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52 Defence Surveillance Satellites

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52 Defence Surveillance Satellites

Operation Sindoor exposed the need for precision, round-the-clock surveillance of India’s land borders and coastline, especially to monitor enemy activities like drone and missile movements. It was reported that China supported Pakistan with satellite intelligence during this operation, underscoring the strategic importance of India having an independent and superior space-based surveillance capability.

Space-Based Surveillance-III (SBS-III) Programme

  • In October 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by PM Narendra Modi, approved $3.2 billion (₹26,968 crore) for the next-generation surveillance satellite constellation.
  • Satellite Manufacturing & Launch:
  • ISRO to build and launch 21 satellites.

Private Indian companies to build and launch 31 satellites, indicating growing private sector participation in strategic space infrastructure.

Technology:

  • These satellites will feature next-generation radar imaging, enabling all-weather, day-and-night surveillance.Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for smarter, autonomous decision-making and enhanced efficiency in surveillance tasks.

ISRO will transfer Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology to private players This will facilitate rapid satellite launches in emergencies, enhancing responsiveness

Oversight:

  • Defence Space Agency (DSA) will oversee operations and coordination among ISRO, private players, and armed forces.

Coverage & Capability:

  • Will cover larger areas of China and Pakistan plus the Indian Ocean Region

Provides shorter revisit times — meaning satellites will surveil the same area more frequently

Offers higher resolution imaging for detailed intelligence

Operational Benefits:

  • Enables Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to monitor adversary movements deep inside hostile territory — including airfields, military bases, and staging areas

AI-enabled satellites that can communicate and collaborate to gather more effective GeoIntelligence

Timeline:

The first satellite is expected to be launched by April 2026, with the full constellation targeted for completion by the end of 2029.

Strategic Impact:

    • Once fully operational, SBS-III will reduce India’s dependence on foreign intelligence satellites.

It will focus more precisely on China and Pakistan borders, and cover the Indian Ocean Region extensively.

Existing satellites like Cartosat and RISAT have already played vital roles in providing real-time intelligence during Operation Sindoor, helping prevent significant military losses.

Military Space Doctrine:

  • A comprehensive doctrine is being finalized and is expected within three months, to provide a strategic framework for India’s military space operations, ensuring better coordination and protection of space assets.

 

 

 

QUAD ‘At Sea Observer Mission’

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QUAD ‘At Sea Observer Mission’

A first-ever maritime cross-embarkation initiative involving Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. It is a Part of broader QUAD efforts to ensure a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.Two officers, including women officers from each country have embarked on board US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton, which is currently sailing to Guam.

Strategic Objectives

1. Interoperability

  • Enhances joint readiness and the ability to conduct combined maritime operations during crises, patrols, or disaster relief.

2. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

  • Shared monitoring, surveillance, and response capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, especially key choke points like the Malacca Strait and South China Sea.

3. Capacity-Building

  • Focus on training, humanitarian outreach, and technical exchanges among partner nations.

4. Upholding a Rules-Based Maritime Order

  • Reinforces the Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific vision, central to QUAD's strategic doctrine.

Key Highlights:

  • Vessel: The mission involves cross-embarkation aboard the USCGC Stratton, a U.S. Legend-class national security cutter.

    Personnel: Two officers, including women, from each nation are onboard.

    Objective: Improve interoperability, operational coordination, and domain awareness, bolstering maritime safety in alignment with a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.

    Foundation: This initiative stems from commitments made during the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware (September 2024), under the Wilmington Declaration.

    India’s Role: India aligns the mission with its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), focusing on capacity-building and humanitarian outreach.

Why It Matters:

First major joint observer mission by QUAD Coast Guards.

Demonstrates growing non-military security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Symbolizes increasing strategic trust and maritime solidarity in response to regional challenges (e.g., illegal fishing, natural disasters, maritime disputes).


 

India Energy Stack (IES)

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The Ministry of Power’s recent announcement to set up a task force to develop the India Energy Stack (IES)—a transformative digital public infrastructure for India’s energy sector. The IES aims to unify fragmented systems, support real-time data sharing, and foster innovation through tools like unique consumer IDs, open APIs, and the Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP)

What is the IES?
The India Energy Stack is a proposed digital public infrastructure (DPI) for the energy sector, modeled on successful systems like Aadhaar (for identity) and UPI (for payments). It aims to digitally integrate India's fragmented electricity ecosystem — unifying producers, consumers, grid operators, regulators, and more. It will provide unique IDs for stakeholders, enable secure, consent-based real-time data sharing, support system integration through open APIs, and offer tools to empower consumers and innovators. A 12-month proof of concept will test its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Core Goals and Functions of IES

  1. Unique Identification: For consumers, energy assets, and stakeholders (akin to Aadhaar).

  2. Interoperability: Enables seamless integration between discoms, markets, and technologies.

  3. Data-Driven Operations: Real-time, harmonized data to support intelligent decision-making.

  4. Standardized Infrastructure: Provides a level playing field for startups, fintechs, and innovators in the energy domain

New Possibilities Enabled by IES

  • Energy Fintech: New business models around microtransactions, energy credit markets, insurance, and carbon trading.

    Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): Aggregating distributed assets like rooftop solar and battery storage into coordinated energy supply.

    Peer-to-Peer Trading: Prosumers can buy, sell, or store energy across regions.

    Demand Response: Consumers respond to real-time grid signals to shift or reduce load.

Why It is important

  • Fragmentation Fix: India’s power ecosystem is currently a patchwork of disconnected islands – state vs. central, legacy vs. modern systems. IES aims to unify them

  • Facilitates Renewables & EVs: Standardized data flows and API-driven architecture will boost renewable integration, EV demand-responsive operations, and prosumer-driven markets

  • Consumer & Market Impact: Real-time data, market access tools, and payment-grade infrastructure create a foundation for peer-to-peer trading, energy fintech, and virtual power plants (VPPs) — mirroring the impact of Aadhaar/UPI in identity and finance.

Proof of Concept (PoC) & Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP)

  • A 12-month PoC involving selected utilities from Mumbai, Gujarat, and Delhi will pilot real-world scenarios

    The UIP is a modular, analytics-driven application built atop the IES architecture, designed to deliver real-time insights and smarter energy management for regulators, DISCOMs, and consumers


 


 

Cell Broadcast (CB) system

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India is testing an indigenous Cell Broadcast (CB) system developed by C-DOT to deliver real-time alerts during natural and man-made disasters. The system complements SMS alerts by broadcasting messages to mobile users in affected areas instantly. It’s based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and is already active in all 36 States/UTs via the SACHET platform. Test messages in English and Hindi will be sent over the next 2–4 weeks; no action is needed by recipients

What is Cell Broadcast System for Disaster Alerts in India

  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) are testing an indigenous Cell Broadcast (CB) system developed by Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).It is a technology used by mobile network operators to send text messages simultaneously to all mobile users in a specific geographic area.

    It aims to deliver real-time, geo-targeted emergency alerts during disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning strikes, and industrial hazards.

Key Features:

  • CB technology broadcasts messages simultaneously to all mobile users in a specific geographical area.

    Faster and more reliable than SMS during network congestion.

    Supports multiple Indian languages, ensuring inclusive communication.

    Works alongside the existing Integrated Alert System (SACHET) which has sent over 6,899 crore SMS alerts across all 36 States and UTs.

    SACHET follows the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Purpose:

  • Rapid Dissemination of Alerts: To broadcast emergency and critical information instantly to all mobile users within a specific geographical area.

    Disaster Management: To provide timely warnings during natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, lightning strikes) and man-made emergencies (chemical leaks, industrial hazards).

    Enhance Public Safety: To ensure citizens receive alerts promptly to take necessary precautions and reduce casualties and damages.

    Overcome Network Congestion: Unlike SMS, Cell Broadcast sends messages simultaneously to many users without overloading the network.

Significance:

  • Real-time Communication: Enables near-instantaneous transmission of alerts to targeted regions.

    Geographical Targeting: Alerts reach only those in the affected area, minimizing unnecessary panic elsewhere.

    Multilingual Support: Broadcasts messages in multiple Indian languages, making communication inclusive.

    Indigenous Development: Developed by India’s C-DOT, ensuring control, security, and customization to local needs.

    Complementary to Existing Systems: Works alongside SMS-based systems like SACHET to strengthen the country’s disaster response infrastructure.

    Network Efficiency: Broadcast mode avoids delays and message failures common in congested networks, especially during emergencies.


 

Altermagnets

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Researchers at the S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences have discovered a novel phenomenon in chromium antimonide (CrSb) — a rare class of magnetic material called an altermagnet. Altermagnets combine the benefits of ferromagnets and antiferromagnets, with unique electron behavior but no net external magnetism.

About Altermagnets

  • Altermagnets are a novel class of magnetic materials that combine the benefits of ferromagnets (spin splitting) and antiferromagnets (zero net magnetization). Though they show no external magnetism, their internal electron spin behaviors make them highly promising for spintronics—technologies that manipulate electron spin rather than charge. Their unique properties, such as directional spin polarization and high thermal stability, open up exciting possibilities in future electronics.

    Properties of Altermagnets

    1.Altermagnets defy conventional norms by embodying a dual nature—resembling antiferromagnets with zero net magnetization and ferromagnets with non-relativistic spin splitting.
    2.This unique behavior emerges from the intricate interplay of atoms within the crystal structure. Additionally, altermagnets exhibit a unique spin polarization. The term “spin polarization” means that a preponderance of electron spins tends to align in a particular direction.
    3.The spin polarization is noteworthy in altermagnets because it occurs in the physical arrangement of atoms (real space) and in the momentum space, where the distribution of electron spins in the material is considered.
    4.The researchers believe that altermagnets could have a pivotal role in spin caloritronics, a field of research that explores the interplay between spin and heat flow, which are not achievable with ferromagnets or antiferromagnets.
    5.This field has potential applications in developing new technologies for information processing and storage.

    Altramagnetism in Chromium Antimonide
    Among the known altermagnets, chromium antimonide (CrSb) is truly remarkable.
    It is metallic, with the magnetic order sustaining up to more than two times that of room temperature and the largest altermagnetic spin-splitting, equivalent to more than 30 times that of room temperature.
    CrSb is one of the very few materials known to exhibit direction-dependent conduction polarity property and, notably, the first Altermagnet to do so.
    These outstanding attributes make CrSb the most promising altermagnetic candidate for practical applications.
    CrSb is made of earth-abundant and non-toxic elements, making it an environmentally friendly option for future electronics. Combined with its altermagnetic properties.... Read more at:

     

    Why its important

  • Simplified Device Architectures: With both p-type and n-type behavior in one material, engineers can potentially design devices (like thermoelectrics or spin-based logic circuits) without needing heterostructures or doping gradients .

  • Environmental Advantage: Cr and Sb are abundant and non-toxic, making CrSb an eco-friendly choice for next-generation electronics .

  • Altermagnetic Edge: CrSb uniquely combines antiferromagnetic order (no net magnetization), strong non-relativistic spin splitting, and directional conduction properties—making it a prime candidate for spin caloritronics, where spin and heat currents are manipulated together.

    What are altermagnets used for?

  • Altermagnets, with their unique magnetic properties—combining zero net magnetization and strong spin polarization—have promising applications mainly in the field of spintronics and spin caloritronics. These include:

  • Generating and controlling spin-polarized currents without stray magnetic fields, enabling energy-efficient information processing and storage.

  • Developing ultrafast memory devices that operate at terahertz frequencies.

  • Creating spin-filter tunnel junctions for advanced magnetic sensors and memory elements.

  • Enabling novel thermoelectric and spin-heat devices through their unique interaction of spin and heat currents.

  • Beyond electronics, magnetic properties and magnetic measuring techniques related to altermagnets also find uses in broader areas such as metallurgy and chemistry, for understanding material properties and improving processes.

     

mud volcano

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A mud volcano erupted in Wandan Township, southern Taiwan, in front of a temple.The eruption lasted nearly 10 hours, ejecting bubbling mud from 4 vents, reaching 2 meters (6.6 feet) high.

About Mud Volcanoes

  • A mud volcano is a cone-shaped mound formed by the eruption of mud, gases, and water from underground. Unlike magmatic volcanoes, they do not eject lava

Features

  • It Formed by the release of hot water, gas (methane, CO₂, nitrogen), and fine sediment from underground.

  • The Eruptions can be gentle flows or explosive, with some even throwing flames several hundred meters high.

  • It Found on land and sea floors, they can alter coastlines by forming islands or banks.

  • Globally, around 1,000 mud volcanoes are known, spread across parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

How They Work:

  • Caused by high underground pressure from gas and water, not magma.

    Eruptions may be gentle or explosive, with mud fountains and gas flaring.

    Mud cones are typically small in height (few meters or less).

Main Components:

  • Mud & clay

    Hot water

    Gases: Mainly methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen

    Water is often salty or acidic

Where Are They Found?

  • Asia: Taiwan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Iran, China

    Europe: Ukraine, Romania, Italy

    Americas: Alaska, California, Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia

    Oceans: Present on seafloors, where they can form islands or alter coastlines

comparison between mud volcanoes and magmatic volcanoes

Feature

Mud Volcano

Magmatic Volcano

Material Erupted

Mud, clay, water, hydrocarbon gases (methane, CO₂, nitrogen)

Molten rock (magma/lava), volcanic gases

Temperature

Low to moderate (cooler than magmatic volcanoes)

Very high (up to 1200°C or more)

Eruption Style

Can be gentle flows or explosive mud/gas eruptions, sometimes with flames

Explosive or effusive lava eruptions

Size

Usually small, cones less than a few meters tall

Often large, can build mountains hundreds or thousands of meters high

Formation Process

Result of underground gases and fluids forcing mud to surface

Result of molten magma rising from the mantle/crust

Hazards

Mudflows, release of flammable gases, local ground deformation

Lava flows, pyroclastic flows, ash fall, earthquakes

Location

On land and seabed, often near sedimentary basins and hydrocarbon reserves

Mainly along tectonic plate boundaries (subduction zones, rifts, hotspots)

Appearance

Cone of mud and clay, often with shallow crater

Rocky cone or mountain with crater(s)

Associated Gases

Mainly methane, CO₂, nitrogen

Mainly water vapor, CO₂, sulfur dioxide


 

Agriculture Output Report

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The agriculture sector in India is witnessing a significant transformation with a shift from traditional staple crops like cereals to high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, spices, and animal products. This change reflects evolving consumer preferences, increased incomes, technological advances, and government focus on nutritional security and export potential.

Key Highlight of the Report

1. Growth in Agriculture Sector Value

  • Gross Value Added (GVA) at current prices rose sharply by 225%, from ₹1,502 thousand crore in 2011–12 to ₹4,878 thousand crore in 2023–24.

  • Gross Value of Output (GVO) at constant prices (2011–12 base) increased by 54.6%, from ₹1,908 thousand crore to ₹2,949 thousand crore, indicating steady real growth.

2. Shift from Staples to High-Value Crops:

  • Cereals’ share in agriculture GVO (Gross Value of Output) declined from 17.6% (2011-12) to 14.5% (2023-24).

    Increased focus on fruits (strawberries, pomegranates), vegetables (parmal/parwal, mushrooms), and spices (dry ginger) reflects changing consumer preferences, nutritional awareness, and export opportunities.

3. Dramatic Rise in Certain Crops:

  • Strawberries: GVO jumped over 40 times from Rs 1.32 crore to Rs 55.4 crore (constant prices) between 2011-12 and 2023-24.

  • Parmal (Parwal): Nearly 17 times increase to Rs 789 crore.

  • Pumpkin: Nearly 10 times increase to Rs 2,449 crore.

  • Pomegranate: Over 4 times increase to Rs 9,231 crore.

  • Mushrooms: 3.5 times increase to Rs 1,704 crore.

  • Dry Ginger: 285% increase in GVO to Rs 11,004 crore (thanks to better processing).

4. Rising Meat Consumption:

  • Share of meat in agriculture & allied sectors' GVO increased from 5% to 7.5% (2011-12 to 2023-24).

  • Meat production grew by 131%, though still behind growth in high-value crops like strawberries.

5. Consumption Patterns:

  • Fresh fruit consumption in rural areas increased slightly in expenditure share (2.25% to 2.66%), but declined marginally in urban areas.

  • Despite small percentage changes, more rural households (from 63.8% to 90.3%) are consuming fresh fruits, including lower-income groups.

  • Cereal consumption share in monthly expenditure fell significantly in both urban (6.61% to 3.74%) and rural areas (10.69% to 4.97%).

6. Engel’s Law in Action:

  • As incomes rise, the share of expenditure on food is decreasing:

    • Rural: from 52.90% (2011-12) to 47.04% (2023-24)

    • Urban: from 42.62% to 39.68%

7.Spices & Condiments:

  • Dry ginger witnessed a 285% increase in GVO, reaching Rs 11,004 crore, supported by improved processing.

Driving Factors

  • Changing Consumer Preferences:
    With rising incomes, people diversify their diets and demand more fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods like meat.

    Market Opportunities:
    Increasing urban demand combined with improved supply chains open new markets for high-value agricultural products.

    Technological Shifts:
    Advances in farming methods, storage, and processing (e.g., for dry ginger) help farmers grow and market perishable, high-value crops effectively.

    Policy Orientation:
    Government policies emphasize nutritional security by promoting diverse diets and supporting export potential for high-value crops.

Implications and Insights

  • Agricultural Transition: Indian agriculture is moving away from traditional staples toward diversified, nutrient-rich, and higher-value crops.

    Nutrition and Income: Increasing income and awareness are driving demand for fruits, vegetables, and animal products, enhancing nutrition.

    Market and Policy: These shifts suggest a need for policy focus on high-value crop production, processing infrastructure, supply chains, and nutritional security.

    Rural Empowerment: More rural households, across income levels, are adopting better diets, indicating improving living standards and reduced inequality in food consumption.

Engel’s Law

  • As household income rises, the proportion of income spent on food decreases, even if the absolute expenditure on food increases.

Gross Value Added (GVA)

Gross Value Added (GVA) in Agriculture refers to the total value of output (all agricultural products like crops, livestock, forestry, fishing) minus the value of intermediate inputs (like seeds, fertilizers, labor, machinery used in production).  GVA = Total agricultural output value – Value of inputs used in producing that output

It measures the net contribution of the agriculture sector to the economy, showing the actual value created by farming activities. It helps estimate the economic contribution of agriculture.It reflects the productivity and efficiency of the sector. It Used for policy-making, planning, and tracking sectoral growth over time.


 


 

Sarcoma

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Sarcoma is a diverse and complex family of cancers that often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, making Sarcoma Awareness Month in July an important time to focus on educating the public about these rare, misunderstood conditions.

What is Sarcoma?

Sarcoma is not just a single disease but a group of cancers that arise from bones and soft tissues like fat, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and deep skin tissues.

Unlike many other types of cancer, sarcomas are relatively rare, but they have a significant impact, particularly because of their late diagnosis and the difficulty in recognizing their early symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Sarcoma:

  • Painless Lump or Swelling: One of the most common signs is a painless lump or swelling that gradually increases in size.

    Misdiagnosis Risk: Since sarcomas may appear similar to non-cancerous conditions like cysts or injuries, the diagnosis is often delayed, allowing the cancer to progress.

Types of Sarcomas:

Sarcomas are mainly divided into two broad categories, which are then further subdivided into over 70 subtypes, making them incredibly complex to diagnose and treat:

1. Soft Tissue Sarcomas:

These originate in soft tissues such as fat, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Some common types include:

  • Liposarcoma: A cancer of the fat tissue.

  • Leiomyosarcoma: Originating from smooth muscle tissue.

  • Angiosarcoma: Arises from blood vessels.

2. Bone Sarcomas:

These originate in the bones and are more commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. Some common types include:

  • Osteosarcoma: Often seen in children and young adults, particularly those undergoing rapid bone growth.

  • Ewing Sarcoma: A type of cancer that can occur in bones or soft tissues, usually affecting children and teenagers.

  • Chondrosarcoma: A type of cancer that affects cartilage.

Risk Factors for Sarcoma:

Several factors may increase the risk of developing sarcomas, including:

  1. Genetic Conditions:

    • Li-Fraumeni syndrome: A hereditary condition that increases the risk of several types of cancer, including sarcoma.

    • Neurofibromatosis: An inherited condition that can lead to the development of tumors in the nervous system.

  2. Previous Radiation Therapy: Especially in areas of the body that later develop sarcoma.

  3. Chemical Exposure: Contact with certain chemicals like vinyl chloride or dioxins has been linked to an increased risk of sarcoma.

  4. Chronic Swelling (Lymphedema): Lymphedema, which causes fluid buildup and tissue swelling, has been associated with certain types of sarcoma.

  5. Inherited Syndromes: Some inherited genetic disorders also raise the risk.

Prevalence and Impact:

  • Sarcomas account for only about 1% of all adult cancers but 15% of pediatric cancers. While relatively rare, their impact is profound due to the limited awareness and challenges in early diagnosis.

  • Early detection is crucial for better prognosis, but because the symptoms often go unnoticed or are confused with other conditions, sarcoma diagnosis tends to be delayed. This can lead to a more advanced stage by the time treatment begins.

Raising Awareness During Sarcoma Awareness Month:

In Sarcoma Awareness Month, healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates aim to raise awareness about these rare cancers, encouraging early detection and improving education on the importance of timely medical intervention.

  • Awareness campaigns often focus on helping the public recognize the early signs of sarcoma, such as unexplained lumps, swelling, or persistent pain, and encourage them to seek medical advice if these symptoms appear.

  • Educational Programs aim to share information about the importance of genetic testing and counseling for those with a family history of conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis.

Conclusion

Sarcoma, while rare, is a significant cause of cancer-related illness, especially among children and young adults. Efforts to raise awareness about its signs, risk factors, and treatment options are vital for improving early detection, reducing late diagnoses, and offering support to those affected.


 

Mount Shinmoedake

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Mount Shinmoedake, an active stratovolcano, recently erupted in the Kirishima mountain range on Kyushu Island, Japan. This eruption sent a towering ash plume high into the sky, attracting global attention to its geological significance and the natural hazards it poses to the surrounding areas.

About Mount Shinmoedake

  • Location: Mount Shinmoedake is located in Kagoshima Prefecture, part of the Kirishima mountain range in Kyushu Island, Japan.

  • Elevation: It rises to a height of 1,420.8 meters (4,659 feet) above sea level.

  • Volcanic Activity: Shinmoedake is known for its frequent eruptions, with documented eruptions dating back to 1716. It continues to exhibit active volcanic behavior, making it a high-risk zone for nearby communities.

  • Famous Historical Fact: The mountain gained international fame as a filming location for the 1967 James Bond movie "You Only Live Twice". The dramatic landscapes of the volcano were a perfect backdrop for the film’s adventurous sequences.

What is a Stratovolcano?

Mount Shinmoedake is classified as a stratovolcano, which has distinct geological characteristics:

Features of Stratovolcanoes:

  • Shape: Stratovolcanoes are characterized by their tall, steep, cone-shaped profiles. They have higher peaks than other types of volcanoes, such as shield volcanoes, which have broader, flatter shapes.

  • Location: Stratovolcanoes are commonly found along subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced under another. This is why they are often associated with regions in the Ring of Fire, which encircles the Pacific Ocean.

  • Composition: Stratovolcanoes consist of alternating layers of lava flows and pyroclastic material (like ash, pumice, and volcanic rock). This layering gives them their nickname: composite volcanoes.

  • Explosive Eruptions: Stratovolcanoes often produce explosive eruptions due to the high viscosity of the lava they eject. The lava is typically andesite or dacite, which is cooler and more resistant to flowing than basalt. This allows gas pressures to build up inside the volcano, leading to violent eruptions.

  • Crater: At the summit of a stratovolcano, there is usually a small crater. Depending on the volcano’s activity level, the crater may be filled with water, ice, or lava domes.

Global Significance of Stratovolcanoes

  • Frequency: Stratovolcanoes make up about 60% of Earth’s active volcanoes. While they are widespread, they are most commonly found in regions with tectonic activity, especially along the Ring of Fire.

  • Hazards: The explosive nature of stratovolcanoes makes them a serious natural hazard for nearby populations. Large eruptions can cause lava flows, ash falls, pyroclastic flows, and even volcanic tsunamis in certain coastal areas.

The Eruption of Mount Shinmoedake

  • The recent eruption of Shinmoedake has intensified concerns about volcanic activity in Japan, a country that lies along the Ring of Fire and is prone to frequent seismic and volcanic events.

  • Impact: The eruption released a towering ash plume into the atmosphere, posing risks to air traffic, local communities, and agriculture. Ashfall from the volcano can damage crops, disrupt transportation, and harm public health.

  • Precautionary Measures: Authorities typically issue warnings and evacuations for people living near active volcanoes like Shinmoedake, especially in the event of explosive eruptions.

Conclusion

Mount Shinmoedake is a prime example of the dangers posed by stratovolcanoes. With their steep slopes and explosive eruptions, they are both majestic and perilous. The eruption of Shinmoedake serves as a reminder of the geological volatility of regions like Japan and the importance of understanding volcanic systems to mitigate the risks associated with such powerful natural phenomena.


 

Ham Radio

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Amateur radio, commonly referred to as ham radio, is a non-commercial, two-way communication system that uses radio waves to establish connections. Ham radio is primarily used for educational, emergency, and recreational purposes. It plays a vital role in connecting people across the globe, providing reliable communication during emergencies, and even facilitating global outreach like the interaction between Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and students from Earth.

What is Ham Radio?

  • Definition: Ham radio is a licensed radio service that enables communication between amateur operators using radio frequencies.

    Purpose:

    • Educational: Ham radio is widely used by schools and educational institutions for scientific and technical education.

    • Emergency Communication: In cases of natural disasters, wars, or infrastructure breakdowns, ham radio often serves as a vital communication lifeline.

    • Global Connectivity: Ham radio operators, known as "hams," can communicate over vast distances, enabling connections between countries, and even with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Ham Radio Operations

  1. License and Equipment:

    • In India, any individual above the age of 12 can operate a ham radio by qualifying through the Amateur Station Operators’ examination (ASO).

    • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issues licenses to individuals to use the ham radio.

  2. Components of Ham Radio:

    • Transceiver: A device that both transmits and receives radio signals.

    • Antenna: An essential component that allows the transmission and reception of radio waves.

    • Dedicated Frequencies: Communication is established through specific frequency bands, regulated to avoid interference with other services.

Applications of Ham Radio

  • Educational Outreach:

    • Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) use ham radio to interact with students on Earth. This allows students to ask questions and learn about space exploration directly from astronauts, making it an invaluable educational tool.

    Emergency Communications:

    • Natural Disasters: When traditional communication channels fail (e.g., during earthquakes, tsunamis, or floods), ham radio becomes a crucial backup. For instance, ham radio operators helped with emergency communications during the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and Uttarakhand floods in 2013.

    Global Communication:

    • Ham radio operators can connect with people worldwide, exchanging personal messages, news, or even scientific data. It provides a reliable communication channel when other systems are down or unreliable.

Community Radio and its Role

In addition to ham radio, Community Radio (CRS) plays a significant role in fostering local communication. Here's an overview of CRS in India:

  • Establishment: The first Community Radio was set up at Anna University in 2004. As of now, there are 481 CRS stations across India.

    Licensing and Guidelines:

    • The government of India has laid out specific policies for establishing CRS, primarily to ensure not-for-profit organizations use radio for community empowerment.

    • Content is primarily focused on local issues such as health, education, agriculture, and cultural heritage.

    Focus on Local Content:

    • At least 50% of the content broadcasted by a CRS must come from local communities, with a focus on issues like women empowerment and local languages.

Radio Waves: The Backbone of Communication

Radio waves form the foundation of ham radio and community radio communications. These waves were first discovered by Heinrich Hertz in the late 1880s and are used extensively in a variety of communication technologies.

  • Frequency Range:

    • AM Radio: 530 kHz to 1710 kHz.

    • FM Radio: 88 MHz to 108 MHz.

    • TV Signals: 54 MHz to 890 MHz.

    • Cellular Communications: Use the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band.

    Propagation: Radio waves travel in straight lines or bounce off the ionosphere or clouds, making them capable of reaching long distances, even into space.


 

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GPS Interference

  GPS interference refers to deliberate or unintentional disruption of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, which are crucial for navigation in aircraft, ships, and ground transport sy
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India’s Civil Nuclear Law Reform:

  India is revising its civil nuclear laws—the Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010—to: Attract private and forei
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Financial Stability Report (FSR)

The FSR is published twice yearly (June and December) by the RBI, incorporating inputs from all financial sector regulators. It provides a collective assessment by the Financial Stability
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INS Tabar

The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tabar (F44) recently responded swiftly to a fire outbreak on an oil vessel in the Gulf of Oman, showcasing its critical role in maritime safety and secu
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Polar Anticyclone

A polar anticyclone is a high-pressure system that forms near or around the poles, typically during the cold season. This weather system is responsible for some of the coldest conditions on Earth
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Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS)

The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) is a critical early warning system developed by the University of Hawaii with funding from NASA. Its primary purpose is to detect near-Ear
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BHARAT Initiative

The BHARAT initiative launched by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, is a large-scale research study aimed at understanding the physiological, molecular, and environmental factors
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02 July,2025

Secondary Pollutants

A recent study has shed light on an important aspect of India's air pollution crisis: secondary pollutants, which now contribute to nearly one-third of PM2.5 pollution in the country. These pollut
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Myogenesis

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s Myogenesis experiments on the ISS represent a major leap forward in India’s space research efforts, focusing on the formation and regulation of muscle fib
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Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS)

A scholarship scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) initiative by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education. It Provides financial assistance to m
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Khasi People

The Meghalaya High Court has admitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the tribal certificate issuance for the Khasi community.This PIL challenges a government decision that has halted th
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Similipal Tiger Reserve

Odisha High Court issued a notice to the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) over a ban on Munda tribals from accessing Jayara, a sacred grove inside the tiger reserve.This raised concerns ove
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Begonia nyishiorum

A fascinating new species of flowering plant, Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, further highlighting the rich but underexplored biodiversity of
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Tokara Islands

The Tokara Islands, located between Kyushu and the Amami Islands in southern Japan, have recently experienced an unprecedented seismic event with over 1,000 earthquakes occurring in just two weeks
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ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS