Why is it in the News?

Recently, scientists have discovered a new planet that they say could "potentially support human life."

What is Gliese 12b?

• Gliese 12 b is a rocky planet just 40 light-years away from Earth.
• It orbits around a star called Gliese 12, a cool red dwarf in the constellation Pisces.
• This star is only 27 per cent of the size of our sun, with about 60 per cent of its surface temperature.
• But it's this lower temperature that makes Gliese 12 b theoretically habitable for humans.
• Gliese 12 b is one of the few known rocky planets where humans could theoretically survive according to scientists.
• The planet was discovered by an international team, in collaboration with NASA and the European Space Agency, using data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and ESA's Characterizing Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS).
• Gliese 12 b falls into this "Goldilocks zone," with an average temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit and a size somewhere between Venus and Earth.
• The researchers hope that by learning more about Gliese 12 b's atmosphere we may be able to answer questions about the evolution of our own solar system and other habitable planets.

About the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS):

• TESS is a NASA mission dedicated to discovering exoplanets around nearby bright stars.
• It was launched on April 18, 2018, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral.
• TESS operates in a unique high Earth orbit with a period of 12 to 15 days.
  • This orbit is designed to keep the telescope's view largely unobstructed by Earth and the Moon.
• The prime mission concluded on July 4, 2020, but TESS continues to operate on an extended mission.
• TESS has identified a wide range of exoplanets, from small rocky worlds to giant planets, highlighting the diversity of planetary systems in our galaxy.
• TESS uses the transit method to find exoplanets. It monitors stars for periodic dips in brightness, which occur when a planet crosses in front of the star along our line of sight.
  • The size of the dip indicates the planet's diameter and the duration of the transit provides information about the planet's orbit.
• The transit method allows scientists to determine the diameter and orbital size of exoplanets.
  • Orbits within certain ranges fall into the "habitable zone," where conditions may allow liquid water to exist on the surface of Earth-like worlds.

Why is it in the News?

The Arab League called recently for a UN peacekeeping force in the "occupied Palestinian territories" at an international summit dominated by the war between Israel and Hamas.

What is the Arab League?

• The League of Arab States was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945 with six members: Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan (later renamed Jordan), Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Syria, with Yemen joining on 5 May 1945.
  • It currently has 22 member states; Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordon, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
• Four countries have been admitted as observers: Brazil, Eritrea, India and Venezuela.
• Each member state has one vote in the League Council, while decisions are binding only on those states that have voted for them.
• The official language of the Arab League and its 22 member states is Arabic.
• The league seeks to promote the political, social, and military interests of its members.
• The head of the league is known as the secretary-general.
  • The secretary-general is appointed to a five-year term by a two-thirds majority of league members.
• Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt.

Goals:

• The overall aim of the league is to promote Arab interests.
• Its main goals are to strengthen and coordinate the political, cultural, economic, and social programs of its members and to try to settle disputes among them or between them and third parties.
• In 1950 the members also agreed to provide military support to help defend each other.

The Arab League Council:

• The League Council is the highest body of the Arab League and is composed of representatives of member states, typically foreign ministers, their representatives, or permanent delegates.
  • Each member state has one vote.
• The Council meets twice a year, in March and September. Two or more members may request a special session if they desire.
• The general secretariat manages the daily operations of the league and is headed by the secretary-general.
• The general secretariat is the administrative body of the league, the executive body of the council, and the specialized ministerial councils.

Why is it in the News?

China's latest scientific achievement, the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS), is poised to become Asia's first fourth-generation synchrotron light source which is scheduled to commence operations by the end of this year.

What is a Synchrotron?

• A synchrotron is a type of circular particle accelerator where particles travel in a loop.
• It functions by accelerating charged particles, typically electrons, through sequences of magnets until they approach the speed of light.

How Does It Work?

• Acceleration: Charged particles are accelerated through magnets.
• Production of Light: These high-speed electrons generate extremely bright light, known as synchrotron light.
  • This light, predominantly in the X-ray region, is millions of times brighter than conventional sources and 10 billion times brighter than the sun.
• Beamlines and Workstations: The intense light is directed down beamlines to experimental workstations for research purposes.

Applications:

• Research: Scientists use synchrotron light to study tiny matter such as atoms and molecules.
• By examining how a sample scatters, diffracts, absorbs, or reemits the synchrotron light, they can uncover details about its structure and chemical composition.

Global Presence:

• There are approximately 70 synchrotrons worldwide in various stages of development.
• They have varying technical specifications and uses, ranging from practical applications to fundamental theoretical research.

In India:

• India has a synchrotron facility known as the "Indus Synchrotron."
• It is located at the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• The Indus Synchrotron is a third-generation synchrotron radiation source that is used for various research applications in fields such as materials science, biology, and environmental science.

What is the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS)?

• HEPS (High Energy Photon Source) is recognized as the brightest synchrotron X-ray source in Asia.
• Location: The HEPS facility is situated in Huairou, China, approximately 50 kilometres from Beijing.
• Acceleration Capabilities: HEPS is designed to accelerate electrons up to energies of 6 gigaelectron volts within its 36-kilometer circumference storage ring, producing high-energy X-rays for research purposes.
• Nanoscale Investigations: The high-energy X-rays generated by HEPS can penetrate deep into samples, allowing researchers to study intricate details at the nanometer scale.
• Diverse Research Applications: HEPS will cater to various research fields, including energy, condensed matter physics, materials innovation, and biomedicine, by providing access to 14 specialized beamlines.
• Superiority to Existing Synchrotrons: Compared to China's current most advanced synchrotron, the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (with a circumference of 432 meters), HEPS will offer a time resolution 10,000 times better.

Why is it in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the country’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tuticorin district recently.

About Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport:

• The Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport is a forthcoming space launch facility located in Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal village near the temple town of Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi district, southern Tamil Nadu.
• It will become the second operational spaceport in India after the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, established in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, in 1971, and will feature two launch pads.
• The primary focus of the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport will be to facilitate the commercial launch of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs).
• Spanning 2,350 acres, the spaceport will comprise 35 essential facilities, including a launch pad, rocket integration facilities, ground range and checkout facilities, and a mobile launch structure (MLS) equipped with checkout computers.
• With the capability to launch up to 24 satellites annually using a mobile launch structure, it offers a strategic advantage by enabling direct southward launches over the Indian Ocean, thus conserving fuel for small rocket launches.
• This stands in contrast to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, where launching into a polar orbit necessitates additional fuel due to the curved trajectory required to avoid crossing landmasses, particularly Sri Lanka.
• The estimated cost of the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport project is Rs. 986 crore.

About the Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs):

• The SSLV, or Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, is a three-stage launch vehicle characterized by three solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) serving as a terminal stage.
• Measuring 2 meters in diameter and 34 meters in length, the SSLV boasts a lift-off weight of 120 tonnes.
• Designed for versatility, the SSLV can effectively launch a 500kg satellite into a 500 km planar orbit.
• Notable features of the SSLV include its cost-effectiveness, rapid turnaround time, ability to accommodate multiple satellites, feasibility for launch-on-demand, and minimal infrastructure requirements.

Why is it in the News?

Specifically tailored to address the unique characteristics of foetal growth within the Indian population, India has finally got its locally made ‘Garbhini-GA2’, a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence model. 

What is Garbhini-GA2?

• The Garbhini-GA2 model, developed as part of the DBT India initiative (GARBH-Ini) program by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, addresses the challenge of accurately estimating foetal age (gestational age, GA) in the Indian population, particularly in the second and third trimesters.
• Unlike existing formulas designed for Western populations, Garbhini-GA2 accounts for variations in foetal growth specific to the Indian context, significantly reducing estimation errors by nearly threefold.
• This innovative model is crucial for ensuring precise prenatal care and determining accurate delivery dates, thereby enhancing maternal and foetal health outcomes.
• Garbhini-GA2 marks a milestone as the first late-trimester GA estimation model validated using Indian population data, offering a tailored approach to foetal age determination that is essential for effective maternal healthcare."

About Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI):

• THSTI, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Science and Technology, was founded in 2009 in Faridabad, Haryana, with a core commitment to advancing research beyond mere discovery.
• By fostering collaboration among diverse teams in medicine, science, and technology, THSTI leverages translational expertise to drive clinical research and innovation.
• In addition to its core mission, THSTI plays a pivotal role in fostering social innovation and entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly in the domain of maternal and child healthcare.

Why is it in the News?

The G-33 group of countries recently expressed serious concern over the lack of progress in agriculture trade negotiations and urged the members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to work on a permanent solution to the issue of public stockholding of grains for food security purposes.

Key Highlights of the G33 Trade Ministers Meeting in Abu Dhabi:

• Special Safeguard Mechanism: The G33 group emphasized the importance of the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) as a crucial instrument against significant import surges or sudden price declines.
  • They called for WTO members to reach an agreement and adopt a decision on SSM by the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC).
• Permanent Solution for Public Stockholding: The G33 nations sought a permanent solution during the 13th Ministerial Conference, which commenced in Abu Dhabi recently.
  • The MC serves as the highest decision-making body of the WTO.
• Critical Importance of Public Stockholding: The G33 statement highlighted the critical significance of public stockholding for food security in developing countries.
  • It enables governments to procure crops from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP) and store and distribute food grains to the poor.
  • This program supports low-income or resource-poor producers and contributes to rural development.
• The 13th WTO Ministerial Conference provides a crucial platform for WTO members to engage in constructive discussions and work towards finding mutually beneficial solutions.

What is G 33?

• The G33 is a forum of developing countries including India, Brazil, South Africa etc. formed during the Cancun ministerial conference of the WTO (2003), to protect the interest of the developing countries in agricultural trade negotiations.
• It was created to help group countries which were all facing similar problems.
• The G33 has proposed special rules for developing countries at WTO negotiations, like allowing them to continue to restrict access to their agricultural markets.
• Dominated by India, the group has "defensive" concerns regarding agriculture in relation to World Trade Organization negotiations, and seeks to limit the degree of market opening required of developing countries.
• The group has advocated the creation of a "special products" exemption, which would allow developing countries to exempt certain products from tariff exemptions, and also a "special safeguard mechanism" which would permit tariff increases in response to import surges.

Why is it in the News?

INTACH is striving to obtain UNESCO recognition for the yearly 'Paruveta' festival, emphasising its cultural significance.

About the Paruveta Festival:

• Paruveta Festival, also known as the 'mock hunting festival', is a celebrated tradition at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh.
• It stands out as a symbol of communal harmony, where devotees from various religious backgrounds, including Muslims, come together to offer prayers.

Origin and Significance:

• According to folklore, the festival commemorates Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Narasimha, who married Chenchulakshmi, a tribal girl, symbolising unity across different communities.
• The festival's rituals, typically observed during Vijayadashami or Sankranti, extend for a 'mandala' period of forty days in Ahobilam.

Activities and Customs:

• During the festival, the temple deity is carried to the 32 Chenchu tribal villages surrounding Ahobilam for forty days.
• The journey begins with a symbolic act where tribals shoot arrows at the deity's palanquin, signifying protection and reverence.
• Chenchus participated by undertaking 'Narasimha Deeksha', wearing yellow robes and Tulasi Mala, while observing celibacy.
• The temple staff reside in these villages throughout the festival, showcasing the tradition of a casteless society with no traces of untouchability.

Key Points about Chenchu Tribes:

• Geographic Distribution: Chenchu tribes primarily inhabit the hills of southern India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Additionally, Chenchu communities can be found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Orissa.
• Language and Communication: Their native language, known as Chenchu, belongs to the Dravidian language family.
  • While many Chenchu individuals speak Telugu, their traditional language holds cultural significance.
• Livelihood and Occupation: Historically, Chenchu people pursued a nomadic lifestyle, relying on food gathering.
  • However, due to factors such as agricultural expansion, many have transitioned to working as farmers or forest labourers.
• Housing and Settlements: Chenchu dwellings are typically hive-shaped structures constructed from wattle thatch, composed of interwoven poles, twigs, reeds, or branches.
  • These houses reflect their traditional architectural style and are adapted to their environment.
• Social Structure: Chenchu society is organised into clans, which are extended family units, as well as local groups and individual families.
  • They adhere to exogamous marriage practices, prohibiting unions within the same clan.
  • Additionally, Chenchu kinship is patrilineal, tracing descent through male lineage.

Why is it in the News?

India hosted the 3rd meeting of the AITIGA Joint Committee, which focused on reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi from February 16th to 19th, 2024.

About the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA):

• The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) is a trade deal between the ten member states of ASEAN and India.
• ASEAN and India signed the Agreement at the 7th ASEAN Economic Ministers-India Consultations in Bangkok, Thailand in 2009.
• The Agreement, which came into effect in 2010, is sometimes referred to as the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement.
• The Agreement originated out of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between India and ASEAN created in 2003.
  • The Framework Agreement laid a sound basis for the establishment of an ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (FTA), which includes FTA in goods, services and investment.
• The Agreement has led to steadily increasing trade between ASEAN and India since its signing.
  • In 2019-20, trade between India and ASEAN was worth US$86 billion.

About ASEAN:

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN is an intergovernmental organization of ten Southeast Asian countries:
  • Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• ASEAN's primary objectives are to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability among its member states.
• The organization operates on the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and consensus-building. ASEAN's motto, "One Vision, One Identity, One Community," underscores its commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Southeast Asian nations.
• Economically, ASEAN has made significant strides towards integration through initiatives like the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), aimed at creating a single market and production base.
  • This has facilitated trade, investment, and economic development within the region.
• Additionally, ASEAN serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on a wide range of issues, including security, environmental sustainability, cultural exchange, and disaster management.

Why is it in the News?

India has launched an anti-dumping investigation into the import of solar glass from China and Vietnam following a complaint from domestic players.

What is Anti-Dumping Duty?

• Anti-dumping duty is a tariff levied on imports from foreign countries when their prices are lower than the fair market value of similar goods in the domestic market.
• It's implemented by governments to counteract the practice of "dumping," where foreign goods are sold at unfairly low prices in the domestic market, posing a threat to local businesses.
• The primary objective of anti-dumping duty is to safeguard domestic industries from unfair competition and restore fair trade practices.
• This measure is permitted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address instances where dumping causes genuine harm to domestic industries.
• To impose anti-dumping duties, governments must provide evidence of dumping, quantify its extent in terms of costs, and demonstrate the resulting injury or threat to domestic markets.
• While aimed at protecting local industries, anti-dumping duties can sometimes lead to increased prices for consumers within the country.

About Countervailing Duty (CVD):

• Countervailing duty (CVD) is a type of tariff imposed by a government to offset the adverse effects of import subsidies on domestic producers.
• It serves as an import tax applied by the importing country on subsidised products from abroad.
• CVD is imposed to address situations where foreign governments provide subsidies to their producers, lowering the cost of their goods and potentially disrupting fair competition.
• To prevent the influx of subsidised products into their markets, importing countries levy CVD, effectively neutralising the price advantage enjoyed by these imports.
• The imposition of CVD is permitted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to help maintain fair trade practices among its member countries.

Difference Between Anti-dumping Duty and Countervailing Duty:

• Anti-dumping duty is enacted to safeguard domestic markets from the harmful effects of low-priced foreign goods, while CVD targets products benefiting from government subsidies, resulting in artificially low prices.
• The amount of Anti-dumping duty is determined by the margin of dumping, whereas CVD is calculated based on the subsidy value granted to foreign goods.

Why is it in the News?

The Department of Telecommunications has introduced the 'Sangam: Digital Twin' initiative, which aims to transform infrastructure planning and design through innovation and the integration of advanced technologies.

What is Sangam: Digital Twin initiative?

• Digital Twin technology creates virtual replicas of physical assets, enabling monitoring, simulation, and analysis for adaptive outcomes.
• 'Sangam: Digital Twin' consists of two stages:
  • The first is exploratory for creative exploration, and
  • The second is for the practical demonstration of specific use cases, creating a future blueprint for collaboration in future infrastructure projects.
• The initiative aligns with advancements in communication, computation and sensing over the past decade, fostering a collaborative approach to reshape infrastructure planning and design.
• 'Sangam: Digital Twin' integrates 5G, IoT, AI, AR/VR, AI native 6G, Digital Twin and next-gen computational technologies to break silos and promote a whole-of-nation approach.
• The new initiative aims to transform ideas into solutions, bridging the gap between conceptualisation and realisation, and fostering advancements in infrastructure.
• Sangam encourages a holistic approach to innovation, uniting stakeholders to harness unified data and collective intelligence.
• It is aimed at creating an ecosystem that maximises the value of technological advancements for development.
• Sangam aims to demonstrate the practical implementation of innovative infrastructure planning solutions, providing a model framework for collaboration and a future blueprint for scaling successful strategies in future projects.
• The platform also offers a blog for pre-registered participants to connect, share insights, and engage in discussions.

Significance of Digital Twins:

• Facilitates remote monitoring, making it applicable for use in hazardous operations.
• Enhances predictive capabilities, assisting in making informed policy decisions.
• Improves operational efficiency, thereby ensuring the maintenance of output quality.
• Assists in urban planning by generating various simulations and forecasts.

Why is it in the News?

An elderly man has died from Alaskapox, the first known fatality from the recently discovered virus.

What is Alaskapox?

• Alaskapox is caused by orthopoxvirus, a family of brick-shaped viruses that can infect both animals and humans, leading to skin lesions or pox.
• The virus was first identified in a woman living near Fairbanks, Alaska, and has since been primarily detected in small mammals like red-backed voles and shrews.
  • However, domestic pets such as dogs and cats may also be carriers of the virus.

What are the symptoms of Alaskapox?

• Symptoms of Alaskapox include the development of one or more bumps or pustules on the skin, accompanied by joint or muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes.
• While the majority of the seven known human cases in Alaska over the past nine years have experienced mild illnesses that were resolved without intervention, the virus poses a greater threat to individuals with weakened immune systems.

How is Alaskapox Transmitted?

• Transmission of Alaskapox is believed to occur through direct contact with infected animals.
  • Unlike some of its orthopoxvirus relatives, there have been no documented instances of Alaskapox spreading from person to person.
• Though it's not clear how Alaskapox is transmitted, researchers say that it may be zoonotic meaning it can jump from animals to humans.

Why is it in the News?

Gupteswar forest in the Koraput district of Odisha has been officially declared the fourth biodiversity heritage site (BHS) in the state.

What is a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)?

• A Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) is a unique ecosystem with rich biodiversity that is designated for special protection and conservation.
• These sites are typically declared by individual states or local bodies under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, of 2002, in India.

Who can Declare BHS?

• Under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 the State Government in consultation with local bodies may notify areas of biodiversity importance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS).
• The ‘Biodiversity Heritage Sites’ (BHS) are unique ecosystems having rich biodiversity comprising of any one or more of the following components:
  • The richness of wild as well as domesticated species or intra-specific categories.
  • High endemism.
  • Presence of rare and threatened species, keystone species, and species of evolutionary significance.
  • Wild ancestors of domestic/cultivated species or their varieties.
  • Past pre-eminence of biological components represented by fossil beds and having significant cultural, ethical or aesthetic values are important for the maintenance of cultural diversity, with or without a long history of human association with them.
• “The creation of BHS may not put any restriction on the prevailing practices and usages of the local communities, other than those voluntarily decided by them.
  • The purpose of declaring BHS is to enhance the quality of life of the local communities through conservation of such sites.”

The main objectives of declaring an area as a BHS are:

• To conserve biological diversity, including genetic diversity, ecosystem diversity, and species diversity.
• To protect habitats of rare, endemic, and threatened species.
• To promote sustainable use of biodiversity.
• To maintain cultural diversity and traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity.
• To raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) of India:

Why is it in the News?

Scientists from city-based National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) lab, achieved a breakthrough by successfully testing an unmanned aerial vehicle called High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) at Chitradurga's Challakere in Karnataka.

News Summary:

• National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has achieved a milestone with the successful testing of an unmanned aerial vehicle known as the High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) in Challakere, Karnataka.
• This innovative system, measuring 5 meters in length with an impressive 11-meter wingspan and weighing 23 kg, soared to an altitude of approximately 3 km and maintained its position for an impressive duration of eight hours.
• A comprehensive series of tests is slated, with the ultimate goal of developing a full-fledged aircraft boasting a remarkable 30-meter wingspan comparable to a Boeing 737 by the year 2027.
  • This advanced craft is anticipated to ascend to an impressive altitude of 23 km and remain airborne for a remarkable period of at least 90 days.
• NAL's ambitious agenda includes the design and construction of various components essential for the HAPS, including propellers, battery management systems, carbon-composite airframes, flight-control systems, and high-powered electric motors capable of withstanding extreme temperature variations.
• Additionally, in a separate endeavour, a Bengaluru-based private company recently conducted the inaugural test flight of a solar-powered, long-endurance drone, achieving an impressive flight duration of 21 hours.

About High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS):

• Since the 1990s, numerous global initiatives have been undertaken to explore the potential applications of High Altitude Pseudo Satellites, also known as High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS).
• Positioned above 20 km altitude in the stratosphere, these unmanned aircraft are designed for exceptionally long-duration flights, spanning months or even years.
• HAPS encompass various aircraft types, including airplanes, airships, and balloons.

Benefits/Advantages of HAPS:

• These solar-powered vehicles bridge the gap between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in lower altitudes and traditional satellites in space.
  • They offer a wide array of applications, including telecommunications, emergency/public safety communications, intelligent transportation systems, maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, and land border control.
• Compared to ground-based communication networks, HAPS can cover larger areas with minimal interference and facilitate data transfer between satellites and ground-based telecom networks.
• Unlike traditional satellites, which are costly to construct and launch, HAPS are more cost-effective and easier to deploy.
• It has both military and civilian applications, including intelligence, surveillance, telecommunication, and disaster response.
• The technology offers lower latency and can connect to multiple ground stations.

Significance for India:

• In India, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced in 2022 its collaboration with a startup company to develop a "futuristic" high-altitude pseudo satellite.
  • Given India's extensive land borders stretching approximately 15,000 km and a coastline spanning 7,500 km, securing these borders is paramount, necessitating diverse solutions.
• Hovering at the Earth's atmospheric edge, HAPS offer valuable services for efficient border surveillance, tracking enemy movements deep into territories or seas, and conducting round-the-clock missions.
  • Equipped with advanced optical and infrared cameras, state-of-the-art sensors, and other sophisticated technology, these aerial platforms are ideal for border patrolling, target tracking, maritime surveillance, navigation, and even missile detection.
• China's Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a state-owned aerospace and defense conglomerate, has been actively developing various HAPS platforms for surveillance purposes.
• In 2018, it successfully tested the solar-powered Morning Star drone, renowned for its prolonged airborne endurance.

Why is it in the News?

The Israel Geological Survey announced recently that Israeli geologists discovered a huge underwater canyon on the bottom of the Eastern Mediterranean that was formed about 6 million years ago.

What is Messinian Event?

• The Messinian Event, also referred to as the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC).
• It marks a significant geological occurrence during which the Mediterranean Sea experienced a cycle of partial or near-complete desiccation, making it one of the most severe ecological crises in Earth's history.
• This event unfolded approximately 6 million years ago (MYA) and persisted until around 5.3 MYA.
• The process began with the severance of the connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
  • This disconnection resulted from a combination of reduced sea levels globally and the collision of the European and African plates, causing the land to rise.
  • Consequently, the Mediterranean experienced significant evaporation, as its evaporation rate exceeded its precipitation rate.
  • Without a substantial influx of water from the Atlantic, the sea began to evaporate rapidly.
• During this period, a vast underground canyon formed, with rivers cutting deep into the basin floor, creating a canyon much larger than the Grand Canyon, reaching depths of up to 2,000 meters (6562 feet).
  • As the Mediterranean water evaporated, salt deposits, primarily composed of Halite and Gypsum, accumulated on the basin floor, some reaching depths of 800 meters (2,500 feet).
• Despite the rapid evaporation, salt deposition did not keep pace, resulting in an increase in water salinity.
  • The heightened salinity levels made the Mediterranean inhospitable to marine life, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
  • Eventually, the sea dried up almost entirely, culminating in the Zanclean flood when the Atlantic Ocean reclaimed the basin.

What is Deep-sea Canyon?

• Deep-sea canyons, such as those formed during the Messinian Event, are steep valleys carved into the seafloor of the continental slope, extending onto the continental shelf.
• These canyons vary in size and shape and have been sculpted by various erosional processes, including river flows during periods of low sea levels, mudslides, debris flows, and turbidity currents.

Why is it in the News

Defense minister Rajnath Singh commissioned survey vessel INS Sandhayak into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard recently.

About INS Sandhayak:

• INS Sandhayak stands as the first unit in a series of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• Its primary mission is to conduct thorough coastal and deep-water Hydrographic Surveys, focusing on Port and Harbour approaches, navigational channels, and routes.
• The operational scope extends to maritime limits, encompassing the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and extended continental shelf.

Features:

• • The vessel is equipped to gather oceanographic and geophysical data, serving the needs of both defense and civil applications.
  • In a secondary role, it provides limited defense capabilities and can function as a hospital ship during wartime or emergencies.

• Cutting-Edge Technology:

• • Equipped with advanced hydrographic tools, including a Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, DGPS Long-range positioning systems, and Digital side-scan sonar.

• Performance Specifications:

• • Powered by two diesel engines, INS Sandhayak boasts a speed capability exceeding 18 knots.
  • With a length of 110 meters and a displacement of 3400 tons, the vessel maintains an indigenous content exceeding 80 per cent by cost.

• Historical Continuity:

• • This ship has been re-incarnated in its current form from the previous Sandhayak, decommissioned in 2021.

Why is it in the News?

The Karnataka government recently said it would launch a 'Digital Detox' initiative in collaboration with the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF), with special emphasis on gaming and social media.

What is Digital Detox?

• A digital detox entails voluntarily refraining from using digital devices like smartphones, computers, and social media platforms for a defined period.
• This period can range from a few hours to as long as a week or even a month.
• Research indicates that approximately 25% of smartphone owners aged 18 to 44 cannot recall the last time they were separated from their phones.

Benefits:

• Overcoming Technology Addiction: Studies reveal that around 61% of individuals acknowledge their addiction to the internet and digital screens.
  • A digital detox aids in combating this addiction.
• Enhanced Mental Health: Disconnecting from technology can alleviate stress and anxiety, thereby fostering improved mental health and overall well-being.
• Increased Productivity and Creativity: Taking a break from continuous digital engagement bolsters focus and concentration, leading to heightened productivity and creativity.
• Improved Sleep: Excessive screen time has been linked to poor sleep quality. A digital detox helps in promoting better sleep by reducing exposure to blue light and stimulating content.
• Enhanced Communication Skills: Reducing online time allows for more face-to-face interactions, nurturing better communication skills and social connections.

Challenges:

• Feelings of Disconnection: Detox participants may feel disconnected from friends and family members.
• Fear of Missing Out: Participants may experience FOMO (fear of missing out) or anxiety about missing important information.
• Boredom or Restlessness: Detoxes may lead to feelings of boredom or restlessness.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety or boredom.

Way forward:

• Start Small: Initiate the detox with shorter periods and gradually extend the duration.
• Inform Others: Notify friends and family about the detox to avoid misinterpretations.
• Engage in Healthy Activities: Utilize detox time for activities like reading, spending time outdoors, or exercising.
• Minimize Notifications: Turn off device notifications and store them out of sight.
• Reward Progress: Offer yourself incentives for achieving detox goals.

Conclusion

Digital dependence can contribute to mental health issues, shorter attention spans, and strained interpersonal relationships. While technology offers convenience and connectivity, excessive screen time exacts a toll. A digital detox presents an opportunity to enhance mental and physical well-being, as well as nurture healthier relationships. With proper planning and commitment, a successful and fulfilling detox experience is achievable.

Why is it in the News?

Ahead of World Wetlands Day, five more wetlands in India got the tag of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, making it the fourth largest country in terms of the number of sites on the list.

About the New Ramsar sites:

• The five newly added Indian sites in the list are Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in Tamil Nadu, and Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve and Aghanashini Estuary in Karnataka.
• In India, Tamil Nadu continues to have the maximum number of Ramsar sites (16) followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).

• Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary is one of the largest inland wetlands of Tamil Nadu and is a significant source of groundwater recharge for the area.
  • Water from the wetland is utilized by the villagers for cultivating crops such as paddy, sugar cane, cotton, corn, and split red gram.
  • Karaivetti has one of the largest congregations of waterbirds in the State of Tamil Nadu.
• The Longwood Shola Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu): The Longwood Shola Reserve Forest derives its name from the Tamil word, "Solai", which means ‘tropical rainforest’.
  • The ‘Sholas’ are found in the upper reaches of the Nilgiris, Anamalais, Palni hills, Kalakadu, Mundanthurai and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
  • These forested wetlands serve as habitats for the globally endangered Black-chinned Nilgiri Laughing thrush (Strophocincla cachinnans), Nilgiri Blue Robin (Myiomela major), and vulnerable Nilgiri Wood-pigeon (Columba elphinstonii).
  • As many as 14 out of 26 endemic bird species of the Western Ghats are found in these wetlands.
• Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (Karnataka): Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve is a human made Village Irrigation Tank built centuries back and is spread over an area of 98.76ha.
  • It is an ecologically important wetland, rich in biodiversity, comprising over 210 species of plants, mammal species, reptiles, birds etc.
  • It supports more than 1% of the biogeographic population of Painted Stork and Black-headed Ibis.
• Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka): Aghanashini Estuary is formed at the confluence of the Aghanashini River with the Arabian Sea.
  • The brackish water of the Estuary provides diverse ecosystem services including flood and erosion risk mitigation, biodiversity conservation and livelihood support.
  • The wetland also provides livelihoods to families by supporting fishing, agriculture, collection of edible bivalves and crabs, shrimp aquaculture, traditional fish farming in the estuarine rice fields (locally known as Gazni rice fields), bivalve shell collection and salt production.
• Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (??Karnataka): Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, is a human-made wetland with an area of nearly 50 hectares which was constructed to store rainwater for irrigation purposes.
  • The wetland harbors two vulnerable species, namely the Common pochard and River tern and four near-threatened species, namely the Oriental Darter Black-headed Ibis Woolly-necked Stork and Painted Stork.
  • It is also one of the largest wintering grounds for the Bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) in Southern India.
  • The wetland is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) and is also listed as a priority area for conservation in India.

What is the Ramsar Convention?

• The Ramsar Convention was signed on 2nd February 1971 to preserve the ecological character of their wetlands of international importance.
• It is named after Ramsar, the Iranian city where the treaty was signed in 1971, and places chosen for conservation under it are given the tag ‘Ramsar site’.
• The World Wetlands Day, celebrated on 2 February to raise global awareness about the importance of wetlands for human prosperity and a healthy planet.

Why is it in the News?

Delhi High Court has upheld the constitutional validity of the anti-profiteering clause in the GST law, which mandates companies to pass on the benefit of lower taxes and input tax credits to consumers.

What is an ‘Anti-profiteering’ Activity?

• Any reduction in the rate of GST tax on any supply of goods or services or the benefit of input tax credit should have been passed on to the recipient by way of a commensurate reduction in prices.
• The wilful action of not changing the final price of the good or service by various means, despite the reduction in the rate of the tax for that particular good or service, amounts to “profiteering”.

How is the Anti-profiteering Mechanism Under the CGST Act?

• CGST mandate a 3-tier structure for investigation and adjudication of the complaints regarding profiteering.
  • a) National Anti-profiteering
  • b) Authority Directorate General of Safeguards
  • c) State-level screening committees and standing committee

How Does the Screening Committee and Standing Committee Work?

• GST council may constitute a standing committee, having members from both state and central government.
• Every state shall constitute one state-level screening committee.
  • It will have one member from the state government and one member from the central government as nominated by the respective appropriate authority.
  • The complaints or issues of local nature will be first examined by the screening committee.
• State-level screening and standing committee will examine the complaint and determine the prime facie evidence to support the validity of the complaint.
• If any committee satisfies that the supplier has contravened section 171 of the CGST Act, the case shall be transferred to DG Safeguards for further investigation.
• The committees shall complete the investigation within a period of a month from the date of the receipt of the application.

What is the Role of DG Safeguards in the Anti-profiteering Mechanism?

• DG safeguards are the main investigation arm in the anti-profiteering mechanism.
• It can summon the interested parties make inquiries or call the relevant documents.
• It can seek help from technical experts in the due course of investigation.
• DG Safeguards shall complete the investigation within a period of three months from the date of receipt of the report from either screening or standing committee.
• The period can be extended for another three months.

Who Can File the Complaint Against Profiteering?

• Any consumer or organisation experiencing a non-reduction in the price of the goods or service despite the reduction in the rate of GST can file a complaint with proper evidence.
• Any supplier, trader, wholesaler or retailer, who could not get the benefit of input tax credit on account of a reduction in the rate of GST, can also file the complaint with proper evidence.

Why is it in the News?

Odisha is gearing up to provide an unparalleled experience to visitors through its upcoming black tiger safari, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

What are Black Tigers or Melanistic Tigers?

• Black tigers, also known as melanistic tigers, are a unique phenomenon resulting from a genetic condition called melanism.
  • Melanism causes an increased production of melanin, a pigment responsible for hair, eye, and skin colouration, resulting in black or nearly black skin, feathers, or hair in animals.
• In Simlipal Tiger Reserve, many royal Bengal tigers belong to a distinct lineage characterized by higher-than-normal levels of melanin.
• These tigers exhibit black and yellow interspersed stripes on their coats, though they are not entirely black.
  • Therefore, they are more accurately described as pseudo-melanistic.
• As per the 2022 All-India Tiger Estimation, 16 tigers were recorded in Similipal Tiger Reserve, out of which 10 were melanistic.
• However, ongoing tiger surveys conducted by the state government suggest that the actual number of royal Bengal tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserve may be higher than reported by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

• Factors Contributing to (Pseudo) Melanism:

• Research conducted by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bengaluru indicates that a single mutation in the gene Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) is responsible for the enlargement or spreading of black stripes into the yellow background of black tigers.
• Genetic analyses and computer simulations suggest that Similipal's black tigers may have originated from a very small founding population of tigers and are likely inbred.
• Additionally, the isolation of tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserve leads to breeding within the population, further contributing to the prevalence of melanism among these tigers.

About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR):

• Similipal, which derives its name from the ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree, is a national park and a Tiger Reserve situated in the northern part of Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district.
• It spans an expansive area of 2,750 square kilometres (1,060 square miles), bordering Jharkhand and West Bengal.
• Similipal Tiger Reserve is a key component of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which encompasses three protected areas:
  • Similipal Tiger Reserve
  • Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and
  • Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
• Biodiversity: Similipal is renowned for its rich biodiversity, boasting a diverse array of wildlife including the majestic Bengal tiger, the iconic Asian elephant, the formidable gaur, and the elusive chausingha.
• Recognized as a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves site since 2009, it stands as Asia's second-largest biosphere reserve, following the Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat.
• Notably, Similipal Tiger Reserve holds the distinction of being the sole natural habitat in India for melanistic royal Bengal tigers, adding to its ecological significance.

Why is it in the News?

A mobile app titled ‘Report Fish Disease’ has been introduced to help aquaculture farmers to report diseases on their farms.

What is the 'Report Fish Disease' App?

• The mobile application is designed to empower fish farmers by offering a convenient and effective platform for reporting diseases on their farms.
• Developed as part of the NSPAAD project, with the lead institute being ICAR-NBFGR and a collaborative partnership with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), this app brings a host of features and benefits.

Key Features:

• User-Friendly Interface: The app provides fish farmers with an intuitive and user-friendly interface, ensuring easy accessibility.
• Efficient Disease Reporting: A simplified reporting format allows farmers to easily report disease outbreaks by providing essential information such as location, affected species, observed symptoms, and images.

Significance:

• Swift Response through Geo-tagging: Utilizing geo-tagging technology, the app facilitates a rapid response from authorities.
• Farmers receive real-time updates on the status of their reported cases, ensuring transparency and accountability in disease management.
• Information Hub: Beyond reporting, the app serves as an information hub, offering farmers valuable resources on disease prevention, treatment, and best aquaculture practices.
• Comprehensive Disease Management: The app is a comprehensive package aimed at diagnosing, preventing, controlling, and treating aquatic animal diseases.
• It provides solutions to encourage aquaculture farmers to maintain the health of their stocks.

Anticipated Impact:

• By transforming disease management in aquaculture, the app aims to enhance the sustainability and productivity of this critical sector.
• It achieves this through early disease detection, data-driven decision-making, capacity building, and efficient resource allocation.

The ultimate goals of the app include:

• Improved Livelihood: Enhancing the livelihood of fish farmers through proactive disease management.
• Food Security: Safeguarding the nation’s food security by ensuring the health and well-being of aquatic animal stocks.
• Industry Growth: Contributing to the sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry by fostering a proactive approach to disease prevention and management.

Why is it in the News

Recently, a futuristic fuel cell-based power system was successfully tested by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide a sustainable and reliable power source for space stations.

What is a Fuel Cell?

• Fuel cells, intricate devices powered by chemical reactions, have diverse applications spanning transportation, industrial sectors, commercial and residential buildings, and reversible grid energy storage systems.
• Operationally, fuel cells consist of two electrodes—an anode and a cathode—immersed in an electrolyte.
  • The anode, supplied with hydrogen fuel, undergoes oxidation to produce hydrogen ions and electrons.
  • Simultaneously, the cathode, exposed to an oxidizer like oxygen, results in the production of water as hydrogen ions absorb electrons.
• The voltage per unit cell is determined by the energy level disparity at the electrodes. While a single fuel cell generates a modest amount of direct-current electricity, practical use often involves assembling stacks of these cells.
• Advantages: Advantages of fuel cells include lower or zero emissions, particularly with hydrogen fuel cells emitting only water, addressing climate concerns by avoiding carbon dioxide emissions.
• They operate quietly with few moving parts, achieve higher efficiencies compared to combustion engines, and resemble batteries but offer prolonged electrical energy due to continuous external fuel and air/oxygen sources.
• This longevity distinguishes them from batteries that rely on finite fuel material and oxidant, making fuel cells a sustainable and efficient choice for various applications.

About ISRO:

• The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is the pioneer space exploration agency of the Government of India, headquartered at Bengaluru.
• ISRO was formed in 1969 with a vision to develop and harness space technology in national development, while pursuing planetary exploration and space science research.
• ISRO replaced its predecessor, INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research), established in 1962 by India’s first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and scientist Vikram Sarabhai, considered amongst the founding fathers of the Indian space program.

Why is it in the News

In order to improve operational capacity of the defence forces in the high-altitude areas along the Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh, the BRO will build bituminous roads using an indigenous technology, “Rejupave” developed by India’s oldest and premier road research organisation, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI).

What is Rejupave Technology?

• CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), India's oldest road research organization, developed the Rejupave Technology.
• It is beneficial for constructing high-altitude bituminous roads in low and sub-zero temperatures.
• The technology actively reduces production and rolling temperatures of bituminous mixes by 30 to 400 degrees Celsius, ensuring minimal heat loss during transit in snowy conditions and long haulage times.
• The bio-oil-based asphalt modifier of this technology significantly lowers the heating requirements of bituminous mixes and preserves mix temperature during transit.
• In cold climatic regions, the 'Rejupave' asphalt modifier enhances long-term durability and resistance to thermal cracking under low-temperature conditions.
• Additionally, it plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the eco-sensitive mountainous environment of Arunachal Pradesh.

About CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI):

• Established in 1952, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) stands as a premier national laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• CRRI's major research and development programs encompass a range of projects, including the design, construction, and maintenance of roads and runways, traffic and transportation planning for large and medium cities, management of roads in diverse terrains, improvement of marginal materials, utilization of industrial waste in road construction, and landslide control.
• The institute extends its expertise by providing technical and consultancy services to various organizations both within India and internationally.
• CRRI actively contributes to capacity building in highway engineering, empowering human resources to undertake and execute road and runway projects.

Why in the News?

The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) issued a warning to major airports about levying aeronautical charges without approval.

About Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA):

• Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), established under the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008, is a statutory body entrusted with the crucial task of regulating tariffs and associated charges for aeronautical services at major airports.
• This includes overseeing air traffic management, aircraft landing and parking, and ground handling services.
• The designation of an airport as "major" hinges on the 2008 Act, considering an annual passenger traffic threshold of at least 15 lakh.
• An amendment in 2019 elevated this criterion to 35 lakh annual passengers.
• For other airports, tariff determination falls under the purview of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• As an independent economic regulator, AERA operates with the objective of creating an equitable playing field, fostering healthy competition among major airports, promoting investment in airport facilities, and ensuring transparent regulation of aeronautical service tariffs.
• This initiative arose from the recognition of the need for an independent regulatory body capable of safeguarding the interests of both service providers and consumers.
• Headquartered in Delhi, AERA's history traces back to a time when most Indian airports were under the governance of the central government.
• The shift towards private sector participation in airport infrastructure development prompted the need for a distinct regulator.
• The Naresh Chandra Committee set up in 1997, recommended the establishment of an independent regulatory authority.
• Subsequently, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act, 2008 (AERA Act), was enacted, leading to the creation of AERA.

About Airports Authority of India (AAI):

• Airports Authority of India (AAI), established through an Act of Parliament on April 1, 1995, resulted from the merger of the National Airports Authority and the International Airports Authority of India.
• Entrusted with a significant role, AAI is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure both on the ground and in the airspace of the country.
• Main Functions of AAI Include
• Construction, modification, and management of passenger terminals.
• Development and management of cargo terminals.
• Development and maintenance of apron infrastructure, encompassing runways, parallel taxiways, aprons, etc.
• Provision of Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance, involving DVOR / DME, ILS, ATC radars, visual aids, etc.
• Provision of air traffic services.
• Provision of passenger facilities and related amenities at its terminals.

Why in the News?

The forest department started the inaugural jungle safari at the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve on Monday, which marks the beginning of organised tiger reserve tours for tourists in four locations across the state.

About Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, also known as Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, spans across four districts – Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, and Chittorgarh in Rajasthan.
• The reserve is nestled in a valley formed by two parallel mountains, Mukundra and Gargola.
• Establishment: In 2013, the tiger reserve was formed, encompassing Mukandra National Park, Dara Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and a section of Chambal Sanctuary.
• Initially, it served as a hunting preserve for the Maharaja of Kota.
• River: Positioned on the eastern bank of the Chambal River, the reserve is crisscrossed by its tributaries.
• Vegetation: The reserve features a Dry Deciduous Forest.
• Flora: The dominant species is Kala Dhok or Kaladhi (Anogeissus pendula), accompanied by Khair, Ber, Kakan, Raunj, and more.
• On elevated slopes, Anogeissus pendula gives way to Anogeissus latifolia, coexisting with Bel, Salar, Uum, and Shisham.
• Fauna: Noteworthy fauna include Leopard, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, Spotted Deer, Small Indian Civet, Toddy Cat, Jackal, Hyena, Jungle Cat, and Common Langur, among others.
• The region is also home to various reptiles and amphibians, such as Pythons, Rat Snake, Buff-striped keelbacks, Green keelbacks, crocodiles, turtles, Gharial and Otters.

Why in the News?

Reliance General Insurance Company (RGIC), a subsidiary of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Capital, has received multiple show-cause notices worth Rs 922.58 crore from the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI).

About Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI):

• Formerly known as the Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) stands as a premier intelligence organization operating under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, within the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
• Its primary focus is on collecting, collating, and disseminating intelligence pertaining to Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion and duties related to Central Excise and Service Tax on a pan-India basis.
• Evolution: Originally designated as the Directorate General of Anti-Evasion (DGAE), it was established in 1979 as an independent wing under the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, New Delhi.
• Became a full-fledged Directorate in 1983, headed by a Director.
• In 1988, attained the status of Directorate General under a Director General.
• Currently comprises 04 offices of the Director General (East, West, North, and South), 26 Zonal Units, and 40 Regional Units.

Key Responsibilities:

• Intelligence Gathering: Collects information from various sources, including GST returns, financial statements, and other documents, to identify potential GST law violations.
• Investigation: Empowered to conduct investigations into suspected cases of GST evasion or non-compliance, involving summoning individuals, examining records, and executing searches and seizures.
• Enforcement: Enforces provisions of the GST law, taking legal action against offenders, imposing penalties, and recovering taxes or duties owed.
• Additional Functions: Collaborates with agencies like the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and State GST authorities for effective GST law implementation.
• Plays a crucial role in raising awareness about GST compliance and educating taxpayers on their legal obligations.
• Provides technical and legal assistance to field officers and other government entities involved in GST administration.

Why is it in the News?

Angkor Wat, in the heart of Cambodia, has beaten Pompeii in Italy to become the eighth Wonder of the World.

About Angkor Wat Temple:

• Angkor Wat is among the most significant archaeological sites of Southeast Asia, located in the northern province of Siem Reap in Cambodia.
• The temple was constructed by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century.
• It was originally built as a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu by the Khmer Emperor Suryavarman II, it was converted into a Buddhist temple by his successor Jayavarman VII, who also built the famous Buddhist temple of Bayon nearby.
• The transition from Hinduism to Buddhism is evident in the intricate carvings that adorn the temple walls, depicting scenes from Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
• An interesting fact about Angkor is that it is also known as Yasodharapura.
• The name Angkor is derived from nokor, a Khmer word meaning "kingdom," which is derived from Sanskrit nagara, which means "city."
• Angkor Wat is said to represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods, according to both Hindu and Buddhist faiths.
• It is also famous for its statue of eight-armed Vishnu, also revered by the locals as their protecting deity.
• It holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest religious structure in the world, spread across some 400 km sq.
• In 1992 the temple complex was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why is it in the News?

UK public health officials recently said they had confirmed a first human case of a swine flu strain similar to one that has been circulating in pigs.

About Swine Flu:

• Swine flu, scientifically known as H1N1 influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the H1N1 virus that commonly affects pigs.
• However, this virus can also infect humans, leading to a range of symptoms from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can be fatal.
• The virus spreads among humans through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it highly transmissible.
• Swine flu symptoms resemble those of seasonal influenza, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.
• In severe cases, individuals may experience respiratory distress and pneumonia.
• One of the distinctive features of the H1N1 virus is its ability to affect younger age groups more severely compared to typical seasonal flu viruses.
• The World Health Organization declared a global pandemic of H1N1 influenza in 2009, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in monitoring and controlling the spread of the virus.
• Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B.

Why is it in the News?

Recently a new plant species belonging to the 'Impatiens' genus (Balsaminaceae) has been identified in the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tirunelveli.

About Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve:

• The Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, is situated in the Southern Western Ghats within the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu.
• This reserve combines three major sanctuaries:
• The Kalakkad Sanctuary
• The Mundanthurai Sanctuary, and
• A portion of the Kanyakumari Sanctuary.
• The Agasthyamalai Hills, nestled between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, forms the sanctuary's core and is part of one of the world's 18 biodiversity hotspots.
• This reserve is also recognized as the “River Sanctuary,” with 14 rivers originating from it.
• Flora: The flora in this region exhibits a gradual transition from dry thorn forest to dry deciduous, moist deciduous, and a patch of West Coast wet evergreen forests at higher elevations.
• Fauna: Diverse fauna includes species such as Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Pipit, Grey Headed Bulbul, Blue Winged Parakeet, and more.

Details about the New Plant Species:

• The species, named 'Impatiens Karuppusamyi,' pays tribute to S. Karuppusamy for his significant contributions to the taxonomy of South Indian angiosperms.
• This particular plant is exclusively found in the Agasthyamalai region within the southern Western Ghats.
• Belonging to the scapigerous group (stemless group), the plant is observable only during the monsoon season, lasting for a few weeks.
• Impatiens, a genus comprising over 1,000 flowering plant species, is widely distributed across tropical Africa, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, and China.

Why is it in the News?

 Recently, the Survey of India (SoI) and Genesys International, a prominent Indian mapping company, revealed a strategic collaboration for the implementation of a three-dimensional (3D) digital twin-mapping initiative in India.

About Digital Twin:

• Digital twins are digital representations of physical objects, people or processes.
• They aid decision-making through high-fidelity simulations of the twinned physical system in real-time and are often equipped with autonomous control capabilities.
• These replicas serve as dynamic and detailed counterparts, providing a real-time, data-driven simulation of their physical counterparts.
• The concept of digital twins has gained prominence with the advent of technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and machine learning.
• In essence, a digital twin continuously collects and processes data from its physical counterpart, offering a comprehensive view of its behavior, status, and interactions.
• This real-time synchronization enables organizations to monitor, analyze, and understand the performance of physical assets or processes more effectively.

Applications:

• Manufacturing Sector: One primary application of digital twins is in the manufacturing sector.
• Manufacturers use digital twins to create virtual models of products and production processes.
• This allows for simulation, analysis, and optimization before physical prototypes are built, leading to reduced development costs and improved product quality.
• Healthcare: In healthcare, digital twins are employed to create personalized models of patients.
• These models, based on individual health data, help in predicting health outcomes, optimizing treatment plans, and advancing medical research.
• Transportation: Transportation industries utilize digital twins for optimizing logistics and predictive maintenance.
• For example, digital twins of aircraft engines can simulate performance under various conditions, aiding in proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime.
• Urban Planning: Urban planning benefits from digital twins by creating virtual models of entire cities.
• This assists in designing and optimizing infrastructure, managing resources efficiently, and planning for future growth and development.
• Industries: In industrial settings, digital twins of production processes enable real-time monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization, leading to increased efficiency and reduced downtime.

Why is it in the News?

The government has warned top social media and internet companies that their platforms may be temporarily suspended and even be ordered blocked in case they are unable to tackle the menace of deepfakes.

What are Deepfakes?

• The term "deepfake" combines the concepts of deep learning with the fabrication of content.
• Deepfakes involve the creation of synthetic images and audio using machine-learning algorithms, intending to disseminate misleading content by replacing a real person's appearance, voice, or both with artificially generated likenesses or voices.
• These manipulated creations can either depict nonexistent individuals or simulate real people engaging in actions or utterances they never did.
• Originating in 2017, the word "deepfake" emerged when a Reddit user named "deepfakes" shared explicit videos featuring celebrities.
• The process of crafting deepfakes utilizes machine learning models employing neural networks to manipulate visual and auditory elements.
• To generate a convincing deepfake video, creators train the neural network on extensive real footage of the targeted person, facilitating a realistic understanding of their appearance from various angles and lighting conditions.
• This trained network is then combined with computer graphics to overlay the person onto a different actor.
• Regrettably, this technology is increasingly exploited for malicious purposes, including scams, celebrity impersonation, election interference, social engineering, disinformation attacks, identity theft, and financial fraud.
• The distinguishing factor of deepfakes lies in their challenging detection due to their sophisticated nature.

Why is it in the News?

The Indian Navy successfully test-fired an indigenous anti-ship missile over the Arabian Sea, marking a significant step in India's efforts towards self-reliance in defense technologies.

About Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR):

• This revolutionary missile NASM-SR, entirely developed by Indian scientists and engineers, represents a huge stride in the indigenization of India's defense infrastructure.
• The project is a collaborative effort between various esteemed agencies, including the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The successful trial brings a sense of pride and accomplishment to India's defense realm.
• Launch Capability: This advanced missile is designed for launch from attack helicopters, presenting a versatile addition to the naval arsenal.
• Replacement for Sea Eagle: NASM-SR is slated to replace the existing Sea Eagle missiles currently in use by the Navy, aligning with the imperative of modernization and technological advancement.
• Integration with MH-60R Helicopters: As Sea King helicopters are phased out, the NASM-SR is anticipated to integrate seamlessly with the new MH-60R multi-role helicopters, a pivotal component of the Navy's evolving fleet.

Key Features:

• The missile incorporates a state-of-the-art guidance system and integrated avionics.
• It introduces indigenous launcher technology tailored for helicopter deployment.
• Possessing a striking range of approximately 60 km.
• Travels at a speed of Mach 0.8, slightly below the speed of sound.
• Equipped with a 100kg warhead, rendering it capable of neutralizing patrol boats and causing substantial damage to larger warships.
• Employs an imaging infrared seeker to target heat emissions, enhancing precision in homing onto its designated targets.
• During the approach to its target, the NASM-SR operates at just 5 meters above sea level, a strategic feature known as sea skimming.
• This low-level approach minimizes the susceptibility to detection, tracking, and interception by enemy radars or surface-to-air missiles.

Why in the News?

In its latest discovery, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has discovered a planet "Wasp-107b"  where specks of sand fall as rain.

What is “Wasp-107b”?

• WASP-107b is a warm exoplanet with Neptune’s mass and Jupiter’s radius.
• This makes it ‘fluffy’ compared to the giant gas planets in our Solar System.
• This unusual size-to-mass ratio has given astronomers a unique opportunity to probe its atmosphere roughly 50 times deeper than more dense planets like Jupiter.
• This gas giant, often referred to as a "super-Neptune," holds several remarkable characteristics that set it apart from other known exoplanets.

Key Characteristics of WASP-107b:

• Size and Mass: WASP-107b is roughly the size of Jupiter, but with only about 12% of Jupiter's mass.
• This makes it one of the least dense exoplanets ever discovered.
• Orbit and Proximity: WASP-107b orbits its host star, WASP-107, very closely, completing an orbit in just 5.7 days.
• It is located about 200 light-years from Earth in the constellation Virgo.
• Sand Rain: WASP-107b exhibits a unique water cycle similar to Earth's, but with a peculiar twist: instead of water droplets, the planet experiences sand rain.
• These sand grains, composed of silicates, rise from lower atmospheric levels and condense into clouds before falling back down.
• Atmosphere: WASP-107b possesses a puffy atmosphere, likely due to its low density.
• In 2018, scientists using the Hubble Space Telescope detected helium in its atmosphere, marking the first detection of this element in an exoplanet's atmosphere.
• Potential for Atmospheric Characterization: WASP-107b's large size and proximity to its star make it a promising target for future atmospheric characterization studies.
• Scientists hope to glean more insights into the composition and dynamics of its atmosphere.

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 15th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme worth over Rs 18,000 crore to more than 8 crore farmers on November 15, 2023.

About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN):

• The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
• Under the scheme, income support of Rs. 6,000 per year in three equal installments is provided to all land-holding farmer families, providing them with socio-economic security.
• The amount is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries without any involvement of intermediaries, making it one of the largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes in the world.
• So far, more than Rs. 2.42 lakh crore have been disbursed to over 11 crore farmers.
• As per the study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), PM-KISAN had numerous benefits for the farmers and agriculture sector.
• It addresses the liquidity constraints of farming households, enabling essential input procurement.
• The scheme boosts modern cultivar adoption through Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
• The cash transfer to farmers increases their total net income and enhances their risk-taking capacity, leading to productive investments.
• PM-KISAN has empowered the farmers by boosting agriculture investments, easing credit constraints, and spurring rural economic growth.
• Consequently, farmers have been able to invest in their farms, including purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and necessary equipment, leading to increased agricultural production and improved crop yields.

Why in the News?

A dominant tiger named Bajrang said to have sired at least 50 cubs during his lifetime, recently died in a territorial fight with another powerful tiger, Chhota Matka, in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR).

About Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve:

• Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is the oldest and largest National Park in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra.
• It is one of India's 47 project tiger reserves existing in India.
• The total area of the tiger reserve is 1,727 Sq.km, which includes the Tadoba National Park, created in the year 1955.
• The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in the year 1986 and was amalgamated with the park in 1995 to establish the present Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve.
• The word 'Tadoba' is derived from the name of God "Tadoba" or "Taru," which is praised by local tribal people of this region, and "Andhari" is derived from the name of the Andhari river that flows in this area.
• Tadoba is presently home to more than 115 tigers, which is one of the highest in India.
• The vegetation of Tadoba forest is of Southern tropical dry deciduous type and is spread on around 626 sq. km.
• Teak is the prominent tree species in the forest.
• The Tadoba Tiger Reserve is rich in flora and fauna
• Flora: Some of the famous and widely seen flora of this park include Teak, Ain, Bija, Bamboo, Black Plum, and many others.
• Fauna: Tigers, Indian leopards, Sloth bears, Gaur, Nilgai, Striped Hyena, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Marsh Crocodile, etc.

Why in the News?

Recently, Russia has announced that it will supply the Igla-S man-portable air defense missile system to the Indian armed forces through licensed production by an Indian private company.

About Igla-S Missile System:

• The Igla-S is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) developed by Russia.
• It is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system which is also known as SA-24 Grinch in the West.
• The Igla-S entered service in 2004 and is currently in service with over 30 countries, including Russia.
• It is a highly effective and versatile weapon system that can be used to engage a wide variety of targets, including fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles.
• The Igla-S has a range of 5 km and an altitude of 3,500 meters including a speed of Mach 2.5.
• It is a "fire-and-forget" weapon, meaning that the operator does not need to track the target after launch.
• The missile's infrared homing seeker automatically guides it to the target.
• It is a very compact and lightweight weapon system, making it ideal for use by infantry troops.
• It can be easily transported and deployed in a matter of minutes.
• The Igla-S is used by a number of countries, including Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Libya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea, Peru, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Syria, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Why in the News?

Recently a new island emerged near Japan's Ogasawara island chain after an undersea volcano erupted.

What is Phreatomagmatic Eruption?

• A phreatomagmatic eruption is a volcanic eruption caused by the interaction of magma and water.
• They differ exclusively from magmatic and phreatic eruptions.
• Unlike phreatic eruptions, the products of phreatomagmatic eruptions contain juvenile (magmatic) debris.
• Large explosive eruptions typically contain magmatic and phreatomagmatic components.
• Phreatomagmatic ash is formed by the same mechanism over a wide range of basic and acidic compositions.
• A blocky and uniform crust with low vesicle content is formed.
• Deposits from phreatomagmatic eruptions are thought to be better classified and finer-grained than those from magmatic eruptions.
• This is the result of higher fragmentation of phreatomagmatic eruptions.

About Ogasawara Islands:

• The Ogasawara Islands are a group of more than 30 small subtropical islands in the North-Western Pacific Ocean roughly 1,000 km south of the main Japanese Archipelago.
• It is also known as the Bonin Islands.
• It is one of the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites of Japan.

Why in the News?

The finance ministry has come out with an amnesty scheme for filing appeals against Goods and Services Tax (GST) demand orders.

What is the GST Amnesty scheme?

• The GST Amnesty scheme was introduced by the Centre to help businesses comply with the Goods and Services Tax laws in the country.
• Every entity that needs to file its GST returns must conduct the process in a sequential manner.
• If the taxpayer misses the last date, they may have to pay penalties for not filing the returns.
• In such a situation, the GST Amnesty scheme helps taxpayers file their returns without hefty penalties.
• The plan also aids businesses whose registration stands canceled for non-filing of returns.
• Under the GST Amnesty scheme, taxpayers can file for the revocation of their cancellation as well.

How can one benefit from the GST Amnesty scheme?

• Taxpayers cannot file the GST return for a particular period without submitting the previous ones.
• A heavy penalty will also be levied on them for missing their filings.
• The GST Amnesty scheme allows taxpayers to file their pending returns without incurring a hefty fine.
• It will help them in complying with the indirect taxation laws of the country.
• It also aids business entities to appeal against the cancellation of their registration if they have not submitted the GST returns for three consecutive quarters.
• The scheme will be open till January 31, 2024.

Why in the News?

??The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OHCA),  on Friday, launched an emergency aid appeal seeking $1.2 billion to help some 2.7 million people in Gaza and the West Bank.

About the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA):

• OCHA is part of the United Nations (UN) and focuses on humanitarian issues.
• It coordinates and leads UN responses to humanitarian crises worldwide.
• It was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1991.
• OCHA's goal is to save lives, protect people, and help those affected by disasters and conflicts.
• It works with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other partners to respond to emergencies.
• It provides funding to support relief efforts in crisis-affected regions.
• There are two types of pooled funds:
• The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) can provide financial support for emergencies anywhere on the globe.
• Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs) are specific to individual countries.
• These funds operate from two central hubs located in Geneva and New York, serving as global operational centres.
• The office works to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
• It has two headquarters locations, Geneva and New York, which act as centres of global operations.
• It helps plan and manage humanitarian responses, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• OCHA promotes coordination among humanitarian organizations to avoid duplication and ensure better outcomes.

Why in the News?

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has reported that three private sector satellite manufacturers plan to launch their earth observation satellites during this fiscal year.

About Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe):

• IN-SPACe serves as a single-window, independent, and autonomous agency within the Department of Space (DOS).
• It was established as part of the Space sector reforms to encourage and facilitate the active involvement of private players in the space industry.
• IN-SPACe's responsibilities include promoting, enabling, authorizing, and supervising various space activities of non-governmental entities, such as manufacturing launch vehicles and satellites, providing space-based services, and utilizing space infrastructure and facilities.
• Acting as an intermediary between ISRO and Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs), the agency assesses opportunities for leveraging India's space resources effectively and enhancing space-based initiatives.
• Also, IN-SPACe addresses the specific needs and demands of private players, including educational and research institutions, while working in collaboration with ISRO.
• The headquarters of IN-SPACe is located in Bopal, (Ahmedabad).