Category: POLITY
Context: Increasing problem of money laundering in India.
Learning Corner:
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was enacted by the Government of India in 2002 to combat money laundering and related crimes. The primary objective of the PMLA is to prevent money laundering, track illicit financial flows, and seize assets acquired through illegal means.
Key Provisions:
Recent Amendments:
Significance:
PMLA plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s legal framework to tackle financial crimes and bolster the global fight against money laundering. It helps enhance transparency, trace illicit financial flows, and maintain the integrity of the financial system.
Source: THE HINDU
Category: MISC
Context : Keyword- Can be directly asked in prelims
Key points include:
Source: THE HINDU
Category: ENVIRONMENT
Context: Microplastics and its impact on brain.
Microplastics—tiny plastic particles, often smaller than 5mm—are now being found inside human brains, raising concerns about their potential effects on brain health.
How Do Microplastics Reach the Brain?
What Are Microplastics Doing to Our Brains?
Are Microplastics the Cause of Diseases?
Current Knowledge Gaps and Concerns
Key Takeaways
Learning Corner:
Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in size, that have become a significant environmental concern due to their widespread presence and potential harmful effects on both ecosystems and human health.
Sources of Microplastics:
Environmental Impact:
Human Health Concerns:
Current Research and Solutions:
Conclusion:
Microplastics pose a major environmental and health challenge due to their ubiquity, persistence, and potential toxicity. Ongoing research aims to better understand their impacts and develop effective solutions to mitigate their harmful effects.
Source: THE HINDU
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Context: Current Breakthroughs and Treatments in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
What’s on the Horizon?
In Summary
Learning Corner:
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Key Features:
Causes and Risk Factors:
Symptoms:
Diagnosis:
Treatment:
Source: PIB
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Context: General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, inaugurated AGNISHODH, the Indian Army Research Cell (IARC) at IIT Madras
Key Highlights:
Learning corner:
Indian Army Research Cells
Indian Army Research Cells are collaborative initiatives between the Army and premier academic institutions to foster indigenous defense innovation and technology development. These cells bridge the gap between academic research and military applications, enabling rapid deployment of cutting-edge technologies.
Key Cells:
Objectives:
These cells support India’s defense modernization and self-reliance goals, strengthening technological capabilities for modern warfare.
Source: PIB
Introduction (Context)
On August 6, 1945, a nuclear bomb exploded just above Hiroshima, instantly killing at least 70,000 people. Another 70,000 died of injuries and radiation sickness before the year ended. Three days later, a second weapon exploded over Nagasaki, killing 40,000 on the day.
In the 80 years since, nuclear weapons have not been detonated again. A norm of non-use appears to have been established. But the norm of non-use is now under increasing pressure.
The primary reason for dropping the atomic bombs was to bring a swift end to World War II. By August 1945, Japan showed no signs of surrendering, and U.S. military leaders estimated that an invasion of Japan would result in significant American and Japanese casualties. President Harry Truman and his advisors believed that using the atomic bomb would force Japan to surrender unconditionally, thus avoiding a prolonged and bloody ground invasion.
Another critical factor was the geopolitical landscape at the time. The U.S. aimed to demonstrate its military might, particularly to the Soviet Union, which had just declared war on Japan.
The bombings served as a signal of American power and a way to limit Soviet influence in post-war Japan. This was particularly important as tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union were beginning to rise, setting the stage for the Cold War.
In the decades after Hiroshima, the nuclear order took shape.
NPT – Non-Proliferation Treaty (1968)
CTBT – Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (1996)
TPNW – Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2017)
India supports universal nuclear disarmament, but refuses to join treaties like NPT and CTBT unless they are non-discriminatory and equitable. Advocates for a step-by-step approach under a global framework, not through biased treaties
The legacy of Hiroshima continues to hold profound relevance in contemporary global discourse on war, peace, and international security. Despite the passage of eight decades, the events of August 1945 serve as a stark reminder of the devastating humanitarian and ethical consequences of nuclear warfare.
As the world grapples with emerging threats, resurgent rivalries, and advances in military technology, the Hiroshima experience must inform efforts to promote disarmament, foster mutual trust, and strengthen multilateral commitments to shared security.
Q In the current global context of rising geopolitical tensions and emerging military technologies, critically examine the relevance of the global nuclear disarmament framework. (250 words, 15 marks)
Source: Eighty years on from Hiroshima – The Hindu
Introduction (Context)
The government has eased sulphur emission rules for coal power plants, which has reignited concerns about its environmental impact.
The decision aligns with the government’s focus on ensuring affordable and reliable electricity amid rising energy needs.
However, the rollback threatens to worsen air pollution, especially from SO₂ emissions, which are linked to acid rain, ecosystem damage, and respiratory illnesses.
What is Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)?
Sources:
Rules
SO₂ emissions can be reduced through two broad approaches: pre-combustion control and post-combustion control.
Pre-combustion control
Pre-combustion techniques include fuel switching, fluidized bed combustion (FBC), and integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC).
Post-combustion control
Post-combustion control is mainly achieved through flue gas desulphurisation (FGD).
Q Discuss the impact of SO₂ emissions on air quality, human health, and ecosystems. Evaluate the effectiveness of current mitigation technologies in coal-based thermal power plants in India. (250 words, 15 marks)