Prelims Pointers for 9-May-2025

by Vajiram & Ravi

08-05-2025

06:30 PM

Coal Gasification Blog Image

Coal Gasification Latest News

The Ministry of Coal has signed the Coal Gasification Plant Development and Production Agreement (CGPDPA) with selected applicants under Category II of the Coal Gasification Financial Incentive Scheme.

What is Coal Gasification?

  • Coal gasification is a thermo-chemical process that converts coal into syngas, a synthetic gas composed mainly of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapour (H₂O).
  • Coal is reacted at high temperatures (1000–1400°C) with a controlled amount of oxygen and steam, producing syngas.

Process of Coal Gasification

  • Preparation: Coal is finely crushed to increase surface area.
  • Gasification reactor: The powdered coal is fed into a reactor with limited oxygen/air and steam.
  • Chemical reactions: Coal breaks down into syngas components due to partial oxidation.
  • Gas cleaning: Impurities like tar, sulfur, and dust are removed from raw syngas.

Ex-situ vs In-situ Gasification

Aspect

Ex-situ Gasification

In-situ Gasification

Location

Above ground in controlled gasifiers

Underground, in coal seams

Process

Coal is extracted and gasified in reactors

Oxygen and steam are injected into the coal seam to generate syngas underground

Application

Suitable for shallow reserves

Ideal for deep or unmineable coal seams

Efficiency

More energy is used in mining and handling

More energy-efficient for deeper deposits

About the Coal Gasification Financial Incentive Scheme 

  • Launched: January 24, 2024.
  • Total outlay: ₹8,500 crore.
  • Target: Achieve 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030.
  • Aim: To efficiently utilise India’s domestic coal reserves for sustainable industrial development.
  • It promotes both public and private sector participation for setting up coal gasification infrastructure.
  • Aligned with India’s goal of a clean coal transition, energy security, and reduction of import dependency.

Coal Gasification FAQs

Q1. What is coal gasification?
Ans. Coal gasification is a process of converting coal into syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide), which can be used for power generation and as chemical feedstock.

Q2. What are syngas used for?
Ans. Syngas is used for electricity generation, production of methanol, fertilisers, and as a substitute for natural gas.

Source: PIB


United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) Blog Image

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) Latest News

Recently, India actively participated in the 20th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

About the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

  • The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) was established in 2000 by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to promote sustainable forest management and conservation worldwide.
  • The forum holds annual sessions at the UN Headquarters, alternating between technical discussions (odd years) and policy-level dialogues (even years).
  • UNFF has universal membership, including all UN Member States and specialised forest-related agencies.
  • India is a founding member of the UNFF, and continues to play a proactive role in shaping forest-related global policy.
  • The 19th UNFF Session Declaration aimed to secure high-level political commitment to forest protection, with actionable steps to achieve the goals of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests (UNSPF).

India at United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20)

  • The Indian delegation highlighted the country’s achievements in forest conservation and sustainable forest management, reaffirming its commitment to the Voluntary National Contributions (VNCs) under the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests (UNSPF) 2017–2030.
  • India reported a steady increase in forest and tree cover, which now stands at 25.17% of its geographical area, as per the latest India State of Forest Report.
  • Among the key national initiatives mentioned were:
    • Aravalli Green Wall project for land restoration,
    • A 7.86% increase in mangrove cover over the past decade,
    • Afforestation of over 1.55 lakh hectares under the Green India Mission, and
    • Planting of 1.4 billion seedlings under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Plant4Mother) campaign.
  • A major highlight was India’s invitation to all UN Member States to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global platform initiated by India to protect the seven big cat species through collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building.
  • These studies focused on quantifying ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, water provisioning, and biodiversity conservation, using tools such as the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA).

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) FAQs

Q1. What is the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)?
Ans. It is a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) focused on promoting sustainable forest management.

Q2. Where was UNFF20 held and when?
Ans. UNFF20 was held in May 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.

Source: PIB


Lead-to-Gold Transmutation Blog Image

Lead-to-Gold Transmutation Latest News

CERN’s ALICE detector has experimentally confirmed the conversion of lead into gold through a process of nuclear transmutation at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

About Chrysopoeia

  • The concept of turning lead into gold, known as chrysopoeia, was a medieval alchemist’s dream, based on the similar density of the two metals, but modern science clarified that they are distinct chemical elements and chemical methods cannot achieve such a transformation.

Mechanism of Transmutation

  • Gold nuclei (Au-203) are created when three protons and two neutrons are ejected from lead nuclei (Pb-208) during ultra-peripheral collisions in the LHC, where nuclei pass close without directly colliding.
  • These near-miss collisions generate strong electromagnetic fields due to the 82 protons in each lead nucleus moving at 99.999993% of the speed of light, compressing the field into a short-lived photon pulse.
  • The process, called electromagnetic dissociation, triggers internal nuclear oscillations, causing the emission of protons and neutrons.

Role of ALICE Detector and ZDC

  • The ALICE detector utilises Zero Degree Calorimeters (ZDCs) to identify photon–nucleus interactions and detect the ejection of zero, one, two, or three protons, linked to the formation of lead, thallium, mercury, and gold, respectively.
  • This is the first systematic experimental detection of gold creation at the LHC, thanks to ALICE’s high precision in recording both high-energy and rare low-particle collisions.

About the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)

  • The LHC is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator, built by CERN to study fundamental particles and test predictions of the Standard Model.
  • It consists of a 27-kilometre circular ring with superconducting magnets and accelerating structures, located on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva.
  • Inside, two beams of hadrons (usually protons or lead nuclei) are accelerated to 99.999999% the speed of light in opposite directions, then made to collide at four detector sites: ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, and LHCb.

About CERN

  • CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research) was established in 1954 as Europe’s first joint scientific venture after WWII.
  • It is headquartered near Geneva, with 23 member states and 10 associate members, including India as an Associate Member.
  • CERN is dedicated to collaborative high-energy particle physics research and houses the LHC and its associated detectors.

Lead-to-Gold Transmutation FAQs

Q1. What is ALICE in the context of CERN?
Ans. ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is a major detector at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), designed to study heavy-ion collisions and investigate conditions similar to those just after the Big Bang.

Q2. Where is CERN located, and why is it relevant to India?
Ans. CERN is located on the Franco–Swiss border, and India is an associate member of CERN, contributing to research and scientific collaboration.

Source: PHY


Arnala

09-05-2025

07:31 AM

timer
1 min read
Arnala Blog Image

Arnala Latest News

Delivery of ‘Arnala’- First Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft to the Indian Navy.

About Arnala

  • ‘Arnala’ is the first of eight indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) delivered to the Indian Navy recently.
  • It was designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and constructed at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
  • The warship was built according to the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules, showcasing adherence to domestic naval architecture standards.
  • The project reflects the successful collaboration between the public and private sectors in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, supporting strategic self-reliance.
  • ‘Arnala’ is named after the historic Arnala Fort located off Vasai, Maharashtra, symbolising India’s rich maritime legacy and heritage.
  • The vessel is 77 metres long and holds the distinction of being the largest Indian Naval warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet propulsion system.
  • Primary roles of the ship include:
    • Underwater surveillance in coastal zones
    • Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
    • Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
    • Coastal Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations
    • Advanced mine-laying capabilities.
  • The induction of ASW SWCs like Arnala significantly enhances India’s shallow water anti-submarine warfare capacity, vital for maritime security in littoral zones.
  • Over 80% of the ship’s components are sourced indigenously, marking a major step in the realization of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in defence manufacturing.

Arnala FAQs

Q1. What is 'Arnala'?
Ans. INS Arnala is the lead ship in the Arnala-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow water craft, built under Project 21301.

Q2. What is the role of INS Arnala?
Ans. Its primary role is anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and mine-laying in coastal waters.

Source: PIB


INS Vikrant Latest News

Amid surging tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after Pakistan’s attempted aerial strikes on Indian territory, the Indian Navy has deployed its most formidable naval asset — INS Vikrant — to the Arabian Sea.

About INS Vikrant

  • It is India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured aircraft carrier.
  • The ship has been designed in-house by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited.
  • It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2022.
  • It has an overall indigenous content of 76%.
  • It strengthens the country’s standing as a ‘Blue Water Navy’—a maritime force with global reach and capability to operate over deep seas.
  • With it, India also joined the elite group of nations–the US, Russia, France, the UK, and China–who are capable of designing and constructing aircraft carriers. 

INS Vikrant Features

  • With a length of 262 metres and a width of 62 metres, the massive aircraft carrier boasts 14 decks, making it as tall as a 14-storey building.
  • It can house over 1,500 personnel.
  • Its full-load displacement is 43,000 tonnes.
  • The ship is powered by four Gas Turbines totaling 88 MW of power and has a maximum speed of 28 knots. 
  • Endurance: 8,600 miles (13,890 kilometres)
  • It is capable of functioning independently for up to 45 days at sea.
  • It is capable of operating an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising MIG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy). 
  • Using a novel aircraft-operation mode known as STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Landing), INS Vikrant is equipped with a ski- jump for launching aircraft and a set of 'arrester wires' for their recovery onboard.

INS Vikrant FAQs

Q1. What is the significance of INS Vikrant in India's naval history?

Ans. First indigenously designed and manufactured aircraft carrier of India.

Q2. Which organisation designed the INS Vikrant?

Ans. Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau

Q3. Which shipyard constructed INS Vikrant?

Ans. Goa Shipyard

Source: ZEE


Thalassaemia Blog Image

Thalassaemia Latest News

World Thalassaemia Day is observed on May 8 every year to raise awareness and promote action around the genetic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

About Thalassaemia

  • Thalassemia (thal-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder. 
  • Thalassemia causes the body to have less of the protein hemoglobin than usual. 
    • Hemoglobin is present in red blood cells and allows the red blood cells to carry oxygen. 
    • Not having enough hemoglobin or red blood cells can lead to a condition called anemia. That can make you feel tired and weak.
  • Thalassaemia is caused by inheriting a gene mutation (change in the normal DNA) from one or both parents. 
  • There are different types of thalassaemia. The type someone has depends on which gene mutation they inherit.
  • Symptoms: Thalassemia can cause mild or severe anemia and other complications over time (such as iron overload). Symptoms of anemia include:
    • Fatigue.
    • Trouble breathing.
    • Feeling cold.
    • Dizziness.
    • Pale skin.
  • Treatments:
    • Blood transfusions – regular blood transfusions treat and prevent anaemia; in severe cases these are needed around once a month.
    • Chelation therapy – treatment with medicine to remove the excess iron from the body that builds up as a result of having regular blood transfusions
    • The only possible cure for thalassaemia is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, but this is not done very often because of the risks involved.

Thalassaemia FAQs

Q1. What is thalassemia?

Ans. An inherited blood disorder causing reduced hemoglobin.

Q2. Which component of blood is most directly affected in thalassemia?

Ans. Hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Q3. What causes thalassemia?

Ans. Gene mutation inherited from parents.

Source: TWEEK


HAROP Drones Blog Image

HAROP Drones Latest News

Indian armed forces recently deployed Israeli-origin Harop drones to carry out precision strikes on air defence systems in Pakistan as part of their ongoing 'Operation Sindoor'.

About HAROP Drones

  • The Harop drone, developed by the MBT Missiles Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), belongs to a class of weapons known as loitering munitions.
    • These drones are designed to hover in a designated area for up to nine hours, identify hostile targets, and destroy them by crashing into them with a built-in explosive payload.
    • Unlike conventional UAVs, which return after surveillance missions, loitering munitions serve a dual purpose: reconnaissance and attack.
  • The Harop is equipped with an electro-optical (EO) or infrared (IR) seeker to detect, track, and engage static or mobile threats, including radar systems, missile launchers, and command posts.
  • Capable of autonomous operation with human oversight, the Harop offers a man-in-the-loop control mode, allowing the operator to make final decisions before impact. 
  • It is also equipped with abort capability, allowing for mission cancellation mid-flight to avoid collateral damage.
  • Other notable features include:
    • A wingspan of 3 meters and a length of 2.5 meters.
    • Maximum speed of 417 km/h.
    • Operational range of 200 km.
    • Flight endurance exceeding six hours.
    • Service ceiling of approximately 15,000 feet.
    • A 16 kg high-explosive warhead.
    • Circular Error Probable (CEP) of under one meter, making it highly accurate.
  • This combination of attributes allows the Harop to loiter over hostile areas, strike from any angle—including shallow or steep dives — and perform in GPS-denied environments due to its resistance to satellite jamming (GNSS).
  • India has been a known operator of the Harop drone for over a decade.

HAROP Drones FAQs

Q1. Who developed the HAROP drone?

Ans. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) 

Q2. What type of weapon is the HAROP drone classified as?

Ans. Loitering munition

Q3. What is the operational range of the HAROP drone?

Ans. 200 km

Source: TOI


Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN)  Blog Image

Indo-Pacific Logistics Network Latest News

Quad partners recently convened at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii, for a Tabletop Exercise, a simulation to launch the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network IPLN.

About Indo-Pacific Logistics Network

  • The Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project was launched during the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit in September 2024. 
  • IPLN is an initiative that enables Quad partners to leverage shared logistics capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to support civilian response to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently across the region. 
  • This effort will complement existing efforts with Indo-Pacific partners.
  • Together with the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, the IPLN reflects the Quad’s commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific and highlights the value of strengthening practical cooperation to address regional challenges.

What is Quad?

  • The Quad, officially the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a group of four countries: the United States, Australia, India, and Japan.
  • Genesis
    • Quad came together during the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean region to coordinate response and assistance to countries in the region. 
    • The first meeting of Quad officials took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum summit in the Philippines in May 2007. 
    • After a gap of 10 years, Quad officials met in Manila in November 2017 on the margins of the East Asia Summit for consultations on connectivity issues; maritime security and counter-terrorism; shared principles for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific; and proliferation threats in Asia. 
  • Since 2021, the leaders of the four nations have met annually to drive the Quad’s positive contributions across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
  • The core objective of the Quad is to secure a rules-based global order, freedom of navigation, and a liberal trading system. 
  • The coalition also aims to offer alternative debt financing for nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • It is basically seen as a strategic grouping to reduce Chinese domination. 

Indo-Pacific Logistics Network FAQs

Q1. What is the primary purpose of the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) initiative?

Ans. Enables Quad partners to leverage shared logistics capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to support civilian response to natural disasters.

Q2. Which four countries make up the Quad?

Ans. India, Australia, USA, Japan

Q3. When did the Quad countries first come together?

Ans. Quad came together during the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean region to coordinate response and assistance to countries in the region. 

Source: NOA


Competition Commission of India (Determination of Cost of Production) Regulations, 2025 Blog Image

Competition Commission of India (Determination of Cost of Production) Regulations, 2025 Latest News

The Competition Commission of India recently notified the Competition Commission of India (Determination of Cost of Production) Regulations, 2025, aimed at effectively assessing alleged predatory pricing and deep discounting practices in the quick commerce and e-commerce sectors.

About Competition Commission of India (Determination of Cost of Production) Regulations, 2025:

  • It was notified by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
  • It is aimed at effectively assessing alleged predatory pricing and deep discounting practices in the quick commerce and e-commerce sectors.
    • Predatory pricing refers to a strategy where a dominant company deliberately lowers its prices below the cost of production to drive competitors out of the market. 
    • Once rival firms are weakened or eliminated, the company typically raises prices to recoup its losses and consolidate market control. 
    • This practice is specifically prohibited under Section 4(2)(a)(ii) of the Competition Act, 2002, when used to unfairly gain or maintain dominance.
  • To strengthen oversight of such behavior, CCI (Determination of Cost of Production) Regulations, 2025, implements updated cost assessment standards. 
  • These revised benchmarks are designed to reflect modern economic thinking, judicial rulings, and international best practices in competition law.
  • According to the latest regulations, the “cost of a good or service would be assumed to be its average variable cost”, which is the total variable cost divided by total output during a particular period. 
    • Here, the total variable cost refers to the total cost (including everything that goes into the production of that good or service) minus the fixed cost and fixed overheads attributable to the product.
  • One of the key changes in the new regulations is the shift from sector-specific benchmarks to a case-by-case assessment model that is flexible and adaptable to various industries, including the digital economy.
  • Therefore, rather than prescribing sector-specific metrics, the framework allows for case-by-case assessment, enabling the Commission to consider the unique features and evolving dynamics of digital markets when evaluating alleged predatory conduct.
  • These new regulations repeal the 2009 Cost Regulations and reflect evolving global practices in competition law.

Competition Commission of India (Determination of Cost of Production) Regulations, 2025 FAQs

Q1. What is the main purpose of the CCI (Determination of Cost of Production) Regulations, 2025?

Ans. It is aimed at effectively assessing alleged predatory pricing and deep discounting practices in the quick commerce and e-commerce sectors.

Q2. What is meant by predatory pricing?

Ans. Lowering prices below cost to eliminate competitors

Q3. What key change was introduced in the 2025 Regulations compared to older frameworks?

Ans. Shift from sector-specific benchmarks to case-by-case assessment.

Source: PRINT


Chile

09-05-2025

09:30 AM

timer
1 min read
 Chile Blog Image

Chile Latest News

Recently, India and Chile signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to begin negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Key Facts about Chile

  • Location and Borders: Located in South America, Chile is a long, narrow country bordered by:
    • Peru and Bolivia to the North,
    • Argentina to the East,
    • Pacific Ocean to the West.
  • The Argentina–Chile border is the longest in South America and the third-longest globally.
  • Key Geographical Features:
    • Andes Mountains: The World's longest continental mountain range.
    • Atacama Desert: Driest non-polar desert in the world.
    • Loa River: Chile’s longest river (approx. 440 km).
    • Ojos del Salado: The World’s highest active volcano and 2nd highest peak in South America (6,880 m).
    • Frequent earthquakes and tsunamis due to Chile's location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
  • Economic Resources:
    • The World’s largest copper producer.
    • Member of the “Lithium Triangle” (with Argentina and Bolivia), holding over 75% of global lithium reserves under salt flats.
    • Other resources include molybdenum, iron ore, timber, hydropower, and precious metals.

Chile FAQs

Q1. Where is Chile located?
Ans. Chile is a long, narrow country in South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east.

Q2. What type of government does Chile have?
Ans. Chile is a presidential republic, with a multi-party system and democratic elections.

Q3. What is Chile known for in the global economy?
Ans. Chile is a leading global exporter of copper, lithium, and wine.

Source: PIB