- LOOKING FOR A POTENT COSMIC PARTICLE ACCELERATOR? THERE ONE NEAR EARTH
SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- Data from NASA’s MMS, THEMIS, ARTEMIS missions(Dec 17, 2017) revealed large-scale electron acceleration near Earth’s bow shock (foreshock region).
- Electrons gained energy ~500 keV, ~86% speed of light.
- Collisionless Shock Waves:No particle collisions, energy transfer via electromagnetic fields.
- Diffusive Shock Acceleration:Known mechanism requiring electrons to be pre-accelerated to ~50% speed of light.
- Astrophysical Relevance:Suggests bow shock could serve as a natural “cosmic accelerator”akin to supernova shock waves
2. PARLIAMENTARY PANEL ASKS GOVT TO CONDUCT CENSUS AT THE EARLIEST
SUBJECT: POLITY
- 2021 Census postponed due to COVID-19.
- Panel recommends conducting Census soon using digital methods (Aadhaar, mobile data)
- Immigration & National Security
- MHA asked to track and repatriate illegal immigrants(Rohingyas, Bangladeshis).
- Linking data with Aadhaar to strengthen verification. Budget & Government Stand ₹1,309.46 crore allocated for Census & NPR in 2024-25; revised down due to delay.
- MHA states preparatory activities are complete; additional funds will be requested once Census starts.
3. FLAWED FOOD REGULATIONS FUEL THE OBESITY CRISIS
SUBJECT: SCIENCE
- NFHS-5: ~1 in 4 adults in India is obese or pre-diabetic.
- Economic Survey 2025 recommends a ‘health tax’ on ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
- Regulatory Gaps – Indian Nutrition Rating (INR):Health star system criticized as misleading (unhealthy foods get positive ratings).
- RTI Revelations:Industry lobby influenced FSSAI, overshadowing public health concerns.
- Global Example:Chile’s ‘black high-in’ warning labels significantly reduced UPF consumption.
4. AIMING TO ENSURE 95% OF NEW VEHICLES BY 2027 ARE EVs
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Draft EV 2.0 Policy & Targets
- Goal:95% of new vehicles registered in Delhi by 2027 to be electric.
- Scope:Replacement of CNG autos and light motor vehicles with EVs in phases.
- Purchase Incentives: For electric two-/three-wheelers, light commercial vehicles, trucks.
- Shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) to EVs.
- Dedicated Fund:
- Sources: green levies, pollution cess, aggregator license fees.
- Mandates fleet electrification in commercial transport.
- Job Creation & Skill Development: Government training programs for EV mechanics, battery management, etc.
5. AN INDIA – U.S TRADE AGREEMENT AND THE TEST OF WTO LAWS
SUBJECT: BILATERAL
- India, U.S. aim to finalize a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by late 2025.
- Must comply with WTO regulations(MFN principle, Article XXIV of GATT).
- WTO Compliance Challenges
- MFN Principle:Prohibits selective preferential tariffs unless forming a full FTA.
- FTA Requirement:Must cover “substantially all trade.”
- Interim Agreements:Allowed only if they lead to an FTA within 10 years.
