Daily Prelims Notes 16 January 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

16 January 2025

Table Of Contents

1. The Discovery of Semi-Dirac Fermions: A New Chapter in Particle Physics
2. U.S. and Japan Collaborate on Moon Lander Missions
3. How and why are plants grown in space: Takeaways from ISRO’s success
4. Iran acknowledges Israel’s tampering of centrifuge platforms using explosives
5. Kosovo raids Serbia-backed public bodies ahead of polls
6. Does ‘blood money’ have a legal standing?
7. Agasthyar’s legacy to be the focus of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0

1. The Discovery of Semi-Dirac Fermions: A New Chapter in Particle Physics

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space tech

Why in News

• Physicists have identified a peculiar subatomic particle, the semi-Dirac fermion, which behaves uniquely under certain conditions. The discovery, made using a magnetic field 2.7 lakh times stronger than Earth’s, represents a significant development in particle physics. The findings were reported in a study conducted at Columbia University and Pennsylvania State University.

Standard Model of Particle Physics:

• The Standard Model (SM) is a theoretical framework in particle physics that describes three of the four known fundamental forces in the universe—electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions—and classifies all known elementary particles.
• Developed in the early 1970s, it has been instrumental in explaining a wide range of experimental results and predicting new phenomena.
• Fundamental Forces in the Standard Model:

• Note: Gravity is not included in the Standard Model, as incorporating it has proven challenging.
• Elementary Particles in the Standard Model: The Standard Model categorizes elementary particles into two main groups: fermions and bosons.

• Types of Fermions:
  • Dirac Fermions: May or may not have mass. Distinct from their antiparticles.
  • Majorana Fermions: Identical to their antiparticles (e.g., neutrinos are suspected to belong to this class).

The Semi-Dirac Fermion: 

• Has mass when moving in one direction but behaves as massless in a perpendicular direction.
• Arises due to interactions with electric and magnetic fields in specific materials.

• Semi-Dirac fermions are quasiparticles, which are groupings of particles or energy packets behaving like single particles under specific conditions.
• Example: Protons (made of three quarks and gluons) are also quasiparticles.

Discovery Details:

• Researchers used zirconium silicon sulphide (ZrSiS), a layered crystalline material.
• Magnetic field strength of up to 5 tesla (270,000 times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field).
• Materials like graphene and ZrSiS act as “mini-universes,” hosting exotic particles not observable in three-dimensional space.
• Unlike subatomic particles discovered using large colliders like CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, semi-Dirac fermions were found in a lab-scale experiment.

Zirconium Silicon Sulphide (ZrSiS):

• A layered crystalline material composed of zirconium (Zr), silicon (Si), and sulphur (S).
• Exhibits unique scaling of cyclotron energy under a magnetic field, distinguishing it from other materials like graphene.
• Helps in studying condensed matter physics and mimicking behaviours of subatomic particles in table-top experiments.
• Provides insights into particle interactions and electronic properties under extreme conditions.
• Advances the understanding of quantum materials. Useful in developing materials for electronics and quantum computing.

2. U.S. and Japan Collaborate on Moon Lander Missions

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space tech

Why in News

On a historic occasion, U.S. and Japanese companies launched two lunar landers, Blue Ghost (by Firefly Aerospace) and Resilience (by ispace), aboard a single SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The event highlights the growing role of the private sector in space exploration and advances in lunar exploration under the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.

• Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
• Payloads:
  • Blue Ghost by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.).
  • Resilience by ispace (Japan), which carries a micro rover named Tenacious.

Blue Ghost Lunar Lander:

• Blue Ghost will take 45 days to reach its destination near Mons Latreille, a volcanic feature on the Moon’s northeastern near side.
• Carries 10 NASA instruments to conduct scientific investigations, including:
  • Characterizing the Earth’s magnetosphere.
  • Studying lunar dust and the Moon’s interior structure and thermal properties.
• Technology demonstrations for Navigation systems and computing in high-radiation environments.

Resilience Lunar Lander:

• Resilience will take 4-5 months to reach Mare Frigoris, a region on the Moon’s far north.
• Includes scientific instruments and the Tenacious rover developed by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg subsidiary).
• Features of Tenacious:
  • Equipped with a high-definition camera.
  • Designed to scoop up regolith, the Moon’s loose surface material.

NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS):

• NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative is a pivotal program aimed at leveraging private sector capabilities to deliver scientific instruments and technology payloads to the lunar surface.
• This initiative is integral to NASA’s broader Artemis program, which seeks to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon by the end of the decade.
• The program facilitates the deployment of scientific instruments to conduct research on lunar geology, resource potential, and other scientific inquiries, thereby enhancing our understanding of Earth’s nearest celestial neighbour.

3. How and why are plants grown in space: Takeaways from ISRO’s success

Sub: Sci 

Sec: Space sector

Context:

• The lobia (black-eyed pea) seeds that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sent to space as a part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) germinated last week.

Why grow plants in Space:

• This experiment demonstrates the potential for space-grown plants to provide sustainable food sources for long-term space missions to Mars and the Moon, where resupplying food is limited.
• Plants can also help create a closed-loop life support system by recycling carbon dioxide and waste, while also improving astronauts’ mental well-being.

Challenges of Growing Plants in Space:

• Microgravity: In the absence of gravity, plant roots struggle to grow downwards, and nutrient delivery becomes difficult. Water behaves differently in microgravity, sticking to surfaces and not trickling down to the plant roots as it would on Earth.
• Radiation and Temperature Fluctuations: Plants in space are exposed to high levels of radiation, which can damage their DNA and hinder growth. Additionally, space’s extreme temperature fluctuations, often reaching hundreds of degrees, require special insulation to protect the plants.
• Light Conditions: In regions of the outer solar system where sunlight is scarce, providing adequate light for photosynthesis is challenging. Without light, photosynthesis stops, and plants begin to consume more oxygen than they produce.

Methods of Growing Plants in Space:

• Hydroponics: Hydroponics is the most common method used to grow plants in space. In this system, plants are grown without soil, with water and nutrients delivered via liquid solutions.
• Aeroponics: Aeroponics is another method where plants are grown without soil, using a mist of water and nutrients. This method uses 98% less water and 60% less fertilizer compared to traditional methods. It has the added benefit of eliminating the need for pesticides.
• Soil-Like Media: Plants can also be grown in space using soil-like media, such as the highly porous clay pellets used by ISRO in its recent experiment. These pellets help retain water and release nutrients slowly.

ISRO’s Space Experiment with Lobia:

• ISRO’s CROPS experiment was conducted using a mini greenhouse-like module.
• The soil-like medium used by ISRO consisted of highly porous clay pellets. These pellets had a water-activated slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients to the plants over time.
• ISRO used warm and cool LEDs to simulate sunlight. The lights were programmed to be on for 16 hours and off for 8 hours to mimic day and night cycles.
• Temperatures inside the module were regulated between 20 and 30°C, and water was injected into the soil-like medium through an electric valve operated from Earth.
• The lobia seeds sprouted on the fourth day of the experiment, with two leaves visible the following day, signalling the successful germination and initial growth of the plants in space.

Ideal Plants for Space Farming:

• Plants suitable for space farming are selected based on their growth rate, nutrient content, and compatibility with space farming systems.
• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and kale are ideal for space farming as they grow quickly, require little space, and are rich in nutrients.
• Legumes: Beans and peas are protein-dense and can fix nitrogen in the soil-like medium, improving nutrient cycles.
• Root Vegetables: Radishes and carrots grow well in compact spaces.

4. Iran acknowledges Israel’s tampering of centrifuge platforms using explosives

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• For the first time, a senior Iranian official has acknowledged Israel’s role in supplying Iran with centrifuge platforms containing explosives, specifically targeting Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.
• He referenced the 2021 attack on Iran’s underground Natanz nuclear enrichment facility.
• The comments were made in an interview intended to explain the challenges Iran faces under Western sanctions, especially regarding its nuclear program.

Impact of Israeli Sabotage:

• The sabotage operations against Iran’s nuclear facilities have been attributed to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
• In July 2020, a mysterious explosion at Natanz destroyed part of Iran’s advanced centrifuge assembly. Another explosion in April 2021 damaged one of its underground enrichment halls.
• The sabotage was part of broader efforts by Israel to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities.

Iran’s nuclear enrichment program:

• Iran’s nuclear program began in the 1950s, with assistance from the United States under the Atoms for Peace initiative. However, after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the program became more secretive and increasingly controversial.
• Iran has periodically expanded its nuclear activities, including the construction of new reactors and expanding enrichment capabilities.
• Iran has also enriched uranium at varying levels, including up to 20% purity, well above the 5% limit set for peaceful purposes. Uranium enriched to 90% is considered weapons-grade.
• Since 2003, the IAEA has conducted regular inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities and has reported instances where Iran was found to have violated some agreements or lacked full transparency in reporting its nuclear activities.

Western Sanctions:

• In response to concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, the UN, EU, and U.S. imposed a series of economic sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran to halt its uranium enrichment activities.
• These sanctions affected Iran’s economy, particularly its oil exports and banking sector.

Iran Nuclear Deal:

• A major development in the international effort to manage Iran’s nuclear program came in 2015 with the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)between Iran and six world powers (the U.S., U.K., France, Russia, China, and Germany).
• Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67% and reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium in exchange for reduced sanctions. Iran also agreed to provide the IAEA with greater access to its nuclear facilities and share more detailed information about its activities.
• In 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the JCPOA, re-imposing harsh sanctions on Iran. Following this, Iran has expanded its nuclear program.

5. Kosovo raids Serbia-backed public bodies ahead of polls

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• Kosovo authorities conducted raids on 10 municipal offices in ethnic Serb-majority areas, according to the Interior Ministry. These offices were reportedly backed by the Serbian government.
• This operation is part of a broader series of efforts aimed at dismantling the “parallel system” of services and political institutions that Serbia has set up within Kosovo.

About Kosovo:

• Kosovo is a small landlocked region that lies to Serbia’s southwest, sharing borders with North Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro. 
• Pristina is the capital of Kosovo.

Ethnic Tensions in Kosovo:

• Of the 1.8 million people living in Kosovo, 92% are Albanian and only 6% Serbian.
• Kosovo’s majority ethnic Albanians view Kosovo as belonging to them, and accuse Serbia of occupation and repression.
• Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s statehood and still considers it to be an integral part of Serbian territory.
• Countries such as India, China, and Russia do not recognise Kosovo as a separate country, while the US, the majority of EU countries, Japan and Australia do so.

6. Does ‘blood money’ have a legal standing?

Sub : Polity

Sec: Msc

Context: – The death sentence awarded by a Yemen court to murdering her business partner, and the subsequent debates and efforts surrounding her acquittal and repatriation, which involves monetary compensation paid to the victim’s family, have brought the focus back on ‘blood money’ and its implications.

What is Blood Money?

• Blood money’, or ‘diya’, finds footing in the Islamic Sharia law, and is followed in countries that incorporate these laws in their legislation.
• Under the rule of ‘diya’, a select quantity of a valuable asset, primarily monetary, has to be paid by the perpetrator of the crime to the victim, or the victim’s family if the latter has died
• The custom is practised predominantly in cases involving unintentional murder and culpable homicide. 
• It is also invoked in murder cases wherein the victim’s kin chooses not to retaliate through ‘qisas’ (a way of retribution under the Sharia).
• The end-goal, as the law says, is not to put a price tag on human life, but to alleviate the plight and suffering of the affected family and their potential loss of income.

However, even if the concerned parties reconcile through ‘blood money’, the community and the state will retain the right to impose a deterrent punishment, including penalties.

Legal Backing of ‘Blood Money’

• Yemen: In Yemen, ‘blood money’ (diya) is a recognized legal practice where the victim’s family can negotiate a compensation amount. This compensation can be determined through mutual agreement, with judicial oversight to ensure fairness.
• Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, ‘blood money’ is applied under Sharia law. The amount is determined by a Sharia court, and the victim’s heirs are compensated.
• Iran: Iran practices ‘blood money’ with variations based on the gender and religion of the victim. For instance, a woman’s compensation is half that of a man’s.
• Pakistan: Pakistan includes provisions for ‘diya’ and ‘qisas’ (retributive justice) under the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 1991.

India’s stand on ‘diya’

• In India, ‘blood money’ does not have a formal legal framework.
• However, plea bargaining provides a mechanism for negotiation between the accused and prosecution.

7. Agasthyar’s legacy to be the focus of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0

Sub: History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context: -Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday announced that the main theme of the third edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a cultural exchange programme scheduled to be held from February 14 to 25, will be Rishi Agasthya.

What is Kashi Tamil Sangamam?

About:

• Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India in collaboration with other ministries including Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, I&B etc. and the Govt. of UP.
• The event aims to strengthen historical and cultural connections between the two regions, bringing together intellectuals, artists, and scholars from both sides.
• The endeavour is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge. IIT Madras and BHU are the two implementing agencies for the programme.

Cultural Significance:

• King Parakrama Pandya, who ruled over the region around Madurai in the 15th century, wanted to build a temple to Lord Shiva, and he travelled to Kashi (Uttar Pradesh) to bring back a lingam.
• For devotees who could not visit Kashi, the Pandyas had built the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in what is today Tenkasi in southwestern Tamil Nadu, close to the state’s border with Kerala.

About Rishi Agasthyar

• Rishi Agasthyar is considered one of the most revered sages in Hinduism and is particularly significant in Tamil tradition.
• He is one of the seven most revered rishis (the Saptarishi) in the Vedic texts, and is revered as one of the Tamil Siddhar in the Shaivism tradition, who invented an early grammar of the Old Tamil language, Agattiyam.
• Sage Agastya is mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana in several chapters with his hermitage described to be on the banks of river Godavari.