THE DRAUGHT PANDEMIC TREATY ADDRESSES AMR
In News, why?
At the World Health Assembly, member states are actively negotiating the “Zero Draught” pandemic treaty. Nevertheless, there is growing worry that the sections dealing with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may not make it into the final draught. On how to deal with AMR, civil society and scientific organisations have contributed analysis and recommendations. The significance of include AMR in the Treaty was emphasised in a special edition of the Journal of Medicine, Law, and Ethics.
The Draught Pandemic Treaty is what, exactly?
About:
A global pact to avoid, prepare for, and deal with pandemics and other health catastrophes is called the draught pandemic treaty. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and its member states are negotiating it. In tackling health threats, the pact seeks to strengthen international collaboration and solidarity. It addresses topics including accountability, teamwork, access to health technologies, detection, and surveillance. The pact respects each state’s sovereign right to choose its own health policies and is founded on the principles of human rights, equity, and solidarity. A global health threats council, fund, and independent review and evaluation system are all established. In response to the lessons acquired from the COVID-19 pandemic, the draught pandemic treaty was created.
Primary Elements of the Draught:
Worldwide Collaboration
In order to better prepare for and respond to pandemics and other global health catastrophes, it asks for greater worldwide coordination and cooperation.
Building Up Health Systems:
In order to ensure that all nations’ health systems are better equipped to handle pandemics and other major global health catastrophes, it emphasises the necessity of strengthening them, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
Research & development spending:
In times of pandemics and other international health catastrophes, it asks for better access to vital medical technologies including vaccines, diagnostics, and therapies. It urges more funding for health technology research and development, especially for conditions that seriously endanger the health of the entire world.
Transparency in Information Sharing:
It demands greater openness and sharing of data regarding pandemics and other catastrophes involving the world’s health, including information on the transmission of diseases and the efficacy of interventions.
System for Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS):
The WHO established PABS, which requires that all viruses with the potential to cause a pandemic disclose their genomic sequences on a “equal footing” within the system. The PABS system is a crucial instrument for making sure that pathogens and their genetic resources are used ethically and responsibly in the development of new drugs and vaccines, while also taking into account the rights and interests of the nations and communities that offer these resources.
Taking Care of Gender Inequalities
By focusing on fair remuneration and overcoming challenges particular to women in attaining leadership positions, the initiative seeks to “ensure meaningful representation, engagement, participation and empowerment of all health and care workers” in order to reduce gender imbalances in the healthcare workforce.
Why is the Pandemic Treaty Dependant on AMR?
Why You Should:
The process through which microbe-caused infections gain resistance to the drugs created to treat them is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Bacteria, fungus, viruses, and parasites are examples of microbes. One in eight fatalities worldwide are caused solely by bacterial illnesses. Past pandemics have been brought on by bacterial illnesses, proving that pandemics are not always brought on by viruses. Drug-resistant infections, including as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant TB, pneumonia, and drug-resistant Staph infections (caused by staphylococcus bacteria), are on the rise as a result of AMR. During viral pandemics, secondary bacterial and fungal infections are a severe issue and call for powerful antibiotics. According to research from Northwestern University, pneumonia, a secondary bacterial infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics, was a major contributing factor in a large number of COVID-19 hospitalised patient deaths. Black fungus, an infection brought on by Mucorales fungi, primarily affects people who are immunocompromised due to diseases like COVID-19 or diabetes.
Effect of Disregarding AMR Measures
Eliminating AMR-related regulations would make it harder to safeguard people from pandemics in the future. Access to clean water, infection control, surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship are some of the policies that could be eliminated. The goal of antimicrobial stewardship is to monitor and enhance patient and physician use of antibiotics. It seeks to enhance clinical results and lessen side effects of antibiotic use, particularly the emergence of antibiotic resistance. The Treaty’s language could be weakened to allow parties to choose not to take preventive measures.
The Pandemic Treaty’s Need to Address AMR Now: To lessen the effects of AMR, international cooperation and political action are needed. Antimicrobial protection is essential for pandemic response and readiness. The pandemic treaty’s broader objectives of defending countries and communities from future health emergencies are jeopardised if AMR is not addressed in it.
Previous Year Questions (PYQ) for the UPSC Civil Services Exam
Prelims
Which of the following describes why multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens occurs in India? (2019)
- Some people have a genetic susceptibility
- using the wrong dosages of antibiotics to treat illnesses
- using antibiotics when raising livestock
- some people’s multiple chronic conditions
Using the code provided below, choose the right response.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 and 3
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Mains
What key tenet guides the creation of vaccines? How do vaccines function? What methods did the Indian vaccine producers use to create COVID-19 vaccines? (2022)
Origin: TH
USA-INDIA RELATIONS
In News, why?
In order to foster long-term supply chain stability and strengthen security and defence cooperation between the two nations, India and the United States have agreed to begin talks for a “Security of Supply” (SoS) arrangement and a “Reciprocal Defence Procurement” (RDP) agreement. An SoS agreement is a bilateral or multilateral pact between nations that aims to guarantee the stability and accessibility of essential supplies, particularly those related to defence and security. A bilateral agreement in the area of defence procurement is known as an RDP agreement. It is intended to enhance collaboration in the research, development, and manufacturing of defence equipment as well as expedite the acquisition of defence products by both parties.
What are the Agreement’s Key Highlights?
India’s Electric Jet Assembly:
The agreement for General Electric GE-414 planes to be assembled in India was negotiated by both parties.
Defence industry collaboration
India and the US have agreed on a framework for “Defence Industrial Cooperation” that will steer their respective countries’ policies over the coming years. Both nations will look for chances to jointly develop new technologies and jointly produce both old and new systems, encouraging cooperation across defence start-up ecosystems.
Building capacity and developing infrastructure:
Building capacity, includes the creation of strategic infrastructure and maritime domain awareness (MDA). In particular, Boeing, who recently signed a massive civil aircraft agreement with Air India, should increase their sourcing from India. the construction of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities by US businesses in India to service the equipment used by the Indian military and by the country’s military.
The INDUS-X US-India Defence Acceleration Ecosystem:
The INDUS-X initiative, which aims to enhance cutting-edge technological collaboration between US and Indian businesses, investors, start-up accelerators, and academic research institutions, will be launched by the US-India Business Council.
How have relations between India and the US been?
About:
The strategic alliance between the United States and India is built on a set of common ideals, including support for democracy and the rule-based order of the world. Through trade, investment, and connectivity, both parties have an interest in advancing international security, stability, and economic development.
Financial Relations:
In 2022–2023, the U.S. will overtake China as India’s largest trading partner as their economic connections grow. When compared to 2021–2022, bilateral trade between India and the U.S. increased by 7.65%, reaching USD 128.55 billion in 2022–2031. In 2022–23, exports to the United States increased by 2.81% to USD 78.31 billion from USD 76.18 billion, while imports increased by around 16% to USD 50.24 billion.
Cooperation on a global scale
At global institutions like the United Nations, G-20, ASEAN Regional Forum, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organisation, India and the United States work closely together. The United States supported a restructured UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member and welcomed India’s two-year membership in 2021. The United States, Japan, Australia, and India come together as the Quad to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific and bring concrete advantages to the area. In addition, India is one of the 12 nations working with the US on the IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity). The United States is a discussion partner at the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), where India is a member. The United States joined the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2022 and the International Solar Alliance, which has its headquarters in India, in 2021.
Way ahead
A free, open, and rule-bound Indo-Pacific area depends on the cooperation of the two nations. For US and Indian businesses, the unmatched Demographic Dividend opens up a world of possibilities for production, commerce, and investment. In a global system that is undergoing an unparalleled transformation, India is emerging as a key participant. It will make use of the circumstances at hand to look for chances to advance its most important interests.
Origin: TH
PAY-IN-ADVANCE INSTRUMENT
In News, why?
The extension of the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) to Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) to safeguard against fraud and unauthorised transactions has been recommended by a committee assessing customer service standards for RBI (Reserve Bank of India) regulated firms. The committee has advised the RBI to investigate the viability of expanding DICGC coverage to the PPI segment, including bank PPIs and later non-bank PPIs. The RBI should provide incentives for regulated businesses to raise customer service standards and step up overall efforts to protect consumers.
Prepaid Payment Instruments: What Are They?
About:
PPIs are tools that make it easier to buy goods and services, conduct financial transactions, and enable remittance capabilities, among other things, using the money they have on hand.
PPIs can be distributed as wallets or cards. Small PPIs and full-KYC (know your customer) PPIs are the two different categories of PPIs. Small PPIs can also be divided into two categories: PPIs up to Rs 10,000 (with cash loading capability) and PPIs up to Rs 10,000 (without cash loading capability). Cash, debit from a bank account, credit cards, and debit cards can all be used to load or recharge PPIs. The monthly cap on PPI cash loading is Rs. 50,000, subject to the PPI’s overall cap.
Issuance:
PPIs may be issued by both banks and non-banks with the RBI’s approval. Over 58 banks have been given permission to create and manage prepaid payment instruments as of November 2022. As of May 2023, 33 non-bank PPI issuers exist.
DICGC: What is it?
About:
The RBI’s wholly owned subsidiary DICGC offers deposit insurance. The deposit insurance scheme is crucial in ensuring the financial system’s stability since it guarantees small depositors that their funds would be protected in the event of a bank failure. All commercial banks licenced by the RBI, including Local Area Banks (LABs), Payments Banks (PBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), and cooperative banks, are covered by the deposit insurance offered by DICGC.
Coverage:
All deposits, including accrued interest, including savings, fixed, current, and recurring deposits, are insured by DICGC. A bank must insure each depositor for a combined maximum of Rs. 5 lakh.& interest amount retained by them as of the date the bank failed or went into liquidation. Earlier, DICGC offered a Rs. 1 lakh insurance policy. Nevertheless, in 2020, the maximum amount of insurance coverage for depositors in insured banks was increased to Rs 5 lakh.
DICGC excludes coverage for:
foreign governments’ deposits.
Central and state government deposits.
bank-to-bank transfers.
deposits made by the state cooperative banks to the state land development banks.
any sum owing as a result of a deposit made outside of India.
Any sum specifically exempted by the organisation with the
prior RBI permission is required.
Funds:
The following funds are held by the Corporation:
Fund for Deposit Insurance
Fund for Credit Guarantee
Common Fund
The first two are used to pay the corresponding claims and are paid by the insurance premia and guarantee fees obtained, respectively. The General Fund is used to pay for the Corporation’s startup and administration costs.
Origin: IE
MANAGING DEEPFAKES
In News, why?
Deepfakes are fake media that have been produced using deep learning technology, and they have recently come under increased scrutiny from a number of news sources. Deep fakes can alter reality and sway public opinion, but they also have potential in a number of other areas. Utilising this technology properly and managing its effects on society are the challenges.
Deepfake Technology: What is it?
About:
Deepfake technology uses powerful computers and deep learning to manipulate movies, pictures, and sounds. Deep synthesis includes deep learning. Deep synthesis is the process of generating text, images, audio, and video to build virtual scenes using technologies like deep learning and augmented reality. Among other wrongdoings, it is used to fabricate news and commit financial fraud. Cybercriminals utilise artificial intelligence to overlay a digital composite over an already-existing video, photograph, or audio. Deepfakes use machine learning algorithms to outperform conventional photo editing methods. Deepfakes have been used to produce modified content, including bogus disaster photos and recordings of politicians.
Applications of deep learning that merit praise:
Positive developments, including the ability to recreate historical figures and restore missing voices, are made possible by deep learning technology. The voice cloning project of the ALS Association and the recreations of artists and celebrities highlight the potential advantages of deep learning. Deep learning techniques have been used to improve artistic expression in comedy, film, music, and video games.
Consequences that are unsettling and ethical issues:
Deepfakes have been used for bad things like compromising facial recognition systems and making pornographic retaliation videos. They erode public confidence in the media and muddle the distinction between reality and fiction. Deepfake-propagated false information may be perceived as fact, which could cause social upheaval.
What position does India take on how to handle deep fakes?
Deepfake technology is not specifically prohibited or regulated by any laws or regulations in India. Deepfakes may be subject to portions of existing regulations, such as Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act (2000), which address matters like defamation and disseminating pornographic material. Defamation is punished under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (1860). If passed, the Personal Data Protection Bill (2022) could offer some protection against the exploitation of personal data, although it makes no mention of deepfakes specifically. India must create a thorough legal system that explicitly targets deepfakes while taking into account the potential consequences for individual privacy, societal stability, national security, and democracy.
What steps are other nations taking to fight deep fakes?
United Kingdom:
To prevent the spread of disinformation by deepfakes, the European Union amended its Code of Practise on Disinformation in 2022.
American States
In order to help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) combat deepfake technology, the United States introduced the bipartisan Deepfake Task Force Act.
China:
China implements complete deep synthesis regulations that take effect in January 2023. The legislation mandates the unambiguous labelling and traceability of deep synthesis content in an effort to combat misinformation. People must provide their consent and follow the law and morality. Service providers must set up oversight processes and work with authorities.
Way ahead
Engage social media platforms to make investments in AI-powered technologies and algorithms that can automatically identify and flag possibly modified or deeply fraudulent content. Work along with fact-checking organisations and make use of the influence of the general people to immediately address and take action against the deepfake’s dissemination of misleading information.
Deepfake Verification based on Blockchain: Using blockchain technology, make a permanent record of the person who developed a piece of digital material and ensure transparency while confirming its validity. By allowing users to track the creation and modification history of material, this decentralised strategy discourages the production and distribution of nefarious deepfakes.
Deepfake Impact Mitigation Policy: Create a fund to aid anyone impacted by deepfakes personally and professionally.
The Deepfake Accountability Act (DAA) is a potential law that would provide accountability for the production, dissemination, and management of deep fakes.
Campaigns for Public Awareness and Punishment: Laws should hold bad-faith actors accountable and shield people from manipulation of their digital representations. To stop the proliferation of deepfakes, it is essential for the general public to be educated and knowledgeable in the scientific and digital fields.
Origin: TH
DEMAND A NEW OUTER SPACE TREATY
In News, why?
In a recent policy brief titled “For All Humanity -The Future of Outer Space Governance,” the United Nations (UN) advocated for the creation of a new treaty to guarantee peace, security, and the avoidance of an arms race in space. The suggestions coincide with the impending UN Summit of the Future, which is slated to take place in New York in September 2024. In order to address upcoming difficulties, the summit intends to enable multilateral solutions and enhance global governance.
What are the main points?
Rising Number of Satellite Launches
Over the past ten years, satellite launches have grown exponentially as a result of involvement from both the public and private sectors. The number of new launches climbed from 210 in 2013 to 600 in 2019, 1,200 in 2020, and 2,470 in 2022. Leading nations in space activities, including as manned missions, lunar exploration, and resource extraction, include the United States, China, India, and Japan. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to send the first man and the following man to the Moon with its Artemis mission. Minerals on the Moon (which has vast reserves of helium 3, which is uncommon on Earth), asteroids (which have large deposits of priceless metals, including as platinum, nickel, and cobalt), and planets can be desirable to nations.
Absence of a global framework
On the exploration, exploitation, and utilisation of space resources, there is no established international framework. In addition to addressing questions of jurisdiction, control, liability, and responsibility for environmental damage, the brief emphasises the significance of setting up structures to facilitate the implementation of space resource operations.
Coordinating and controlling space traffic
With several national and regional organisations using different standards and practises, the coordination of space transportation is currently fragmented. Countries with constrained space capabilities face difficulties as a result of the lack of coordination.
Concerns for the environment and space debris:
Numerous objects that pose risks to functioning spacecraft are part of the important problem of the spread of space trash. The UN demands legal analysis of jurisdiction, control, liability, and responsibility for space debris’s impact on the environment. Technology to clear space debris is being developed, but legal considerations must be made.
What suggestions are made?
New Agreement on Security and Peace:
To maintain peace, security, and the avoidance of an arms race in space, the UN suggests that a new convention be negotiated and developed. With the help of this pact, responsible space operations would be encouraged and new concerns would be addressed.
Coordinated Situational Awareness in Space
The establishment of an efficient framework for coordinating space situational awareness, space object manoeuvres, and space events is encouraged by member states. The safety and security of space operations will be improved by this coordination.
Framework for Space Debris Removal:
The UN requests that standards and guidelines for removing space debris be developed while taking into account legal and scientific considerations. It is advised to develop an efficient framework for the exploration, exploitation, and use of space resources, particularly those found on the Moon and other celestial bodies.
What is space, exactly?
About:
The enormous region outside of Earth’s atmosphere and in between celestial bodies is referred to as outer space, sometimes known as space or celestial space. Beyond the atmosphere of the Earth and extending infinitely into the universe, it is a vacuum. The absence of air and other atmospheric components, as well as a very low density and pressure, are characteristics of outer space.
UN Conventions
The following agreements are referred regarded as the “five United Nations treaties on outer space”:
The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 is a treaty outlining the rules for how states may explore and use space, including the moon and other celestial bodies.
The Rescue Agreement of 1968 was an agreement on the rescue of astronauts, their return, and the return of spacecraft.
Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, signed in 1972.
Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, The Registration Convention of 1976.
Agreement Regulating States’ Activities on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, signed in 1979. India has ratified just four of these five accords, despite being a signatory to all five. India refused to ratify the Moon accord.
Previous Year Questions (PYQ) for the UPSC Civil Services Exam
- All nations have total and exclusive authority over the airspace above their territory, according to international civil aviation legislation. What do you mean when you say “airspace”? What effects do these laws have on the area above this airspace? Talk about the difficulties this presents and make suggestions for mitigating the danger. (2014)
Author: DTE
AGENCY FOR RAILWAY SAFETY
In News, why?
The Commission of Railway Safety is conducting an investigation into the recent catastrophic train accident in Odisha for the south-eastern circle.
The Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) is what, exactly?
About:
Governmental organisation CRS serves as the nation’s governing body for rail safety. In addition to other statutory duties such as inspecting, investigating, and advising that are outlined in the Railways Act of 1989, it deals with issues relating to the safety of train operations and travel. Her main office is in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Ministry:
Instead of the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has administrative jurisdiction over it. This is being done to protect the CRS from the country’s railway establishment’s influence and to avoid conflicts of interest.
What is the CRS History?
the 1905 Indian Railway Board Act
According to the Indian Railway Board Act of 1905 and a notification issued by the then-Department of Commerce and Industry, the Railway Board was given authority to create rules for railway operations in India as well as to carry out the government’s duties under various parts of the Railway Act. As a result, the Railway Board effectively became the Indian Railways’ safety regulating body.
The 1935 Government of India Act
According to Section 181(3) of the Government of India Act of 1935, there should be a distinct agency in charge of overseeing the security of both passengers and railway employees. This organisation would look into accidents and identify what caused them. A.H.L. Mount, who was the British Railways’ chief inspecting officer at the time, presided over a panel in 1939 that stated the Railway Board “would welcome the change” and expressed appreciation for the separation argument.
Removal from the Inspectorate:
The Railway Inspectorate was split off from the Railway Board in May 1941 and put under the Department of Posts and Air’s supervision at that time. The Inspectorate was later renamed CRS (Commissioner of Railway Safety) in 1961, and ever since, it has been governed by the national government in charge of civil aviation in India.
Origin: IE
2023 NIRF RANKING
In News, why?
Recent announcements of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Ranking 2023 highlight the greatness and accomplishments of numerous Indian educational institutions. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru was named the best university, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras took first place in the overall rating for the fifth consecutive year.
What are the NIRF Ranking 2023’s Key Highlights?
Subjects for Ranking:
The practise of providing a “Overall” rank as well as separate ranks for universities, research institutions, degree colleges, and discipline-specific ranks in engineering, management, pharmacy, law, medical, dental, and architecture & planning will continue in the ranking exercise for the year 2023.
Three Unique Additions to the India Rankings for 2023:
Extension of the scope of “Architecture” to “Architecture and Planning” to include universities offering courses in urban and town planning. Introduction of a new subject called “Agriculture & Allied Sectors.” To lessen the burden on institutions of submitting the same data to two distinct agencies, the “Innovation” rating previously carried out by the Atal rating of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) has been integrated into the India Rankings.
Participants:
While the overall number of higher education institutions that took part in the ranking process climbed from 3565 in 2016 to 8686 in 2023, there were an increase in the number of categories and subject domains from 4 to 13.
Important Top Rankings
Leading Engineering Institutions: For the eighth year running, IIT-Madras has retained its position as India’s top engineering institution. IIT-Delhi and IITBombay have taken the second and third spots, respectively.
Best Management Schools: Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Kozhikode all competed for the title of best management school in India.
Best law Schools: The National Law School of India University in Bengaluru was named the best legal school in the nation. NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad was placed third, with National Law University in Delhi taking second place.
The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education is among the top medical institutions.
Hyderabad’s Research Institute of Pharmacy was acknowledged as India’s top pharmacy school. Jamia Hamdard and BITS Pilani came in second and third, respectively.
Top Colleges: Delhi University (DU) made an impression in the rankings, as five of its colleges earned spots among India’s top 10 institutions of higher learning.
Hindu College took the second slot, while Miranda House maintained the top spot.
Describe NIRF Ranking.
About:
The NIRF is a system for classifying educational institutions all around the nation according to different criteria.
On September 29, 2015, NIRF was introduced after receiving approval from the Ministry of Education (formerly the Ministry of Human Resource Development). The government has never attempted to rank Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the nation.
The weighting for each NIRF ranking parameter differs depending on the institution’s category.
Origin: IE
TECHNOLOGY FOR RECYCLING LI-ION BATTERIES TO PROMOTE THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
In News, why?
By providing nine recycling businesses and start-ups with an affordable Li-ion battery recycling technology, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India has made a substantial contribution to the advancement of a circular economy. The government of Telangana, along with industrial partner M/s Greenko Energies Pvt., helped develop the technology through the “Centre of Excellence on E-waste management” at the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), Hyderabad. Hyderabad, Ltd. This programme is a component of the Mission Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)’s “Promote circularity campaign.”
What does the most recent recycling technology entail?
The Li-ion battery recycling technology is made to recycle and recover valuable materials from used batteries quickly and effectively. To remove the valuable metals, the batteries are first soaked in a solution. With the help of the solution, metals including lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) can be separated and extracted, allowing for the recovery of over 95% of their contents in the form of pure oxides or carbonates. The metals are subsequently converted into their purest forms, where they can be used to create fresh batteries or for other advantageous purposes. More than 95% of these priceless metals are recovered from batteries thanks to this method. By recycling the batteries, we can lessen the demand for fresh resource extraction and promote environmental sustainability. Li-ion battery recycling technology is essential for advancing the circular economy.
How do Li-ion batteries work?
About:
A particular kind of rechargeable battery is a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. Unlike non-rechargeable lithium batteries, which employ metallic lithium as one electrode material, lithium-ion batteries use an intercalated (intercalation is the reversible inclusion or insertion of a molecule into materials having layered structures) lithium compound instead. The two electrodes that make up a lithium-ion battery cell are included in the battery together with an electrolyte that permits ionic flow. During a discharge, lithium ions travel from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, and vice versa during a charge.
Applications:
Telecom equipment, aerospace technology, and industrial uses. The popularity of lithium-ion batteries as a power source for electric and hybrid vehicles is a result of this technology.
Li-ion battery disadvantages:
a long time to charge.
There have been safety concerns as a result of battery fires.
expensive to produce.
For devices like phones and laptops, Li-ion batteries are considered to be sufficiently effective; but, when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), these cells still lack the range that would make them a competitive alternative to internal combustion engines.
Describe lithium.
About:
Due to its increasing demand in rechargeable batteries, lithium (Li), sometimes known as “White gold,” is a delicate, silvery-white metal.
Extraction:
Depending on the deposit type, lithium can be recovered in a variety of ways, usually by sun evaporation of sizable brine pools or by hard-rock extraction of the ore.
Uses:
Lithium is a crucial component of electrochemical batteries used in electric vehicle (EV), laptop, mobile, and other batteries. Additionally, thermonuclear reactions employ it. It is used to create alloys with magnesium and aluminium that are stronger and lighter.
Magnesium-lithium alloy is used to coat armour.
Aluminum-lithium alloys are used in high-speed trains, bicycle frames, and aircraft.
Significant global lithium reserves:
The top countries with Li reserves are Chile, Australia, and Argentina.
Bolivia, Bolivia, Chile: the Lithium Triangle.
India’s Lithium Reserves:
A preliminary assessment of a small area of land in Southern Karnataka’s Mandya district revealed estimated lithium deposits of 14,100 tonnes.
Other possible locations
Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh all have mica belts.
bands of pegmatite in Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
Kutch Rann in Gujarat.
Previous Year Questions (PYQ) for the UPSC Civil Services Exam
- Which of the following pairs of metals is, respectively, the lightest and the heaviest metal? (2008)
(a) Mercury and lithium
(a) Osmium and lithium
(c) Osmium and aluminium
(d) Mercury and aluminium
Ans: (b)
Exp:
While heavier elements typically have larger atomic weights, light metals are metals with low atomic weights. The densest element known to science is osmium, a hard metallic element. The atomic weight and atomic number of osmium are 190.2 and 76, respectively. The lightest metal currently in use is lithium, which has an atomic weight of 6.941u and an atomic number of 3.
As a result, choice (b) is the right response.
Origin: PIB
LIGHTNING-FAST CURRENT AFFAIRS
VARUNASTRA, AN INDIGENOUS HEAVYWEIGHT
The indigenously built and developed heavyweight torpedo Varunastra has successfully shown its efficiency in a live test, marking a great accomplishment for the Indian Navy. Varunastra combines cutting-edge features like low drift navigational systems, acoustic homing, and autonomous guidance algorithms. It was developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and is produced by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL). Varunastra proved its exceptional powers during the test by successfully hitting an underwater target, securing its place as the antisubmarine torpedo of choice for all naval warships. The torpedo will take the place of the more outdated types that are now mounted on naval ships with heavyweight torpedo launchers. The excellent features of Varunastra include a top speed of 40 knots and a top operational depth of 600 metres. With its multi-maneuvering powers and long-range capabilities, it is quite good at locating and pursuing underwater enemies that are silent.
MALWARE ATTACK ON E-HOSPITAL SERVICES REPELLED BY AIIMS
The All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), the top medical school in India, successfully defended its online hospital services from malware. Malware is an evil programme created to damage computers, networks, and other devices by interfering with their functioning or getting access to private information. Malware comes in a variety of forms, including Trojans, worms, ransomware, spyware, adware, and scareware. These dangers have the potential to result in system vulnerabilities, data loss, financial harm, and privacy violations. Security precautions including antivirus software, strong passwords, regular updates, and cautious online behaviour are essential for preventing infection.
INDIAN PRESIDENT COMMEMORATES 150 YEARS SINCE INDIAN SETTLEMENT IN SURINAME
The 150th anniversary of Indians’ immigration in Suriname was celebrated by the presidents of India and Suriname. The Indian President stressed the historical importance of this achievement, noting that the first group of Indians entered Suriname in 1873 on the ship Lalla Rookh. She commended Suriname as a cosmopolitan society that has welcomed and assimilated many communities into one family and one country, promoting inclusivity and unity. He declared that the OCI Card’s eligibility would be extended, strengthening links between India and Suriname. President appreciated Suriname’s participation in programmes like the G-20 and the Voice of Global South Summit and underlined India’s commitment to an inclusive global order. He also noted the great attachment of the Indian diaspora to their heritage despite physical distances. The Grand Order of the Chain of the Yellow Star, Suriname’s highest civilian decoration, was also given to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, highlighting the value of the two countries’ relations.
THREAT FROM CYCLONE “BIPORJOY” TO ARABIAN SEA
In the Arabian Sea, Cyclonic Storm “Biporjoy” increases, offering serious risks and uncertainties for the impacted areas. The storm is expected to build into a severe cyclonic storm on June 8, 2023, with winds of 115–125 kph and gusts of 140 kph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Bangladesh gave the name “Biparjoy,” which means “calamity or disaster.” Cyclone “Biporjoy”‘s genesis in June is exceptional, and climate change-related rises in sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea have a big impact. These higher temperatures, which can reach 30-32 degrees Celsius, encourage cyclone intensification. The southwest monsoon in India is also threatened by the cyclonic system, which will impede its arrival and advancement. The storm may further postpone the beginning of the monsoon by diverting precipitation away from India. Climate experts draw attention to the possible effects of long-term warming of the Indian Ocean and the forming El Nino, both of which have the potential to decrease the monsoon.