From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: OpenAI o1
Why in the News?
OpenAI has introduced OpenAI o1, the first in a series of advanced AI models under its ‘Project Strawberry’ initiative.
This new model is designed for tackling more complex tasks in science, coding, and maths.
About OpenAI o1
This model has been built to approach problems like humans, carefully considering various angles before arriving at an answer.
It improves its performance by learning from different perspectives and checking its output for errors.
In trials, the upcoming version of the o1 model performed on par with PhD students in areas like physics, chemistry, and biology, and excelled particularly in maths and coding.
For instance, it solved 83% of problems in a math contest, compared to earlier versions which solved just 13%.
In coding, the model ranked higher than 89% of participants.
Key Features and Offerings
OpenAI is also releasing OpenAI o1-Mini, an economical version designed for developers, offering similar reasoning capabilities at 80% lower cost compared to the o1-preview version.
The o1 model excels in generating and debuggingcomplex code and is expected to assist in software development, data analysis, and problem-solving tasks.
Safety Measures
OpenAI has introduced new training methods to ensure the safety of these models, improving their ability to follow safety guidelines and prevent AIjail-breaking.
Jailbreaking is a form of hacking that aims to bypass an AI model’s ethical safeguards and elicit prohibited information.
In safety tests, the new version scored 84/100, a significant improvement from the previous 22/100 score.
The company is collaborating with UK and US governments on AI safety and conducting red teaming to identify and address any weaknesses.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Stupa of Sanchi
Why in the News?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa in Berlin.
Aboutthe Great Stupa of Sanchi
Details
Establishment
Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Purpose
Built to enshrine the relics of Buddha and symbolise the Buddhist faith.
Construction
Overseen by Ashoka’s wife, Devi, from Vidisha.
Stupa is a simple hemispherical structure crowned by a chhatra (parasol), symbolizing high rank.
Development of the Sanchi complex was supported by the mercantile community of Vidisha.
Design
Follows a simple hemispherical dome structure.
Later, in the 1st century BCE, under the Satavahana dynasty, 4 ornamental gateways (toranas) were added in four cardinal directions.
Toranas (Gateways)
Each torana consists of 2 pillars supporting 3 architraves, adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and Buddhist symbols.
Artistic Features
The toranas are famous for their intricate carvings, depicting elephants, winged lions, peacocks, and shalabhanjikas (fertility symbols).
Symbolism
Upper architrave shows seven Manushi Buddhas (previous Buddhas), the middle depicts the Great Departure of Prince Siddhartha, and the lower shows Ashoka’s visit to the Bodhi tree.
Restoration
Rediscovered in 1818 by British officer Henry Taylor and restored by John Marshall (ASI director) in the early 1900s with financial aid from the Begums of Bhopal.
Replica of East Gate
A plaster cast of the East Gate was made in the 1860s by Henry Hardy Cole for the Victoria and Albert Museum.
A replica now stands in front of the Humboldt Forum Museum in Berlin.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following historical places:
1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
[2016] Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Battle of Saragarhi
Why in the News?
127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on September 12.
About the Battle of Saragarhi
The Battle of Saragarhi occurred on September 12, 1897, between 21 Sikh soldiers of the then 36th Sikh Regiment and around 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals.
The soldiers defended a communication post at Saragarhi, connecting Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (now Pakistan).
Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the Sikhs fought to the last man, marking one of the greatest last stands in military history.
Despite their bravery, the soldiers were eventually outnumbered and killed.
Their sacrifice gave the British time to strengthen positions at Fort Lockhart and Gulistan, halting enemy advances.
Implication of the Battle
The Sikh soldiers showed extraordinary courage, fighting against overwhelming odds.
The 21 soldiers killed around 200 militants and injured 600, holding the enemy for seven hours.
The British Government posthumously awarded all 21 soldiers the Indian Order of Merit.
The battle highlighted the importance of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice, and underscored the role of Sikh regiments in the British Indian Army.
PYQ:
[2020] Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because:
(a) He was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so
(b) He wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India
(c) He wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment
(d) He wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Why in the News?
Natural geographic separation is happening among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and there is no immediate need to relocate them, says the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance.
About Asiatic Lion
Asiatic Lion, part of the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies, is found only in India, with a distinct belly skin fold.
Once spread across West Asia and India, now limited to Gir National Park, where the population increased in 2020.
Asiatic lions face threats from diseases, natural disasters, poaching and retaliation for livestock attacks.
They are classified as Endangered(IUCN), listed in CITESAppendix I, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project (2018-2021) aims for scientific management and community involvement.
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Details
Objective
Protect and conserve 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
Initial Funding
₹150 crore from the Government of India for five years, with additional funding from global agencies.
Membership
Open to 96 range countries with natural big cat habitats.
Key Activities
Advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilization.
Governance
General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat. Secretary General appointed by the Assembly.
Governance Framework
Based on the International Solar Alliance (ISA); finalized by the International Steering Committee.
India’s Role
India is home to 5 of the 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
India hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population and has seen steady growth in its Asiatic lion population.
PYQ:
[2012] Consider the following:
Black-necked crane
Cheetah
Flying squirrel
Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: European Hydrogen Week
Why in the News?
India will be the exclusive partner for European Hydrogen Week in November 2024.
About European Hydrogen Week
European Hydrogen Week is an annual event organized by the European Commission, Hydrogen Europe, and others.
It serves as a platform to discuss the future of hydrogen technologies, policy developments, and their role in decarbonizing Europe’s economy.
It features conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
It focuses on the development, deployment, and scaling of green hydrogen as part of the European Green Deal and the EU’s climate-neutrality targets for 2050.
Significance of India’s Partnership
Strengthening Green Energy Goals: Aligns India with global initiatives in decarbonizing industries and energy systems, advancing its commitment to the Paris Agreement and Net Zero 2070 target.
Access to Advanced Hydrogen Technologies: Provides India with cutting-edge hydrogen technologies from Europe, enhancing production, storage, and transportation capabilities for Green Hydrogen.
Boosting Technological Innovation: Facilitates collaborative research and development, allowing India to create cost-effective hydrogen solutions and drive domestic innovation in clean energy.
Building Global Leadership: Establishes India as a global leader in the Green Hydrogen sector, reinforcing its commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
PYQ:
[2019] In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:
1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions
2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sakthan Thampuran
Why in the News?
Ministry of Tourism has pledged to replace the Sakthan Thampuran statue that was knocked over by a state transport bus in Thrissur.
Who was Sakthan Thampuran?
Sakthan Thampuran, born Raja Rama Varma IX in 1751, was a powerful ruler of the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805.
He was raised by anaunt who nicknamed him Sakthan, meaning powerful, reflecting his strong personality and leadership.
The title Thampuran is derived from the Sanskrit word samrat, meaning emperor.
The Cochin kingdom, a part of the Late Chera Empire, spanned regions from Ponnani (Malappuram) to Thottappally (Alappuzha) in modern-day Kerala.
At age 18, in 1769, he became heir apparent, advising the king to maintain friendly relations with both the Dutch and the English, who were competing for control of trade in the region.
He orchestrated the Mysore invasion of Travancore, which eventually led to the Powney treaty.
This treaty freed the Cochin kingdom from its allegiance to Mysore and formalized its relations with the British East India Company.
He ended the institution of the Yogiatirippads, spiritual heads of key temples. He shifted temple management to the government, earning a reputation as a fearsome leader who rid his kingdom of crime.
Sakthanand the Thrissur Pooram Festival
Sakthan relocated the capital of his kingdom from Thrippunithura toThrissur.
He developed Thekkinkadu Maidanam and the surrounding Swaraj Round, which became the foundation for Thrissur’s infrastructure.
He invited merchants from all religions and British officials to settle in Thrissur, and personally managed the kingdom’s finances.
In 1797, he started the Thrissur Pooram as an alternative to Arattupuzha Pooram, uniting major temples in Thrissur to pay respects to Lord Shiva, the deity at Vadakkumnathan Temple.
It is held every year on the Pooram day – the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam Calendar month of Medam.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanangara Empire.
3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AB PM-JAY and its beneficiaries
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved health coverage of ₹5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, offering ₹5 lakh of coverage per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.
It was launched in February 2018.
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having central sector component under the Ayushman Bharat Mission.
It covers surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics.
It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses.
It currently covers 55 crore people from 12.34 crore families, providing comprehensive health benefits regardless of the family members’ age.
7.37 crore hospital admissions have been covered under the scheme, with 49% of the beneficiaries being women.
Eligibility Criteria:
All senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for the scheme, receiving a ₹5 lakh health cover on a family basis.
Additional Benefits:
Senior citizens belonging to families already under AB PM-JAY will get an extra top-up of ₹5 lakh, exclusively for their personal healthcare.
Those with private health insurance can also avail of the scheme.
Senior citizens covered under other public health insurance schemes, like CGHS, ECHS, or CAPF, must choose between their current plan and AB PM-JAY.
All eligible beneficiaries will be issued a distinct healthcard for easy access to the scheme’s benefits.
PYQ:
[2012] With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of Asha, a trained community health worker?
1. Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkups
2. Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
3. Providing information on nutrition and immunization
4. Conducting the delivery of baby
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wallace Line
Why in the news?
The Wallace Line, a distinct transition zone between Asia and Australia, has long fascinated researchers due to its unique characteristics.
What is Wallace Line?
Details
What is it?
A bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Asia and Australia.
It was identified by British explorer Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863 during his explorations.
It is an imaginary line that intersects the Lombok Strait between the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok to the south, and extends north through the Makassar Strait between Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sulawesi.
Unique Features
Divides species with distinct evolutionary histories.
Asiatic species (tigers, elephants) are found to the west; Australian fauna (kangaroos, marsupials) dominate the east.
Despite their geographical proximity, these species evolved separately.
Impact on Wildlife
Birds and mammals are particularly influenced, with few species crossing the line.
Flora is less affected, though species like Eucalyptus stay on the Australian side.
Impact on Marine Species
While the Wallace Line is a barrier for terrestrial species, it doesn’t stop marine life.
The area between the Wallace Line and the Sahul Shelf (near Australia) is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth.
Formation
Result of Australia’s drift from Antarctica and subsequent collision with Asia around 35 million years ago.
Climate shifts led to cooler, drier Australia and tropical Asia.
This collision created a deep-water channel that still acts as a natural barrier for species migration.
Pleistocene Epoch Influence
During the Pleistocene epoch, lower sea levels exposed land bridges.
Deep waters between Asia and Australia prevented species migration, maintaining the boundary.
Note:
Weber Line more accurately defines the balance point where the influence of Asian and Australian species is nearly equal, whereas the Wallace Line marks a sharper divide.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Elongated Tortoise
Why in the News?
The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata), a critically endangered species, was recently spotted in Haryana’s Damdama area during a research survey in the Aravalli hills.
About Elongated Tortoise:
Details
Physical Features
Medium-sized body with a yellowish-brown or olive-colored shell
Black blotches at the center of each scute
Pink ring around nostrils during breeding season
Habitat
Found in Sal deciduous and hilly evergreen forests
Distribution includes Southeast Asia, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and other regions
Indian Range
Present in the Chhota Nagpur plateau and Himalayan foothills at elevations up to 1,000 meters
Threats
Human exploitation for food and traditional medicine
Hunting, often with the help of dogs
Habitat degradation and illegal wildlife trade
Ecological Role
Significant species in its ecosystems but highly vulnerable to environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures
Population Decline
Significant population decline due to hunting, habitat degradation, and illegal wildlife trade, despite its wide distribution
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Shabd Portal
Why in the News?
The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT), under the Union Education Ministry, has launched a unique website, shabd.education.gov.in, providing technical terms in all 22 official Indian languages.
About Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)
The Union Education Ministry established the CSTT in December1960 to develop scientific and technical terminology in Hindi and other Indian languages.
It works to evolve, define, and standardizescientific and technical terms in Hindi and other Indian languages.
It publishes textbooks, monographs, and glossaries, and releases quarterly journals like Vigyan Garima Sindhu and Gyan Garima Sindhu.
It has developed over 450 glossaries, creating more than 3 million standardized words in Indian languages.
It prepares administrative glossaries for government departments and institutions to ensure consistent terminology in official documents.
About the Shabd Portal
The portal aims to serve as a central repository for technical terminologies across Indian languages, hosting glossaries from CSTT as well as other institutions and agencies.
The portal currently hosts 450 dictionaries comprising 3 million words, making it a vast resource for users seeking scientific and technical terms in Indian languages.
Search Features:
Users can search for equivalent terms by language, subject, dictionary type, or language pairs.
Specific searches can also be made within a particular glossary or across the entire collection.
The platform also allows users to provide feedback on the terms prepared by the CSTT.
Significance of the Portal
The launch comes amid efforts to promote technical education in Indian languages, including fields like medicine and engineering.
The portal is an essential step in ensuring accessibility of scientific and technical education in regional languages, supporting the vision of multilingual education.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following languages:
1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu
Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Polaris Dawn Mission
Why in the News?
SpaceX launched its Polaris Dawn Mission sending a four-person crew of civilians on a first-ever commercial spacewalk into Earth’s Van Allen radiation belts.
What is Polaris Dawn Mission?
It is a privately-funded space mission led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, in collaboration with SpaceX.
It is set to be the first non-government mission to conduct a spacewalk.
This 700km altitude will surpass the current record held by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966.
The mission will test new spacesuits designed by SpaceX to protect astronauts from high radiation levels encountered in the Van Allen Belts.
What are the Van Allen Belts?
The Van Allen Belts are two zonesof charged particles that surround Earth, held in the magnetosphere.
These belts were discovered in 1958 by American physicist James Van Allen.
Why are the Van Allen Belts dangerous for Humans?
The Van Allen Belts are dangerous for humans because they contain high levels of radiation that can pose significant health risks to astronauts.
The belts are filled with charged particles that can cause radiation sickness, damage human tissues, and increase the risk of cancer.
PYQ:
[2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ovarian Cancer
Why in the News?
In India, Ovarian Cancer ranks among top three cancers affecting women, accounting for 6.6% of all female cancer cases.
In 2022, India alone reported 47,333 new ovarian cancer cases and 32,978 deaths, emphasizing the critical need for awareness, early detection, and effective treatment.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Details
About
Referred to as the “silent killer” due to its subtle symptoms like bloating, pelvic pain, loss of appetite, and frequent urination. Late diagnosis is common.
Common Symptoms
• Bloating
• Pelvic/abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent urination
• Indigestion, back pain, fatigue, and weight loss
Cancer Subtypes
• Type I tumours: Less common, early diagnosis, better prognosis
• Type II tumours: More common, aggressive, diagnosed at advanced stages
Screening
• No effective screening tests available
• CA125 blood test used post-diagnosis but not recommended for routine screening due to limited specificity
Genetic Risk Factors
• Linked to mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 genes, increasing risk by up to 50%
• Genetic testing aids in personalized risk management
Endometriosis
• Associated with a higher risk of certain ovarian cancers, though overall risk remains low
Lifestyle Factors
• Mixed evidence regarding talcum powder usage and its potential link to ovarian cancer
• Hair products (dyes, straighteners) may increase risk, though further research is required
HRT & Genetic Counselling
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer
• Genetic counselling helps at-risk individuals with preventive measures
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Yudh Abhyas
Why in the News?
The 2024 edition of the India-U.S. Army bilateral exercise Yudh Abhyas has begun at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan.
Concurrently, Phase-II of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) largest multilateral exercise, Tarang Shakti, is underway in Jodhpur, with eight countries participating, including India.
About Exercise Yudh Abhyas
Details
Type
Bilateral joint military exercise between India and the United States
Inception Year
2004
Frequency
Annual
Primary Objective
Enhance military cooperation and joint operational capabilities, particularly focusing on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
Location
Held alternately in India and the USA
Earlier Edition (2023)
Held at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, focusing on cold-weather operations and high-altitude warfare
Focus
Counter-terrorism operations in semi-desert and desert terrains
Urban warfare (FIBUA – Fighting in Built-Up Areas)
Participating Forces in 2024
Indian Army: 600 troops from the RAJPUT Regiment
US Army: 1-24 Battalion of the 11th Airborne Division, Alaska
Tactical Drills in 2024
Joint planning sessions
Joint responses to terrorist actions
Combined field training exercises
Significance
Reflects the growing military partnership between India and the US
Enhances interoperability and strengthens strategic defence ties
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PresVu
Why in the News?
Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals has announced that the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved its new eye drop, PresVu, aimed at reducing the dependency on reading glasses for individuals with presbyopia.
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects, typically developing after the age of 40.
Spectacles are one of the most commonly recommended solutions for managing presbyopia.
How does PresVu work?
The active ingredient in PresVu is pilocarpine, a compound that contracts the iris muscles, controlling the size of the pupil and helping individuals focus better on nearby objects.
PresVu also uses an advanced dynamic buffer technology to adapt to the pH levels of tears, ensuring consistent efficacy and safety for extended use over the years.
However, PresVu’s effects are temporary, typically lasting between four to six hours, and it is prescription-only.
PresVu should not be used by individuals with iris inflammation.
Regular use may lead to side effects such as:
Itching and redness
Eyebrow pain
Muscle spasms in the eyes
Is this a Novel Therapy?
Although Entod claims PresVu is novel, the main compound, pilocarpine, has been available in India for decades and is commonly used as a first-line therapy for cataracts.
Pilocarpine’s ability to temporarily improve the depth of focus has been explored in other countries, including the United States, where the FDA approved a pilocarpine eye drop for presbyopia in 2021.
In India, the government regulates the ceiling price of pilocarpine in 4% and 2% concentrations, whereas PresVu contains 1.25%.
PYQ:
[2018] Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 54th meeting of GST Council
Why in the News?
The 54th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister was held recently.
Recommendations from the 54th GST Council Meeting:
GST Rate Changes for Goods
Namkeens and Savory Products
GST on extruded/expanded savoury products reduced from 18% to 12%; 5% GST on un-fried or uncooked snack pellets continues.
Cancer Drugs
GST on cancer drugs like Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab reduced from 12% to 5%.
Metal Scrap
Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) introduced for metal scrap supplies by unregistered persons; 2% TDS applied on B2B metal scrap supplies by registered persons.
RMPU Air Conditioning Machines
RMPU air conditioning machines for railways classified under HSN 8415, attracting a 28% GST rate.
Car and Motorcycle Seats
GST on car seats (HSN 9401) increased from 18% to 28%, aligning with the rate for motorcycle seats.
GST Rate Changes for Services
Life and Health Insurance
Group of Ministers (GoM) to be constituted to study GST issues related to life and health insurance. Report expected by October 2024.
Transport by Helicopters
GST on passenger transport by helicopters (seat share basis) set at 5%; 18% GST continues for charter helicopter services.
Flying Training Courses
DGCA-approved flying training courses conducted by Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) will be exempt from GST.
Preferential Location Charges
Preferential Location Charges (PLC) in construction services to be taxed as composite supply.
Affiliation Services
Affiliation services provided by boards like CBSE taxable; services provided to government schools by state/central boards will be exempt.
Import of Services by Branches
Import of services by foreign airlines’ branch offices from related persons will be exempt from GST if made without consideration.
Compliance Measures
B2C E-invoicing
Pilot project for B2C e-invoicing introduced to improve business efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Invoice Management System (IMS)
Invoice Management System to allow taxpayers to accept, reject, or keep invoices pending for claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC).
Waiver of Interest/Penalty
Special procedure to waive interest/penalty for tax demands from FY 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 under section 73 of CGST Act.
Clarifications via Circulars
Clarifications on place of supply for advertising services, ITC on demo vehicles, and place of supply for data hosting services to be issued.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following items:
1. Cereal grains hulled
2. Chicken eggs cooked
3. Fish processed and canned
4. Newspapers containing advertising material
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BepiColombo Mission
Why in the News?
On Thursday, the ESA-Japan spacecraft “BepiColombo” made its closest approach to Mercury, capturing detailed images of its sunrise-lit surface and revealing the planet’s south pole.
Highlights of the Latest Flyby:
BepiColombo uses flybys of Earth, Venus, and Mercury to slow down and enter orbit around Mercury. This approach gives scientists new information about Mercury’s south pole and its unusual peak ring craters, which haven’t been studied much before.
Note: Flybys are close passes of a spacecraft near a planet or celestial body
About BepiColombo Mission:
Details
Collaboration
European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Launch Date
October 20, 2018
Expected to enter Mercury’s orbit by late 2026.
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5 Rocket
Objectives
Study Mercury’s magnetic field
Investigate surface composition and geology
Analyze Mercury’s interaction with solar wind
Study exosphere and geological history
Spacecraft Components
ESA’s Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO): Focus on surface and interior study
JAXA’s Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MIO): Focus on magnetic field and surrounding space
Planned Flybys
6 (Flybys of Earth, Venus, and Mercury)
Ongoing, with 4 out of 6 Mercury flybys completed
Craters Studied
Vivaldi Crater, Stoddart Crater
Significance
Second mission ever to orbit Mercury (after NASA’s Messenger, 2004)
Challenges
Mercury’s proximity to the Sun accelerates spacecraft, requiring multiple flybys to slow down
Thruster issues causing mission delay
PYQ:
[2008] What is the purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news?
(a) To study the possibility of life on Mars.
(b) To study the satellites of Saturn.
(c) To study the colourful display of high latitude skies.
(d) To build a space laboratory to study the stellar explosions.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Helium
Why in the News?
Two NASA astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner will remain on the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended period due to issues with a faulty propulsion system, including helium leaks.
About Helium
Helium is inert, meaning it does not react or combust when exposed to other substances.
This makes it ideal for pressurization and cooling systems in rockets and spacecraft.
With an atomic numberof2, Helium is second lightest element after hydrogen, helping to keep the rocket’s weight low, which is crucial for achieving the necessary speeds and altitudes to reach orbit.
It has an extremelylow boiling point (-268.9°C), allowing it to stay in a gaseous state in super-cold environments, where many rocket fuels are stored.
Though non-toxic, helium cannot be inhaled on its own as it displaces oxygen, which is vital for human respiration.
How is Helium used for space applications?
Fuel Tank Pressurization: Helium pressurizes fuel tanks, ensuring a consistent flow of fuel to the rocket’s engines, even as the fuel is burned.
Cooling Systems: It also plays a key role in cooling systems, particularly in environments where rocket fuel and oxidizer need to be stored at extremely low temperatures.
Maintaining Tank Pressure: As fuel and oxidizer are consumed, helium fills the empty space left behind, ensuring the overall pressure inside the tanks remains stable.
Is Helium prone to leaks?
Helium’s small atomic size and low molecular weight make it prone to leaking through tiny gaps or seals in storage tanks and fuel systems.
Since helium is rare in Earth’s atmosphere, even minor leaks are easily detectable, making it a valuable tool for spotting potential faults in spacecraft fuel systems.
Examples of Leaks:
In May, hours before Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft attempted its first astronaut launch, sensors detected a small helium leak in one of its thrusters.
After Starliner launched in June, additional leaks were found in space, prompting NASA to return the spacecraft to Earth without its crew.
Alternatives to Helium
Argon and Nitrogen: Some rocket launches have experimented with other inert gases like argon and nitrogen, which are sometimes cheaper, but helium remains the industry standard.
Ariane 6’s Novel System: Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket abandoned helium in favor of a pressurization system that converts small amounts of its liquid oxygen and hydrogen into gas for pressurizing the fuel.
However, during Ariane 6’s debut launch, this system failed in space, adding to the global rocket industry’s pressurization challenges.
PYQ:
[2012] A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory included those from India created the heaviest anti-matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/are the implication/implications of the creation of anti-matter?
1. It will make mineral prospecting and oil exploration easier and cheaper.
2. It will help prove the possibility of the existence of stars and galaxies made of anti-matter.
3. It will help understand the evolution of the universe.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
