PRELIMS
India’s Pulse Production Strategy
Why in News: NITI Aayog released the report “Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Growth in Pulses towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta” outlining India’s roadmap to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses.
Current Status
- Production (2022–23): 26.06 million tonnes (↑ 59.4% from 2015–16).
- Import dependence reduced from 29% (2015–16) to 10.4% (2022–23).
- Pulses mostly grown in rain-fed areas supporting 5+ crore farmers.
- Top 3 states: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan (55% share).
Strategic Targets
- 2030: 34.45 MT (self-sufficiency).
- 2047: 51.57 MT (doubling production).
- Surplus to position India as major exporter.
Cluster-Based Cultivation
- One Block, One Seed Village model in 111 high-potential districts.
- Community seed banks, local agronomy, cluster-based approach.
Technology Adoption
- High-yielding varieties, precision farming, improved irrigation.
- Soil health management, region-specific packages.
Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Drought-resistant varieties.
- Integrated pest management, contingency cropping.
Data-Driven Decisions
- AI + satellite-based real-time decision support system.
- Helps track productivity, forecast shortages, guide policy.
Demand-Supply Projections
- 2030: Supply 30.6 MT → Surplus 3.79 MT.
- 2047: Supply 45.8 MT → Surplus 16.48 MT.
- Demand aligned with ICMR-NIN nutrition guidelines.
- Push to promote consumption via awareness + public schemes.
Blue Light Stain Removal Technology
Why in News : A study published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering has demonstrated that intense blue light can effectively remove food and sweat stains from fabrics without harsh chemicals.
The Breakthrough
- Researchers (Asahi Kasei Corp., Japan) used blue light of 445 nanometres (within visible spectrum, indigo-blue).
- After 10 minutes of exposure, stains degraded at molecular level with the help of oxygen in air → became colourless.
- Effective on stains from human sweat, skin oils, and foods (pumpkins, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes).
- Gentler on delicate fabrics (e.g., silk) compared to ultraviolet rays.
Advantages
- Does not require hydrogen peroxide or other corrosive agents.
- Safe for coloured and patterned fabrics (blue, black-and-white checkered).
- Prevents fibre damage → longer fabric life.
- Environmentally friendly (reduced chemicals, less water, fewer microplastics).
Significance
- Could replace traditional washing methods that generate microplastics.
- Potential commercial applications: households, textile industry, bridal and costume rental companies.
- Experts suggest stain removal technology could be available within 5 years.
Space Navigation Using Stellar Parallax
Why in News: Astronomers have demonstrated that a spacecraft can determine its position in space using just two nearby stars and the principle of stellar parallax, as shown with NASA’s New Horizons mission. Findings published in The Astronomical Journal (June 2024).
Background
- New Horizons spacecraft launched by NASA in 2006 to study Pluto, Kuiper Belt.
- In 2024, it crossed 60x the Earth–Sun distance (60 AU).
- Currently tracked by NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), but signal delays increase with distance → need for self-sufficient navigation.
Concept: Stellar Parallax
- Apparent shift in a star’s position relative to background stars due to change in observer’s viewpoint.
- Earth demonstrates parallax every 6 months as it orbits the Sun.
- Measured as parallax angle → directly related to star’s distance..
The Study
Used New Horizons instruments to observe:
- Proxima Centauri (4.2 light years away).
- Wolf 359 (7.9 light years away).
- Observations from Earth vs. spacecraft (~7 billion km apart).
Measured parallax:
- Proxima: 32.4 arcseconds.
- Wolf 359: 15.7 arcseconds.
- Calculated spacecraft’s position as 46.89 AU, matching DSN estimate (47.11 AU).
Significance
Requires only:
- A camera, spacecraft computer, and stellar reference catalogue.
- Provides independent navigation without Earth signals.
- Not yet practically accurate for New Horizons but promising for future deep space missions.
Other Methods
- Stellar Astrometric Navigation: Uses angular separation of stars, includes relativistic effects.
- Pulsar Navigation: Uses neutron stars (pulsars) as cosmic beacons → potentially more accurate.
Blood Moon
Why in News: A Blood Moon (total lunar eclipse) was visible in India on 7 September 2025, when the moon appeared dark red due to Earth’s shadow.
What it is?
- A total lunar eclipse where the moon appears reddish-copper instead of white.
How it Occurs?
- Earth comes between the Sun and Moon.
- Direct sunlight is blocked, but Earth’s atmosphere bends/scatters some light onto the Moon.
- Blue light is filtered, while red light is refracted → reddish hue.
Features
- Colour intensity depends on dust, smoke, volcanic ash, pollution in Earth’s atmosphere.
- Reddish colour due to Rayleigh scattering (same effect as blue sky).
- Visible in regions where eclipse is above the horizon.
- Natural, predictable, and can last several hours.
Significance
- Helps study Earth’s atmosphere (dust, volcanic activity, pollution).
- Important for astronomy & public science outreach.
- Holds cultural and spiritual symbolism across societies.
Tech Firms Face IPR Challenges in AI Development
Why in News : Authors have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Apple for allegedly using their books in AI training. Such cases highlight growing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) challenges in the AI era.
Challenges in IPR Enforcement for AI
- Lack of Consent: Use of copyrighted works in AI training without authorization = infringement.
- Authorship & Ownership: Debate on whether AI can be recognized as an “author/creator.”
- Example: South Africa granted a patent listing AI tool DABUS as the inventor.
- Patentability Issues: Difficulty in assessing originality of AI-generated content (e.g., deepfakes).
- Ethical Concerns: Risk of eroding human creativity; originality of human intellect under threat.
- Legal Gaps: Need for updated IPR laws balancing innovation, fair use, and protection of human creators.
Indian Legal Framework
- Copyright Act, 1957: Human behind computer-generated work = author. AI/software cannot be given authorship.
Parliamentary Standing Committee:
- Suggested a separate IPR category for AI-based inventions.
- Review of patent and copyright laws for AI context.
Global Practices
- UK & New Zealand: Provide copyright protection for computer-generated works without a human creator.
Significance
- Ensures fair balance between AI innovation and human creativity.
- Prevents monopolies while safeguarding original expression.
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