- RESEARCH TEAM TAKES BIG STEP TOWARDS MAKING A BOSE METAL
SUBJECT: SCIENCE
- Traditionally, at absolute zero temperature, a disordered metal is theorized to become either an insulatoror a superconductor.
- A Bose metal challenges this notion by exhibiting conductivity that lies between zero and infinity as temperature approaches absolute zero.
- Key Characteristics:
- Quantum Phase:Involves bosons(particles with integer spin) that do not fully condense into a single quantum state (as in a superconductor), nor do they localize entirely (as in an insulator).
- Effect of Magnetic Fields:Typically, magnetic fields can disrupt superconductivity or induce an insulating state. The existence of a Bose metal suggests an intermediate phase under certain conditions.
- Importance & Research Implications:
- Fundamental Physics:Offers insight into quantum phase transitions and the nature of electron pairing.
- Potential Applications:Though primarily theoretical, understanding such exotic states could impact superconductor technology and quantum computing in the long run.
2. STUDY FINDS 6,327 GANGETIC DOLPHINS ACROSS FOUR STATES
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- 6,327Gangetic dolphins counted across four states (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal).
- Represents India’s first estimate of these riverine dolphins since improved counting methods.
- Gangetic Dolphin – National Aquatic Animal of India.
- Found in Ganga and its tributaries; indicator of freshwater ecosystem health.
- Conservation Significance: Informs policies under Project Dolphin(announced 2020) and other riverine biodiversity initiatives.
3. SC SEEKS REGULATORY STEPS AGAINST VULGARITY ONLINE
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Supreme Court calls for guidelines/monitoring of OTT platforms and online content to maintain “morality and decency.”
- Legal Context:
- Article 19(2)allows reasonable restrictions on free speech in the interest of decency or morality.
- Regulatory Mechanisms:Current norms under the IT Rules(Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code), but SC hints at stricter oversight.
- Relevance:Balancing freedom of expression with public morality and self-regulation of digital media.
4. PAYTM’S PARENT FIRM GETS ED NOTICE FOR FEMA BREACH
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act): Governs foreign exchange transactions in India to facilitate external trade and payments, and maintain the forex market.
- ED (Enforcement Directorate): Investigates economic offenses and enforces FEMA and PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act).
- Significance: Highlights compliance requirements for companies dealing in cross border financial transactions.
- Reflects the regulatory oversight on digital payment firms and fintech entities
5. NASA TO LAUNCH SPHEREx TO EXPLORE WHAT HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER BIG BANG
SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer):
- A space telescope designed to survey the sky in near infrared wavelengths.
- Scheduled to investigate what happened shortly after the Big Bang, including cosmic inflation and the formation of the first galaxies.
- Key Objectives:
- a. Cosmic Background Studies:Map the distribution of galaxies to understand the large-scale structure of the Universe.
- b. Origins of Water & Organic Molecules:Study ices and molecular clouds to glean insights into planetary system formation.
- Epoch of Reionization:Explore how the Universe evolved from an opaqueto a transparent state for light.
