India's PM Visit to Kuwait

For Prelims: Gulf nations, International Solar Alliance, United Nations, Gulf Cooperation Council, Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer 

For Mains: India’s Foreign Policy and Relations with West Asia, India-Kuwait Bilateral Relations, Energy Diplomacy in India’s Foreign Policy 

Source: IE 

Why in News?

India and Kuwait have elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to the Gulf nation, marking the second visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi's visit in 1981.  

• This visit signifies a renewed commitment to trade, defence, and broader cooperation between the two nations. 

    

What are the Key Highlights of the PM's Visit to Kuwait? 

• Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer: PM Shri Narendra Modi was awarded the ‘Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer,’ the highest honor of Kuwait, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties. 
• Strategic Partnership: The two sides elevated their relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership,’ expanding collaboration across political, trade, defense, energy, and cultural domains. 
• Defence Cooperation: Signed an MoU on Defence Cooperation, focusing on joint military exercises, training, coastal defense. 
• Cultural and Sports Cooperation: India and Kuwait signed a Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025-2029 and an Executive Programme on Sports Cooperation for 2025-2028. 
• Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC): A JCC was established to monitor bilateral relations, chaired by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. 
  • New Joint Working Groups (JWGs) were set up in key areas such as education, trade, investments, agriculture, and counter-terrorism. 
• Technology and Emerging Sectors: Emphasised collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, e-Governance, and sharing best practices. 
• Energy Cooperation: Both sides agreed to move from a buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive partnership in the energy sector, with a focus on oil, gas, refining, and renewable energy. 
• Multilateral Cooperation: Kuwait’s membership in International Solar Alliance (ISA) was welcomed by India. 
  • The PM of India congratulated Kuwait on its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Presidency and emphasized the importance of concluding the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement. 
  • Both leaders emphasized the need for a reformed United Nations (UN) to tackle global challenges effectively. 

Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer 

• It is conferred on Heads of State, sovereigns of foreign countries, and members of royal families. 
• Instituted in 1974, the award honors Mubarak Al Sabah, also known as Mubarak Al-Kabeer, who ruled Kuwait from 1896 to 1915. 
  • Mubarak Al Sabah played a pivotal role in shaping Kuwait’s future, securing greater autonomy from the Ottoman Empire. 
• Previous recipients of the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer include notable figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, former US Presidents George HW Bush and Bill Clinton, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. 

How are India-Kuwait Relations? 

• Historical Ties: India and Kuwait share a long-standing relationship, dating back to pre-oil times when maritime trade formed the foundation of Kuwait's economy.  
  • The Indian Rupee was once the legal tender in Kuwait until 1961, emphasizing their strong economic ties.  
  • Historically, Kuwait traded goods like dates, pearls, and Arabian horses with India. However, after the discovery of oil, Kuwait's economy shifted, with oil now contributing to about 94% of its state income. 
• Economic Partnership: Kuwait is one of India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in 2023-24. 
  • Kuwait is India’s 6th largest crude oil supplier, fulfilling 3% of the country’s energy needs. 
  • Indian exports to Kuwait surpassed USD 2 billion for the first time, reflecting growing trade ties. 
  • Kuwait Investment Authority’s investments in India exceed USD 10 billion. 
• Indian Diaspora in Kuwait: With a population of around 1 million, the Indian community is the largest expatriate group in Kuwait.  
  • The community plays a vital role in the Kuwaiti economy, particularly in sectors like healthcare, engineering, retail, and business.  

What is the Importance of Kuwait in India's Foreign Policy in West Asia? 

• Economic Contributions: The remittances from Indian expatriates in Kuwait inject billions of dollars into the Indian economy, which is crucial for economic stability and growth. 
• Economic Collaboration: Kuwait’s Vision 2035, aimed at diversifying its economy beyond oil, presents opportunities for India to collaborate in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology.  
  • This aligns with India’s development goals, particularly the Viksit Bharat 2047. 
  • Additionally, the energy security from Kuwait is vital for India’s industrial growth and domestic needs. 
• Geopolitical Influence: Kuwait's location in the Middle East and its role in the GCC make it a key player in regional politics.  
  • India's engagement with Kuwait helps it maintain a balanced and influential presence in West Asia 
• Labour and Skill Development: Kuwait's demand for a skilled workforce, as part of its Vision 2035, aligns with India’s strengths in skill development, offering a chance for more Indian workers to contribute to Kuwait's growth in various sectors, such as healthcare, technology, and infrastructure. 

What is the Gulf Cooperation Council? 

• About: The GCC, established in 1981, is a regional political and economic organization consisting of six Arab states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.  
  • The GCC was established  in response to regional tensions, notably the Iranian Revolution (1979) and the Iraq-Iran War (1980–1988).  
    • It aims to promote unity and address shared challenges in the Gulf region. 
• Organizational Structure: The Supreme Council is the highest decision-making body of the GCC, consisting of heads of state from each member country. 
  • The presidency of the Supreme Council rotates annually based on the alphabetical order of member countries. 
• Headquarters:  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 
• India’s Relations with GCC: The GCC is a key trading and investment partner for India, with significant investments from the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 
  • In FY 2023-24, India-GCC bilateral trade stood at USD 161.59 billion. India’s exports were USD 56.3 billion and India’s imports were USD 105.3 billion. 
    • The GCC remains a key market for India’s exports, including oil, and hosts a large Indian workforce. 
    • The UAE ranks as India's 3rd largest trading partner and 2nd largest export destination. 
  • Around 8.9 million Indian expatriates in the GCC contribute significantly to remittances, which, despite a recent decline, remain a major income source for India. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

In what ways do the India-Kuwait bilateral relations impact India’s energy security and economic interests in the Gulf region? 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question  

Prelims

Q. Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? (2016)

(a) Iran  

(c) Oman  

(b) Saudi Arabia  

(d) Kuwait  

Ans: (a)

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Mains: 

Q. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyse India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries. (2017)

Quantum Satellite

For Prelims: Quantum satellite, Quantum Physics, Encryption, Quantum Entanglement, India, Make in India, Skill India,  International Telecommunication Union  

For Mains: National Quantum Mission, Quantum Technologies and their Implications 

Source: TH 

Why in News?

India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to launch a quantum satellite in 2-3 years, advancing secure communications through quantum physics. This initiative positions India at the forefront of next-gen technology. 

What is a Quantum Satellite? 

• About: A quantum satellite is a communications satellite that employs quantum physics to secure its signals, making it highly resistant to interception. 
  • It utilizes quantum cryptography (a method that uses quantum mechanics to encrypt and transmit data), particularly Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), to protect data by detecting eavesdropping during transmission. 
• Quantum Cryptography: 
  • Encryption Basics: Classical encryption methods, like the Caesar cipher, messages are encoded in a secret code. Without the key, it is not possible for eavesdroppers to decipher the message. 
    • However, these methods are vulnerable to quantum computers, which could crack the code much faster than traditional supercomputers. 
  • Quantum Encryption: It uses quantum key distribution (QKD), to secure messages.  
    • In Quantum Measurement, when a quantum system, such as a photon (a tiny particle of light), is measured, its state changes.  
      • If an eavesdropper attempts to measure the photons carrying a key, this interference alters the state of the photons. As a result, the legitimate parties communicating will immediately detect that the key has been compromised.  
    • Additionally, quantum entanglement ensures that any change to one photon instantly affects the other, making it impossible for an eavesdropper to alter the information without detection. 
    • This makes QKD offer "unconditional security" by detecting any interception, ensuring secure communication. 
• Global Developments in QKD: China currently operates the world’s largest QKD network, which includes three quantum satellites and four ground stations.  
  • India is advancing its quantum communications experiments, with plans for a satellite-based QKD network. Studies by the Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru, suggest that the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh, offers ideal conditions for such a system. 
    • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300 m. 
  • The United Nations (UN) has designated the year 2025 as the ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology’ to increase public awareness of the importance of quantum science and its applications. 

What are the Limitations of Quantum Key Distribution? 

• Technological Maturity: The technology is still in the experimental phase in India, and commercial implementation of large-scale QKD networks is not yet feasible. 
• Infrastructure Costs: Implementing QKD requires specialized hardware and infrastructure, which increases costs compared to traditional cryptography methods. 
• Integration: Integrating QKD with existing communication networks and ensuring compatibility with classical encryption systems presents a significant technical challenge. 
• Lack of Authentication: QKD doesn’t provide a reliable means to authenticate the source of the transmission, making it vulnerable to potential attacks where an adversary could impersonate a legitimate party. 

What is the National Quantum Mission (NQM)? 

• About: The NQM, launched in 2023 with a Rs. 60,000 crore investment from 2023-24 to 2030-31, aims to advance Quantum Technologies in India and position India as a global leader in Quantum Technologies and Applications (QTA). 
• Objective: The NQM aims to develop quantum computers (build intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits (quantum bits) over 8 years), utilizing superconducting and photonic platforms. 
  • It will establish satellite-based secure quantum communications within 2000 km in India and internationally.  
  • The NQM will support inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km and develop multi-node quantum networks. It also focuses on creating atomic clocks for precision applications. 
• Significance: NQM aims to make India a global leader in quantum technologies, surpassing classical physics limits with advanced capabilities beyond current systems. 
• National Priorities: The NQM aligns with and supports national priorities like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Start-up India, and Self-reliant India. 
• Implementation: The Mission will establish four Thematic Hubs in collaboration with top academic and National R&D institutes. These hubs will focus on Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices. 
  • These hubs will drive new knowledge and research, advancing quantum technology. 
• Sectoral Impact: The Mission will greatly benefit sectors such as communication, health, financial services, energy, and more. Specific applications include Drug design, Space exploration, and Banking and security. 

Way Forward

• Post-Quantum Cryptography: Due to limitations of QKD, some experts recommend using post-quantum cryptography, which combines quantum-resistant algorithms with classical encryption techniques, offering an alternative to the hardware limitations of QKD. 
• Quantum Authentication: Creation of quantum authentication protocols that ensure both encryption and identity verification will be key. This will close the gap in the security chain and make the system resistant to impersonation and data breaches. 
• Miniaturisation and Robustness: Developing smaller, energy-efficient, and cost-effective quantum devices for scalable deployments will make the technology accessible across industries like defense and healthcare. 
• International Collaboration: Global cooperation is crucial for a standardised and interoperable quantum communication network. India should influence international standards and, through platforms like the  International Telecommunication Union (ITU), ensure its quantum systems are interoperable and meet global security requirements. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

Discuss the objectives and significance of the National Quantum Mission and its potential impact on India's technological ecosystem."

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims 

Q. Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned?

(a) Cloud Services 
(b) Quantum Computing 
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies 
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies 

Ans: (b) 

Exp: 

• Quantum Supremacy 
  • Quantum computers compute in ‘qubits’ (or quantum bits). They exploit the properties of quantum mechanics, the science that governs how matter behaves on the atomic scale. 
• Hence, option (b) is correct. 

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Mains

Q. “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (2020)

Dark Matter and Dark Energy

For Prelims: Dark Matter, Electromagnetic Force, Protons, Neutrons, Electrons, Weakly Interacting Massive Particles, Neutrino, Black Hole, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, Brown Dwarfs, Gravitational Lensing, IceCube Neutrino Observatory, Large Hadron Collider, James Webb Space Telescope, Dark Energy. 

For Mains: Dark Matter and Dark Energy 

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

Recently, physicists revised the minimum mass of dark matter and pushed it up to 2.3 × 10-30 proton masses.  

• For decades scientists thought this minimum mass was about 10-31 times the mass of a proton.

Note: In 1922, Dutch astronomer Jacobus Kapteyn concluded the density of “dark matter” (using that term for one of the first times) must be 0.0003 solar masses per cubic light year. 

What is Dark Matter? 

• About: Dark matter is a form of matter that is entirely invisible, emitting no light or energy, making it undetectable by conventional sensors and detectors. 
  • Dark matter doesn't interact with electromagnetic forces, so it neither absorbs, reflects, nor emits light, making it hard to detect. 
  • Dark matter makes up about 27% of the universe, outweighing visible matter six to one, while visible matter accounts for only 5%. 
  • Visible matter (Baryonic matter) consists of subatomic particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons. 

 

• Composition of Dark Matter: Dark matter is thought to consist of non-baryonic WIMPs (weakly interacting massive particles), 10-100 times the mass of a proton, but weakly interacts with normal matter, making detection difficult. Among WIMPs are: 
  • Neutralinos: They are hypothetical particles (not yet been observed) that are heavier and slower than neutrinos. 
  • Sterile Neutrinos: Sterile neutrino is proposed as a dark matter candidate as it only interacts with regular matter through gravity. Also, neutrinos are particles that don't form regular matter. 
• Origin of Dark Matter:  
  • Big Bang Theory: Dark matter may have formed during the Big Bang and concentrated into black holes, where their gravitational forces trap dark matter particles. 
  • Stellar Remnants: Stellar remnants such as white dwarfs and neutron stars are also thought to contain high amounts of dark matter.  
    • Brown dwarfs (failed stars) that didn't accumulate enough material to kick-start nuclear fusion in their cores can also be a source of dark matters.  
• Evidence of Dark Matter:  
  • Galaxy Rotation Curves: According to Newtonian gravity, objects at the edge of galaxies should be moving slower than those near the center.  
    • Observations show stars on galaxy edges move faster than expected, suggesting unseen mass—attributed to dark matter—provides extra gravitational pull. 
  • Gravitational Lensing: Gravitational lensing occurs when light is bent by a massive object's gravity, revealing more mass than visible, suggesting the presence of dark matter. 
  • Galaxy Formation: Galaxies' distribution and motion over time suggest dark matter, as it enables galaxies to clump together and form current structures. 
• Projects to Study Dark Matter: There are some key projects designed to shed light on dark matter. 
  • Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS): The AMS is an experiment mounted on the International Space Station which has detected an excess of positrons (the antimatter counterpart to electrons), which may be a signature of dark matter. 
  • XENON1T: The XENON1T experiment in the Italian Gran Sasso Laboratory aims to detect dark matter by observing the interactions of WIMPs with xenon atoms. 
  • IceCube Neutrino Observatory, Antarctica: The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is investigating the possibility of sterile neutrinos—hypothetical particles that only interact with regular matter via gravity and could be a form of dark matter. 
  • Particle Colliders at CERN, Switzerland: CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) conducts high-energy particle collisions to probe the fundamental particles of the universe. The LHC also looks for potential signs of dark matter by analyzing the aftermath of particle collisions. 
  • James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): JWST is expected to provide valuable insights into how galaxies and cosmic structures developed, which could help us understand the role of dark matter in their formation. 

Note: Antimatter consists of particles that are essentially the same as visible matter particles but with opposite electrical charges.  

• These particles are called antiprotons and positrons (or antielectrons).  
• Antimatter is not the same as dark matter. 

What is Dark Energy? 

• Dark energy is a mysterious form of energy that makes up about 68% of the universe. It is thought to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe.  
• It is distributed evenly throughout the universe, not only in space but also in time i.e., its effect is not diluted as the universe expands.  
• The even distribution means that dark energy does not have any local gravitational effects, but rather a global effect on the universe as a whole.  
  • This leads to a repulsive force, which tends to accelerate the expansion of the universe.  
• The rate of expansion and its acceleration can be measured by observations based on the Hubble law. 
  • Hubble's Law states that galaxies move faster away from Earth as they are farther, implying the universe is expanding. 

Conclusion 

Dark matter, making up a significant portion of the universe, remains elusive yet crucial for understanding cosmic structures and evolution. Ongoing experiments and astronomical observations continue to explore its properties, origin, and impact, promising advancements in fundamental physics.

Drishti Mains Question: 

Discuss the evidence supporting the existence of dark matter and its implications for our understanding of the universe.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims 

Q. In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news: (2015)

1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
3. It is buried deep in the ice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (d)

Ocean Anoxic Event 1a

For Prelims: Anoxic Marine Basins, Carbon sequestration, Holocene extinction, Ocean acidification, Coral Reef,  Paris Agreement 

For Mains: Earth's mass extinctions, Impact of volcanic eruptions on climate and ecosystems 

Source: Phys 

Why in News?

A recent study, published in Science Advances, has provided new insights into the timing and duration of Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a).  

• By studying prehistoric rocks and fossils from Mount Ashibetsu, Japan, researchers have pinpointed the causes and timeline of the OAE 1a that caused widespread oxygen depletion (anoxic) in Earth's oceans. 

What is the Ocean Anoxic Event 1a? 

• Definition: OAE 1a refers to a period during the Cretaceous Period (145 million years ago and ended 66 million years ago) when Earth's oceans became depleted of oxygen, causing a significant disruption in marine life. 
• Cause: The event is believed to have been triggered by massive volcanic eruptions that released significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), leading to global warming and oxygen depletion in the oceans, which subsequently resulted in the formation of anoxic marine basins. 
• Impact: CO2 in seawater forms carbonic acid, dissolving sea creatures' shells and lowering oxygen levels.  
  • This oxygen depletion led to the extinction of marine species, particularly plankton, and caused the formation of organic carbon-rich layers known as black shales. 

Anoxic Marine Basins 

• About: An anoxic basin is a body of water, typically found in deep ocean regions, where oxygen levels are extremely low or absent.  
  • This lack of oxygen prevents the survival of most aerobic organisms, but allows specialized microbes and certain fungi to thrive.  
  • These conditions are often associated with deep-sea areas or lakes that are isolated from the oxygen-rich surface water. 
• Carbon sequestration:  Anoxic basins slow the decay of organic material (due to low oxygen), preserving carbon. This makes them potential sites for long-term carbon sequestration, helping reduce CO₂ levels in the atmosphere. 
• Examples:  Black Sea, Cariaco Basin (Caribbean Sea), and Orca Basin (northwest Gulf of Mexico).

• Dead Zones: These are hypoxic areas (low oxygen) in oceans and large lakes where oxygen levels are too low to support most marine life. 

What are the Key Highlights of the Study on Ocean Anoxic Event 1a? 

• Timing of OAE 1a: The study pinpointed the exact timing of OAE 1a to around 119.5 million years ago, using advanced isotopic analysis of volcanic tuffs (igneous rocks formed from the compaction and cementation of volcanic ash) from Japan’s Hokkaido Island. 
  • OAE 1a lasted 1.1 million years, revealing how long oceans took to recover from CO2-driven warming and anoxia. 
• Volcanic Eruptions: The study confirmed that volcanic eruptions released CO2, triggering oceanic oxygen depletion. 
• Relevance to Modern Climate Change: The study links past volcanic CO₂ emissions to current human-induced warming, warning that the rapid pace of modern warming could trigger similar disruptions and potentially lead to a  Holocene extinction (probably a sixth mass extinction event). 
  • It also highlights the long-term impact of elevated CO2 on marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. 

What are the Major Mass Extinction Events on Earth? 

• Ordovician-Silurian Mass Extinction (443 million years ago): 
  • Impact: Wiped out approximately 85% of all species. 
  • Cause: Dramatic temperature drop and glaciation, leading to sea level fall, followed by rapid warming. 
• Devonian Mass Extinction: Occurred 374 million years ago: 
  • Impact: Killed about three-quarters of Earth's species, mostly marine invertebrates. 
  • Cause: Environmental changes such as global warming, and cooling, fluctuating sea levels, and reduced atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide. Exact triggers of the extinction remain unclear. 
• Permian Mass Extinction (250 million years ago): 
  • Impact: Known as "The Great Dying," it eradicated over 95% of species, including most vertebrates. 
  • Cause: It is linked to massive volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps, Russia, causing global warming and ocean anoxia. Volcanism, climate shifts, and a potential asteroid impact likely exacerbated the catastrophe. 
• Triassic Mass Extinction (200 million years ago): 
  • Impact: Eliminated about 80% of species, including many dinosaurs. 
  • Cause: Extensive geological activity that raised carbon dioxide levels, global temperatures, and caused ocean acidification. 
• Cretaceous Mass Extinction (66 million years ago): 
  • Impact: Killed 78% of species, including non-avian dinosaurs. 
  • Cause: Likely caused by an asteroid impact in Mexico, creating a massive crater, global cooling, and ecosystem collapse.  
    • Additionally, volcanic eruptions in India's Deccan Plateau may have worsened the event by contributing to global warming. 

What is the Holocene Extinction? 

• About: The Holocene Extinction, also known as the Sixth Mass Extinction, refers to the ongoing extinction event that began around 12,000 years ago and is largely attributed to human activities, unlike previous mass extinctions, which were caused by natural phenomena. 
• Key Drivers:  
  • Overexploitation: Overharvesting resources like overfishing, hunting, and poaching depletes species. 
  • Habitat Loss: Conversion of land for agriculture and urbanization reduces habitats and fragments populations. 
  • Climate Change: Human-induced climate shifts disrupt ecosystems, species distribution, and relationships. 
  • Pollution: Industrial, agricultural, and waste pollution harms ecosystems through chemicals and plastics. 
  • Invasive Species: Non-native species disrupt native ecosystems, outcompeting or preying on local species. 
• Key Examples of Holocene Extinction Events: 
  • The Megafauna Extinction (12,000 years ago) wiped out large mammals like mammoths and saber-toothed cats, likely due to human hunting and climate change.  
  • Coral Reef Bleaching is driven by rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, endangering reef biodiversity.  
  • Amphibian Declines, especially frogs, are caused by habitat loss, pollution, and diseases like chytridiomycosis. 
• Impact: The current extinction rate is 1,000-10,000 times higher than natural rates. 
  • Ecosystem services, such as food production, clean water, and air, are at risk, threatening both biodiversity and human life. 
• Efforts to Mitigate the Holocene Extinction: Strengthen commitments to cut carbon emissions and limit global warming to 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. 
  • Collaborate globally to conserve at least 30% of lands, inland waters, and oceans, as under the 30X30 Initiative. 
  • Encourage individuals, businesses, and communities to adopt sustainable practices and demand accountability from governments and corporations. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

Discuss the causes and consequences of the ongoing Sixth Mass Extinction. How does human activity contribute to this crisis?

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims 

Q. The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of   (2018)

(a) Widespread monoculture Practices agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems. 

(b) Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs. 

(c) Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other Parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity. 

(d) Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss, natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.

Ans: ( D )

55th GST Council Meeting

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

Recently, the Finance Minister chaired the 55th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting. 

What are the Key Decisions Taken in the 55th GST Council Meeting? 

• Used Electric Vehicle (EVs): GST council decided to raise the rate of tax to 18% from 12% on all used EV sales, just as in case of non-electric vehicles. 
  • GST will apply only to the margin value (difference between purchase and selling price, adjusted for depreciation if claimed) in case of business sales. No GST applies to individual-to-individual sales. 
• Bank's Penal Charges: No GST applies to penal charges by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) for loan term violations. 
• Payment Aggregators: Payment aggregators handling payments of less than Rs 2,000 will be eligible for an exemption. 
  • This exemption does not extend to payment gateways or other fintech services unrelated to fund settlement. 
• Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF): GST council did not agree on bringing ATF under the ambit of GST because states refused to accept it. 
  • States see ATF as part of the crude petroleum diesel basket, saying that it alone cannot be taken out. 
  • 5 products i.e., crude oil, petrol, diesel, ATF and natural gas were kept out of purview of GST. The central government levies excise duty on them and states levy VAT. 
• GST Exemption: Black pepper and raisins supplied directly by farmers will be exempt from GST. 
  • Gene therapy is fully exempt from GST, and Integrated GST exemption on surface-to-air missiles is extended. 
• Compensation Cess: Reduced compensation cess rate to 0.1% on supplies to merchant exporters. 
  • This Cess is collected on the supply of select goods and or services to compensate the states for any revenue loss on account of implementation of GST.  
• Popcorn: GST Council clarified (no new tax imposition) that caramelized popcorn is taxed at 18% GST. Ready-to-eat popcorn with salt and spices attracts 5% GST if not pre-packaged and labeled, and 12% if pre-packaged and labeled. 
  • Caramelised popcorn is classified as sugar confectionery, and attracts 18% GST while salted popcorn is a namkeen and subject to 5% GST.

Note:

• Payment Aggregator: A payment aggregator is a third-party service provider that enables customers to make and businesses to accept payments online. E.g., PhonePe, Paytm etc. 
• Payment Gateways: Payment gateways are termed as technology infrastructure providers for online payments.  
  • It includes physical card-reading devices like point-of-sale (POS) machines, QR codes or Near Field Communication (NFC) technology etc. 
• Fintech Services: It refers to any app, software, or technology that allows people or businesses to digitally access, manage, or gain insights into their finances or make financial transactions. E.g., WazirX (Bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchange & trading platform). 

GST Council 

• About: The GST Council, a constitutional body under Article 279-A (101^st Amendment, 2016), makes recommendations on GST implementation. 
  • GST is a value-added (Ad Valorem) and indirect tax system that is levied on the supply of goods and services in India. 
• Members: The Council includes the Union Finance Minister (Chairperson), Union Minister of State (Finance), and a finance or any other minister from each state. 
• Nature of Decisions: In the Mohit Minerals case, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled GST Council recommendations are not binding, as Parliament and states have simultaneous legislative powers on GST.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. Consider the following items: (2018)

1. Cereal grains hulled
2. Chicken eggs cooked
3. Fish processed and canned
4. Newspapers containing advertising material

Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Good and Services Tax)? 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (c)

Q. What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’? (2017) 

1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.
2. It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.
3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of the economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (a)

Conservation of Cephalopods

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Recently, California and Washington have approved bans on octopus farming. Hawaii is considering similar action against raising octopus, a member of Cephalopods, demand for food. 

What are Cephalopods? 

• About: Cephalopods are a class of ocean-dwelling intelligent invertebrates that includes cuttlefish, squid and octopus. 
  • Cephalopods are a broad class of molluscs. Mollusca are soft-bodied invertebrates, often enclosed partly or fully in a calcium carbonate shell. 
  • Early cephalopods had protective shells, but many lost them, and evolved traits like high intelligence, flexible arms, and camouflage. 
• Diversity: Cephalopods are a diverse class with three superorders: 
  • Octopodiforms (octopuses and related species) 
  • Decapodiforms (squid, cuttlefish, and related species) 
  • Nautiloids (nautiluses and related species) 
• Anatomy: The term cephalopod means "head foot," referring to the connection between their head and arms. 
  • Cephalopods have two eyes and at least eight arms. E.g., octopuses are eight-armed while squids are ten-armed. 
  • Nautiluses are the only cephalopods with an external shell. 
• Eyes and Vision: Most cephalopods are likely colorblind and exhibit visual camouflage.   
  • They can open and close tiny sacs just below their skin that contain coloured pigments and reflectors, revealing specific colours. 
• Movement: Cephalopods mainly use jet propulsion, expelling water from their mantle cavity to propel themselves. 
  • Octopuses walk with their arms, while squid and cuttlefish use fins for movement.  
• Circulatory System: Cephalopods have three hearts: two pump deoxygenated blood, and one pumps oxygenated blood. 
  • Their blood is blue due to copper-based hemocyanin, which is less efficient than iron-based hemoglobin but highly effective in cold, low-oxygen environments. 
• Brain: Over half of the neurons in common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) are not in the brain at all, but distributed in “mini-brains,” or ganglia, in the arms.  
  • Most neurons in the central brain focus on vision, leaving less than a quarter for learning and memory. 

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims 

Q. With reference to the evolution of living organisms, which one of the following sequences is correct?(2009)

(a) Octopus – Dolphin – Shark 

(b) Pangolin – Tortoise – Hawk 

(c) Salamander – Python – Kangaroo 

(d) Frog – Crab – Prawn 

Ans: (c)

US Eradicated Northern Giant Hornet

Source: IE 

The Northern giant hornet, nicknamed the murder hornet, has been successfully eradicated in the US. 

• Northern Giant Hornet: 
  • The Northern giant hornet (Vespa Mandarinia) is the largest hornet (wasp) in the world, measuring up to 2 inches long. 
    • A wasp is a type of insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and ants. 
  • It has a large, solid yellow or orange head with black eyes. 
  • It is native to Asia and was first spotted in Washington state near the Canadian border in 2019. 
  • It poses a significant threat to insects and native pollinators which can kill an entire beehive (bees habitat) of honeybees in just 90 minutes. 
    • It can even kill people as it delivers seven times more venom than a honey bee and can sting multiple times. 
  • They usually build their nests in forested areas, often in an underground cavity. 

Read More: Whiteflies: Threat to Agriculture 

Undersea Cable Network

Source: TH 

India is set to launch two new cable systems in the coming months namely India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX). 

• IAX connects Chennai and Mumbai with Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia in Asia while IEX connects them with France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Djibouti. 
• Undersea Cable (Submarine Cables): 
  • They are high-capacity optic fibre cables laid on the ocean floor that play a crucial role in providing global connectivity for high-speed data exchange. 
  • Fiber optic cables that use fast-traveling pulses of light to transfer digital information. It relies on total internal reflection for their operation.  
  • Lasers on one end fire at extremely rapid rates down thin glass fibers to receptors at the other end of the cable.  
    • These glass fibers are wrapped in layers of plastic (and sometimes steel wire) for protection. 
  • They provide unlimited bandwidth and very low latency compared to satellite communication which face risks from space weather, radiation, and debris.  
• As of 2023, India had 17 international subsea cables landing in 14 distinct stations across five cities, with a cumulative lit capacity of 138.55 terabits per second (tbps) and activated capacity of 111.11 tbps.

Read More: Fibre Optic Cables 

Meat- Eating Squirrels

Source: DTE 

A study led by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (US) has discovered that California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi), previously considered herbivores, exhibit opportunistic omnivorous behavior.  

• Researchers observed the squirrels hunting, killing, and eating voles (rodents), with 42% of 74 interactions involving active hunting.  
• The squirrels' carnivorous behavior peaked in early July, coinciding with a surge in vole numbers, indicating their hunting was triggered by an abundance of prey.  
• It revealed that squirrels' diets are more flexible than previously believed, helping them adapt to changes in food availability and survive in rapidly changing environments. 
• California Ground Squirrels: 
  • It is also known as the Beechey ground squirrel and commonly found in western US. 
  • They have mottled fur, with gray, light and dark brown, and white present in their pelage. 
  • They are commonly preyed upon by rattlesnakes, eagles, raccoons, foxes, badgers, and weasels and can live up to 6 years in the wild. 
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern 
  • CITES: No special status 
• The Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) is commonly found in India and Sri Lanka.

Read More: Malayan Giant Squirrel 

Marburg Virus Disease

Source: DTE 

Rwanda has successfully contained and declared its first-ever Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak officially over after a 42-day period without new cases. 

• MVD is a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, with high case fatality rates and no approved treatments currently available. 
• Transmission: It is transmitted from fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) to humans, and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. 
• Symptoms: MVD starts with high fever, severe headache, and malaise.  
  • As it progresses, it can cause severe bleeding, shock, and multi-organ failure, with death occurring 8-9 days post-symptom onset. 
• Diagnosis: Diagnosis is confirmed through tests like RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), and virus isolation, which require maximum biohazard containment. 
• Treatment: No approved vaccine or antiviral treatments; supportive care, such as rehydration and symptom management, improves survival. 
• Control: Key control measures include community engagement, safe burials, contact tracing, and infection control in healthcare settings. 
• Key Facts About Rwanda: It is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills." It shares borders with Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  
  • Kigali is the capital. The Nile and Congo rivers flow through Rwanda. 

Read more: Marburg Virus