Daily Current Affairs

February 19, 2025

Current Affairs

TrailGuard AI

Context: TrailGuard AI has helped wildlife officials at the Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha to arrest 96 poachers and seize more than 86 country-made guns.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts on TrailGuard AI and Similipal Tiger Reserve. 

About TrailGuard AI

  • TrailGuard AI is an end-to-end AI-powered camera-based alert system to enhance wildlife conservation and promote human-wildlife coexistence in remote areas. 
  • It autonomously detects target objects and transmits real-time alerts that can trigger rapid-response. 
  • The TrailGuard system comprises of two units: 
    • The camera unit is of size less than a pen.
    • The battery/communication unit is the size of a notepad. 
    • Both units are connected using a two-metre long cable. 
  • Developed by: Nightjar Technologies, a Gurgaon-based social impact enterprise. 
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Key features of TrailGuard AI: 

  • Compact sized: TrailGuard AI is approximately the size of an index finger that can be easily camouflaged/ installed in areas of interest. 
  • Embedded AI: It has on-board AI that processes images to accurately identify humans, vehicles and wildlife in remote areas or areas of interest. 
  • Real-Time Alert: Upon detecting the target, TrailGuard AI transmits human and wildlife activities in under 30 seconds to designated devices via various networks, enabling real-time interventions. These network transmissions include GSM, long-range radio or satellite, facilitating prompt intervention by authorities. 
  • Extended Battery life of at least 6 months, reduces frequent maintenance and minimizes disturbance to deployment areas. 

Utility- Multiple Use Cases:

TrailGuard AI can be utilised for monitoring:

  • Human-wildlife conflict
  • Wildlife monitoring 
  • Illegal logging in protected areas
  • Mine security
  • Border security
  • Building intrusion monitoring
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About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR): 

  • The tiger reserve is located in the Mayurbhanj District, Odisha.
  • It is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas—Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • It is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Kiriburu and Meghashini. 
  • It derives its name from the abundance of red silk cotton trees (Simul tree) growing in the area.
  • STR along with a 'transitional area' of 2250 sq. km has been a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009.
  • It is Asia’s second largest biosphere reserve and India’s only wild habitat for Melanistic Royal Bengal Tigers.
  • Budhabalanga, Salandi and many tributaries of Baitarani river flow from the reserve.
  • Major Fauna: Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, chausingha.
  • The region around STR is home to various tribes including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia and Sahara. 

Age of Saturn’s Rings 

Context: A combined research of Institute of Science Tokyo and Paris Institute of Planetary Physics has estimated that planetary rings of Saturn can be more than 4.5 billion years old. 

Relevance of the Topic- Prelims: Questions based on planets and space missions.

About Saturn

  • Saturn is the sixth planet in solar system position and is the second largest planet in the solar system after Jupiter.
  • Saturn is the least dense planet in the Solar System with density even less than that of water. 
  • Saturn is a gas giant dominated by hydrogen and helium. Its atmosphere contains hydrogen, helium, methane, ammonia, and other gases, giving it a yellowish-brown appearance.
  • The mass of Saturn is 95 times the mass of Earth. However, Saturn's gravity is only 1.08 times the gravity on Earth. 
image 139

Saturn’s Rings: 

  • Saturn’s rings are composed of dust and ice particles. These dark pieces of dust are omnipresent and constantly bombard the planet.
  • There are seven rings named A, B, C, D, E, F and G. The Cassini division is the largest gap, located between the ring A and B.
  • When it comes to the origin of rings, it is hypothesised that they may be remnants of shattered moons or comets. Some theories suggest an age of 100 million years.

Debate on the age of Saturn’s ring

One faction of scientists claim the age of Saturn’s rings to be about 100 million years, whereas, the new research has hypothesised that it can be more than 4.5 billion years old. 

1. Claims supporting young age of rings: 

The data of Cassini spacecraft of NASA, which orbited Saturn from 2004 to 2017, indicated younger rings due to following reasons: 

  • Rings appear unusually bright and clean, predominantly composed of the water and ice with very little contamination of dust.
    • If the rings were old, then the omnipresent dark dust must have accumulated making rings dark. 
    • But as rings are clear, this suggests that rings are not that old enough to accumulate significant impurities.
  • Minor darkening signs: When micrometeoroids collide with the ice particles in the ring they deposit dark material over time. As Cassini observed minor darkening it is believed that rings have not been exposed to cosmic impact for billions of years.

2. Reasons supporting old age of rings (4.5 billion years):

  • Explanation of vaporisation mechanism: It is observed in the research that micrometeoroids vaporise after the impact with the rings.
    • When the micrometeoroids impact the ring with high velocity, the immense energy causes the micrometeoroids to vaporise upon impact. 
    • This leads to the ejection of the contaminants making the rings clean and clear. Therefore, clean rings does not imply that rings are new.
  • The study posits that the rings could have formed during early stages of the solar system, aligning the age of Saturn itself.

Importance of studying Saturn’s rings

  • Understanding evolution: Estimating the age of rings of Saturn can allow researchers to understand about the primordial conditions that shaped the planets and moons.
    • E.g., If the rings are 100-400 million years old, they are formed long after the solar system stabilisation, raising questions about what cataclysmic event created them.
  • Clues about Saturn’s and its ring’s fate: It is often claimed that Saturn’s rings are facing disappearance due to a phenomenon called “ring rain”. Research to establish the age of 4.5 billion years could help to predict the future stability of Saturn’s moons and its rings.
  • Understanding cosmic recycling mechanism: The vaporisation of micrometeoroids highlights the self-cleaning mechanism of the solar system that prevents debris buildup over billions of years.
  • Providing impetus to human habitation: The study will help to understand the impact of rings on the moons (Saturn's moons like Enceladus) which are evaluated as the future habitation for humans. 

Note: 

  • NASA is the primary agency that has sent missions to study Saturn, these are:
    • Pioneer 11 (1979): First flyby of Saturn. 
    • Voyager 1 and 2 (1980-81): First detailed image of Saturn and its rings. 
    • Cassini (1997-2017) explored Saturn and its moons. Revealed Titan’s methane lakes and water plumes on Enceladus. Both Titan and Enceladus are the moons of Saturn. 

Determining the true age of Saturn’s rings impacts our understanding of planetary evolution, solar system history, and even exoplanetary systems.

Loggerhead Turtles

Context: A research identified various facts and information about the migratory species like Loggerhead turtles. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Questions based on species, their habitat and their behaviour in the ecosystem.

About Loggerhead Turtles

  • Loggerhead turtle is a species of oceanic turtle found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
  • They are named loggerhead turtles for their large heads and powerful jaws that can crush their prey.
  • Key characteristics: 
    • Reddish brown shell and large powerful jaws. 
    • Omnivorous.
    • Temperature dependent sex determination: Warmer temperature produces females and cool temperature produces males.
  • Threats: 
    • Low survival rate i.e., only 1 in 1000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood.
    • Habitat destruction along with the bycatching (accidental capture in fishing net).
  • Conservation status:
    • IUCN status: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I 
  • Conservation efforts: Turtle excluder device in fishing gear, protection of breeding grounds and rescue of captivated turtles.
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Findings of the research: 

  • Loggerhead turtles are known for their large migration routes and often return to feeding sites, even after seasonal journeys and displacements. 
  • The findings suggest that migratory species such as loggerhead turtles use the geomagnetic field (magnetic field of the Earth) as a map and compass, when navigating large distances. 
  • Studies suggest that most vertebrate species could have distinct tools (senses) of magnetoreception, but more research is needed to determine the inner workings of these mechanisms.

Faecal bacteria levels surpass safe limits at Maha Kumbh: CPCB

Context: As per the recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to the National Green Tribunal, the multiple spots in Prayagraj (where the Maha Kumbh Mela is underway), Uttar Pradesh have failed to meet primary bathing standards due to high levels of faecal coliform in water. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about faecal coliform bacteria. 

Major Highlights:

  • According to the CPCB, faecal coliform —a key indicator of sewage contamination— have exceeded the permissible limit of 2,500 units per 100 ml in various spots in Prayagraj. 
  • The high levels of faecal bacteria in the waters pose significant risks of waterborne diseases, while excessive organic pollution threatens aquatic life and overall river health. 

What is faecal coliform bacteria?

  • Coliform is a group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans. Faecal coliform bacteria is present in human or animal wastes. 
  • While not all coliform bacteria are harmful, presence of faecal coliform bacteria in water suggests contamination from sewage or animal waste.
    • They are commonly used as indicators of potential contamination in water.
    • Their presence suggests that the water may also contain other harmful pathogens, such as viruses, parasites, or other bacteria (Salmonella, and E. coli), that originate from faecal matter.
image 137

Implications:

  • Health risks: The pathogens can enter the body via the mouth, nose and ears. Exposure to such contaminated water can lead to a range of health issues, including:
    • Nausea, gastrointestinal infections, vomiting, diarrhoea.
    • Skin rashes and eye irritations.
    • Serious conditions like typhoid and hepatitis A.
    • Respiratory issues due to inhaling water droplets containing bacteria.
  • Individuals with low immune systems, the elderly, and children are most vulnerable. 

Chandrayaan-3 Hop Experiment

Context: The successful hop experiment of the Vikram lander was never a part of the original Chandrayaan-3 mission and it came as a surprise to everyone.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Chandrayaan mission series. 

Chandrayaan-3 Hop Experiment

  • Chandrayaan-3 lander (Vikram), made a soft landing on the Moon in August 2023. After the soft landing on the Moon, Vikram still had some propellant left. 
  • With the unused propellant, ISRO decided to simply lift the lander again and place it nearby.
    • The engines of Vikram were reignited and it rose to a height of 40 cm before landing around 30-40 cm away from its original landing site.
    • The Vikram lander ended up carrying out an unexpected hop experiment on the Moon.
  • Significance: 
    • In the process, ISRO demonstrated its capability to get the lander to fire its engines and produce the thrust to lift it off the ground. 
    • This capability is key to future lunar missions which will involve return journeys to Earth.
image 136

About Chandrayaan-3 Mission 

  • ISRO’s third lunar mission launched in 2023. 
  • Launch vehicle: Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)
  • The lunar mission consisted of an indigenous propulsion module, lander module (Vikram), and a rover (Pragyan).
  • The Vikram lander touched down on the Moon on August 23, 2023. It successfully demonstrated ISRO’s end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the Moon's surface.
    • Chandrayaan-3 made one of the closest approaches to the moon's South Pole. 
    • The landing site is located about 600 kilometers from the South Pole of the Moon, on the near side of the Moon. 
  • Pragyan rover operated for one lunar day (approximately 14 Earth days). It aimed to collect lunar samples, do in-situ experiments and send data to Vikram lander, to transmit it back to Earth for comprehensive analysis.
  • ​​Virtual Launch Control Centre at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre played a vital role in continuous real-time monitoring of the launch activities from SHAR.
  • International Astronomical Union has approved the name “Statio Shiv Shakti” for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander. 
  • India became the fourth country to have landed a spacecraft on the Moon—after the United States, Russia, and China. India became the first country to have made a soft landing near the lunar south pole. 

Also Read: Chandrayaan-4 Mission 

Shift in US position on Ukraine & NATO

Context: On February 12, 2025, US President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and dismissed the idea of Ukraine joining NATO as impractical. Trump’s statement marks a major shift in US foreign policy, moving away from previous administrations’ support for Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Expansion of NATO & brief background of the issue.

NATO expansion and Russia’s Security concerns

  • NATO is a 32-member military alliance based on collective defence. Under Article 5 of NATO, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members and triggers a joint military response.
  • NATO’s expansion has steadily brought the alliance closer to Russia’s borders, aggravating the tensions between NATO and Russia.
    • Russia has long opposed NATO’s expansion, viewing it as a direct security threat. 
    • Russia considers NATO a tool of Western dominance, designed to contain Russian influence in Eastern Europe.
  • The potential inclusion of Ukraine in NATO has been a major factor in Russia’s geopolitical strategy and military actions.
image 135

Historical Background of NATO

  • NATO was created by 12 countries from Europe and North America in 1949.
  • 1990: US Secretary of State James Baker assured Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that NATO would not expand eastward beyond its then-existing boundaries.
    • Despite these assurances, NATO has continued to expand, incorporating former Soviet allies and republics.
    • This perceived betrayal has fueled Russian distrust toward the West and contributed to ongoing geopolitical friction.
  • 1999: NATO admitted three former Warsaw Pact countries—Czechia, Hungary, and Poland.
  • 2004: NATO expanded to include Bulgaria, Slovakia, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia.
  • 2009-2020: NATO further expanded with Albania (2009), Croatia (2009), Montenegro (2017), and North Macedonia (2020), significantly increasing NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.
  • 2023: Finland joined NATO.
  • 2024: Sweden became the 32nd member to join NATO. 

With each expansion, NATO has moved closer to Russia’s borders, increasing Russia’s security concerns.

Russia’s Perspective on NATO expansion

  • Russia views NATO’s growth as a violation of past agreements and a direct challenge to its national security.
  • The principle of collective defence under Article 5 of NATO’s charter means that any attack on a NATO member could trigger a military response from the entire alliance, including the US.
  • Prominent political scientist John J. Mearsheimer has compared Russia’s stance on NATO expansion to the US Monroe Doctrine, which asserts American dominance in the Western Hemisphere and opposes foreign interference.
  • Russia’s firm opposition to Ukraine’s NATO membership has been a major driver of its foreign policy and military actions.

The 2022 Russian Invasion and Ukraine

  • In 2008, President George W. Bush advocated for Ukraine’s NATO membership, but opposition from France and Germany prevented immediate action.
  • The Bucharest Summit (2008) produced a compromise—offering Ukraine a vague promise of future membership without a clear timeline.
  • Russia perceived this as a significant threat, which contributed to its annexation of Crimea in 2014.
  • In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, citing NATO expansion as a key justification.
  • In July 2024 (Biden Administration), NATO reaffirmed Ukraine’s long-term membership aspirations, further heightening tensions with Russia.

Trump’s disruptive role in NATO

  • Trump’s rejection of Ukraine’s NATO membership signals a possible realignment in US foreign policy.
  • On one hand, his stance may weaken NATO’s unity and on the other hand it might embolden Russia’s strategic ambitions in Eastern Europe.
  • Vice President Vance also avoided discussing Ukraine at the Munich Security Conference (2025), indicating a shift in US priorities.

Implications for Global Politics

  • Trump’s policy shift could alter the trajectory of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has been ongoing for nearly three years.
  • The US Vice President has also criticised Europe’s reliance on the US military support, which might make Europe nervous.
  • If the US reduces its support for Ukraine, European NATO members may need to increase their defence spending and strategic autonomy.
  • The broader implications of this policy shift may redefine transatlantic relations and global security structures in the coming years.

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