PRELIMS
Universe’s Antimatter Mystery – First CP Violation Observed in Baryons
Why in News: On July 16, 2025, scientists at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) observed CP violation in baryons (Λb⁰ particles) for the first time. This finding helps explain why the universe is dominated by matter over antimatter.
Key Facts:
CP Violation:
- CP stands for Charge Conjugation (C) and Parity (P):
- Charge Conjugation (C): Swapping a particle with its antiparticle.
- Parity (P): Flipping spatial coordinates (like a mirror image).
- If the laws of physics were identical for matter and antimatter, CP symmetry would hold.
- CP violation means this symmetry is broken, allowing for different behavior between matter and antimatter.
- This violation is a necessary condition to explain the dominance of matter in the universe.
Significance of Discovery:
- Previously observed only in mesons, not baryons.
- This is the first confirmed CP violation in baryons (e.g., protons, neutrons).
- Measured CP asymmetry ~2.45% with 5.2σ significance (meets discovery threshold).
Implications:
- Could help solve the puzzle of matter-antimatter asymmetry.
- Current CP violations are not enough to fully explain matter dominance — further research needed.
Experiment Details:
- Conducted using LHCb detector at CERN.
- Used billions of proton-proton collisions and advanced machine learning for event selection.
Genius Act – US Bill to Regulate Stablecoins
Why in News: The U.S. introduced the “Genius Act” to create a regulatory framework for stablecoins, aiming to ensure transparency, accountability, and consumer protection in the use of these crypto-assets.
What are Stablecoins?
- A type of cryptocurrency pegged to an underlying asset (e.g., USD, gold).
- Example: Tether (USDT) – pegged to the US dollar.
- Offer price stability unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Why the Rise in Stablecoin Use?
- Price Stability: Backed by real-world assets (currency/commodities).
- Identifiable Issuers: Unlike unbacked crypto, issuers can be banks, fintechs, tech giants.
- Efficient Payments: Faster, cheaper cross-border transactions.
Genius Act – Key Provisions
- Aims to regulate issuance and governance of stablecoins.
- Applies to both banks and non-bank entities.
- Seeks to build trust and transparency in the stablecoin ecosystem.
Crypto Regulation in India
Current Status:
- Crypto assets are unregulated by RBI or SEBI.
- No legal framework yet; however, taxation and AML provisions apply.
Key Regulatory Steps:
Finance Act, 2022:
- Imposed 30% tax on gains from Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs).
VDA Definition (IT Act, 1961):
- Any code/token/information digitally traded/stored via cryptography.
- Includes cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002:
- VDAs brought under PMLA in 2023.
- Exchanges must now report suspicious transactions.
How Cryptocurrency Works?
- Based on Blockchain – a decentralized public ledger of all transactions.
- Created via mining – solving complex math problems using computing power.
- Stored/spent using crypto wallets.
- Can also be bought from brokers.
The Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules, 2025 notified
Why in news:
Rules have been notified by the Government under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 to regulate atomic mineral exploration in offshore regions.
Objective:
- To regulate exploration and mining of atomic minerals like uranium and thorium in offshore areas.
Applicability:
- Rules apply only if concentration of atomic minerals is above a minimum threshold.
Licensing:
- Govt-nominated entities can be granted exploration licences or production leases.
- Foreign entities must take prior government approval before exploration.
Key Atomic Minerals in India
Uranium
- Major Reserves: Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Rajasthan
Important Mines:
- Jaduguda (Jharkhand) – First commercial uranium mine
- Lambapur-Peddagattu (AP)
- Bagjata mine (Jharkhand)
- Note: Indian uranium deposits are low-grade and small-sized compared to global standards.
Thorium
- India has limited uranium, but large thorium reserves.
- Monazite (contains 8–10% thorium) found in beach sands of Kerala and Odisha.
India Sends Measles-Rubella Vaccines to Bolivia
Why in News: India has sent 3 lakh doses of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine and medical supplies to Bolivia to help contain a measles outbreak, amid a global surge in cases.
Measles
- Cause: Highly contagious viral infection.
- Spread: Airborne – cough, sneeze, or breathing same air.
- Contagious Period: 4 days before to 4 days after rash onset.
- Infectivity: 90% of unvaccinated close contacts can get infected.
- Complications: Blindness, encephalitis, pneumonia, severe diarrhea, ear infections.
- High-Risk Groups: Children <5 yrs, pregnant women, malnourished, immunocompromised (e.g., HIV).
- Treatment: Supportive care – hydration, antibiotics (for secondary infections), vitamin A.
Cause of Global Resurgence:
- Falling vaccination rates
- Interrupted immunisation campaigns
- Conflict & displacement
- Weak health systems
Bolivia – Country Profile
- Continent: South America (landlocked).
- Borders: Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay.
- Named After: Simón Bolívar – South American independence leader.
Geography:
- Andes Mountains dominate
- Mount Sajama – Highest peak
- Lake Titicaca (with Peru) – World’s highest navigable lake
- Lake Poopó – Inland saline lake
- Rivers: Madeira, Mamoré, Beni, Desaguadero
- Natural Resources: Rich in natural gas, zinc, silver, tin, lead
