Geography 

WHY SPACE AGENCIES WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF 'SOLAR MAXIMUM' - Indian Express

NASA is set to launch its latest solar mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission, known as Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH), will be the third major solar mission to be launched in the past 18 months.

Solar Cycle

• Definition: The Sun’s magnetic field reverses every 11 years, switching its north and south poles.
• Phases:
  • Solar Maximum: Peak activity, increased radiation, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
  • Solar Minimum: Least activity, fewer sunspots.
• Impact on Earth: Disrupts satellite communication and electric grids.
• Tracking Method: Scientists count sunspots to monitor the cycle.

Current Solar Activity & Mission Spike

• High Solar Activity: Since May 2022, solar activity has been above normal, approaching maximum.
• Urgency for Missions: The next solar maximum won’t occur until 2035-36, making this the best window for solar observations.

Solar Missions 

• Aditya L1 (India): Launched Sep 2, 2023, studies solar flares, winds, and magnetic fields.
• Proba-3 (ESA): Launched Dec 4, 2024, focuses on solar winds and storms.
• PUNCH (NASA): Launching Mar 6, 2025, will study the solar corona and flare origins.

Polity 

What are the issues around delimitation? - The Hindu / Delimitation of constituencies: a primer on the exercise and the process - Indian Express

There has been a renewed debate about delimitation after the issue was raised by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The delimitation of constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies is to be carried out on the basis of the first Census after 2026.

Constitutional Provisions on Delimitation

• Definition: Fixes number of seats and boundaries of territorial constituencies for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
• Authority: Conducted by Delimitation Commission, set up by an act of Parliament.
• Past Exercises: Based on 1951, 1961, and 1971 Census.
• Current Status: Lok Sabha seats fixed at 543 (based on 1971 Census) and frozen to encourage population control.
• Future Readjustment: To be based on first Census after 2026.

Issues in Delimitation

• Uneven Population Growth: States like UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan saw higher population growth than Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh.

Two Proposed Scenarios:

• Redistribution of existing 543 seats.
• Increase seats to 848, with a pro-rata distribution.

Concerns:

• Southern and smaller northern States may lose representation.
• Larger northern States may gain disproportionately.
• Potential violation of federalism, causing political disenchantment.

Possible Solution

• Maintain 543 MPs: Aligns with federal principles and ensures equitable representation.
• International Example: U.S. House of Representatives capped at 435 seats since 1913, despite a fourfold population increase.
• MPs' Role: Primarily legislate on Union List matters, with implementation handled by State governments.

Future Consideration:

• India’s population expected to peak at 165-170 crore before declining.
• Instead of increasing Lok Sabha seats, MLA seats in States may be adjusted based on population growth.

• Political Responsibility: Southern, smaller northern, and northeastern States must advocate for a cap to protect their political significance.

Behind the unprecedented court review of Maharashtra slums Act - Indian Express

The Bombay High Court last month began a first-of-its-kind review of a legislation. The law in question, The Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971, deals with the identification and redevelopment of slum areas. It has played a key role in shaping Mumbai’s vertical architectural landscape.

1971 Law on Slum Redevelopment in Maharashtra

• About: Empowers the Maharashtra government to declare and acquire slum areas.
• Monitoring: Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) oversees rehabilitation and assigns redevelopment to private agencies.
• 1995 Maharashtra Slum Rehabilitation Scheme: Allows private developers to fund redevelopment in exchange for additional Floor Space Index (FSI) and saleable land.

Issues with Slum Redevelopment

• Project Delays: Eg, Borivali case (2003), leading to legal disputes.
• Judicial Inefficiency: Despite repeated court rulings, enforcement of timelines remains weak.
• High Pendency: 1,612 cases under the 1971 Act are pending in Bombay HC, with 135 cases over a decade old.
• Public Purpose Ignored: The Supreme Court (SC) emphasized slum rehabilitation as a public welfare project, not a real estate venture.

Supreme Court's Review and Concerns

• Expanded Judicial Role: SC initiated a review without a specific case, setting a precedent for proactive judicial intervention.
• Directed Bombay HC: Chief Justice to form a bench for statutory review and recommend a performance audit of the Act.

Key Areas Identified for Review

• Land Declaration as Slum: Influence of builders affects the fairness of the process.
• Identification of Slum Dwellers: Disputes over status proof lead to prolonged litigation.
• Developer Selection: Rival developers manipulate cooperative societies.
• Land Allocation: Developers seek a higher proportion of saleable land, often at the cost of slum dwellers.
• Transit Accommodation: Inadequate provisions lead to resistance from slum dwellers.
• Regulatory Weakness: Authorities lack independence, have short tenures, and face regulatory capture.

Bombay HC Proceedings

• HC questioned the policy of free housing for encroachers.
• Suggested rental housing for migrants and better urban planning to prevent "vertical slums."
• Next hearing scheduled for March 18 to discuss policy reforms.

Economy 

What does 'Navratna' status for IRCTC and IRFC mean? - Indian Express

The Centre recently approved the upgradation of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) as the country’s 25th and 26th Navratna companies respectively.

Navratna Status for CPSEs

• Eligibility Criteria: Granted to Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance.
• Based on six financial and performance indicators:
  • Net profit to net worth ratio.
  • Manpower cost to total production/service cost ratio.
  • Profit before depreciation, interest, and tax (PBDIT) to capital employed.
  • Profit before interest and tax (PBIT) to turnover ratio.
  • Earnings per share.
  • Inter-sectoral performance.
• Weight: Each indicator carries a specific weight (composite score - 60+ required).
• Mandate: Must have an "Excellent" or "Very Good" MOU rating in three of the last five years.

Financial Status of IRCTC & IRFC (FY 2023-24)

• IRCTC:
  • Turnover: ₹4,270.18 crore
  • Profit After Tax (PAT): ₹1,111.26 crore
  • Net Worth: ₹3,229.97 crore
  • Market Cap: ₹74,376 crore
  • 62.40% owned by the Ministry of Railways.
• IRFC:
  • Turnover: ₹26,644 crore
  • PAT: ₹6,412 crore
  • Net Worth: ₹49,178 crore
  • Market Cap: ₹1,86,030 crore
  • 86.36% owned by the Ministry of Railways.

Benefits of Navratna Status

• Financial Autonomy: Can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth in a single project without government approval.
• Expansion: Can form joint ventures, subsidiaries, mergers, and acquisitions independently.
• Global reach: Enhanced global expansion opportunities.
• Market Position:
  • Better investor confidence and shareholder returns.
  • Increased competitiveness with private sector firms.

Other Indian Railways Navratna Companies

• Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) – Logistics and freight transport.
• Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) – Rail infrastructure development.
• IRCON International Ltd – Railway and highway construction.
• RITES Ltd – Transport infrastructure consultancy.
• RailTel Corporation of India Ltd – Digital connectivity and communication services.

Environment 

Gujarat leads nation in mangrove afforestation; covers 19,020 hectares under MISHTI scheme - Indian Express 

Gujarat has emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in just two years under the Centre’s ‘MISHTI’ scheme.

MISHTI Scheme

• Full Form: Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes.
• Aim: To increase mangrove cover along coastlines and salt pan lands.
• Launch: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change on 5th June 2023 (World Environment Day).
• Start: Initiated after India joined the Mangrove Alliance for Climate at COP27 (2022, Egypt).
• Target: Restoration/reforestation of 540 sq. km. over five years (2023-24 onwards).
• Coverage: 9 states and 3 union territories, focusing on the Sundarbans, Hooghly Estuary (West Bengal), and other wetlands.
• Components: 
  • Provides financial assistance to local communities for mangrove plantations.
  • Conducts awareness campaigns on mangrove conservation.
  • Encourages community participation with NGOs for sustainability.
• Funding: Utilizes existing government schemes:
  • MGNREGS (Employment Scheme).
  • CAMPA Fund (Afforestation).

Sci and Tech 

Hydrogen based fuel cells for uninterrupted power supply to telecom towers

An innovative hydrogen fuel cell-based backup power solution for telecom towers, developed using a plug-and-play model can support national renewable energy goals while ensuring seamless connectivity for millions and promoting clean energy in the telecom sector.

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)

• Definition: Converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity through redox reactions.
• Working: Requires a continuous supply of hydrogen and oxygen (from air).
• Principle:
  • Hydrogen enters the anode and releases protons.
  • Protons pass through a polymer membrane to the cathode.
  • Reacts with oxygen at the cathode, producing electricity and water.
• Features:
  • High power density in a compact design.
  • Runs on hydrogen, enabling easy storage and transport.
  • Requires less maintenance than traditional backup power sources.
• Applications
  • Backup Power: Alternative to diesel generators with quick start-up and low-temperature operation.
  • Telecom Sector: Hydrogen fuel cell-based power for telecom towers, supporting renewable energy goals.
  • Portable Devices: Used in laptops, mobile phones, battery chargers, and UAVs.