Current Affairs – May 16, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Sites} Madku Island

• Context (ToI): Madku Island’s (Madku Dweep) ongoing development and conservation efforts are being monitored by the Chhattisgarh High Court.

About the Madku Island or Madku Dweep

• Location: A river island on the Shivnath River in Mungeli district, Chhattisgarh.
• Mythological significance: Believed to be the site where Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva met.
  • Also known as Harihara-Kshetra & Kedar Dweep, reflecting association with Shaivism & Vaishnavism.
  • Associated with Sage Mandukya, credited with composing the Mandukya Upanishad. The name ‘Madku’ is derived from ‘Mandukya’.
• Archaeological significance: Excavations in 2011 uncovered temple remains, sculptures, and inscriptions dating to the 11^th century Kalachuri period, including Brahmi and Shankhalipi scripts.
  • Features 20 reconstructed temples with Shivling, Nandi, Ganesh, Radha-Krishna, and Vishnu idols.
• Material culture: Stone Age tools have been found nearby, indicating ancient human activity. Sandstone temple ruins, idols, and architectural fragments are present.
  • Portrait sculptures of kings, donors, and acharyas in folded-hand postures have been discovered.
• Significant temple: Has 9^th century Shivling and Ganesh idol, linked to Sage Mandukya’s meditation site.
• Cultural significance: Hosts Masihi Mela, an annual Christian fair since 1909, reflecting the coexistence of Hindu and Christian traditions on the island.
  • The site is featured in the novel Prem Masih of Damoh by George E. Miller, an American missionary who documented life at the island’s annual fair.
• Protection Status: Declared a state-protected archaeological site by the Government of Chhattisgarh.

Important Acts & Schemes for Cultural Heritage Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR), 1958: Protects and conserves ancient monuments and archaeological sites. Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972: Regulates export, import, and trade of antiques to prevent smuggling. National Mission on Cultural Mapping: Documents and preserves India’s diverse cultural heritage. PRASHAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive): Develops and promotes pilgrimage and heritage tourism destinations. HRIDAY Scheme (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana): Aims at integrated development and conservation of heritage cities. Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Focuses on developing theme-based tourist circuits, including cultural and heritage sites.

{GS2 – IR – UN} UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee

• Context (HT): Indian officials briefed the UNSC’s 1267 Sanctions Committee on The Resistance Front (TRF), responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack.

TRF, a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was formed post-abrogation of Article 370 (2019) to project terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir as a local movement. It engages in targeted killings, online propaganda, and recruitment, aiming to evade international scrutiny.

About UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee

• Established in 1999 under UNSC Resolution 1267.
• Also known as the ISIL (Da’esh) & Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
• Targets individuals/entities linked to ISIL, Al-Qaeda, and affiliates via targeted sanctions:
  • Asset freeze
  • Travel ban
  • Arms embargo
• Sanctions are binding on all UN member states under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
• Mechanism: Comprises 15 UNSC members—5 permanent (China, France, Russia, UK, USA) and 10 non-permanent (e.g., Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland, UAE).
  • Operates by consensus, meaning any member (notably China) can block or delay listings.
  • Listings require credible evidence of terrorist involvement, such as financing, planning, attacks, or recruitment.

Implications of Listing

• Enforces multilateral action such as bans on finances, movement, and arms supply.
• Amplifies global scrutiny on state sponsors of terrorism
• Reduces diplomatic space for countries that shield terror groups

India’s Engagement Actively uses the Committee to highlight Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, seeking TRF’s designation as a global terrorist group. Submitted evidence includes TRF’s role in the Pahalgam attack, cross-border recruitment and arms smuggling, and National Investigation Agency (NIA) findings linking TRF to Pakistan’s state actors. Challenges China has frequently blocked India’s proposals (e.g., Masood Azhar, Sajid Mir), citing insufficient evidence, reflecting the politicisation inherent in the consensus mechanism. Such blocks limit the Committee’s effectiveness in countering terrorism.

Significance for India

 

• Strengthens India’s counter-terrorism diplomacy and international standing.
• Internationalizes the issue of cross-border terrorism beyond bilateral forums.
• Applies pressure on Pakistan for accountability.
• Reinforces multilateral efforts and global norms against terrorism.

Also Read > Global Fight Against Terrorism.

{GS2 – MEITY – Initiatives} 6^th Semiconductor Unit in Uttar Pradesh **

• Context (PIB): Cabinet approved the 6^th semiconductor unit under the India Semiconductor Mission.

• The approved unit is a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn. Together, they will set up a plant near Jewar airport in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority.
• The plant will manufacture display driver chips for mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, PCs, and many other devices with displays. The design output capacity is 36 million units per month.

About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

• ISM has been established as an Independent Business Division within Digital India Corporation. It has all the administrative and financial powers and catalyses the India Semiconductor ecosystem in manufacturing, packaging and design.
• Launch: 2021.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Aim: To enhance semiconductor design and manufacturing capabilities within the country, fostering innovation, employment, and economic growth.
  • The ISM is driven by the Indian government in collaboration with various industry associations, research organisations, and educational institutions.
• Advisory Board: ISM has an advisory board consisting of some of the leading global experts in the field of semiconductors.
• ISM has been working as nodal agency for the Schemes approved under Semicon India Programme.

Key Objectives of the ISM

• Developing a strong semiconductor ecosystem in India.
• Encouraging indigenous semiconductor design and manufacturing.
• Fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions.
• Promoting skill development and talent acquisition in the semiconductor field.
• Attracting investments and driving innovation in semiconductor technologies.

Focus Areas of ISM

• Integrated Circuit (IC) design and manufacturing
• Semiconductor packaging and assembly
• Testing and validation of semiconductor devices
• Advanced materials and process technologies
• Design automation and tool development
• Skill development and human resource capacity building

Significance

• It creates employment opportunities, attracts investments, reduces imports, promotes technological self-reliance, and fosters innovation.
• The semiconductor industry’s growth has a multiplier effect on various sectors, including electronics, telecommunications, healthcare, automotive, and defence, leading to sustainable economic development.

Semicon India Programme

• Aim: To provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing and the design ecosystem.
• Financial Outlay: 76,000 crore.

Schemes Under Semicon India Programme

• ‘Modified Scheme for setting up of Semiconductor Fabs in India: Extends a fiscal support of 50% of the project cost on a pari-passu basis for setting up of Silicon CMOS-based Semiconductor Fab in India.
• ‘Modified Scheme for setting up Display Fabs in India: Scheme extends fiscal support of 50% of Project Cost on pari-passu basis for setting up Display Fabs in India.
• Semicon India Future Design: Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme provides “Product Design Linked Incentive” of up to 50% of the eligible expenditure, subject to a ceiling of ₹15 Crore per application.
  • It also provides “Deployment Linked Incentive” of 6% to 4% of net sales turnover over 5 years subject to a ceiling of ₹30 Crore per application.
• Modified Scheme for setting up of Compound Semiconductors/Silicon Photonics, etc., and Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging facilities in India: Provides 50% incentives.

Read More> Semiconductor Industry.

{GS2 – MoF – Initiatives} 10 Years of Jan Suraksha Schemes *

• Context (PIB): The three flagship Jan Suraksha schemes, PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY, completed 10 years of providing affordable social security.

Schemes Overview

• Launched on 9 May 2015 by the PM under the vision of “Securing the Unsecured.”
• All 3 schemes are Central Sector Schemes funded & implemented directly by the central government.
• Delivers low-cost insurance and pension cover to vulnerable, unorganised and low-income groups.
• Major thrust on financial inclusion, digitisation and outreach through banks and post offices.
• Collectively promoted to expand India’s social security net for the unorganised sector.
• Nodal Ministry for PMJJBY, PMSBY & APY: Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services.

Digital & Institutional Implementation

• Jan Suraksha Portal enabled online enrollment and digital claims processing, removing dependency on physical bank visits.
• Auto-debit mechanism for seamless premium and contribution payments.
• Role of banks, insurance companies, post offices & field functionaries was pivotal in last-mile delivery.

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

• Type: Central Sector Scheme administrated by LIC or any other approved life insurer.
• Objective: Life insurance for death due to any cause.
• Eligibility: 18-50 years, savings account holder with consent for auto-debit.
• Coverage: ₹2 lakh life insurance cover.
• Premium: ₹436 per annum (less than ₹2/day); deducted via auto-debit.
• Enrollment Period: Annually renewable; enrollment by 31st May every year.
• Key Achievements (as of 23 April 2025): Total enrollments reached 23.63 cr. with 9,19,896 claims settled, ₹18,397.92 cr. disbursed, 10.66 cr. women beneficiaries, and 7.08 cr. linked to PMJDY accounts.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

• Type: Central Sector Scheme.
• Objective: Accidental death and disability insurance.
• Eligibility: 18-70 years, savings account holder with consent for auto-debit.
• Coverage: ₹2 lakh for accidental death/total permanent disability; ₹1 lakh for partial permanent disability.
• Premium: ₹20 per annum (less than ₹2/month); deducted via auto-debit.
• Enrollment Period: Annually renewable; enrolment by 31st May every year.
• Key Achievements (as of 23 April 2025): Total enrollments stood at 51.06 cr. with 1,57,155 claims settled, ₹3,121.02 cr. disbursed, 23.87 cr. women beneficiaries, and 17.12 cr. linked to PMJDY accounts.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

• Type: Central Sector Scheme regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) under National Pension System (NPS) framework.
• Objective: Pension guarantee for workers in the unorganised sector.
• Eligibility: 18-40 years; must be a non-income-tax-payer with a savings account.
• Contribution: Varies by age and pension choice; auto-debited monthly/quarterly/half-yearly.
• Pension Options: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month from age 60.
• Post-Retirement Benefits: Spouse receives pension after subscriber’s death; Nominee receives accumulated corpus after both pass away.
• Exit Rules: Voluntary exit allowed with certain deductions; Spouse may continue contributions in case of premature death.
• Key Achievements (as of 23 April 2025): Total subscribers reached 7.66 crore with women constituting approximately 47% of enrollments.

{GS2 – MoSPI – Initiatives} Changes in PLFS from 2025 **

• Context (PIB): National Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MOSPI) revamps Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from January 2025.

Key Changes Introduced

• Monthly Estimates of Key Labour Market Indicators: Monthly estimates of LFPR, WPR and UR at the all-India level following the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.
  • The monthly estimates will help in timely policy interventions.
• Extending Quarterly Estimates to Rural Areas: Quarterly estimates of employment and unemployment indicators will be available for both rural and urban areas, and hence for the entire country.
• Moving to the Approach of Calendar Year Reporting: The annual PLFS results will be brought out based on the calendar year i.e. survey period of January – December of a specific year.
  • It will facilitate comprehensive analysis of labour market performance through review of key employment unemployment indicators.
• Enhanced Sample Size: 12 households from each of the selected First Stage Units, which implies an overall sample size of around 2,72,304 households, thus a 2.65 time increase in sample households.
  • The enhanced sample size is expected to provide reliable estimates of labour market indicators with improved precision.
• Representation of Districts in PLFS Sample: The district has been made the primary geographical unit, called basic stratum within a state/UT separately for rural and urban sectors for selecting FSUs for most part of the geography covered.
  • This will ensure the presence of sample observations from most of the districts in the PLFS sample, which will improve the representativeness of the estimates generated.

Read More> Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – STs} 1^st Tribal School Survey

• Context (ET): The 1^st ever survey, conducted in residential schools for tribal children in five states, has revealed gaps in infrastructure, toilets, libraries, safety etc.

• The survey was commissioned by the Ministry of tribal affairs through National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) in ashram schools for tribal students in 5 tribal-dominated states.
  • Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha.
• All schools were gauged on six broad parameters and rated on a scale of 0 (zero) to 2.

Key Findings

• A majority of surveyd schools had all infrastructure and basic facilities like drinking water, electricity and school furniture, however the condition was not up to the mark.
• Of the five states, ashram schools of Odisha and Chhattisgarh fared better than other states. Schools in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra were found poorer in basic facilities.
• Over half of the schools surveyd in Madhya Pradesh, about 58.6%, had a shortage of benches and chairs for children. There was no clean drinking water for students in 43% of schools surveyed.
• About a third of the schools had no boundary wall for security and none of the schools had a computer lab or ICT-enabled classrooms. About 90% did not have a library.
• About 57.1% of the schools surveyed had a shortage of furniture for children. About 20% of school buildings were in poor physical condition with visible cracks and leakages.
• In almost 1/3^rd of the surveyed schools, over 40 children shared one toilet.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation – PA} Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve *

• Context (HT): The Himachal Pradesh government notified the Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve to protect high-altitude biodiversity and wildlife corridors.

• Location: Spiti Valley, Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh, falling among the high-density habitats of snow leopard.
• It is India’s largest high-altitude protected area and the fifth conservation reserve in Himachal Pradesh, joining Darlaghat, Naina Devi, Potter Hill, and Shilli reserves.
• Notified under Sec. 36A(1) of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, after consultation with local panchayats.
  • Conservation reserves are government-owned areas outside national parks and sanctuaries, designated to conserve important habitats and act as ecological corridors with community participation.
  • Managed through Conservation Reserve Management Committees involving local panchayats.
• Borders Union Territory of Ladakh (north), Kabjima Nala (south), Baralacha Pass (west), and the confluence of Unam River and Charap Nala.
• Located in a Trans-Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, characterised by fragile alpine and snow-fed catchment ecosystems.
• The reserve connects Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (east) and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary (west), acting as a vital wildlife corridor.
• Tsarap River flows through deep gorges & rugged terrain, supporting aquatic habitats & alpine flora.
• Serves as a key catchment area ensuring water security & climate resilience for the region’s ecosystems.
• It supports rich Himalayan & Trans-Himalayan flora and fauna, vital for maintaining ecological balance.
  • Flagship species: Snow Leopard (“Ghost of the Mountains”), indicator of healthy alpine ecosystems.
  • Others: Tibetan wolf, bharal (blue sheep), Himalayan ibex, kiang (Tibetan wild ass), Tibetan argali.
  • Birds: Rose Finch, Tibetan Raven, Yellow-billed Chough, adapted to harsh high-altitude conditions.

{GS3 – Envi – RE} World’s First Commercial-Scale E-Methanol Plant

• Context (RT): Denmark announced the world’s first commercial-scale e-methanol plant in Kasso marking a major step toward decarbonizing shipping and industrial fuels.

E-Methanol (electro-methanol)

• It is a low-carbon fuel produced by combining green hydrogen with captured CO₂.
• It offers a clean fuel alternative by recycling CO₂ emissions and using renewable energy, lowering the carbon footprint of traditionally fossil-based methanol.
• Production Process:
  • Green hydrogen is generated via renewable-powered water electrolysis.
  • CO₂ is captured from industrial flue gases or directly from air.
  • Hydrogen and CO₂ react in a catalytic reactor to synthesize methanol with minimal by-products.

Benefits

• E-methanol is stable, storable at ambient conditions, and compatible with existing infrastructure, aiding smoother transition to green fuels.
• It enables decarbonization in hard-to-abate sectors like shipping and chemicals.
• Utilizes renewable energy and CO₂ capture, contributing to emission reductions.

Applications of E-Methanol

• Shipping Industry: Fuels dual-fuel container ships; one large ship or several smaller vessels can operate annually on a single plant’s output.
• Plastics Manufacturing: Used for sustainable plastic component production.
• Pharmaceuticals: Utilized in making medical devices such as injection pens.

Challenges in E-Methanol Adoption

• High Cost: Currently more expensive than fossil methanol; price parity expected around 2035 as production scales and technology matures.
• Production Scale: Infrastructure for large-scale green methanol is still developing globally.
• CO₂ Sourcing: Reliable and sustainable carbon capture remains a technological challenge.
• Storage and Distribution: Requires new or adapted logistics systems to handle green methanol at scale.

Methanol

• Methanol (CH₃OH) is a light, volatile, flammable liquid used in fuels, chemicals, plastics, and fuel cells.
• Traditionally produced from natural gas and coal; e-methanol represents a sustainable alternative.
• Derivatives such as gasoline and kerosene made from e-methanol provide cleaner options for road and air transport fuels.

India’s Methanol Economy Programme

• Launched by NITI Aayog to reduce oil import dependency and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting methanol production from coal, biomass, and municipal waste.
• Targets 10% crude oil import reduction by 2030 through methanol fuel substitution.
• Supported by Dept of Science & Technology’s Methanol Economy Research Programme (MERP).
• Recent policies include notification for 15% methanol blending in gasoline (M15) and recognition of methanol and DME as alternative fuels in the 2018 National Policy on Biofuels.
• Projected to generate 5 million jobs & save Rs 6000 cr. annually by blending 20% DME in LPG.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)

• Context (PIB|OGA): The Union Minister of State for Science & Technology inaugurated India’s first publicly funded DST-ICGEB ‘Bio-Foundry’ during the 31^st ICGEB Board of Governors Meeting.

About ICGEB

• Established: 1983 as a special project under the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO); became an autonomous international organisation in 1994.
• Type: Intergovernmental organisation for molecular biology and biotechnology research and training.
• Membership: 65+ countries; India is a founding member.
• Main Centres: Trieste (HQ, Italy), New Delhi (India), Cape Town (South Africa).
• Governance:
  • Board of Governors: Representatives from member states set policies and approve programs.
  • Council of Scientific Advisers: Eminent scientists ensuring scientific excellence.
• Core Research Areas:
  • Infectious and non-communicable diseases
  • Medical, industrial, and plant biotechnology
  • Biopharmaceuticals, biofuels, environmental remediation

India’s key biotech initiatives include the DST-ICGEB Bio-Foundry to boost innovation and biomanufacturing; Mission COVID Suraksha, which developed the world’s first DNA vaccine distributed globally; the 2024 BioE3 Policy promoting a resilient bioeconomy; indigenous drugs like Nafithromycin and diagnostic kits; strong capacity building at ICGEB New Delhi; and rapid bioeconomy growth from $10 billion (2014) to $165.7 billion (2024), targeting $300 billion by 2030.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Bhargavastra *

• Context (ToI): India successfully tested ‘Bhargavastra’, a low-cost indigenous micro-missile counter-drone system designed to neutralise drone swarms effectively.

Mythological Origin of Bhargavastra

• Textual Mentions: Found in the Mahabharata and Ramayana, associated with divine destructive power.
• Symbolic Reference: In Hindu mythology, the Bhargavastra was a celestial weapon wielded by Parashurama, a descendant of Sage Bhrigu, and by Karna during the Kurukshetra War.
• Represents divine authority, cosmic balance and righteous power.

What Is Bhargavastra in Modern Context?

• It is a mobile, micro-missile-based air defence system to neutralise small drones and drone swarms, jointly developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd) and Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd (SDAL).
• Objective: Provide affordable, indigenous solution for drone threat mitigation in critical military zones.
• Detection Range: Can detect small UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) from 6 to 10 km away using advanced radar and surveillance technologies.
• Micro-Missile Arsenal as a Guidance Tech: Simultaneous launch capacity of 64+ precision-guided micro missiles for accurate targeting, enabling rapid engagement of multiple drone threats or swarms.
• Salvo Mode: Successfully tested salvo firing of 2 rockets within 2 seconds.
• Mobility: Mounted on a mobile platform, allowing quick deployment across various terrains.
  • Terrain Versatility: Effective in deserts, plains and high-altitude regions.
• Operational Flexibility: Designed to suit both Army Air Defence and Air Force deployment requirements.

Swarm Drones: Groups of autonomous drones that collaborate using advanced algorithms and communication networks to perform tasks efficiently and resiliently, with minimal human control. Their key features include coordinated operation through pre-programmed routes, centralised or distributed control, and the ability to maintain mission continuity even if some drones fail. Counter-Drone Systems: Technologies designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile UAVs, protecting military and strategic assets from drone threats. These systems use precision-guided micro-munitions and rapid deployment to counter evolving and swarm drone attacks effectively.

Significance

• First of Its Kind: India’s first micro-missile-based counter-drone system, closing a major capability gap.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Offers a low-cost alternative to expensive air defence against low-cost drone threats.
• Force Multiplier: Enables defence forces to preserve advanced missile systems for larger threats.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Aligns with India’s self-reliance goals in defence manufacturing.
• Global Edge: Among few such systems worldwide, indicating technological advancement.

Also refer to Tapas UAV.

{GS3 – S&T – NanoTech} 2D Metals

• Context (TH): Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to remarkable developments in the creation of quantum dots and 2D metals.
• The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for discovering a reliable way to produce quantum dots (tiny semiconductor particles a few nanometres in size).
• A material is described as 1D or 2D depending on how much it confines its electrons.
• A quantum dot is considered a zero-dimensional material: while its electrons can technically move in three dimensions, the volume available is so small.

What is 2D Metal?

• 2D metals are atomically thin layers of metallic elements, typically just one or two atoms thick. In these materials, electrons are confined to move in only two dimensions.
• Example: Graphene is a famous 2D material consisting of a single sheet of carbon atoms bonded to each other in a hexagonal pattern. The electrons in this sheet can only move around in two dimensions.

Recent Breakthrough in China Recent research has achieved significant progress in creating stable, atomically thin 2D sheets of various metals, including bismuth, gallium, indium, tin, and lead. A novel high-pressure technique has formed these ultra-thin metallic layers, involving melting metal powder between molybdenum disulfide (MoS2​) coated sapphire plates under immense pressure. These 2D metals are often stabilised by encapsulating them between layers of other 2D materials like Mos2​, preventing degradation and allowing for detailed study of their intrinsic properties.

Key Properties of 2D Metals

• Quantum Confinement: The confinement of electrons in two dimensions leads to quantised energy levels and alters their behaviour, resulting in novel electrical and magnetic properties.
• High Conductivity: Some 2D metals exhibit high electrical conductivity due to the unique movement of electrons in their thin structure.
• Strong Field Effect: The electrical conductivity of 2D metals can often be easily controlled by applying an external electric field.
• Nonlinear Hall Effect: Unlike 3D metals, some 2D metals can generate a voltage perpendicular to the applied current and an external magnetic field.
• Topological Insulation: Certain 2D metals can behave as topological insulators, conducting electricity only along their edges while the interior remains insulating.

Potential Applications

• Quantum Computing: Their novel electronic properties, such as topological insulation, could be crucial for developing more stable and efficient quantum computing systems.
• Flexible Electronics: The ultra-thin and potentially flexible nature of 2D metals makes them ideal for next-generation sensors, transistors, and wearable electronic devices.
• Photonics and Optoelectronics: They could be used in high-efficiency LEDs, lasers, and photodetectors due to their unique optical properties.
• Ultra-sensitive Sensors: The quantum confinement effects in 2D metals can lead to highly sensitive sensors for medical, environmental, and industrial applications.
• Batteries: Their high conductivity and large surface area could enhance the performance of battery electrodes, leading to faster charging and higher energy storage.
• Transparent Displays: The potential for creating conductive yet transparent 2D metal films could revolutionise display technologies.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} Wandering Supermassive Black Hole

• Context (ESA): A rare astronomical event recorded by NASA’s Hubble has revealed a rogue supermassive black hole consuming a star far from its galaxy’s centre.

Tidal Disruption Event (TDE) occurs when a star ventures too close to a supermassive black hole and is torn apart by its immense tidal forces. The stellar debris forms an accretion disk around the black hole, emitting high-energy radiation detectable in X-ray and UV bands.

Key Details of the Rogue Black Hole

• Mass: Estimated at around 1 million solar masses, small compared to central galactic black holes (~100 million solar masses) located ~2,600 light-years from its galaxy’s centre.
• Behaviour: Actively devouring a star, causing a powerful tidal disruption & emitting detectable radiation.

Possible Origins of the Rogue Black Hole

• Three-Body Ejection Theory: A black hole ejected from the galactic centre due to gravitational interactions among three black holes.
• Galaxy Merger Theory: Possibly the remnant core of a small galaxy that merged with the host galaxy a billion years ago.
• Unconfirmed: No direct evidence of a past merger exists, but it remains a plausible hypothesis.

Comparison with Central Black Hole

• Dual Presence: The galaxy hosts two supermassive black holes, one at the centre & this wandering rogue.
• No Binary System: They are not gravitationally bound and do not form a binary black hole system.
• Future Possibility: The rogue may eventually drift inward and merge with the central black hole in the distant future.

Source: ESA

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Geotubing *

• Context (TH): A recent study revealed that the offshore breakwater system using geotube technology at Poonthura coast (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) effectively controls coastal erosion.

About Geotubing

• Geotextile tubes or breakwater tubes — are large, cylindrical structures made from high-strength, porous woven polypropylene fabric and are hydraulically filled with dredged material, sludge, or sediment.
• The geotextile fabric drains water while retaining solids, making it useful for multiple environmental and infrastructure applications.
• Core Functions:
  • Dewatering: Reduces sludge volume by separating solids from water, facilitating easier disposal.
  • Erosion Control: Stabilizes vulnerable sites like riverbanks and canals by absorbing wave energy and preventing soil loss.
  • Shoreline Protection: Serves as synthetic seawalls or breakwaters to defend beaches and dunes from tidal and wave impacts.

Significance

• Durable: Resistant to UV radiation, chemicals, and microbial degradation, ensuring long service life.
• Customizable: Available in varied sizes and shapes to suit specific project requirements.
• Eco-sensitive: Low ecological footprint; prevents leaching and promotes site stability.
• Versatile: Used in wastewater treatment, wetland restoration, mine tailing containment, land reclamation.
• Adaptable Deployment: Suitable for coastal, inland, and contaminated sites.