theIASHub | 16 Jul, 2025 | 186
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GW231123 : Recently, an international team of astrophysicists announced the discovery of an exceptionally rare black hole merger, identified as GW231123.
o As they orbit, they emit gravitational waves, ripples in spacetime predicted by Einstein’s theory of general relativity, causing them to lose energy and gradually move closer.
o Eventually, their orbits decay, leading to a final collision where they merge into a single, more massive black hole.
o This powerful event releases a burst of gravitational waves, detectable by observatories like LIGO (USA), Virgo (Italy), and KAGRA (Japan).
o The combined mass falls in the "mass gap" (100–150 solar masses), where existing models predict very few black holes should exist.
o Both black holes were observed to be spinning at extremely high speeds, challenging current theories of black hole formation and angular momentum.
o Black holes grow by accreting nearby matter, pulling in stars, gas, and dust through their intense gravitational field.
o The central point of infinite density where the black hole’s entire mass is concentrated.
Implementation Of The Protection of the Law : Recently, the Union government’s 2022 annual report on the Implementation Of The Protection Of Civil Rights Act (PCR Act), 1955, revealed a decline in the number of criminal cases registered for offences related to “untouchability.”
o Cases in 2022 were reported from Jammu and Kashmir (5), Karnataka (5), Maharashtra (2), and Himachal Pradesh (1).
o High Pendency and Low Convictions: Over 97% of cases remain pending in courts.
- Of 31 cases disposed of in 2022, only 1 resulted in conviction, while 30 ended in acquittals.
- All 37 cases disposed of between 2019 and 2021 ended in acquittals.
o Police Investigations: Out of 51 cases pending with police, charge-sheets were filed in only 12 during 2022.
o Untouchability-Prone Areas: No State or Union Territory declared any area as “untouchability prone”.
o Comparison with SC/ST (PoA) Act, 1989: In contrast, 62,500 cases were registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in 2022.
- Pendency stood at over 17,000 cases with police and 2.33 lakh cases in courts.
o Inter-caste Marriage Incentives: 18,900 inter-caste couples received ₹2.5 lakh each in financial support under the PCR Act.
- States with No or NIL Data Submission: Bihar, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand: Did not submit data on inter-caste marriage incentives.
- Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Lakshadweep: “NIL” reports.
GE-F404 Engine : Recently, India received the second GE-F404 Engine from the United States, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defence indigenisation efforts. The engine is part of the ongoing programme to power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A.
o It includes over 40 improvements over the Mk1 variant, enhancing combat performance, survivability, and operational efficiency.
o Equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems: Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA Radar and Indigenously developed Uttam AESA Radar
o Electronic Warfare Systems: Features a Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS)
- Includes an Advanced Self-Protection Jammer Pod for improved survivability
o Digital Fly-by-Wire System: Uses an upgraded Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A) for better maneuverability and flight stability
o Weapons Capability: Equipped with nine hardpoints to carry a variety of weapons including:
- Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles
- Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles
- Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM)
o Originally selected in 2004, it is a high-thrust variant of the F404 engine family.
o Key features include: Higher-flow fans, Single-crystal turbine blades and Components tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Patriot Missile : Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Ukraine will be provided with Patriot missile defence systems as part of a new U.S. military aid package. The decision received strong approval from Kyiv, which continues to endure persistent Russian aerial attacks.
o It is an all-altitude, all-weather, surface-to-air missile defense system developed by Raytheon Technologies Corp.
o Originally designed to counter aircraft, modern variants now defend against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and enemy aircraft.
o It is the most advanced air defence system of the U.S. Army and is also used by many allied nations.
o Technological Features: Utilizes a Track-Via-Missile (TVM) guidance system.
- Midcourse corrections are provided by the mobile engagement control center.
o Interceptor Variants: PAC-2 interceptor: Uses a blast-fragmentation warhead.
- PAC-3 interceptor: Features hit-to-kill technology for precision targeting.
o Range and Reach : Reach altitudes of over 24 kilometers.
- Strike targets at distances up to 160 kilometers, depending on the version.
- The radar system has a range of over 150 kilometers (93 miles).
o First deployed during the 1991 Gulf War, defending Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Israel.
Renewable energy of India: Recently, India achieved a major milestone in its energy transition journey, with over 50% of its installed electricity generation capacity now coming from non-fossil fuel sources. This achievement comes five years ahead of India’s 2030 target under the Paris Agreement.
o Previous data (June 2025): Total capacity was 476 GW, with non-fossil fuels contributing ~49%
o Major Policy Drivers: PM-KUSUM Scheme: Promotes solar-powered agriculture and feeder-level solarisation.
- PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Launched in 2024, aims to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million households.
- Solar Parks and Hybrid Renewable Policies: Enabled cost-effective, large-scale deployment.
- Wind Energy: Plays a major role in meeting peak demand in states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
o Adopted by 195 Parties during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015.
o Officially entered into force on 4 November 2016.
o Objectives: The primary goal is to limit the global average temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
- It also aims to pursue efforts to limit the temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Carbon Fibre Foot Prosthesis : Recently, in a significant boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India unveiled its first indigenously developed, advanced, and affordable carbon fibre foot prosthesis.
o Collaborating Institutions: DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) and AIIMS Bibinagar
o Full Name: AIIMS Bibinagar – DRDL Indigenously Developed Optimised Carbon Foot Prosthesis (ADIDOC)
o Biomechanically tested to support loads up to 125 kg
o Comes in three variants to suit patients of different weight categories
o Offers performance comparable to international models
o Aimed at helping individuals with amputations or congenital limb loss.
Splashdown and Post-Space Reconditioning: Recently, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force safely returned to Earth after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom-4. He completed 288 orbits before safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean with his crewmates aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace’.
o Enhanced Safety and Simplicity: Spacecraft re-enter Earth at extremely high speeds (over 27,000 km/h).
- Landing in water offers a softer impact than solid ground, as the ocean acts as a cushion, helping to protect both the crew and onboard equipment during the high-speed descent.
o In space, the brain adapts by ignoring gravity signals, which disrupts balance on return, causing motion sickness, spinal discomfort, and muscle weakness.
o It involves physical, medical, nutritional, and psychological support to help astronauts readjust to Earth's gravity.
o NASA Data on Post-Space Health : Over 90% of astronauts face health issues post-mission, with 50% reporting disc herniation, muscle strain, fatigue, and balance problems.
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