- COLD ATOMS IN SPACE CAN WEIGH THE HIMALAYAS
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
- Quantum gravity gradiometers (QGGs)use ultra-cold atoms and lasers to measure gravitational variations with high sensitivity.
- NASA scientists propose sending a QGG to space to measure mass shifts on Earth, such as ice loss and Himalayan weight.
- QGGs can detect subtle acceleration differences caused by underground or mountain mass.
- This can inform climate change studies,water/ice tracking, andnational security surveillance.
- Can revolutionise climate impact assessment,glacial monitoring, and disaster preparedness, particularly in the Himalayas.
- Valuable for hydrocarbon exploration,ground water mapping, and infrastructure planning.
- Enhances strategic earth observation capabilities for national security and defence.
- The QGG setup is compact, consuming350W power, weighing125 kg, and could be deployed from low-Earth orbit
2. AI CAN SUPERCHARGE FORECASTING IF IT CAN WEATHER SOME CHALLENGES
SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- AI/ML models are being used in India to improve forecasting of heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and floods.
- Traditional models rely on physics-based simulations, while AI models learn from data to predict weather outcomes.
- Two major challenges:availability of clean and large datasets and shortage of domain skilled professionals.
- The‘Mausam Mission’and the Centre for Excellence in AI at IITM are key steps to modernise weather prediction.
- AI can help generate faster, region-specific, and computationally lighter forecasts, aiding disaster preparedness.
3. EU’S FAR RIGHT VS JUDICIARY CONFLICT
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- A growing conflict between far-right nationalist leaders and judicial systems is escalating across the European Union.
- Legal rulings in France, Romania, and Germany have barred or investigated key far-right leaders, sparking accusations of political persecution.
- The tension underscores fears over judicial independence and the erosion of democratic norms.
- Rhetoric around “deep state”, “militant democracy”, and foreign influence is being used to discredit judicial actions.
- Analysts warn of abroader crisis of trust in democratic institutions across Europe.
- Background/Context
- Recent judicial decisions in several EU countries have targeted far-right leaders, often on grounds offinancial irregularities, misinformation, or ties to extremism.
- Prominent examples include: Marine Le Penin France (National Rally leader disqualified from elections)
- Calin Georgescuin Romania (disqualified over alleged subversive foreign ties)
- Alternative for Germany (AfD)under scrutiny by German domestic intelligence for anti-constitutional activities.
4. A MOVE THAT ENDANGERS THE RIGHT TO VOTE
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Linking Aadhaar with voter ID may violate the right to vote, risking disenfranchisement due to errors and coercion.
- The ECI’s claim of voluntary linkage is contested; Form 6B offers no real choice, creating indirect compulsion.
- Supreme Court and High Courts have previously ruled that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship.
- Concerns include misuse of DBT data, exclusion of voters, and violation of privacy principles under the Puttaswamy judgment.
- Past failures in similar linkage attempts (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, 2015) led to mass voter deletions
5. WITH BIG CAT COUNT RISING, M.P TO DEVELOP BUFFER ZONES AROUND ITS 9 TIGER RESERVES
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- Madhya Pradesh government approved the‘Development of Buffer Zones in Tiger Reserves’ scheme.
- The scheme includes: Chain-link fencing in ecologically sensitive buffer zones
- Development of grasslands and water sources
- Fire safety measures
- Wildlife protection infrastructure
- Health monitoring and treatment for wild animals
- Skill development training for local communities to promote eco-sensitive livelihoods
- The scheme has a budget outlay of ₹145 crore for 2025–26 and 2027–28.
- Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the “Tiger State” of India, leads in tiger conservation with nine reserves, including the newly inaugurated Madhav National Park(March 2024). Tiger population in MP’s buffer zones increased from526 to 785in four years.
- Conservation efforts include fencing, grassland development, and skill training for local communities.
