GS Paper 3

Nano DAP

Context: After successfully checking urea imports by increasing its domestic production, the government is now said to be mulling a similar strategy for DAP which witnessed a 6 per cent rise in imports.

About Nano DAP

Nano DAP (Liquid) is indigenous and non-subsidised fertiliser with formulation containing Nitrogen (8.0% N w/v) and Phosphorus (16.0 % P2O5 w/v).
IFFCO Nano DAP is an efficient source of available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus for all the crops and helps in correcting the Nitrogen & Phosphorus deficiencies in standing crops.

Benefits

Nutrient use efficiency is more than 90 percent under optimum field conditions
It is cheaper than conventional DAP and is economical for the farmers.
Beneficial as Seed Primer for Early Germination and Vigour, Enhances Crop Growth and Quality, Boosts Crop Yield.
Reduces pollution of soil, air and water due to excessive use of phosphatic fertilisers
Bio-safe and Eco-friendly, fit for residue free agriculture.
Nano DAP (Liquid) has an advantage in terms of surface area to volume as its particle size is less than 100 Nanometre (nm). This unique property enables it to enter easily inside the seed surface or through stomata and other plant openings.
Better spread ability and assimilation of Nano DAP inside the plant system leads to higher seed vigour, more chlorophyll, photosynthetic efficiency, better quality and increase in crop yields.
Apart from this, Nano DAP through precision and targeted application fulfils the nutritional requirement of crops without harming the environment.

Army inducts indigenous Akashteer system

Context: Akashteer PRoject aims to bolster the operational efficiency and integration of the Army’s air defence mechanisms.

GS-Paper 3, Science & Tech, Defence

About Akashteer System

The Akashteer system aims to bolster the Army's air defence mechanisms by automating control and reporting processes.
Improved air defence capabilities are crucial for safeguarding the nation's airspace and protecting against aerial threats.
Akashteer system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector undertaking, showcasing India's growing self-reliance in defence technology.
Aligns with the government's "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives to promote indigenous manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign imports.

Technology and Innovation

Digitization of processes:
- The Akashteer Project digitizes the entire air defence control and reporting process, marking a significant technological advancement.
- Digitization streamlines operations, improves efficiency, and facilitates faster decision-making in complex air defence scenarios.
Cutting-edge initiative:
- The Akashteer system is described as a cutting-edge initiative, indicating the use of advanced technologies and innovative solutions.
- Embracing cutting-edge technologies is essential for modernizing the armed forces and staying ahead of evolving security challenges.

Defence Modernization

Meeting current and future requirements:
- The induction of Akashteer Control Centres is aimed at meeting both current and futuristic requirements of complex air defence operations.
- Continuous modernization of defence systems is necessary to adapt to changing geopolitical landscapes and emerging threats.
Year of Tech Absorption:
- 2024 has been designated as the 'Year of Tech Absorption' by the Army, signifying a focus on integrating advanced technologies into military operations.
- Rapid absorption of new technologies is crucial for maintaining a technological edge and enhancing operational capabilities.

Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

Indigenous development by BEL:
- BEL, a leading Indian defence electronics company, has developed the Akashteer system, showcasing India's growing expertise in defence technology.
- Indigenous development reduces dependence on foreign imports and strengthens India's defence industrial base.
Boosting domestic defence industry:
- The induction of the Akashteer system supports the growth of the domestic defence industry and creates employment opportunities.
- The total order book of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) stands at around Rs 76,000 crore. This provides revenue visibility for the next couple of years. In the fiscal year 2023-24, BEL secured orders worth around Rs 35,000 crore. The company continues to secure a significant portion of its orders domestically.
Operational Efficiency
- The Akashteer system aims to significantly enhance the operational efficiency of the Army's air defence mechanisms.
- Improved operational efficiency enables quicker response times, better coordination, and effective utilization of resources.
Integration of air defence mechanisms:
- The Akashteer system facilitates the integration of various air defence components, enabling seamless communication and coordination.
- Integrated air defence systems provide a comprehensive and cohesive approach to defending against aerial threats.

India second largest importer of ethane from the US in 2023

Context: India has emerged as the second largest importer of ethane from the US, following China. This surge in import is attributed to various factors such as increasing demand for petrochemicals, competitive prices of ethane in the US, and expanded tanker capacity.

About Ethane:

Ethane is a naturally occurring organic compound with chemical formula C2H6. It is a saturated hydrocarbon containing a single carbon-carbon bond.
It is the second simplest hydrocarbon after methane (CH4).
Like many hydrocarbons, ethane is isolated on an industrial scale from natural gas and as a petrochemical by-product of petroleum refining. Its chief use is as feedstock for ethylene production.
Utilization of Ethane: Ethane finds application in the production of plastics, anti-freeze, and detergents.

US Ethane Export Trends:

The US has been exporting ethane since 2014, with exports reaching a record average of 471,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years.
This export surge is primarily driven by global demand growth in the petrochemical sector and enhanced tanker capacity.

Indian Import Scenario:

India's import of ethane from the US witnessed fluctuations due to market dynamics.
Despite a dip during the COVID-19 pandemic, imports remained substantial, reaching 74,000 bpd in the previous year.

Petrochemical Industry Expansion:

Indian oil and gas companies are expanding their petrochemicals business to diversify revenue streams.
This expansion is propelled by rising domestic demand from industrial, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

Collaborative Efforts: Recent agreements between GAIL (India), ONGC, and Shell Energy India highlight the growing interest in importing ethane and developing necessary infrastructure in India.

Increasing Usage:

Ethane serves as a crucial feedstock in the petrochemical industry, particularly in the production of ethylene for plastics and resins.
Its high ethylene yield, low cost, and minimal co-products make it increasingly preferred over naphtha, especially in regions like Asia and Europe.

The rise in ethane imports underscores its significance as a preferred petrochemical precursor in India. With collaborative efforts and expanding usage, ethane is poised to play a pivotal role in the country's petrochemical industry growth.

DESI unveils new 3D map of Universe

Context: Researchers, including a team from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, have unveiled the most holistic “three-dimensional” map of the universe, from the observations by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, or DESI, measuring how fast the universe expanded over 11 billion years.

Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument:

Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is a scientific instrument designed to peer into the distant universe and study dark energy. It is mounted over the Mayall 4-Meter Telescope in Arizona, United States.
DESI works by collecting the faint light from millions of galaxies and quasars, then splitting that light into its component colours using a technique called spectroscopy. By analysing the spectrum of light from these distant objects, astronomers can learn about their composition, motion, and distance from Earth.
Through it, the researchers have been able to collect light from six million galaxies (some of which were present around 11 billion years ago) and were able to measure the distances between these galaxies with a very high degree of accuracy. Thus, they were able to unveil a three-dimensional map of the Universe.
Significance:
- Knowing the precise distances of the galaxies is crucial because that allows us to calculate the expansion rate of the universe.
- This could provide insights into the secrets of dark energy and give insights into new Physics. Eventually, it will offer a vital perspective into the origin and evolution of the universe.
The DESI collaboration has so far discovered that the expansion rate of the universe was rising by 68.5 km per second after every 3.26 million light-years of distance.

Dark Matter and Dark Energy:

Dark matter and dark energy together make up 95% of the universe. Around 68% of the Universe is made of dark energy while dark matter makes up 27%.
Only the remainder (5%) is composed of fermionic matter, i.e., things on the Earth, planets, stars, etc.

Dark Matter:

Dark matter is completely invisible and has not yet been observed directly. It does not interact with matter, emits no light or energy and thus cannot be detected directly by conventional sensors and detectors.
Scientists are confident it exists because of the gravitational effects it has on galaxies and galaxy clusters.

Dark Energy:

The existence of dark energy was theorised 25 years ago, when a team of researchers found that the expansion of the Universe was speeding up or accelerating, instead of slowing down due to gravity (inwards pulling force). Scientists have hypothesised that this is happening due to a mysterious form of energy called dark energy.

Characteristics of Dark Energy:

Dark energy has been hypothesised as a repulsive force or anti-gravity, i.e. while gravity tends to make objects attract, dark energy would pull them apart by increasing the space between them. Thus, dark energy has an expansionary effect. As our universe is expanding, it indicates that dark energy has a greater abundance than dark matter.
Dark energy is a property of space, so it does not get diluted as space expands.
- Normally, as the universe expands the density of mass and radiation in it decreases.
- However, the density of dark energy remains constant throughout. This means the dark energy in the universe is ever increasing, in order to keep the energy-density constant. Thus, dark energy should be energy inherent in the fabric of space itself.

US-UK AI Safety Testing Agreement

Context: The US-UK agreement represents a major step towards international cooperation in ensuring the safe and responsible development of AI technologies. It highlights the shared commitment of both nations to address the challenges and risks associated with advanced AI systems.

The agreement reflects the increasing global awareness of the potential risks and benefits of AI and the necessity for collaborative efforts to guide its development. It underscores the importance of establishing international standards and guidelines for AI safety, security, and ethics.

AI Safety and Security

US-UK Agreement
- The agreement facilitates the sharing of critical information on AI capabilities, risks, and best practices between the US and the UK.
- It promotes the alignment of approaches to ensure the safe deployment of AI systems and enables joint testing exercises to assess the performance and reliability of AI models.
- The agreement also encourages personnel exchanges between AI Safety Institutes to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Follows commitments made at the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit (2023)
Importance of AI Safety
- AI safety measures are crucial to address the potential risks posed by advanced AI systems, such as algorithmic bias, privacy violations, and security vulnerabilities.
- Ensuring the safety of AI systems is essential to prevent unintended consequences and protect individual rights and societal values.
- Responsible AI development involves transparency, accountability, and the incorporation of human oversight and control.
Potential Impact of the Agreement
- The US-UK agreement sets the stage for enhanced global cooperation in AI safety and security, encouraging other nations to follow suit and collaborate on this critical issue.
- The agreement serves as a model for other nations to emulate, inspiring them to forge similar partnerships and prioritize AI safety in their own AI development efforts.
- The agreement recognizes the potential risks of AI in spreading misinformation and undermining election integrity, and seeks to develop strategies to counter these threats.

AI Regulation and Policy

US Efforts
- The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in the US has initiated a consultation process to gather insights on the risks, benefits, and potential policy implications of open-source AI models and dual-use foundation models.
- President Biden issued an executive order in 2023 that outlines the US government's commitment to ensuring the safe and responsible deployment of AI systems.
- In 2022, the White House released a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, which sets forth principles and guidelines for protecting individual rights and promoting the responsible use of AI.
EU AI Act
- The proposed European Union AI Act seeks to establish comprehensive safeguards on the use of AI systems, with specific provisions for high-risk applications such as law enforcement.
- The act aims to ensure that AI systems are transparent, explainable, and subject to human oversight, while also empowering consumers to challenge decisions made by AI systems.
- The EU AI Act recognizes the potential for AI misuse and seeks to establish clear accountability mechanisms for AI developers and deployers.
India's Approach
- India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued evolving advisories on the deployment of AI systems in the country.
- The advisory, issued on March, 2024, directed intermediaries to label any under-trial/unreliable artificial intelligence (AI) models, and to secure explicit prior approval from the government before deploying such models in India.
- The Indian Government is developing an AI regulation framework, set for release in mid-2024, with the intention of harnessing AI for economic growth and addressing potential risks and harms.

Open-Source AI Models and Implications

Prominent Examples
- Meta has released Code Llama 70B, the largest and best-performing model in the Code Llama family. Code Llama is a state-of-the-art large language model (LLM) capable of generating code, and natural language about code, from both code and natural language prompts.
- OpenAI's ChatGPT has been released through a controlled API and product-based approach.
- Dual-Use Foundation Models with widely available weights, enabling both beneficial and malicious applications
Implications for Innovation and Competition
- In 2024, open-source pretrained AI models have gained significant traction, empowering businesses to accelerate growth by combining these models with private or real-time data.
- Generative AI challenges a core tenet of traditional intellectual property frameworks: only works created by humans are protected by copyright laws.
- Emerging use cases around generative AI are disrupting traditional views of creativity, authorship, and ownership and pushing the boundaries of copyright law.
- In 2024, open-source technology faces increased scrutiny as its prolific use, including in proprietary coding, raises the need for pervasive security screening.

Implications for India

The AI advisory in India emphasizes transparency, content moderation, consent mechanisms, and deepfake identification to ensure responsible AI deployment and safeguard electoral integrity.
AI presents significant opportunities for economic growth in India. The AI industry is estimated to grow year-over-year at a CAGR of 30%. India's AI market is growing at a CAGR of 25-35% and is projected to reach around $17 billion by 2027.
However, the adoption of AI technologies may lead to job displacement in certain sectors. As per market trends, more than 16 million working employees in India will need reskilling and upskilling due to AI's influence by 2027.
AI technologies have the potential to enhance law enforcement capabilities in India. However, the use of AI in law enforcement also poses risks, such as bias, privacy violations, and potential misuse of power.
An updated toolkit for responsible AI practices in law enforcement has been released by INTERPOL and UNICRI in 2024.
The NITI Aayog released an approach paper that explores the various ethical considerations of deploying AI solutions in India.

Opportunities for India

The digital divide in India is being addressed. There were 751.5 million internet users in India at the start of 2024, when internet penetration stood at 52.4 percent. Initiatives like BharatNet aim to bridge the digital divide and potentially lead to a major positive shift.
The Cabinet has approved the comprehensive national-level IndiaAI mission with a budget outlay of Rs.10,371.92 crore. The IndiaAI mission will establish a comprehensive ecosystem catalyzing AI innovation through strategic programs and partnerships across the public and private sectors.
India holds a prominent global position in AI skill penetration and talent concentration, showcasing a strong base of AI professionals. There were 4.16 lakh AI professionals, poised to meet the increasing demand expected to reach 1 million by 2026.
AI-driven platforms deliver insights to farmers on topics like disease risks, yield forecasts, labor needs, crop protection, weather impacts on crops, and harvest windows.
AI has been used thoughtfully by educators to support learning and to give them "time back" in their day. AI applications in education will be overwhelmingly administrative.

Way Forward for India

Developing a National AI Strategy
Establishing a dedicated AI governance framework and regulatory body
Allocating resources and creating incentives for AI research and innovation
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit. GPAI is a multi-stakeholder initiative with 29 member countries aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI.
India is the lead chair of GPAI in 2024.

Countries like Japan, Rwanda, Benin, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritius, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, and Senegal have developed comprehensive AI strategies and governance frameworks. The Hiroshima AI Process was launched by the G7 under Japan's presidency in May 2023, with the aim of promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.

Mustard

Context: Central Government plans to raise the area under Mustard cultivation from the current 4 lakh hectares and yield from 8 quintals per hectare to help achieve the larger objective of self-sufficiency in edible oils.

About Mustard and Rapeseed

Rapeseed and mustard comprise several oilseeds such as rai, sarson, toria and taramira. These are subtropical crops cultivated during rabi season in north-western and central parts of India.
These are frost sensitive crops and their yields fluctuate from year to year. But with the expansion of irrigation and improvement in seed technology, their yields have improved and stabilised to some extent.
About two-third of the cultivated area under these crops is irrigated.
These oilseeds together occupy only about 2.5% of total cropped area in the country.

Major Cultivating States

Rajasthan contributes about one-third production while other leading producers are Haryana and Madhya Pradesh.
Yields of these crops are comparatively high in Haryana and Rajasthan

Cropping Conditions

Climatic Requirements: Require cool and dry weather and a fair supply of soil moisture during the growing period and dry clear weather at the time of maturity. In India they are grown in Rabi season from September-October to February-March.
Soil: Sandy loam to clay loam soils but thrive best on light loam soils. Do not tolerate water logging conditions or heavy soils. Soil having neutral pH is ideal for their proper growth and development.
Rotations and mixed cropping: Rape and mustard are grown in rotation with other crops like maize, cotton, bajra, pulses, etc. and should never be grown in fields which were sown with the same crops in previous two years.
Field preparation: A clean and well pulverised seedbed of good tilth is needed for better germination. The land should be well prepared first by ploughing deep, followed by two cross harrowings. Care should be taken to see that weeds and stubbles are well removed from the field and the soil contains adequate moisture.
Time of sowing: Toria should be sown from the mid to the last week of September. Sowing of sarson and rai must be completed in the first fortnight of October.
Manures and fertilisers: Split application of nitrogen has been found useful for rape and mustard crop.
Water Management: Good yields can be achieved if the fields are bunded and levelled before the monsoon and ploughed 2-3 times during the monsoon season. Inter-cultivation or mulching on the soil surface reduces moisture evaporation. Two irrigations at pre-bloom and pod filling stages are beneficial.
Weed Control: Weeds cause approximately 20-30 percent reduction in yield. The most common weeds are Chenopodium album (bathua), Lathyrus spp.(chatrimatri), Melilotus indica (senji), Cirsium arvense (kateli), Fumaria parviflora (gajri) and Cyperus rotundus (motha).

Kallakkadal: A coastal Hazard

Context: Kallakkadal, a coastal flooding phenomenon caused by distant ocean storms, has recently affected Kerala, India. The current event, triggered by a low-pressure system from South Atlantic Ocean, has flooded hundreds of houses in Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

Kallakkadal differs from tsunamis and can now be predicted by the INCOIS Swell Surge Forecast System. The swell surge is expected to continue for the next two days before weakening.

Kallakkadal

Kallakkadal is a Malayalam term that combines "Kallan" (meaning thief) and "Kadal" (meaning sea). This term was formally approved by UNESCO in 2012.
It refers to the phenomenon of coastal flooding during the pre-monsoon season (April-May) along the southwest coast of India, caused by ocean swells generated by distant storms.
The latest instance of Kallakkadal took place after a low atmospheric pressure system moved over the region around March 25 from the South Atlantic Ocean — 10,000 kilometres off the Indian coast.
Swell surge is another term used to describe the coastal flooding caused by Kallakkadal.

Causes and Formation

Energy transfer from air to water during distant storms
- Kallakkadal events are triggered by the energy transfer from air to water during distant storms, such as hurricanes or intense low-pressure systems.
- During these storms, winds can reach speeds of over 100 km/h, leading to the formation of high waves.
Wave propagation
- The high waves generated by distant storms can travel thousands of kilometers from the storm center to eventually reach the shore.
- Swell waves associated with Kallakkadal can propagate at speeds of up to 50 km/h and cover distances of over 10,000 km.

Affected Areas

Kerala: The state of Kerala, particularly the districts of Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram, is among the worst affected by Kallakkadal. During these events, hundreds of houses are flooded, and relief camps are opened to accommodate the affected population.
Lakshadweep: The low-lying coral atolls of Lakshadweep are vulnerable to sea-level rise and coastal flooding associated with Kallakkadal events. The unique geography of these islands makes them particularly susceptible to the impacts of swell surges.
Tamil Nadu coast: The Tamil Nadu coast, which has a coastline of over 1,000 km, is another region that is expected to be impacted by Kallakkadal events. INCOIS has stated high waves will move to the Tamil Nadu coast.

Early Warning System

Swell Surge Forecast System by INCOIS (2020)
- This system provides forewarning of Kallakkadal events seven days in advance, allowing coastal communities to prepare and take necessary precautions.
- The forecast system uses numerical ocean models, observations, and artificial intelligence techniques to generate accurate predictions.
Challenges in forecasting Kallakkadal
- Forecasting Kallakkadal events is challenging because they often occur without precursors or local wind activity.
- In such situations, the traditional knowledge of fishermen and coastal communities plays a crucial role in identifying and responding to these events.

Different between Tsunami and Kallakathal

Characteristic	Tsunami	Kallakkadal
Definition	A series of enormous waves created by underwater disturbances, usually associated with earthquakes	Coastal flooding during the pre-monsoon (April-May) season by swell waves on the southwest coast of India
Wave Height	Can reach heights of over 30 meters	Typically range from 2-6 meters
Wave Speed	Can travel at speeds of up to 800 km/h	Travel at speeds of up to 50 km/h
Cause	Sudden displacement of a large volume of water, often due to seismic activity or underwater landslides	Energy transfer from distant storms to the ocean surface
Recent Events	- Tsunami that hit Tonga's largest island, Tongatapu, due to a volcanic eruption- Powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Taiwan, prompting nearby Japan to issue a tsunami warning	The latest instance took place after a low atmospheric pressure system moved over the region around March 25 from the South Atlantic Ocean
Terminology	The term "tsunami" is derived from the Japanese language, meaning "harbor wave"	- The term "Kallakkadal" is a combination of two Malayalam words, "Kallan" (meaning thief) and "Kadal" (meaning sea)- Formally approved by UNESCO in 2012

INCOIS Alerts

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued alerts for coastal areas vulnerable to sea erosion, advising communities to take necessary precautions and ensure the safety of their property and lives.
It is observed that 33.6% of the Indian coastline was vulnerable to erosion, 26.9% was under accretion (growing), and 39.6% was in a stable state.
This long-term shoreline analysis indicates that out of 550 km of coast in Odisha, 28% of the coast is eroding, 21% is stable, and 51% is accreting.
To protect the coastal areas from erosion, initiatives such as mangrove plantation, shelterbelt plantation, and installation of Geo-Tubes in 500 m (Pentha Village Odisha) have been carried out.

Climate Change and Kallakkadal

Rising sea levels due to climate change
- According to NASA, the global mean sea level has risen by about 0.3 inches (0.76 centimeters) from 2022 to 2023, a relatively large jump due mostly to a warming climate and the development of a strong El Nino.
- The total rise is equivalent to draining a quarter of Lake Superior into the ocean over the course of a year.
Warmer ocean temperatures
- Climate change is also leading to warmer ocean temperatures, which can contribute to more intense storms and larger swell waves.
- As the ocean surface warms, it provides more energy for storms to intensify, potentially leading to stronger winds and higher waves.
Increased risk for coastal communities
- The extent of coastal flooding has increased over the past 20 years as a result of sea level rise, meaning 14 million more people worldwide now live in coastal communities with a 1-in-20 annual chance of flooding.

Mitigation and Adaptation Measures

Strengthening early warning systems and disaster preparedness
Coastal protection and management measures can help reduce the vulnerability of coastal areas to flooding and erosion.
Hard engineering structures, such as seawalls and groins, can be built to protect the shoreline from the impact of waves and current.
Nature-based solutions, like mangrove restoration and beach nourishment, can also help to buffer the coast against erosion and provide additional ecosystem benefits.
In the long term, mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to limit the extent of sea-level rise and ocean warming.
Promoting sustainable development and climate-resilient infrastructure in coastal areas
On the international level, India updated its climate action plans at the CoP26 Leader's Summit, demonstrating a renewed commitment to the Paris Agreement's goal of reducing GHG emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35 percent by 2030.

Reserve Bank of India

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) celebrated its 90th year in Mumbai. In this context let us understand the organisational structure and functions of Reserve Bank of India.

About Reserve Bank of India:

The Reserve Bank of India was established on April 1, 1935 in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
The Board of the RBI is headed by the Governor and assisted by not more than four Deputy Governors

Functions of RBI:

Issuing currency: RBI has the sole right to issue currency/banknotes in India. The RBI Act, 1935 also enables RBI to recommend to Central Government the denomination of bank notes, which can be of two rupees, five rupees, ten rupees, twenty rupees, fifty rupees, one hundred rupees, five hundred rupees, one thousand rupees, five thousand rupees and ten thousand rupees or other denominations not exceeding ten thousand rupees.
Monetary Policy functions: As per the new monetary policy framework, the major objective of the RBI’s monetary policy to control the inflation.

Inflation Target

The Central Government, in consultation with the RBI shall determine the inflation target in terms of the Consumer Price Index, once in every five years.

Determination of Policy Rate

o The Monetary Policy Committee has been entrusted with the statutory duty to determine the Policy Rate required to achieve the inflation target. The decision of the Monetary Policy Committee is binding on the RBI.o The Monetary Policy Committee shall consist ofa) the Governor of the RBI;b) Deputy Governor of the RBI in charge of Monetary Policy;c) One officer of the RBI to be nominated by the Central Board; andd) three persons to be appointed by the Central Government.

Public debt management: Manages public debt of centre and state governments and issues securities on behalf of them.
Forex management: The RBI is entrusted with the duty of development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (‘FEMA"). RBI Intervenes in the forex market and checks large scale volatility in exchange rates.
Lender of last resort: As a Banker to Banks, the Reserve Bank acts as the ‘lender of the last resort’. It can come to the rescue of a bank which is facing temporary liquidity problems by supplying it with much needed liquidity when no one else is willing to extend credit to that bank.
Oversight of Payment and settlements: The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 entrust the responsibility of oversight of payment and settlement system to RBI.
Banking Regulation & Supervision: The power to regulate and supervise banking companies has been provided by the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act, 1949) to the RBI.
Consumer Protection and promotion Functions: Protection of the interests of the depositors is one of the vital mandates of the RBI. Apart from depositors, the resolution of grievances of customers who deal with its regulated entities is also important for the Reserve Bank of India.

Ozone on Jupiter’s moon

Context: An international team of scientists, including from India, has discovered strong evidence indicating the presence of ozone on Jupiter’s moon, Callisto.

Importance of Ozone:

Ozone molecule is composed of three oxygen atoms bonded together.
The ozone layer is found in the lower part of the earth’s stratosphere, around 15–35 km above ground, and serves as a shield as it completely absorbs ultraviolet-B and ultraviolet-C radiation.
- Ultraviolet-B (wavelengths 290–320 nanometres) and ultraviolet-C (100-280 nanometres) can damage DNA, trigger mutations, inhibit plant growth and increase the risk of skin cancer and cataracts in humans.
Without the ozone layer, UV-radiation levels would be much higher on Earth’s surface, rendering it uninhabitable for many species and disrupting entire ecosystems.
Rationale of the study: Scientists are currently studying various celestial bodies in the Solar System that show signs of ozone, suggesting the existence of stable atmospheric conditions and, by extension, their possibility of hosting life.

Callisto and its unique environment:

Callisto is one of Jupiter’s largest moons and the third-largest moon in the Solar System after Ganymede (Jupiter’s moon) and Titan (Saturn’s moon).
Callisto is primarily composed of water ice, rocky materials, sulphur dioxide, and some organic compounds. These substances make the moon a potential candidate for supporting life in the solar system beyond the earth.
Callisto’s surface is heavily cratered, indicating a long history of being struck by asteroids and comets.
It lacks the extensive seismic activity, which is present in some of Jupiter’s other moons like Europa.
It has relatively few geological features which suggest that Callisto’s surface is geologically inactive or relatively stable for a long time. This stability could be vital to preserve any subsurface ocean or potential habitats beneath the icy crust.

The Experiment:

The Scientists modelled the surface of Callisto icy surface conditions in a lab, and analysed the chemical reactions occurring on the surface of Callisto when sunlight hits its surface (caused by ultraviolet radiation).
- The experiments were conducted at the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre (NSRRC) in Taiwan, which provided access to high-energy radiation sources required to recreate the radiation coming from the Sun.
- To do this, the researchers used vacuum ultraviolet photons (of wavelength 137.7 nanometres), which mimic the solar radiation that reaches the moon’s surface.
- To model the surface of Callisto, the researchers placed a substrate of lithium fluoride in a chamber with very low pressure. This environment recreated conditions similar to those found in outer space.
- The sulphur dioxide ice samples were deposited onto the substrate, setting the stage for the final step: observing the absorption spectrum.
  - The absorption spectrum is the unique fingerprint of a substance.’
  - It shows the wavelengths of light it absorbs, providing insights into its composition and properties.
- Finally, they irradiated the ice with vacuum-ultraviolet photons and recorded its ultraviolet absorption spectrum during and after the irradiation using a photomultiplier tube detector.
The ultraviolet absorption spectrum revealed the formation of ozone after the sulphur dioxide ice samples were irradiated.
The researchers also compared their experimental data with data collected by the Hubble Space Telescope, which had also suggested the presence of sulphur dioxide and ozone on the surface of Callisto in 1997.

Significance:

The discovery of ozone on Callisto suggests the presence of oxygen, which in turn is a fundamental ingredient required for the formation of complex molecules required for life such as amino acids.
The investigation into the chemical evolution of ‘SO2 astrochemical ice’ (ice primarily composed of sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the presence of ultraviolet irradiation) would shed light on the chemical processes and composition of the surface of Callisto.
Hence, the findings would help in understanding Callisto’s environment and the potential habitability of icy moons in the Solar System.

Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)

Context: Most of the matters that have come up at the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) in the past few weeks have been adjourned due to non-availability of the Bench, with no final hearings.

About Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)

Body: Statutory body
Developed under: Section 15K of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act.
Appeal against: It was mainly established to hear an appeal against the order passed by the SEBI or by an adjudicating officer under the SEBI Act.
- Currently, SAT hears appeals against orders passed by the SEBI, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority.
Compositions: It would consist of the one presiding officer and other 2 members.
- The Central Government will appoint the presiding Officer in discussion with the chief justice of India or nominee. The person so appointed as the presiding Officer should meet with the following requirements:
  - The retired or sitting judge of the supreme court
  - The retired or sitting judge of the high court
  - The retired or sitting judge of the high court, who has completed at least seven years of service as a judge in a high court.
- The Central Government will appoint the two members, should possess the following qualities:
  - The member should be capable of dealing with problems related to the securities market.
  - The member should possess qualification and experience related to corporate law, securities laws, economics, finance or accountancy.
Tenure: Presiding Officer: 5 years from the date of appointment or re-appointment.
Members: 5 from the date of appointment or re-appointment.
Power: SAT will have the same powers as vested in a civil court under the code of civil procedure while trying a suit, with respect of the following matters namely:
- Enforce and summon the attendance of any person
- Require the discovery and production of documents
- Receive evidence on affidavits
- Issue commissions for the examination of the documents or witnesses
- Dismiss an application for default or deciding it ex-parte
- Set aside any order or dismissal of any application for default or any other order passed by it ex-parte
- Any other matter as and when prescribed.
Eligibility for filing an appeal: Every person aggrieved by order of the Securities and Exchange Board of India or adjudicating officer is liable to make an appeal to the SAT.
- Note: No appeal can be made to the SAT against any order made with the consent of the parties.
Time Limit: Every appeal to the SAT should be filed within 45 days from the day on which a copy of the order passed by the SEBI or adjudicating office is received.
Appear before SAT: As per the SEBI Act, any authorised person is a Company Secretary, Chartered Accountant (CA), Cost Accountant or Legal Practitioner can appear before Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT).
Appeal against the orders of SAT: Every person aggrieved by any order or decision of Securities Appellate Tribunal can file an appeal to the supreme court. The appeal should be made within 60 days from the date of receiving a copy of the order or decision of SAT.

Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF)

Context: As per the latest annual report of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), India will be the world’s largest growth market for natural gas in the next decade with China claiming the top spot till 2030.

About Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF)

The GECF is an intergovernmental organisation that provides a framework for exchanging experience and information among its member countries.
With its current number of member countries, the GECF enjoys a dominant position on global energy markets and among international energy organisations.
Members
- Full Members: Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, UAE and Venezuela.
- Observers: Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Peru and Senegal.
Together, they represent 69% of the world’s gas reserves, 39% of the marketed production, and 40% of global gas exports.
As the gathering of the world's leading gas exporting countries, the GECF seeks to build a mechanism for a meaningful dialogue between gas producers and consumers in order to improve the stability and security of supply and demand in gas markets around the world.

Mushk Budiji - Aromatic rice

Context: Recently, scientists at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar, reported that altitude and temperature play an important role in the development of the aroma in Mushk Budiji rice.

Mushk Budiji

The Kashmir Himalayas are known for the cultivation of mushk budiji, an indigenous rice variety distinguished by its rich aroma and unique taste.
Mushk Budiji Rice of Anantnag district received a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2023.
It is grown in higher reaches of the Kashmir valley especially in the Anantnag district.
Aromatic rice has considerable value worldwide for its distinct flavour, fragrance, and quality, its potential to enhance dining experiences, and its appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Challenges

Mushk budiji was on the verge of extinction for some time due to various factors.
- Chief among them was the prevalence of rice blast disease, its low yield, and lack of profitability. But a revival programme was launched in 2007 saw the crop make a slow comeback.
- Another challenge was the availability of counterfeit varieties in the market.

About the study

AIM – To maximise the export potential by cultivating it in places where the environmental conditions are most suitable to bring out its maximum flavour.

Technology Used

Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) - GC-MS is an analytical method used to reveal the presence of volatile compounds present in organic mixtures extracted from geological, environmental, and biological samples.
Electronic nose - The e-nose is a tool fit with various sensors as well as an artificial intelligence (AI) component; it assessed the flavour attributes of rice samples.
Gene Expression Analysis - It involves studying which genes are active and producing proteins in a given cell or tissue at a specific time.

Findings

Altitude and temperature play an important role in the development of this aroma.
Environment guides mushk budiji’ s flavour profile through its genes.