Source: The hindu (National news)
Relevant to: Disaster Management & Environment\ecology
A major fire broke out on the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel M.V. Wan Hai 503 off the Kerala coast, prompting a potential oil spill advisory and fears of drifting containers carrying hazardous substances.
- Incident Date: Fire broke out on Monday; advisory issued on Tuesday.
- Location: ~88 nautical miles off Kozhikode, Kerala.
- Vessel: M.V. Wan Hai 503, en route from Colombo to Mumbai.
- Cause: Fire due to container explosion.
- Casualties:
- 4 crew members missing
- 6 admitted to hospital
- Environmental Risk:
- Potential oil spill
- Cargo includes 157 containers with hazardous substances (flammable liquids and solids, substances harmful to human health).
- Action Taken:
- Indian Coast Guard (ships: Samudra Prahari, Sachet) dousing the fire.
- INCOIS issued advisories about drifting containers and oil spill.
Facts:
INCOIS: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services; under Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Oil Spill: A significant marine pollution hazard; India follows the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).
Indian Coast Guard (ICG): Primary agency for maritime safety, oil spill response, and search & rescue operations.
MCQ:
Consider the following statements with reference to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG):
- It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
- It is the nodal agency for oil spill response in Indian waters.
- It is responsible only for search and rescue operations and not environmental protection.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: ICG works under MoD, is the nodal oil spill response agency, and is also responsible for marine pollution control.
Source: The hindu
Relevant to: IR & Internal security
Former Indian diplomat T.P. Sreenivasan critiques the global approach to India–Pakistan conflicts, emphasizing that internationalizing bilateral disputes, especially via the United Nations, can undermine India’s position, particularly on terrorism and Kashmir.
- Bilateral vs Multilateral Diplomacy
- India’s preference has always been for bilateral dialogue with Pakistan (e.g., Simla Agreement).
- Globalizing issues like Kashmir or terrorism can dilute India’s stand, especially when resolutions are vague or misused by hostile powers.
- UN’s Ineffectiveness in Terrorism Definition
- UN has not adopted a universal definition of terrorism, making counter-terrorism efforts selective and politicized.
- India’s efforts to define terrorism globally have failed due to differing political interests of major powers.
- Shift in Global Focus
- Post-9/11, the global war on terror became US-centric, focusing on Afghanistan and Iraq rather than countries like Pakistan.
- Despite Pakistan’s role in terrorism, the US exited Afghanistan, empowering Taliban again.
- UN Security Council Shortcomings
- UNSC mechanisms (Sanctions Committees, Resolutions, Counter-Terrorism Committee) lack enforcement teeth.
- Veto powers manipulate global discussions to serve national interests.
- India’s Diplomatic Strategy
- India prefers bilateralism over global fora for sensitive issues (e.g., Kashmir, cross-border terrorism).
- Raising issues like terrorism in multilateral bodies often invites counter-responses or dilution by Pakistan-friendly countries.
MCQ:
Consider the following statements:
- The Simla Agreement binds India and Pakistan to resolve disputes bilaterally.
- The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a comprehensive definition of terrorism.
- India has been successful in getting its definition of terrorism adopted by the UN General Assembly.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: Only the Simla Agreement binds India-Pakistan bilaterally. UN has not adopted a universal definition of terrorism; India’s proposals remain unaccepted.
Source: The hindu
Relevant to: Sci & tech
A new U.S.-based study published in the journal Obesity reveals that FDA-approved GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide show reduced weight-loss impact in real-world settings compared to clinical trials due to discontinuation or reduced dosage usage by patients.
Highlights of the Study
- Drugs studied: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide (injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists).
- Real-world outcomes show lower weight loss because:
- Patients discontinue treatment.
- Patients use lower maintenance doses.
- Study period: 2021–2023, based on data from Cleveland Clinic and hospitals in Ohio and Florida.
- Factors improving weight-loss results:
- Continuing treatment for at least 1 year.
- Patients starting tirzepatide over semaglutide.
- Female patients showed better outcomes than males.
Expert Opinions
- V. Mohan, Indian diabetologist:
Results are not surprising due to lack of adherence in real-life vs randomized controlled trials. - Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis C-DOC:
Highlights cost, non-compliance, and limited access as real challenges in India.
- V. Mohan, Indian diabetologist:
Facts:
- GLP-1 drugs (Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists): Originally for Type 2 diabetes, now used in chronic weight management.
- FDA-approved for weight loss: These drugs slow gastric emptying and suppress appetite.
- RCT (Randomized Controlled Trials): Considered the gold standard for clinical efficacy but often diverge from real-world effectiveness due to patient behaviour.
- India’s challenge: High out-of-pocket healthcare expenses; patient adherence and affordability issues in chronic treatments.
MCQ:
Consider the following statements:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists are primarily used for weight gain and metabolic disorders.
- Real-world studies often show lower efficacy of medications than clinical trials due to treatment discontinuation.
- Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are oral medications recently approved in India for weight loss.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect – GLP-1 agonists are used for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes, not weight gain.
- Statement 2 is correct – real-world adherence is poor.
- Statement 3 is incorrect – they are injectable, not oral.
Source: The hindu
Relevant to: Sci & tech
The KATRIN (Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino Experiment) in Germany has recently set a new upper limit on the mass of neutrinos, advancing our understanding of these fundamental but elusive particles.
- The limit is now at 0.3 eV (electron volts) for the sum of the masses of the three neutrino types.
- This is a 20% improvement over the previous best constraint.
About the KATRIN Experiment
- Located in Karlsruhe, Germany, with the spectrometer constructed in 2006.
- It observes the decay of tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen.
- It measures the maximum energy of electrons emitted during beta decay to estimate neutrino mass.
- The experiment analyzed data from 36 million electrons between June 2018 and June 2022.
Significance
- Neutrinos are extremely light and weakly interacting particles.
- Understanding their mass is crucial to:
- Explaining mass in the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
- Improving models of early universe evolution and cosmic structure formation.
- Neutrinos’ role in shaping galaxies makes them key players in cosmology.
Facts :
- Neutrinos come in three types (flavors).
- KATRIN is the most sensitive neutrino mass experiment currently operational.
- Nobel Prize 2015 in Physics was awarded for work on neutrino oscillations, proving they have non-zero mass.
- KATRIN complements cosmological observations (like CMB and galaxy formation models), which also estimate neutrino masses but with model dependence.
MCQ:
With reference to the KATRIN experiment, consider the following statements:
- It determines the neutrino mass by studying proton decay.
- It recently set the most stringent direct limit on neutrino mass.
- The experiment is located in Switzerland and focuses on detecting neutrino oscillations.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect – KATRIN studies beta decay of tritium, not proton decay.
- Statement 2 is correct – KATRIN set the latest best direct constraint on neutrino mass.
- Statement 3 is incorrect – it’s in Germany, and neutrino oscillation detection is done by other experiments like Super-Kamiokande.
Source: Indian express
Relevant to : IR
- On June 10, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal stated that India will increase water storage for hydroelectric projects in Jammu & Kashmir that are still in their initial stages.
- Projects that are already under construction or in advanced stages will not be changed.
- This comes amidst India’s push to review the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 with Pakistan.
About the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
- Signed in 1960, brokered by the World Bank.
- Divides the Indus River System:
- India: Eastern rivers – Ravi, Beas, Sutlej.
- Pakistan: Western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, with India allowed limited non-consumptive use (e.g., hydro projects).
- India can build run-of-the-river projects with some storage but must notify Pakistan under IWT provisions.
Recent Developments
- India sent a notice to Pakistan in early 2023 to review and amend the IWT, citing persistent objections and delays from Pakistan on Indian hydro projects.
- India is now planning to maximize its entitlement under the treaty.
- The focus is on projects in their technical and planning phase, not on existing or ongoing ones.
Pakistan’s Concerns
- Pakistan has objected due to:
- Fears of reduced water flow.
- India’s capacity to alter flow due to storage-based projects.
- India argues that:
- It is acting within the treaty provisions.
- Pakistan has shown reluctance to cooperate on mechanisms to resolve disputes.
- Pakistan has objected due to:
Facts:
- IWT allows India to store up to 3.6 million acre-feet on western rivers under certain conditions.
- Baglihar and Kishanganga hydro projects have been past points of contention.
- India’s hydro storage projects must undergo neutral expert review or Court of Arbitration, if Pakistan raises objections.
MCQ:
With reference to the Indus Waters Treaty, consider the following statements:
- It allocates all the waters of the eastern rivers to Pakistan and western rivers to India.
- It was brokered by the United Nations in 1972.
- India has rights for non-consumptive use (like hydropower) on western rivers.
- The treaty includes provisions for dispute resolution.
Which of the statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect – India gets eastern rivers; Pakistan gets western rivers.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – It was brokered by the World Bank in 1960.
- Statements 3 and 4 are correct.
Source: Indian express
Relevant to: Science & Tech
The Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS) is set for launch on June 11, with weather 85% favourable.
The mission carries Shubhangshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut, along with astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and the USA.
Highlights of the Mission
- Launch Vehicle: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida (Launch Complex 39A).
- Spacecraft: Dragon spacecraft.
- Launch Time (IST): June 11 at 5:30 PM IST; backup: June 12 at 5:07 PM IST.
- Mission Duration: ~2 weeks at ISS.
India’s Role in Ax-4 Mission
- Shubhangshu Shukla is the first Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)-trained astronaut to participate in a private crewed mission to the ISS.
- This marks India’s first participation in a joint commercial space mission in collaboration with NASA and private companies.
Significance
- Strengthens India-U.S. space cooperation, especially after PM Modi’s visit to the U.S. and talks with President Trump and Biden.
- Enhances India’s presence in commercial space missions.
- Offers scientific collaboration on:
- Microgravity experiments
- Studies on human adaptability in space
- Crops and salad seeds growth in orbit
- Medical and educational outreach
MCQ:
Consider the following statements regarding Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4):
- It is a government-only mission led by ISRO and NASA.
- An Indian astronaut is part of the mission.
- It will conduct scientific research and outreach at the ISS.
- Falcon Heavy rocket is used for this mission.
Which of the statements are correct?
A. 1 and 4 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect – it’s a private commercial mission, not purely governmental.
- Statement 2 is correct – Shubhangshu Shukla is part of the crew.
- Statement 3 is correct – outreach and science experiments are planned.
- Statement 4 is incorrect – it uses Falcon 9, not Falcon Heavy.
Source: Indian express
Relevant to: International Relations
- The United States and China concluded a two-day round of trade talks in London (June 10).
- Talks focused on easing tensions over export controls, particularly concerning semiconductors and rare earths.
- This follows a May meeting in Geneva that attempted to avoid further escalation.
- Led by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and senior Chinese officials.
- Talks aimed at breaking the deadlock over accusations by both sides of trying to manipulate global supply chains.
- The US is concerned about China throttling the supply of rare earths and semiconductors.
- China has objected to US export controls on semiconductors and related tech.
MCQ:
Consider the following regarding the recent US-China trade talks:
- Talks were held in Washington D.C.
- US export controls are mainly on agricultural products.
- Rare earths and semiconductors were central issues in the talks.
- The talks aim to reduce trade tensions between the two largest global economies.
Which statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect – the talks were held in London.
- Statement 2 is incorrect – export controls are on semiconductors, not agriculture.
- Statements 3 and 4 are correct – core issues of the talks.