Daily Prelims Notes 30 November 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

30 November 2024

1. GDP Growth Slows to 5.4% in Q2 FY2024-25: Lowest in 7 Quarters

Sub: Eco

Sec: National Income

Overview of GDP Growth Slowdown

• Real GDP growth fell to 5.4% in Q2 (July-September 2024), lowest in seven quarters.
• Gross Value Added (GVA) growth slowed to 5.8%, down from 6.8% in Q1.
• The previous year’s Q2 GDP growth was 8.1%, and GVA growth stood at 7.7%.

Projections and Challenges

• RBI’s Q2 estimate was 7%, while independent economists projected a pessimistic 6.8%.
• RBI’s full-year GDP growth projection is 7.2%, but achieving this will require a strong rebound in the second half of the year.
• Real GDP rose 6% in the first half of FY25, the slowest six-month growth since H2 FY23.

Sectoral Performance

• Agriculture and Services sectors showed resilience:
  • Agriculture GVA growth: 3.5% (up from 1.7% last year).
  • Public Administration, Defence & Other Services GVA: rose 9.2% from 7.7% in Q2 FY24.
• Manufacturing GVA: plunged to 2.2%, a stark drop from 14.3% in Q2 FY24.
• Mining and Quarrying: contracted by 0.1%, compared to 11.1% growth last year.
• Construction GVA: grew 7.7%, significantly lower than the 13.6% in Q2 FY24.
• Electricity, Gas, Water Supply & Other Utilities: grew 3.3%, down from 10.5%.

Key Economic Indicators

• Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) grew 6%, an improvement from 2.6% last year but slower than 7.4% in Q1.
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), a measure of investment, slowed to 5.4%, compared to 7.5% in Q1.
• Public Administration, Defence & Other Services GVA in H1 FY25 rose 9.3% from 8% in H1 FY24.

Silver Lining and Outlook

• Rebound in Consumption: Private consumption picked up in Q2, which may gain momentum with festive season spending in H2.
• Agriculture Sector Recovery: Growth of 3.5% signals recovery from sub-optimal rates of 0.4% to 2% in the previous four quarters.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and GVA (Gross Value Added):

PFCE (Private Final Consumption Expenditure)

PFCE represents the total expenditure by households and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISHs) on goods and services for consumption.

It is a key component of GDP from the expenditure side, reflecting consumer demand.

Key Features:

• Includes: Expenditure on durable goods (e.g., vehicles, electronics), non-durable goods (e.g., food, clothing), and services (e.g., healthcare, education).
• Excludes: Government consumption and business investments.
• Significance: Indicates household consumption trends and purchasing power, often used as a proxy for measuring economic well-being and standard of living.

GFCF (Gross Fixed Capital Formation)

GFCF refers to the net investment in physical assets like machinery, infrastructure, equipment, and buildings, excluding inventories and consumption of fixed capital (depreciation).

It reflects the creation of fixed assets that contribute to future production.

Key Features:

• Includes: Investments in infrastructure, machinery, equipment, construction, and intellectual property products.
• Excludes: Financial investments (stocks, bonds) and changes in inventories.
• Significance: A measure of the economy’s capacity to produce goods and services in the future, indicating long-term economic growth prospects.

2. Scientists, industry demand passage of new Seeds Bill, changes in policy

Sub : Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Context:

• On the second day of the 13th National Seed Congress (NSC), scientists, experts, and industry leaders called for a revamp of India’s seed-related policies and legislation to address challenges in the sector.

Calls for Policy Updates

• Revisiting the Seeds Bill (2004):
  • The Bill, introduced in Parliament but not passed due to farmer opposition, needs modernization to reflect contemporary realities.
  • Experts emphasized incorporating farmer concerns and adopting a balanced approach between innovation and farmer empowerment.
• Updating the Seeds Policy (2002):
  • The existing policy has become outdated and requires revisions to support a globally competitive seed industry.
• India’s seed quality assurance system is weak and needs alignment with international standards.
• Seed certification standards and outdated legislation, such as the Seeds Act (1966) and Seeds Rules (1968), require urgent revision.
• A clear definition of farmer seeds versus commercial seeds is crucial.

Breeder, Foundation and Certified Seeds:

• Breeder Seed: Progeny of nucleus seed of a variety and is produced by the originating breeder or by a sponsored breeder.
  • Breeder seed production is the mandate of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Foundation Seed 
  • Progeny of breeder seed is required to be produced from breeder seed or from foundation seed which can be clearly traced to breeder seed.
  • The responsibility for agriculture productivity of foundation seed has been  entrusted to the NSC, SFCI, State Seeds Corporation, State Departments of Agriculture and private seed producers.
  • Foundation seed is required to meet the standards of seed certification prescribed in the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards, both at the field and laboratory testing.
• Certified Seed: Progeny of foundation seed and must meet the standards of seed certification prescribed in the Indian Minimum Seeds Certification Standards, 1988.
  • Its production shall be so handled as to maintain specific genetic identity and purity
  • Certified seed may be the progeny of certified seed provided this reproduction does not exceed three generations beyond foundation seed stage-I.

Hybrid Seed and Labeled Seed:

• Hybrid Seed: Hybrid(certified) seed is the first generation resulting from the cross of two approved inbred lines, one of which is male sterile.
• Labelled Seed: The seed notified under Section 5 of the Seeds Act, 1966, such seed sold in the market has to be labelled.

National Seed Policy 2002:

• The National Seed Policy 2002 was a pivotal document introduced by the Government of India to transform the seed sector and address critical challenges in agricultural production.
• The primary objectives of the policy were to:

1. Promote private sector participation in seed research and production
2. Ensure the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers
3. Create a conducive environment for seed industry development
4. Protect the interests of both seed producers and farmers

Key Components of the Policy

Seed Sector Liberalization:

• Encouraging private investment in seed research and development
• Removing restrictions on seed production and marketing
• Creating a more competitive and open seed market

Intellectual Property Rights:

• Recognizing plant breeder’s rights
• Providing mechanisms for the protection of plant varieties
• Encouraging innovation in seed technology

Quality Assurance:

• Establishing robust certification mechanisms
• Implementing stringent quality control standards
• Promoting transparency in seed testing and certification processes

Research and Development:

• Increased funding for agricultural research
• Collaboration between public and private research institutions
• Support for Indigenous seed development

Farmer Protection:

• Safeguarding farmers’ access to quality seeds
• Ensuring reasonable pricing of seeds
• Protecting traditional seed varieties and farmers’ rights

Implementation Mechanisms (recommendations):

• Strengthening the National Seeds Corporation
• Developing a comprehensive regulatory framework
• Establishing seed testing laboratories
• Creating mechanisms for seed variety registration

3. Plastics treaty draft overlooks key issue: limiting production 

Sub : Env

Sec: Int Conventions

Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations:

• Event: United Nations-led Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations
• Location: Busan, South Korea
• Outcome: Preliminary draft finalized after five days of discussions.

Points of Contention:

1. Diverging Views on Core Issues:
   • High Ambition Coalition (67 countries, including EU and Pacific Island nations):
     • Advocates for:
       • A global target to reduce primary plastic polymer production.
       • Health-focused strategies to mitigate risks of plastic pollution (as plastic is found in the placenta to 60% of seafood)
     • Criticism: Treaty does not adequately address production, trade, or hazardous chemicals in plastics. Chemicals that are known to be hazardous are only included in other international conventions such as the Rotterdam, Basel, and Stockholm conventions.
   • Opposition (Saudi Arabia, China, India):
     • Resists inclusion of references to reducing production or regulating chemicals.
     • Rationale: Polymer production is a critical industrial sector.

Definitions and Language Challenges:

• Treaty text contains multiple definitions for: Plastic (8 versions) and Plastic pollution (5 versions).
• Lacks a definition for plastic waste.
• EU’s Perspective: Recycling has failed to keep up, with only 10% of all plastics historically produced being recycled. Reducing production is seen as the only viable solution.

High Ambition Coalition (HAC):

• It is an intergovernmental group championing a global deal for nature and people that can halt the accelerating loss of species, and protect vital ecosystems that are the source of our economic security.
• It was launched in 2019 by Costa Rica, France and Britain.
• It is co-chaired by Costa Rica and France and the Ocean co-chair belongs to the United Kingdom.
• Aim:
  • To promote an international agreement to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030 (Global 30×30 target).
  • To manage the planet sustainably with no net loss of natural habitats, supported by a circular economy, and strives for the sustainable and equitable sharing of benefits from nature.
• Members:
  • It has more than 70 countries which are a mix of countries in the global north and south, European, Latin American, Africa and Asia countries are among the members.
  • India is the first of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) to join the HAC.

Source: TH

4. Bihar: With 70% of untreated sewage flowing into Ganga, NGT reminds NMCG of its powers and responsibilities

Sub : Env

Sec: Env legislation and institution

Status of the Ganga River in Bihar

• Severe Pollution:
  • High levels of faecal coliform bacteria render the Ganga’s water unfit for bathing.
  • Over 68% of sewage flows untreated into the river.
• Sewage Treatment Deficit:
  • Bihar produces 1,100 million litres of sewage daily, but only 343 million litres are treated.
  • Around 750 million litres of untreated sewage directly enters the Ganga.
  • Six out of eight Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in the state fail to meet required standards.

National Green Tribunal (NGT) Hearing

• Observations:
  • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): Criticized for ineffective use of its powers and limited action to correspondence and meetings.
  • Reminder of Powers:
    • Under Section 41 of the Ganga (Rejuvenation, Conservation and Management) Order 2016, NMCG can:
      • Cancel non-compliant projects.
      • Halt and reallocate funds.
      • Issue directives to entities or officials.
      • Take enforcement actions.

Directives and Deadlines

• Action Plan Requirement:
  • NMCG must formulate and present a concrete action plan for pollution control by March 18, 2025.
• Inclusion of Principal Secretary:
  • The Principal Secretary of the Bihar Department of Environment is now a party to the case and must file a response before the next hearing.

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is the implementation wing of the National Ganga Council (NGC), which was created under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986.
• It serves as the coordinating body for efforts to clean, rejuvenate, and manage the Ganga River and its tributaries.

Key Objectives

1. Rejuvenation of the Ganga River:
   • Restore the river’s ecological health.
   • Ensure pollution-free water for various uses.
2. Afforestation and Biodiversity Conservation:
   • Promote plantation drives along the riverbanks.
   • Protect aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity.
3. Wastewater Management:
   • Develop sewage treatment plants (STPs).
   • Manage industrial effluents effectively.
4. Public Awareness:
   • Foster community participation and awareness about river conservation.

Functions of NMCG:

1. Project Implementation:
   • Plan and execute projects related to pollution abatement, such as building STPs, riverfront development, and ghats improvement.
2. Coordination and Monitoring:
   • Work with state governments and urban local bodies to ensure the implementation of Ganga-related policies.
   • Monitor the progress of Ganga cleaning projects.
3. Funding and Resource Allocation:
   • Allocate and manage funds for various projects under the Namami Gange Programme.
4. Data Management and Research:
   • Conduct studies and collect data on water quality, pollution sources, and river health.
5. Capacity Building:
   • Strengthen the capacity of local and state-level institutions in river management.

Powers of NMCG:

The NMCG derives significant authority under the Ganga (Rejuvenation, Conservation, and Management) Order, 2016, which outlines its powers to ensure the river’s protection:

1. Project Oversight:
   • Approve, monitor, and cancel projects that do not comply with established guidelines.
2. Financial Control:
   • Reallocate funds for projects and penalize non-compliance.
3. Issuance of Directives:
   • Issue binding directives to officials, institutions, and stakeholders regarding pollution control and project compliance.
4. Authority to Enforce Compliance:
   • Take necessary legal or administrative action to ensure adherence to river conservation measures.
5. Pollution Control:
   • Halt activities or shut down industries discharging untreated wastewater or causing harm to the river.

Source: DTE

5. Hearing on intellectual property rights over navara rice variety postponed following objections

Sub : Sci

Sec: IPR

Dispute Over Intellectual Property Rights for Navara Rice

• The final hearing in an intellectual property rights case over navara, a traditional rice variety, by a farmer has been postponed by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV & FR) Authority.

Cultural and Genetic Importance of Navara:

• Navara rice is a traditional variety integral to Kerala‘s agricultural heritage and classified under the common knowledge category.
• It is documented and listed under the Geographical Indication (GI) tag as black glumed navara and golden glumed navara.
• It originated in the Palakkad (Palghat) district of Kerala, where it is regarded as endemic.
• In 2007–09, geographical indication status was granted.
• Potential Monopoly:

• Granting farmers’ rights to Unny could lead to a concentration of GI registration and farmers’ rights in one individual and a society founded by him.

Stakeholders’ Positions

• Unny’s Claim:
  • Founder of the Navara Foundation and Navara Eco Farm, Unny asserts the variety grown on his 12-acre farm in Chittur is unique to the region.
  • He has already secured GI registration for navara rice.
• KAU’s Position:
  • As a research institution, KAU opposes Unny’s bid, arguing navara is a shared genetic resource cultivated across Kerala and should not be privatized.
• Farmer Opposition (Raghu):
  • Claims granting rights to Unny would restrict access for other farmers and jeopardize collective cultivation and marketing.

Implications:

• For Farmers:
  • The case highlights concern about balancing individual recognition with protecting collective rights of farmers over traditional varieties.
• For Traditional Varieties:
  • The outcome will set a precedent on how intellectual property rights are applied to traditional and geographically significant crops.

Source: DTE

6. Georgian protesters rally on second night after suspension of EU talks

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• In response to the Georgian government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union (EU), thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, for two consecutive nights of protests.
• The government’s decision came after the European Parliament condemned Georgia’s October 26 election undemocratic.

EU candidate status:

• Georgia was granted EU candidate status in December 2023 on the condition that it meets certain recommendations.
• However, the EU put the accession process on hold and cut financial support earlier this year due to the passage of a controversial foreign influence law, which critics argue undermines democratic freedoms.

About European Union:

• The European Union is a unique economic and political union between 27 countries that together cover much of the continent. 19 of these countries use EURO as their official currency.
• The EU originated from the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951 and the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, with the aim of fostering economic cooperation and preventing war in Europe after World War II.
• Treaty of Maastricht (1992) formed the modern European Union, establishing economic, political, and social integration.

Criteria for Membership:

• A country must meet the Copenhagen Criteria, which include stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights, a functioning market economy, and the ability to take on the obligations of EU membership.

7. FM urges States to support banks in raising credit flow to women SHGs

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Empowerment

Context:

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired a meeting to review the performance of eight Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in the eastern region of India, covering Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Details about the meeting:

• The focus was on improving business performance, digital technology services, and boosting growth in agriculture and small industries.
• The minister urged RRBs to increase credit disbursement under key government schemes like MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency), PM Vishwakarma (for artisans and craftspeople).
• She highlighted the potential of activities like fisheries and foxnut (makhana) in Bihar.
• She urged sponsor banks to work in coordination with RRBs to saturate beneficiaries under various financial inclusion schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY).

Focus on Women Empowerment:

• She emphasized the importance of extending support to women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), urging state governments to collaborate with NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) to help these groups evolve into viable enterprises.
• She highlighted several government initiatives, including Drone Didi (which aims to empower women in rural areas through the use of drones), which place women at the forefront of economic development efforts.

Self Help Groups (SHGs):

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are voluntary associations of people, typically women, who come together to address common issues, primarily economic and social challenges.
• They are crucial for financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, and women empowerment.
• Membership: Usually 10-20 individuals from similar socio-economic backgrounds. Members save a fixed amount regularly.
• SHGs pool savings of members and use them to provide loans.
• SHGs are linked with banks under the SHG-Bank Linkage Programme initiated by NABARD. Banks provide loans to SHGs without collateral.

8. Who was Moinuddin Chishti, the most important figure in the spread of Sufism in India?

Sub : History

Sec: Medieval India

Context:

• An Ajmer court recently admitted a petition by the Hindu Sena, claiming that a Shiva temple exists beneath the revered Ajmer Sharif dargah, and has called for an archaeological survey to investigate the matter.
• The Ajmer Sharif dargah is the mausoleum of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a significant figure in the spread of Sufism in the Indian subcontinent.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti:

• Moinuddin Chishti was born in 1141 CE in Sistan (modern-day Iran), in a region bordering Afghanistan. He was believed to be a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Orphaned at the age of 14, Moinuddin’s spiritual journey was set off by a chance encounter with Ibrahim Qandozi, a wandering mystic.
• Over the years, Moinuddin studied theology and philosophy, eventually becoming a disciple of Khwaja Usman Harooni. He was initiated into the Chishti Sufi order (Chishti silsila) and went on to spread its teachings across the subcontinent.
• Moinuddin eventually accepted Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki as his first follower.

Becoming Ajmer’s Garib Nawaz:

• He arrived in Ajmer, then a prominent city under the Chauhan dynasty, around 1191 CE.
• After the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan at the hands of Muhammad of Ghor in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192), Moinuddin decided to stay in Ajmer to serve its people.
• His selfless service earned him the title ‘Gharib Nawaz’ (Friend of the Poor).

Influence and Legacy:

• His teaching, emphasising on equality, divine love, and serving humanity transcended sectarian boundaries and attracted followers from various communities.
• He interacted with Hindu sages and mystics, and his inclusive approach had a lasting impact on both Islamic and Hindu communities.
• The Mughal emperors, especially Akbar, revered Moinuddin, helping to further the prominence of his shrine in Ajmer.
• His disciples, including Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Baba Fariduddin, Hamiduddin Nagauri and Nizamuddin Auliya, continued his mission.

About Sufism:

• Sufism emerged between the seventh and 10th centuries CE as a counterweight to the increasing worldliness of the expanding Muslim community.
• Sufis embraced a more ascetic and devotional form of Islam, and often engaged in a variety of mystical practices.
• Eventually, Sufi practitioners came to be organised in various orders which congregated around the teachings of a certain teacher or wali.

Chishti order:

• The Chishti order was founded in the 10th century by Abu Ishaq Shami in the town of Chisht near Herat. But it was Moinuddin and his disciples who led to its spread in the subcontinent.
• His disciple Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (1173-1235) established the Chishti order base in Delhi. The Qutub Minar is said to be named after Kaki, whose shrine lies in Mehrauli, next to the iconic structure.

9. Paris’ Notre-Dame cathedral set to reopen: what to expect

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and iconic Paris landmark, is set to reopen on December 7, 2024, after extensive restoration following the devastating April 2019 fire.

About Notre-Dame cathedral:

• A medieval Gothic masterpiece, Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) is one of the French capital’s most visited monuments.
• Built starting in 1163, Notre-Dame has undergone centuries of construction and restoration.
• Its rib vaulting, flying buttresses, stunning stained-glass windows and carved stone gargoyles have long been celebrated in books and movies.
• It gained global fame as the setting for Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

10. Increasing Calls for President’s Rule in Manipur Amid Unrest and Challenges

Sub : Polity

Sec: Constitution

Why in News

• The escalating violence, ethnic tensions, and administrative challenges in Manipur have brought the issue of imposing President’s Rule into focus. Former Chief Justice (CJ) of Manipur High Court, Justice Siddharth Mridul, highlighted these concerns in an interview, shedding light on the deteriorating situation in the state.

Root Causes of Instability:

• Infiltration, drug smuggling, and arms trafficking through Myanmar continue to exacerbate the unrest.
• The Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar, which allowed cross-border movement, was suspended by the Union Home Ministry earlier this year. This decision has faced opposition from most communities, except the Meiteis.
• The demographic composition of the state has altered over time, further contributing to tensions.

Main ethnic groupings of Manipur:

• The Meitei, Nagaand Kuki-Zomi-Mizo are the three main ethnic groupings in
• The Meiteis,the largest community, account for about 53% of the State’s total population of 27.21 lakh (2011 Census).
• The Nagasand the Kuki-Zo which are categorised into 34 Scheduled Tribes constitute 17% and 26% of the population respectively.

About Article 356:

• Article 356 of the Constitution of India gives President of India the power to suspend state government and impose President’s rule of any state in the country “if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution”.
• It is also known as ‘State Emergency’ or ‘Constitutional Emergency’.
• Implications: Upon the imposition of this rule, there would be no Council of Ministers.
• The state will fall under the direct control of the Union government, and the Governor will continue to head the proceedings, representing the President of India.

Parliamentary Approval and Duration:

• A proclamation imposing President’s Rule must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two months from the date of its issue.
• The approval takes place through simple majority in either House, that is, a majority of the members of the House present and voting.
• Initially valid for six months, the President’s Rule can be extended for a maximum period of three years with the approval of the Parliament, every six months.

Report of the Governor: Under Article 356, President’s Rule is imposed if the President, upon receipt of the report from the Governor of the State or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Revocation: A proclamation of President’s Rule may be revoked by the President at any time by a subsequent proclamation. Such a proclamation does not require parliamentary approval.

11. Indian Gaganyatris Complete Initial Training for Axiom Mission-4

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that two Indian astronauts selected for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) have successfully completed their initial training phase. This marks a significant milestone in India’s collaboration with NASA and SpaceX for human space exploration.

About Gaganyatris:

• The two Indian astronauts, Group Captains Shubhanshu Shukla and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, are part of the Axiom-4 mission (Ax-4). This mission represents a joint effort by ISRO and NASA, furthering India’s participation in international space programs.

What is the Axiom-4 Mission?

• Axiom Mission 4 (or Ax-4) is a private spaceflightto the International Space Station which is operated by Axiom Space and uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
• Axiom-4 aims to facilitate commercial activities in space, including scientific research, technological development, and space tourism.
• It is set tocarry a diverse crew of astronauts from different countries, reflecting the growing international interest in space exploration.
• Axiom-4 is expected to be a short-duration mission, lasting approximately 14 days.
• Axiom Space’s long-term vision includes building theworld’s first commercial space station.

International Space Station (ISS):

• The ISS is a large, permanently crewed laboratory that orbits Earth, 400 kilometres above its surface.It is home to astronauts and cosmonauts, and serves as a unique science laboratory.
• Its research is expected to lead to advancements in many areas, including medicine, technology, science, and understanding the Earth and universe.
• It’s a collaboration between 15 countries and five space agenciesnamely NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
• An international crew of seven people live and workwhile travelling at a speed of 66 km/sec, orbiting Earth about every 90 minutes. In 24 hours, the space station makes 16 orbits of Earth, travelling through 16 sunrises and sunsets.
• Peggy Whitson set the US record for spending the most total time living and working in space for 665 days.
• The first parts of the ISS were sent and assembled in orbit in 1998.Since the year 2000, the ISS has had crews living continuously on board.

12. CM Opposes Tungsten Mining in Tamil Nadu’s Biodiversity Heritage Site

Sub : Env

Sec: Protected Area

Why in News

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has strongly opposed the union government’s decision to award tungsten mining rights in Madurai district, emphasizing the potential damage to biodiversity, archaeological heritage, and local livelihoods. The issue has sparked political debate and protests in the region.

About the Arittapatti site:

• The site comprising 63 hectares in Arittapatti village(Melur block) and 53.8 hectares in Meenakshipuram village (Madurai East taluk) will be known as the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage site.
• Arittapatti village, known for its ecological and historical significance, houses around 250 species of birdsincluding three important raptors – birds of prey, namely the Laggar Falcon, the Shaheen Falcon and Bonelli’s Eagle.
• Other wildlife includes the Indian Pangolin, Slender Lorisand
• The area is surrounded by achain of seven hillocks or inselbergs that serve as a watershed, charging 72 lakes, 200 natural springs and three check dams.
• The Anaikondan tank,built during the reign of Pandiyan kings in the 16th century is one among them.
• Several megalithic structures, rock-cut temples, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions and Jain beds add to the historical significance of the region.

About Tungsten:

• Symbol: W (derived from its earlier name, Wolfram).
• Atomic Number: 74.
• Density: High density (19.3 g/cm³), similar to gold.
• Melting Point: Highest of all metals (3422°C).
• Hardness: Extremely hard, resistant to wear and tear.
• Thermal Conductivity: Excellent heat conductor.
• Tensile Strength: High strength, especially at high temperatures.

Major Uses:

• Industrial Applications: Used in cutting tools, drill bits, and machinery requiring high durability.
• Electrical: Filaments in incandescent bulbs and cathode-ray tubes due to its high melting point.
• Aerospace: Rocket nozzles and heat shields.
• defence: Penetrators in armour-piercing ammunition.
• Electronics: Contact points and wires in electronic devices.
• Classified as a critical and strategic mineral due to its industrial and defence applications.
• Essential for national defence and advanced technology sectors.
• India imports a significant portion of tungsten, making domestic production vital.
• Largest producers: China, Russia, Canada, and Austria.
• Known deposits in Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.