Prelims-Pinpointer-for-18-oct-2025

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South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA)

Context: European Space Agency’s (ESA) Swarm mission reveals South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) — region of weakest intensity in Earth’s magnetic field has expanded by 0.9% since 2014.

About SAA

  • A weak magnetic field zone over South America and the southern Atlantic Ocean, where Earth’s magnetic field intensity is significantly lower than the global average.
  • First noted in 19th century; continuously mapped using ESA’s Swarm satellites launched in 2013.
  • Reason for Anomaly
    • Caused by the irregular flow of molten iron and nickel in Earth’s outer core, disrupting the geo-dynamo (mechanism generating the magnetic field).
    • Reverse flux patches beneath the South Atlantic — magnetic field lines re-enter Earth instead of exiting, weakening local magnetic strength.
    • Complex core-mantle interactions create spatial variations forming SAA.
  • Features
    • Location: South America, the southern Atlantic Ocean, and southwest Africa.
    • Expansion: Grown by 0.9% since 2014; moving westward.
    • Dual Cell Structure: Since 2020, split into two weaker sub-cells (one toward South America, another near southwest Africa).

Magnetic Weak Spots

  • Localised regions of diminished geomagnetic intensity on Earth’s surface are caused by the uneven distribution of magnetic flux in the outer core.
  • Formation Reasons
    • Uneven Core Flow: Molten metals in outer core circulate non-uniformly, producing weaker magnetic fields in some regions.
    • Reverse Magnetic Flux: Field lines loop backward into core, lowering surface magnetic strength.
    • Core Dynamics: Fluid motion, convection currents, thermal variations cause periodic reorganization of magnetic zones.
  • Impacts
    • Satellite Vulnerability: Increased radiation exposure in SAA risks hardware damage, data corruption, instrument blackouts.
    • Navigation Challenges: Field strength variations affect magnetic navigation and calibration systems, especially in low-Earth orbits.
    • Space Weather Sensitivity: Weakened shield allows charged solar particles closer to Earth’s surface, heightening space weather hazards.
    • Regional Effects: SAA’s westward drift and expansion increase risk zone for Earth-observing and communication satellites.

State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI)

Context: Ministry of Mines released first-ever State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) and State Rankings (2025) to benchmark State performance in mining reforms (Union Budget 2025-26 announcement).

About SMRI

  • Performance benchmarking framework evaluating and ranking States on efficiency, reform readiness, and sustainability in mining sector (particularly non-coal minerals).
  • Published by Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
  • Aim
    • Encourage healthy competition among States in mining governance.
    • Enhance transparency and efficiency in mineral exploration and mine operationalization.
    • Promote sustainable and responsible mining aligned with India’s environmental and economic priorities.
  • Assessment Criteria (Four Key Indicators)
    • Auction Performance: Effectiveness and transparency in mineral block auctions.
    • Early Mine Operationalization: Speed of converting auctioned blocks into functional mines.
    • Exploration Thrust: Investment and initiatives for geological exploration and new resource discovery.
    • Sustainable Mining Practices: Adoption of environmentally sound and socially responsible mining models.

State Rankings 2025

CategoryTop 3 States
A (Mineral-Rich)1. Madhya Pradesh 2. Rajasthan 3. Gujarat
B (Moderate Resources)1. Goa 2. Uttar Pradesh 3. Assam
C (Low Endowment)1. Punjab 2. Uttarakhand 3. Tripura

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

About NCB

  • Nodal drug law enforcement and intelligence agency under Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Constituted on 14th November 1985 under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act).
  • Headquarters: Delhi.

Powers and Functions

  • Coordination
    • Coordinates actions by various offices, State Governments, and authorities under NDPS Act, Customs Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
  • International Obligations
    • Implements countermeasures against illicit traffic under international conventions and protocols ratified by India.
    • Assists foreign authorities and international organizations for prevention and suppression of illicit drug traffic.
  • Inter-Agency Coordination
    • Coordinates actions of ministries, departments, and organizations on drug abuse matters.
  • Enforcement Functions
    • Functions as enforcement agency through zonal offices.
    • Zonal offices: Collect and analyze seizure data, study trends and modus operandi, collect and disseminate intelligence.
    • Works in close cooperation with Customs, State Police, and other law enforcement agencies.

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NPDS) Act, 1985

  • Prohibits manufacture, production, cultivation, possession, sale, purchase, transport, storage, consumption of narcotic drugs/psychotropic substances without permission.
  • Follows graded punishment system based on small, intermediate, and commercial quantities.

H-1B Visa

Context: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, arguing it overrides existing provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act that govern the H-1B program.

H-1B Visa

  • Definition
    • Non-immigrant visa for U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
    • Fields: Technology, finance, engineering, architecture.
  • Eligibility
    • Valid job offer for specialty knowledge role.
    • Proof of bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
    • Employer must prove lack of qualified U.S. applicants.
  • Annual Cap & Selection
    • 85,000 visas annually: 65,000 regular + 20,000 for advanced degrees.
    • Exempt: Higher education/research/non-profit workers.
    • Selection via lottery system.
  • Key Features
    • Validity: 3 years, extendable once (max 6 years total).
    • No lifetime limit on number of H-1B visas.
    • Eligible for Green Card.
    • Job change requires new visa.

Additional Information

U.S. L-1 Visa

  • It is an Intra-Company Transferee Visa allowing large multinationals to shift employees in specialized positions to the U.S. on a temporary basis.
  • Types:
    • L-1A: For managers and executives (maximum stay: 7 years).
    • L-1B: For workers with specialized knowledge (maximum stay: 5 years).
  • Key Difference with H-1B Visa
    • No education requirement for the L-1 visa, unlike the H-1B which requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Rotavirus

Context: A recent study on the impact of the indigenous rotavirus vaccine in India found marked reductions in rotavirus-based gastroenteritis in sites across the country.

Rotavirus

  • Double-stranded RNA virus in the Reoviridae family.
  • Highly contagious virus causing severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and children under 5 years.
  • Made up of 11 segments of double-stranded RNA surrounded by three layers of proteins.
  • Leading cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea in children under 5.

India Context

  • 22% of children under 5 who die from diarrheal illness are infected with rotavirus.
  • Responsible for about 10% of all under-five deaths in India annually.
  • Vast majority of children infected before age 3 (in developing countries before age 1).

Transmission

  • Transmitted person-to-person via hand-to-mouth contact, fecal-oral, and respiratory route.
  • Spreads through hands, diapers, or objects (toys, changing tables, doorknobs) with stool.
  • Primarily affects: Infants, young children, family members, childcare workers.

Symptoms

  • Infection starts within 2 days of virus exposure.
  • Fever and vomiting are earliest symptoms.
  • 3-7 days of watery diarrhea.
  • Other symptoms: Abdominal pain, high fever, nausea, loss of appetite, dehydration.
  • Dehydration signs: High fever, fatigue, decreased urine, dizziness, dry mouth/throat, crying with few tears.
  • Note: In healthy adults, may cause only minor symptoms or no symptoms.

Rotavirus Vaccines in India

VaccineLaunch YearDeveloped ByComposition
Rotavac2012 (launched by PM Modi on March 9)Bharat Biotech International Limited, HyderabadLive Attenuated, Oral Vaccine
Rotasiil2020Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd, PuneLive Attenuated, Oral Vaccine
  • Both vaccines available under Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
  • Proven safe, immunogenic, and efficacious.

Tejas LCA Mk1A

About

  • It is an upgraded variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by HAL.
  • Features over 40 improvements over Mk1 variant, enhancing combat capabilities, survivability, and operational efficiency.

Key Upgrades

  • Advanced Avionics
    • Equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars:
      • Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA Radar
      • Indigenously developed Uttam AESA Radar
  • Enhanced Electronic Warfare
    • Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS).
    • Advanced Self-Protection Jammer Pod for improved survivability.
  • Flight Control
    • Digital Fly-by-Wire System with upgraded Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A) for better maneuverability and stability.
  • Weapons Capability
    • Nine hardpoints capable of carrying:
      • Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles
      • Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles
      • Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM)
  • Operational Efficiency
    • Reduced weight and improved maintainability for faster mission turnaround times.

F404-IN20 Jet Engine

  • Manufactured by GE Aerospace; powers Tejas LCA Mk1A.
  • Originally selected in 2004; high-thrust variant of F404 engine family.
  • Features: Higher-flow fans, single-crystal turbine blades, specialized components for Indian Air Force (IAF).
  • Helped Tejas achieve Mach 1.1 during first test flight in 2008.

Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS)

Context: MCPS, indigenously developed by DRDO, successfully tested at 32,000 feet altitude — first Indian-made parachute system capable of high-altitude deployment above 25,000 feet.

About MCPS

  • Advanced high-altitude military parachute system for combat freefall operations by special forces and paratroopers in extreme conditions.
  • Enables safe, controlled, and precise landings from high altitudes during tactical missions.
  • Developed by DRDO
  • Key Features
    • High-Altitude Capability: Operates efficiently above 25,000 ft; tested at 32,000 ft (highest for any Indian system).
    • Enhanced Safety: Lower rate of descent and superior steering control for stable, accurate landings.
    • Navigation: Integrated with NaVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) for precise geolocation without foreign satellites.
    • Operational Flexibility: Pre-determined altitude deployment and accurate zone navigation under combat conditions.
    • Maintenance: Quick turnaround, easy repairability, higher lifetime utility than imported systems.
  • Significance
    • Major leap in Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in aerial delivery systems.
    • Reduces strategic vulnerability by ending dependence on foreign suppliers for airborne combat gear.

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