Marmara Sea
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Earthquake: A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul with its epicenter in the Sea of Marmara. Aftershocks followed, including one measuring 5.3.
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Location Significance: The Sea of Marmara is a small inland sea within Turkey, separating the Asian and European parts of the country. It connects the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.
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Fault Line: The North Anatolian Fault runs beneath the Sea of Marmara, making the region prone to earthquakes.
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Immediate Impact: While there were no immediate reports of damage, residents were urged to avoid buildings, and people panicked.
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Historical Context: Turkey is earthquake-prone due to its location on major fault lines. A devastating earthquake in February 2023 killed over 53,000 people in southern Turkey and heightened fears in Istanbul due to its proximity to fault lines.
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Preventative Measures: Urban reconstruction projects are underway in Istanbul to fortify buildings and demolish those at risk of collapse to mitigate future earthquake damage.
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Sea Characteristics: The Sea of Marmara has a unique salinity stratification, with fresher water near the surface and saltier water at the bottom. It experiences a humid subtropical climate.
Afghanistan’s Buddhist Past
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Taliban’s Stance Shift: The Taliban, once known for destroying Buddhist artifacts like the Bamiyan Buddhas, now publicly supports preserving Afghanistan’s ancient heritage, including pre-Islamic relics. This is a significant change in rhetoric and, if genuine, could impact the future of archaeological sites.
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Proliferation of Discoveries: Since the Taliban’s return to power and the end of decades of war, there has been an increase in archaeological finds, particularly those related to Buddhism, which are being publicized by the authorities.
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Key Buddhist Sites Under Focus:
- Mes Aynak: A major site with monasteries, stupas, a Zoroastrian fire temple, and thousands of artifacts dating from the 1st century BC to the 10th century AD. Its significance lies in its role on the Silk Road and the diverse cultural influences reflected in its art (Hellenistic, Indian, Persian, Chinese).
- Shewaki Stupa: A significant Buddhist-era monument from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD in Kabul, reflecting Kushan and Hellenistic architectural styles. It was a key religious and caravan site.
- Bamiyan Buddhas: Although destroyed in 2001, their legacy remains a crucial part of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage and a reminder of the Taliban’s past actions.
- Kushan-era Inscriptions: Discoveries in Laghman Province (rock niches, Brahmi inscriptions, winemaking tools) highlight the vast reach of the Kushan Empire.
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International Skepticism: Despite the Taliban’s claims, skepticism remains among observers regarding their commitment to preservation, given their history of destroying cultural artifacts.
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Damage Control: Some experts believe the Taliban’s shift is an attempt to improve their international reputation after the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas severely damaged their image.
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Sites validating Afghan History: Archaeological sites discovered in Laghman Province such as Gowarjan village with carved Brahmi inscriptions go back 5,000 years.
Prospective Overruling
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SC Caution on Routine Invocation: The Supreme Court recently emphasized that using the Doctrine of Prospective Overruling should not be a routine practice. Courts must carefully consider if the circumstances truly warrant it.
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Definition: The Doctrine allows courts to apply legal decisions only to future cases. Past actions and judgments under the old law remain unaffected.
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Purpose: It prevents penalizing those who acted based on previous legal interpretations when the law is reinterpreted. It aims to ensure fairness and avoid legal chaos.
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Contrast to Retrospective Rulings: This is in contrast to retrospective rulings. Retrospective rulings apply the new interpretation of the law to both past and future cases.
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Deviation from Blackstonian View: It deviates from the traditional view that courts should only expound the old law, not create new ones.
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Global Adoption: The doctrine originated in American jurisprudence and is used in countries like India and the UK.
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Indian Jurisprudence – I.C. Golaknath vs. State of Punjab (1967): The Supreme Court formally introduced the doctrine to Indian law in this landmark case.
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Avoiding Reopening Settled Issues: The doctrine prevents reopening already settled legal matters and avoids a multiplication of legal proceedings.
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Binding on Subordinate Courts: Subordinate courts must apply the new law only to future cases.
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SC’s Power to Set Effective Date: The Supreme Court can specify when a new ruling takes effect. This protects decisions made before that date.
Haemophilia Gene Therapy Trial
- India’s First Gene Therapy Trial for Haemophilia: BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru, in collaboration with CMC Vellore, successfully conducted India’s first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia.
- Gene Therapy Basics: Gene therapy modifies or replaces faulty genes to treat or prevent diseases, addressing the root genetic cause instead of just symptoms. It involves replacing, inactivating, or introducing new genes.
- Haemophilia Explained: Haemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder due to mutations in genes encoding clotting proteins, primarily affecting males.
- BRIC-inStem’s Role: BRIC-inStem integrates 14 research institutions and pioneers translational research, including gene therapy. They also developed solutions like anti-viral masks and pesticide shields.
- Minister’s Commendation: Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed the gene therapy trial as a milestone and emphasized biotechnology’s role in nation-building and the future economy.
- Biotech Sector Growth: India’s biotechnology sector has grown significantly, with a vision to reach $300 billion by 2030, supported by policy reforms like the BIO-E3 Policy.
- Startup Ecosystem: The number of biotech startups has increased dramatically, highlighting the sector’s dynamism.
- Biosafety Lab: BRIC-inStem’s Biosafety Level III lab is crucial for studying high-risk pathogens under the One Health Mission, enhancing pandemic preparedness.
- Focus on Birth Defects: The newly launched CReATE addresses birth defects and infertility through developmental biology research.
- Call for Collaboration: Dr. Singh urged greater collaboration between scientific and medical institutions.
- Bio-Driven Economy: India’s future economy will be bio-driven, with institutions like BRIC-inStem leading the transformation.
- Gene therapy in Haemophilia Gene therapy in Haemophilia involves delivering a functional copy of the faulty gene to the patient’s liver cells to enable the production of clotting factors.
- Clotting factor Factor VIII is deficient in Haemophilia A, while Factor IX is deficient in Haemophilia B.
SAARC Visa Exemption
- India Suspends SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistan: Following a terror attack in Pahalgam, India has barred Pakistani nationals from traveling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).
- Visa Cancellations and Expulsion Order: Existing SVES visas issued to Pakistanis are cancelled, and any Pakistani national in India under the scheme has 48 hours to leave.
- Diplomatic Action: Defence, Navy, and Air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission are declared persona non grata (PNG) and have a week to leave. India will withdraw its advisors from Islamabad, annulling these posts and withdrawing support staff.
- Reason for Action: The suspension and diplomatic actions are a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
- SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES): Launched in 1992, the SVES provides visa-free travel within SAARC countries for 24 categories of dignitaries, including judges, parliamentarians, senior officials, businessmen, journalists, and sportspersons. Visa stickers, typically valid for one year, are issued by member states.
- SAARC Overview: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established on December 8, 1985, comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Its secretariat is in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- SVES Purpose: To facilitate travel for eligible individuals within SAARC countries, removing the need for visas and easing entry procedures. It helps save from hassles like police reporting and extra forms.
- Other co operations in SAARC countries: internship programme to engage people in academia on affairs on South Asian countirs and SAARC countries also have other cooperation in poverty alleviation, tourism and agricultural sector.
Chlorpyrifos: The Facts
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Chlorpyrifos Under Scrutiny at International Conventions: The 2025 Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions in Geneva (April 28-May 9) are addressing hazardous chemicals, including chlorpyrifos.
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Global Concerns: Chlorpyrifos, classified as ‘moderately hazardous’ by WHO, is banned in over 40 countries but still used in India on 18 crops.
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Health and Environmental Risks: Chlorpyrifos is linked to neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, irreversible brain damage in unborn children, and ecosystem contamination.
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PAN India Advocacy: Pesticide Action Network (PAN) India is advocating for:
- Inclusion of chlorpyrifos in Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention (prior informed consent for trade).
- Inclusion in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention (global ban), citing safer alternatives.
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Illegal Use in India: A 2022 report revealed unauthorized use of chlorpyrifos and other agrochemicals, raising regulatory and enforcement concerns.
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CIBRC’s Role: The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) regulates insecticides in India, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, established under The Insecticides Act, 1968.
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Indian Experts Call for Ban: Indian experts are urging an immediate ban on chlorpyrifos, emphasizing its continued threat to public health, future generations and ecosystems.
Simla Accord: Suspended
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Pakistan’s Abeyance of Simla Agreement: Pakistan announced it would place the Simla Agreement of 1972 in abeyance following India’s response to a terror attack, raising concerns about regional peace, specifically regarding the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
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Background of Simla Agreement: Signed in 1972 by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto after the 1971 India-Pakistan war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh and an Indian victory. The accord aimed to normalize relations and establish peaceful coexistence.
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Key Provisions:
- Adherence to UN Charter principles.
- Bilateral resolution of disputes, including Kashmir, without third-party intervention.
- Respect for territorial integrity and non-interference.
- Redesignation of the ceasefire line as the LoC, with a commitment against unilateral alteration.
- Normalization of diplomatic, communications, and trade ties.
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Potential Implications:
- Shift from bilateralism to internationalization of the Kashmir issue.
- Risk of revived proxy warfare tactics, violating the Simla framework.
- Increased diplomatic and military tensions between the two countries.
- Impact on multilateral cooperation in regional organizations like SAARC.
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India’s Security Measures:
- Deployment of anti-drone systems.
- Enhanced surveillance using satellite and UAV technologies.
- Strengthening counter-infiltration grids.
- Community engagement and Village Defence Committees.
- Comprehensive border fencing modernization.
Keonjhar Kalachampa Rice
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Farmer Seeks Profit Share: Jayant Kumar Jena, son of the original developer of the Keonjhar Kalachampa paddy variety, has requested compensation from the PPV&FRA for the commercialization of the seed. This could be the first instance of an Odisha farmer receiving such compensation.
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Keonjhar Kalachampa’s Features: The paddy variety is known for its resilience to diseases, pests, and climate change, and it’s non-lodging, fertilizer-responsive, suitable for various sowing times, and high-yielding. It was integrated early into India’s formal seed supply chain.
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Variety’s History: Developed by Anirudha Jena and officially released by the State Seed Sub-Committee, the variety was notified by the Indian government in 2015. After Anirudha Jena’s death, the registration was transferred to his son, Jayant Jena.
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Commercial Success: The Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) alone has produced and distributed over 87,000 quintals of certified seed of this variety between 2018 and 2023, indicating significant commercial use.
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PPV&FRA’s Role: The PPV&FRA chairperson has stated that they will facilitate benefit sharing if a request is received, aligning with the authority’s mandate to protect farmers’ rights.
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Gene Bank Initiative: Odisha has a gene bank for traditional paddy varieties, preserving seeds for up to 50 years. Keonjhar Kalachampa is one of 780 registered varieties in Odisha.
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Significance of Local Varieties: Local varieties like Keonjhar Kalachampa are crucial for developing climate-resilient and sustainable new varieties.
Helium in the Sun
- New Method Developed: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) scientists have developed a novel method to accurately estimate Helium abundance in the Sun’s photosphere.
- Indirect Spectral Analysis: The method uses spectral lines of neutral Magnesium (Mg I) and neutral Carbon (C I), along with molecular lines of MgH, CH, and C₂ observed in the Sun’s photosphere.
- Helium’s Impact on Hydrogen: The method is based on the principle that the relative abundance of Helium affects the availability of Hydrogen, which in turn influences the formation and strength of molecular lines.
- Validation of Solar Value: The researchers matched the atomic and molecular abundances of Magnesium and Carbon for different Helium-to-Hydrogen (He/H) ratios, confirming that only at a He/H ratio of ~0.1 do the atomic and molecular line abundances agree.
- Challenge Addressed: This new study addresses the challenge of accurately measuring Helium abundance in the Sun’s photosphere, which has been difficult due to the absence of Helium spectral lines.
- Agreement with Helioseismology: The derived He/H ratios are in fair agreement with results obtained through helioseismological studies, signifying the reliability and accuracy of the novel technique.
- Confirms Widely Assumed Ratio: This study also confirms that the widely assumed and adopted (He/H) ratio of 0.1 is in fair agreement with the measurements.
- Potential for Assessing Opacity: This accurate estimation of Helium abundance could be a major step in assessing the opacity of the Sun’s photosphere.
Nilgiri Tahr: Blue Mountain Goat
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Second Annual Synchronized Estimation: Tamil Nadu and Kerala are conducting the second annual synchronized estimation of the Nilgiri Tahr population.
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Expanded Survey Area: This year’s survey covers 176 blocks (36 new), a significant increase from the 140 blocks surveyed last year, including the Kodaikanal division.
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Data Significance: The survey aims to generate vital data on the population trend of the state animal.
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Part of Project Nilgiri Tahr: The survey is a key component of Tamil Nadu’s “Project Nilgiri Tahr,” launched in October 2023.
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Extensive Coverage: The survey spans 2,000 km of terrain, covering an estimated 233 sq. km.
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Baseline Data from Previous Survey: The first survey provided baseline data, estimating 1,031 individuals in Tamil Nadu and 827 in Eravikulam National Park (Kerala).
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Post-Calving Season Survey: Conducted post-calving to spot adult tahrs with their young.
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Survey Methods: Enumerators use the bounded count method in fragmented areas and the double observer method in large continuous landscapes.
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Faecal Sample Collection: Faecal samples of carnivores will be collected to assess parasitic loads in tahrs.
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Endangered Species: The Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the southern Western Ghats. Its IUCN status is endangered and its also under schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972.
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Habitat and Distribution: Found in a 400 km stretch of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, inhabiting montane grasslands. Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) has the highest density.
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Physical Characteristics: Stocky goats with short, coarse fur; males are larger and darker with larger horns; adult males develop a “saddle.”
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State Animal: The Nilgiri Tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.