GRAIL Mission Latest News

NASA's GRAIL mission recently unveiled significant differences between the moon's nearside and farside, attributing them to tidal deformation and varied volcanic activity.

About GRAIL Mission

• Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) is a NASA lunar mission launched in 2011.
• It consisted of two robotic spacecraft, Ebb and Flow, which orbited the moon to create the most detailed gravitational map of the lunar surface to date. 
• The mission's primary goal was to measure variations in the moon’s gravitational field, providing critical insights into its internal structure and geological history. 
  • The GRAIL mission achieved this by precisely measuring the distance between the two spacecraft as they orbited the moon. 
  • Even tiny changes in this distance, caused by variations in the moon’s gravitational pull, provided data about the moon’s interior composition, crust thickness, and subsurface anomalies. 
  • This approach has proven crucial for understanding the forces that shaped the moon’s contrasting hemispheres.
• GRAIL discovered that the Moon’s crust was more porous and not as thick as previously supposed. 
• It also discovered long linear features called “dikes” that were evidence of the Moon’s expansion by a few kilometres early in its history.
• Recent Findings: It unveiled significant differences between the moon's nearside and farside, attributing them to
  • Tidal deformation and gravitational asymmetry: 
    • The lunar nearside flexes slightly more than the farside during its elliptical orbit around Earth, a phenomenon known as tidal deformation. 
    • This difference in flexibility is primarily driven by Earth’s gravitational pull, which exerts a greater influence on the side facing our planet.
  • Volcanic activity and heat distribution: 
    • The moon’s nearside was once more volcanically active than the farside with vast plains of basaltic rock known as "mare." 
    • This volcanic activity concentrated heat-producing, radioactive elements like thorium and titanium in the nearside mantle, resulting in a significant temperature difference between the two hemispheres, creating a long-term thermal imbalance that has shaped the moon’s geology over billions of years.
  • Crustal thickness and surface composition: The nearside crust is significantly thinner than the farside crust, allowing magma from the moon’s interior to more easily reach the surface in the past, leading to extensive lava flows. 

GRAIL Mission FAQs

Q1. What was the primary objective of the GRAIL mission?

Ans. To measure variations in the Moon’s gravitational field.

Q2. Why does the Moon’s nearside have more volcanic activity than the farside?

Ans. Its crust is thinner, allowing magma to escape.

Q3. What were the names of the two robotic spacecraft used in the GRAIL mission?

Ans. Ebb and Flow

Source: TOI

Border Security Force Latest News

As cross-border tensions flared along the western front amid escalations from Pakistan, the Border Security Force (BSF) emerged not just as India’s first line of defence—but also its sharpest, standing tall alongside the armed forces. 

About Border Security Force

• Known as the First Line of Defence of Indian Territories, BSF is a primary border-guarding organisation of India.
• BSF is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces (CSPFs) of the Union of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 
• It was raised in the wake of the 1965 War on 1 December 1965, "for ensuring the security of the borders of India and for matters associated therewith. 
• Role: 
  • The primary role of BSF is to protect the country's land borders during peacetime and prevent transnational crime. 
  • They help the Indian Army during wartime as they are familiar with local people and topography. 
• Currently, BSF is deployed at the Indo-Pakistan International Border, the Indo-Bangladesh International Border, and Line of Control (LoC) along with the Indian Army, and in Anti-Naxal Operations.
• Logo: 
  • The Logo of BSF has two spikes of grains, embracing the National Emblem of India, and the typeface BSF. 
  • The motto of BSF, “DUTY UNTO DEATH” is placed at the bottom. 
• BSF currently stands as the world's largest border guarding force with 186 battalions and 2.57 lakh personnel including an expanding air wing, marine wing, artillery regiments, and commando units.
• The BSF has a separate camel and dog wing that lets them expand their reach into varied terrain such as the India-Pakistan border in the Rann of Kutch.
• BSF is the only CAPF to have its own Air Wing, Marine Wing, and artillery regiments, which support the General Duty Battalions in their operations. 
• The force also maintains a Tear Smoke Unit (TSU), which is unique in India. The TSU is responsible for producing tear gas munitions required for the Anti-Riot Forces.
• BSF has been given powers of arrest, search, and seizure under various Acts. “These Acts include Passport Act 1967, Passport Act (Entry into India) 1920, Customs Act, NDPS Act and Arms Act. 
• The head of the BSF is known as the Director General (DG), and he should be an officer from Indian Police Services (IPS).

Border Security Force FAQs

Q1. When was the Border Security Force (BSF) officially established?

Ans. It was raised in the wake of the 1965 War on 1 December 1965, "for ensuring the security of the borders of India and for matters associated therewith. 

Q2. Under which ministry does the Border Security Force (BSF) function?

Ans. Ministry of Home Affairs

Q3. What is the motto of the BSF?

Ans. "Duty Unto Death"

Source: N18

Gyan Bharatam Mission Latest News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the revamped National Manuscripts Mission-now restructured as the “Gyan Bharatam Mission”-on June 9, 2025.

About Gyan Bharatam Mission

• The Gyan Bharatam Mission is a comprehensive national initiative under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, dedicated to the systematic survey, documentation, conservation, and digitisation of India’s vast manuscript heritage.
• The mission builds upon and revamps the earlier National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), which was established in 2003 and functions under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
• Objective of Gyan Bharatam Mission
  • To survey, document, conserve, and digitize over one crore (10 million) manuscripts housed in academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collections across India.
  • To create a National Digital Repository of Indian Knowledge Systems, making ancient wisdom accessible to researchers, students, and the public worldwide.

Key Features of Gyan Bharatam Mission

• Massive Coverage: Targets more than one crore manuscripts, making it the largest manuscript preservation initiative in India’s history.
• Digital Repository: Establishment of a centralized, accessible digital platform for India’s traditional knowledge systems, enabling AI-driven archiving, metadata tagging, and translation tools.
• Collaboration: Active engagement with academic institutions, museums, libraries, private collectors, and international organizations for research, preservation, and dissemination.
• Modern Conservation: Adoption of advanced scientific techniques for restoration, preservation, and digitization, including AI and 3D imaging.
• Budgetary Support: Budget allocation for the mission increased from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore, with a total outlay of ₹482.85 crore for 2024-31.
• Public Access: Manuscripts will be made accessible for academic research, education, and public knowledge, both nationally and globally.

What are Manuscripts?

• A manuscript is a handwritten document crafted on materials like paper, bark, or palm leaves, which is at least 75 years old and holds notable scientific, historical, or artistic importance.
• For example, the Bakhshali manuscript, dating back to the third or fourth century BCE, is an ancient Indian text on mathematics written on birch bark.
• Research has revealed that the Bakhshali manuscript features the earliest known instance of the mathematical symbol 'zero'.

Gyan Bharatam Mission FAQs

Q1. What is the Bharatam mission?

Ans. The Bharatam mission, called the Gyan Bharatam Mission, is a government initiative to survey, document, and conserve India’s manuscript heritage.

Q2. What is the primary objective of the Gyan Bharat mission?

Ans. Its main objective is to preserve, document, and make accessible over one crore Indian manuscripts.

Q3. How many manuscripts will be covered under the Gyan Bharatam mission?

Ans. The mission will cover more than one crore (10 million) manuscripts.

Q4. What is the budget of the manuscript mission?

Ans. The budget has been increased to ₹60 crore for the mission.

Source: TH

AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM Latest News

The recent approval by the United States to sell AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Turkey has triggered serious concerns in India.

About AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM

• AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is a highly advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) with surface-to-air missile (SAM) capabilities. 
• It was developed by Raytheon Technologies, one of the leading United States defense contractors.
• Developed to engage and destroy enemy aircraft at extended ranges, the AIM-120 has become a cornerstone of modern air combat. 

AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM Features

• Designed for deployment from fighter aircraft such as the F-16, F-15, F/A-18, and newer platforms like the F-35, the missile has a range exceeding 160 kilometers under optimal launch conditions.
• Measuring approximately 12 feet in length with a diameter of seven inches, the missile weighs around 356 pounds and is powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor capable of propelling it to speeds exceeding Mach 4, or roughly 3,000 miles per hour.
• The missile’s guidance system is a sophisticated blend of active radar, inertial navigation, and GPS correction, enabling it to operate independently after launch, a feature known as “fire-and-forget.”
• It also incorporates a two-way data link, which allows real-time updates to the missile’s trajectory, enhancing its accuracy against maneuvering targets. 
• Its active radar seeker is designed to detect stealthy aircraft with low radar cross-sections, while advanced electronic countermeasures ensure resilience against jamming attempts. 
• The missile carries an 18.1-kilogram high-explosive blast fragmentation warhead, optimized for destroying enemy aircraft and drones with a proximity fuse that triggers at the optimal moment.
• It has the ability to engage multiple targets beyond visual range, even in contested electronic environments.

AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM FAQs

Q1. What does AMRAAM stand for?

Ans. Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile

Q2. Who developed the AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM?

Ans. It was developed by Raytheon Technologies, one of the leading United States defense contractors.

Q3. What is the approximate range of the AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM under optimal launch conditions?

Ans. Over 160 kilometers

Source: FP

Type 2 Diabetes Latest News

The CBSE has directed affiliated schools to establish “Sugar Boards” to monitor and reduce sugar consumption among students primarily to lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity in children.

About Type 2 Diabetes

• T2D, the most common type of diabetes, is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. 
  • Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes mainly from the food you eat. 
  • Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy. 
  • In T2D, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin well.
  • Too much glucose then stays in your blood, and not enough reaches your cells.
• Type 2 diabetes may be caused by a combination of factors:
  • Being overweight or having obesity
  • Not being physically active
  • Genetics and family history
• How common is T2D?
  • Researchers estimate that T2D affects about 6.3% of the world’s population.
  • T2D most commonly affects adults over 45, but people younger than 45 can have it as well, including children.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

• Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all. 
• If you do have them, the symptoms develop slowly over several years. 
• They might be so mild that you do not notice them. 
• The symptoms can include:
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Increased hunger
  • Feeling tired
  • Blurred vision
  • Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Unexplained weight loss

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment 

• Treatment for T2D involves managing your blood sugar levels. 
• Many people are able to do this by living a healthy lifestyle. 
• Some people may also need to take diabetes medicines, which may include pills or medicines you inject under your skin, such as insulin. 

Type 2 Diabetes FAQs

Q1. What is the type 2 diabetes?

Ans. It is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. 

Q2. Which organ is responsible for producing insulin?

Ans. Pancreas

Q3. Is type 2 diabetes lifelong?

Ans. Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) disease.

Source: FE

e-Passports Latest News

India has joined over 120 nations in issuing biometric e-passports, offering enhanced security, faster immigration, and global compliance.

About e-Passports

• An e-passport (electronic or biometric passport) is an upgraded version of the traditional passport. It combines a conventional booklet with an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna in the back cover. 
• This chip securely stores the holder’s personal and biometric data, including:
  • Name, date of birth, passport number, and other demographic details
  • Biometric facial data and fingerprints
  • Digital signature for secure authentication
• Security Features of E-Passports
  • RFID Chip & Antenna: Stores encrypted personal and biometric data, making unauthorized access or tampering extremely difficult.
  • Basic Access Control (BAC): Stops unauthenticated access to the chip by restricting scanning equipment to only authorized devices.
  • Passive Authentication (PA): Authenticates stored information and identifies tampering.
  • Extended Access Control (EAC): Introduces an additional layer of security to biometric data such as fingerprints.
  • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): Digitally signs the data, ensuring authenticity and preventing forgery or unauthorized data changes.
• Benefits of E-Passports
  • Enhanced Security: Strong protection against forgery, duplication, and identity theft due to encrypted biometric data and digital signatures.
  • Faster Immigration: Automated e-gates and digital verification reduce manual checks and waiting times at airports.
  • Global Acceptance: Compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards ensures smooth travel and easier visa processing worldwide.
  • Privacy: New e-passports no longer print the residential address on the last page; it is stored digitally and accessible only to authorised officials.

e-Passports FAQs

Q1. Is the e-passport launched in India?

Ans. Yes, India has started issuing e-passports to its citizens.

Q2. What is an e-passport?

Ans. An e-passport is a passport with an embedded electronic chip that securely stores your personal and biometric details.

Q4. What is the cost of e-passport in India?

Ans. The cost is ₹1,500 for a 36-page passport and ₹2,000 for a 60-page passport for adults.

Source: TOI

World Food Prize Latest News

Brazilian scientist Mariangela Hungria recently won the 2025 World Food Prize for her pioneering work in reducing the use of chemical fertilisers and developing biological seed and soil treatments to boost crop yields and nutrition.

About World Food Prize

• It is an international award recognizing the achievements of individuals that have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world.
• It is also known as the Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture.
• It recognizes contributions in any field involved in the world food supply, such as food and agriculture, science and technology, manufacturing, marketing, nutrition, economics, poverty alleviation, political leadership, and the social sciences.
• The Prize was founded in 1986 by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize. 
• It is now administered by the World Food Prize Foundation with support from numerous sponsors.
• It is a $500,000 award formally presented at the Laureate Award Ceremony in mid-October, on or around World Food Day, in conjunction with the Borlaug Dialogue international symposium in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
• M.S. Swaminathan was named the first World Food Prize Laureate, receiving the award in 1987 for developing and spearheading the introduction of high-yielding wheat and rice varieties into India during the 1960s.

World Food Prize 2025

• Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria is the winner of the 2025 World Food Prize for her work with biological seed and soil treatments.
• Hungria's research enables crops to utilize soil bacteria for nutrients, increasing yields and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

World Food Prize FAQs

Q1. Who founded the World Food Prize in 1986?

Ans. It was founded in 1986 by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize. 

Q2. Who won World Food Prize first?

Ans. M.S. Swaminathan was named the first World Food Prize Laureate, receiving the award in 1987.

Q3. Who won the 2025 World Food Prize?

Ans. Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria is the winner of the 2025 World Food Prize for her work with biological seed and soil treatments.

Source: PRINT

Coral Reefs Latest News

Scientists at the University of California San Diego developed SNAP-X, a bio-ink enhancing coral larvae settlement by 20x, offering a breakthrough for reef restoration amid climate threats.

About Coral Reefs

• Coral reefs are marine ecosystems built by groups of coral polyps bound together by calcium carbonate. These vibrant habitats flourish in warm, clear, and shallow waters of tropical regions.
• Notable examples include the Great Barrier Reef and India’s Gulf of Mannar and Lakshadweep.
• Coral reefs offer crucial benefits, such as providing food, shielding coastlines, and supporting local economies through tourism and fishing.
• Types of Coral Reefs:
  • Fringing Reefs: Found close to shorelines, separated from land by shallow lagoons. Most common type.
  • Barrier Reefs: Located farther offshore, separated from land by deeper, wider lagoons. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest example.
  • Atolls: Ring-shaped reefs that encircle a lagoon, often formed on sinking volcanic islands. Common in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Conditions Required for Coral Reef Formation

• Stable, Warm Water: Temperatures typically around 20°C, found in tropical regions between 30°N and 30°S.
• Shallow Depths: Usually up to 55 meters deep, allowing sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis.
• Clear, Low-Nutrient Saltwater: Essential for light penetration and coral health.
• Minimal Pollution: Corals are highly sensitive to chemical and sediment pollution.
• Abundant Plankton: Provides food for coral polyps.

Coral Reefs FAQs

Q1. What are called coral reefs?

Ans. Coral reefs are underwater structures made by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate.

Q2. What is coral reef and its importance?

Ans. Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems that protect coastlines, support fisheries, and are vital for marine biodiversity and local economies.

Q3. What are the three types of coral reefs?

Ans. The three main types are fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls.

Source: Eurasia Review

Public Safety Act Latest News

Jammu & Kashmir Police have recently invoked the Public Safety Act against 23 individuals in Srinagar, citing their involvement in subversive activities and threats to national security and public order.

About Public Safety Act

• The Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978 (Act No. VI of 1978), is a preventive detention law originally enacted by the J&K State Legislature and now applicable to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. 
• Its primary objective is to empower authorities to detain individuals to prevent actions prejudicial to the security of the state or maintenance of public order.

Public Safety Act Key Provisions

• Detention Without Trial: The PSA permits authorities to detain individuals without formal charges or a trial, even if they are already in custody or recently granted bail.
• No Right to File Bail Application: Detainees under the PSA cannot seek bail or appoint a lawyer to represent them, leaving them with limited legal representation options.
• Limited Legal Remedies: The only way to challenge a PSA detention is through a habeas corpus petition filed by the detained person’s relatives in higher courts.
• Re-Detention Possibility: Even if a PSA detention order is quashed by the High Court or Supreme Court, the government can issue a fresh detention order.
• Discretionary Powers: The District Magistrate who issues the detention order is legally protected, as the PSA considers such actions done “in good faith.”
• Section 8 of the PSA: It broadly defines grounds for detention, including promoting enmity, instigation, or any acts threatening public harmony, with final decisions left to district authorities.
• No Distinction Between Offences: The PSA allows detention for up to one year for disturbing public order and two years for activities harmful to state security.

Public Safety Act FAQs

Q1. What do you mean by Public Safety Act?

Ans. The Public Safety Act is a law that allows authorities to detain people without trial to prevent threats to public order or state security.

Q2. What is the public safety bill in India?

Ans. The public safety bill refers to laws like the Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act or National Security Act, which enable preventive detention for maintaining public safety.

Q3. What is Section 13 of the Public Safety Act 1978?

Ans. Section 13 requires authorities to inform detainees of the reasons for their detention within 5 to 10 days, but can withhold details if it is against public interest.

Q4. What was the purpose of public safety?

Ans. The purpose of public safety is to prevent acts that threaten the security of the state or disturb public order.

Source: IE