Daily Prelims Notes 4 February 2025

February 4, 2025
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

No Comments

Daily Prelims Notes

4 February 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Amplifiers and Their Working

Sub: Sci

Sec: Msc

Introduction

Amplifiers have transformed various fields, including entertainment, astronomy, search and rescue, and medical diagnostics.
They boost electric signals for various applications.
Power amplifiers exist in multiple classes, each suited for specific uses.

Microphone – A Transducer

Converts sound energy into electrical signals.
Different types exist for various applications.
Condenser Microphones:
- Use capacitors to transduce audio signals.
- Consist of two plates with a dielectric medium.
- One plate is replaced with a vibrating diaphragm.
- Changes in capacitance convert sound to electrical signals.

Sound Amplification Process

Preamplifier (Preamp)
- Acquires input voltage signal and supplies more energy while minimizing noise.
- Amplification is performed by active components like transistors.
Voltage Amplification using a Transistor
- Bipolar Junction NPN Transistor:
  - Has three terminals: base, collector, and emitter.
  - Small input voltage applied between base and emitter (forward-biased).
  - Electrons flow from emitter to collector, creating large current.
  - External high voltage at collector increases the voltage swing.
  - The amplified signal retains the shape of the original but has a higher voltage.
Driver and Power Stages
- Driver Stage: Keeps voltage constant while increasing current.
- Power Stage: Increases both voltage and current before sending it to the loudspeaker.

Types of Power Amplifiers

Class A & B: Basic sound systems and small studios.
Class AB: Used in home theatres and intensive applications.
Class C: Used in radio-frequency signal transmission.
Class D: Used in public announcement systems.

Loudspeaker – Producing Loud Sound

Components:
- Voice Coil: Wire coil placed in an external magnet.
- External Magnet: Creates a strong magnetic field.
- Diaphragm: Vibrates to produce sound.
Process:
- Input voltage applied to the voice coil generates a large current.
- Interaction of coil’s magnetic field with external magnet causes motion.
- Coil motion vibrates the diaphragm, producing sound.
Enhancement:
- The external magnetic field is made stronger
- Larger diaphragm and the input signal more powerful.
- Loudspeakers can also be built with smaller diaphragms with faster-moving membranes to facilitate high frequency sounds and larger diaphragms to facilitate low frequency ones.

2. Supreme Court Issues Notice on BPSC Chairman’s Appointment

Sub: Polity

Sec: National Body

Context: A petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the appointment of Ravi Manubhai Parmar as Chairman of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).

Arguments by the Petitioner

Advocate Brajesh Singh, the petitioner, sought the declaration of the appointment as “illegal and void.”
He contended that the appointment violated Article 316 of the Constitution, which implies that only individuals with “impeccable integrity” should be appointed as Chairman or Members of Public Service Commissions.
Mr. Singh pointed out that Mr. Parmar was accused in a vigilance case concerning corruption in the Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission, which is still pending
The petitioner argued that appointing an individual with criminal antecedents as BPSC Chairman undermines the integrity of the selection process.

Supreme Court’s Observations and Actions

The court appointed advocate Vanshaja Shukla as amicus curiae to assist in the case.
The Supreme Court issued a formal notice to the State of Bihar seeking its response.

About amicus curiae

The Hon’ble High court of Delhi also defined the term of Amicus Curiae “Translated from the Latin as ‘friend of the Court’. An advocate appears in this capacity when asked to help with the case by the Court or on volunteering services to the Court.”

Appointment of Chairman and Members of State Public Service Commission (SPSC)

Constitutional Provisions

The appointment of the Chairman and Members of the State Public Service Commission (SPSC) is governed by Article 316 of the Indian Constitution.
The Governor of the state appoints the Chairman and members of the SPSC.
The term of office is six years or until the age of 62, whichever is earlier.

Eligibility and Conditions

The Constitution does not explicitly prescribe qualifications, but it is implied that appointees must have “impeccable integrity and credibility.”
At least one-half of the members should have held office for at least 10 years under the government.

Removal from Office

As per Article 317, a member can be removed by the President of India on the following basis:

is adjudged an insolvent
engages during his term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of his office
is, in the opinion of the President, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.

However, the power to suspend the chairman or members of the State Public Service Commission lies with the Governor. (Article 317(2)).

3. Trump to cut South Africa funding over land law

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

U.S. President Donald Trump made the statement accusing South Africa of violating human rights through its new land expropriation law. Trump emphasized that South Africa is “confiscating land” and mistreating certain groups of people.
Trump announced that the U.S. would cut all future funding to South Africa and conduct an investigation into the situation, calling it a “massive human rights violation.”

South Africa’s Response:

In response, the South African government clarified that it had not “confiscated” any land under the new law.
The law seeks to redress the impact of apartheid, where land was forcibly taken from South Africa’s Black majority. The policy aims to return land to the Black population who were historically marginalized under the apartheid system.
Under apartheid, which ended in 1994, the South African government systematically seized land from the Black majority and forced them into racially segregated areas.
The land expropriation law is part of a broader effort to address the historical injustices that have led to a highly unequal distribution of land between the White and Black populations.

Apartheid in South Africa:

Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that was enforced by the government of South Africa from 1948 to 1994.
Under apartheid, the white minority population held power and privileges, while the Black majority, along with other non-white groups (such as Coloureds and Indians), faced severe restrictions on their rights and freedoms.

Key aspects of apartheid:

Racial Classification: The government classified people into racial groups, primarily White, Black, Coloured, and Indian, and enforced strict segregation based on these categories.
Forced Segregation: The apartheid regime separated people in almost every aspect of life, including where they could live, work, and go to school. Black South Africans were often forced to live in designated areas called “townships,” far from urban centers.
Pass Laws: These laws controlled the movement of Black South Africans, requiring them to carry passbooks to travel in certain areas. This severely limited their freedom of movement and access to resources.
Disenfranchisement: Non-white South Africans were denied the right to vote, making it impossible for them to participate in the political process.
Education and Employment Restrictions: Apartheid laws ensured that non-white people had access to inferior education and job opportunities, while many professions were reserved for whites.

4. Musk says Trump ‘shutting down’ U.S. aid agency as Rubio claims takeover

Sub : IR

Sec: Int Org

Context:

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and a controversial close advisor to President Donald Trump, proposed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) should be shut down, as part of his effort to reduce the size of the U.S. government.
He proposed creating a new agency, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to oversee how government funds are allocated, arguing that it could bypass traditional budgetary processes controlled by Congress.

About USAID:

USAID is an independent U.S. government agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance to countries around the world.
It was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy with the aim of advancing global development, promoting democracy, and alleviating poverty.
Headquarters: Washington, D.C.

Role and Importance of USAID:

USAID is a key part of U.S. foreign policy, funding health and emergency programs in around 120 countries. The agency is involved in various humanitarian efforts, such as disaster relief and promoting health, education, and economic development abroad.
It also plays a significant role in U.S. “soft power,” helping to shape global perceptions.

Criticism:

Democrats, who hold the minority in Congress, raised alarms over what they view as an unconstitutional power grab by Musk and Trump.
They argue that Congress has the authority to control the federal budget, including the allocation of funds for foreign aid, and that Musk’s proposed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) oversteps this constitutional responsibility.
A key point of contention is that Musk is neither a federal employee nor an official government official, making his role and the accountability of his proposed agency unclear.

5. Supreme Court: No Reduction of Forest Land for Linear Projects

Sub : Env

Sec: Env legislation

Why in News

The Supreme Court has ruled that forest land cannot be reduced for linear projects unless compensatory afforestation land is provided. The verdict came in response to petitions challenging the 2023 amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

Key Points:

The court explicitly stated that forest areas cannot be reduced for infrastructure projects unless an equivalent area is designated for afforestation.
The Supreme Court directed authorities to adhere to the broad dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ as upheld in the 1996 TN Godavarman Thirumulpad case.
The petitions argued that the amendments significantly diluted the definition of forests, potentially reducing overall forest cover.
They pointed out that the new definition excluded vast tracts of land previously recognized as forests, especially those not officially recorded in government documents.
The Union government refuted claims that the amendments aimed to reduce forest cover. It highlighted an explanation in Section 1A that expanded ‘government records’ to include:
- Lands recognized as forests by State or Union Territory authorities
- Forests acknowledged by local bodies, councils, or recognized communities.

About Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980:

The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, was enacted by the Government of India to regulate deforestation and conserve forests.
It provides a legal framework for restricting the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes while ensuring ecological balance.
Restrictions on Forest Land Use: No forest land can be diverted for non-forest purposes (such as agriculture, industry, or infrastructure) without prior approval from the Central Government.
The Central Government has the power to approve or reject proposals for forest land diversion.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is responsible for implementing the Act.
If forest land is diverted, an equivalent area of non-forest land must be afforested.
If non-forest land is unavailable, degraded forest land must be afforested.
The Act mandates the formation of an Advisory Committee to evaluate forest clearance proposals.
Any violation of the Act, such as unauthorized use of forest land, can result in legal action and penalties.

Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023:

Redefined ‘Forest’: The amendment introduced Section 1A, limiting the definition of ‘forest’ to declared forests and those recorded in government records after 1980.
Exempted strategic, security, and public utility projects in border areas (100 km from international borders) from requiring prior approval.
Allowed forest land use for eco-tourism, linear projects (like roads, railways), and other activities under specific conditions.

Types of forest:

Reserved Forests: Reserve forests are the most restricted forests and are constituted by the State Government on any forest land or wasteland which is the property of the Government.
In reserved forests, local people are prohibited, unless specifically allowed by a Forest Officer in the course of the settlement.
Protected Forests: The State Government is empowered to constitute any land other than reserved forests as protected forests over which the Government has proprietary rights and the power to issue rules regarding the use of such forests. This power has been used to establish State control over trees, whose timber, fruit or other non-wood products have revenue-raising potential.
Village forest: Village forests are the one in which the State Government may assign to ‘any village community the rights of Government to or over any land which has been constituted a reserved forest’.
Degree of protection: Reserved forests > Protected forests > Village forests

6. Glacial Retreat in Arunachal Pradesh

Sub : Geo

Sec: Climatology

Why in News

A recent study has revealed that Arunachal Pradesh lost 110 glaciers between 1988 and 2020, with a retreat rate of 16.94 sq. km per year. This alarming trend raises concerns about glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and the long-term impact of climate change on the Himalayan ecosystem.

Key Findings of the Study:

The study observed the disappearance of 110 glaciers over 32 years.
Glacial cover reduced by 309.85 sq. km, which accounts for a 47% loss from the original 585.23 sq. km.
The number of glaciers declined from 756 to 646 within the study period.
The research focused on glaciers in Tawang, Lohit, West Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Upper Siang, and Upper Dibang Valley districts.
Most glaciers were situated at an elevation of 4,500-4,800 metres above sea level.
They were predominantly north-facing and confined between a slope of 15° to 35°.
Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were employed to track glacier boundaries.
The study referenced data from the Randolph Glacier Inventory of Global Land Ice Measurements from Space.

About Glacier Retreat:

Glacial retreat refers to the process where glaciers diminish in size due to melting and sublimation exceeding the accumulation of new snow and ice.
This phenomenon is a significant indicator of climate change and has far-reaching environmental, economic, and social implications.
Causes of Glacial Retreat:
- Climate Change: Rising global temperatures lead to increased melting of glacier ice. Since the late 1970s, glaciers have been in a declining state primarily due to human-induced climate change.
- Reduced Snowfall: Decreased precipitation in the form of snow limits the replenishment of glaciers, contributing to their shrinkage.
Global Impact:
- Melting glaciers contribute significantly to sea-level rise. Since 1961, glacial melting has raised sea levels by approximately 2.7 centimetres.
- The retreat of glaciers can fundamentally change landscapes, leading to the formation of glacial lakes and increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
Consequences:
- The retreat of glaciers will affect freshwater availability, distribution, and ecosystem health.
- Smaller glaciers (below 5 sq. km) are shrinking at the fastest rate.
- While precipitation trends remain statistically insignificant, erratic rainfall patterns indicate unpredictable climate shifts.
- Increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) poses a major hazard to downstream communities and infrastructure.
- The rapid loss of ice is expected to disrupt regional hydrological balance and contribute to global sea-level rise.
The Himalayan region, known as the ‘Third Pole’, is home to the largest collection of glaciers outside the polar areas.
Temperature in the Himalayas has increased by 1.6°C over the last century.
The northwestern Himalayas have experienced a temperature rise higher than the global average.
The eastern Himalayan region is warming at a higher rate than the global average, with temperature increases ranging between 0.1° and 0.8°C per decade.
By the end of the century, temperatures in the region are expected to rise by 5-6°C, while precipitation is projected to increase by 20-30%.

What Are Glaciers?

Glaciers are massive, dense ice formations found on mountains, moving due to gravity and their own weight.
As glaciers move, they erode the underlying land, breaking rocks into a material known as moraine. This moraine includes particles of various sizes, from large boulders to fine “rock flour.”
When snow falls and accumulates new layers over time, it gets compressed into large, thick masses of ice, forming glaciers.
The upper part of the glacier — called the accumulation zone — receives precipitation in the form of snow, which accumulates over time.
But in the lower part of the glacier — called the ablation zone — there is more melting of the snow and ice than accumulation.
The balance between the accumulated and melted snow is known as the glacier mass balance, which determines the health of the glacier.
Glaciers also regulate river flow and counter global warming.

What are GLOFs?

GLOFs are disaster events caused by the abrupt discharge of water from glacial lakes — large bodies of water that sit in front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier.
As a glacier withdraws, it leaves behind a depression that gets filled with meltwater, thereby forming a lake.
The more the glacier recedes, the bigger and more dangerous the lake becomes.
Such lakes are mostly dammed by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris.
In case the boundary around them breaks, huge amounts of water rush down the side of the mountains, which could cause flooding in the downstream areas, which is referred to as a GLOF event.

Reasons for GLOFs:

GLOFs can be triggered by various reasons, including glacial calving, where sizable ice chunks detach from the glacier into the lake, inducing sudden water displacement.
Incidents such as avalanches or landslides can also impact the stability of the boundary around a glacial lake, leading to its failure, and the rapid discharge of water.
Rising surface temperatures across the globe, including India, have increased the risk of GLOFs.
The floodwaters can submerge valleys, obliterate infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings, and result in significant loss of life and livelihoods.
South Lhonak: The South Lhonak Lake appeared in satellite imagery in 1962. It expanded from 17 hectares in 1977 to 167 hectares by 2023. In 2023, heavy rains caused the lake’s moraine dam to breach, raising the Teesta River’s water level by six meters, resulting in the collapse of the Teesta III dam and widespread damage.