From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Abhilash Tomy, Golden Globe Race
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
Abhilash Tomy, a former Commander in the Indian Navy, has achieved the remarkable feat of completing a solo circumnavigation worldwide by finishing second at the Golden Globe Race (GGR), 2022.
He achieved this record under even more challenging circumstances than his previous record-breaking feat of going worldwide on a sailboat solo and unassisted back in 2013.
What is Golden Globe Race?
The Golden Globe Race is a non-stop, solo, unassisted yacht race around the world which was held for the first time in 1968-69.
The race requires contestants to use boats designed to prescribed premodern specifications and rely entirely on sextants and paper charts.
Satellite phones are available for extremely restricted use, and the use of modern navigational gear is not allowed.
The sailing would be along a stipulated route, rounding the three great capes (Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia, and Cape Horn in Chile).
His return to GGR
After several injuries, in 2021, Tomy began to look for sponsors and boats to participate in GGR-2022.
He announced his participation in the race on the Bayanat in March 2022, sponsored by a UAE-based company in the field of geospatial artificial intelligence.
However, just three weeks before the race, the boat collided with a ship and required massive repairs.
Significance of his achievement
Only three of the 11 contestants of GGR-2022 lasted the course of the race, with Kirsten Neuschafer becoming the first woman to win a solo around-the-world yacht race.
Tomy’s boat was the most ‘repaired’ boat in the race and it was all carried out by the sailor fighting unimaginable sea conditions and lack of sleep.
In the end, Tomy became the first Asian to complete the 30,000-mile GGR by finishing second after Neuschafer.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASEAN
Mains level: India-ASEAN Relations
Central idea: The article highlights India’s increasing military cooperation with ASEAN countries, with a special emphasis on the upcoming ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) in the South China Sea.
ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise
The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) is set to commence on May 2, 2023, with war games to be held in the South China Sea.
INS Satpura and INS Delhi will participate in the exercise.
The exercise is divided into two phases: ‘Harbour Phase’ and ‘Sea Phase.’
The exercise is aimed at fostering close cooperation and conducting seamless operations in the maritime domain between the Indian Navy and ASEAN navies.
About ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
Details
Members
Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Formation
August 8, 1967
Headquarters
Jakarta, Indonesia
Purpose
To promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development
Economic integration
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
Political cooperation
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM)
Cultural cooperation
ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)
Relationship with India
Strategic partnership, trade, and investment
Why such exercise?
Defying territorial claims: The South China Sea is a critical waterway that connects the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, and it is also a contested region where multiple countries have territorial claims.
Support freedom of navigation: Conducting exercises in this region allows India to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and upholding international maritime laws.
Indo-Pacific Strategy: India’s growing strategic ties with ASEAN are part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to promote a rules-based order and ensure stability in the region.
Counterbalancing China: As China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific grows, India sees ASEAN as a key partner in balancing China’s assertiveness and promoting regional stability.
India’s stakes in South China Sea
The South China Sea plays a critical role in India’s security and well-being as-
Global common: The SCS is not China’s sea, but a global common.
Unimpeded navigation: It has been an important sea-lane of communication for centuries, and passage has been unimpeded. Indians have sailed these waters for well over 1,500 years with a continuous trading presence.
Global trade chokepoint: Nearly $200 billion of India’s trade passes through the South China Sea, and thousands of Indian citizens study, work and invest in ASEAN, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Key significance: India’s Responsiveness to ASEAN
India needs to be responsive to ASEAN’s expectations.
Meeting ASEAN’s aspirations: While strategic partnerships and high-level engagements are important, ASEAN expects longer-lasting buy-ins by India in their future.
History of lesser importance given by India: ASEAN has taken the initiative time and again to involve India in Indo-Pacific affairs, even though India’s current level of trade or investment with ASEAN does not make a compelling argument.
Broader perception of India as key partner: ASEAN has deliberately taken a longer-term view, given the importance of regional arrangements for economic recovery and rejuvenation.
Back2Basics:South China Sea Dispute
It is a dispute over territory and sovereignty over ocean areas, and the Paracels and the Spratlys – two island chains claimed in whole or in part by a number of countries.
China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei all have competing claims.
Alongside the fully-fledged islands, there are dozens of rocky outcrops, atolls, sandbanks, and reefs, such as the Scarborough Shoal.
China claims by far the largest portion of territory – an area defined by the “nine-dash line” which stretches hundreds of miles south and east from its most southerly province of Hainan.
Beijing says its right to the area goes back centuries to when the Paracel and Spratly island chains were regarded as integral parts of the Chinese nation, and in 1947 it issued a map detailing its claims.
It showed the two island groups falling entirely within its territory. Those claims are mirrored by Taiwan.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Psychedelics
Mains level: Medicianal use of psychotropic substances
Central idea: The context of the article is about the use of psychedelic drugs for both recreational and medicinal purposes.
What are Psychedelics?
Psychedelics are a class of drugs that alter an individual’s perception, mood, and thought processing while still allowing the individual to remain conscious and with unimpaired insight.
They are non-addictive and non-toxic, and cause less harm to the end user compared to illicit drugs.
The two most commonly used psychedelics are LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) and psilocybin. Researchers have also developed synthetic psychedelics.
Humans have used psilocybin and mescaline for ceremonial, healing, and spiritual rituals for millennia.
The modern-day use of psychedelics is commonly associated with the German chemist Arthur Heffter isolating mescaline from the peyote cactus in 1897.
In 1938, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann first synthesized LSD while investigating compounds related to ergotamine.
LSD was widely used as a therapeutic catalyst in psychotherapy between 1947 and 1967, until it was criminalized in the US due to medical concerns and the Vietnam War.
Experience of using psychedelic substances
Users of psychedelic substances report changes in perception, somatic experience, mood, thought-processing, and entheogenic experiences.
Perceptual distortions most commonly include the visual domain.
Somatic experiences may include the visceral, tactile, and interoceptive domains.
Mood changes may include elation, euphoria, anxiety, and paranoia.
Entheogenic experiences include transcendental and ineffable spiritual experiences.
Psilocybin’s therapeutic effects require a ‘trip’ that is mediated by the activation of serotonin receptors.
Modern neuroimaging suggests that psychedelics increase the cross-talk between different brain networks, and this correlates with the subjective effects of psychedelics.
Can psychedelic substances cause any harm?
Death due to direct toxicity of LSD, psilocybin, or mescaline has not been reported in the literature despite 50-plus years of recreational use.
Synthetic psychedelics have been associated with acute cardiac, central nervous system, and limb ischemia, as well as serotonin syndrome.
What is Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has three types of sessions: preparatory, medication, and integration.
In the medication session, the patient is accompanied by a male-female co-therapist dyad and a psychedelic drug is administered in a comfortable and well-appointed room.
Over the next 6-8 hours, the therapists listen to the patient while maintaining a neutral therapeutic stance.
In the integration session, the therapists work with the patient to interpret the contents of their psychedelic experience into meaningful long-term change, based on their thoughts and ideas.
Uses to treat Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Research has shown that psychedelic substances have potential therapeutic benefits in treating neuropsychiatric disorders such as treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In recent trials, a single dose of psilocybin or MDMA-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce depression scores and improve symptoms of PTSD in participants.
Back2Basics: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
Details
Purpose
Combat drug abuse and trafficking in India
Scope
Consolidates and amends the existing legal framework related to narcotics and psychotropic substances
Regulations
Strictly regulates and controls the production, manufacture, sale, transport, possession, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Special Courts
Establishment of special courts and appointment of special public prosecutors to handle cases related to drug trafficking and abuse
Covered Substances
Opium, heroin, cannabis, cocaine, synthetic drugs such as LSD and ecstasy
Classification
Substances classified into different schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use
Punishment
Imposes different levels of punishment for offenses related to each schedule
Enforcement
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), and state-level drug enforcement agencies
Functions
Prevention of drug abuse and trafficking, investigation and prosecution of drug offenses, rehabilitation and treatment of drug addicts
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Shilabhattarika
Mains level: NA
Central idea: The article talks about the discovery of new information on the celebrated ancient Sanskrit poetess Shilabhattarika through the decoding of copper plates by the Pune-based Bhandarkar Institute.
Who was Shilabhattarika?
Shilabhattarika was a 9th-century Sanskrit poet from India.
She lived near the Narmada River and the Vindhya mountains.
Her poetic skills were praised by medieval Sanskrit literary critics.
It is speculated that she may be the same as Shilamahadevi, the queen of 8th-century Rashtrakuta ruler Dhruv.
According to recent research, she was the daughter of Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II.
Her literary works
Shilabhattarika is known to have written at least 46 poems on various topics, such as love, morality, politics, nature, beauty, the seasons, insects, anger, indignation, codes of conduct, and the characteristic features of various kinds of heroines.
Shilabhattarika is considered a leading figure of the Panchali literary style, which maintains “a balance between words and meaning”.
According to Rajashekhara, the Panchali style can be traced to the works of Shilabhattarika, and possibly in some of the works of the 7th-century poet Bana.
Sharangadhara-paddhati, a 14th-century anthology, praises her and three other female poets for their great poetic genius and erudition.
One of the most iconic songs of the noted Marathi poetess Shanta Shelke, “toch chandrama nabhat” (it is the same moon in the sky), draws inspiration from the verses of Shilabhattarika.
Key findings of the recent research
The research analyzed a copperplate charter consisting of 5 copper plates dating back to the reign of Badami Chalukyan ruler Vijayaditya (696-733 CE).
The plates were held together by a copper ring that bore the varaha (boar) seal, which is the trademark of the Badami Chalukyas.
The Sanskrit text inscribed in late-Brahmi script contained a total of 65 lines.
The charter revealed that King Vijayaditya Chalukya had donated the village of Chigateri to a scholar named Vishnu Sharma, based on the recommendation of Mahendravarma, Shilabhattarika’s son.
Shilabhattarika’s husband, Dadiga, was deputed as the governor of Kogali, while his elder brother Polavira succeeded their father Mokkara as the ruler of the Western Ganga dynasty, which acted as subordinates to the Chalukyas of Badami and fought against the Pallavas of Kanchi.
The plates also mentioned the names of Shilabhattarika’s father-in-law, Mokkara (or Mushkara), and his father, Durvinita, who was a proficient composer and had patronized Bharavi, the author of the classical epic Kiratarjuniya.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bihan Mela
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: Since 2019, the Kondh tribe in Nayagarh district, Odisha has been celebrating the Bihan Mela, or the seed festival, to promote the revival of indigenous farming.
Bihan Mela
This event involves the collection and preservation of indigenous seeds, and farmers from 40 villages in Dasapalla block participate in the festival.
After harvesting kharif crops, women collect the seeds of indigenous varieties and store them in earthen pots.
On a designated day in December, they decorate the pots with red and white motifs, place them in a bamboo basket and carry them on their heads to the village where the fair is being organized.
Men accompany them, beating drums and other traditional instruments.
Objectives
The seed festival was introduced to help farmers return to their traditional ways of farming, like mixed-cropping, which is more resilient to erratic rainfall and pest attacks.
In recent years, farmers have abandoned native crops and varieties that are naturally resistant to pests and better suited to the region’s climate.
Commercialization through this festival: Seed Bank
To facilitate access to indigenous seeds, Nirman, a non-profit that works with the tribe on forest rights and agro-ecological farming, set up a seed bank in Raisar village in 2019.
The bank collects and preserves indigenous seeds from across Kondh villages and lends those out to farmers.
The bank now boasts of 62 varieties of paddy, four varieties of millets, five varieties of pulses, and eight vegetables.
The bank is open to all Kondh farmers and has benefitted 750 families so far.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Zafar Mahal
Mains level: Not Much
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to initiate conservation works at Zafar Mahal in south Delhi’s Mehrauli.
Zafar Mahal
Zafar Mahal, located in Mehrauli village, South Delhi, India, is considered the last monumental structure built during the fading years of the Mughal era.
The palace was built in the 18th and 19th centuries, with a forlorn history due to the deportation of the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar II, by the British.
The monument is now in a neglected and ruined state and locals often play cricket and gamble inside the protected monument.
History
The Mughal dynasty ended after 332 years when the last Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II (1837–1857) was deported to Rangoon, Burma, now Myanmar from the imperial city of Delhi.
The palace had graves in the precincts of Zafar Mahal built within a marble screen enclosure by Jahandar Shah for his father Bahadur Shah I and others who followed, and is a minor reflection of the history of the place.
Bahadur Shah Zafar II, who wished to be buried in the precincts of the palace, was buried in Rangoon.
The palace used to be visited by Bahadur Shah Zafar II for hunting during the monsoon season, and he was honoured here during the Phool Walon Ki Sair festival held in February/March.
Key Structures
Zafar Mahal consists of the Mahal or the palace, built in the 18th century, and the entrance gate, reconstructed in the 19th century.
The palace is a three-storied structure in red sandstone embellished with marble, and the gate is imposing with an 11.75 feet opening at the entrance.
A masjid called the Moti Masjid, built by Bahadur Shah I, was also located within the palace precincts.
The palace now sits in a dilapidated condition and its restoration is limited by the inadequate documents to deduce the original construction details.
Demolished or Illegally Occupied Structures
Zafar Mahal used to be a huge palace consisting of many other structures that are no longer present or occupied by local residents.
These structures include the Diwan-e-Khaas of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the house of Mirza Babur, the Baoli of Aurangzeb, the house of Mirza Nili, the Thana of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the house of Mirza Salim, and the Khwas Pura.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bharat Tap Rating, AMRUT
Mains level: Water conservation efforts
Central idea: The Centre is in the process of bringing in a star rating system for water fixtures similar to the ratings of electrical appliances.
Bharat Tap Rating
The star rating system would come under one umbrella called Bharat Tap, which was formulated under AMRUT 2.0 to drive water efficiency.
The initiative aims to promote and adopt water-efficient fixtures.
It would have 3, 4, and 5-star water fixtures based on their water efficiency.
This would help consumers make informed decisions while purchasing sanitary equipment.
Collaborators of the initiative
The Indian Plumbing Association and all manufacturers have been roped in to adopt and promote the new standards for water-efficient fixtures.
Why such move?
Data derived from this initiative showed that on average over 30% of water can be saved.
However, there was not enough data available to consumers to assist them in making informed decisions when purchasing sanitary fixtures.
Back2Basics: AMRUT 2.O
Water management: It will build upon the progress of AMRUT to address water needs, rejuvenate water bodies, better manage aquifers, reuse treated wastewater, thereby promoting circular economy of water.
Water supply: It would provide100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 ULBs.
Sewerage: It will provide 100% coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities.
Rejuvenation of water bodies and urban aquifer management: It will be undertaken to augment sustainable fresh water supply.
Recycle and reuse of treated wastewater: It is expected to cater to 20% of total water needs of the cities and 40% of industrial demand.
Pey Jal Survekshan: It will be conducted in cities to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and mapping of water bodies.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Seamounts
Mains level: NA
Central Idea: Scientists have reported finding 19,325 new seamounts after poring through new high-resolution data. A study had already mapped 24,000 seamounts across the world’s oceans.
Why study this?
The recent discovery of new seamounts was made possible by advancements in altimetry for gravity-field mapping, which improved spatial coverage.
Seamounts are underwater mountains formed through volcanic activity.
They are recognised as hotspots for marine life.
Most seamounts are formed near mid-ocean ridges, intraplate hotspots, and oceanic island chains with volcanic and seismic activity called island arcs.
They can be active, extinct or dormant volcanoes.
Importance of Seamounts
Seamounts provide information about the mantle’s composition and how tectonic plates evolve as they are formed when molten rock comes up from below the tectonic plates.
Oceanographers study seamounts to understand their influence on how water circulates and absorbs heat and carbon dioxide.
Seamounts are home to diverse biological communities as they can cause localised ocean upwelling, which brings nutrient-rich water from deep within the ocean to the surface.
How were they mapped?
Surveyors map seamounts using either echo sounders or multibeam sonar on ships for topographic mapping or using satellite altimetry for gravity-field mapping.
The hi-res maps produced by multibeam sonar mapping are often incomplete, whereas the low-res maps produced by satellite altimetry have better coverage.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ningaloo ‘Hybrid’ Solar Eclipse
Mains level: Not Much
A ‘hybrid’ solar eclipse called the Ningaloo Eclipse recently happened on April 20, 2023.
Ningaloo ‘Hybrid’ Solar Eclipse
It was a rare astronomical event that occurred on April 20, 2023.
The Moon passed directly between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on a narrow strip of land in Western Australia.
It was a “hybrid” eclipse, starting as an annular eclipse and transitioning into a total eclipse.
The path of the eclipse crossed over the Ningaloo Reef, a world heritage site in Western Australia.
It offered a unique opportunity to view the eclipse against the backdrop of the reef and the Indian Ocean.
How rare are such events?
During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth’s surface.
However, solar eclipses do not occur every month because the Moon’s orbit is tilted by about 5 degrees relative to Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
Therefore, the Moon’s shadow usually misses Earth, but occasionally the alignment is just right for a solar eclipse to occur.
In the case of the Ningaloo Hybrid Solar Eclipse, the alignment was such that the Moon was at the right distance from Earth to create both an annular and a total eclipse as it moved across the Sun.
This type of eclipse is quite rare, occurring only about once every 400 years.
The Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) has developed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using home-grown technology from cooking oil and oil-bearing plants.
SAF samples have been sent to the United States Federal Aviation Administration Clearinghouse for testing to obtain the ASTM D4054 qualification from ASTM International.
About ASTM certification
ASTM International is an international standards organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.
It was formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials and is based in the United States.
The organization has over 30,000 members from more than 140 countries, including scientists, engineers, and industry professionals.
The standards cover industries such as construction, petroleum, medical devices, and consumer products.
SAF under ASTM Certification
Two of ASTM standards related to aviation fuel are ASTM D4054 and ASTM D7566.
ASTM D4054 sets the requirements for qualifying aviation turbine fuels.
ASTM D7566 sets the requirements for certifying fuels for use in commercial aviation.
Present use of SAF
The Indian Air Force received provisional certification in November 2021 to use SAF on their test flights, subject to case-by-case approval by the aircraft manufacturer concerned.
However, it is yet to be internationally certified for use in commercial airlines in India.
SAF production in India
The Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd is setting up the first SAF plant, which is expected to come online by early 2025.
However, two more SAF plants are expected to be set up by other refineries, probably by 2025-26.
The Mangalore Refinery can produce 20 tonnes of SAF per day, meaning about 7,000 tonnes per year.
However, to achieve even a per cent of blending of SAF in India, around 60,000 tonnes per year are required.
Way forward
Demand for bio-jet fuel must be increased through a national policy, along the lines of the National Biofuel Policy, for it to be commercially scaled and to accelerate production.
A nodal agency to implement this policy should be formed to bring together energy, transportation and agriculture sectors together under one roof.
Mapping the sources of the various feedstock could aid this policy.
Central idea: In an RTI reply, it is revealed that only 329 claims out of 647 filed were settled in the last two financial years under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?
The PMJDY is a financial inclusion program launched by the Indian government in 2014.
It is National Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely, a basic savings & deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner.
Under the scheme, a basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) account can be opened in any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet, by persons not having any other account.
Benefits under PMJDY
One basic savings bank account is opened for unbanked person.
There is no requirement to maintain any minimum balance in PMJDY accounts.
Interest is earned on the deposit in PMJDY accounts.
Rupay Debit card is provided to the account holder.
Accident Insurance Cover of Rs.1 lakh (enhanced to Rs. 2 lakh to new PMJDY accounts opened after 28.8.2018) is available with RuPay card issued to the PMJDY account holders.
An overdraft (OD) facility up to Rs. 10,000 to eligible account holders is available.
Why in news?
In the financial year 2021-22, 341 claims were received for accident insurance cover under the PMJDY scheme.
Out of these, 182 claims were settled and 48 were rejected.
No information was provided on the status of the remaining 111 claims.
Is PMJDY a success?
Dormancy of accounts: The PMJDY scheme has led to an increase in the number of bank accounts in rural areas, but this has not necessarily led to a corresponding increase in transactions due to limited transaction history of many account holders.
Low or no transactions: Insurance coverage for the account holder is linked to their transaction history, and many accounts remain frozen due to lack of transactions, taking several weeks or months to reactivate.
False promise of overdraft: The promised overdraft facility of Rs 5000 for new account holders has not been provided as promised, leading to scepticism about the scheme’s success.
Payments bottleneck: The lack of proper connectivity, electricity, internet, and ATM facilities in rural areas has hindered the activation of RuPay cards and PIN numbers, which should have been considered before implementing such a large-scale program.
The Vaigai river enriches the clay used for the Manamadurai pottery. Pot making requires expertise as the bottom has to be perfectly round.
The right proportion of mud, clay and heating makes this product very strong. The main raw materials for making these pots are soil and water.
The sand, collected from different places of the district, is used for making pottery and dried for two days. The particles of the mud get separated by sieving.
The slurry is mixed with the sand and lead and graphite are added to the mixture to improve the quality.
This mixture is now rich in calcium lime, ash, red lead, sodium silicate, manganese, iron, and plasticizing. The pot is also painted in different colours.
What makes these pots unique?
A unique type of clay is sourced from water bodies like Nedunkulam, Nathapurakki, Sundaranadappu, Seikalathur to make these pots.
While making these pots, the five elements of nature namely earth, water, fire, sun and air are used.
The basic material for pottery is mud, which represents the earth. Mud is mixed with water, another element of nature.
This is followed by baking in fire, adding the third element.
The air percolates through the pores in the clay, marking the fourth element.
And finally, the cavity enclosed by the pot or any related article represents space.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Zero Shadow Day
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: Many cities across India are experiencing Zero Shadow Day since the sun was directly overhead at that time.
What is Zero Shadow Day?
Zero Shadow Day is a phenomenon that occurs twice a year at every point on Earth located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
During Zero Shadow Day, vertical objects appear to cast no shadow at local noon, when the sun is at its zenith directly above the object.
It occurs when the sun’s location moves from 23.5°N to 23.5°S of Earth’s equator and back, causing the shadow to disappear beneath objects at local noon.
Why does it happen?
It occurs due to the movement of the sun from south to north during the Uttarayan and back from north to south during Dakshinayan.
This movement is caused by Earth’s rotation axis being tilted at an angle of roughly 23.5° to the axis of revolution around the sun.
All places whose latitude equals the angle between the sun’s location and the equator on that day experience Zero Shadow Day, with the shadow disappearing at local noon.
Try this PYQ:
On 21st June, the Sun-
(a) Does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
(b) Does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
(c) Shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
(d) Shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Temperature Anomaly
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: Global warming does not mean that each month or each year will be warmer than the previous month or the previous year.
What is Temperature Anomaly?
This is a measure of how much the actual temperature deviates from the long-term average temperature for a particular location and time period.
Anomalies are calculated by taking the difference between the actual temperature and the long-term average temperature, and then averaging this difference over a specified period.
The anomalies are due to land-ocean-atmosphere processes that dynamically determine the weather and climate.
It is a useful tool for understanding changes in climate over time, as they allow scientists to compare temperatures from different time periods and locations.
For example, a temperature anomaly of +2°C in a particular region in a given year means that the temperature in that region was 2°C higher than the long-term average for that region and time period.
Why study this?
Long-term trend: By analyzing temperature anomalies over time, scientists can identify long-term trends in climate change and predict future changes.
Track extreme weather event: These are also used to monitor extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, which can have significant impacts on human health, agriculture, and natural ecosystems.
Recent context: Second warmest March on record
The fact that March 2023 was the second warmest March on record suggests that the planet is experiencing long-term warming.
It is a clear indication of the impact of human activities on the planet.
The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation have led to an increase in greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
This warming trend is expected to continue and worsen in the coming years, leading to more extreme weather events, sea level rise, and other negative impacts on the planet.
What does this mean for local weather?
The second warmest March on record can have significant impacts on local weather patterns.
As mentioned earlier, the warming over the northwest to the west of India caused cooler than normal weather over Mumbai and excess pre-monsoon rains over the northwest.
On the other hand, Kerala and Odisha experienced scorching heatwaves.
These weather anomalies can have serious implications for agriculture, water resources, and public health.
Implications
Crop yields decline: This can be affected by extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns can lead to water shortages or flooding.
Heatwaves: This can cause heat stress and other health problems, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct
Mains level: Read the attached story
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Registrar General of the Calcutta High Court to investigate an alleged interview given by a judge to a news channel in which he made remarks against a politician. This is cited against Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.
What are Bangalore Principles?
The Bangalore Code of Judicial Conduct was drafted in 2001 for the Judicial Group on Strengthening Judicial Integrity and presented to the Round Table Meeting of Chief Justices in November 2002.
Resolution 23 of the United Nations Social and Economic Council promotes implementation of the Bangalore Principles by the judiciaries of Member States.
The principles are intended to establish standards for ethical conduct of judges.
They are designed to provide guidance to judges and to offer the judiciary a framework for regulating judicial conduct.
Six core values recognized
S. No.
Principle
Description
1.
Independence
Judges must be free to make impartial decisions based on the law and facts, without any influence or pressure from external sources.
2.
Impartiality
Judges must be unbiased and treat all parties equally, without any favoritism or discrimination.
3.
Integrity
Judges must have high moral and ethical principles, be honest, and act with transparency and fairness.
4.
Propriety
Judges must avoid any impropriety or appearance of impropriety, such as conflicts of interest or inappropriate behavior.
5.
Equality
Judges must uphold the principle of equality before the law, treating all people with respect and dignity.
6.
Competence and diligence
Judges must have the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualities to perform their duties effectively, and must work diligently and efficiently.
Significance of these principles
The principles define their meaning and elaborate in detail on what kind of conduct is to be expected in concrete terms of the persons concerned in order to put the respective value into practice.
A number of specific instructions are given under each of the values.
Not only have some States adopted the Bangalore Principles but others have modelled their own Principles of Judicial Conduct on them.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Thirunelly Temple
Mains level: NA
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the government to conserve the historically significant structures, including the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom’, an exquisite granite structure, at the Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Thirunelly in Wayanad district.
About Thirunelly Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also known as Sahyamala Kshetram.
It is also referred to as the ‘Kashi of the South’ and is considered as an important pilgrimage center for Hindus.
It is located at the confluence of three rivers – Papanasini, the holy river, which is believed to have the power to wash away sins, Kudamurutti, and Koothappuzha.
The temple has a unique circular structure made of granite stones, which is believed to have been constructed by Lord Brahma himself.
It has beautiful architecture and features intricate carvings, mural paintings, and sculptures.
The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Vishu, Navaratri, and Thirunelli festival.
Renovation plan
The renovation works include the reconstruction of the chuttambalam or the structure around the sanctum sanctorum, except for the balikkalpura structure on the front side.
The renovation work also includes the completion of the vilakkumadam, an exquisite granite structure that has a history dating back to the 15th century AD.
The renovation works also include the renovation of the panchatheerthampond and the pathway to the papanasini bath ghat where devotees perform the bali ritual.
Why in news?
The temple structure has a history dating back to the 15th century AD, and stories related to the architecture and style of the temple are associated with it.
In guise of renovation, there is a concern over the loss of valuable precincts and the destruction of heritage.
The incomplete structure that stood as testimony to a rich cultural heritage has been remodelled in an insensitive way.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Op Kaveri
Mains level: Not Much
India has launched “Operation Kaveri” to evacuate its citizens from war-torn Sudan.
What is Operation Kaveri?
It is the recent series of evacuations held by India over the last few years to rescue its nationals in crisis-hit countries. India rescued its nationals last year from war-hit Ukraine and Afghanistan.
The operation was launched in response to the conflict and breakdown of essential services in Sudan that had brought the country to a standstill.
India has positioned two transport aircraft of the IAF in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah and a naval ship at a key port in Sudan as part of its contingency plans to evacuate its stranded nationals.
Behind the name ‘Kaveri’
The choice of naming this operation as ‘Operation Kaveri’ has a lot of significance.
Kaveri is one of the major Indian rivers flowing through the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The river is sacred to the people of the region and is worshipped as the Goddess Kaveriamma (mother Kaveri).
Rivers reach their destination irrespective of barriers. It’s like a mother who will ensure she will bring her children back to safety.
About Sudan
Sudan is a country located in North Africa, bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southeast, and Eritrea to the east.
It is the third-largest country in Africa and has a diverse population of around 43 million people.
According to the World Bank, around 46% of the population lives below the poverty line, and many Sudanese people struggle to access basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water.
What is the crisis all about?
Sudan is facing a crisis due to fighting between two rival military factions.
The conflict involves the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The fighting began in April 2022 after tensions rose following the coup that saw the two factions topple a civilian government in October 2021.
The conflict began when an internationally-backed plan to launch a new transition with civilian parties was floated.
Under the plan, both the army and the RSF had to cede power, but two issues were contentious: the formal placing of the army under civilian oversight and the timetable for the RSF to be integrated into the regular armed forces.
Global Implications of the Conflict
The volatile region, which borders the Red Sea, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa, could be destabilized if the fighting continues.
The conflict in Sudan has the potential to cause a refugee crisis, with people fleeing the country to escape the violence and instability.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Vibrant Village Programme
Mains level: Not Much
The Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) which aims to develop infrastructure and open up villages to tourists along the China border will be integrated with the Gati Shakti Mega Project.
What is Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)?
Under the VVP, the selected villages will be provided with basic facilities like all-weather roads, potable piped water, 24×7 electricity, good mobile and internet connectivity, healthcare, and enhanced livelihood options.
The VVP aims to prevent migration of border population, catalyze reverse migration, and keep all villages along the LAC well-populated from the strategic and security point of view.
Villages selected
Kibithoo, one of the remotest circle headquarters of Arunachal Pradesh, is the first village to be developed under the VVP.
The villages will also serve as the Indian Army’s eyes and ears in these remote areas.
2,967 villages in 19 border districts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh will be developed under the VVP, with 662 villages being developed in the first phase of the project.
Components
The VVP programme involves a number of livelihood programmes, including bee-keeping, improving agricultural yields, encouraging handicrafts and local products, and providing market linkages to them.
The programme also focuses on promoting high-end tourism and training local people to cater to tourists.
Provision of 24×7 power through micro-hydel power plants, solar power panels, and windmills is also a vital component of the programme.
Impact
The development of border villages under the VVP will help provide a better livelihood for the locals, improve the quality of life and prevent migration from these remote areas.
It will also help in gathering intelligence from the people of border villages and provide the Indian Army with better access to these areas.
Comparison with China’s Model
India’s Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) is people-centric and aims to enhance the quality of life of the locals.
China’s Xiaokang villages lack proper planning for providing livelihood opportunities, healthcare and education facilities, and proper transportation.
Beijing’s aim of keeping civilian residents of these villages as watchful eyes over activities across the LAC and on Indian Army patrols has been negated.
Most of the villages now serve as residential quarters and logistical facilities for the PLA.
India’s VVP scores over China’s building of new Xiaokang villages as it has a holistic approach to development.
Why merged with Gati Shakti?
Gati Shakti brings 16 ministries, including Railways and Roadways, together for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.
It allows government departments to break operational silos.
By integrating VVP with Gati Shakti, there can be better coordination between various ministries and departments to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme and to avoid any duplication of efforts.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pushkaran/Pushkarlu Festival
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The 12-day Pushkaralu festival of Telugu-speaking people began on April 22 in Varanasi.
Pushkaralu Festival
Pushkaram is an Indian festival dedicated to worshiping of 12 sacred rivers.
The celebration happens annually, once in 12 years along each river.
Each river is associated with a zodiac sign, and the river for each year’s festival is based on which sign Bruhaspathi (Jupiter) was in at the time.
It is believed that bathing in the sacred river during Pushkaram cleanses the devotees of their sins.
This year festival involves worshipping ancestors and the river Ganga and is being organised in Kashi after a gap of 12 years.
Why is it celebrated once in 12 years?
In India, we have 12 major rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Saraswathi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Bhima, Tapati, Tungabhadra, Sindhu, Pranhita for which the Pushkaram festival is celebrated for each river according to the zodiac sign of that river.
The 12 days after the Jupiter enters that particular zodiac sign will be the Pushkaram/Pushkaralu which is a 12-day festival for that river.
Hence Pushkaralu comes for every 12 years.
Legend of the Festival
According to legend, after severe penance, the devotee Pushkara was blessed by Lord Shiva with the ability to live in water and purify holy rivers
On a request from Bruhaspati (Jupiter), Pushkara decided to enter one of the 12 sacred rivers, including Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, and Krishna, among others
The river for each year’s festival is decided in accordance with Brihaspati travel from one zodiac sign to another
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Microbes
Mains level: NA
Central idea
Researchers conducted a genetic analysis of microbial communities on the South Col of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest).
The article examines the human microbiota on the inhospitable slopes of Mount Everest esp. the South Col ridge.
Microbial Communities on the South Col
Microbial communities were collected from sediment samples left by human climbers on the South Col, 7,900 meters above sea level (msl).
The South Col is inhospitable due to low oxygen, strong winds, high levels of UV radiation, and temperatures below minus 15 degrees Celsius.
Visible signs of life are absent above 6,700 msl except for a few species of moss and a jumping spider.
Microbes are carried to high altitudes by birds, animals, winds, and dust particles.
Microbes found
Using sophisticated methods such as 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing, the microbe hunters were able to identify the bacteria and other microorganisms found on the South Col.
16s rRNA is a component of the 30S subunit in prokaryotic ribosomes while 18s rRNA is a component of the 40S subunit in eukaryotic ribosomes.
16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing is an amplicon sequencing technique used to identify and compare species of bacteria present within a given sample.
16S rRNA gene sequencing is used to study phylogeny and taxonomy of samples from complex microbiomes or environments that are difficult or impossible to study.
Microbes like Modestobacter altitudinis and the fungus, naganishia, which are known to be UV-resistant survivors are found there.
History of Mount Everest and Naming
Nepal’s eminent historian, late Baburam Acharya, gave the Nepali name Sagarmatha to Mount Everest in the 1960s.
Andrew Waugh, British Surveyor General of India, discovered Mount Everest in 1847 and named it after his predecessor, Sir George Everest.
Radhanath Sikdar, an Indian mathematician and surveyor, was the first person to show that Mount Everest was the world’s highest peak in 1852, with the help of a special device.
