on caste and ultimately influenced the reservation system that India has today.

    Gandhi’s Changing Views on Caste

    • Early Beliefs: In his early years, Gandhi held orthodox views on caste, supporting prohibitions on inter-dining and inter-marriage. He considered caste a crucial part of Hinduism.
    • Evolution of Beliefs: As Gandhi became a central figure in India’s freedom movement, his views evolved. Partially influenced by the emerging Dalit movement, he advocated unity and opposed untouchability, referring to untouchables as “harijans” or children of God.
    • Important Quote: Gandhi wrote in 1936, “I do know that it [untouchability] is harmful both to spiritual and national good.”

    Ambedkar’s Radical Views on Caste

    • Ambedkar’s Perspective: B.R. Ambedkar’s stance was more radical than Gandhi’s. He believed that mere reform wouldn’t undo centuries of discrimination. He argued that change would only come when the oppressed themselves rejected their condition, including the divine authority of the shastras (holy scriptures) that upheld caste.
    • Political Empowerment: Ambedkar emphasized that political power was essential for lower castes to address their grievances and proposed separate electorates as a form of affirmative action.
    • Separate Electorates Explained: Ambedkar’s proposal involved separate electorates for lower castes, allowing them to vote for candidates from their own community as well as in the general electorate. He believed this would empower lower castes.

    Gandhi’s Opposition to Separate Electorates

    • Gandhi’s Perspective: Gandhi opposed separate electorates, arguing that they did too little for lower castes. He believed that lower castes should aspire to lead, not settle for a small share of seats.
    • Concerns: Gandhi feared that separate electorates would divide Hindu society further and play into the hands of British colonial rulers who exploited internal divisions.
    • Challenging Times: The rising tensions between Hindus and Muslims at the time also fueled Gandhi’s concerns. Separate electorates for lower castes alongside those for Muslims would weaken the unity of the Hindu community.

    The Yerawada Fast and the Poona Pact

    • Gandhi’s Hunger Strike: In September 1932, Gandhi embarked on a hunger strike in Yerawada Jail against separate electorates for castes. He called it a “God-given opportunity” to sacrifice his life for the downtrodden.
    • Ambedkar’s Dilemma: Ambedkar faced a challenging decision. Giving in to Gandhi’s demands was difficult, as it conflicted with his own ideas. However, Gandhi’s immense popularity and the potential for violence against Dalits pressured him.
    • The Poona Pact: Eventually, under duress, Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact, securing reservations for lower castes while putting the idea of separate electorates to rest.

    Legacy of the Fast

    • Mixed Perspectives: Gandhi’s fast is seen by some as preventing British “divide and rule” tactics. Others view it as coercion, as Ambedkar had little choice but to concede. Ambedkar questioned why Gandhi didn’t fast against untouchability itself.
    • Unresolved Tensions: The debate’s legacy endures. While the Poona Pact addressed immediate concerns, it left lingering issues of political representation and social transformation within India’s caste system.
    • Ambedkar’s View: Ambedkar later wrote, “The Joint Electorate is… a ‘Rotten Borough’ in which the Hindus get the right to nominate an untouchable to set nominally as a representative of the untouchables but really as a tool of the Hindus.”

  • Neuralink’s Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

    neuralink

    Central Idea

    • Elon Musk’s brain implant company Neuralink has announced it is one step closer to putting brain implants in people.

    Neuralink’s Vision

    • Neuralink uses tiny brain implants to control neural signals for movement.
    • These implants translate thoughts into actions via a wireless app.

    Science behind Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

    • They use a tiny chip implanted in the brain.
    • This chip reads and sends brain signals to an app, turning thoughts into actions.
    • It starts with helping paralyzed individuals control a computer cursor using their thoughts.
    • Some BCIs use sensor-filled structures like hairnets to detect brain signals.
    • They can stimulate different parts of the brain, which showed promise in treating conditions like depression.

    India’s Role in Brain Tech

    • C-DAC in India is developing BCIs to capture brain signals that show intentions.
    • The All India Institute of Medical Sciences is testing this project.
    • BrainSight AI, an Indian startup, maps brain connections to understand neurological conditions.

    Indian Innovations and Their Impact

    • Indian BCIs, like Neuralink’s, aim to help paralyzed patients move and communicate.
    • They could also treat mental disorders like schizophrenia.
    • Indian hospitals are testing these technologies.

    Challenges Ahead

    • Invasive BCIs, like Neuralink’s, face rules and need lots of data.
    • Non-invasive BCIs are moving faster.
    • Indian institutions are actively testing these technologies and mapping the brain.

  • India’s Inclusion in Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM)

    Central Idea

    • In a groundbreaking development, JPMorgan has announced the inclusion of Indian government bonds in its Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM), slated to commence from June 2024.
    • This decision could pave the way for substantial inflows of billions of dollars into local currency-denominated government debt.

    What is Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM)?

    Definition An index that tracks the performance of government bonds issued by emerging market countries.

    It reflects the returns of local-currency-denominated sovereign bonds.
    Purpose To provide a benchmark for measuring the performance of emerging market government bonds, helping investors assess the attractiveness of these bonds for investment.
    Issuer J.P. Morgan
    Components Includes government bonds issued by various emerging market countries.

    The composition may change over time based on eligibility criteria.
    Coverage Covers a broad range of emerging market countries and their local currency government bonds.

    Different GBI-EM indices may have specific regional or maturity focuses.
    Currency Denominated in the local currencies of the respective emerging market countries.

     

    India’s inclusion in GBI-EM

    • Long-Awaited Discussion: India’s consideration for inclusion in global indexes began in 2013. However, limitations on foreign investments in domestic debt impeded progress.
    • Fully Accessible Route (FAR): In April 2020, the Reserve Bank of India introduced select securities exempt from foreign investment restrictions through the “fully accessible route” (FAR), rendering them eligible for inclusion in global indexes.
    • Index-Eligible Bonds: Currently, there are 23 Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) with a combined notional value of $330 billion that meet index eligibility criteria, according to JPMorgan.
    • Investor Support: Approximately 73% of benchmarked investors voted in favor of India’s inclusion in the index, marking a significant endorsement.

  • 108-Foot Adi Shankaracharya Statue in Omkareshwar, MP

    Adi Shankaracharya

    Central Idea

    • A monumental 108-foot-tall statue of Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya, known as ‘Ekatmata Ki Pratima’ (Statue of Oneness), was recently unveiled in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh.
    • This project is part of the government’s efforts to develop Omkareshwar as a prominent religious and tourism destination.

    Adi Shankaracharya: A Brief Overview

    • Adi Shankaracharya was a prominent Indian philosopher and theologian, often referred to as Sankara (Jagatguru). He was a staunch advocate of ancient Hinduism.
    • His birthplace Kaladi in Ernakulam, Kerala, is poised to be declared a national monument.
    • He received guidance from his guru, Govinda Bhagavatpada, under whom he diligently studied texts like ‘Gaudapadiya Karika,’ ‘Brahmasutra,’ Vedas, and Upanishads.
    • Shankara propagated the philosophies of ‘Advaita Vedanta’ and ‘Dashanami Sampradaya,’ earning him the title ‘Shankaracharya’ among his disciples.

    His Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta

    • Non-Dualism: Shankaracharya’s philosophy, known as ‘Advaita Vedanta,’ espouses non-dualism.
    • Ultimate Reality: It asserts that the world exists due to the creative energy (Maya) of Brahman, the ultimate, transcendent, and immanent God of the later Vedas.
    • Identity of Self: In Advaita Vedanta, the transcendental self of the universe (Atman) and the experiencing self (Jiva) are both identical in truth – both are Brahman. However, the individual self appears different, akin to space inside a container seeming distinct from space as a whole.
    • Overcoming Error: Mistakes and ignorance lead to a plurality (Avidya), but understanding Brahman eliminates these errors, resulting in liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and worldly servitude.

    Disciples of Adi Shankaracharya

    Shankaracharya’s four closest disciples played pivotal roles in propagating his teachings:

    1. Padmapada: Known for his deep devotion and poetry.
    2. Totakacharya: Devoted to Shankaracharya’s mission and revered for his poetry “Totakashtakam.”
    3. Hasta Malaka: A child prodigy who astounded Shankaracharya with his understanding of Advaita philosophy.
    4. Sureshwara: Initially a householder, he became a disciple after losing a philosophical debate to Shankaracharya.

    Contributions of Adi Shankaracharya

    • Shankaracharya introduced the ‘Shanmata’ system, which emphasized worship of the five principal deities and restored the Dashanami structure.
    • He composed numerous devotional and meditative hymns and authored key texts on Advaita Vedanta, including commentaries on major scriptures.
    • Adi Shankaracharya revitalized Hinduism at a time when it faced challenges from Jainism and Buddhism, promoting unity and re-establishing traditions.
    • He established four monastic institutions (Mathas) in different corners of India, unifying the nation and codifying leadership roles:
    1. Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetam in Chikmaglur in Karnataka
    2. Jyotir Matha in the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand
    3. Kalika Matha in Dwarka in Gujarat
    4. Govardhana Matha in Puri in Odisha

  • [pib] Nuakhai Festival

    Nuakhai

    Central Idea

    • The Prime Minister has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai.

    About Nuakhai

    • Nuakhai, also known as Nuakhai Parab or Nuakhai Bhetghat, is alternatively referred to as Navakhai Parv in Chhattisgarh.
    • Nuakhai is predominantly an agricultural festival celebrated by tribal communities and Hindus residing in Western Odisha.
    • It is also observed in the adjacent regions of Simdega in Jharkhand, where the cultural influence of Western Odisha is prominent.
    • Nuakhai is observed to mark the arrival of the new rice harvest.
    • The term “nua” signifies new, and “khai” represents food, symbolizing the farmers’ possession of the freshly harvested rice.
    • This festival falls on the panchami tithi (the fifth day) of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August- September).
    • It occurs the day following the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

    Historical Roots

    • Nuakhai traces its origins back to ancient times, with its roots in the Pralambana Yajna, which involves harvesting the first crop and making a reverential offering to the mother goddess.
    • In its present form, the festival is linked to the time of the first Chauhan King Ramai Deva of Patnagarh in western Odisha.

    Course of Celebrations

    • Nuakhai festivities encompass a series of nine rituals commencing with Behrana and culminating in Juhar Bhet.
    1. Beheren: This marks the announcement of the scheduled meeting date.
    2. Nuakhai: The highlight of the celebration involves partaking in the freshly harvested crop after offering it to the deity, accompanied by lively dancing and singing.
    3. Juhar bhet: It involves seeking blessings from elders and exchanging gifts with them as a gesture of respect and affection.

  • Constitutionality of SC/ST Reservation Extensions in LS, Assemblies: A Critical Examination

    Central Idea

    • A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud is set to scrutinize the constitutional validity of repeatedly extending the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

    Historical Context of Reservation

    • Original Intent: The Constituent Assembly, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, initially envisioned reservation for SCs/STs for ten years from the commencement of the Indian Constitution in 1950.
    • Amendments to Article 334: Article 334 of the Constitution, addressing the duration of SC/ST and Anglo-Indian seat reservations, underwent multiple amendments. Each time, the deadline for ending the reservation was extended by approximately ten years.
    • The 2019 Amendment: The Constitution (104th Amendment) Act of 2019 abolished the reservation for the Anglo-Indian community and set the deadline to terminate SC/ST reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for 2030. This extended the reservation period to 80 years from the Constitution’s adoption.

    Examining Parliament’s Constituent Power

    • Key Question: The Constitution Bench will assess whether Parliament’s constituent power to amend Article 334 repeatedly, extending the SC/ST seat reservation, is constitutionally valid.
    • Limited Scope: The examination will focus solely on the 104th Constitution Amendment Act of 2019 concerning SC/ST communities and will not address the termination of the Anglo-Indian quota.
    • Impact of Continuous Reservations: The petitioner’s argument contends that persistent extensions of reservation restrict electoral choice by excluding members of other communities from contesting elections. This, they argue, infringes upon the fundamental right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.
    • Violation of Fundamental Right: The petition asserts that these recurrent extensions violate the basic structure of the Constitution by denying other communities the opportunity to contest in reserved seats, impinging upon their right to equal representation in government.

    Government’s Perspective

    • Union of India’s Stand: Represented by the Attorney General and Solicitor General, the Union of India contends that the 104th Constitution Amendment Act is constitutionally valid.

    What next?

    • The Constitution Bench has scheduled the hearing.
    • This critical examination of SC/ST reservation extensions raises profound questions about constitutional principles and the right to equality in Indian democracy.

  • Evolution of “Socialist” and “Secular” in Indian Constitution’s Preamble

    preamble

    Central Idea

    • The inclusion of the terms “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution has recently sparked debate.
    • Leader of the a party in Lok Sabha has raised concerns about these words in the Preamble.

    Significance of the Preamble

    • The Preamble encapsulates the core principles and objectives of the Indian Constitution.
    • It serves as an introduction to the Constitution, outlining its fundamental ideals.

    Original Preamble

    • Content in 1950: The Preamble, when the Constitution came into effect in 1950, did not include the terms “socialist” and “secular.” It reflected the vision and objectives of the Constituent Assembly at that time.

    Addition of “Socialist” and “Secular”

    • The 42nd Amendment: During the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1976, the terms “socialist” and “secular” were added to the Preamble through The Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act, 1976.
    • Indira Gandhi’s Agenda: Indira Gandhi’s government aimed to emphasize a socialist and pro-poor image, aligning with slogans such as “garibi hatao” (Eradicate poverty). The addition of “socialist” highlighted socialism as a fundamental goal of the Indian state.
    • Distinctive Indian Socialism: The Indian version of socialism did not endorse complete nationalization but emphasized selective nationalization of essential sectors.

    Understanding “Secular”

    • Religious Diversity: India is home to diverse religious beliefs and practices. The term “secular” was added to the Preamble to promote unity and fraternity among people of various faiths.
    • State Neutrality: Secularism in the Indian context implies that the state maintains neutrality and impartiality towards all religions. It does not favor any particular religion as a “state religion.”
    • Secularism as Law: Articles 25-28 of the Constitution secure the secular nature of the Indian state.
    • Inherent in the Constitution: The philosophy of secularism was inherent in the Constitution even before the 42nd Amendment.

    Debates Surrounding “Socialist” and “Secular”

    • Consensus on Secularism: The concept of secularism was already part of the Constitution’s philosophy. The insertion of the word “secular” in the Preamble simply made explicit what was implicit in various provisions.
    • Constituent Assembly Discussions: The Constituent Assembly debated including these words in the Preamble but decided against it.
    • Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Perspective: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar argued that issues related to the state’s policy, organization, and economic aspects should be determined by the people, not dictated by the Constitution itself.
    • Ongoing Debates: Over the years, there have been petitions and discussions regarding the removal of “socialist” and “secular” from the Preamble. Some argue that these terms were added arbitrarily during the Emergency.

    Conclusion

    • The presence of “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble remains a topic of discussion and legal challenges, with differing views on their inclusion and significance in shaping India’s constitutional identity.