Daily Prelims Notes 3 March 2025

March 3, 2025
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Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

3 March 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Private U.S. Spacecraft Achieves Historic Upright Lunar Landing

Sub: SCI

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

For the first time, a private U.S. spacecraft successfully landed upright on the lunar surface. Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 marked this historic achievement, becoming the second private mission to land on the Moon.

About Blue Ghost Mission 1:

Objective: Deliver ten scientific and technology payloads to the lunar surface as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.
Launch: Aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Centre.
Landing Site: Mare Crisium near Mons Latreille on the Moon’s northeastern near side.
First commercial company to achieve a fully successful Moon landing with the lander remaining upright.
Designed to operate for one lunar day (approximately 14 Earth days) to conduct scientific experiments.
Scientific Instruments and Experiments:
- Lunar Regolith Adherence Characterization (RAC): Studied how lunar dust adheres to surfaces.
- Lunar PlanetVac (LPV): Collected lunar soil samples for analysis.
- Lunar Instrumentation for Thermal Exploration with Rapidity (LISTER): Measured heat flow from the lunar interior.
- Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment (LuGRE): Tested the feasibility of using Earth’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals for lunar navigation.
- Lunar Environment Heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI): Captured X-ray images of Earth’s magnetosphere.
Contributes to NASA’s Artemis program by providing data to support future human exploration of the Moon.
Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS): Part of NASA’s initiative to involve private companies in lunar exploration, aiming to stimulate a lunar economy and advance space exploration.
Blue Ghost is expected to capture high-definition images of a total eclipse, when Earth will block the Sun from the Moon’s horizon.
The mission will provide insights into how lunar dust levitates under solar influence, contributing to the understanding of the mysterious lunar horizon glow, first observed by Apollo astronaut Eugene Cernan.

2. Discovery of Altieri’s Einstein Ring: A Breakthrough in Space Observation

Sub: SCI

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

The Euclid space telescope, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA), has discovered a new Einstein ring in the galaxy NGC 6505.This discovery is significant as only five other gravitational lenses at similar distances have been found so far.

About Einstein Rings:

Albert Einstein, proposed that massive objects like galaxies bend light from distant objects due to their gravitational pull.
This phenomenon, known as gravitational lensing, results in arc-like structures around the foreground lens.
When the alignment of the background object, gravitational lens, and observer is nearly perfect, it forms a circular pattern known as an Einstein ring
The first Einstein ring was discovered in 1998, over 80 years after Einstein’s prediction.

Altieri’s Ring:

The Einstein ring was first observed in September 2023 by astronomer Bruno Altieri in an initial blurry image captured by Euclid.
Named Altieri’s Ring, this Einstein ring consists of the distorted images of another galaxy located 4.5 billion light-years away.
Altieri’s Ring is considered extraordinary because it has been observed in a well-studied, nearby galaxy—NGC 6505, located 590 million light-years from Earth.
Following the initial detection, additional observations were conducted using:
- Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI) in March 2024, confirming the lensed nature of the images.
- Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, verifying the mass and distance of NGC 6505 and the background galaxy.

Gravitational Lensing and General Relativity:

Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity states that massive objects distort spacetime, similar to how a heavy object deforms the surface of a stretched fabric.
This warping of spacetime alters the path of light, a phenomenon explained by physicist John Wheeler.
The foreground galaxy, acting as a gravitational lens, bends and magnifies the light from background sources, creating multiple distorted images.

Types of Gravitational Lensing:

Weak Lensing: Minor distortions in background objects’ shapes due to gravitational effects.
Strong Lensing: Multiple images of the background object are produced due to a strong gravitational field.
Einstein Rings: A special case of strong lensing where the light forms a nearly perfect ring around the lensing galaxy.

About Euclid Space Telescope:

It derives its name from the Greek mathematician Euclid of Alexandria.
This mission was part of ESA’s Cosmic Vision programme, aimed at exploring the origin and components of the Universe and the fundamental laws that govern it.
The spacecraft was equipped with a 1.2-metre-wide telescope and two instruments:
- A visible-wavelength camera (the VISible instrument): It sought tiny distortions in the shapes of distant galaxies from different points in time to highlight the interplay between the pull of gravity and the push of dark energy.
- A near-infrared camera/spectrometer (the Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer): It observed how quickly galaxies were moving away from each other, providing scientists with insights into both dark energy and the workings of gravity.
The detectors of the near-infrared instruments were supplied by NASA, making the American agency an integral part of the Euclid Consortium.
It orbited 1.5 million kilometres above the Earth, and the telescope aimed to capture images at least four times sharper than ground-based ones.
The spacecraft had dimensions of approximately 4.7 metres in height and 3.7 metres in diameter.
It was launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
It will remain operational for a minimum of six years.”

3. Urban cooperative banks urgently need to get their act together

Sub: Eco

Sec: Monetary Policy

Context:

Jean Baptiste Alphonse Karr’s quote, “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” applies aptly to the recurring challenges faced by Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) over the past quarter-century.
Fraud and mismanagement continue to plague the sector, causing significant hardship to depositors and borrowers.

Spotlight on UCBs:

UCBs have been in the spotlight due to incidents of fraud. A notable example is the ₹122-crore scam at the Mumbai-based New India Cooperative Bank (NICB).
While there are several financially sound and well-managed UCBs, the presence of some rogue players tarnishes the reputation of the sector.
The RBI plays a critical role in addressing such issues, working to protect depositors’ funds and restore trust in the system.

The Case of PMC Bank:

The RBI previously intervened to rescue the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank through a novel solution, where Centrum Financial Services Ltd. took over the bank, converting it into Unity Small Finance Bank.
Now, there is uncertainty over whether a similar rescue plan will be applied to NICB or if alternative solutions will be explored.

Reviving NICB:

The National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies Ltd. (NAFCUB) has expressed a desire to work on a revival plan for NICB, though it lacks sufficient information from the RBI.
A key challenge is ensuring that major depositors, who make up 90% of NICB’s depositors, do not withdraw their funds before a revival plan is executed.
While small depositors (under ₹5 lakh) will be compensated by mid-May 2025 through the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC),larger depositors face a longer recovery process.
If this happens, a potential buyer, such as a small finance bank or non-banking financial company (NBFC), may not find the bank an attractive acquisition target.

RBI’s Powers:

The amendment of the Banking Regulation Act in 2020 has empowered the RBI to take decisive actions against errant UCBs.
This includes the authority to reconstruct or amalgamate a bank with the approval of the central government.
These powers are aimed at ensuring early intervention to preserve depositors’ trust and to prevent further damage to the sector.

The Dynastic Control Issue:

The issue of dynastic control in some UCBs has been raised as a significant concern.
RBI Director Satish K. Marathe highlighted that internal lapses are often first noticed by the bank’s staff, management, auditors, and board.
Dysfunctional boards and lack of vigilance from shareholders are often the root causes of mismanagement.

Urban Cooperative Banks:

Co-operative Banks are broadly classified into Urban and Rural co-operative banks based on their region of operation.
Urban Co-operative Banks (aka Primary Cooperative Banks) are regulated and supervised by State Registrars of Co-operative Societies (RCS) in case of single-State co-operative banks and Central Registrar of Co-operative Societies (CRCS) in case of multi-State co-operative banks and by the RBI.
Unlike commercial banks, UCBs are only partly regulated by the RBI. Their banking operations are regulated by the RBI, which lays down their capital adequacy, risk control and lending norms. However, their management and resolution in the case of distress is regulated by the Registrar of Co-operative Societies either under the State or Central government.

4. Jobs rising but salaries not keeping pace with inflation

Sub: Eco

Sec: Inflation

Context:

NITI Aayog member Arvind Virmani has highlighted the employment trends in India, stating that while employment has been increasing, real wages for regular jobs have not kept pace with inflation over the last seven years.
Arvind Virmani identified the lack of skills as a primary reason for the stagnation of wages in India.

Employment Growth in India:

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, India has seen an increase in the worker-population ratio over the past seven years.
The worker-population ratio, which indicates the number of people employed relative to the total population, has improved significantly, from7% in 2017-18 to 43.7% in 2023-24.
This indicates that the number of jobs is growing at a rate higher than the population growth. However, the increase in employment is subject to fluctuations, though the overall trend shows positive growth.

Worker-population ratio:

The WPR is the percentage of employed people in the total population, serving as a key indicator of labour market health and economic activity.
It is calculated by dividing the number of employed individuals by the working-age population and multiplying by 100.

Real Wages and Inflation:

While the number of jobs is increasing, a major concern is that real wages for regular salaried jobs have not kept up with inflation over the past seven years.
This disparity between wage growth and inflation has been a significant challenge for workers, as the purchasing power of their earnings has not improved as expected.

Stagnant Wages vs Rising Prices:

Inflation causes the general price level of goods and services to rise, but if wages do not increase at the same rate, the purchasing power of employees decreases.
This means workers can buy fewer goods and services with the same salary, effectively reducing their standard of living.
As workers’ wages fail to keep pace with inflation, their disposable income shrinks, leading to reduced consumer spending. This can affect demand for goods and services, which in turn can slow down economic growth.

5. Israel cuts off Gaza aid to pressure Hamas to accept new ceasefire deal

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Israel has halted the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip and warned of “additional consequences” if Hamas does not agree to a new proposal to extend a fragile ceasefire.
Hamas condemned Israel’s decision, accusing it of using “starvation as a weapon” and attempting to derail the ceasefire agreement.

End of first phase:

The first phase of the ceasefire, which included the surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza, ended on 1^st March 2025. Despite the cessation of this phase, both parties have not yet agreed on the terms for the second phase of the ceasefire.
The second phase was supposed to involve Hamas releasing dozens of remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a lasting peace agreement.

New Proposal by Israel:

Israel has agreed to a S. proposed framework for extending the Gaza ceasefire. The new ceasefire plan, termed the “Witkoff proposal,” diverges from the original agreement.
This proposal demands that Hamas release half of its remaining hostages in exchange for extending the ceasefire and engaging in future negotiations for a lasting truce.
The temporary truce is set to last until April 20, 2025, with the main condition being the release of hostages.
Under the terms, half of the remaining hostages, both living and deceased, will be released on the first day of the ceasefire extension. The remaining hostages will be freed if a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached by the end of the temporary truce period.

Hamas’s Rejection:

Hamas has rejected the U.S. backed proposal, claiming that it contradicts the agreed framework for the ceasefire. Following Hamas’s refusal to accept the new ceasefire proposal, Israel halted all humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
Negotiations are currently at a standstill, with Israel insisting that discussions on the temporary ceasefire can proceed only if Hamas changes its position.

Israel’s Position:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the acceptance of the U.S. proposal, emphasizing that Israel is committed to the hostage deal.
However, Israel retains the option to resume fighting if negotiations fail or if Hamas violates the terms of the ceasefire.

6. The Dramatic Performances Act 1876

Sub: Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Introduction

The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, was a colonial-era law that empowered the British government to prohibit public performances that were considered scandalous, defamatory, seditious, or obscene.
It was enacted as part of the British strategy to suppress nationalist sentiments in India.

Background and Purpose

Enacted following the visit of the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, to India (October 1875 – May 1876).
Introduced alongside other restrictive laws like the Vernacular Press Act, 1878, and the sedition law of 1870.
Aimed at curbing public performances that could incite anti-colonial sentiments.

Provisions of the Act

Allowed the government to ban any play, pantomime, or drama in a public place if deemed:
- Scandalous or defamatory.
- Likely to incite disaffection against the government.
- Morally corrupting for the audience.
Gave magistrates the power to search and seize venues hosting such performances.
Prescribed a punishment of up to three months of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Post-Independence Status

Declared unconstitutional by the Allahabad High Court in 1956 in State vs. Baboo Lal and Ors.
The court ruled that the Act violated the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.
The Tamil Nadu Dramatic Performances Act, 1954, was also struck down by the Madras High Court in 2013.
The law continued to exist in some states but was not actively enforced.

Repeal of the Law

Formally repealed by the Modi government through the Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017 as part of efforts to remove obsolete laws.
The government has repealed over 2,000 outdated laws to improve governance and ease of doing business.

Reasons for Continuing Colonial Laws in India

Article 372 of the Constitution allows colonial-era laws to remain in operation unless repealed.
However, such laws do not enjoy the presumption of constitutionality, meaning the government must justify their validity when challenged in court.
Successive governments, including the Modi government, have retained some colonial laws, such as:
- The Sedition Law (renamed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
- Preventive detention laws and laws on unlawful associations.
- The marital rape exception, which is under challenge in the Supreme Court.

Conclusion

The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, was a colonial law used to suppress artistic expression and nationalist movements.
Though rendered invalid by the judiciary in 1956, it was formally repealed only in 2017.
The removal of obsolete laws remains an ongoing process to ensure that India’s legal framework aligns with constitutional values and modern governance needs.

7. EC to Remove Duplicate Voter ID Numbers

Sub: Polity

Sec: Elections

Context:

The Election Commission (EC) has decided to remove all duplicate voter ID numbers to ensure each voter gets a unique Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number.
The move comes after reports that some electors in one State have voter ID numbers matching those issued in another State.

Key Highlights of EC’s Clarification

A person can vote only at the designated polling station in the constituency where they are enrolled, irrespective of the EPIC number.
While some electors may have identical EPIC numbers, other details such as demographic information, Assembly constituency, and polling booth are different.

Reason for Duplication

The duplication resulted from the earlier decentralised and manual mechanism used before the electoral roll database was shifted to the ERONET platform.
Some State and UT Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) offices used the same EPIC alphanumeric series, leading to duplicate numbers being allotted in different Assembly Constituencies across different States and UTs.

Role of ERONET

ERONET (Electoral Roll Management System): A web-based platform developed for election officials to manage registration, migration, and deletion of names in the electoral rolls.
It is available in multiple languages and scripts to streamline voter registration and verification.

Steps Taken by EC

To eliminate duplicate EPIC numbers, the ERONET 2.0 platform will be updated to assist in this process.
The commission has assured that any duplicate EPIC number will be rectified, and a unique number will be allotted to each voter.

Voter Card (Elector Photo Identity Card – EPIC)

The Voter ID card (EPIC) is a 10-digit unique identification number issued by the Election Commission of India to eligible voters.
It serves as an identity proof for voting in elections and is linked to a specific constituency and polling booth.
Earlier, due to a manual and decentralised system, some electors in different States/UTs were assigned identical EPIC numbers, leading to duplication.

Electoral Roll (Voter List)

The electoral roll is an official list of registered voters in a specific constituency.
It includes demographic details, polling station, and EPIC number of each voter.
ERONET (Electoral Roll Management System) is a digital platform used by the EC for managing voter registration, migration, and deletion.

Conclusion

The EC’s move aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral system by ensuring a unique EPIC number for every voter.
The decision comes amid political allegations, but the commission has reaffirmed that voting rights are linked to a person’s designated polling station and not just the EPIC number.