Neutron stars
07-08-2024
06:30 PM

Overview:
Astronomers recently discovered ten strange dead stars, or "neutron stars," lurking near the heart of the Milky Way.
About Neutron Stars:
- Neutron stars are extremely dense and compact celestial objects formed when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses.
- The very central region of the star, ‘the core’, collapses, crushing together every proton and electron into a neutron.
- If the core of the collapsing star is between about 1 and 3 solar masses, these newly-created neutrons can stop the collapse, leaving behind a neutron star. (Stars with higher masses will continue to collapse into stellar-mass black holes).
- Since neutron stars began their existence as stars, they are scattered throughout the galaxy in the same places where we find stars. And like stars, they can be found by themselves or in binary systems with a companion.
- Neutron stars are typically about 20 km (12 miles) in diameter.
- Their masses range between 1.18 and 1.97 times that of the Sun, but most are 1.35 times that of the Sun.
- Many neutron stars are likely undetectable because they simply do not emit enough radiation.
- Most neutron stars are observed as pulsars.
- Pulsars are rotating neutron stars observed to have pulses of radiation at very regular intervals that typically range from milliseconds to seconds.
- Pulsars have very strong magnetic fields, which funnel jets of particles out along the two magnetic poles.
- These accelerated particles produce very powerful beams of light.
- Neutron stars are also seen as objects called rotating radio transients (RRATs) and as magnetars.
- The RRATs are sources that emit single radio bursts but at irregular intervals ranging from four minutes to three hours. The cause of the RRAT phenomenon is unknown.
- Magnetars are neutron stars having an ultrahigh magnetic field that is much stronger than the terrestrial magnetic field.

Q1: What is a Black hole?
A black hole is a region in space where gravity pulls so much that even light can not get out. The gravity is so strong because matter has been squeezed into a tiny space. This can happen when a star is dying. Because no light can get out, it is difficult to detect a black hole. The largest black holes are called "supermassive." These black holes have masses that are more than 1 million suns together. Albert Einstein first predicted the existence of black holes in 1916, with his general theory of relativity.
Source: 10 new dead star 'monsters' discovered at the heart of the Milky Way
What is Candida auris (C. auris)?
07-08-2024
06:30 PM

Overview:
Researchers recently discovered a new clade (or type) of Candida auris, bringing the number of clades known globally to a total of six.
About Candida Auris (C. auris):
- It is a fungal pathogen that is often multi-drug-resistant.
- It is capable of causing invasive infections in the human body.
- It can cause a range of infections, from superficial (skin) infections to more severe, life-threatening infections, such as bloodstream infections.
- It can cause infection in different parts of the body, like the blood, wounds, and ears.
- It was first identified in Japan in 2009.
- How is it contracted?
- Most cases of the fungus have been reported in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes.
- It is generally thought to be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or by person-to-person transmission.
- People who are already suffering from other medical conditions, recent hospital stays, and invasive devices are most at risk of contracting the fungus.
- How does the fungus act on the body? There are two ways C. auris can affect the body,
- The fungus can either live on a specific region, such as the skin, rectum, or mouth, in a process called “asymptomatic colonization,” where a patient has no symptoms but can spread it to other people.
- It can enter the bloodstream or wounds, where it can cause severe invasive infections.
- Symptoms:
- Its symptoms are often similar to those of other common diseases, and hence diagnosis is difficult.
- The most common symptoms of C. auris include fever and chills that don’t go away after treatment with antibiotics.
- Mortality Rate: It is estimated to be between 30-60%.
- Treatment:
- Most C. auris infections are treatable with antifungal drugs called echinocandins.
- However, some C. auris infections are resistant to the main types of antifungal medications, making them more difficult to treat.
- In this situation, multiple antifungals at high doses may be required to treat the infection.

Q1: What is a Fungus?
Fungi, along with Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), Protista, Archaea/Archaebacteria, and Bacteria or Eubacteria, form the six ‘kingdoms’ of biology. Fungi includes the yeasts, rusts, smuts, mildews, molds, and mushrooms. They are eukaryotic organisms, i.e., their cells contain membrane-bound organelles and clearly defined nuclei. Fungi usually reproduce both sexually and asexually.
Source: Researchers discover new Candida auris—a possible global public health threat
What is a Waqf?
07-08-2024
06:30 PM

Overview:
A contentious bill to amend 44 sections of the Waqf Act of 1995 - including changing it ensure representation of non-Muslim individuals and Muslim women in central and state Waqf bodies - is likely to be tabled in the Lok Sabha.
About Waqf:
- Under the Waqf Act of 1954, a Waqf refers to a property dedicated in the name of God for religious and charitable purposes.
- Legally, it is the permanent dedication by a Muslim of any movable or immovable property for purposes recognised by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable.
- A Waqf can be established through a deed or instrument, or a property can be considered a Waqf if it has been used for religious or charitable purposes over a long period.
- The proceeds from a Waqf typically fund educational institutions, graveyards, mosques, and shelter homes.
- Once a property is designated as a Waqf, it becomes non-transferable and is detained perpetually as a charitable act toward God, essentially transferring ownership to God.
- Waqfs can be either public, serving charitable ends, or private, benefiting the property owner’s direct descendants.
- To create a Waqf, one must be of sound mind and hold valid ownership of the property.
- The creator of a Waqf, known as the Waqif, does not have to be a Muslim, as long as they profess belief in Islamic principles.
- How is a Waqf governed?
- Waqfs in India are regulated by the Waqf Act, 1995.
- A survey commissioner lists all properties declared as Waqf by conducting local investigations, summoning witnesses, and requisitioning public documents.
- The Waqf is managed by a mutawali, who acts as a supervisor.
- Unlike trusts established under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, which can serve broader purposes and be dissolved by the board, Waqfs are specifically for religious and charitable uses and are intended to be perpetual.
- What is a Waqf Board?
- A Waqf board is a legal entity capable of acquiring, holding, and transferring property.
- It can sue and be sued in court.
- Each state has a Waqf Board led by a chairperson, including nominees from the state government, Muslim legislators, parliamentarians, members of the state Bar Council, Islamic scholars, and mutawalis (managers) of Waqfs with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh and above.
- The Waqf Board administers Waqf properties, recovers lost properties, and sanctions the transfer of immovable Waqf properties through sale, gift, mortgage, exchange, or lease, with at least two-thirds of the board membersvotingin favour of the transaction.
- The boardappoints custodians to ensure the Waqf and its revenue are used for their designated purposes.
- The Central Waqf Council (CWC), established in 1964, oversees and advises state-level Waqf Boards across India.
- Waqf Act 1995:
- It is comprehensive legislation enacted by the Indian government to improve the administration and management of waqf properties.
- It establishes the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, distributing powers between Chief Executive Officers and Waqf Boards.
- Key provisions include the mandatory registration of all Waqfs with the Waqf Board, the maintenance of a central register of Waqfs, the authority of Waqf Boards to appoint executive officers, the removal of encroachments from Waqf properties, the preparation of annual budgets for waqf maintenance, and the maintenance of records and inspection of Waqf properties.

Q1: What is the Central Waqf Council (CWC)?
Central Waqf Council is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Minority Affairs was set up in 1964 as per the provision given in the Waqf Act, 1954 as Advisory Body to the Central Government on matters concerning the working of the Waqf Boards and the due administration of Auqaf. However, the role of the Council was expanded significantly under the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013. The Council has been empowered to advise the Central Government, State Governments and State Waqf Boards
Source: Women, Non-Muslims On Boards, Council Can't Claim Land: Waqf Act Changes
What is Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)?
19-09-2023
11:41 PM

Overview:
The central government recently announced the full list of the first-ever Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2024 awardees.
Why in News?
- The ISRO- Chandrayan 3 Team will be awarded theVigyan Team award for their contribution in the field of Space Science and Technology.
- Celebrated biochemist Govindarajan Padmanabhan has been selected as the first recipient of the Vigyan Ratna Puraskar.
About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP):
- It is a new set of awards introduced by the Government of India in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
- Objective: To recognize the notable and inspiring contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.
- It is one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India.
- Eligibility:
- Scientists/ technologists/innovators working in government, private sector organizations, or any individual working outside any organization who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research, innovation, or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology- led innovation shall be eligible for the awards.
- People of Indian origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards.
- Scientists will be selected across 13 domains, namely Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
- The representation from each domain/field, including gender parity will be ensured.
- The awards shall be given in following four categories:
- Vigyan Ratna (VR) award will recognize lifetime achievements and contributions made in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Shri (VS) award will recognize distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award will recognize and encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years who made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Team (VT) award to be given to a team comprising three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.
- All nominations received for the RVP awards are placed before the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC), headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
- The award ceremony for all categories of awards will be held on 23rd August (National Space Day). All Awards will have a Sanad and a medal.

Q1: What is the Chandrayaan-3 Mission?
Chandrayaan-3 Mission is the second attempt of the Indian Space Research Organisation after the Chandrayaan-2 to demonstrate the capability of India in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The Lander Module of Chandrayaan-3 carrying the Lander, Vikram and Rover, Pragyan, made the historic soft landing on the surface of the Lunar South Pole on August 23, 2023. Thus, India became the first nation to soft-land on the surface of the Lunar south pole and overall the fourth to do a soft landing anywhere on the Earth’s natural satellite. Indian Space Research Organisation launched the Chandrayaan-3 Mission by using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3) on 14th July 2023 from Sriharikota.
What is the Yen carry trade?
07-08-2024
06:30 PM

Overview:
Sensex and Nifty 50 witnessed a heavy sell-off on 5th August, 2024 as the rout in global equities intensified amid US recession concerns and panic in the Japanese Yen Carry Trade.
About Yen carry trade:
The Yen Carry Trade is a financial strategy used by investors to take advantage of the low-interest rates in Japan. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Borrowing in Yen: Investors borrow money in Japanese yen, benefiting from the country’s historically low-interest rates.
- Investing in Higher-Yield Assets: The borrowed yen are then converted into another currency and invested in assets or instruments with higher yields, such as bonds, stocks, or real estate in countries with higher interest rates.
- Profit from Interest Rate Differential: The key to this strategy is the difference between the low borrowing costs in Japan and the higher returns on investments elsewhere. Investors aim to profit from this interest rate differential.
- Currency Risk: One significant risk in the yen carry trade is the fluctuation in exchange rates.
- If the yen appreciates significantly against the currency in which the investments are made, the cost of repaying the yen-denominated loan can increase, potentially offsetting the gains from the investment.
- Market Impact: The yen carry trade can influence global financial markets.
- Large-scale unwinding of these trades can lead to significant movements in currency exchange rates and affect market stability.
- Overall, the yen carry trade is a strategy that leverages low-interest rates in Japan to seek higher returns abroad, but it comes with risks, particularly related to currency fluctuations.

Q1. What is the difference between Debt and Equity?
"Debt" involves borrowing money to be repaid, plus interest, while "equity" involves raising money by selling interests in the company. Essentially you will have to decide whether you want to pay back a loan or give shareholders stock in your company.
Q2. What is the basic difference between FPI and FDI?
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) involves foreign investors directly investing in another nation's productive assets. Conversely, Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) entails investing in financial assets, like stocks and bonds, of entities situated in a different country.
Source: Yen Carry Trade blowback explained | Hindu | Indian Express
National Coastal Mission Scheme
19-09-2023
11:41 PM

Overview:
Recently, the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed the Lok Sabha about the National Coastal Scheme.
About National Coastal Mission Scheme:
- It was launched in 2014.
- It has been envisaged under the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
- It aims to address impact of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems, infrastructure and communities in coastal areas through a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures
- It is under the National Coastal Management Program is implemented with the following components:
- Management Action Plan on Conservation of Mangroves and Coral Reefs
- Research & Development in Marine and Coastal ecosystem
- Sustainable Development of Beaches under Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service
- Capacity Building / Outreach Programme of Coastal States/UTs on conservation of marine and coastal ecosystem including beach cleaning drive.
- Implementation: The implementing agencies of NCM are the State Governments of Coastal States and Union Territory (UT) Administrations.
Key facts about National Action Plan on Climate Change
- It was formally launched on June 30th, 2008. The NAPCC identifies measures that promote development objectives while also yielding co-benefits for addressing climate change effectively.
- There are eight “National Missions” which form the core of the NAPCC. They focus on promoting understanding of climate change, adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency and natural resource conservation.”
- The eight missions are:
- National Solar Mission, National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency,National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, National Water Mission, National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, National Mission for a Green India, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.

Q1: What is the Green India Mission?
Green India Mission was launched in the year 2014 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. It aims to respond to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures, which would help to enhance carbon sinks, adaptation of vulnerable species/ecosystems to the changing climate.
Source: National Coastal Scheme
Pyrocumulonimbus cloud
11-08-2024
06:30 PM

Overview:
Studies have shown that with temperatures soaring across the world, wildfires are becoming more common and intense, which could be spiking the occurrence of pyrocumulonimbus clouds.
What is a Cumulonimbus Cloud (Cb)?
- It is a heavy and dense cloud of considerable vertical extent in the form of a mountain or huge tower, often associated with heavy precipitation, lightning, and thunder.
- More commonly known as thunderclouds, cumulonimbus is the only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder, and lightning.
- The base of the cloud is often flat, with a very dark wall-like feature hanging underneath, and may only lie a few hundred feet above the Earth's surface.
- The vertical extent of Cumulonimbus ranges from 3 km to rarely more than 15 km (10 000 – 50 000 ft).
- Cb forms when three conditions are met:
- There must be a deep layer of unstable air.
- The air must be warm and moist.
- A trigger mechanism must cause the warm, moist air to rise:
- Heating of the layer of air close to the surface.
- Rising ground forcing the air upwards (orographic uplift).
- A front forcing the air upwards.
About Pyrocumulonimbus Clouds:
- They are thunder cloud screated by intense heat from the Earth’s surface.
- They are formed similarly to cumulonimbus clouds, but the intense heat that results in the vigorous updraft comes from fire, either large wildfires or volcanic eruptions.
- So it is, for this reason, the prefix ‘pyro’ is used – meaning fire in Greek.
- They look much darker than typical clouds because of their large amounts of smoke and ash.
- Pyrocumulonimbus clouds are thought to be responsible for several aerosol pollutants (such as smoke and ash) trapped in the stratosphere and upper atmosphere.
- And sometimes, lightning strikes generated from them even can ignite additional fires.

Q1: What are Cirrus Clouds?
Cirrus Clouds are delicate, feathery clouds that are made mostly of ice crystals. They are thin and wispy in appearance, often appearing as delicate, high-altitude filaments or strands. Their wispy shape comes from wind currents, which twist and spread the ice crystals into strands. They are usually white or have a light gray color. In the daytime, they are whiter than any other cloud in the sky. They are commonly known as "mare's tails" because they are shaped like the tail of a horse.
Source: How Pyrocumulonimbus clouds are formed when wildfires spit storms, lightning
Eta Carinae
19-09-2023
11:41 PM

Overview:
Astronomers are closely monitoring Eta Carinae, as it may be on the verge of a spectacular explosion.
About Eta Carinae:
- It is a hypergiant star with a mass approximately 100 times that of our Sun.
- Location: It is located about 7,500 light-years away in the Carina Nebula, Eta Carinae is one of the most massive and luminous stars known to science, making it an excellent candidate for a supernova.
- Historical records reveal that about 170 years ago, the star underwent a significant outburst, known as the Great Eruption, which temporarily made it one of the brightest stars in the southern sky.
- This event created the Homunculus Nebula, a distinctive hourglass-shaped cloud of gas and dust that surrounds the star.
- Unique characteristics
- It is the only known star to emit natural laser light, adding to its enigmatic nature.
- Recently the Hubble Space Telescope highlight the intricate details of the surrounding nebula, including diffraction spikes and radial streaks, which remain unexplained.
- Eta Carinae's eventual supernova will be a monumental event, potentially outshining any supernova observed in recent history, including SN 2006gy.
- When it does explode, it will provide an extraordinary light show visible from Earth and offer invaluable insights into the life cycles of massive stars.\

Q1: What is a red dwarf star?
It is a type of low-mass star that is the most common type of star in the Milky Way galaxy. These stars are smaller and cooler than the Sun, with surface temperatures that range from about 2,200 to 3,500 Kelvin.
Source: A star is rearing to explode. Earth will get a front-row seat to mega event
Bhoj wetland
07-08-2024
06:30 PM

Overview:
Recently, the Union Government denied that the international Ramsar site, Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal faces no threat of delisting from Ramsar Convention list of wetlands of International importance.
About Bhoj Wetland:
- Location: It is located in the city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- It consists of two contiguous human-made reservoirs, the upper and lower lakes.
- The Upper lake is called Bhojtal (Bada Talaab) and the Lower Lake is known as Chhota Talaab.
- The Upper Lake is surrounded by Van Vihar National Park on the south, human settlements on the east and north, and agriculture fields on the west.
- The Upper Lake is a major source of potable water for Bhopal.
- Fauna: The lakes are very rich in biodiversity, particularly for macrophytes, phytoplankton and zooplankton.
- It has more than 15 kinds of fish and several vulnerable species, including turtles, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.
- It was designated as the Ramsar site in 2002.
What is the Ramsar Convention?
- This convention was signed on 2nd February 1971 to preserve the ecological character of their wetlands of international importance.
- It is named after Ramsar, the Iranian city where the treaty was signed in 1971, and places chosen for conservation under it are given the tag ‘Ramsar site’.

Q1: What is Wetland?
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.
Source: Govt denies any threat to Bhoj Wetland delisting from Ramsar Convention list