9 PM Daily UPSC Current Affairs Brief 12th January, 2024

Print Friendly and PDF

Dear Friends,

9 PM Brief is our prime initiatives for the preparation of current affairs. What we are providing in this initiative:

  • Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
  • We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing.

It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content, and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.

For previous editions of 9 PM BriefClick Here

For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Download Factly and 9 PM Weekly Compilations | Arranged Subject-wise and Topic-wise

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Emerging Challenges for India after the Bangladesh Elections

Source: This post on Emerging Challenges for India after the Bangladesh Elections has been created based on the article “A Bangladesh ‘one-party state’ and India’s options” published in “The Hindu” on 12th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighborhood- relations.

News: The article discusses the emerging challenges for India in the wake of the recent Bangladesh Elections. It highlights the allegations against the Awami League government and suggests a way forward for India.

Background:

Ms. Sheikh Hasina (Awami League) recently came back in power in Bangladesh for a record 5th time (4th in a row). However, concerns were raised about the lack of participation of the principal opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party-Jamaat-e-Islami coalition.

What are the positive outcomes for India?

  1. Continuity in Bilateral Relations: There will be continuity in the excellent bilateral relationship with Bangladesh, addressing India’s security and connectivity concerns.
  2. Power Purchase Agreement: Power purchase agreement has been recently signed by the Hasina government.

What are the allegations against the Awami League?

  1. Election Irregularities: Large-scale false voting (such as the use of under-age children voting by turn several times) has been reported. This signals a firm step towards a one-party police state.
  2. Allegations of Corruption: Controversies such as stock market scams, large-scale money laundering, bank defaults, and crony capitalism have emerged.
  3. Anti-Secular Islamist Agenda: The Awami government plans to create model mosque cum islamic cultural centres. These can replace the syncretic and secular Bengali linguistic culture, threatening Bangladesh’s secular identity.

What are the emerging challenges in front of India?

  1. Harming India’s Image: According to the author, there will be allegations against India of supporting autocracies abroad to suit strategic interests.
  2. Anti-India Sentiment in Bangladesh: Anti-Indian sentiments (especially among the youth) are rising in Bangladesh due to its support for an increasingly autocratic regime.
  3. Support to a Problematic Dispensation: Massive corruption scandals, mismanagement of economy, and abnormal price rise has tainted the Hasina government lately.
  4. Opposing Stand of India’s Strategic Partners: India’s strategic partners (such as the USA, and its European and Asian allies) have criticized Bangladesh elections.
  5. Lack of pro-Indian Elements in the Government: Most pro-Indian elements in the Awami League have been eliminated.

What should be done?

India’s loss of influence in the neighbourhood, from Nepal to the Maldives, reflects badly on India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. Hence, the following steps can be taken:

  1. India should push hard to induct some pro-Indian leaders in the cabinet.
  2. Secular alternatives to the Awami League should be explored.

Question for practice:

What are the emerging challenges in front of India in the wake of the recent Bangladesh Elections?

On Republic Day Parade Tableaux Selection – Show of fairness

Source: This post on Republic Day Parade Tableaux Selection has been created based on the article “Show of fairness” published in “The Hindu” on 12th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.

News: The article discusses the procedure for the Republic Day parade tableaux selection.

Background:

The tableaux at the Republic Day Parade reflect the country’s cultural splendour and diversity. Around 15 or 16 tableaux from States/UTs are selected each year.

However, there has been frequent controversy over the final selection of these tableaux. The Opposition-ruled states have been raising questions on the alleged politically motivated decisions to exclude their tableau from the parade.

What is the procedure followed for tableau selection?

Screening by Experts: Defence Ministry has a screening mechanism for participants in the parade. A committee of distinguished persons from various fields, including Padma awardees, is set up to screen proposals from States and organisations.

Constructing the Tableau: The Ministry of Culture had empanelled 30 agencies for design and fabrication of tableaux through an open selection process and States/UTs are advised to engage these agencies for the same.

Proposal of a New Rotational Plan: Defence Ministry has also finalised a rotational plan which will ensure that all States/UTs get a fair chance to display their tableaux within a three-year cycle.

What should be the way forward?

The selection process should be apolitical and transparent. The new proposal of a rotational opportunity for each State/UT is a fairer, more transparent mechanism.

Question for practice:

The Republic Day parade tableaux selection procedure should be apolitical and transparent in order to avoid federal fissures. Discuss.

On Speaker’s Powers in Anti-Defection Cases – The Speaker’s court

Source: This post on the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker’s ruling has been created based on the article “The Speaker’s court” published in “The Hindu” on 12th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

News: The article discusses the recent Maharashtra Assembly Speaker’s ruling in the defection case related to Shiv Sena factions.

A detailed article on Anti-Defection Law can be read here.

The recent decision by Maharashtra Assembly Speaker’s ruling in the case of disqualification petitions by rival factions of the Shiv Sena has brought to attention the Presiding Officer’s powers under the anti-defection law.

According to the author, if decisions on defection disputes are in the hands of Speakers instead of an independent authority, political considerations will keep leading to unfair rulings.

What was the Speaker’s ruling in this case?

Recognition of the Eknath Shinde Faction as Shiv Sena: The Speaker has ruled that there was no case to disqualify members of the Eknath Shinde or the Uddhav B. Thackeray (UBT) faction. It recognizes the Eknath Shinde faction as the ‘real political party’.

No Violation of Whip: The Speaker declared that the appointee of the UBT faction ceased to be the authorized whip, and that the appointee of the Shinde group was the valid whip. Hence, there was no case of the Shinde loyalists violating any whip.

What were the observations made by the Supreme Court earlier in this case?

  1. The Speaker was wrong in recognising the Shinde faction’s appointee as the party’s whip.
  2. No faction or group can argue that they constitute the original political party as a defence against disqualification on the ground of defection.
  3. The percentage of members in each faction is irrelevant to the disqualification case (determining which faction is the real party being the relevant factor).
  4. The Speaker may have to decide on which faction is the real party in this case of defection.
    For this, the party constitution and leadership structure submitted to the Election Commission could be considered.

What are the legal remedies available against the Speaker’s decision?

The UBT faction may now approach the Supreme Court again, on the grounds that the Speaker’s decisions are against the Court’s observations.

Question for practice:

“If decisions on defection disputes are in the hands of Speakers instead of an independent authority, political considerations will keep leading to unfair rulings.” Discuss.

India and Singapore are strengthening their economic and trade relationships

Source: The post India and Singapore are strengthening their economic and trade relationships has been created, based on the article “The IndiaSingapore economic corridor is looking up” published in “Live mints” on 12th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2-International relation- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

News: This article explains how India and Singapore are strengthening their economic and trade relationships.

What is Indias economy situation?

Fastest Growing Large Economy: India is the world’s fastest-growing large economy, projected to move from fifth to third in global economic size by 2030.

Strong Fundamentals: India’s robust economic fundamentals are attracting significant global investments.

Global Influence: India’s economy is poised to drive a fifth of global growth by 2031, reflecting its significant global impact.

What initiative are taken for strengthening economic and trade relationships between India and Singapore?

Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement: Signed in 2005, this agreement significantly boosted bilateral trade, which quadrupled to reach $35.6 billion by 2022-23.

100% FDI Policy in India: India’s policy allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment in most manufacturing sectors attracted numerous Singaporean conglomerates and institutions to ramp up investments in India.

Growth of Indian Companies in Singapore: From 2014 to 2023, the number of Indian companies in Singapore increased from 6,000 to over 9,000, covering diverse sectors like tourism, telecommunications, financial services, and e-commerce.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-PayNow Linkage: Launched in 2023, this is the first real-time payment systems linkage in the world, facilitating easier and faster financial transactions between the two countries.

Trade Trust Framework: Introduced in 2023, this framework utilizes blockchain technology for electronic Bills of Lading, enhancing efficiency in trade finance transactions between Singapore and Indian entities.

Focus on Renewable Energy: India’s renewable energy initiatives, with 92% of its 2022 power capacity growth from renewables, attract interest from Singapore for investment and sourcing.

How does this partnership affect global trade and Investment?

Global Trade Influence: The India-Singapore economic corridor is influential in shaping global trade and investment patterns.

Leadership on the Global Stage: India, with Singapore as a key ally, is increasingly influential in global economic and political matters, such as its role in the G20.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key initiatives taken to strengthen the economic and trade relationships between India and Singapore.

GS PAPER - 3

Telecommunications Act of 2023- Open up the playing field

Source: The post Telecommunications Act of 2023 has been created, based on the article “Open up the playing field” published in “Indian express on 12th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- economy- infrastructure

News: The article discusses the Telecommunication Act 2023 in India, which replaces older laws and aims to modernize and improve the telecom industry.

What are the key provisions of the new Telecommunications Act of 2023?

Read here

What are the benefits of the New Telecommunication Act of 2023?

Modernization of Legal Framework: The Act updates the legal structure for telecoms, replacing outdated laws like the Telegraph Act of 1885, to better suit modern communication technologies.

Improved Spectrum Allocation: It introduces flexible spectrum allocation methods, crucial for effective deployment of communication technologies.

Enhanced Telecom Infrastructure: The Act focuses on building common ducts and cable corridors, significantly improving infrastructure for telecom services.

Promotion of Competition: By allowing new market entrants, the Act seeks to stimulate innovation and investment in the telecom sector.

Digital Bharat Nidhi Expansion: Redefining the use of USOF as Digital Bharat Nidhi, the Act aims for better utilization of funds, aiding in digital advancement.

For more information on USOF read here

Resource Mobilization for Upgrades: It emphasizes mobilizing resources for infrastructural upgrades in the heavily indebted industry, key for advancing technologies like 5G.

Encouraging Functional Separation: The Act promotes functional separation to lessen market concentration and support fair competition. It ensures that new service providers have equal access to crucial telecom infrastructure. Countries like Sweden, the UK, Australia, Ireland, and Poland have successfully applied this approach.

What are the issues with the new Telecommunications Act of 2023?

Privacy Concerns: The Act grants the government significant powers during public emergencies, potentially infringing on citizen privacy with minimal accountability.

Market Concentration Risks: Despite promoting competition, there’s a risk of market concentration, as seen in other countries using functional separation as a regulatory remedy.

Disproportionate Remedies: Over-regulation can lead to reduced investment and innovation, counteracting the Act’s intentions.

Limited 5G Expansion: Venture capitalists cite limited 5G connectivity beyond metros as a drawback, impacting investments in 5G startups (decreasing from $639 million in 2022 to $134.1 million in 2023).

Technological Distinction in Services: The Act lacks reflection of technological neutrality in communication service delivery, potentially hindering new service providers.

What should be done?

To foster India’s digital revolution, the Telecommunications Act 2023 must promote competition and upgrade infrastructure. It should focus on technology-neutral spectrum use, equitable infrastructure access, and integrate services like telecom and internet. The Act should encourage diverse technology use and support transition to fibre networks, ensuring sustained telecom industry growth.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the Telecommunication Act 2023 aims to modernize India’s telecom industry and its potential impact on the market and infrastructure development.

Develop Lakshadweep but protect its ecology

Source: The post developing Lakshadweep has been created, based on the article “Develop Lakshadweep but protect its ecology” published in “Live mints” on 12th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- economy- infrastructure; and GS paper2-International relation.

News: The article discusses the development of Lakshadweep into a high-end, eco-friendly tourist destination. This plan aims to limit visitor numbers to protect the environment, avoiding the environmental issues seen in the Maldives due to tourism.

What is the need for developing Lakshadweep?

Alternative to the Maldives: Tensions with the Maldives highlight the need for India to have its own high-end tourist destination.

Preventing Environmental Damage: The negative environmental impact in the Maldives underscores the need for a sustainable tourism model in Lakshadweep.

Limited Space Management: Lakshadweep’s small size necessitates a controlled development approach to avoid overcrowding and ecological harm.

Economic Development: With only 10 of its 36 isles inhabited, developing Lakshadweep addresses the need for economic growth in this region.

What are the challenges in developing Lakshadweep?

Limited Area: Lakshadweep’s small size (32 sq km) and limited inhabited islands (10 out of 36) pose a challenge for large-scale development.

Exclusivity for High-End Tourism: Due to space limitations, even with land reclamation, Lakshadweep is likely to cater only to the upper tier of travelers, making it an exclusive destination. This approach, though seemingly unfair, is a strategic choice to manage the area’s constraints.

Waste Management: As seen in the Maldives, efficiently handling waste to prevent environmental degradation is a significant challenge.

Balancing Exclusivity and Accessibility: Developing high-end resorts while preserving the local environment, as opposed to the overcrowding seen in places like Goa, requires careful planning.

Sustainability: It’s essential to adopt sustainable practices early on to prevent future environmental problems. Constructing new facilities, such as the planned airport, while preserving the environment, presents a significant challenge.

What can be learn from Maldives?

  1. Maldives’ experience shows how excessive tourism can lead to environmental degradation.
  2. In the Maldives, waste disposal became a significant issue, with an estimated 300 tonnes of hard and soft waste dumped daily on a small island. This situation transformed a once-beautiful island into an overrun garbage dump, as highlighted in a 2012 BBC report. This example underscores the importance of effective waste management in Lakshadweep to avoid similar environmental degradation.
  3. The swift rise in tourism in the Maldives emphasizes the fragility of small island ecosystems, underscoring the need to maintain a balance between tourist numbers and ecological conservation.

What should be done?

Conduct Sustainability Surveys:Carry out detailed surveys to ensure development in Lakshadweep is environmentally sustainable.

Target High-End Tourism: Cater to wealthier tourists, who can be taxed for the additional expenses, to manage the demand and fund eco-friendly initiatives.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons for developing Lakshadweep as a high-end, eco-friendly tourist destination and the challenges associated with this development.


Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 

Already covered articles  
The Indian Parliament, a promise spurned 
Strained ties in India-Maldives relations 
After SC verdict on Bilkis Bano convicts, a question: Which prisoners deserve hope? 
Overused antibiotics no longer work for ‘sizeable’ Indian population [LM, Page 2] 
Are antibiotics over-prescribed in India? 
7 PM Article - Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India- Explained Pointwise

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Ministry notifies revised rules to ensure quality of medicines

Source-This post is based on the article “Ministry issues revised rules to ensure quality in pharma sector” published in “The Hindu” on 12th January 2024.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified revised rules under Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. This was done to ensure the production of high-quality drugs meeting international standards.

What are the updated rules notified by the Ministry?

Five new categories of drugs Pharmaceutical products containing hazardous substances such as:
1. Sex hormones
2. Steroids (anabolic and androgenic)
3. Cytotoxic substances (used to destroy cancer cells)
4. Biological products
5. Radiopharmaceuticals (used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes)
Additional sections under Schedule M 1. Introduction of a pharmaceutical quality system (PQS)
2. Quality risk management (QRM)
3. Product quality review (PQR)
4. Qualification and validation of equipment
5. Computerized storage system for all drug products
Other revised guidelines 1. The manufacturer is obligated to take responsibility for the quality of pharmaceutical products, ensuring their suitability for use.
2. They also need to comply with license requirements and prevent any risks to patients arising from inadequate safety, quality, or efficacy.
3. Companies are required to market a finished product only upon obtaining ‘satisfactory results’ from ingredient tests.
4. They must also retain sufficient samples of intermediate and final products for potential retesting or batch verification.
Implementation The updated rules apply to companies based on their turnovers
1. Small and medium manufacturers (annual turnover < Rs. 250 crore) must comply within 12 months of publication.
2. Large manufacturers (annual turnover > Rs. 250 crore) have a six-month deadline.

What is Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945?

1) Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, pertains to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for the manufacture of drugs.

2) The revised Schedule M has 13 parts.

3) Schedule M originated from the recommendations of the Hathi Committee in 1975, which proposed making Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) mandatory for all drug manufacturers.

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023

Source-This post is based on the article “Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 | Surat, Indore are the cleanest cities” published in “The Hindu” on 11th January 2024.

Why in the News?

The President of India has announced the results of the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023.

What are the Swachh Survekshan Awards?

Specifications Details
What is it? 1. Swachh Survekshan is an annual survey of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation in cities and towns across India.
2. It was launched in 2016 as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which aimed to make India clean and free of open defecation by 2nd October 2019.
Conducted by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) with Quality Council of India (QCI) as its implementation partner.
Parameters The cities have been ranked based on three broad parameters– service level progress, citizen’s voice and certification.
 Theme 2023- Waste to wealth
2024- Reduce, reuse and recycle
2023 Awards
Swachh Sarveshan Awaards 2023
Source- PIB

1. In the State rankings, Maharashtra came first, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
2. Indore has been adjudged the cleanest city for the seventh time in a row.

Note- The Swachh Survekshan, initially assessing 73 major cities in 2016, has expanded its scope to include 4,477 cities.

UPSC Syllabus- Miscellaneous

Einstein Probe (EP)

Source-This post is based on the article “China launches new satellite ‘Einstein Probe’ shaped like a lotus to observe violent cosmic phenomena” published in “Deccan Herald” on 9th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently China has launched a novel astronomical satellite named ‘Einstein Probe‘ into space. The objective is to investigate mysterious transient phenomena in the universe that resemble flickering fireworks.

What is Einstein Probe (EP)?

Einstein Probe
Source- ESA
Specifications  Details
What is it? EP represents a mission led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) focused on time-domain high-energy astrophysics.
Mission Partners European Space Agency (ESA) and the Max Planck Institute for extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), Germany.
Objective 1. To monitor the sky in the soft X-ray band.
2. To detect intense bursts of high-energy light originating from celestial objects like merging neutron stars and black holes.
Launched on  January 9, 2024, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China by a “Long March-2C” rocket.

What is its Significance?

1) Unlike traditional X-ray telescopes, the distinctive design of the Einstein Probe enables it to simultaneously observe nearly one-twelfth of the sky.
– This capability allows the identification of new sources as they emit X-rays, facilitating in-depth studies of known and new celestial phenomena over extended time frames.

2) It will identify light emissions from gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, flares from distant stars, and events within the Solar System, including emissions from comets.

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

Antimicrobial Resistance – Overused antibiotics no longer work for ‘sizeable’ Indian population

Source: This post on Antimicrobial Resistance is based on the article “Overused antibiotics no longer work for ‘sizeable’ Indian population” published in “Live Mint” on 12 January 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, it was found that antibiotics routinely prescribed to treat common ailments no longer work for the ‘sizeable’ Indian population.

What is antimicrobial resistance?

1) Antimicrobials including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic are medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants.

2) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines.

3) AMR is a natural process that happens over time through genetic changes in pathogens.

3) Its emergence and spread are accelerated by human activity, mainly the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials to treat, prevent or control infections in humans, animals and plants.

4) For example, medicines like azithromycin have been overly consumed during COVID-19, which has not only harmed the cell in body but also made pathogen non-respondent to the drug.

5) Even Colistin, also known as polymyxin E which is often seen as a last resort treatment for multidrug-resistant infections, including pneumonia, is not longer effective.

6) The World Health Organization recognizes AMR as one of the top 10 global public health threats, saying bacterial AMR killed 1.27 million globally in 2019.

7) Priorities to address AMR in human health include preventing all infections, which may result in inappropriate use of antimicrobial; ensuring universal access to quality diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infections; and strategic information and innovation.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

New Species of Sauropod Dinosaur Discovered in Argentina

Source: This post is based on the article “A new species of dinosaur has been discovered in Argentina” published in “Sci News” on 8 January 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, a new species of dinosaur has been discovered in Argentina.

Sidersaura marae fossil Source: Sci News

What was discovered?

Specifications Details
Species Dinosaurs
Discovery Location Patagonia, Argentina.
Scientific name Sidersaura Marae
Period Cenomanian age of the Late Cretaceous epoch, between 96 and 93 million years ago.
Distinctive Features 1) The animal belongs to Rebbachisauridae, a large family of sauropod dinosaurs.

2) It is known from fragmentary fossil remains from South America, Africa, North America, Europe and Asia.

3) These dinosaurs have long neck, duck-beak, and had a very long tail.

4) They are up to 20 m in length and had an estimated mass of 15 tons.

5) These dinosaurs are identified by unique teeth, some with tooth batteries, like hadrosaurs and ceratopsians.

6)Sidersaura marae is distinguished by its star-shaped hemal arches, a unique characteristic.

Who are sauropod dinosaurs?

1) Sauropod dinosaurs were large, long-necked, herbivorous dinosaurs that lived from the Late Triassic to the Late Cretaceous periods. 

2) They are the largest animals to have ever lived on land. 

2) The sauropods’ most distinctive feature was their enormous body size and their signature long sauropod necks.

3) Sauropod dinosaurs are also known for having spines on their necks and backs.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Atal Setu: India’s longest sea bridge is set to be inaugurated

Source: The post is based on the article “Mumbai Trans Harbour Link inauguration today: How the country’s longest sea bridge will cut travel time” published in “The Indian Express” on 11th January 2024.

Why in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link or Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. 

Mumbai Atal Setu
Atal setu ahead of opening source: Indian express
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
Infographics Source: Indian Express

What is Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)?

1) It is the country’s longest bridge over the sea. It is a 22-km-long twin-carriageway six-lane bridge over the Thane Creek in the Arabian Sea.

2) It is officially named as the Atal Setu Nhava Sheva Sea Link.

3) The MTHL includes a 16.5 km sea link and viaducts on land at either end with a cumulative length of 5.5 km.

4) The objective of the project is to improve connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region which comprises the districts of Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, and promote the region’s economic development.

How MTHL will help?

1) It will connect Sewri in the island city of Mumbai to Chirle in Raigad district on the mainland.

2) It will dramatically cut travel time, and will decongest the existing route over the Vashi bridge.

3) It will significantly improve connectivity between South Mumbai and the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Mumbai Pune Expressway, the Mumbai-Goa Highway, and the main hinterland in general.

4) It will also provide improved access to Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

UPSC syllabus: Economy

Spiral Galaxy: MCG-01-24-014

Source-This post is based on the article “Hubble telescope captures ‘forbidden light’ coming from deep space” published in “India today” on 8th January 2024.

Why in the News?

The Hubble Space Telescope has recently captured an image of the spiral galaxy MCG-01-24-014, unveiling the mysterious allure of the so-called ‘forbidden’ light.

What is MCG-01-24-014?

1) It is a galaxy located about 275 million light-years distant from Earth within the Hydra constellation.

2) It features a clearly defined structure and possesses a highly energetic core, categorized as an active galactic nucleus (AGN).

3) It falls under the category of Type-2 Seyfert galaxies.

4) Seyfert galaxies are a class of galaxies known to have active nuclei, characterized by extremely bright, compact centers.

5) The distinction between Type-1 and Type-2 Seyfert galaxies lies in their spectral lines-the unique fingerprints of light that reveal the chemical composition and physical conditions within these celestial objects.

6) Type-2 Seyfert galaxies, such as MCG-01-24-014, are characterized by their ‘forbidden‘ emission lines.

What is a Spiral Galaxy?

Spiral Galaxy
Source- Wikipedia

1) Spiral galaxies are twisted collections of stars, dust and gas that often have beautiful shapes and are made up of hot young stars.

2) Most of the galaxies that scientists have discovered so far are spiral galaxies, as opposed to the other two main categories of galaxy shapes -elliptical and irregular.

3) Example of spiral galaxy – The Milky Way – the galaxy that includes Earth and our solar system.

4) According to a survey conducted in 2010 with Hubble Space Telescope, approximately 72 percent of the galaxies observed by scientists are spiral galaxies.

What is Hubble Space Telescope?

Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

Blog
Academy
Community