Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MRTP Act
Mains level: Abortion vs. Mothers Bodily Rights
Central Idea
- CJI DY Chandrachud said that India’s abortion law was liberal, pro-choice and far ahead of other countries.
- SC is hearing the case of a married woman who wants to medically terminate her 26-week pregnancy.
- This raises critical questions about a woman’s autonomy in deciding to abort and the existing legislative framework.
Woman’s Perspective
- Unplanned Pregnancy: A 27-year-old married woman, already a mother of two, contends that her pregnancy was unplanned.
- Financial Strain: She argues that her family’s income is inadequate to support another child, and she is undergoing treatment for postpartum depression after her second child’s birth.
Court Decisions and AIIMS Report
- Initial Approval: A two-judge Bench initially allowed the termination, reasoning that an unplanned pregnancy due to contraceptive failure is akin to a forced pregnancy, permitting abortion up to 24 weeks.
- AIIMS Concern: AIIMS, Delhi, raised questions about whether foeticide (stopping the foetal heart) could be performed before termination since the foetus is currently viable.
- Three-Judge Bench: The case was transferred to a three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, which called for a fresh medical report to assess the foetus’s health and the woman’s medical condition.
Understanding the Abortion Law
- Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP Act): The MTP Act allows termination of pregnancy in three stages.
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- Termination up to 20 weeks with the advice of one doctor.
- Pregnancy at 20-24 weeks requires the opinion of two registered medical practitioners, under specific conditions.
- After 24 weeks, a medical board in approved facilities assesses the termination based on substantial foetal abnormalities.
Court’s History of Allowing Late-Term Abortion
- Several Precedents: The court has previously permitted terminations beyond 26 weeks in various cases, often in cases of rape or consensual relationships.
- Marital Status Factor: The current case distinguishes itself by the woman’s marital status, implying that the conception is consensual and not a forced pregnancy.
Balancing Rights: Woman vs. Unborn Child
- Ongoing Debate: The CJI-led Bench oscillates between prioritizing a woman’s rights over abortion and the need to balance the rights of the unborn child.
- Liberal Approach: India’s law on abortion is considered liberal and pro-choice, with courts often favouring the woman’s autonomy.
Comparisons with International Standards
- Foetal Viability: The concept of “foetal viability” as a benchmark for abortion approval is relatively new in India. It aligns with international standards.
- US Roe v Wade: The landmark 1973 US Supreme Court case, Roe v Wade, allowed abortion until foetal viability. In 1973, viability was at 28 weeks, now lower due to scientific advancements.
- Criticism of Indian Law: Some critics argue that India’s law lacks clarity as the decision to terminate after 20 weeks falls on doctors rather than the women, leading to frequent court interventions.
Autonomy vs. Unborn Child’s Rights
- Legislative Gap: While the Indian legal framework supports a woman’s autonomy in reproductive decisions, gaps persist, especially concerning last-minute interventions.
- Ethical Debate: The Indian law leans toward women’s autonomy, but ethical dilemmas arise regarding the rights of the unborn child.
- Legal Precedents: Cases like Nand Kishore Sharma versus Union of India have debated the constitutionality of the MTP Act concerning the right to life of an unborn child.
Conclusion
- The ongoing Supreme Court case highlights the intricate legal and ethical considerations surrounding abortion in India.
- While the law supports a woman’s right to choose, the challenge lies in finding a delicate balance between individual autonomy and the rights of the unborn child.
- As the court grapples with this complex case, it underscores the need for continued legal discourse and potential legislative amendments to address evolving reproductive rights issues.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ozone Hole
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Satellite measurements conducted over Antarctica have unveiled a gigantic hole in the ozone layer.
- Termed an “ozone-depleted area,” this region spans 26 million square kilometers (10 million square miles), approximately three times the size of Brazil.
Ozone Layer and Ozone Hole
| Location |
Stratosphere, approximately 10-30 km above Earth’s surface. |
| Composition |
Composed of ozone (O3) molecules.
Unit of measurement: Dobsob Unit (DU) |
| Function |
Acts as a protective shield, absorbing and blocking a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. |
| Importance |
Essential for protecting life on Earth by preventing excessive UV radiation, which can harm living organisms and the environment. |
| Ozone-depleting Substances |
Threatened by ODS like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other synthetic compounds commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants. |
| Montreal Protocol |
An international treaty adopted in 1987 to phase out the production and consumption of ODS, resulting in significant recovery of the ozone layer. |
| Current Status |
The ozone layer is in the process of recovery due to the success of the Montreal Protocol. |
| Environmental Impact |
Protects ecosystems, prevents skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues in humans. |
| Additional Facts |
• The size of the ozone hole over Antarctica varies annually, opening in August and closing in November or December.
• Special winds caused by the Earth’s rotation create a unique climate over Antarctica, preventing mixing with surrounding air.
• When these winds subside, the hole closes. |
Potential Causes of the Giant Ozone Hole
- Volcanic Eruption in Tonga: Scientists speculate that the extensive ozone hole this year may be linked to volcanic eruptions in Hunga Tonga, Tonga, between December 2022 and January 2023. These eruptions released water vapor and other elements into the stratosphere, impacting the ozone layer through chemical reactions.
- Human-Induced Ozone Holes: In the 1970s, scientists discovered that human activities, primarily the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), led to significant ozone depletion. These chemicals released chlorine in the stratosphere, depleting the ozone layer.
- Effective Mitigation: The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, aimed to combat ozone depletion by phasing out ozone-depleting substances. This international agreement successfully reduced the size of ozone holes over the years.
Ozone Depletion and Climate Change
- Not a Primary Climate Change Cause: Ozone depletion is not a leading contributor to global climate change.
- Impact of Rising Temperatures: However, rising global temperatures may influence ozone holes. Extreme fires, such as those in southeastern Australia in 2020 and 2021, injected smoke into the stratosphere, potentially contributing to ozone depletion.
- Changing Seasons: Ozone holes can alter the progression of seasons, as they extend the duration of polar vortexes, thereby extending winter periods.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI tags mentioned
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Many GI tags were awarded in this month. Let’s take a look:
GI Tags in News:
[1] Jaderi Namakatti
- Jaderi namakatti are clay sticks that are white in colour, usually available in finger-like shape with a smooth texture.
- They are used to adorn the foreheads of idols, men and temple elephants.
- Jaderi is a small village in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu.
- There are around 120 families in Cheyyar taluk whose primary occupation has been making namakatti for more than hundreds of years now.
[2] Basohli Pashmina
- Basohli Pashmina is a very old craft from the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. It’s famous because it’s super soft, very fine, and feels incredibly light.
- Pashmina is a type of material that is hand-spun and known for being incredibly soft, fine, lightweight, and also warm.
- You can make various things from Pashmina, like shawls for men and women, mufflers, blankets, and even baskets.
- It comes from a type of mountain goat called Capra hircus. These goats are found on the Changthang Plateau in Tibet and parts of Ladakh.
- In Ladakh, there are people called the Changpa, who are known for making Pashmina wool. They live on the Changthang plateau in Tibet and are nomadic, which means they move around a lot.
[3] Marcha Rice
- Grown in select pockets of six blocks in West Champaran district, Bihar, India. These blocks include Mainatar, Gaunaha, Narkatiaganj, Ramnagar, Lauriya, and Chanpatia.
- It has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, indicating its unique qualities associated with the region where it’s grown.
- Cultivated by the Marcha Dhan Utpadak Pragatisheel Samuh, a registered organization of paddy cultivators in West Champaran district.
- Known for its distinct aroma and taste, Marcha Rice is a special indigenous variety of paddy.
[4] Atreyapuram Pootharekulu
- Atreyapuram Pootharekulu is a traditional sweet originating from Atreyapuram village, situated on the banks of the Godavari River in the Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh.
- The name ‘Pootharekulu’ translates to ‘coated sheets,’ although this description may appear somewhat vague.
- This traditional sweet is known for its extraordinary delicacy and distinct taste.
- It is created by layering paper-thin sheets of rice flour, which are delicately coated with ghee (clarified butter) and then folded to encase powdered jaggery or sugar dust.
- Additionally, some variants of Pootharekulu may include finely chopped roasted dry fruits such as pistachios, almonds, and cashews.
- The preparation of relies on a specific type of rice known as MTU-3626, referred to locally as Bondalu.
- This rice variety is chosen for its unique taste and its ability to yield a sticky consistency, which is crucial for crafting this sweet.
Back2Basics: GI Tag
- 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.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Goa's Cashew
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The recent awarding of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Goa’s cashew industry has ignited hope and enthusiasm among cashew manufacturers and processors in the state.
Goa’s Cashew Industry
- Introduction of Cashew in Goa: Cashew was introduced to Goa in the 16th century by Portuguese colonizers. Initially, it was primarily cultivated for afforestation and soil conservation purposes.
- Discovery of Edible Value: The true economic value of cashew nuts was discovered during Goa’s freedom movement in the mid-18th century. Goan prisoners exiled to Portuguese territory in Africa (Mozambique) recognized the edible potential of cashew nuts.
- Growth of Cashew Industry: Cashew production evolved from a cottage industry to a large-scale enterprise, driven by demand, particularly in the USA. The first cashew factory in Goa began operations in 1926, and the first consignment of cashew kernels was exported in 1930.
- Foreign Trade Contribution: By 1961, the cashew processing industry accounted for about 60% of industrial production in Goa. Cashew nuts, both locally grown and imported, were processed and exported to countries like the United States of America, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and West Germany.
Understanding the GI Tag
- 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.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India-Palestine Relations
Central Idea
- India’s diplomatic position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has witnessed significant shifts over the years.
- While PM recent expression of solidarity with Israel during a period of heightened conflict has sparked debate, it is essential to contextualize these developments in India’s historical foreign policy.
- This article delves into India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, the factors shaping its policies, and the implications of its evolving approach.
Historical Background
- India’s Early Stance: India’s initial position on the Israel-Palestine issue was shaped by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. In 1947, India voted against UN Resolution 181, advocating for the partition of Mandatory Palestine. Nehru favored a federal state with wide autonomy for Arabs and Jews, influenced by Gandhi’s opposition to a Jewish state.
- Recognition of Israel: Despite recognizing Israel in 1950, India did not establish diplomatic relations until 1992. Factors such as a sizable Muslim population, Cold War dynamics, and the need to maintain Arab support influenced this delayed recognition.
Impact of Establishing Diplomatic Relations
- End of Cold War: India’s decision to establish diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992 marked a shift after the end of the Cold War. The government of P.V. Narasimha Rao took this bold step, focusing on national interests and strengthening economic relations, particularly in defense.
- Ongoing Support for Palestine: India’s recognition of Israel did not signal abandonment of its principled support for Palestine. India continued to voice support for the Palestinian cause while developing closer ties with Israel.
Contemporary Developments
- India-Israel Relations: Presently, India enjoys a strong and multifaceted relationship with Israel. Prime Ministers Modi and Netanyahu have cultivated personal rapport, and both countries collaborate closely, especially in the defense sector.
- Change in Rhetoric: India has adopted a more measured approach in its rhetoric regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, especially in international forums like the United Nations. Some argue that India’s pro-Palestine stance has not yielded commensurate benefits in terms of national interest.
- Ideological Shift: India’s support for Israel’s response to attacks from Gaza is sometimes misinterpreted as anti-Islamic action. Israel’s approach to cross-border terrorism resonates with some in India, although the situations differ significantly.
India’s Formal Position
- Support for Two-State Solution: India officially supports the two-state solution, envisioning Israel and Palestine as peaceful neighbours coexisting harmoniously.
- Official visits: PM Modi’s visit to Ramallah in 2018 underscored India’s commitment to this position.
- Public perception: A large section of Indian society is supportive of the Palestinian cause due to religious affinities.
Potential Implications of Current Escalation
- Palestinian Reaction: While the Palestinians may express dissatisfaction with India’s growing proximity to Israel, it is unlikely to result in significant backlash. Popular sentiment may revive support for the Palestinian cause.
- Arab World’s Perspective: Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, have shifted their focus from the Palestinian issue. They are increasingly open to normalizing relations with Israel. India’s stance is unlikely to disrupt its relationships with these nations.
Conclusion
- India’s evolving stance on the Israel-Palestine issue reflects its pragmatic approach to foreign policy.
- While it maintains support for Palestine, India has strategically developed robust relations with Israel, grounded in national interests.
- The recent expression of solidarity with Israel amid conflict highlights the complexities of India’s diplomatic balancing act in the region.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Finfluencers
Mains level: Capital markets manipulation issue
Central Idea
- A recent front-page advertisement in a business daily, featuring a financial influencer (finfluencer), YouTube’s logo, and the IT Ministry’s logo, has stirred controversy and raised concerns about the role of finfluencers and their impact.
Understanding Finfluencers
- Finfluencers are individuals with a significant presence on social media platforms who offer financial advice, share personal experiences related to money management, and discuss various investment topics.
- Their general discussion includes stocks, budgeting, property, cryptocurrency, and financial trends.
- Finfluencers often have a large following, and their advice and recommendations can influence the financial decisions of their audience.
- However, concerns arise regarding their qualifications and the potential risks associated with their recommendations.
Why discuss them?
- The advertisement in question featured a popular finfluencer, alongside the tagline, “Trust only the real experts,” and logos of YouTube and the IT Ministry.
- It directed viewers to a YouTube playlist on online safety and content verification.
- The advertisement generated criticism due to the perceived endorsement of expertise by finfluencers or a specific social media platform.
- Given ongoing regulatory scrutiny of finfluencers, this raised concerns about the message being conveyed.
Regulatory Context
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the country’s markets regulator, has been examining the activities of finfluencers.
- Investors have expressed concerns about unsolicited stock tips and investment advice provided by finfluencers without proper registration as investment advisers.
- Many finfluencers lack clear educational or professional qualifications in finance, raising questions about their competence to provide financial advice.
- The absence of transparency regarding financial relationships between finfluencers and promoted entities is also concerning.
Government’s Response
- The MEITY clarified that the advertisement did not endorse any individual or platform.
- He emphasized the need for private platforms to exercise caution when using government logos in advocacy ads to avoid misinterpretation.
Broader Industry Concerns
- ASCI’s Guidelines violated: The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has issued guidelines for social media influencers and advertisers regarding virtual digital assets (VDAs), including cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
- Non-Compliance: ASCI’s recent half-yearly report highlighted cases of non-compliance by social media influencers with advertising guidelines.
- Celebrity endorsements: A prominent Bollywood actor was among those found in violation, particularly in advertisements related to financial instruments and cryptocurrencies.
Conclusion
- The controversial advertisement featuring a finfluencer has ignited a debate about the role and responsibilities of financial influencers in India.
- Regulatory authorities are increasingly focusing on the activities of finfluencers, and the industry is grappling with questions of transparency, qualifications, and investor protection.
- The ongoing scrutiny reflects the evolving landscape of financial advice and investment in the digital age.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Operation Ajay
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- India has initiated Operation Ajay to evacuate its citizens who wish to return from conflict-ridden Israel.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced this operation, emphasizing the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad.
Operation Ajay
- Evacuation Plan: Special chartered flights and other arrangements are being organized for the return of Indian citizens from Israel.
- Second Evacuation: This marks the second evacuation operation this year, following Operation Kaveri, which brought back several thousand Indian citizens from strife-torn Sudan in April-May.
Significance: Indian Jewish Community
- The Indian Jewish community, with an ancestry spanning over 2000 years in India, has a unique history.
- India has been a welcoming home to them, where they thrived without encountering anti-Semitism, making it a distinct place on the global map.
- However, the landscape changed with the independence of India in 1947 and the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
- This transformation marked the beginning of a new chapter in India-Israel relations, leading to the migration of Indian Jews to their religious homeland.
Diverse Indian Jewish Groups
Indian Jews can be categorized into four main sects, each with its own historical origins and cultural traditions:
- Cochin Jews: Tracing their arrival to India back to 50 CE, they primarily settled in the southern region.
- Bene Israel: The largest group among Indian Jews, they settled in and around Maharashtra and Konkan.
- Baghdadi Jews: This group, part of the most recent wave of Jewish migration, established communities in port cities like Calcutta, Bombay, and Rangoon.
- Bnei Menashe: Settled in the North East, they are another significant segment of Indian Jews.
Complex Reception in Israel
The migration of Indian Jews to Israel was not without challenges. Israeli society struggled to embrace them due to several factors:
- Internal Divisions: The four Indian Jewish groups had substantial differences and disagreements among themselves. These internal divisions, combined with bias from Jews of European origin, complicated the reception of Indian Jews, especially in the initial years of migration.
- Discrimination: The Bene Israel, primarily from Maharashtra, faced significant discrimination upon their arrival in Israel. Reports in the 1950s highlighted instances of racism and unequal treatment, including job and housing discrimination.
- Differing Motivations: Indian Jews’ motivations for migrating varied. While the Cochin Jews were seen as driven by religious reasons, the Bene Israel were often perceived as seeking better economic prospects, leading to different treatment based on perceived motives.
- Economic Disparities: The economic differences among the four groups fueled animosity. Some attributed the Cochin Jews’ messianic aspirations to poverty, while the Baghdadi Jews considered the Bene Israel as lacking proper religious traditions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Critical Minerals
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Centre has approved royalty rates of 3% each for lithium and niobium and 1% for Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
- These changes enable competitive royalty rates for these strategically vital minerals (critical minerals) and open the doors to private sector participation through concession auctions.
What are Critical Minerals?
- Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
- These minerals are used in making mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
- Minerals such as antimony, cobalt, gallium, graphite, lithium, nickel, niobium, and strontium are among the 22 assessed to be critical for India.
- Many of these are required to meet the manufacturing needs of green technologies, high-tech equipment, aviation, and national defence.
Implications of the Amendment
- Alignment with Global Benchmarks: The amendments, involving specifying new royalty rates, bring India’s royalty rates in line with global standards. This is crucial to attract bidders’ in future mineral auctions.
- Competitive Royalty Rates: The Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, previously set a 12% royalty rate for unspecified minerals, which was significantly higher than international benchmarks. The revised rates are 3% for lithium and niobium, and 1% for REEs, based on price benchmarks, enhancing the attractiveness of mining in India.
- Domestic Mining Promotion: Lower royalty rates and commercial exploitation opportunities aim to encourage domestic mining, reduce imports, and stimulate related industries like electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage solutions.
- Energy Transition Commitment: Access to critical minerals is integral to India’s commitment to energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, aligning with global environmental goals.
Economic significance of the move
(A) Lithium
- Import Dependence: India currently imports all its required lithium. The government’s push for lithium mining extends beyond Jammu & Kashmir to explore lithium extraction from Rajasthan and Gujarat’s brine pools, as well as Odisha and Chhattisgarh’s mica belts.
- Economic Offensive: This initiative is part of India’s economic strategy to reduce dependency on China for lithium-ion energy storage products, given China’s dominant position in the market.
- EV Growth: With EVs on the cusp of disruption, securing a lithium supply chain is strategically vital. The global lithium battery market has seen significant growth in recent years.
(B) Rare Earth Elements
- Global Supply Challenges: Rare earth elements, primarily sourced from or processed in China, pose challenges in the EV supply chain. Securing supplies can be difficult, and China’s dominance has raised concerns.
- Usage in Motors: Rare earth elements are crucial in EV motors, particularly permanent magnet motors. Elements like neodymium, terbium, and dysprosium are used in magnets for generating a constant motor flux, enhancing motor efficiency.
- Environmental Concerns: Mining rare earth elements often involves environmentally damaging open-pit operations, raising environmental and ecological concerns.
(C) Niobium for Industry
- Corrosion Resistance: Niobium, known for its resistance to corrosion due to a surface oxide layer, is used in various industries. It strengthens alloys, particularly stainless steel, making them ideal for applications in aerospace, construction, and pipelines.
- Superconducting Properties: Niobium’s superconducting properties find applications in magnets for particle accelerators and MRI scanners.
- Global Sources: The main source of niobium is the mineral columbite, found in several countries, including Canada, Brazil, Australia, and Nigeria.
Conclusion
- India’s decision to amend mining laws for strategic minerals is a significant step toward aligning with global standards, promoting domestic mining, and securing supplies for emerging industries like EVs and energy storage.
- It underscores India’s commitment to sustainable energy transition and reduced import dependency while addressing environmental concerns in mining rare earth elements.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Israel-Palestine Issue
Central Idea
- Mahatma Gandhi’s perspective on the Israel-Palestine issue has been a topic of extensive debate over the years.
- His article, ‘The Jews,’ written in 1938, offers insights into his complex views on the matter.
- Gandhi’s sentiments regarding the Jewish people, the Holocaust, and the creation of a Zionist state in Palestine are subjects of scrutiny and admiration, shedding light on his unwavering commitment to non-violence.
Gandhi’s Sympathy for the Jewish People
- Historical Persecution: Gandhi expressed deep sympathy for the Jewish people who had endured historical persecution due to their religion. He likened their mistreatment by Christians to the plight of untouchables in Hinduism.
- German Persecution: Gandhi went further, describing the German persecution of Jews as unparalleled in history. He voiced concern over Britain’s appeasement policy toward Adolf Hitler and asserted that a war against Germany, if necessary to prevent Jewish persecution, would be justifiable in the name of humanity.
Opposition to a Zionist State in Palestine
- Violence and Settlement: Gandhi firmly opposed the imposition of Jews on Arabs in Palestine, condemning it as inhumane. He believed that the settlement of Jews, facilitated by Britain, was inherently violent and could not be achieved through force.
- Need for Arab Goodwill: Gandhi insisted that Jews could only settle in Palestine with the goodwill of the Arab population, without the assistance of British military force.
- Antithetical to Jewish Rights: He argued that the idea of a Jewish homeland in Palestine contradicted the Jews’ struggle for rights in other parts of the world. Gandhi questioned whether Jews, who had settled globally, would appreciate being compelled to leave other regions for a singular homeland.
Influence on India’s Foreign Policy
- Wider Anti-Imperialist Sentiment: Gandhi’s stance on Palestine resonated with leaders across the Arab world and anti-imperialist movements globally. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, promising Jews a homeland in the British Mandate of Palestine, drew criticism.
- Impact on Nehru: Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, was profoundly influenced by Gandhi’s views. Gandhi’s anti-imperialism and his perspective on the Israel-Palestine issue shaped India’s foreign policy for decades.
- UN Resolution and Recognition: India voted against UN Resolution 181, which proposed the partition of Palestine between Jews and Arabs. Although India recognized the state of Israel in 1950, it was not until 1992, under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, that official diplomatic relations were established.
Conclusion
- Mahatma Gandhi’s complex and empathetic stance on the Israel-Palestine issue reflects his unwavering commitment to non-violence and his deep sympathy for the Jewish people.
- His opinions on the matter, rooted in anti-imperialism and a profound sense of humanity, played a pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy and continue to be subjects of historical significance and debate.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Prompt Corrective Action (PCA)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The RBI has announced the extension of the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework to Government Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), excluding those in the Base Layer, starting from October 1, 2024.
PCA Framework Expansion
- Scope: Government-owned NBFCs, such as PFC, REC, IRFC, and IFCI, will now fall under the PCA framework.
- Impact: These NBFCs will face restrictions on dividend distribution and profit remittances. Promoters and shareholders will have limitations on equity infusion, and leverage reduction will be required. Issuing guarantees or taking contingent liabilities on behalf of group companies will also be restricted.
What is Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework?
- Definition: The PCA Framework is a watchlist of banks identified as financially weak by the central bank.
- Regulatory Measures: When a bank falls under PCA, the regulator imposes restrictions on its operations, such as curbs on lending activities.
- Coverage: The PCA Framework applies exclusively to commercial banks and does not extend to cooperative banks or non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
- History: The RBI introduced the PCA Framework in December 2002 as an early intervention mechanism, inspired by the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s PCA framework.
- Last Update: The revised PCA framework came into effect on January 1, 2022.
- Monitoring Areas: The revised framework places a heightened focus on capital adequacy, asset quality, and leverage.
- Risk Threshold: The RBI has updated the level of capital adequacy ratio shortfall that triggers classification into the “risk threshold three” category.
Trigger Points for PCA Inclusion
- Capital-to-Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR): CRAR measures a bank’s capital in relation to risk-weighted assets. If CRAR falls below 9 percent, the RBI takes action, including the submission of a capital restoration plan, restrictions on business activities, and dividend payments. Additional steps may follow if CRAR is below 6 percent but equal to or above 3 percent.
- Net Non-Performing Assets (NPA): If net NPAs exceed 10 percent but remain below 15 percent, the RBI initiates measures to reduce bad loans and strengthen credit appraisal skills.
- Return on Assets (RoA): If RoA drops below 0.25 percent, restrictions are imposed on deposit renewal, access to costly deposits and CDs, and the bank’s entry into new lines of business.
Rationale for Expansion
- Growing Significance: NBFCs have witnessed substantial growth and have strong linkages with various financial segments.
- Supervisory Enhancement: In 2022, the RBI introduced the PCA framework for NBFCs to strengthen supervisory tools. The objective is to facilitate timely supervisory intervention and mandate corrective actions to restore financial health.
- Market Discipline: The framework serves as a mechanism for effective market discipline, ensuring that NBFCs adhere to financial prudence.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climate Change
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Studies have highlighted various climate phenomena in India, including declining monsoon rainfall, intensifying extreme weather events, droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones.
- However, a critical question that demands attention is whether these changes represent long-term trends, abrupt shifts, or decadal cycles.
- These distinctions hold significant implications for resource planning and management.
Understanding Climate Change Terminology
- Trend: Refers to a continuous, prolonged change in climate variables, such as a steady temperature increase over time. The term “anthropogenic trend” implies changes occurring within human lifetimes.
- Secular Trend: Indicates a variable’s continuous increase for a specific period within a more extended timeframe, like 30 years within a century.
- Decadal Variability: Involves oscillations between positive and negative phases over tens of years, potentially resembling a shift.
- Shift: Represents a rapid transition from one state to another, like a sudden change in rainfall patterns. An example is the shift in seasonal monsoon rainfall from above the long-period average (LPA) to below it.
Case Study: Cyclones Trend in Arabian Sea
- A recent study in the journal Climate and Atmospheric Science identified a notable change in cyclone formation potential over the Arabian Sea in the late 1990s.
- Cyclone-genesis potential depends on factors like sea surface temperature, ocean heat content, wind changes from the surface to upper atmosphere, and wind rotation. These factors have favored increased cyclone formation potential since the 1990s.
- However, the crucial question is why this rapid increase occurred during this period. The study suggests that it coincided with a shift in the ‘Warm Arctic, Cold Eurasian’ (WACE) pattern rather than being a trend.
Warm Arctic, Cold Eurasian Pattern
- The WACE pattern involves warm surface temperatures over the Arctic and cold surface temperatures over Eurasia. It influences upper-level circulation changes that extend into the Indian Ocean sector.
- Global warming experienced a slowdown during this period, and scientists have proposed the occurrence of a ‘regime shift,’ similar to one observed in the mid-1970s.
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Challenge for India
- Regardless of whether these climate changes are shifts or decadal cycles, it is essential to understand their potential long-term effects on the monsoon, cyclone frequency, heatwaves, and extreme rainfall.
- Accurate predictions are vital for planning and allocating resources to adapt to climate risks, such as sea-level rise, heavy rainfall, drought, heatwaves, and cyclones.
- Climate scientists must focus on understanding natural variability in the local context, especially since this variability is influenced by global warming.
- For example, the study indicates that the monsoon decadal cycle, previously lasting around 20 years, may now extend further, raising questions about the underlying causes.
Conclusion
- Distinguishing between climate trends, shifts, and decadal cycles is essential for India’s adaptation strategies.
- These distinctions affect how the country prepares for and responds to evolving climate patterns, and climate scientists must strive to unravel the complexities of natural variability to make informed predictions and policy recommendations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Baiga Tribes , PVTG
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Baiga Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) recently became the second community in the state to receive habitat rights, following the Kamar PVTG in Chhattisgarh.
- Habitat rights recognition marks a crucial step towards preserving the culture, livelihoods, and heritage of these indigenous groups.
Baiga PVTG
- The Baiga are an ethnic group found in central India primarily in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and in smaller numbers in the surrounding states of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
- The largest number of Baiga is found in Baiga-chuk in Mandla district and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh.
Understanding Habitat Rights
- Significance: Habitat rights recognition bestows upon the concerned community various rights over their customary territory, encompassing habitation, socio-cultural practices, livelihood means, ecological knowledge, and protection of natural and cultural heritage.
- Empowering Communities: These rights empower PVTG communities by safeguarding their traditional livelihoods and ecological knowledge, thereby promoting their development.
- Coordination: Habitat rights facilitate the convergence of government schemes and initiatives across departments, fostering the holistic development of PVTG communities.
Legal Framework
- Forest Rights Act: Habitat rights for PVTGs are granted under Section 3(1)(e) of The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
- Definition of Habitat: As per Section 2(h) of FRA, habitat encompasses customary habitats and other habitats within reserved forests and protected forests, catering to the needs of primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities.
- Protection from Developmental Activities: While habitat rights do not convey ownership, they require consent and consultation with the gram sabha (village council) for any developmental activity. These rights also offer legal protection under various laws.
Habitat Rights as a Protective Measure
- Legal Safeguards: Habitat rights serve as an additional layer of legal protection against activities that may harm the habitat or livelihood of PVTGs.
- Administrative Resolution: If developmental activities threaten habitat rights, the tribal community can raise the issue with the administration under the Forest Rights Act, potentially seeking legal recourse.
Determining Habitats
- Procedure: Habitat determination is based on comprehensive guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in 2014. Coordination among four state-level departments—Forest, Revenue, Tribal, and Panchayati Raj—is crucial.
- Consultation: Traditional tribal leaders are consulted to assess cultural practices, traditions, and livelihoods. The government corroborates this information before officially declaring a habitat.
Back2Basics: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
| Definition |
Tribal communities with declining population, low literacy, pre-agricultural tech, and economic backwardness. |
| Habitat |
Inhabit remote areas with poor infrastructure and limited administrative support. |
| Vulnerability |
Highly vulnerable due to small numbers and lack of socio-economic development. |
| Number |
75 such groups identified and categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). |
| Origin of the Concept |
| Dhebar Commission (1960-1961) |
Identified inequality in development among Scheduled Tribes. |
| Fourth Five Year Plan |
Created a sub-category within Scheduled Tribes to identify lower development groups. |
| Sub-Category Name Change |
Renamed “Primitive tribal group” to “Particularly vulnerable tribal group” in 2006. |
| Features of PVTGs |
| Characteristics |
Pre-agricultural lifestyle, hunting and gathering, zero/negative population growth, low literacy. |
| Criteria |
Any one criterion makes a group a PTG, later renamed PVTG by the Indian government. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Direct Taxes
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- India’s net direct tax collections have surged, exceeding over half of this year’s Budget estimates.
- By October 9, the collections had grown by 21.8% to reach ₹9.57 lakh crore.
Factors Driving Tax Collections
- Personal Income Tax Growth: Personal income tax collections have seen a remarkable increase of 32.5%, reflecting higher income levels and tax compliance among individuals.
- Corporate Tax Revenues: Corporate tax collections grew by 12.4%, reflecting improved corporate earnings and economic recovery.
- Budget Surpassing Collections: The robust growth has already surpassed over 50% of the Budget estimates for the fiscal year.
What are Direct Taxes?
- A type of tax where the impact and the incidence fall under the same category can be defined as a Direct Tax.
- The tax is paid directly by the organization or an individual to the entity that has imposed the payment.
- The tax must be paid directly to the government and cannot be paid to anyone else.
Types of Direct Taxes
The various types of direct tax that are imposed in India are mentioned below:
(1) Income Tax:
- Depending on an individual’s age and earnings, income tax must be paid.
- Various tax slabs are determined by the Government of India which determines the amount of Income Tax that must be paid.
- The taxpayer must file Income Tax Returns (ITR) on a yearly basis.
- Individuals may receive a refund or might have to pay a tax depending on their ITR. Penalties are levied in case individuals do not file ITR.
(2) Wealth Tax:
- The tax must be paid on a yearly basis and depends on the ownership of properties and the market value of the property.
- In case an individual owns a property, wealth tax must be paid and does not depend on whether the property generates an income or not.
- Corporate taxpayers, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and individuals must pay wealth tax depending on their residential status.
- Payment of wealth tax is exempt for assets like gold deposit bonds, stock holdings, house property, commercial property that have been rented for more than 300 days, and if the house property is owned for business and professional use.
(3) Estate Tax:
- It is also called Inheritance Tax and is paid based on the value of the estate or the money that an individual has left after his/her death.
(4) Corporate Tax:
- Domestic companies, apart from shareholders, will have to pay corporate tax.
- Foreign corporations who make an income in India will also have to pay corporate tax.
- Income earned via selling assets, technical service fees, dividends, royalties, or interest that is based in India is taxable.
- The below-mentioned taxes are also included under Corporate Tax:
- Securities Transaction Tax (STT): The tax must be paid for any income that is earned via security transactions that are taxable.
- Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT): In case any domestic companies declare, distribute, or are paid any amounts as dividends by shareholders, DDT is levied on them. However, DDT is not levied on foreign companies.
- Fringe Benefits Tax: For companies that provide fringe benefits for maids, drivers, etc., Fringe Benefits Tax is levied on them.
- Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT): For zero-tax companies that have accounts prepared according to the Companies Act, MAT is levied on them.
(5) Capital Gains Tax:
- It is a form of direct tax that is paid due to the income that is earned from the sale of assets or investments. Investments in farms, bonds, shares, businesses, art, and homes come under capital assets.
- Based on its holding period, tax can be classified into long-term and short-term.
- Any assets, apart from securities, that are sold within 36 months from the time they were acquired come under short-term gains.
- Long-term assets are levied if any income is generated from the sale of properties that have been held for a duration of more than 36 months.
Advantages of Direct Taxes
The main advantages of Direct Taxes in India are mentioned below:
- Economic and Social balance: The Government of India has launched well-balanced tax slabs depending on an individual’s earnings and age. The tax slabs are also determined based on the economic situation of the country. Exemptions are also put in place so that all income inequalities are balanced out.
- Productivity: As there is a growth in the number of people who work and community, the returns from direct taxes also increase. Therefore, direct taxes are considered to be very productive.
- Inflation is curbed: Tax is increased by the government during inflation. The increase in taxes reduces the necessity for goods and services, which leads to inflation to compress.
- Certainty: Due to the presence of direct taxes, there is a sense of certainty from the government and the taxpayer. The amount that must be paid and the amount that must be collected is known by the taxpayer and the government, respectively.
- Distribution of wealth is equal: Higher taxes are charged by the government to the individuals or organizations that can afford them. This extra money is used to help the poor and lower societies in India.
What are the disadvantages of direct taxes?
- Easily evadable: Not all are willing to pay their taxes to the government. Some are willing to submit a false return of income to evade tax. These individuals can easily conceal their incomes, with no accountability to the law of the land.
- Arbitrary: Taxes, if progressive, are fixed arbitrarily by the Finance Minister. If proportional, it creates a heavy burden on the poor.
- Disincentive: If there are high taxes, it does not allow an individual to save or invest, leading to the economic suffering of the country. It does not allow businesses/industries to grow, inflicting damage to them.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Claudia Goldin
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In 2023, Claudia Goldin, a distinguished economist and Professor at Harvard University, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for her pioneering work on women’s labor market outcomes.
Claudia Goldin: A Trailblazer in Economics
- Harvard Tenure: In 1990, Claudia Goldin made history by becoming the first woman to achieve tenure in Harvard University’s economics department, securing a permanent position as a professor.
- In-Depth Research: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences acknowledged Goldin’s important contributions, citing her work as advancing our knowledge of women’s job market outcomes.
- Historical Perspective: Goldin’s research provides a comprehensive historical account of women’s earnings and job market participation over centuries, uncovering the reasons behind changes and the ongoing gender gap.
Key Questions Addressed by Claudia Goldin’s Research
- Gender Inequality at Work: Goldin’s research explores why fewer women seek jobs and earn less than men, shedding light on this inequality.
- Impact of Economic Growth: She challenges the idea that economic growth always leads to more women working, showing that historical trends follow a U-shaped curve due to changes in society and evolving norms.
- Role of Education, Marriage, and Childbirth: Goldin investigates how education, marriage, and having children affect women’s work, providing insights into the complex relationship between these factors.
- Gender Pay Gap: Her research shows that despite modernization and economic growth in the 20th century, the gender pay gap persisted, with a significant part emerging after the birth of the first child.
Transformational Insights
- Contraceptive Pill’s Impact: Goldin highlights how the contraceptive pill empowered women to plan their careers, creating new opportunities for career development.
- Shift in Earnings Gap: She reveals that the main source of the earnings difference between men and women shifted from career choices to disparities within the same job, mainly arising after the birth of the first child.
- Influence on Young Women: Goldin emphasizes that young women’s educational and career decisions are often influenced by previous generations, leading to slow progress in closing the earnings gap.
Significance for Society
- Policy Implications: Claudia Goldin’s research has important implications for addressing barriers to women’s progress in the job market. Her work provides insights into the factors that need attention to promote gender equality.
- Enhancing Understanding: Through her groundbreaking research, Goldin has significantly improved our understanding of women’s roles in the job market, offering the knowledge needed to build a more inclusive and fair society.
Conclusion
- Claudia Goldin’s Nobel Prize in Economics recognizes her pioneering research in unraveling the complexities of women’s job market outcomes.
- Her comprehensive historical analysis has reshaped our understanding of the ongoing gender gap, offering policymakers and society valuable insights for working towards a more equitable future.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Iron Dome
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In the wake of the recent Hamas attack on Israel, the world witnessed the effectiveness of Israel’s Iron Dome, a remarkable air defense system that intercepts rockets and missiles aimed at Israeli targets.
What is Iron Dome?
- Hezbollah’s Rocket Attacks: The development of the Iron Dome traces back to the 2006 Israeli-Lebanon war when Hezbollah launched thousands of rockets into Israel.
- Israel’s Response: In 2007, Israel initiated the development of an air defense system to safeguard its cities and population, partnering with Rafael Advance Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries.
- Deployment: The Iron Dome became operational in 2011 and has since intercepted over 2,000 rockets, with a claimed success rate of over 90%, though experts estimate it at over 80%.
How does it work?
- Integrated Systems: The Iron Dome comprises three core components that work in unison to provide protection: detection and tracking radar, battle management and weapon control system (BMC), and missile firing units.
- Radar’s Role: The detection and tracking radar identifies incoming threats, accurately tracking them, while the BMC connects the radar and interceptor missile.
- Missile Firing Unit: Once launched, the missile maneuvers independently, targeting small objects, and employs a proximity fuse, activated within ten meters of the target, to ensure precise destruction.
Effectiveness and Deterrence
- All-Weather Capability: The Iron Dome operates effectively in various weather conditions, day and night, enhancing its reliability.
- Cost Considerations: While each battery can cost over $50 million, and an interceptor Tamir missile about $80,000, cost-effectiveness should be measured in terms of lives saved and the nation’s morale.
- Deterrence Factor: The Iron Dome serves as a strong deterrent, preventing adversaries from exploiting inexpensive rocket attacks and bolstering national morale against rocket intimidation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has embarked on a mission to revolutionize digital payments in the country by proposing the introduction of Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT).
- This move, aimed at enhancing convenience for cardholders, is set to redefine the way Indians engage in online transactions.
Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT)
- Card-on-file tokenisation involves replacing actual credit and debit card details with an alternative code known as a “token.”
- This token is unique for a specific combination of card, token requestor, and device.
- Each token is distinct and tailored to the combination of the card, token requestor (the entity facilitating tokenisation), and the merchant (which may or may not be the same as the token requestor).
- The primary advantage of Card-on-File Tokenisation is enhanced security.
- During a tokenised card transaction, the actual card details are not disclosed to the merchant.
- This shields sensitive information from potential security breaches during transaction processing.
- Customers who have not enabled tokenisation will need to manually input their name, 16-digit card number, expiry date, and CVV (Card Verification Value) each time they make an online purchase.
Back2Basics: Card-on-File Transaction
- A Card-on-File transaction occurs when cardholders authorize merchants to securely store their payment information.
- This stored data is then used to bill the cardholders’ accounts for future purchases.
- It simplifies the checkout process for consumers, offering convenience and efficiency.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Watermeal
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Scientists from Thailand are conducting groundbreaking research into the potential of watermeal, the world’s smallest flowering plant, as a source of nutrition and oxygen for astronauts.
What are Watermeal?
- Watermeal, a member of the Araceae family, stands out as the smallest flowering plant globally.
- It manifests as minuscule green seeds.
- Watermeal thrives in a variety of environments, from temperate to sub-tropical and tropical regions. It finds its home on the surface of lakes, ponds, and marshes.
- Distinctive Features:
- Measuring less than 1 millimeter, watermeal is incredibly tiny.
- This free-floating plant lacks both roots and leaves.
- It consists of a solitary, oval, or spherical frond that gracefully floats on the calm or slow-moving waters.
- Watermeal gives birth to the world’s smallest fruit, known as a utricle.
- Surprisingly, watermeal is a nutritional powerhouse, boasting the status of a complete protein, as it contains all nine essential amino acids.
- Under certain circumstances, watermeal can become invasive, forming dense mats that blanket entire water surfaces.
How it can assist Space Nutrition?
- Compact Growth: Its microscopic size allows for efficient cultivation within confined spacecraft environments.
- Nutritional Richness: As a complete protein, it offers astronauts a sustainable source of essential amino acids.
- Oxygen Generation: Watermeal photosynthesizes, producing oxygen that can be vital for life support systems in space.
- Space Farming: Cultivating watermeal in space could reduce the need for transporting perishable food items from Earth, making missions more self-sustaining.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atmospheric Perturbations around the Eclipse Path (APEP) Mission
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- NASA is set to launch on a groundbreaking mission known as Atmospheric Perturbations around the Eclipse Path (APEP).
- The project is spearheaded by an Indian-origin engineering physics professor.
Exploring the APEP Mission
- Triple Rocket Launch: The APEP mission involves the deployment of three meticulously equipped rockets, each armed with an array of cutting-edge scientific instruments.
- Objective: The primary mission objective is to unravel the enigma of how the upper atmosphere reacts during a solar eclipse, particularly during the pivotal moments of sudden light reduction.
- Ionospheric Dynamics: Solar eclipses trigger profound transformations in the ionosphere, generating cascading waves throughout this atmospheric layer.
- Comprehensive Measurements: The mission’s scientific instruments will meticulously measure variations in electric and magnetic fields, density, and temperature.
- Launch Location: APEP will be launched from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, with a specific focus on exploring the ionosphere.
- Impact on Satellite Communications: NASA postulates that the ionosphere’s temperature and density will diminish during the eclipse, leading to disruptive wave-like disturbances that could affect GPS and satellite communications.
Mission Process
- Strategic Rocket Positioning: The three rockets will be strategically positioned just beyond the path of annularity, where the Moon directly aligns with the Sun.
- Simultaneous Measurements: NASA’s paramount goal is to attain the first-ever simultaneous measurements from multiple locations within the ionosphere during a solar eclipse.
- Precision of Rockets: Rockets offer precision in launching at precisely the right moment and probing lower altitudes inaccessible to orbiting satellites.
- Sounding Rockets’ Selection: The APEP mission team opted for sounding rockets due to their unparalleled ability to pinpoint and measure specific spatial regions with exceptional accuracy.
- Multi-Altitude Data: These rockets are adept at capturing data at varying altitudes as they ascend and descend during their suborbital flights.
- Altitude Range: Data collection will span altitudes ranging from 45 to 200 miles (70 to 325 kilometres) above the Earth’s surface along the rockets’ flight trajectories.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: R21/Matrix-M Vaccine
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In a momentous development in the fight against malaria, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a recommendation for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine on October 2.
- This pioneering vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and manufactured by India’s Serum Institute, has already gained approval for use in children under 36 months in Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso.
R21/Matrix-M Vaccine
- Extensive Testing: The vaccine’s efficacy was rigorously assessed in a phase-3 trial involving 4,800 children across five sites in Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Tanzania. These sites vary in malaria transmission intensity and seasonality.
- Blind Trial: Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the malaria vaccine or a control (approved rabies vaccine) in a double-blind study, ensuring impartiality.
- Multi-Dose Regimen: The vaccination schedule comprised three doses administered 4 weeks apart, with a booster shot administered 12 months after the last dose.
- Strategic Timing: Primary vaccinations occurred before the malaria season in seasonal transmission regions or at any time of the year in perennial transmission regions.
Impressive Results
- According to preprint data (pending peer review), the vaccine demonstrated a remarkable efficacy of 75% in children aged 5-36 months in seasonal malaria regions and 68% in perennial malaria regions after one year.
- Notably, children aged 5-17 months, more vulnerable to severe malaria, exhibited even higher vaccine efficacy of 79% in seasonal regions and 75% in perennial regions.
- Vaccine efficacy remained substantial for 18 months, further reinforced by a booster dose administered 12 months after the primary series.
Seasonality Matters
- Optimal Timing: Results suggest that the vaccine performs more effectively in regions with seasonal malaria compared to perennial transmission areas.
- Seasonal Patterns: In seasonal sites, 82% of malaria episodes occurred in the first six months of follow-up, while only 26% occurred in the initial six months in perennial sites.
- Vaccination Timing: Since the vaccine is administered just before the malaria season, its protection is more pronounced when malaria is seasonal.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atto-Physics
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Anne L’Huillier, Pierre Agostini, and Ferenc Krausz.
- It cited their pioneering work in attosecond science, enabling the study of electron dynamics in matter at an unprecedented timescale of one quintillionth of a second, or 10^-18 seconds.
What is Attosecond?
- Definition: An attosecond is a minuscule unit of time, equal to one quintillionth of a second (10^-18 seconds). It is the timescale at which electron properties change.
- Attosecond Science: Attosecond science, or attophysics, focuses on generating ultra-short light pulses and employing them to investigate rapid processes, such as those involving electrons.
Atto-Physics: The science behind
- High-Harmonic Generation: Researchers, including Anne L’Huillier, discovered that passing an infrared light beam through a noble gas resulted in emitted light with frequencies that were multiples of the beam’s frequency. This phenomenon, known as high-harmonic generation, paved the way for attosecond pulse generation.
- Wave Mechanics: Attosecond pulse production is rooted in wave mechanics. The emitted light is a consequence of electrons gaining and losing energy as they interact with oscillating electric and magnetic fields in the light beam.
- Constructive Interference: Attosecond pulses are produced through constructive interference when peaks of different overtones merge. Destructive interference occurs when peaks align with troughs, leading to the cancellation of signals.
Producing Attosecond Pulses
- Interference Combinations: Researchers manipulate interference combinations of multiple overtones to generate attosecond pulses with durations of a few hundred attoseconds.
- Precise Frequency Range: Attosecond pulses are produced when the beam’s frequency falls within a specific plateau range, as dictated by interference effects.
Measuring Attosecond Pulses: RABBIT Technique
- Pierre Agostini and his colleagues developed the RABBIT (Reconstruction of Attosecond Beating by Interference of Two-photon Transitions) technique.
- It involves measuring electrons kicked out from noble gas atoms by attosecond pulses and a longer-duration pulse, providing insights into pulse properties, including duration.
Applications of Attophysics
- Solar Power Enhancement: Attosecond studies have refined our understanding of the photoelectric effect, a fundamental process in solar power generation. Insights gained from atto-physics could lead to improved solar technologies.
- Electron-Dependent Fields: Attophysics impacts various scientific disciplines where electron properties play a crucial role, spanning physics, chemistry, and biology. By studying electron behavior at attosecond timescales, researchers can unlock new possibilities and applications.
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