Prelims Oriented
Cyclones: Ditwah and Senyar
Context: Cyclone Ditwah weakened to deep depression moving northward over Bay of Bengal parallel to Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast; three deaths reported, over 2,300 in relief camps.
Cyclones
- Types of Cyclones
- Tropical Cyclones: Most common type forming over warm tropical oceans characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges.
- Extratropical Cyclones: Form over cooler waters; less intense than tropical cyclones featuring strong winds, heavy rainfall, snow.
- Midlatitude Cyclones: Develop in midlatitudes characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall and snowfall.
- Causes of Cyclone Formation
- Warm Ocean Waters: Form over tropical or subtropical oceans with sea surface temperature exceeding 26.5°C providing energy and moisture.
- Coriolis Effect: Earth’s rotation deflects air from high to low pressure causing counterclockwise rotation (Northern Hemisphere), clockwise (Southern Hemisphere).
- Low Vertical Wind Shear: Minimal change in wind speed and direction with height maintains storm structure; high shear disrupts development.
- Moisture and Instability: Abundant moisture and atmospheric instability create convection currents; rising warm air releases latent heat fueling intensification.
- Atmospheric Convergence: Air masses with different temperature and humidity converge causing upward air movement and low-pressure center development.
- Tropical Disturbances: Originate from organized thunderstorms with weak pressure gradients evolving into tropical depressions, storms, then cyclones.
- Seasonal Variations: Hurricane or cyclone season occurs in Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, eastern Pacific Ocean with favorable conditions.
- Formation Process
- Initial Requirements: Warm waters above 26.5°C, pre-existing weather disturbance like tropical wave or low-pressure system triggers development.
- Atmospheric Conditions: Low vertical wind shear crucial for formation; sufficient lower atmosphere moisture and unstable conditions develop thunderstorms.
- Development Stages: Progresses through tropical depression, tropical storm, finally reaching hurricane/typhoon/cyclone intensity.
- Energy Source: Warm ocean waters provide strengthening energy; Earth’s rotation causes system spinning and distinct eye formation.
- Impact of Cyclones
- Strong Winds: Powerful winds exceed 119 km/h in tropical storms; much higher in severe cyclones damaging buildings, infrastructure, vegetation.
- Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: Intense precipitation causes flash floods, river flooding, landslides, crop damage, water-sanitation system disruption.
- Storm Surge: Coastal flood from strong winds and low atmospheric pressure inundates coastal areas, erodes shorelines causing significant destruction.
- Tornadoes and Waterspouts: Cyclones spawn rapidly rotating air columns causing additional localized destruction in affected areas.
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)
Overview
- NATGRID is conceived as a secure, integrated intelligence database designed to strengthen India’s ability to combat terrorism, economic offences, and related threats.
- It functions as a technology-driven intelligence platform enabling real-time information access for authorised agencies.
Background
- The project was initiated in 2009 following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, highlighting gaps in information-sharing among security agencies.
- Established as an attached office under the Ministry of Home Affairs from 1 December 2010.
- It formally commenced operations on 31 December 2020.
Coverage and Access
- NATGRID services are accessible to 11 central investigative and intelligence agencies along with police forces of all States and Union Territories.
- The intention is to enable swift, authorised access to diverse datasets required for counter-terror and anti-crime operations.
Operational Structure
-
- NATGRID maintains a centralised repository of intelligence-linked databases.
- Works as an integrated grid connecting information from multiple security and enforcement agencies.
- It aggregates a wide range of data, including:
-
- Immigration records (entry/exit)
- Banking and financial transactions
- Credit card usage
- Telecom records
- PAN and taxpayer data
- Air and rail travel details
- Other security-relevant datasets
Analytical Capabilities
- Employs Big Data and advanced analytics to process massive volumes of information.
- Facilitates pattern recognition, event analysis, and identification of possible threats or suspect movements.
- Enables real-time intelligence flow to authorised agencies for timely intervention.
Data Protection and Security
- All data is protected through end-to-end encryption.
- Access is strictly controlled and permitted only after authorisation and authentication procedures.
- Ensures that sensitive information is shared securely across agencies while maintaining accountability.
Significance
- Addresses long-standing shortcomings in inter-agency coordination.
- Enhances India’s capability to detect, monitor, and counter illegal activities, including terrorist operations and financial crimes.
- Strengthens the national internal security architecture through integrated surveillance and information-sharing.
Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)
Context: Foreign Portfolio Investors withdrew ₹3,765 crore from Indian equities in November, driven by global risk-off sentiment, tech stock volatility, and primary market preference over secondary markets.
Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)
- Overview
-
- Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) involves foreign investment in financial assets such as shares, bonds and securities.
- FPI is passive and short-term, unlike FDI which carries managerial control.
- Its primary objective is capital appreciation and portfolio diversification.
- Under India’s current FPI policy, a foreign investor may hold up to 10% equity in an Indian firm without being classified as an FDI investor.
- Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)
-
- FIIs are a subset of FPI, comprising institutional investors like mutual funds, pension funds, insurers and hedge funds.
- All FIIs qualify as FPIs, but not all FPIs are institutional in nature.
- FIIs usually adopt structured and strategic investment approaches.
- Significance of FPI
-
- FPI enables substantial capital inflows, enhancing liquidity in financial markets.
- Supports economic growth by supplying investment funds across multiple sectors.
- Adds to foreign exchange reserves, helping countries manage external shocks.
- Provides global investors with risk diversification across markets.
- Offers access to emerging economies such as India and Brazil with higher growth potential.
- Issues with FPI
-
- FPI flows are volatile, causing sharp market fluctuations.
- Heavy dependence exposes economies to external shocks and investor sentiment changes.
- Large withdrawals can trigger market instability, currency depreciation and falling stock prices.
- Often driven by short-term speculation, creating bubbles or distortions.
- Regulatory complexity, tax uncertainty and bureaucratic hurdles may deter investment.
- Excessive foreign presence may raise concerns about economic sovereignty.
FPI vs FDI
- FDI is long-term and involves managerial control; FPI is short-term and non-controlling.
- FDI targets physical and real sectors, while FPI focuses on financial markets.
- FDI supports jobs, technology transfer and infrastructure growth; FPI influences market liquidity and efficiency.
- FDI faces stricter regulatory oversight; FPI operates under SEBI and RBI with more liberalised norms.
Thalassemia
Overview
- Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder affecting the body’s ability to produce normal hemoglobin.
- Hemoglobin is a key protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that transports oxygen throughout the body.
- The disorder leads to reduced hemoglobin production and fewer healthy RBCs, resulting in anemia.
Causes and Genetics
- Caused by mutations in hemoglobin-producing genes, inherited from one or both parents.
- The severity depends on which gene mutation is inherited (α or β chain defects).
- High prevalence in populations from the Mediterranean, Middle East, South Asia and Africa.
- Carriers may be asymptomatic but can pass the mutation to children.
Pathophysiology
- Low RBC count reduces the body’s ability to transport oxygen.
- Leads to chronic anemia, organ stress and reduced energy production in tissues.
- Severe cases can cause growth delay, skeletal abnormalities, and life-threatening complications.
Symptoms
- Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, pale skin, cold intolerance.
- Progressive forms may cause iron overload, enlarged spleen and cardiac complications.
- Severe untreated thalassemia may result in early mortality.
Types
- Categorised based on the gene involved — alpha and beta thalassemia.
- Clinical severity ranges from trait (mild) to intermedia and major (severe).
Treatment
- Regular blood transfusions to correct anemia; severe cases may require monthly transfusions.
- Chelation therapy removes excess iron accumulated from repeated transfusions.
- Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation is the only curative treatment but is rarely done due to significant risk.
- Lifelong monitoring is needed to manage iron levels and organ health.
Hansa-3 (NG) Trainer Aircraft
Overview
- Hansa-3 (NG) is India’s first fully indigenous flying trainer aircraft, designed for basic pilot training.
- Developed by CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
- A production-ready version has recently been launched, marking a milestone in India’s aviation self-reliance.
Design and Development
- The aircraft is a two-seater, low-wing trainer, suitable for early pilot training stages.
- Built with JIPREG composite lightweight airframe, offering improved durability and reduced maintenance costs.
- Features a bubble canopy that provides an expansive panoramic view, enhancing training safety.
Technical Features
- Powered by a Rotax digital control engine offering efficient performance and lower fuel burn.
- Equipped with electronic fuel injection, optimising fuel–air mixing at varying altitudes for stability.
- Includes glass cockpit systems, delivering modern avionics and improved situational awareness for trainees.
- Fitted with electrically operated flaps, enhancing handling during take-off and landing.
Performance Parameters
- Delivers a range of 620 nautical miles, enabling long-duration sorties.
- Offers 7 hours of endurance, suitable for extended flight training missions.
- Achieves a maximum cruise speed of 98 KCAS, ideal for trainer-class operations.
- Known for low operating cost, making it financially viable for flight schools.
Training Significance
- Designed as an ideal platform for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) aspirants.
- Supports the expansion of India’s pilot training ecosystem with low fuel consumption and reduced lifecycle cost.
- Strengthens indigenous capability in civil aviation training infrastructure, aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
SIM Binding
Overview
- SIM binding is a security mechanism that links a user’s mobile device directly to the active SIM card inserted in it.
- It strengthens authentication by ensuring app access is tied to the unique SIM identity, not just the device.
Why SIM Binding Matters
- Most communication apps verify a SIM only once during installation.
- Even after a SIM is removed, expired, or deactivated, the app continues functioning.
- This gap allows cybercriminals abroad to misuse Indian mobile numbers, accessing apps through old or inactive SIM-linked accounts.
- Since the SIM is not physically present, location tracking becomes difficult, enabling anonymous fraud.
- The absence of active SIM validation increases risks of spam, hacking, impersonation, and financial scams.
Recent Government Directions
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated all OTT communication apps — WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, Arattai and others — to implement SIM binding.
- Platforms must ensure services work only when the correct SIM card is present in the device.
- Apps must stop functioning immediately upon SIM removal, closing a major loophole exploited by scammers.
- The DoT has set a 90-day deadline for completing the SIM-binding integration.
Security Benefits
- Enhances user verification by tying authentication to live SIM identity.
- Reduces fraudulent access using inactive, expired or recycled SIM numbers.
- Helps authorities trace devices linked to suspicious numbers, improving cybercrime investigation.
- Aligns communication apps with security practices already used in banking and UPI apps, which require active SIM presence to function.
Significance
- Strengthens India’s cyber hygiene amid rising online scams.
- Protects citizens from impersonation-based fraud.
- Supports a more secure digital communication ecosystem across OTT platforms.
Ellora Caves
Overview
- Ellora Caves lie near Ellora village in northwest-central Maharashtra, located 30 km from Aurangabad and 80 km southwest of Ajanta.
- Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983), Ellora comprises 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries carved into a long basalt cliff.
- The site spans over 2 km and dates from the 6th to 10th century CE, representing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Historical and Cultural Significance
- Ellora reflects religious coexistence, showcasing architectural contributions from three major Indian traditions.
- Sculptures portray deities, celestial figures, mythological narratives, royal personalities, and aspects of daily life.
- The complex includes chaityas (prayer halls), viharas (monasteries), and elaborately carved Jain shrines with Tirthankara imagery.
Architectural Brilliance
- Kailasanatha Temple (Cave 16) is Ellora’s most monumental structure and one of the largest monolithic rock-cut temples in the world.
- It was carved vertically from a single rock, showcasing exceptional engineering precision.
- Construction took an estimated 18 years, demonstrating advanced planning and craftsmanship.
- The temple features ornate pillars, sculpted panels, vast courtyards, and intricate depictions from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Significance
- Ellora illustrates India’s syncretic heritage, outstanding rock-cut architecture, and deep civilisational continuity.
- It remains a key site for understanding Deccan history, religious interaction, and early medieval art.
Sahariya Tribe
Overview
- The Sahariya are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in India.
- They are also known by names such as Seher, Sair, Savar, Saonar, and Sahra.
- The community primarily inhabits the forest regions and rural margins of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Habitat and Living Conditions
- Sahariyas usually reside in distinct settlements known as ‘Seharana’, consisting of clustered houses.
- Traditional homes are built using stone boulders, with roofs made of stone slabs, locally called Patore.
- In some villages, mud houses are also constructed depending on local availability of materials.
Social and Cultural Features
- The community has lost its original language, now speaking local regional dialects.
- Sahariyas continue to follow traditional ethnic religious practices rooted in nature and ancestral beliefs.
- Their prominent cultural expression is the Saharia Swang dance, performed during Holi.
- The dance features rhythmic movements to dhol, nagari, and matki, and includes a male performer dressed in female attire dancing around male participants.
Livelihood Patterns
- The Sahariyas are predominantly forest-dependent, relying heavily on forest produce for survival.
- They supplement income through small-scale cultivation and work as landless labourers in nearby villages.
- They possess specialised skill in producing catechu (kattha) extracted from khair trees, a significant traditional occupation.
Significance
- The Sahariya tribe represents the socio-economic vulnerabilities of PVTGs, highlighting issues of marginalisation, forest dependence, and cultural continuity.
- Their unique traditions and occupational skills contribute to the diversity of India’s tribal heritage.
