1. Centrifuge

Why in the News?

Iran’s uranium enrichment program has raised global concerns, with thousands of advanced centrifuges in operation.

What is a Centrifuge?

A centrifuge is a device that separates substances based on density using centrifugal force. It is widely used in scientific research, medicine, and nuclear technology.

Role of Centrifuges in Uranium Enrichment

• Uranium Composition: Natural uranium consists of 3% U-238 and only 0.7% U-235, the latter being fissile.

• Enrichment Necessity: Nuclear reactors require uranium enriched to 3-20% U-235, while nuclear weapons need 90% enrichment.

• Process:

  • Uranium is converted into uranium hexafluoride (UF₆).

  • High-speed centrifuges spinning at 50,000 RPM separate isotopes based on weight.

  • U-238 moves outward, while U-235 concentrates at the center.

  • Multiple stages of centrifugation increase U-235 concentration to the desired level.

Key Components of a Centrifuge

• Rotor: The spinning part generating centrifugal force.

• Chamber: Contains uranium gas during separation.

• Material: Made of strong, lightweight materials like carbon fiber to withstand high speeds.

2. Bodh Gaya Temple

Why in the News?

Since February 2024, Buddhist monks under the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) have been protesting against the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949, demanding its repeal.

What is the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949?

• Established an eight-member management committee with equal Hindu and Buddhist representation.

• The District Magistrate (DM) serves as the ex-officio chairperson, historically favoring Hindu leadership.

• Buddhist groups seek exclusive control over the temple, calling it Bodh Gaya Mahavihara.

Historical Background of the Dispute

• Ancient Era: Emperor Ashoka built the original temple in the 3rd century BCE, a key Buddhist site until the Pala dynasty.

• Medieval Period (13th Century):

  • Bakhtiyar Khilji’s invasion led to Buddhism’s decline.

  • In 1590, a Hindu monk established Bodh Gaya Mutt, shifting temple control to Hindus.

• Colonial Period: British-era records recognized Hindu control.

• Post-Independence (1949): BTA was passed to regulate temple management, replacing single-Hindu authority.

Government Interventions

• BTA (1949): Aimed to resolve Hindu-Buddhist conflicts.

• 2013 Amendment: Allowed the DM to be from any faith.

• 1990s Proposal: Bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav proposed a bill to transfer temple control to Buddhists, but it was never passed.

About the Mahabodhi Temple Complex

• Among the four holiest Buddhist sites (Lumbini, Sarnath, Kushinagar).

• Located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, near the Niranjana River.

• Built by Ashoka (3rd century BCE), current structure dates to 5th–6th centuries CE.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

Architectural Highlights

• Temple: 50m-high pyramidal tower with intricate carvings.

• Sacred Bodhi Tree: Believed to be a direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

• Vajrasana (Diamond Throne): Marks Buddha’s meditation site.

• Temple Shrine: Houses a Buddha statue in yellow sandstone.

3. Sarhul Festival

Why in the News?

Celebrated by Adivasi communities in Jharkhand and the Chhotanagpur region, Sarhul marks the arrival of spring and the new year.

What is Sarhul?

• Meaning: “Worship of the Sal tree,” symbolizing the union of the Sun and Earth.

• Religious Significance: Sal tree is sacred, housing Sarna Maa, the village deity.

Festival Timeline

• Day 1: Preparations begin—homes and sacred groves cleaned, Sal flowers gathered, priest (Pahan) observes fasting.

• Day 2: Main rituals at Sarna Sthals (sacred groves) include sacrifices, prayers, and cultural performances.

• Day 3: Community feast with Handia (rice beer), traditional dishes, and fishing.

Regional and Political Significance

• Celebrated by Oraon, Munda, Santal, Khadia, and Ho tribes across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Andaman Islands.

• Adivasi Identity:

  • Some demand official recognition of the Sarna religion in the caste census.

  • Others, influenced by Hindu organizations, claim Adivasis belong to Sanatan Dharma.

Sacred Groves and Conservation

• Community-protected biodiversity hotspots where deforestation and hunting are restricted.

• Example: Piplantri, Rajasthan—111 trees planted for every girl child, boosting incomes and reducing female feticide.

4. Deep-Sea Mining & Green Credits

Why in the News?

A new Nature study found that a Pacific Ocean seabed strip mined 40 years ago has not yet recovered, highlighting long-term environmental impacts.

Key Findings

• Conducted by Britain’s National Oceanography Centre.

• Detected sediment changes and a decline in larger organisms in the mined area.

• Global Concern: 36 countries debated a moratorium on deep-sea mining at a UN meeting in Jamaica.

Deep-Sea Mining Technologies

• Vacuum Pumps: Extract minerals from the seabed.

• AI-based Robots: Collect polymetallic nodules.

• Advanced Equipment: Used for mining near underwater mountains and volcanoes.

International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• Established: 1996 under UNCLOS (1982).

• HQ: Kingston, Jamaica.

• Roles:

  • Regulates seabed mineral activities.

  • Grants deep-sea mining licenses.

  • Ensures environmental protection.

5. Green Credit Programme (GCP)

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) launched the Green Credit Programme (GCP) despite legal concerns raised by the Law Ministry.

Objective

• Incentivizes eco-friendly practices and sustainable development.

Who Can Earn Green Credits?

• Individuals, communities, and industries contributing to environmental sustainability.

• Examples:

  • Afforestation & reforestation

  • Water conservation

  • Sustainable agriculture

How It Works

• Participants earn tradable Green Credits for environmental contributions.

• Credits can be sold to industries for fulfilling environmental obligations.

• A domestic trading platform enables businesses to meet legal mandates like compensatory afforestation.

Adoption So Far

• 384 entities have registered, including 41 PSUs like:

  • Indian Oil Corporation Ltd

  • Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd

  • NTPC Ltd

6. Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary

A recent faunal survey conducted by the Forest Department has identified 63 new species of odonates, butterflies, and birds in the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Located in the Malappuram district of Kerala.

• Spans approximately 227.97 sq. km on the western slopes of the Nilgiri Hills.

• Forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), recognized under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme.

• Shares borders with Mukurthi National Park (Tamil Nadu) in the east and Silent Valley National Park (Kerala) in the south.

• Named after the Karimpuzha River, a tributary of the Chaliyar River.

• Features a diverse topography (40 m to 2550 m elevation), contributing to its rich biodiversity.

Key Highlights:

• The sanctuary connects landscapes across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, encompassing steep hills, valleys, marshlands, grasslands, and shola forests.

• Home to the Cholanaikans, a nomadic tribe classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

• Flora: The only forest stretch in Kerala where all seven major forest types coexist, including evergreen rainforests, montane grasslands, and wet temperate forests.

• Fauna: Hosts endemic species like the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Slender Loris, Tiger, and Gaur.

7. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

The IFRC has launched an urgent appeal for over $100 million to aid victims of the recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar.

About IFRC:

• Founded in 1919, it is the world’s largest humanitarian network based in Geneva, Switzerland.

• Brings together 192 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies with approximately 100 million volunteers worldwide.

• Mission: Provides emergency assistance in natural disasters, conflicts, and health crises while enhancing community resilience.

• Key Functions:

  • Coordinates international disaster relief and preparedness efforts.

  • Supports local societies in healthcare, disaster management, and community welfare.

  • Addresses humanitarian concerns related to urbanization, climate change, violence, and migration.

• Funding: Relies on voluntary contributions from governments, NGOs, corporate donors, and the public.

• Works alongside the ICRC, which focuses on humanitarian law and conflict-zone aid.

8. Tonga

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake recently struck near Tonga, triggering a tsunami warning for the Pacific island nation.

About Tonga:

• Officially the Kingdom of Tonga, also known as the Friendly Islands.

• Comprises 169 islands, of which only 36 are inhabited.

• Located in the South Pacific Ocean, south of Samoa, east of Fiji, and just north of the Tropic of Capricorn.

• Geography:

  • The western islands are volcanic, with four active volcanoes.

  • The eastern islands are low-lying coral islands.

• Capital: Nuku‘alofa (situated on the island of Tongatapu).

• Political System: A constitutional monarchy, a member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations.

• Languages: Tongan, English.

• Currency: Tongan Paʻanga (TOP).

• Economy: Relies on agriculture, fishing, and remittances from Tongans abroad, as it lacks significant mineral or strategic resources.

• Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

9. INIOCHOS-25

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will participate in INIOCHOS-25, a multinational air exercise alongside 12 nations, including the US, Israel, and France.

About INIOCHOS:

• A biennial multinational air exercise hosted by Greece’s Hellenic Air Force.

• Aims to enhance aerial combat skills, facilitate tactical knowledge exchange, and strengthen military alliances.

INIOCHOS-25 Highlights:

• Venue: Andravida Air Base, Elis, Greece.

• Features 15 participating nations integrating air and surface assets under realistic combat scenarios.

• IAF Deployment:

  • Su-30 MKI fighter jets.

  • IL-78 (aerial refueling aircraft).

  • C-17 Globemaster (heavy-lift transport aircraft).

• Participating countries and aircraft:

  • France (M-2000), Israel (G-550), Italy (Tornado), Poland (F-16), UAE (M-2000/9).

  • USA (F-16, KC-46, KC-135), Spain (F-18), Montenegro (B-412), Qatar (F-15), Slovenia (PC-9).

• Offers a real-world operational environment for joint mission planning and execution.

10. Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project

About the Project:

• A run-of-the-river hydroelectric project under construction in Sainj, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.

• Aims to harness the hydro potential of the lower reaches of the Parbati River, a major tributary of the Beas River.

Key Features:

• Dam Location: Pulga village in Parbati Valley.

• Powerhouse Location: Suind village in Sainj Valley.

• Total Installed Capacity: 800 MW (4 units of 200 MW each).

• Generation Potential: Expected to produce 3,074 million units (MU) of electricity annually.

• Developed by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), which holds 100% ownership.

Challenges & Delays:

• Initiated in 2003, initially scheduled for completion in 2010.

• Faced multiple delays due to:

  • Geological challenges in tunneling.

  • Water and silt seepage issues.

  • Flash floods and cloudbursts.

  • Adverse terrain conditions.